Join Our Sabbath Meetings

There are many people in need of fellowship and who are sitting at home on the Sabbath with no one to talk to or debate with. I want to encourage all of you to join us on Shabbat, and to invite others to come and join us as well. If the time is not convenient then you can listen to the teaching and the midrash after on our YouTube channel.

What are we doing and why do we teach this way?

We are going to discuss both sides of an issue and then let you choose. It is the work of the Ruach (Spirit) to direct and to teach you.

The medieval commentator Rashi wrote that the Hebrew word for wrestle (avek) implies that Jacob was “tied”, for the same word is used to describe knotted fringes in a Jewish prayer shawl, the tzitzityot. Rashi says, “thus is the manner of two people who struggle to overthrow each other, that one embraces the other and knots him with his arms”.

Our intellectual wrestling has been replaced by a different kind of struggle. We are wrestling with Yehovah as we grapple with His Word. It is an intimate act, symbolizing a relationship in which Yehovah and you and I are bound together. My wrestling is a struggle to discover what Yehovah expects of us, and we are “tied” to the One who assists us in that struggle.

Today, many say Israel means “Champion of God”, or better — the “Wrestler of God”.

Our Torah sessions each Shabbat teaches you and encourages you to constantly challenge, question, argue against, as well as view alternative views and explanations of the Word. In other words, we are to “wrestle with the Word” to get to the truth. Jews worldwide believe that you need to wrestle with the Word and constantly challenge Dogma, Theology, and views or else you will never get to the Truth.

We are not like most churches where “The preacher talks and everyone listens.” We encourage everyone to participate, to question and to contribute what they know on the subject being discussed. We want you to be a champion wrestler of the Word of Yehovah. We want you to wear the title of Israel, knowing that you not only know but are capable of explaining why you know the Torah to be true with logic and facts.

We have a few rules though. Let others talk and listen. There is no discussion about UFO’s, Nephilim, Vaccines or conspiracy-type subjects. We have people from around the world with different world views. Not everyone cares who is the President of any particular country. Treat each other with respect as fellow wrestlers of the word. Some of our subjects are hard to understand and require you to be mature and if you do not know, then listen to gain knowledge and understanding and hopefully wisdom. The very things you are commanded to ask Yehovah for and He gives to those who ask.

Jas 1:5  But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and with no reproach, and it shall be given to him.

We hope you can invite those who want to keep Torah to come and join us by hitting the link below. It is almost like a Torah teaching fellowship talk show with people from around the world taking part and sharing their insights and understandings.

We start off with some music and then some prayers and it’s as though you were sitting around the kitchen back in Newfoundland having a cup of coffee and all of us enjoying each other’s company. I hope you will grace us with your company someday.

Sabbath services begin at 12:30 PM EDT where we will be doing prayers, songs and teaching from this hour.

Shabbat midrash will begin at about 1:15 pm Eastern.

We look forward to you joining our family and getting to know us as we get to know you.

Joseph Dumond is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Joseph Dumond’s Personal Meeting Room

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The Perpetual Calendar

We have available from our website a calendar you can use to keep track of the days of the month based on when the barley is ripe and when the moon is sighted. All you have to do is download it. https://sightedmoon.com/perpetual-calendar/

With the new year about to begin, you can learn about the calendar as you record it. This is a great tool to have and it is free to anyone who wants it.

SightedMoon Sukkot 2025

We are planning to have a SightedMoon.com Feast site this Sukkot at Cleftrock Kentucky. There are a limited number of places available, and if this is of interest to you, then please contact Ella Morgan to help in the organizing, set-up, and activities. You need to contact Ella ASAP and reserve a spot. There are 55 places available, and you need to make a $100 deposit by April 11 and the final payment by August 15.

Contact grannyella44@gmail.com, and you can check out the site at https://cleftrock.org. The Noah’s Ark site is just over an hour’s drive away. More info will come, but it’s time to sign up ASAP. Sukkot will be from September 8 to September 15, with check-in on September 7 and check-out on September 16.

A WIFE’S JOURNEY LEARNING THE LAW OF NIDDAH

In 1969, as a young wife, husband away in the military, the following is how I came to the beginning of the understanding of the law of Niddah. I did not, at that time, know of this law or what it is called, neither read nor studied [Torah] the first five books of the Old Testament. In teenage years I had only attended either the Methodist or the Presbyterian Church. These amalgamated in Australia and became the Uniting Church. We had married in the Uniting Church in Darwin, Northern Territory, in February, 1966.

My first born child/daughter had duly arrived in July 1967; around October 1968, I was given some old religious magazines. It was called The Plain Truth, printed in America, by the Radio Church of God. I sent for the magazine, the correspondence lessons, and over time, all literature that was available. I began keeping Shabbat as best I understood it. Pregnant with my second child and visiting at my mother’s house, we watched The Mike Walsh Midday Show on Channel 9 broadcast from Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales, the state in which we lived at that time. A segment of the show that day was Mike interviewing a Catholic Nun. She was describing the differences between the male sperm and the female sperm. The male sperm swims faster than the female. So if you wanted a son, copulation should not occur until ovulation had occurred – and thus a son would be born. If copulation occurred before ovulation, then the result would be a daughter.

My second child/daughter was born 2 years and 2 weeks after her sister. My husband was the eldest son and eldest grandson, he had produced two daughters? The in-laws wanted a grandson…. of the family name. Their daughter had produced a grandson for them, but he was not of their family name. I felt the pressure of not having produced a son, only two daughters. I began reading everything and anything I could get my hands on to prove, whether or no, the Nun’s words were correct, which was difficult, as in 1969, there was no such thing as a personal computer. No such thing as “Google” it. Today December 2010, “How to have a boy” or “How to have a girl” or “differences between male and female sperm” can be googled and information found. Albeit from secular sources.

My quest changed to search the Scriptures if, how to have a son or a daughter, were recorded in the Bible? The words of explanation that I found were recorded in Leviticus 15: 19 – 28. There is another Scripture, but I did not discover that one until after I had stepped out in faith obeyed as much as I knew and understood, and did what I saw recorded in Scripture, which resulted in the birth of my first born son!

Lev 15: 19 “And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even. 20. And everything that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean. 21. And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until even. 22. And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until even. 23. And if it be on her bed, or on any thing whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even. 24. And if any man lie with her at all, and her flowers be upon him, he shall be unclean seven days; and all the bed whereon he lieth shall be unclean.

Now I as read these Scriptures a chill went through me, and found myself drawing the strength and conviction that clearly my husband was in error of his ways. No longer would I submit to sexual relations during menstruation, or at the ending of menstruation, these Scriptures spoke clearly against doing this. That was the very first point of stepping out in faith that I did in regard to what I now know as the law of Niddah.

25. And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her separation: she shall be unclean. 26. Every bed whereon she lieth all the days of her issue shall be unto her as the bed of her separation: and whatsoever she sitteth upon shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation. 27. and whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 28. But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean.

Clearly the previous verses were speaking of expecting the menses of lasting seven days; but in the physical family genes that I had inherited, in my own experience menses was for eight days and sometimes more. The above verses explained this. During the issue of blood, I was to be set apart for seven days. But if the issue of blood was …..

“many days out of the time of her separation, or it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her separation: she shall be unclean…. 28. But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean.”

Wow! That meant seven days, plus another seven days, on those months or occasions that the issue of blood exceeded beyond the first seven days. That is fourteen days from the commencement of menses! That number stayed in my mind, and from my reading researches it slowly – – ever – – so – – very – – – slowly, it began to dawn on me that those fourteen days were important. That time frame carried a deeper meaning. From my studies it was also, according to the medical sources I had managed to find and research, was the specified time of ovulation each month!

My husband had returned from Vietnam, and we had gone on a travelling holiday up North to the state of Queensland. It was a wonderful trip. But on the way home, the decision was made that we would drive back quickly, from Mossman in Qld!! We drove back to Brisbane, taking three days, stopping late to camp, sleep coming quickly. Then the last 1,000 odd kilometres back from Brisbane to Sydney, were driven non stop. The girls were grumpy and slept fitfully in the car. Finally we got home – – exhausted. Next morning I also realized that it was either day 15 or 16 of the monthly cycle for me. Well around nine months later our first born son and third child arrived, October 1971! Now I knew that what the Nun had said was true. My Scriptural studies continued during this time, and my association with what was now the Worldwide Church of God, and later my husband also began keeping Shabbat, and in the dead of winter in Sydney, in the canvas baptismal, we were baptized, in 1973.

Around 1975 shortly before moving back to the family farm, the importance of Psalm 127 was shown to me by a loving and spirit led lady. She and her husband had not been blessed with children, and she pointed out to me in Psalm 127 that I was the vine and my children the olive plants. Also it was a hymn in the old purple WWCG hymnal on page 100, hymn No 96, taken from Psalm 127, written by Dwight Armstrong, as follows:-

“Unless the Lord shall build the house, The weary builders toil in vain;
Unless the Lord the city shields. The guards maintain a useless watch.
In vain you rise ere morning break, And late your nightly vigils keep,
And bread of anxious care partake; God gives to his beloved sleep.

Lo, children are the gift of God, And sons the blessing He commands:
These whom in youthful days bestowed, Are like the shafts in warrior’s hands.
And happy they whose quivers bear Full store of arrows such as these;
They in the gate are free from fear, And boldly face their enemies.

That man is blessed who fears the Lord; Who lives and walks in all His ways;
For of his labour shall he eat; And he shall prosper all his days.
His wife shall be a fruitful vine; His children all like olive plants.
Behold the man who fears the Lord! To him His blessing will afford.”

I read and studied the Psalm, and the hymn. What really struck me, and I could not leave alone, were the words “sons are the blessing He commands: ” Wow !!

Yehovah commands a blessing of sons? This implies that a law has been set in motion? What law? I now know this to be the law of Niddah. The law of separation during menses, and if it be that the issue of blood extend beyond the seven days, the separation extends for another seven days. This did not meet with my husband’s approval, but my studies had proven to me that sexual relations during any issue of blood was prohibited. From Scripture we know that Jacob/Israel had a tribe of sons and only one daughter. Israel obeyed Yehovah, kept Torah. Obviously he also kept Niddah, for he had twelve sons. In 1975, as we were packing up at end of military service, and heading back to the family farm, I did use this information for the conception of our next child. As it was a son that was desired, and we did not wish to risk it, as too early may result in another daughter, I worked backwards. First month we tried on day 16. No luck. Next Month we tried on day 15, and I became pregnant. In 1976 our fourth child and second born son arrived.

FIRST POINT …. YEHOVAH CREATED MEN TO PHYSICALLY DECIDE THE GENDER OF THE CHILD !!!
No ifs, buts, whys, or wherefores !!! THAT IS HIS LAW !!!

Over many years of observation how often have we seen small children racing to “get” somewhere first? Little boys seem to have that inbuilt penchant “we’ve got to get there first?” I speak from having raised both sons and daughters. To my observation of the male and female characteristics as displayed in children, would also seem to suggest that the spermatozoa seems to have the same characteristics?

The male spermatozoa are more active and swim more vigorously, than the female spermatozoa. The male spermatozoa swim quickly, flog themselves to death in working to “get there” [much the same as most men still do in life] all in the process of arriving to fertilise the ovum first. The female spermatozoa live longer [funny about that?] and can sit around and wait and slowly make their way to the ovum over a three day period. Though some references state this can be as long as five to seven days, its all out there on the Internet. Male sperm are smaller and lighter, but quicker than female, so they can reach the egg faster than female sperm. Male sperm also has a very short life span, unlike the female sperm. Female sperm are bigger and stronger, that they can survive for longer periods of time, but they are slower.

wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_sperm_for_girls_live_longer- “The female carrying sperm are the slower sperm because of the genetic material it carries. The female sperm contain an X chromosome, while the male carrying sperm contain a Y chromosome. The Y chromosome is very small and contains very little genetic material in comparison to the X chromosome, so the male carrying sperm are able to swim faster and reach the egg sooner than the X carrying sperm.

A baby’s gender is determined by the chromosomes in the sperm, NOT THE EGG. XX makes female, XY makes male, all eggs contain an X chromosome, so sperm donates either X or Y chromosome. Female sperm live up to 5 days, male sperm up to 3 days. (Egg lives 12 to 24, maybe even 36 hours after ovulation.) Female sperm live longer but swim slower than male sperm.”

This is an undeniable factor that Yehovah has set in motion to ensure the blessings of the birth of a son! Contrariwise, this same knowledge can be used to have the much desired daughter, after many sons. This knowledge was common place 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, because Yehovah’s laws were known and obeyed by the Patriarchs. Since the death and resurrection of Yeshua much effort has been expended in suppressing Yehovah’s laws, statutes and judgements, to the detriment of the whole of humanity. There are cultures where a son is most needed to help his parents in support of the whole family, and to whom the land/farm passes to upon their death. Much grief and sadness is experienced in these cultures and religions, where many daughters are produced, and no son to carry on the family name, and to inherit the family owned land.

It is both medically and scientifically true that the male of the species was created with the ability to carry spermatozoa that is EITHER male of female. The woman’s egg DOES NOT DECIDE THE GENDER of the conceived child, the ovum only ever carries the X or female chromosome. This is the prerogative of the man, which Yehovah set and sealed, at creation. The man carries spermatozoa of both X and Y, it is the man, therefore, that decides the gender of the child.

Of the animal kingdom some may query? For this, Yehovah has set in motion other factors. The heat of the sun, for instance, in regard to the progeny of turtles.

“The importance of temperature begins [as] water temperature is one of the cues used to regulate the onset of the nesting season & also with the eggs in the nest because temperature is critical to egg development and influences the sex of the growing embryo. Incubation temperatures above 30 degrees C (86 F) produce mostly females while temperatures below 28 degrees C (82.4 F) produce mostly males.” www.2fla.com/wsr/turtles.htm

SECOND POINT: TIMING AND THE LAW OF NIDDAH.

So the second factor is the understanding of the timing of copulation in regard to the laws of Niddah, whether one desires to have a son after producing a tribe of daughters; or the reverse, a much desired daughter after several sons. It is the timing that is the important factor. No woman – not one – irrespective of culture, religious belief, or lack thereof – can determine the gender of a child – she only carries the egg with an X chromosome. There are some peoples and some religions, in various geographical areas of this earth, whom, in their ignorance of the understanding of this law of Niddah, continue to blame the woman for producing a daughter/female child, instead of a son – – they are in error !! This erroneous belief is against the law that Yehovah set in motion – – at creation !!! The Law of Niddah. It is knowledge that is thousands of years old, and possibly, could be a hundred years ahead of true knowledge being revealed and known to the four corners of the earth once again.

Any woman – – any woman – – can, of course, determine the gender of a future child – – a son to please her husband, and a grandson of his family name – – BY USING THE LAW OF NIDDAH. But of course, she would need to have the approval, and genuine support of her husband, in obeying this law – the days of separation – waiting until the relevant day of ovulation and timing carefully – for the desired son, or daughter.

Niddah is the law Yehovah set in motion for the blessing of sons !! So are sons the blessings Yehovah commands? From my own experience I answer yes. I have proven it to myself, though as Mr Herbert W. Armstrong [Pastor General] of WWCG taught us, “What is proof to you, may not necessarily be proof to me, the oddest thing in the English language is that you cannot prove proof to any other individual, you can only prove proof to yourself.” Or words to that effect. So true.

So I followed Yehovah’s Torah. I obeyed Niddah, [to the abject disgust of my husband] and I have both sons and daughters. I KNOW that I only have sons because Yehovah is not mocked, His law, His Torah is true, and stands the test of proving Him whether or no it is so.

A WORD OF CAUTION FOR CONCEIVING A SON

I repeat the caution of “working backwards” if the desire is to have a son. Whether the day of ovulation is either counted with Niddah, or if a more medically and scientifically precise approach is desired [ trusted ] to know the exact timing of ovulation, within hours, the second option can be achieved by using the more modern methods of the BBT [Basal Body Thermometer] and charting the woman’s body temperature each day. From my own experience I only counted Niddah, and chose to work backwards, and began by using day 16 of the cycle. Conception did not occur on that day, which was an appreciable sadness. However the next month using day 15, I became pregnant and this resulted in our second born son. I know that there are some who say this ‘timing” to conceive either a son or a daughter; is all “mumbo jumbo” and old wives tales. If you are reading this – you are reading the testimony of a wife: and this is her tale.

NIDDAH: ALWAYS FOURTEEN DAYS?

So when I was younger my menses lasted just on or over eight days. The seven days unclean, and seven days separation came into force for me, back then. During the year that I was breast feeding my second born son; also as experienced when previously breast feeding, I had no period whilst thus feeding him, and as I didn’t become pregnant either, I also believe, in my own experience, that I was not ovulating. That breastfeeding prevents conception is often called another “Old Wives Tale” however, in my own experience this factor holds true. That this DOES NOT hold true for some women, I readily accept. However, I found it to be so. Would a loving God, require a woman to conceive and produce a child every year of her life? I do not believe this to be so. I do believe that if a woman is in optimum health, eating a good 85% plant based diet, such inbuilt processes, set in motion at the time of creation, do allow the cessation of menstrual flow and ovulation during breastfeeding. After all, the woman’s body is in a different physical mode, producing milk for the infant or infants.

Lev 15:19 “And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.”

After weaning my fourth child and second born son, in my middle thirties I found that my menses period had reduced to some five to seven days, and, unbeknown to me at that time, my monthly cycle would continue to reduce over the following years, until cessation of menses between age 59 – 61. This lessening of blood flow changed my situation in regard to the Niddah laws. As the issue of blood was now finished within the seven days of separation, I no longer was under the extra seven days of being set apart, it was only the seven days. Consequently some years later, when I found I was pregnant again, I was, therefore, convinced due to the fact of not planning, i.e. “timing” ovulation accurately, that this conception would be another girl. In July of that year, in keeping with her two sisters birth month, another beautiful daughter was born.

The next piece of information that I came across was in regard to the possibility of sexual relations during the menstrual flow or shortly thereafter, being a causative factor of cervical cancer. As I read this I could hardly believe what I was reading. The neck or immediate opening of the womb, moves and retracts during the menstrual cycle. No small wonder that I found intercourse during full blood flow, or whilst the menstrual cycle was tailing off, with the usual “cleaning out” mucus, not only of much discomfort, but after ejaculation quite a painful, stinging sensation.

Articles on the Internet explain the slight movement, and thinning of the neck of the womb, mostly in reference to the facilitation and readiness for conception, and sexual relations. So I know that aspect of the article I had read years before is correct. However, it is so many years ago, I can no longer remember the title of that article, or from whence I obtained it. This article was written concerning the aspect of women and cervical cancer. It described how the neck of the womb actually extended during the monthly cycle and its retraction. That it softened during mid month in readiness for conception, and that as menses ended it was again contracted and somewhat harder. The point of the article was a warning NOT to have sexual relations too early after the major blood flow ceased. Especially as this area of the neck of the womb was still not fully retracted. It was the opinion of the writer of this medical paper that such exposure to the male bodily fluids, too early, prior to full retraction of the neck of the womb, was put forward as a factor in causing cervical cancers in women.

The article went on to state certain statistics that the women having the least incidence of cancer of the cervix were as follows: 1. Virgins. 2. Nuns. 3. Jewish Women. 4. Monogamous married women. ….. and so and so forth down to the poor women who use their bodies in what is euphemistically called “the sex trade.”

www.cirp.org/library/disease/cancer/menczer1/

In the article entitled The low Incidence of Cervical Cancer in Jewish Women: Has the Puzzle Finally Been solved? Joseph Menczer MD; from THE ISRAEL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL, Volume 5: Pages 120-123, and I quote these paragraphs as follows:- “Cervical carcinoma is one of the most common gynaecologic malignant tumours worldwide and a leading cause of death from genital malignancies in women. One of the most important epidemiologic observations concerning this neoplasm is that the disease is practically non-existent in celibate populations. This was first noticed in the 19th century by Rigonni-Serrn of Verona, Italy regarding Catholic nuns, who are sexually inactive. Gagnon of Quebec subsequently confirmed this observation. He served as a gynaecologist in a few Quebec nunneries for several years, and it occurred to him that he had never seen a case of cancer of the cervix in a nun. Among 13,000 deaths of nuns, 12 were recorded as due to corpus cancer. If the same ratio of cervix to corpus cancer exists among nuns as among the general population, there should have been 5 to 8 times as many cervical cancers. instead there was none. These observations and the subsequent identification of risk factors led to the conclusion that cervical cancer is associated with coitus, and that it shares many characteristics with communicable diseases which follow a venereal mode of transmission. These findings led eventually to the identification towards the end of the 20th century of the human papilloma virus and its major etiologic role in this neoplasm.

A potentially similarly important observation was published by Braithwaite in The Lancet in 1901. Referring to the experience with cancer of the cervix at the Leeds General Infirmary and at the London Hospital, he stated that it “was seldom or never met with amongst the numerous Jewesses” attending these institutions. Although the low incidence among Jewish women has been repeatedly confirmed since then, the reason for it has intrigued and eluded many investigators. …….

Abstinence from intercourse

Among orthodox Jewish women who observe the laws of Niddah, cervical cancer is even less common that in the rest of Israeli Jewish women. This observation seems to support the notion that abstinence from intercourse during and for several days after menses is a protective factor. …… [ Underlining added]

Conclusions

For many years it was predicted, on the basis of observations in selected cohorts or individual institutions, that the incidence of invasive cervical carcinoma in Israeli Jewish women will increase. While ritual circumcision [of the male child – at 8 days, as previously stated in this article] is still practiced widely, today only a minority of Jewish women observes the laws of Niddah. Sexual habits have also changed considerably, becoming far less stringent. In spite of these trends of the last four to five decades, the population-based incidence of cervical cancer in Israeli Jewish women has not increased and remains very low.

Braithwaite, who first noted the low incidence in Jewish women in 1901, suggested two explanations for this “immunity.” First was the difference of race, and the second the difference in diet, namely the “absence of bacon and ham in the diet of Jews.” He then added: “The latter is far more probable that the former, although there maybe be something in race.” Now, a century after Braithwaite’s original observation, it seems that there may indeed be something in “race.”

Evidently it was known, in modern times, as far back as the turn of the 20th century, that obeying the law of Niddah was a factor in cervical cancer being less common in Jewish women. Now we have entered the 21st century, and it is over 100 years since these observations were made. Is this information being spoken of today? Taught today? Are women still falling victim to cervical cancer today? The following article gives further information regarding the high protein content of sperm in some men as a possible cause of cervical cancer. Once again if Yehovah’s laws were observed it is not only possible, but probable that cervical cancer in women in the general population to reduce to the same level as those figures for the Jewish community.

www.circumstitions.com/Cancer.html And quoting from the following link: ajph.aphapblications.org/cgi/reprint/73/3/299.pdf Entitled Coitus-Related Cervical Cancer Risk Factors: Trends and Differentials in Racial and Religious Groups; Gerry E. Hendershot, PhD.

Introduction

It has been noted that certain religious groups are at low risk of cervical cancer, including Jews, Mormons, and Seventh-Day Adventists, and that Black women are at high risk relative to other racial groups. Such differences may arise from variation in coitus-related behaviours, such as early age at first intercourse and multiple sexual partners, which have been found to be associated with cervical cancer. This is consistent with the hypothesis that cervical cancer is caused by a venereally transmitted virus or by the high protein content of sperm in some men.”

www.dew-health.org/html/cervical_cancer.html
Dr Jan de Winter
Cancer Prevention Advice
Cancer of the Cervix and of the womb

Causes

Cancer of the neck of the womb seems to be related to the sexual act, since the disease spares nuns and virgins but not nuns who joined their Orders later in life.

It is extremely rare in Jewish women, probably on account of their partners having been circumcised at birth which makes male genital cleanliness easier and reduces the risk of infection. It is uncommon in Parsees, perhaps because their religion is based on purity, which means that they practice meticulous genital hygiene, and invaluable protective measure that is well-worth emulating.

www.trosch.org/the/circumcision-cancer.pdf
NONE OF THESE DISEASES

Science – 4000 years behind times !
Sacred writings predate modern medicine, by S.I. McMillen, M.D.

The Bible…
prevents: devastating disease and senseless suffering.
explodes: the myth of the Kinsey report.
erases: irreconcilable grief and mind-poisoning guilt.

CHAPTER 3
Science Arrives — Four Thousand Years Late

…….. Beth had cancer of the cervix. In the year she died, thirteen thousand other funerals went down our American streets with victims of this particular cancer. Many of them were middle-aged women, the peak incidence being between the ages of thirty-one and fifty. Cancer of the cervix is one of the most common cancers in women. It comprises twenty-five percent of all cancers in women and eighty percent of all their genital cancers. These statistics are even more pathetic because the large majority of deaths could have been prevented by following an instruction that God gave to Abraham.

The history of this recognition is intriguing. In the early 1900’s Dr. Hiram N. Wineberg, while studying records of patients in New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital, observed that Jewesses were comparatively free from this common cancer. It was an astonishing finding! Here was a group who had suffered far less from the giant killer than had other women.

Following this lead, Dr Ira I. Kaplan and his associates studied their records at New York’s Bellevue Hospital and were also astonished by the scarcity of cervical cancer among Jewish women. In 1949 gynaecologists at the Mayo Clinic noted that in 568 consecutive cases of cervical cancer, not a single Jewess was among the victims…… In 1954, in a vast study of 86,214 women in Boston, it was observed that cancer of the cervix in NON – Jewish women was eight and one half times more frequent than in Jewish women. Why are Jewish women comparatively free of cervical cancer? Medical researchers now agree that this spectacular freedom results from the practice of circumcision in Jewish men — which God ordered Abraham to institute four thousand years ago.

Medical science recognizes the fact, but unfortunately the general public is still unaware of the value of circumcision. How can circumcision of the male prevent cancer in women? The human male is cursed with a superabundance of foreskin over the penis. circumcision (circum,”around”, and cision, “cutting”) remedies the fault by removing the excess of foreskin. If the tight, unretractable foreskin is not removed, proper cleansing can not be readily performed. As a result many virulent bacteria, including the cancer-producing Smegma bacillus, can grow profusely. During intercourse these bacteria are deposited on the cervix [neck] of the uterus, but if the mucous membrane of the cervix in intact, little harm results. However if lacerations exist, as they frequently do after childbirth, these bacteria can cause considerable irritation. Since any part of the body which is subjected to irritation is susceptible to cancer, it is perfectly understandable why cervical cancer is likely to develop in women whose mates are not circumcised.”

Of those who may choose to view Yehovah’s law of Niddah in the category of an “Old Wives Tale”? They are free moral agents, and that is their free choice. However, the above articles have contained three separate factors in regard to the prevention of cervical cancer. First and foremost is the law of Niddah. This law of Niddah, as stated in the article from THE ISRAEL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL, by Joseph Menczer, M.D., is actually STATED AS AN ABSOLUTE !! “Among orthodox Jewish women who observe the laws of Niddah, cervical cancer is even less common than in the rest of Israeli Jewish women. This observation seems to support the notion that abstinence from intercourse during and for several days after menses is a protective factor. ” …… [ Underlining added]

Second was Yehovah’s law of clean and unclean food. This basically teaches us which food [meat] is clean and allowed for our consumption. This quote is also from THE ISRAEL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL “Braithwaite, who first noted the low incidence in Jewish women in 1901, suggested two explanations for this “immunity.” First was the difference of race, and the second the difference in diet, namely the “absence of bacon and ham in the diet of Jews.” These words of Braithwaite, please note, “SUGGESTED two explanations for this ‘immunity’ .” One suggestion was “the difference of race” and the second suggestion was Yehovah’s law on clean and unclean foods. Whilst his latter suggestion of the law of clean and unclean foods is definitely a positive factor in the health of the human body, also is one of the laws given for Moses to record in writing, and is a law still in force to be obeyed today, Braithwaite seems reluctant to give any credence that these same Jewish women were also keeping the law of Niddah as stated by Menczer!

Thirdly there is Yehovah’s law of circumcision as given to Abraham, 4000 years ago. Firstly Dr. Jan de Winter writes “It is extremely rare in Jewish women, probably on account of their partners having been circumcised at birth which makes male genital cleanliness easier and reduces the risk of infection.” He says “probably on account of their partners having been circumcised.” The law of circumcision is also a law of Yehovah that is recorded as beginning with Abraham. This law does indeed provide protection for both the male and female, in cleanliness in sexual relations. And, whilst he also states the case for the Parsees, [uncircumcised] whose religion is one based on “purity” and “meticulous genital hygiene” there is still no mention, and no thought or allowance given to the law of Niddah, if obeyed, as causative and preventative of cervical cancer.

Also thirdly is the quote from NONE OF THESE DISEASES, Dr. S. I. McMillen, in his studies of the research of Dr. Ira I. Kaplan; New York Bellevue Hospital, and the 1949 gynecologists’ at the Mayo Clinic “….Why are Jewish women comparatively free of cervical cancer? Medical researchers now agree that this spectacular freedom results from the practice of circumcision in Jewish men — which God ordered Abraham to institute four thousand years ago.” Whilst Dr. McMillen correctly states that circumcision was what “Yehovah ordered Abraham to institute four thousand years ago” and is definitely a factor in cleanliness in sexual relations; McMillen also seeks to find another reason, another factor, other than the law of Niddah, as to why it had been “observed that Jewesses were comparatively free from this common cancer. It was an astonishing finding!” Again, whilst circumcision does play a factor in cleanliness in sexual relations, he does not give credit to the law of Niddah, which I personally believe is a vital factor in the prevention of this disease.

Titus 2:1 “But speak thou things which become sound doctrine: 2. That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4. That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their children, 5. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works; in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8. Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10. Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 11. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

The World Book Dictionary : Blaspheme: 1. To speak about (God or sacred things) with abuse or contempt: 2. to curse; revile; abuse:

Thus I conclude the writing of my journey as a young wife; begun over forty years ago, a journey over many, many years of my learning and understanding of the law of Niddah. I have written of my own experiences in clear conscience and firm belief, as Titus wrote, to be a “teacher of good things; …… that the word of God be not blasphemed” and in the good and fervent hope, that the revealed knowledge of 4000 years ago, obeyed by the patriarch’s of old, and as recorded and written down in later years by Moses: with the exception of the Ten Commandments, “written with the finger of God” [Ex. 31:18], may be learned and known once again. That families may be able to rejoice, in having that long awaited son, or the much longed for daughter, and above all else that women may remain in good health, as Yehovah’s law of Niddah intended from the time of creation to this very day.

Brethren I hope you all will join me in applauding this woman for sharing this awesome teaching with us all.
I also went and sought the counsel of two female Doctors who read this News Letter and are believers. Both of them liked what this woman has shared. But as Doctors they had a hard time finding scientific support. So I will leave this up to you to decide what you want to believe. I will share with you what they found and shared with me.

I do see where this subject should be studied. If someone could get the grants needed and do a scientific study, I think they could prove scientifically the benefits of Niddah. Just because the science is not yet there does not prove it false.

One Doctor wrote to tell me the following;
I could only find 2 studies in the short time I did some research about the link of “having menstrual sex and if it could cause cervical cancer”.

1. A South African study: Sexual and menstrual practices: risks for cervix cancer http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sexual+and+menstrual+practices%3A+risks+for+cervix+cancer.-a0170582037
2. An Israeli study, unfortunately you can only buy the article for about $37 online to read – so I only read the abstract ‘http://www.ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(02)00217-8/abstract
Evidence shows that the cause of cervical cancer is mostly because of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This is what I got from the internet:
HPV (human papilloma virus)

Human papilloma virus infection is a sexually transmitted virus. There are over 100 different types of HPVs – 15 types can cause cervical cancer; probably 99% of them. In addition there are a number of types which can cause genital warts. It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cases cervical cancer while HPV types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts.
Other HPV types can cause cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) – the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix.
• Many sexual partners, becoming sexually active early

Cervical cancer-causing HPV types are nearly always transmitted as a result of sexual contact with an infected individual. Women who have had many sexual partners generally have a higher risk of becoming infected with HPV, which raises their risk of developing cervical cancer. There is also a link between becoming sexually active at a young age and a higher risk of cervical cancer.

If a woman develops cervical cancer it does not mean she had several sexual partners, or became sexually active earlier than most other females. It is just a risk factor. Women who only ever had one sexual partner can develop cervical cancer.
Ninety-nine out of 100 cervical cancers are associated with some ‘high-risk’ types of human papilloma virus (HPV).

The study from Israel I could not read in its totality, but here is the abstract.
Abstract:
1. What is the biblical attitude towards personal hygiene during vaginal bleeding? ‘http://www.ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(02)00217-8/abstract

Objective: To analyze biblical passages associated with personal hygiene during vaginal bleeding. According to the Bible, a woman who is menstruating or who has pathological vaginal bleeding is unclean. Anybody who touches such a woman’s bed or her personal things is also regarded as unclean and should therefore, wash carefully. Sexual relations are forbidden within 7 days from the beginning of menstruation and during pathological vaginal bleeding. Seven days after the cessation of vaginal bleeding, a woman is considered as clean, and therefore, sexual contacts are permitted. From a modern perspective sexual contacts during menses are associated with the development of chlamydial and gonococcal diseases, the risk of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus infection, endometriosis and subsequent infertility.

Liubov (Louba) Ben-Noun
European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
10 January 2003 (Vol. 106, Issue 1, Pages 99-101his report indicates that the roots of contemporary obstetric preventive medicine can be traced to Biblical times.

2. Sexual and menstrual practices: risks for cervix cancer http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sexual+and+menstrual+practices%3A+risks+for+cervix+cancer.-a0170582037ABSTRACT

Cervix /cer•vix/ () pl. cer´vices [L.] cancer is the cancer that causes most female deaths in South Africa Afrikaans Suid-Afrika, officially Republic of South Africa, republic (2005 est. pop. 44,344,000), 471,442 sq mi (1,221,037 sq km), S Africa. . Little is known about the sexual and menstrual /men•stru•al/ () pertaining to the menses or to menstruation.

practices in high-risk communities in South Africa. Knowledge of the risks inherent in these practices might lead to changed behaviour. The purpose of this study was to investigate if there are inherent risk factors for cervix cancer in the Black women’s sexual and menstrual practices that could result in an increased incidence to provide an evidence base for future interventions. The design of the study was an exploratory, descriptive, contextual, quantitative survey. The context of the study was two urban areas in the Tshwane Metropolis. The target population was women from the age of 18 years in Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve extension 12. The sampling method used was convenient sampling (n = 279). A structured interview was conducted due to the high rate of illiteracy inability to meet a certain minimum criterion of reading and writing skill. Definition of Illiteracy found amongst the women. The data were summarised using descriptive statistics descriptive statistics. The results of the study highlight several risks that could increase the women’s chance to develop cervix cancer. The identified risks are inherent in their socio-economic situation, knowledge and awareness of cervix cancer, and practices during menstruation periodic flow of blood and cells from the lining of the uterus in humans and most other primates, occurring about every 28 days in women. Menstruation commences at puberty (usually between age 10 and 17). .

Cancer of the cervix is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), any of a family of more than 60 viruses that cause various growths, including plantar warts and genital warts, a sexually transmitted disease. Detectable warts can be or removed, usually by chemicals, freezing, or laser, but often recur. (HPV human papillomavirus. ), the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most HPV infections become undetectable within one to two years after the initial infection (Schiffman & Castle, 2003:930). Several factors increase the risk of the HPV infection developing into cervix cancer. For example, the cervical epithelium of the sexually active teenager has an increased susceptibility to the HPV and as such, the early onset of sexual intercourse sexual intercourse is one of the factors associated with the prevalence of cervix cancer (Cassidy, Bissett & Spence, 2002:426).

Washing the genitalia /gen•i•ta•lia/ () [L.] the reproductive organs. infrequently during menstruation also increases the risk for cervical cancer Definition (Herrero, Brinton, Reeves, Brenes, Tenorio, De Briton, Gaitan, Garcia & Rawls, 1990:380). In impoverished communities, menstruation is often poorly managed due to the lack of water, proper sanitation and affordable sanitary materials (Gichaga, 2000:6). In an Indian study conducted on menstrual practices, it was found that unhygienic practices are employed during menstruation, with old cloth mainly being used during menstruation (Drakshayani & Venka, 1994:139). Knowledge of the risks inherent in these practices may lead to changed behaviour.

Little is known about the hygiene practices during menstruation and sexual practices in high-risk communities in South Africa. The modern practice of engaging in sex during menses /men•ses/ (the monthly flow of blood from the female genital tract) is associated with the development of sexual transmitted diseases such as chlamydia (kl?m?d`??), genus of microorganisms that cause a variety of diseases in humans and other animals. Psittacosis, or parrot fever, caused by the species Chlamydia psittaci, , gonorrhoea or esp US gonorrhea Noun 1. and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. infection, which in turn are associated with cervix cancer (Ben-Noun, 2003:101).

In addition, the practice of having sexual intercourse whilst menstruating was also more prevalent among the younger age groups. Ben-Noun (2002:99) reports several reasons why intercourse during menstruation increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections and by extension, cervix cancer.

Some of these factors are the loss of the cervical plug during menstruation; the presence of iron in the menstrual blood Noun 1. menstrual blood – flow of blood from the uterus; occurs at roughly monthly intervals during a woman’s reproductive years; a premenstrual /pre•men•stru•al/ () occurring before menstruation.

Peak of oestrogen ; and the activity of secretory /se•cre•to•ry/ () () pertaining to secretion or affecting the secretions. cells during menstruation that could host the human immunodeficiency virus and increase the risk of female-to-male transmission.

CONCLUSION

It was evident that a large number of women included in the study sample were at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or cervix cancer in later life due to a lack of knowledge and awareness about cervix cancer as well as specific menstrual and sexual practices. Self-care is based on a solid foundation of knowledge. The transmission of knowledge should be done in such a way that it also manifests in healthy behaviour by women. Only if the woman is knowledgeable to such an extent that she is also willing to act and change her behaviour, can her health be promoted and will she be able to take responsibility for her own health. The registered professional nurse, in fulfilling the supportive-educative role, is uniquely situated to bring about this transformation to promote life, health and well-being in women.

REFERENCES

BEN-NOUN, LL 2003: What is the biblical attitude towards personal hygiene person n ? Körperhygiene f during vaginal bleeding Vaginal bleeding refers to bleeding in females that are either a physiologic response during the non-conceptional menstrual cycle or caused by hormonal or organic problems of the reproductive system. ? European Obstetric or ob•stet•ri•cal and Gynecological /gy•ne•co•log•i•cal/ () gynecologic. Reproductive Biolology, 106(1):99-101.

The one Doctor who has read this concluded her remarks by saying this;
Thus, I would be reluctant to say that menstrual sex is the only cause of cervical cancer…I think it is rather a combination of all of the above, HPV, early sex, multiple partners etc. Obviously menstrual sex can contribute to the risk of obtaining an infection with HPV and all the other STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) as well as HIV. But, not being able to find a specific link between menstrual sex causing cervical cancer does not nullify YHWH’s laws of Niddah. Which I truly believe is for our own best and to prevent these types of infections. Males and females alike.

My other female Doctor came back with the following article on the sperm.
She said the following;
It seems the idea of X and Y sperm having difference weights and sizes is based upon a study a scientist did about 40 years ago. At that time, he did not have the instrumentation we have now to really examine the spermatazoa.

There does seem, to me, to be some truth to the fact that the more the woman knows about the exact moment of ovulation, the more control the couple may have on the sex of the baby. The sperm carrying the female chromosomes seem to be able to survive longer. So knowing the exact time of ovulation and then coupling on that very day gives the short-lived male sperm a better chance to fertilize the egg before they die.

I wanted to support all that she said, but I am not sure I can.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1440662/
BMJ. 2006 April 15; 332(7546): 916.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.332.7546.916-b. PMCID: PMC1440662

Copyright (c) 2006, BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
Entrenched misinformation about X and Y sperm
Valerie J Grant, senior lecturer
University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1, New Zealand ;

Editor—The widely held idea that spermatozoa bearing the Y chromosome (Y sperm) swim faster than those bearing the X chromosome (X sperm) seems to have originated from Shettles’s work in 1960, using phase-contrast microscopy.1 He claimed to have observed “two distinct populations” of spermatozoa.1 After attempting to count the chromosomes, he concluded that the smaller heads contain the Y and the larger the X chromosome. There were no intermediate types.1 The following year he reiterated these findings, adding that smaller headed spermatozoa can migrate more rapidly and fertilise the egg more often in the distal part of the tube.2

Reading Shettles’s reports in Nature and other peer reviewed journals, many researchers thereafter believed that Y sperm swim faster than X sperm. The finding particularly influenced research on sperm separation.

Although several attempts have been made to correct this impression, it was not until the development of computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA)3 that reliable observations could be made. So far, researchers have found no morphological differences between human X sperm and Y sperm.4 Neither mature sperm nor their precursors possess significant morphological differences between X and Y genotypes4; and Y bull sperm do not swim faster than X sperm.5

« PreviousNext »Fertility and Sterility?Volume 85, Issue 1 , Pages 121-127, January 2006

http://www.ingender.com/cs/blogs/gender_selection_news/archive/2006/01/
13/5342.aspx

Do You Revere Yehovah? Do You Really?

Our cover picture is of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the UK as she curtseys before the Queen Mother. It was said that Prime Minister Thatcher would “hit the Bridge” or “dive Deep” or that “her curtsey almost reached Australia.” whenever she was present before the Queen or the other Royal Family. Prime Minister Thatcher deeply revered the Royal Family.

I have something to show you this week and it has bothered me for some time. Please bear with me as I share with you all the facts. I hope you will understand in the end.

I want to start with the story of Esther.

 

The King’s Banquets

Est 1:1  And it happened in the days of Ahasuerus (this is the Ahasuerus who reigned from India even to Ethiopia, over a hundred and twenty-seven provinces).

Est 1:2  In those days, when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom in Shushan the palace,

Est 1:3  in the third year of his reign, he made a feast to all his princes and his servants. The power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, were before him.

Est 1:4  And he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, a hundred and eighty days.

Est 1:5  And when these days had expired, the king made a feast to all the people who were present in Shushan the palace, both to great and small, for seven days in the court of the garden of the king’s palace.

Est 1:6  White, green, and blue hangings were fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble. The beds were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red and white, and pearl, and black marble.

Est 1:7  And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, the vessels being different from one another, and royal wine in abundance, according to the hand of the king.

Est 1:8  And the drinking was according to the law, no one compelling, for so the king had commanded every chief of his house that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.

Est 1:9  Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to King Ahasuerus.

 

Queen Vashti’s Refusal

Est 1:10  On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

Est 1:11  to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the royal crown, in order to show the people and the princes her beauty, for she was beautiful to look on.

Est 1:12  But the Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command by his eunuchs. And the king was very angry, and his anger burned within him.

Est 1:13  And the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for so was the king’s manner toward all who knew law and judgment;

Est 1:14  and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who saw the king’s face, who sat first in the kingdom),

Est 1:15  What shall we do with Queen Vashti according to law, because she has not done the command of the King Ahasuerus by the eunuchs?

Est 1:16  And Memucan answered before the king and princes, Vashti the queen has not only done wrong to the king, but also to all the princes, and to all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus.

Est 1:17  For the matter of the queen shall go out to all women, so that their husbands shall be despised in their eyes, and it shall be reported that King Ahasuerus commanded to bring Vashti the queen in before him, but she did not come.

Est 1:18  And this day the princesses of Persia and Media shall say the same to all the king’s princes who have heard of the deed of the queen. And there will be contempt and strife.

Est 1:19  If it please the king, let there be a royal command from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it may not be changed, that Vashti come no more before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal state to another who is better than she is.

Est 1:20  And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire (for it is great), all the wives shall give their husbands honor, both the great and small.

Est 1:21  And the saying pleased the king and the princes. And the king did according to the word of Memucan.

Est 1:22  For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing of it, and to every people in their language, so that every man should bear rule in his own house, and published according to the language of every people.

We then read what happens to the Jews and the famous line of Mordechai.

Est 4:10  Again Esther spoke to Hatach, and gave him command to Mordecai.

Est 4:11  And the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that whoever, whether man or woman, shall come to the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his, execution, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter so that he may live. But I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.

Est 4:12  And they told Mordecai Esther’s words.

Est 4:13  And Mordecai commanded them to answer Esther, Do not think within yourself that you shall escape in the king’s house more than all the Jews.

Est 4:14  For if you are completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house shall be destroyed. And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for a time like this?

Est 4:15  And Esther said to return to Mordecai this answer,

Est 4:16  Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and do not eat nor drink three days, night or day. My maidservants and I will also fast in the same way. And so I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law. And if I perish, I perish.

Est 4:17  And Mordecai passed over and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Even though Esther knew it was certain death for her to go before the Great King without an invitation, she does so.

Esther Prepares a Banquet

Est 5:1  And it happened on the third day, Esther put on royal clothing, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, across from the king’s house. And the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, across from the gate of the house.

Est 5:2  And it happened when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she received favor in his sight. And the king held out to Esther the golden scepter in his hand. And Esther drew near and touched the top of the scepter.

Est 5:3  And the king said to her, What do you desire, Queen Esther? And what is your wish? It shall be given to you even to half of the kingdom.

Est 5:4  And Esther answered, If it is good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet which I have prepared for him.

Est 5:5  And the king said, Cause Haman to hurry so that he may do as Esther has said. And the king and Haman came to the banquet which Esther had prepared.

Est 5:6  And the king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition that it shall be granted to you? And what is your request? It shall be performed even to half of the kingdom.

Est 5:7  And Esther answered and said, As to my petition and my request,

Est 5:8  if I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I shall prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the king has said.

What I am showing you in this story of Esther is the absolute power over life and death that the King had. Just how revered he was to all those in his kingdom. Queen Vashti’s refusal to obey his command would have reverberated throughout the kingdom down to every man in his own house. There was order and it was to be kept from the least, all the way to the greatest.

I want you to think about just how terrifying it would have been to be brought before the King knowing your life was in his power to take or spare.

Last week we closed with the following scriptures as part of the closing remarks. There is something here I want to point out to you all. It is something many of you today are not doing. Myself included.

Lev 26:2  You shall keep My sabbaths and revere My sanctuary. I am Jehovah.

Lev 26:3  If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments and do them,

Isa 41:8  But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham, My friend;

Isa 41:9  whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called you from its sides. And I said to you, You are my servant; I have chosen you, and not cast you away.

Isa 41:10  Do not fear; for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will make you strong; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.

Isa 41:11  Behold, all those who were angered against you shall be ashamed and confounded; they shall be as nothing. And those who fight with you shall perish.

I have to share this with you as many of you just do not get it.

Look at the word revere. What does it mean?

 

H3372   (Brown-Driver-Briggs)

ירא

yârê’

BDB Definition:

1) to fear, revere, be afraid

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fear, be afraid

1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed

1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared

1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe

1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe

1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify

2) to shoot, pour

And here is the Strongs interpretation of the same word.

H3372   (Strong)
יָרֵא

yârê’

yaw-ray’

A primitive root; to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten: – affright, be (make) afraid, dread (-ful), (put in) fear (-ful, -fully, -ing). (be had in) reverence (-end), X see, terrible (act, -ness, thing).

Here is the same word and the many places it is used and how they interpreted this same word.

H3372   (KJC)
ירא

yârê’

Total KJV Occurrences: 316

fear, 148

Gen 15:1, Gen 21:17, Gen 26:24, Gen 35:17, Gen 43:23, Gen 46:3, Gen 50:19, Gen 50:21, Exo 9:30, Exo 14:13, Exo 20:20, Lev 19:3, Lev 19:14, Lev 19:32, Lev 25:17, Lev 25:36, Lev 25:43, Num 14:9 (2), Num 21:34, Deu 1:21, Deu 3:2, Deu 3:22, Deu 4:10, Deu 5:29, Deu 6:2, Deu 6:13, Deu 6:24, Deu 8:6, Deu 10:12, Deu 10:20, Deu 13:4, Deu 13:11, Deu 14:23, Deu 17:13, Deu 19:19-20 (2), Deu 20:3, Deu 21:21, Deu 28:58, Deu 31:6, Deu 31:8, Deu 31:12-13 (2), Jos 4:24, Jos 8:1, Jos 10:8, Jos 10:25, Jos 24:14, Jdg 4:18, Jdg 6:10, Jdg 6:23, Rth 3:11, 1Sa 4:20, 1Sa 12:14, 1Sa 12:20, 1Sa 12:24, 1Sa 22:23, 1Sa 23:17, 2Sa 9:7, 2Sa 13:28, 1Ki 8:40, 1Ki 8:43, 1Ki 17:13, 1Ki 18:12, 2Ki 6:16, 2Ki 17:28, 2Ki 17:35-39 (5), 2Ki 25:24, 1Ch 28:20, 2Ch 6:31, 2Ch 6:33, 2Ch 20:17, Neh 1:11, Neh 6:14, Neh 6:19, Job 1:9, Job 9:35, Job 11:15, Job 37:24, Psa 23:4, Psa 27:1, Psa 27:3, Psa 34:8-9 (2), Psa 40:3, Psa 46:2, Psa 52:5-6 (2), Psa 55:19, Psa 64:4 (2), Psa 64:9, Psa 67:7, Psa 72:5, Psa 86:11, Psa 102:15, Psa 118:6, Psa 119:63, Pro 3:7, Pro 24:21, Ecc 3:14, Ecc 5:7, Ecc 12:12-13 (2), Isa 7:4, Isa 8:12, Isa 35:3-4 (2), Isa 41:10, Isa 41:13-14 (2), Isa 43:1, Isa 43:5, Isa 44:2, Isa 51:7, Isa 54:4, Isa 54:14, Isa 59:19, Jer 5:22, Jer 5:24, Jer 10:7, Jer 23:4, Jer 30:10, Jer 32:39, Jer 40:9, Jer 46:27-28 (2), Jer 51:46, Lam 3:57, Eze 3:9, Dan 10:12, Dan 10:19, Joe 2:21, Amo 3:8, Mic 7:17, Zep 3:7, Zep 3:16, Hag 1:12, Hag 2:5, Zec 8:13, Zec 8:15, Mal 3:5 (2)

afraid, 78

Gen 3:10, Gen 18:15, Gen 20:8, Gen 28:17, Gen 31:31, Gen 32:7, Gen 42:35, Gen 43:18, Exo 3:6, Exo 14:10, Exo 34:30, Num 12:8, Deu 1:29, Deu 5:4-5 (2), Deu 7:18, Deu 20:1, Deu 28:10, Jos 9:24, Jos 11:6, 1Sa 7:7 (2), 1Sa 17:11, 1Sa 17:24, 1Sa 18:12, 1Sa 18:29, 1Sa 21:12, 1Sa 28:5, 1Sa 28:13, 1Sa 28:20, 1Sa 31:4, 2Sa 1:14, 2Sa 6:9, 2Ki 1:15 (2), 2Ki 10:4, 2Ki 19:6, 2Ki 25:26, 1Ch 10:4, 1Ch 13:12, 2Ch 20:15, 2Ch 32:7, Neh 2:2, Neh 4:14, Neh 6:9, Neh 6:13, Job 5:21-22 (2), Job 6:21, Psa 3:6, Psa 49:16, Psa 56:3, Psa 56:11, Psa 65:8, Psa 91:5, Psa 112:7-8 (2), Psa 119:120, Pro 3:25, Pro 31:21, Ecc 12:5, Isa 10:24, Isa 37:6, Isa 40:9, Isa 51:12, Jer 1:8, Jer 10:5, Jer 26:21, Jer 41:18, Jer 42:11 (2), Eze 2:6 (3), Joe 2:22, Jon 1:5, Jon 1:10, Hab 3:2

feared, 39

Gen 19:30, Gen 26:7, Exo 1:17, Exo 1:21, Exo 2:14, Exo 14:31, Jos 4:14 (2), Jos 10:2, Jdg 6:27, Jdg 8:20, 1Sa 3:15, 1Sa 12:18, 1Sa 14:26, 1Sa 15:24, 2Sa 3:11, 2Sa 10:19, 2Sa 12:18, 1Ki 1:50, 1Ki 3:28, 2Ki 17:7, 2Ki 17:25, 1Ch 16:25, 2Ch 20:3, Neh 7:2, Psa 76:7-8 (2), Isa 41:4-5 (3), Isa 57:11, Jer 3:8, Jer 44:10, Eze 11:8, Hos 10:3, Jon 1:16, Mal 2:5, Mal 3:16 (2)

terrible, 30

Exo 34:10, Deu 1:19, Deu 7:21, Deu 8:15, Deu 10:17, Deu 10:21, Jdg 13:6, 2Sa 7:23, Neh 1:5, Neh 4:14, Neh 9:32, Job 37:22, Psa 45:4, Psa 47:2, Psa 65:5, Psa 66:3, Psa 66:5, Psa 68:35, Psa 76:12, Psa 99:3, Psa 106:22, Psa 145:6, Isa 18:2, Isa 18:7, Isa 21:1, Isa 64:3, Eze 1:22, Joe 2:11, Joe 2:31, Zep 2:11

dreadful, 5

Gen 28:17, Dan 9:4, Hab 1:7, Mal 1:14, Mal 4:5

reverence, 3

Lev 19:30, Lev 26:2, Psa 89:7

feareth, 2

1Ki 1:51, Psa 112:1

fearful, 2

Exo 15:11, Deu 28:58

affright, 1

2Ch 32:18

dread, 1

1Ch 22:13

durst, 1

Job 32:6

fearest, 1

Isa 57:11

fearfully, 1

Psa 139:14

fearing, 1

Jos 22:25

reverend, 1

Psa 111:9

see, 1

Isa 60:5

terribleness, 1

1Ch 17:21

Right away I see this connection here in Lev 19 the word fear and reverence is being referred back to the 5th commandment.

Leviticus 19:3-4   (KJV+)
3  Ye shall fear H3372  every man H376  his mother, H517  and his father, H1  and keep H8104  my sabbaths: H7676  I H589  am the LORD H3068  your God. H430

4  Turn H6437  ye not H408  unto H413  idols, H457  nor H3808  make H6213  to yourselves molten H4541  gods: H430  I H589  am the LORD H3068  your God. H430

Exo 20:12  Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land which Jehovah your God gives you.

The word fear here is the same as the word honour in the 5th commandment. You are to revere your Mother and your Father the same as you would revere the King. It is the same word.

And again back to the 4th commandment.

Leviticus 19:30   (KJV+)
30  Ye shall keep H8104  ( H853 ) my sabbaths, H7676  and reverence H3372  my sanctuary: H4720  I H589  am the LORD. H3068

What does keeping the Sabbaths, plural for all of them, have to do with reverence towards the miqqedâsh, The Sanctuary?

The Jews will not go near the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount. Instead they walk around the perimeter in deep reverence for where they think the Temple once stood. They reverence the Sanctuary. Do you?

This study is getting bigger fast. Sorry, but WOW.

The Sabbath Day, the Holy Days of Lev 23, and the Sabbatical and Jubilee years are to be revered and we are to reverence the Miqqedash. We are to meet Yehovah at these appointed times. These Moedim. And we are to meet Him at His Temple.

What is it that Yehovah says to the 5 foolish virgins?

Mat 7:21  Not everyone who says to Me, Lord! Lord! shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven.

Mat 7:22  Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works?

Mat 7:23  And then I will say to them I never knew you! Depart from Me, those working lawlessness!

They do not revere Yehovah and He does not know them. They do not revere Mother and Father and He does not know them. They do not revere the Sabbath and He does not know them.

They never considered the Sabbath and Holy Days of any value and never kept them nor met Yehovah at those times to learn about Him.

Let me now throw this one into the mix. This is talking about Mariam and Aaron speaking against Moses and his marriage to an Ethiopian woman. And Yehovah got mad at them.

Num 12:8  I will speak with him mouth to mouth, even clearly, and not in dark speeches. And he shall behold the likeness of Jehovah. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?

That is the same word afraid that means revere. Mariam did not revere Moses and Yehovah punished her for that mistake. She became white as a leper. Mariam was shamed for this sin. The whole camp of Israel was halted from travelling until Mariams 7 days of being unclean were over.

Moses was to be revered. He was the Prophet of Yehovah.

Now take a look at this section in Malachi.

Mal 2:1  And now, O priests, this command is for you.

Mal 2:2  If you will not hear, and if you will not set it on your heart to give glory to My name, says Jehovah of Hosts, then I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. And indeed I have cursed it, because you do not set it on your heart.

Mal 2:3  Behold, I am rebuking your seed; and I will spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your appointed feasts. And one shall lift you up to it.

Mal 2:4  And you shall know that I have sent this command to you, to be My covenant with Levi, says Jehovah of Hosts.

Mal 2:5  My covenant with him was life and peace, and I gave them to him for fear; and he feared Me, and he is awed before My name.

Mal 2:6  The Law of Truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and turned away many from iniquity.

Mal 2:7  For the priest’s lips should guard knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Jehovah of Hosts.

Mal 2:8  But you have turned out of the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says Jehovah of Hosts.

Mal 2:9  Therefore I have also made you despised and low before all the people, just as you have not kept My ways but are lifting up faces in the law.

Look at verse 5.

Mal 2:5  My covenant H1285  was H1961  with H854  him of life H2416  and peace; H7965  and I gave H5414  them to him for the fear H4172  wherewith he feared H3372  me, and was afraid H2865  before H4480 H6440  my name. H8034

Here is the meaning of the first word fear above.

H4172   (KJC)
מורה / מרא / מורא

môrâ’ / môrâ’ / môrâh

Total KJV Occurrences: 12

fear, 6

Gen 9:2 (2), Psa 9:20, Isa 8:12-13 (2), Mal 1:6, Mal 2:5

terror, 2

Deu 34:12, Jer 32:21

dread, 1

Deu 11:25

feared, 1

Psa 76:11

terribleness, 1

Deu 26:8

terrors, 1

Deu 4:34

The second feared is the H3372 revere we have been looking at and the third word, afraid is to prostrate oneself.

H2865   (Strong)
חָתַת

châthath

khaw-thath’

A primitive root; properly to prostrate; hence to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear: – abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify.

So here in Malachi 2:5, he revered and prostrated himself before the name Yehovah.

Mal 2:5  My covenant with him was life and peace, and I gave them to him for fear (terror); and he feared (Revered) Me, and he is awed (Prostrate) before My name.

Here is another verse that is slightly different and yet it promotes the exact same meaning.

Pro 9:10  The fear H3374  of the LORD H3068  is the beginning H8462  of wisdom: H2451  and the knowledge H1847  of the holy H6918  is understanding. H998

The word fear is H3374 and is a variant of H3372 above.

H3374   (Brown-Driver-Briggs)
יראה

yir’âh

BDB Definition:

1) fear, terror, fearing

1a) fear, terror

1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear)

1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety

1d) revered

Part of Speech: noun feminine

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H3373

H3374   (KJC)
יראה

yir’âh

Total KJV Occurrences: 43

fear, 41

Gen 20:11, Exo 20:20, Deu 2:25, 2Sa 23:3, 2Ch 19:9, Neh 5:9, Neh 5:15, Job 4:6, Job 6:14, Job 22:4 (2), Job 28:28, Psa 2:11, Psa 5:7, Psa 19:9, Psa 90:11 (2), Psa 111:10, Psa 119:38, Pro 1:7, Pro 1:29, Pro 2:5, Pro 8:13, Pro 9:10, Pro 10:27, Pro 14:26-27 (2), Pro 15:16, Pro 15:33, Pro 16:6, Pro 19:23, Pro 22:4, Pro 23:17, Isa 7:25, Isa 11:2-3 (2), Isa 29:13, Isa 33:6, Isa 63:17, Jer 32:40, Eze 30:13

dreadful, 1

Eze 1:18

fearfulness, 1

Psa 55:5

H3374   (Strong)
יִרְאָה

yir’âh

yir-aw’

Feminine of H3373; fear (also used as infinitive); morally reverence: –  X dreadful, X exceedingly, fear (-fulness).

The Fear of Yehovah, the reverence for Yehovah is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy Is Understanding.

What is it that I am sharing here?

Look at the Amidah prayers and notice just how much reverence is given to Yehovah just to start the prayer.

The Amidah is the core of every Jewish worship service, and is therefore also referred to as HaTefillah, or “The Prayer.” Amidah, which literally means, “standing,” refers to a series of blessings recited while standing.

Using the image of master and servant, the Rabbis declared that a worshipper should come before his or her master first with words of praise, then should ask one’s petitions, and finally should withdraw with words of thanks. Thus, every Amidah is divided into three central sections: praise, petitions and thanks.

Originally, Jewish prayer was largely unstructured. Although the Rabbis eventually codified the format and themes of each of the blessings, it was initially left to the creativity of individual prayer leaders to generate the specific wording of the blessings. Individual communities in different countries began to settle on somewhat standard versions of the prayers over time. Today the variations between the traditional texts of the Amidah in different communities are fairly minor.

The Amidah is recited silently by all members of a congregation — or by individuals praying along — and then, in communal settings, repeated aloud by the prayer leader or cantor, with the congregation reciting “Amen” to all the blessings of the Amidah.

 

The First Three Blessings

The first three blessings of praise of the Amidah in every worship service are always the same, with only minor variations for weekdays, Shabbat and holidays. The first blessing is called Avot, Hebrew for “ancestors,” and serves as an introduction to the God of our biblical heritage, connecting us to the Divine. Immediately before reciting the Amidah, the tradition developed of taking three steps backward and then forward again to symbolize entering into God presence. Mentioning the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob–and in liberal congregations, the matriarchs, Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel–this blessing praises God for remembering their good actions, and by implication, asking God to hear our prayer favorably because of their merit. The blessing begins and ends with a formal bow at the knees and hips, symbolically demonstrating our subservience to God.

The second blessing of praise is called Gevurah (might), which describes those powers which are only within the purview of the Divine: “Your lovingkindness sustains the living, your great mercies give life to the dead.” Articulating a fundamental Rabbinic belief in resurrection, this blessing is a reminder of God’s absolute power of life and death.

The final blessing of this opening section of praise is called the Kedushah, or holiness. There are two versions of this prayer, one when recited silently by individuals, the other, much longer, is a series of prayers and responses by the leader and congregation when the Amidah is repeated on behalf of the community.

Both of these prayers emphasize the holiness and sacred nature of God. The individually-recited version simply states, “Holy are You and holy is Your name. Holy are they who praise you daily.” The core of the communally repeated blessing is derived from the biblical prophet Isaiah’s vision of God in the heavenly Temple surrounded by the angels singing praises (Isaiah chapter 6).

Isaiah described the angels calling one to another, echoing the phrase, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts, the whole world is filled with His glory.” This verse is introduced by claiming that the human chorus of voices imitates the heavenly chorus, and thus, in a choreography designed to reflect angels, individuals rock up upon the balls of their feet three times, for each word “holy” that is said, symbolizing the fluttering of the angels who recited this line of praise. Several more biblical verses are also recited, ending in the blessing, “Praised are You, Adonai, the holy God.”

The Middle section is for your petitions and then the last section is again showing complete and totally reverence to the King of the Univerce.

 

The Final Section

The final section of every Amidah concludes with blessings of thanksgiving to God; like the first three blessings, these are identical for weekday, Shabbat, and holiday versions of the Amidah. The first of these is called Avodah, which means service, referring to the service of animal sacrifices in the days of the Temple. This prayer asks that God accept our prayers as were the animal sacrifices of old and concludes by thanking God for (ultimately) restoring God’s presence to Zion, referring to both the land of Israel and the city of Jerusalem.

The second concluding prayer of thanksgiving is called Hoda’ah, or thanks. This prayer thanks God for the gift of our lives and for the daily miracles which God bestows upon the world each day. The beginning and end of this prayer are marked by a bow at the hips, once again symbolizing the depth of our gratitude to God.

At this point during the reader’s repetition of the Amidah, the reader recites the three-fold priestly blessing, with the congregation responding, “So may it be God’s will” after each line:
“May the Lord bless you and keep you
May the Lord cause His favor to shine upon you and be gracious unto you
May the Lord lift His favor unto you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

Although customs vary, traditional synagogues outside of Israel have the congregants who are kohanim (of the priestly family) ascend and invoke God’s blessing upon the congregation by reciting this blessing on the holidays; in Israel, this is done every Shabbat, and in Jerusalem, every day.

The final prayer of thanksgiving to God is actually a final petition to bestow justice, mercy, and peace on the world. Called Shalom, or peace, the community asks that God grant peace, goodness, blessing, and compassion upon everyone; the themes and language are clearly derived from the priestly blessing that precedes it. A different but parallel version of this prayer is recited in the afternoon and evening Amidah prayers.

Knowing this now you can read the first three sections and the last section to understand the fear of Yehovah.

THE AMIDAH
1. THE GOD OF HISTORY:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God and God of our fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the great, mighty and revered God, the Most High God who bestows loving kindnesses, the creator of all things, who remembers the good deeds of the patriarchs and in love will bring a redeemer to their children’s children for his name’s sake. O king, helper, savior and shield. Blessed are you, O Lord, the shield of Abraham.

2. THE GOD OF NATURE:

You, O Lord, are mighty forever, you revive the dead, you have the power to save. [From the end of Sukkot until the eve of Passover, insert: You cause the wind to blow and the rain to fall.] You sustain the living with lovingkindness, you revive the dead with great mercy, you support the falling, heal the sick, set free the bound and keep faith with those who sleep in the dust. Who is like you, O doer of mighty acts? Who resembles you, a king who puts to death and restores to life, and causes salvation to flourish? And you are certain to revive the dead. Blessed are you, O Lord, who revives the dead.

3. SANCTIFICATION OF GOD:

[Reader] We will sanctify your name in this world just as it is sanctified in the highest heavens, as it is written by your prophet: “And they call out to one another and say:
[Cong.] ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.'” [Isa. 6:3]
[Reader] Those facing them praise God saying:
[Cong.] “Blessed be the Presence of the LORD in his place.” [Ezek. 3:12]
[Reader] And in your Holy Words it is written, saying,
[Cong.] “The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah.” [Ps. 146:10]
[Reader] Throughout all generations we will declare your greatness, and to all eternity we will proclaim your holiness. Your praise, O our God, shall never depart from our mouth, for you are a great and holy God and King. Blessed are you, O Lord, the holy God. You are holy, and your name is holy, and holy beings praise you daily. (Selah.) Blessed are you, O Lord, the holy God.

FOR THE ANSWERING OF PRAYER:

Hear our voice, O Lord our God; spare us and have pity on us.
Accept our prayer in mercy and with favor,
for you are a God who hears prayers and supplications.
O our King, do not turn us away from your presence empty-handed,
for you hear the prayers of your people Israel with compassion.
Blessed are you, O Lord, who hears prayer.

17. FOR RESTORATION OF TEMPLE SERVICE:

Be pleased, O Lord our God, with your people Israel and with their prayers.
Restore the service to the inner sanctuary of your Temple,
and receive in love and with favor both the fire-offerings of Israel and their prayers.
May the worship of your people Israel always be acceptable to you.
And let our eyes behold your return in mercy to Zion.
Blessed are you, O Lord, who restores his divine presence to Zion.

18. THANKSGIVING FOR GOD’S UNFAILING MERCIES:

We give thanks to you that you are the Lord our God and the God of our fathers forever and ever.
Through every generation you have been the rock of our lives, the shield of our salvation. We will give you thanks and declare your praise for our lives that are committed into your hands, for our souls that are entrusted to you, for your miracles that are daily with us, and for your wonders and your benefits that are with us at all times, evening, morning and noon. O beneficent one, your mercies never fail; O merciful one,
your loving kindnesses never cease. We have always put our hope in you. For all these acts may your name be blessed and exalted continually,
O our King, forever and ever. Let every living thing give thanks to you and praise your name in truth, O God, our salvation and our help. (Selah.) Blessed are you, O Lord, whose Name is the Beneficent One, and to whom it is fitting to give thanks.

19. FOR PEACE:

Grant peace, welfare, blessing, grace, lovingkindness and mercy to us and to all Israel your people. Bless us, O our Father, one and
all, with the light of your countenance; for by the light of your countenance you have given us, O Lord our God, a Torah of life,
lovingkindness and salvation, blessing, mercy, life and peace. May it please you to bless your people Israel at all times
and in every hour with your peace. Blessed are you, O Lord, who blesses his people Israel with peace.

The reason I am once again showing you the Amidah is so that you might understand that Yehovah is not your Santa Claus Christmas wish list. He is not your rabbit’s foot you pull out when you are in trouble. HE IS SOVEREIGN. And you need, you must treat Him in absolute reverence or respect. This is what you do each time you come to the Feast of Yehovah. You treat His Sabbath with reverence because this is the time when you are going to meet with the King and gain wisdom and understanding.

Those teaching you represent the Levites spoken of in Malachi. They fear and revere Yehovah and like Moses, you are to revere them.

Returning back to the 5th commandment you are to revere your parents. It does not say to revere them if they are good people or if they never hurt you. It says to revere them. There are no “yah buts” to this commandment. It does not say you do not have to do this if they committed incest with you. It does not say you do not have to keep the commandment if they were drunk and beat you. You are told to revere them PERIOD.

Exo 20:12  Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land which Jehovah your God gives you.

It is not earned. It is never earned. It is given because you are commanded to give it. They have charge over you.

Now let’s look at something else many of you have trouble doing as well.

1Pe 2:13  Then be in obedience to every ordinance of men, because of the Lord, whether to a king as supreme,

1Pe 2:14  or to governors as sent by Him for vengeance on evildoers, but for praise on well-doers.

1Pe 2:15  For such is the will of God, doing good to silence the ignorance of foolish men;

1Pe 2:16  as free, and not having freedom as a cover of evil, but as servants of God.

1Ti 2:1  First of all, then, I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

1Ti 2:2  for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

1Ti 2:3  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

1Ti 2:4  who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Heb 13:17  Yield to those leading you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as those who must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.

1Th 5:12  And, brothers, we beseech you to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and who admonish you,

1Th 5:13  and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

1Ti 5:17  Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in Word and doctrine.

1Ti 5:18  For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox treading out grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his reward.”

1Ti 5:19  Do not receive an accusation against an elder except before two or three witnesses.

Think of Moses ruling over the people and all the grief they gave him. As Hebrews 13 says, “that they may do it with joy and not with grief;”

Those who lead you spiritually to those who lead you in your various Governments from mayors to Presidents or Queens. You are to hold them in reverence. You are not to be posting memes running them down. You are commanded to treat them with respect.

You can get mad at me all you want. Take it up with Yehovah. He is the one who has given you the leadership you have and are going to have. They are your shepherds.

Yehovah gives His people the leadership they deserve.

Let’s read Zechariah and understand this concept.

Zec 11:4  For so says Jehovah my God: Feed the flock of the slaughter,

Zec 11:5  those buying them kill them, and hold themselves not guilty. And those who sell them say, Blessed be Jehovah, for I am rich; and their shepherds do not pity them.

Zec 11:6  For I will never again pity the people of the land, says Jehovah; but lo, I will make the men come out, each one into his neighbor’s hand and into his king’s hand. And they shall strike the land, and I will not deliver out of their hand.

In verse 4 Yehovah commands Zechariah to Shepherd a flock “doomed to slaughter.” He will preside over their slaughter not because he is a bad shepherd, nor because he doesn’t care about them, but because that is what they deserve. Zechariah is re-enacting what has already happened to Israel.

Yehovah gives His people the leadership they deserve.

Israel and Judah for about 500 years, from David to Babylon deserved judgment because they have degenerated into lawlessness.

They have rejected their true Shepherd, Yehoah and this is why they are being judged for the slaughter. The prophet, Zechariah, is commanded to represent Yehovah.

Zechariah becomes Yehovah in verse 7 taking care of the sheep, Israel.

Zec 11:7  And I fed the flock of slaughter, even the poor of the flock. And I took two staffs for myself; the one I called Kindness, and the other I called Union. And I fed the flock.

Zec 11:8  I also cut off three shepherds in one month; and my soul was impatient with them, and their soul also despised me.

The prophet takes two staffs named “Favor” and “Union.” Staffs were the tools of Shepherds. They used them to care for their sheep. Yehovah is and was the Shepherd of his people. These staves represent the blessedness of the covenant relationship with Yehovah. The first staff, “favor,” represents Yehovah’s covenant mercies toward Israel.

The second staff, “Union,” represents the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

Zechariah plays the part of an effective shepherd. We know that because he destroys three enemy shepherds, men who did not care for the flock, men who only wanted to use the flock. The identity of these three shepherds is unknown.

Yehovah is taking care of the flock, and even so, the flock detests Yehovah. Read the last part of verse 8. They “detested Him.” They turned to the many false gods—Baal, Ashtoreth, Astarte, Milcom, etc. Why? These gods gave them what they really wanted—freedom to pursue their lusts.

Then this causes Yehovah to not take care of them as you read next.

Zec 11:9  And I said, I will not feed you; that which dies, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off. And those left, let them eat, each woman her neighbor’s flesh.

Zec 11:10  And I took my staff Kindness, and broke it apart, to break My covenant which I had made with all the peoples.

Zec 11:11  And it was broken in that day; and so the poor of the flock who were watching Me knew that it was the Word of Jehovah.

Zec 11:12  And I said to them, If it is good, give My price; and if not, let it go. So they weighed My price thirty pieces of silver.

Zec 11:13  And Jehovah said to me, Throw it to the potter, the magnificent price at which I was valued by them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of Jehovah.

Zec 11:14  Then I broke My other staff Union apart, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

Yehovah was taking care of us and we rejected Him. Now you are about to read how Yehovah is going to give us the shepherd we deserve. A foolish shepherd who does not care.

Zec 11:15  And Jehovah said to me, Take to yourself yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.

Zec 11:16  For lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for those going to ruin, nor will he seek the young, nor will heal that which is broken, nor will he feed that which stands. But he shall eat the flesh of the fat and tear off their hoofs.

Zec 11:17  Woe to the worthless shepherd who abandons the flock! The sword shall be on his arm and on his right eye; his arm shall be completely dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

Our lack of reverence for our King, our Shepherd has resulted in the leaders He has given us. Do you now see this? Our irreverence to all things in authority over us results in bad leadership all the way up.

Now let’s look at what we are told in Peter. I am using the worldwide English version. You spend a lot of time making yourselves look good on your hair and nails, but you do not work on your heart on the inside.

1 Pet 3:3 Wives, respect and obey your husbands in the same way. Then the husbands who do not obey the word of God will want to know God. They will want to know God because their wives live good lives, even though they say nothing about God.

1 Pet 3:2 They will see that you live holy lives and respect your husbands.

1 Pet 3:3 You should not be fine on the outside only. Some women make their hair nice. They wear gold things. They have fine clothes.

1 Pet 3:4 But you must be fine in your heart. Have a heart that is gentle and quiet. That will not wear out. And God thinks it is worth very much.

1 Pet 3:5 There were holy women long ago who trusted in God. They made themselves nice in this way. They obeyed their husbands.

1 Pet 3:6 Sarah obeyed Abraham. She called him her master. You are her children if you do what is right and are not afraid of trouble.

Sarah called Abraham her master. Do you respect your husband? Would He say you respected him? It is not the same as loving him. If you do not know what I am speaking about then ask your husband, but get ready to be shocked at what he says and do not argue with him. It is not the same as love.

Now I want you all to look at the meaning of a virtuous woman.

Pro 12:4  A woman of virtue is a crown to her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

H2428   (Strong)
חַיִל

chayil

khah’-yil

From H2342; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength: – able, activity, (+) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, (+) valiant (-ly), valour, virtuous (-ly), war, worthy (-ily).

How is this virtuous strong mighty woman of Proverbs 12:4 who is the CROWN to her husband, a doormat by being reverent and respectful to her husband? She is not. What happens is that she becomes empowered. The thing everyone sees when they see the King is the crown and just how beautiful it is. This crown gives the king his power. She is the crown, his backbone, and support in all he does.

Far too many women say that the husband must earn her respect. And they do not know what I mean when I say respect in the first place. To say a man must earn your respect is a lie from Satan and it destroys marriages every day. On the contrary, respect and reverence for the man because he is the head of his household, the Levite or prophet of his family. As we have already read, the Levite and prophet were to be revered the same as the king.

When this respect is shown by the wife, then it becomes easier for the children to obey the 5th commandment.

Exo 20:12  Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land which Jehovah your God gives you.

Notice the words Adam Clark uses for this verse.

Honor thy father and thy mother – There is a degree of affectionate respect which is owing to parents, that no person else can properly claim. For a considerable time parents stand as it were in the place of God to their children, and therefore rebellion against their lawful commands has been considered as rebellion against God. This precept therefore prohibits, not only all injurious acts, irreverent and unkind speeches to parents, but enjoins all necessary acts of kindness, filial respect, and obedience. We can scarcely suppose that a man honors his parents who, when they fall weak, blind, or sick, does not exert himself to the uttermost in their support. In such cases God as truly requires the children to provide for their parents, as he required the parents to feed, nourish, support, instruct, and defend the children when they were in the lowest state of helpless in fancy. See Clarke’s note on Gen 48:12. The rabbins say, Honor the Lord with thy substance, Pro 3:9; and, Honor thy father and mother. The Lord is to be honored thus if thou have it; thy father and mother, whether thou have it or not; for if thou have nothing, thou art bound to beg for them. See Ainsworth.

All around our society we see a complete lack of respect for parents and the elderly. We see no respect given to men by women. It does not have to be earned. It is just given.

Nor do we see respect for those in any government office and they are placed there by Yehovah because they are what we deserve. And it all starts in the home. Respect for parents is taught by a respectful wife who then becomes the crowning glory of her husband.

We see how Timothy is coming true.

2Ti 3:1  Know this also, that in the last days grievous times will be at hand.

2Ti 3:2  For men will be self-lovers, money-lovers, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2Ti 3:3  without natural affection, unyielding, false accusers, without self-control, savage, despisers of good,

2Ti 3:4  traitors, reckless, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

2Ti 3:5  having a form of godliness, but denying the power of it; even turn away from these.

2Ti 3:6  For of these are those who creep into houses and lead captive silly women loaded with sins, led away with different kinds of lusts,

2Ti 3:7  ever learning and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth.

2Ti 3:8  But as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so these also resist the truth, men of corrupt mind, reprobate concerning the faith.

2Ti 3:9  But they shall proceed no further. For their foolishness shall be plain to all, as theirs also became.

Many people read Proverb 31 differently. Women read it thinking they are doing these things. Men read it looking for this woman to appear in their wives. I want you all to now read it as a woman who respects her husband and teaches her family to do the same thing.

Pro 31:10  Who can find a woman of virtue? For her value is far above rubies.

Pro 31:11  The heart of her husband trusts safely in her, so that he shall have no need of plunder.

Pro 31:12  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Pro 31:13  She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

Pro 31:14  She is like the merchants’ ships; she brings her food from afar.

Pro 31:15  She also rises while it is still night, and gives food to her household, and a share to her young women.

Pro 31:16  She considers a field, and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

Pro 31:17  She binds her loins with strength, and makes her arms strong.

Pro 31:18  She sees that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out by night.

Pro 31:19  She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Pro 31:20  She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

Pro 31:21  She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Pro 31:22  She makes herself coverings; her clothing is silk and purple.

Pro 31:23  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

Pro 31:24  She makes fine linen and sells it, and delivers girdles to the merchants.

Pro 31:25  Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Pro 31:26  She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Pro 31:27  She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Pro 31:28  Her sons rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

Pro 31:29  Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.

Pro 31:30  Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears Jehovah, she shall be praised.

Pro 31:31  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Are you building up your husband or tearing him down? Do your selfish comments have any trouble identifying your husband’s shortcomings?

Do the people around you hear honour or dishonour in your voice when you talk about your husband?

Maybe you already know the answer. Think about your responses to your husband’s questions or requests. Are you snippy or snarky? Do you roll your eyes or heave an exasperated sigh? If so, a great place to begin honouring your husband is to change your tone. If you’re not sure whether or not your tone of voice (or body language) demonstrates honour, ask the people around you — your kids, friends, coworkers, or in-laws. If you’re feeling really brave, ask him! You might be surprised at what your tone of voice communicates.

How do you talk about your husband in front of others? Do you complain about his snoring or how he “never helps around the house”? Do you crack jokes about his shortcomings or point out his flaws?

One of the quickest ways to undercut your husband is to criticize him in front of others, so do the opposite. Find ways to build up your husband in front of other people. Complement him. Share something he did that blessed you. Point out his strengths.

(Some of you are rolling your eyes, so let’s get real. Finding the good in your husband is difficult sometimes. There are seasons where our sight is so clouded by criticism or hurt or disappointment, finding the good qualities feels impossible. If you’re struggling with this, ask Yehovah to help you. When you’re tempted to complain (in your heart or out loud), stop, confess your anger or bitterness, and ask Yehovah to show you one quality about your husband you can celebrate.)

At this point, many of the hard-hearted women have rejected this whole message. They are not going to change. He has to earn my respect, I don’t care what Joe Dumond says at all. Then carry on with your broken marriage and keep getting hurt when things erupt and you do not know why.

I have said this here many times and it always the same women who write in and complain.

But if you want your marriage to become the dreamy marriage you had envisioned as a young girl then do this one thing. Get the book Love and Respect and then read it. If you go to the site right now you can get a free 15-day marriage plan to help you get started on the changes you need to make.

If you want to be loved by your husband then respect him.

Everything Dr. Eggrich says in this book expresses those things I do not have the words to say. He hits the nail on the head every time. Men shut up and give you the hand to stop talking because you have disrespected them in your tone or the words you say.

If you want to be loved then get the book. Then apply what it says.

Revere Yehovah.

Revere His Sabbaths and His Sanctuary.

Revere His Levites teachers.

Revere those Yehovah sets over you because you have what you deserve. Good or bad

Revere your Parents

Revere your Husband.