Rapture and Wrath

 There are two connected subjects that I love staying away from - they are the “rapture” and the “wrath of Elohim”. In a recent discussion with someone who is becoming increasingly interested in the two-house message and the restoration of the whole house of Israel, the latter asked the inevitable question, “Do you believe in the rapture?” (Years ago, when sharing about the two houses of Israel, we would occasionally get this response: “I guess you don’t believe in hell”. To this day I don’t understand the connection.)

Since he had asked the question about the rapture, and we had just finished a conversation about the book of Daniel, I thought to remind him about the three men who were thrown into the fire and, in the midst of the burning furnace, experienced the presence of the Fourth Man. Daniel himself witnessed the 'strange' behavior of hungry lions. How about the Israelites surviving forty years in the desert? Or what about Stephen getting stoned to death while others faced even worse trials (e.g. Hebrews 11:35b-37)?  Was it the "wrath of Elohim" that brought about their suffering or a demonstration of Yah's grace?  And how many times did the Almighty save or preserve His people while simultaneously pouring out His wrath on His/their enemies?

The Spirit of Elohim, residing in us, shelters us from the enemy so that we would come to know Him. However, there are times when that does not happen. But that, too, is designed for us to draw closer to Him. One way or another, our Father’s chief motivation is for us to be bonded to Himself.

 Many of His names/titles relate to our needs during life’s good and bad circumstances. Instead of fearing hardship or even the great tribulation, we should be more confident that He will be our shelter (Elohim Mach’sey’nu). We are assured that even though “ten thousand fall at our right hand” (ref. Ps. 91:7), He can still protect us because of Who He is in us! He is our Miphlatey’nu (our Refuge), our Moshi’ey’nu (our Savior/Deliverer), our M’tzuda’tey’nu (our Fortress) -”a present help in troublesome times” (ref. Ps. 46:1). Indeed, the Psalms provide great encouragement to our faith, hope and trust, as does the great cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 11. Thus, our relationship with the Almighty Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and our Messiah Yeshua is strengthened. What does it matter to my flesh whether it goes the way of so many martyred believers in history or if we take a fiery Tesla to heaven? What do we have to fear other than fear itself? 

For some, the word “wrath” seems to conjure up the worst of possibilities, but YHVH’s wrath is always poured out on the unrighteous and wicked who practice that which is deserving of such a response. “For the wrath of Elohim is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).  

YHVH has given a New Covenant believer His righteousness via the indwelling Holy Spirit. By His grace, we walk in His righteousness, keeping His commandments and putting our faith, hope, and trust in Him, our Redeemer Elohim and Father. He asks us not to worry about tomorrow because we live in His present Presence. The “now” (this moment) is the time to prepare for any future event. Through this daily relationship, we will grow in our understanding and knowledge of YHVH. He is just in all His ways and stays holy in executing justice. The more we know Him, the less we will be afraid of His wrath, but greater will be our reverence for Him as we learn to rest in the joy of His Shalom. 

“YHVH also will be a refuge – Misgav [a "high tower"] - for the oppressed, a refuge - Misgav - in times of trouble.  And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, YHVH, have not forsaken those who seek You. Sing praises to YHVH who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds among the people” (Psalm 9:9-11).

Could It Be?

 Could It Be?

Could it be that we are in YHVH’s end times or spring rain?  “Ask rain from YHVH at the time of the spring rain-- YHVH who makes the storm clouds; and He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to each man” (Zechariah 10:1).

Could it be that lying spirits and false visions have invaded the nations?    “For the teraphim speak iniquity, and the diviners see lying visions, and tell false dreams; they comfort in vain” (Zechariah 10:2).

Could it be that YHVH’s anger is aroused against the false shepherds of Judah and Israel?  "My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the male goats; for YHVH of hosts has visited His flock, the house of Judah…” (Zechariah 10:3).  “Behold, I am against the shepherds [of Israel], and I shall demand My sheep from them and make them cease from feeding sheep” (Ezekiel 34:10).

Could it be that during the past century, the Jewish Nation has been gradually reborn as a national entity and has become a mighty military power?  “And will make them [Judah]) like His majestic horse in battle. From them will come the cornerstone, the tent peg, the bow of battle, every ruler, all of them together.  And they will be as mighty men, treading down the enemy… they will fight, for YHVH will be with them… and will make them like His majestic horse in battle” (Zechariah 10:3-6 emphasis added).  

Could it be that while Judah is undergoing restoration, Yeshua the True Shepherd of Israel is gathering the “Lost Sheep of the House of Israel/Joseph" - the second stick? "And I shall strengthen the house of Judah, and I shall save the house of Joseph, and I shall bring them back, because I have had compassion on them; and they will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am YHVH their Elohim, and I will answer them. And Ephraim will be like a mighty man, and their heart will be glad as if from wine; Indeed, their children will see it and be glad, their heart will rejoice in YHVH" (Zechariah 10:6-7) (emphases added).

Could it be that those who are redeemed, living in far countries and awakening to their Israelite identity, are the found “sheep of the House of Joseph”, the mighty men of Ephraim?  "I will whistle for them to gather them together, for I have redeemed them; and they will be as numerous as they were before. When I scatter them among the peoples, they will remember Me in far countries” (Zechariah 10:8-9). “And He will lift up a standard for the nations, and will assemble the banished ones of Israel, and will gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” (Isaiah 11:12).  

Could it be that these mighty men of Judah and Ephraim will go to war with the surrounding nations?   “Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men! Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up!  Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, 'I am a mighty man'" (Joel 3:9-10).  “And they will swoop down on the slopes of the Philistines on the west [Gaza]; Together they will plunder the sons of the east” (Isaiah 11:14).  

Could it be that these mighty men of Judah and Ephraim are the sword in the hand of YHVH?   “For I will bend Judah as My bow, I will fill the bow with Ephraim. And I will stir up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece; and I will make you like a warrior's sword.  Then YHVH will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning; and Adonai YHVH will blow the trumpet, and will march in the storm winds of the south” (Zechariah 9:13-14).  

Could it be that the "sons of the east" are the ones that hate the Jewish nation, and want to do away with her, so that the name Israel will cease to exist? “For, behold, Your enemies make an uproar; and those who hate You have exalted themselves.  They make shrewd plans against Your people and conspire together against Your treasured ones. They have said, 'Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more'" (Psalm 83:2-4 emphases added).

Could it be that the seed of ancient people groups is still alive and well today in the surrounding nations of the State Israel, such as those mentioned in Psalm 83?  ^“For they have conspired together with one mind; Against You do they make a covenant:  The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab, and the Hagrites;  Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; They have become a help to the children of Lot” (Psalm 83:5-8 emphasis added).  

Could it be that YHVH’s mighty men of Zechariah, are the ones whom He calls to join together against these nations that hate Him and His chosen seed? “Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men! Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up” (Joel 3:9 emphasis added). “Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves there. Bring down, YHVH, Your mighty ones” (Joel 3:11 emphasis added).

Could it be that we, like the prophet Habakkuk are to: “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am [YHVH] doing something in your days-- You would not believe if you were told” (Habakkuk 1:5)?

Could it be that we should respond like this prophet of old? “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart, and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved” (Habakkuk 2:1 emphases added).

The Obvious

 The word "obvious" refers to something that is easily perceived or understood, something that is apparent to everyone. If something is obvious, it doesn't require much thought or effort to recognize or grasp.

When it comes to the Word of Elohim, that which is obvious to some is not necessarily obvious to others since it is subject to interpretations of every kind.  But as believers in the Word of Elohim, we share a certainty that Elohim is sovereign over His creation. Other matters that are obvious to us we have either obtained because they are common conventions or by what we have learned by experience throughout life.  But when it comes to understanding matters that we have not experienced as fact or truth, we may look into them, examine, ponder, wonder, or even be perplexed regarding what appears to be a complex and/or new phenomenon.  

At the beginning of the creation narrative, as described in chapter 1 of Genesis, two Hebrew terms are used for "void and without form" – "tohoo" and "vohoo", which literally mean wonderment and perplexity. That is, if a human eye were to observe that condition, such would be its reaction. Being "perplexed" refers to a state of confusion or bewilderment (the latter also gives cause for fear). If one is perplexed, he or she is puzzled and unsure of thoughts, possibilities, or actions. Such a state often implies difficulty in understanding or figuring out a given situation. This well describes the overall condition prevailing in a world without faith and knowledge of a Creator. 

After partaking of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Adam fell into the spirit realm of darkness. Consequently, he bequeathed to his progeny an inheritance of hopelessness, confusion, and fear. Man struggled within himself to rectify the “obvious” but had no light with which to combat the power that the fruit of this tree of darkness and death produced in him.

The solution that resolves Man’s perplexity and dilemma is realized by the Heavenly Father’s only begotten Son, “who was crucified before the foundations of the world” (Revelation 13:8).  So, is the Scripture/Bible the story of Man suffering under the tyranny of “sin and death”, or is it the obvious reality of a sovereign Elohim Who is intimately involved with His creature?  Is it “obvious” to us that “all those who are of the faith", who believe that Elohim raised Yeshua from the dead and have received the covenant promise of the Spirit, are the progeny/seed of the forefathers? Is it “obvious” that Yeshua is the Kinsman Redeemer of His Father’s inheritance, and that is the reason why He said that He "only came for the lost sheep of the House of Israel" (Mathew 15:24)? Is it obvious that Yeshua is gathering in our day the stick/nation of Judah and the stick/nation of Joseph? Is it obvious that He is gathering them from every tribe, tongue, and nation, from the four winds of the earth (see Rev 5:9), where they are scattered?  Isn’t it obvious that the promise to Israel is to make them “a kingdom and priests to our Elohim; and that they will reign upon the earth" (Revelation 5:10)?  Isn’t it obvious that Yeshua has to remain in His “place in the heavens until all that has been spoken" and promised to the House of Judah and Israel "through the prophets of old is fulfilled" before He returns (Acts 3:19-21)? Is it not obvious that YHVH keeps His covenants, promises, and word to His inheritance, His people, that is, those who came forth from the wombs of Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel? (See Genesis 12 – 50.)

 Because of the Fall, Man will continue to speculate, using what he knows by experience and what he doesn’t know for a fact, thus theorizing or conjecturing without firm evidence. This involves guessing or hypothesizing based on limited information, and in the case of Scriptures, an absence of revelation-understanding and knowledge that only the Spirit can impart. Or, conversely, unregenerated Man will be watching from hindsight as YHVH brings His word to pass. Until, in the end, all will know that He is YHVH, the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. “By Myself I swear, uttering My just decree and my unalterable word: To me, every knee shall bend; by me every tongue shall swear, saying, ‘Only in YHVH are just deeds and power.' Before him in shame shall come all who vent their anger against him. In YHVH shall be the vindication and the glory of all the seed of Israel" (Isaiah 45:23-25).

Which Cup?

 We pray that all is well with you, as "times they are a-changin’" (in the words of that old bard – 'Bobby the Dylan' aka Zimmerman) and very rapidly, I might add. We thank you for your prayers and concerns for the whole house of Israel. 

Since the U.S. election, countless Americans, many of them Christians, have come to believe that Elohim has had mercy on that nation. Others are undecided as to whether this is a good thing or not. Then, some are of the opinion that the election results represent the lesser of two evils. Nevertheless, YHVH remains in charge and is sovereign over every nation. 

A few weeks ago, I had an impression from the Spirit which had an unusual origin. I had been talking with a friend about an episode that took place in the United Nations when Yasser Arafat stood (in 1974) before the Assembly and made the following declaration: “I have come to you bearing an olive branch in one hand, and a freedom-fighter’s gun in the other, don’t let the olive branch fall from my hand!”  A few days after this conversation, in the early hours of the morning, I felt that Yeshua was standing, as it were, before America with a golden cup in one hand and a silver cup in the other. They were both full of wine.  The golden cup’s wine was toxic, while the silver cup's (wine) was blood-red (pure). Later that morning I looked into the scriptures and found these two:  "For thus YHVH, the Elohim of Israel, says to me [Jeremiah], 'Take this cup of the wine of wrath from My hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send you, to drink it. And they shall drink and stagger and go mad because of the sword that I will send among them'" (Jeremiah 25:15-16). The other was: “I shall lift up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of YHVH" (Psalm 116:13).  

In his inaugural speech, the newly re-elected American president mentioned that his coming term would be "the golden age of America". For a long time now, the United States has taken up the image of Babylon, displaying characteristics that are not unlike the original one. Even though the USA has also been responsible for many 'good things', these words from Revelation are sadly quite applicable: "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality" (18:3). Right at the close of Trump’s address, I felt like adding “But God…?” And for whatever it's worth, two names came to mind - Nimrod and Nebuchadnezzar. Disclaimer: I’m not asserting that Trump is imaging the above mentioned, but that we need to take to heart that they would not have had the authority to accomplish what they did without YHVH’s sovereign will to do so (see Daniel 2:39ff). The same, of course, applies to the present circumstances.

Yes, YHVH’s "mercies are new every morning", and "great is His faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23). This may be a new morning, OR, it could be a new warning - for the people of the U.S. and Israel, or even the world.  I believe that YHVH is offering these two cups, not only to the United States but also to many other nations.  However, judgments start with His own house. "Don't let the cup of salvation fall from My hand" (to echo Arafat's foreboding statement. Please forgive the analogy.)

The false 'Christian' bishop, who addressed President Trump at the Cathedral in Washington, announced that "her people" feared what Trump might do to the (woke) folk that she represents. Actually, they should be more fearful of a righteous Creator Whose laws govern iniquity and wickedness.  In the past four years, the United States has added to that cup of the wrath of Elohim. If and when it is poured out, His called-out ones must be prepared for the great exodus.  As it was in the first exodus, when the sin of the Amorites had to come to full measure before the Hebrews were released from Egypt (see Genesis 15:16), so too now – the cup of iniquity must overflow before this great event unfolds.  Might we be witnessing the beginning of the judgments mentioned in Revelation being executed? Conversely, will we see a powerful outpouring of the cup of salvation in YHVH's hand? Or will these two cups be served at the same time?

In Search for Identity

 "Ephraim* has mixed himself [assimilated] among the peoples; Ephraim is a cake unturned" (Hosea 7:8 emphasis added).  Or in Joseph's words: "… Elohim has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house" (Genesis 41:51 emphases added).

Forgetfulness has set in, and in the waking up process, Ephraim/Joseph/Israel realizes that there is almost a 2,300-year gap in his autobiography.  Waking up is a blessing, but it can also be painful. Looking back, one finds that there is no background to rely on for one's identity, no common memory that this group of people shares, and no commonplace that binds them together, or customs, culture, language, and so on… this can lead to confusion, to resorting to self-help methods, and even to anger and bitterness. There is no question that when relying on man's wisdom and/or displaying anger, resentment, and the like the point is being missed.

The 'point' is that Ephraim/Israel will not be restored to his national identity and to the land in the same condition he was when he was expelled from his home, and was issued a bill of divorce from his Elohim. Fortunately, embedded in the fathomless Word are treasures that reveal certain traits of this prodigal son which, like those of Judah, may be still present today and may help the 'lost one' to navigate his way back to himself.

An Israeli Bible teacher, who has been an inspiration in the past, Natanel Ellinson, has been writing and teaching extensively about the distinct characteristics of each of Israel's houses, applying findings about Judah even to the present. However, for the "lost" tribes he has less to say in regards to the present. But couldn't such an application be also true regarding the scattered people of  Ephraim (albeit perhaps not so distinctly)?

There is much more to say about Ephraim's ultimate return and the reformed nature he will display as a redeemed and reborn entity. Therefore, this present portrayal refers only to the 'natural' aspect of the sons of Joseph and their affiliates (hence by necessity must be sketchy and general). The traits that characterize Israel's 'northerners' were determined, at least partially, by their geographical allotments. Unlike Judah's territory, theirs were much more expansive plots of land that included vast areas of arable and fertile soil. Agriculture was a central way of life, whereas in Judah rearing goats and sheep, along with a nomadic lifestyle, was more prevalent.  

This large territory bordered several nations and had a long stretch of seashore, as well as the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. By contrast, Judah (with its affiliates, Benjamin, Levi, and many Simeonites) received a much more secluded inheritance, which was also far less conducive for agriculture and was compatible with Judah's tendency to stay insulated. Ephraim's geographical location allowed much more interaction with the outside world and engagement in trade and commerce far afield.  Being composed of at least eight tribes meant great versatility, individuality, and open-mindedness. For example, during the era of the judges (lasting over 3 decades), each tribe produced an individual leader. This was not so under the monarchial system, which required a single dynasty (a fact that was adhered to by Judah but was not carried out in the northern kingdom with its multiple short-lived dynasties).

The substantial assets available to the House of Joseph/Israel had a strong materialistic influence over this people group. Their capital Samaria was far richer and larger compared to Jerusalem. On the other hand, in Judah there was a greater focus on the nearby Temple (in Benjamin's territory) and spiritual matters. Thus, even during the long-lasting exile, Judah maintained its identity, while Ephraim lost his, within one and a half generations.

It is quite evident that some of the above-described features have not been lost among the Jewish people. Perhaps the ones that once characterized Ephraim still exist among its descendants, for better or worse…

Yet, as already mentioned, beyond these natural qualities there is a repentant, redeemed, new-creation being who is destined to return to the land of his forefathers; an entity that has the heart of his Heavenly Father, to be revealed as the "sons of the living Elohim" (ref. Hos. 1;10), for whom all of creation is yearning (ref. Romans 8:19) to display the character of the firstborn (1^st Chron. 5:2), like his Messiah, forming the company of the (literally) saviors who go up to Mount Zion to judge the Mount of Esau, so that YHVH's Kingdom may be established (ref. Obadiah 1:17).

The process of redemption, the preceding birth pangs, and the ultimate birth are marked by the current raging battle between Esau and Jacob in the proverbial womb. Yet Jacob must not only overcome Esau. He must also complete his struggle with the Man, so as to grow to the full measure and stature of Israel-Messiah (ref. Gen. 32:24ff; Eph. 4:15) …

* The name Ephraim is generic to all the lost tribes. 

A Letter to Christian Zionists

 Shalom Fellow Zionist Israelite,

The thought that led to this greeting focused on the Christian Zionists; those who have a heart for the Messiah of Israel, the land of Israel, Jerusalem, and the Jewish people.  Why do I address you as a 'Zionist Israelite'?  Very simply, because that is your new identity in Messiah.  But you might say, "I’m not Jewish". True, you may not be Jewish.  The Jews who are Israelis live in the land of Israel and have an I.D. to prove it.  I know that this does not answer your question as to how you, being a Christian, can be an Israelite.

Paul, the apostle, itemizes in Romans 9 that which belongs to, or is the heritage of an Israelite: “… to whom belongs the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Torah and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Messiah according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen” (Romans 9:4-5).

Can any believer in the Messiah of Israel and who has received the promise of the Holy Spirit claim that list even though a non-Jew? The apostle answers this question for you in the following scripture: “Therefore remember, that formerly  [i.e. in the past] you [the non-Jew in the flesh], who are called Uncircumcision by the so-called Circumcision, which is performed in the flesh by human hands-- remember that you were at that time separate from the Messiah, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without Elohim in the world. But now in Messiah Yeshua you who formerly were far off have been brought near [you were far off but that is no longer the case] by the blood of Messiah” (Ephesians 2:11-13 emphases added).  

How near is it to be "grafted in" or "adopted"?

Now that you belong to the commonwealth of Israel, you are in it.  If that is the case then the Romans 9 list includes you too.  You cannot be adopted or grafted into the rich root of the olive tree – Israel (ref. Romans 11) - and not be part of it, nor can you be apart from it.  The promise of the Holy Spirit was given in the New Covenant to the House of Israel and the House of Judah (see Jeremiah 31:31, Ezekiel 36:22-28).  There is no mention of any other group of people, unless you enter the covenant via the blood of the covenant, as mentioned above. This is judicially true according to the laws governing all the covenants and promises with and to an Israelite. One of those on the list is “the adoption of sons”.  Are you not included in this through the redemption in Messiah Yeshua?

According to Luke 1:31, the House of Jacob is the only nation chosen to be the throne of Messiah as King. Before Yeshua’s return, His governmental authority will already reside in the hearts of those who are "called" and "chosen" (Romans 14:17).  The commonwealth of Israel at this time is to be found wherever two or three are gathered in His (Yeshua's) Name. It is a heart matter as the roads to Zion (which includes the land and its capital Jerusalem) go through the hearts of those who come under His authority via the Holy Spirit. Thus, they are constituted legal subjects in Yeshua's Kingdom, which is in the House of Jacob/Israel.  Yeshua said: "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law [and the prophets], until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:17-18).  The Father raised Yeshua from the dead and set Him at His right hand giving Him the authority to accomplish all that has been written.  Until we see “all things spoken by the prophets of old fulfilled” Yeshua’s physical return from the heavens to the earth will remain on hold (see Acts 3:19-21). "For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it" (Hebrews 2:1).

A true Zionist realizes that the complete redemption of the land that Elohim gave Israel as an inheritance must take place. Yeshua will not be satisfied until we, who are called by His Name, are back living in all the lands promised to our fathers.  Whether you are of the natural branch or are identified as being from the uncultivated/wild branch of the olive tree, the calling and mission are the same.  A true Zionist, whether Jew or non-Jew, cannot escape the "deep calling to deep" when it comes to the fulfillment of Elohim's Word spoken through the Torah and prophets of old.

We just completed the lighting of all eight candles of Chanukah, in remembrance of those who gave their lives for Zion, Jerusalem, the land, and the preservation of the national identity, as mentioned in last week’s article. Let us, too, continue to walk on the path toward the same goal – Zion.

May the Shalom of Messiah rule your heart in 2025!

Ephraim and Rimona

Aspects of Chanukah

 

Chanukah is upon us again, and with it the traditional customs, but more so the recounting of the Maccabees' bravery in overcoming the oppressors of the Jewish nation, the purification of the temple and mainly the altar, the miracle of the crus of oil, and so on. All this is not without challenging questions as to the veracity of the oil miracle, the nature and behavior of the Hasmonean family, and the outcome of the successful uprising, which ultimately failed, etc. Yet should we not be honoring all those who gave their lives for Zion's sake, the land, Jerusalem, and for the preservation of our national identity, not only those from the era of the Greeks but also those who returned from Babylon? This article looks at Chanukah in a new and more positive light.  May we also, Jew or Christian Zionist, take a stand to preserve what the Elohim of Israel has begun in the restoration of the whole house of Israel today.  With the celebration serving as a centerpiece, let us delve into an earlier era, preceding the Chanukah events of the 2nd century B.C. According to the Hebrew calendar (being in and of itself another controversial topic that we must lay aside), Chanukah starts on the 24th of the 9th month (Kislev).  In the 6th century B.C. Haggai, who prophesied during the return from the Babylonian exile and saw the start of the building of the second temple, refers to this date three times in his very short book. The essence of Haggai's message was to scold the people for delaying the construction of YHVH's house.  "Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,' says YHVH" (Haggai 1:8), which is but one example of Haggai's exhortations. "Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of YHVH their Elohim, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as YHVH their Elohim had sent him; and the people feared the presence of YHVH" (Haggai 1:12). Haggai's instructions were heeded. But it seems that the words that YHVH put in His mouth were not only for his contemporaries but also contained future scenarios, such as: "For thus says YHVH of hosts: 'Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land, and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says YHVH of hosts" (Haggai 2:6-7).  Continuing to declare the words of YHVH, Haggai does so specifically on the 24th of the 9th month (again, a date that is mentioned not just once but three times!) Two of these messages are significant but somewhat veiled: "Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the YHVH's temple was laid –" (Haggai 2:18).  And, "And again the word of YHVH came to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, ‘'Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying: 'I will shake heaven and earth. I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms; I will destroy the strength of the Gentile kingdoms. I will overthrow the chariots and those who ride in them; The horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother. 'In that day,' says YHVH of hosts, 'I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says YHVH, 'and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,' says YHVH of hosts" (Haggai 2:20-23).    Even if these prophecies were partially fulfilled during Haggai's lifetime or thereafter, which was a season of restoring Jewish nationalism (sans sovereignty), they cast a more significant vision than for that time. The central place occupied by the people and nation of YHVH, and their influence over "heaven and earth" and "kingdoms" cannot be missed in these utterances. At the same time, and touching upon some of the same issues as Haggai, is the prophet Zechariah. He, of course, was given many more messages in a variety of ways. Among his prophecies, some for his day and some for a later time, he dealt with the immediate state of his people and the emerging restoration of Zionism and nationalism (ref. Zechariah 8). Zechariah highlights what was to become one of the main symbols of Chanukah: the menorah. This he does in his very momentous and familiar depiction of a vision in which he saw a candelabra flanked by two olive trees (ref. Zechariah 4). The backdrop of this vision also serves as its context, i.e., the meaning of these two olive trees. Both the high priest, Joshua, and the Jewish governor, Zerubbabel, who hailed from the house of David, are mentioned as the "sons of fresh oil" or "anointed ones" – sons of yitzhar. This vision is followed, later on, by a promise that the positions of authority that they represent will be united (and as we know, there is only One who can hold both these offices). "Thus says YHVH of hosts, saying: 'Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of YHVH. Yes, He shall build the temple of YHVH. He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on His throne; So He shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both" (Zechariah 6:12-13).   We thus see how the vision expands, as it touches (Chanukah's) 'oil', the 'menorah', and the olive trees that pour their oil into it (the Menorah). All of this symbolizes the dual authority of the Messiah and that of Israel's two houses. The picture broadens and increases from 'mere' nationalism and sovereignty to the Kingdom and its Head (not to mention the emphatic descriptions of the collaboration of Judah and Israel and their joint tasks in Zech. 9:13-10:12). Another aspect of the Chanuka story is the enemy whose defeat is the "reason for the season".  Antiochus Epiphanes and the historical background that brought him to the foreground are meticulously and prophetically described by Daniel in chapter 11 of his book. This particular character and his depiction by Daniel sheds light on what is still to take place upon the rise of an entity that will be in the likeness of Antiochus. Daniel is thus granting knowledge and discernment to those who will need them when YHVH's arch-enemy attempts to take full control of humanity.

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 [EF1]