604Coming Home
Mashyach
…Messiah
13
Teach Me Your Ways
Salvation…
Each of the previous Mizmowr we have reviewed, from the 1st to the 20th, including the 89th, 118th, and 120th, has conveyed the same message, revealing that Father and Son served together to fulfill the Miqra’ey. Aware of the truth, we have strived to boldly proclaim their message.
Up until this point, everything you have read in Coming Home was either composed in late 2019 through the spring of 2020 or is now the product of our comprehensive rewrite in 2023. While we had danced all around this realization many times, it was not until translating Mizmowr 26 through 30 that I came to appreciate Dowd’s motivation for fulfilling Chag Matsah sufficiently to explain why Yahowah allowed His Son to make this sacrifice. Once I became aware of Dowd’s motivations, I had to move the 22nd Mizmowr into the next volume so that its first-person graphic portrayal of the fulfillment of Pesach and Matsah would resonate with readers.
For the past 22 years, I came closer to the truth than anyone over the preceding 3,000 years – but I was still not sufficiently accurate to meet Yahowah’s standards. Therefore, in the chronological order of things, Teach Me Your Ways was composed as the opening chapter of the next volume. It has been brought forward to conclude this one because I want to begin volume 3 of Coming Home on Dowd aggressively pursuing his motivation for providing the ultimate sacrifice.
605While I’m not making excuses, having been raised in a culture steeped in Judeo-Christian values, their pervasive lies can delay and occlude our perceptions of even the most vital realizations. So, the truth in this regard has been slow in coming. And now that we know it, we will be pacing ourselves a bit, because we’d be doing both the 22nd and 23rd Mizmowr an injustice to examine them without first exploring the motivations behind what they reveal. As a result, we are going to jump ahead chronologically so that we are better prepared to properly assess the message conveyed throughout these Mizmowr. So, without further ado, I present the 24th Song of Dowd…
“A Mizmowr | Song (Mizmowr – lyrics accompanied by music to Sing, a psalm, a musical composition focusing on the words comprising the verbal content) of Dowd | the Beloved (la Dowd – to love and be loved with a roaring and boiling passion).
For surely (la), the world (tebel – the planet, Earth, where confused and perverse people live), along with all that comprises it and the multitude who fill it (wa malo’ hy’ – in addition to her abundance and richness), and the Land (ha ‘erets – the territory comprising Yisra’el), inclusive of those who dwell in it (wa yashab ba hy’), Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s proper designation pronounced as instructed by His towrah – guidance on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation as our ‘elowah – God), (Mizmowr / Psalm 24:1) who is above the seas, indeed (ky huw’ ‘al yamym), laid the foundation to initiate and establish it (yasad hy’). And along the rivers, the streams and waterways (wa ‘al nahar), He fashioned and formed it (kuwn hy’ – He made it possible for it to exist and endure (polel imperfect third-person masculine singular)).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 24:2)
Dowd is a smart fellow, and he was working with the Ruwach Qodesh | Set-Apart Spirit, so there is more to this 606than meets the eye. Setting the Land above the sea speaks metaphorically of Yahowah prioritizing Yisra’el above the Gentiles because the yamym | seas distinguish the gowym and their nations from the Land of Yisra’el.
The foundation God laid to initiate this prioritized relationship came by way of the Covenant He established with ‘Abraham, Yitschaq, and Ya’aqob and their descendants. No matter how many lifeforms and majestic wonders fill the world He created for our enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment, nothing matters more than His people.
Even having been placed above the rivers is meaningful because, in this context, they represent the empires built around the Nile, Tigris, and Euphrates Rivers and, thus, Babylon, Assyria, Persia, Egypt and what came later became the Muslim Middle East. Little Israel remains vastly more important to God than the lot of them.
While Yahowah is our Father, our Teacher, and our Savior, it is also important to remember that He is our Creator. The entire universe is His – all 500 billion galaxies spanning 94 billion light-years, and that’s just in the 4 dimensions we understand. We are fortunate that He is interested in us, communicative, generous, consistent, and fair.
“So, who (my – seeking to identify what type of individual) will ascend (‘alah – will be lifted up and rise, going up) through the Mount (ba har – by way of the mountain) of Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s name transliterated as directed by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation)?
And who (wa my – what is the nature and identity of the individual who) will stand (quwm – will be upright, restored and established, even encouraged) in His set-apart and special place (ba maqowm qodesh huw’ – 607within His unique dwelling, in His distinct and unpopular home)?” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 24:3)
With one idea flowing out of the other, after telling us that Yahowah is our Creator and that He prioritizes His relationship with Yisra’el, the lyricist asks a rhetorical question. Who will ascend through the Mount of Yahowah and stand, restored and established in Heaven? And while the answer is more Jews than Gentiles, it is equally important to note that those who ascend will do so as a result of their response to what Yahowah and Dowd accomplished on Mount Mowryah | Moriah. And let’s be clear, when it comes to ascending through the Mount of Yahowah to stand in God’s set-apart place, Dowd led the way.
Therefore, it would behoove us to read and consider how, why, and for whom Yahowah affirmed the Covenant and fulfilled the Miqra’ey in this place. Not only are the Family Relationship and the Invitations to be Called Out and Meet related in this regard, they are mutually dependent and synergistic, and the Messiah exemplifies both.
Inspired prophets ask questions like these on behalf of those listening. Dowd knew the answers. He was, therefore, encouraging us to ponder the implications and make the proper connections, thinking it all through for our benefit.
The profound truth is that we come to know Yahowah, engage in a relationship with Him, and rise up to live with Him by accepting the conditions of the Covenant and Invitations to Meet. On Mowryah, ‘Abraham and his son, Yitschaq, demonstrated their willingness to walk away from popular human religious and political influences and walk to Yahowah, allowing Him to perfect them. Even with their lives they trusted and relied upon God. They listened to Him and understood the conditions of the 608Covenant. This is why they were circumcised and expected to meet with Yahowah on Mowryah.
Exactly 40 Yowbel thereafter to the very day, in this very place, in 33 CE, year 4000 Yah, God delivered the Passover Lamb – just as He had promised. During the Miqra' of Matsah, an important and beloved soul was dispatched to She'owl to redeem and perfect us. Dowd’s soul, accompanied by Yahowah’s Set-Apart Spirit, would return to the Father by way of Mowryah during Bikuwrym | Firstborn Children. In the process, his soul was enriched and empowered. Thereby, the benefits of the relationship became manifest, allowing us to rise up to our Father and live with Him in His Home.
And while this is the message Dowd conveyed, it is one very few understand. And that is the reason the Son of God posed these questions. He is suggesting that the reason so few know the answers is because they fail to appreciate the unique bond between the Land of Yisra’el and God. Further, most fail to make the connection between the Beryth and Miqra’ey and do not recognize that Mowryah is the common denominator.
I often incur mendacious slander for the things I have shared with you at the introduction to Dowd’s 24th Mizmowr | Psalm. To the extent that I find this approach promoted by Yahowah through the likes of Moseh and Dowd enlightening, I’m inspired to share the insights which can be gleaned from contemplating prophetic testimony. That is to say, I am an active listener, a curious soul, and a deep thinker, who likes to share and teach what I’ve learned.
The reasons are many. First, I love Yahowah and want anyone interested and open-minded enough to seek the opportunity to genuinely know Him, free of all religious misconceptions. He is wonderful, approachable, brilliant, uplifting, and generous. This is akin to witnessing a 609beautiful sunrise or brilliant rainbow and wanting to share it. Yahowah’s insights are far more amazing than these.
Second, we want everyone who is curious to capitalize on God's offer by knowing and accepting His terms and conditions, and embracing and responding appropriately to what He expects in return. For this to occur, the beneficiary must know and accept His terms. And like almost everything from Yahowah, the integration of Yisra’el, Mowryah, the Beryth, and Miqra’ey is much more than a simplistic matter of faith. This is by design, because believers are annoying, and eternity is too long a time to spend with dunderheads. Therefore, the more you know, the more likely you will make an informed and rational decision about God.
Third, religion has been so effective at misappropriating Yahowah’s message while misrepresenting His nature and intent, for the truth to be known, there is a lot of trash to be discarded. And so, I’m attempting to serve as your sanitation engineer, better known as a “trashman.” I am committed to scraping away the religious misconceptions so that the truth becomes visible and shines through. And, in this regard, there is a dual benefit because until a person is willing to disavow religion their approach to God is blocked.
Fourth, I am in a battle against an inferior foe who is vastly more popular. Fortunately, Yahowah is not running a popularity contest. Just as Dowd correctly pointed out, His Home is special, set apart, and uniquely uncommon – and therefore, not popular. To please our Father and defeat the Adversary of His people, Yisra’elites and Yahuwdym must be prepared and eager to embrace Yahowah on Mowryah by name for Him to fulfill Kipurym in year 6000 Yah – sunset in Yaruwshalaim, October 2nd, 2033.
Fifth, while I enjoy this work more than anything I’ve ever done, my goal is to be no longer needed. And for that 610highly desired outcome to occur, readers of these books must shed their ignorance and beliefs and then progress from knowing to understanding. This is accomplished in stages. Religious misconceptions must be cleared away first, and then replaced with a working knowledge of what Yahowah revealed through His prophets. And the reader must take the time to ponder the implications of what God said, view it in context, and then make the necessary connections between things – such as Yahowah, Yisra’el, Mowryah, Beryth, Miqra’ey, and rising up to God’s set-apart place. And that is the purpose of presenting additional commentary. Yahowah wants you to appreciate everything Moseh, Dowd, Yasha’yah, and even I have come to know and more.
Sixth, I can’t hide these conclusions. To have learned these things about Yahowah through His prophets, with a myriad of insights unheralded over the past 3,000 years, it would be selfish and decidedly unGodly to keep them to myself.
And seventh, Yahowah announced through His prophets, beginning 3,000 years ago, that I would be doing this on behalf of His people. He explained why He would choose such a person and how He would enable a flawed individual to communicate the truth about Him in a way that could be understood and capitalized upon prior to His Yowm Kipurym return. Knowing this by having read His prophetic announcements, I am committed to helping Him achieve His purpose to the extent He makes this possible.
Earlier I mentioned that there were two things not one which ignite scathing attacks on my character. In addition to sharing insights with readers to help others understand, I closely examine the lives of men such as ‘Abraham, Ya’aqob, Moseh, Shamuw’el, Dowd, Shalomoh, Yasha’yah, ‘ElYah, and others, holding them up as exemplars. And though some are annoyed with my bromance with Dowd, I still share the controversial 611aspects of his life. By doing so, I encourage others to appreciate what Yahowah values most in people, who, flawed as they are, become effective implements when God works through them. It is also apparent that there are many things that don’t bother Yahowah and yet seem to traumatize those stigmatized by cultural mores. For example, God values right over good, knowing over believing, intelligent contributions instead of donations, and someone’s character over their sexual preferences.
So, as we proceed, I’m not going to pull any punches. Recognizing that Dowd’s Mizmowr and Mashal were inspired and thus reliable and right – when Dowd is speaking and acting for himself, he is sometimes wrong. There is a lesson in both.
“Innocent, blameless, hands free of obligations (naqy kaph – exempt hands which are open and clean, hands unbound by compulsions and commitments) and those with (wa) enlightened judgment (bar lebab – clear thinking and brilliant discernment, leading to insightful understanding and proven conclusions, a pure conscience and a radiant nature, a moral mind and heart), for the benefit of the relationship, they do not accept (‘asher lo’ nasa’ – to show the proper way, they do not lift up, respect, tolerate, or promote, do not desire or forgive) that which is false or those who deceive (la ha shawa’ – that which is futile, worthless, or vain, idolatrous or pagan, especially regarding mythological deities and false beliefs, lies or liars) regarding my unique nature (nepesh ‘any – with regard to my persona and soul), and he does not make dishonest promises or deliberately mislead (wa shaba’ la mirmah – he does not swear deceptively or affirm an oath or statement in an attempt to beguile or betray).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 24:4)
To the degree that it is possible in our highly integrated world, we should try to avoid being obligated to others. While everyone’s situation is different, I became useful to 612Yahowah when I retired and had all day and every day available to pursue His agenda.
When it comes to being innocent and exempt, this condition is the byproduct of attending Pesach and Matsah. The Set-Apart Spirit removes any lingering liability we may have had as a result of previously being either religious or political.
Should one’s hands be free, as were mine, unburdened and exempt from distracting or debilitating commitments, and should the calling exist, we can pursue the things of God at a pace and passion in keeping with His expectations. And when our judgment is enlightened and our thinking is clear, we can be especially productive. As an example, Dowd was especially brilliant, discerning, and insightful, which is one of the reasons his Mizmowr are so rewarding.
Nothing is more important to God than the Covenant relationship. And the surest way to enjoy and then convey its benefits is to focus on that which is true, not false, edifying rather than futile, and affirming instead of deceiving.
Our appreciation of Dowd endears us to his Father because of what they meant to one another and achieved together. Therefore, the propensity of the religious to either deny all that Dowd represents or, worse, transfer his titles, roles, and acclaim to another is among the most polarizing and aggravating things we can do in relation to God.
And that is what Dowd is conveying here. It is essential that we appreciate his special relationship with God and with Yisra’el, as a leader, and as an exemplar of the Covenant. Dowd is the anointed Mashyach | Messiah – past and future – eliminating any possibility of a “Jesus Christ.” He is not only the one man of whom God says, “I am his Father and he is My Son,” Dowd is Yahowah’s Firstborn with the most favorable birthright and inheritance. He is our shepherd and Yisra’el’s greatest and 613returning king. Dowd is the most important person who ever lived – even more valuable to us than Moseh. And it is by studying his lyrics and life that we find the characteristics Yahowah values most in a person. We can and should strive to emulate those characteristics.
The Christian religion was founded upon the faulty proposition of misappropriating Dowd’s titles and roles – in complete defiance of this and other Mizmowr. He is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the King of Kings. Even within the Christian mythology, “Jesus” claimed none of these things. Dowd is our Shepherd and, surprisingly, his nepesh | soul occupied the body which served as the Lamb. Dowd has and will return. There are over 1,000 mentions of Dowd in prophetic passages, and not one referring to someone named “Jesus.”
Speaking of those who ascend to Yahowah by way of Mount Mowryah and who stand with God in His Home, those with unencumbered hands and enlightened judgment, and who do not mislead others regarding Dowd…
“He will bring upon himself (nasa’ – He will be honored with and receive) a blessing (barakah – the benefits and gifts associated with being adored and valued) from (min ‘eth) Yahowah (Yahowah – ‘elowah – God’s proper designation pronounced as instructed by His towrah – guidance on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation) by being right about (wa tsadaqah min – for being correct regarding) the God (‘elohym) of his deliverance and salvation (yasha’ huw’ – of his liberation and freedom).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 24:5)
As the Father of the Covenant, Yahowah is ready, able, and desirous, even committed, to blessing His children. Do as He asks, and He will respond as promised. On our part, we lose nothing of value and gain everything imaginable. 614And having already paid the price, His gifts to His children are ready and waiting for us to accept.
There is a disconnect in religious circles regarding the concepts inherent in the Hebrew verb, yasha’, which they limit to “salvation.” Its primary meaning is “to deliver,” which is “to produce and provide” something and “give” it to the recipient. In this case, Yahowah is committed to delivering the benefits and blessings of the Covenant to those who are right about Him.
But there is more to this primary meaning of yasha’ because “deliverance” speaks of protecting someone by removing them from harm’s way, freeing and liberating them. And in the context of being right about Yahowah and His son, Dowd, this means that God is willing and able to protect us from the negative consequences of religion and politics, liberating us from the most caustic of control mechanisms.
In this case, yasha’ | to deliver is very similar in meaning to yatsa’ | to remove and withdraw – which is the operative term behind the Exodus. And so it is from this perspective that the full implications of yasha’ resonate with us because Yahowah is offering to yasha’ | save us from the debilitating and deadly nature of religion. God is, in effect, saving us from ourselves.
Deliverance from religion and politics is essential because, for the devout, their religious beliefs preclude them from being right about God. And in the case of being overtly political, it forestalls a patriot’s ability to trust and rely upon Yahowah instead of their country, its economic and social systems, and its military.
Therefore, in these simple and direct statements, Dowd explained the who, what, where, why, and how of our salvation. Brilliant.
615“This is with regard to (zeh – this discussion is in reference to) the generation of those who are searching for Him (dowr darash huw’ – the people living at a time when they seek Him out of a desire to form a relationship with Him), as Ya’aqob (Ya’aqob – the father of all Yisra’elites who God renamed Yisra’el) responsibly investigates (baqash – seeks to learn and inquires about) Your presence and appearance (paneh ‘atah).
Pause now and consider the implications (selah – think about this and weigh the costs and benefits in a balance).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 24:6)
This is prophetic of our time, speaking of the generation of Yisra’elites who are, at long last, seeking to know Yahowah. In reference to Judaism, a great chasm of time has passed, some 2,500 years since the last Yahuwd earnestly sought to develop a relationship with the God of our yasha’ | deliverance.
Dowd’s prediction at long last is proving true, with Jews beginning to responsibly investigate the testimony Yahowah provided to find Him, to know Him, and to understand Him. They are now proving His existence, validating His promises, and accepting what He is offering. Yahuwdym are coming home to the Covenant in large part based upon what God has done to make the translations and insights provided throughout Yada Yahowah available to them. Over the next 10 years, between now and Yahowah’s return with Dowd on Yowm Kipurym | the Day of Reconciliations in 2033 (year 6000 Yah), hundreds of thoughtful seekers will become thousands.
“You should choose to raise (nasa’ – actually desire lifting up (qal imperative second-person masculine plural)) your heads (ro’sh ‘atah – your stature, priorities, and thinking), assembling at the gates (sha’ar – those who are at the entrance to the city), and you will be lifted up and carried away (wa nasa’ – you can choose to be exalted 616(nifal imperative second-person masculine plural)) at the enduring doorways of everlasting access (petach ‘owlam) during the return (bow’ – to the desired arrival (qal imperfect jussive)) of the empowering manifestation and highly respected presence (ha kabowd – the significant power and persona) of the king, the authorized advisor and leader (melek).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 24:7)
Once again, Dowd is serving as a prophet – albeit in this instance, it is quite the out-of-body experience, with Yahowah inspiring him to speak of his own return. Those who are seeking to approach Yahowah would be wise to appreciate the many reasons our God chose His Son to be our King. Those prepared to greet them and accept them with open arms will be blessed in return. We will all enjoy everlasting access to Yahowah.
Petach | doorway was plural because there are several. We should choose to patach | open our minds, hearts, and souls to Yahowah, accepting Him into our lives. There is the doorway to life, also known as Passover. And there is the door to Yahowah’s Beryth | Home which will be restored on Mowryah, along with the door to Shamaym | Heaven which the insights in this Mizmowr open for us. There is even the door to understanding, helping us appreciate why Yahowah not only prefers to work through humankind but, also, why He chose this man above all others.
The author of this Psalm – Dowd – will return to be our leader and advisor. He has been appointed King of the Earth by his Father. Legitimizing his claim, the Messiah wants us to know that Yahowah is his King.
Dowd would have no reason to ask, “who is Yahowah?” And since gibowr is descriptive of the lyricist, the individual we are encouraged to recognize is our Mashyach and Melek…
617“Who is this honorable and respected King (my zeh melek ha kabowd), Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s name transliterated as directed by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation), capable and confident (‘izuwz – intense, forceful, and powerful), a highly competent man, a valiant defender, and courageous leader (wa gibowr – individual with the capacity to fight and prevail) of Yahowah (Yahowah – ‘elowah – God’s proper designation pronounced as instructed by His towrah – guidance on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation), exceedingly bold, even a heroic warrior, in battle (gibowr milchamah – combative and proficient)?” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 24:8)
It is hard to imagine just how difficult this would have been for Dowd to write. With all he had been through, he would not have wanted to be tasked with the responsibility of living up to such accolades – especially from God. But there is no denying Yahowah inspired His Son to speak of himself. He is Yisra’el’s greatest gibowr – past and future.
It's not just that Dowd has the responsibility of serving as king of eternal Yisra’el and, indeed, the entire world; he is our Messiah and Shepherd, our defender and counselor. It would be an impossible challenge for anyone if not for two things. First, Yahowah will be supporting and empowering him every step of the way. And second, once the dust has settled and we commence camping out with Yahowah during Sukah, all who remain will be children of God. We will all have a copy of Yahowah’s towrah | teaching and guidance written inside of us, making this flock a pleasure to shepherd.
There are many reasons that these truths are important for us to embrace. First, Yahowah seldom, if ever, works alone. He prefers to engage with people because they are the only reason He is doing these things. Second, God values work, and He wants to work with those who share 618His values. Third, Dowd manifests the qualities that Yahowah prefers in men. He was courageous and bold, bright and articulate, active and devoted.
Fourth, by becoming aware of the unique role this man plays in God’s plans, we will not be among those fooled by the conflicting claims surrounding Jesus, Muhammad, or Maimonides. Fifth, since Dowd was far from perfect, by listening to what he says, we can similarly capitalize upon the Towrah’s path to forgiveness and greatness. And sixth, while Dowd holds many titles and plays a wide range of roles, including prophet and teacher, none is more important than Son of God. In this way, he serves as the exemplar of the Covenant.
The repetition serves to reinforce the rationale behind this discussion…
“You should choose to raise (nasa’ – actually desire lifting up (qal imperative second-person masculine plural)) your heads (ro’sh ‘atem – your stature, priorities, and thinking), assembling at the gates (sha’ar – those who are at the entrance to the city), and you will have chosen to be lifted up and carried away (wa nasa’ – you can choose to be exalted (nifal imperative second-person masculine plural)) at the enduring doorways of everlasting access (petach ‘owlam) during the return wa (bow’ – to the desired arrival (qal imperfect jussive)) of the empowering manifestation and highly respected presence (ha kabowd – the significant power and persona) of the king, the authorized advisor and leader (melek).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 24:9)
Yes, indeed, Israel’s king is returning. It will be the most glorious moment in human history. Do not miss it.
“Who is he (my huw’), this king (zeh melek) of such renown and honor whose presence is divine and glorious with authority in great abundance (ha kabowd), Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s name transliterated as 619directed by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation), of the vast array of spiritual implements (tsaba’ – of the host of heavenly messengers)?
He is the king (huw’ melek – he is the leader and counselor) who is respected and valued, a ruler of men of the highest rank (ha kabowd – the manifestation of magnificent power).
Pause now and consider the implications (selah – take the time to reflect and think about this, weighing it in the balance).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 24:10)
There are two ways Dowd could have written this. He could have been direct and said, “I am and will be the renowned and honorable king.” Or he could do as he has done, which is to figure it out using the clues he has provided. And as we pause to reflect on why God’s preference is for us to think, perhaps we’ll come to know Father and Son a little bit better.
This has been a wonderful way to begin the 3rd volume of Coming Home. We have yet another confirmation that Dowd will be there to welcome, protect, and lead his people.
Bringing his message to us without interruption, here is the 24th Mizmowr of Dowd announcing his return…
“A Mizmowr | Song (Mizmowr) of Dowd | the Beloved (la Dowd). For surely (la), Yahowah (Yahowah), the Land (ha ‘erets), along with all that comprises it and the multitude who fill it (wa malo’ hy’), the world (tebel), as well as those who dwell in it (wa yashab ba hy’), (Mizmowr 24:1) He, who is above the seas, indeed (ky huw’ ‘al yamym), laid the foundation to initiate and establish it (yasad hy’). And along the rivers, the streams and waterways (wa ‘al nahar), He fashioned and formed it (kuwn hy’). (Mizmowr 24:2)
620So, who (my) will ascend (‘alah) through the Mount (ba har) of Yahowah (Yahowah)? And who (wa my) will stand (quwm) in His set-apart and special place (ba maqowm qodesh huw’)? (Mizmowr 24:3)
Innocent, blameless hands free of obligations (naqy kaph) and those with (wa) enlightened judgment, clear thinking and brilliant discernment, leading to insightful understanding and proven conclusions (bar lebab), for the benefit of the relationship, they do not accept (‘asher lo’ nasa’) that which is false or those who deceive (la ha shawa’) regarding my unique nature (nepesh ‘any) and he does not make dishonest promises nor deliberately mislead (wa shaba’ la mirmah). (Mizmowr 24:4)
He will bring upon himself, and be honored to receive (nasa’), a blessing, the benefits and gifts associated with being adored and valued (barakah), from (min ‘eth) Yahowah (Yahowah) by being right about (wa tsadaqah min) the God (‘elohym) of his deliverance and salvation (yasha’ huw’). (Mizmowr 24:5)
This is with regard to (zeh) the generation of those who are searching for Him (dowr darash huw’), as Ya’aqob (Ya’aqob) responsibly investigates, seeks to learn and inquires about (baqash), Your presence and appearance (paneh ‘atah). Pause now and consider the implications (selah). (Mizmowr 24:6)
You should choose to raise (nasa’) your heads, your stature, priorities, and thinking (ro’sh ‘atah), assembling at the gates (sha’ar), and you will be lifted up and carried away (wa nasa’) at the enduring doorways of everlasting access (petach ‘owlam) during the return (bow’) of the empowering manifestation and highly respected presence (ha kabowd) of the king, the authorized advisor and leader (melek). (Mizmowr 24:7)
Who is this honorable and respected King (my zeh melek ha kabowd), Yahowah (Yahowah), capable and 621confident (‘izuwz), exceedingly competent man, a valiant defender, and a courageous leader (wa gibowr) of Yahowah (Yahowah), tremendously bold, even heroic in battle, combative and proficient (gibowr milchamah)? (Mizmowr 24:8)
You should choose to raise (nasa’) your heads, your stature, priorities, and thinking (ro’sh ‘atem), assembling at the gates (sha’ar), and you will have chosen to be lifted up and carried away (wa nasa’) at the enduring doorways of everlasting access (petach ‘owlam) during the return wa (bow’) of the empowering manifestation and highly respected presence (ha kabowd) of the king, the authorized advisor and leader (melek). (Mizmowr 24:9)
Who is he (my huw’), this king (zeh melek) of such renown and honor whose presence is divine and glorious with authority in great abundance (ha kabowd), Yahowah (Yahowah), of the vast array of spiritual implements (tsaba’)?
He is the king (huw’ melek) who is respected and valued, a ruler of men of the highest rank (ha kabowd). Pause now and consider the implications (selah).” (Mizmowr / Psalm 24:10)
I am not only looking forward to this day and his return but also to the opportunity to announce his arrival and serve at his side.
With Dowd as our guide, let’s consider his next Mizmowr / Psalm pertaining to the deliverance of his people, Yisra’el. And insightful as the 24th Mizmowr has been, the 25th is one of the King’s most brilliant.
“From Dowd (la Dowd): To You (‘el ‘atah), Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s proper designation 622pronounced as instructed by His towrah – guidance on His hayah – existence), I continually bring (nasa’ – I constantly carry, lifting up (qal imperfect)) my soul (nepesh ‘any – the essence of who I am, my consciousness and persona, my ability to observe and respond).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:1)
This is a simple statement with profoundly important implications. Let’s consider them.
It is obvious, but still worth stating, that Dowd is offering his soul to Yahowah because God can be trusted with it. He will not only provide entry into Shamaym | Heaven, as the Creator of life, He will prolong its existence. He is also on record promising to enrich, empower, enlighten, and emancipate the souls of those adopted into His Covenant Family.
The means to this brilliant outcome have been clearly articulated in the Towrah through the presentations of the Beryth | Covenant and Miqra’ey | Invitations. And considering the wealth of benefits, and how relatively easy they are to achieve, it’s the only proven get-rich-quick scheme combined with the fountain of life.
Since he is intimately familiar with Yahowah and His Towrah | Guidance, Dowd knows that he can trust God to do as He has promised. And in his case, this means more than just an eternity in Shamaym | Heaven because he will soon be returning to serve as our king. This realization then destroys the credibility of Christianity. Paul wrote that, because David was dead and buried, all of the promises God made regarding him must be transferred to his Jesus, making the Christian god nothing but a fabricated and cheap replacement.
There is yet another interesting perspective on this because it also means that Dowd is not only trusting Yahowah with his life, but he is giving it to Him. He is telling God, as I have done, “I am willing and desirous of 623You using me as You see fit.” And while this may come across as selfless, being selfless is impossible with God. No matter how much of ourselves we offer Him, His return on our investment is infinitely greater. And we have no risk. Even our mortal demise is a gain because we go to a better place with our time infinitely refunded.
Further, because there are so few willing to do as Dowd has done, God protects such rare individuals in this world, prolonging their lives to maximize what can be achieved working together. ‘Abraham lived four times longer, Moseh three times, and Dowd twice the lifespan of other men in their era. Yahowah continued to accomplish marvelous things through those who would come to comb grey hair. Moreover, it is a wonderful life, a meaningful existence, and an enriching and enlightening experience. There are no constraints, no obstacles, and no limitations – only opportunities.
Even if life with Yahowah and apart from Him were equally enjoyable and rewarding, since we cannot prolong our lives and God can, it’s impossible to lose in the scenario Dowd is pursuing. And yet, when being together is infinitely superior, it’s a win-win proposition – one he and I find irresistible.
By contrast, there is nothing more valuable or as easily squandered than a human soul. The overwhelming preponderance of them dissipate into nothing, fading away into oblivion. Upon the demise of the body housing them, they cease to exist – which means no eternal punishment or reward.
This is something the religious get entirely wrong. In the two most popular belief systems – Christianity and Islam – all souls go to either Heaven or Hell. It is the Church that determines the outcome in Roman Catholicism and Orthodox denominations while either one’s beliefs, balance of good and bad deeds, or a profession of faith 624governs the result among Protestants. And in Islam, a vow of allegiance to Muhammad and Allah and lots of prostrations are said to help, but the only guarantee is jihad.
While the determining factors differ, the outcome remains either Heaven or Hell for the religious. And that is an irresolvable problem. A god who would devise a system whereby a person’s ignorance of, apathy toward, or rejection of him would automatically result in eternal torture would be hopelessly unjust, undeniably fearsome, wholly unlovable, and overtly sadistic. Eternal torture is an unfathomable fate for which no crime would justify the punishment. And for there to be accountability for the worst of human atrocities, there must be a trial and a judge capable of rendering an appropriate verdict and sentence.
In Yahowah’s plan, the souls of those who do not know Him, who are either oblivious to Him or reject Him, including those worshiping false gods, no gods, or misleading politicians, cease to exist. They will have lived their lives as a gift from God and squandered the opportunity for something better. For them, there is no punishment or reward. Nothing.
For those like Dowd who, through accepting the provisions of the Covenant and Invitations, entrusting their nepesh to Yahowah, they become immortal, perfected, adopted, empowered and enriched Children of God. It is the ultimate reward for a life well lived – of which Moseh and Dowd are the best examples.
But there have been some anti-Mosehs and anti-Dowds along the way – those who have misled and abused God’s people. And while the list is long and contains the name of every pope and rabbi along with most kings, there are some notable forerunners whose portraits hang on this wall of infamy. In order of their deplorability, these include Paul and Muhammad, Akiba and Maimonides, Vespasian and Titus, Nero and Hadrian, Hitler and Stalin. And while 625we can be certain that Yahowah will seek retribution in holding them accountable, the eternal consequence is eternal separation – not everlasting torture.
Therefore, to be fair, there are three potential outcomes for human souls. And our fate is in our own hands. Dowd’s choice is wonderful. Most are simply wasteful. For the rest, their fates are lamentable, and deservedly so.
“My God (‘elohym ‘any), in You (ba ‘atah), I confidently trust and steadfastly rely (batach – I confide, and I am confident). I do not want to be put to shame or humiliated, neither disappointed or delayed (‘al bowsh – I have no regrets regarding my decisions, neither confounded nor disconcerted (qal imperfect cohortative)) so that my enemies (‘oyeb ‘any – those with rancor and hostility toward me) do not have their way and triumph because of me (‘al ‘alats la ‘any – they do not exalt, rejoicing over me).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:2)
This statement contains a lesson the world needs to hear, especially since most people have been indoctrinated into believing that their faith matters. But believing is to knowing as trinkets are to gold – junk. Faith is an impoverished and worthless substitute for knowing.
Dowd knew Yahowah. They were Father and Son. They worked together, taught together, and fought together. And it was these experiences that led to trust and reliance. But why not be like him? Yahowah proves His existence through His prophets and encourages us to learn from Him, serve with Him, and teach His children.
If anything, we are in a privileged position. Yes, I understand that Dowd had to fend off the Philistines just as today’s Israelis must fight off Fakestinian terrorists, but back then, copies of the Towrah were rare, there was very little fulfilled prophecy, and 3,000 years of bad road lay ahead before God would be seen again. Today, everyone 626has access to the Towrah wa Naby’, we are the beneficiaries of countless fulfilled prophecies proving we can trust God, and we have but 10 years remaining before Reconciliations. This is the most exciting time to serve with Yah.
It's true, Dowd had his moments, times when he embarrassed himself, but that is not the point being conveyed. As a prophet, Dowd realized that he would become the fulcrum upon which the world’s most popular and anti-Semitic religion would pivot away from God and his people. His role and titles were stolen by Christians such that the Passover Lamb was renamed “Jesus Christ,” even said to be the “returning king” by way of the fabled “Second coming of Jesus.” Recognizing what is at stake, Dowd pleads with His Father, asking that he not be shamed in this way and that his return not be delayed. He does not want the enemies of his people to gloat over having robbed him of his dignity. And even this isn’t a selfish act because this son realizes that these insults are far more painful for Yahowah to endure, not only because He is protective of His Son, but because the Christian misappropriation nullifies the great sacrifice he made on our behalf.
Next, Dowd makes the point I shared previously…
“Moreover (gam – besides) everyone (kol – all those) who confidently looks forward to You (qawah ‘atah – who expects and anticipates a positive and beneficial outcome from You, awaiting Your return and deliverance while trusting they will be gathered in and collected by You) will have no regrets because they will not be disappointed or disapproved (lo’ bowsh – will not be ashamed or estranged for having been wrong and they will not be delayed or disconcerted (qal imperfect cohortative)).
Let them be humiliated and confused (bowsh – put them to shame) who are deceitful and treacherously betray, especially playing religious dress-up (ha bagad – 627those resorting to trickery and deception, devoid of principals, committing religious adultery, while wearing religious apparel) without cause (reqam – without justification or a valid reason).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:3)
There is nothing we can do more valuable or enduring than encouraging Yisra’elites and Yahuwdym to confidently look forward to Yahowah’s return with His son, our Messiah and king, Dowd. Not only will they be pleased, but we will also have no regrets, knowing that we invested the last three decades of our lives doing something with eternal ramifications – something pleasing to our Father.
And even if there were but a score of us devoted to this cause, we would battle on knowing that God’s people are running out of tomorrows. But knowing how many we are up against, how belligerent and vocal they are, how respected and well-funded, the more voices exclaiming the words Yahowah wants to be shared the better. Let’s sing these lyrics aloud, providing a credible alternative to the confused and deceitful rhetoric of those playing religious dress-up.
Yada’ is the operative term between man and God…
“It is Your desire for me to know and understand (yada’ ‘any – You want me to become aware of and then reveal, become familiar with and then acknowledge (hifil imperative second-person masculine singular)) Your ways (derek ‘atah – the journey along the path which leads to You), Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s name transliterated as directed by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence). You want to teach me (lamad ‘any – You want me to learn and then respond appropriately, accepting the information and then sharing) Your way of life (‘orach ‘atah – Your manner of living).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:4)
628The man whose characteristics God appreciated more than any other, the man who received the most accolades from God, the only man to have been anointed on Yahowah’s instructions while being immersed in the Spirit, the lone individual to be both king and prophet, the acknowledged Son of God, just affirmed the point we have been making since the beginning: Yahowah wants us to know Him.
With yada’ | to know and become familiar with, to understand and acknowledge stated in second person and in the imperative mood, it conveys the volition or will, the desire and intent, of the One being addressed – in this case, Yahowah. And by using the hifil stem, Dowd is revealing that Yahowah is choosing to make it possible for us to know Him, doing what is required such that we act more like Him with regard to yada’ | knowing.
Dowd did not say that Yahowah wants us to fear Him, worship Him, pray to Him, bow before Him, be religious around Him, donate money to Him, or believe Him.
By writing this in the hifil stem and imperative mood, Yahowah not only wanted us to know Him, but He also made it possible. And He did this in a way whereby through the process of yada’ we would become more like Him with respect to knowledge and understanding.
If we are being thoughtful regarding this pronouncement, we should immediately seek to answer the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions pertaining to knowing God. And the profuse supply of answers begins with the realization that the origins of the universe and life necessitate an intelligent Creator with a purpose. The nature of human design, the way we think and communicate, our upright nature and use of our hands, and the way we come together to nurture, protect, and raise our children, point to the Covenant. And the realization that humans are unique among animals in that with a neshamah 629| conscience in addition to a nepesh | consciousness, we can thoughtfully and rationally, even morally, observe and respond to our Maker.
This then directs our attention to the only prophetically inspired text in human history – the Towrah, Naby’, wa Mizmowr. It is uniquely accurate in its appraisal of our genesis and early human civilizations. It is not only filled with declarations of what will be, every one without exception has been accurate. Over the course of 1,000 years, from Moseh to Mal’aky, men like Yasha’yah and Yirma’yah, Howsha’ and Zakaryah, ‘ElYah and Shamuw’el, Chabaquwq and Dowd, were all descendants of Ya’aqob. And all but one – Moseh – lived in Yisra’el. You can search the libraries of the world, but apart from what was written and recorded regarding these men, there are no others who were inspired by God – none who wrote so that we might know Yahowah.
Remarkably and importantly, Yahowah isn’t just interested in us getting to know Him. According to Dowd, God wants to lamad | teach us how to live our lives such that they are fulfilling and rewarding. And in this regard, there are no others that rival Dowd’s life and lyrics. And as we will soon discover, Dowd’s influence on our lives is continuous because of the roles he has and will play in fulfilling the Mow’ed Miqra’ey.
Before we move on, there is another, seldom-considered insight we can glean from the prophet’s inspired pronouncement. He did not write: “You want everyone to know You.” He did not say, “You teach everyone how to live.”
God chose Dowd, just as He had ‘Adam, Noach, ‘Abraham, Moseh, and Yahowsha’ before him. And so, Dowd wrote, “You want me to know and understand Your ways, Yahowah. You want to teach me Your way of living.”
630I suppose that it is possible, but we have no empirical proof, that men and women can independently come to know God. And while most people choose to be religious, the religious are not familiar with or acknowledge Yahowah.
If Yahowah were not the One who conceived life, and if the souls of those who do not know Him were sent to Hell, then this would be a serious problem because it would be grossly unfair. But when our mortal lives are a gift, and when nothing occurs when most die, there is nothing wrong with Yahowah hand-selecting those souls He wants to engage in a relationship. After all, it is an eternal commitment, and we are being invited to live with Him in His Home, so God has every right to choose. In fact, it would be foolish of Him to do otherwise.
This does not mean that our fate is predestined. We can say, “No,” and unless we are essential to His purpose and there are no other qualified candidates, as was the case with Moseh, He’ll move on and introduce Himself to someone else. I do not suppose this happens with any degree of regularity since Yahowah prefers intelligent people.
More on this point, if I am right, and every meaningful example He has shared seems to affirm it, then there is no point in evangelizing, proselytizing, recruiting, or converting anyone, anywhere, at any time. We have not been given the authority to determine who gets saved or the responsibility to save anyone. This is God’s decision, not ours.
This then limits our responsibilities. Our lives are well lived when we spend them getting to know Yahowah while learning from Him. And then we should make what we have learned available such that those Yahowah chooses to become members of His Covenant Family can read and learn from what we have come to know.
631It is the ultimate adventure…
“You want to lead and guide me by setting out and walking with me (darak ‘any – it is Your choice to come out to me and bend down for me, with You directing me in my journey through life, showing me Your way (hifil imperative)) by You being truthful, reliable, and dependable (ba ‘emeth ‘atah – by being honest, in complete conformance to reality, and by You being firm, unwavering, and steadfast in Your instruction; from ‘aman – to support, nourish, and affirm).
It is Your will for me to learn and then teach (lamad ‘any – You want to instruct me so that I can respond appropriately to You, sharing what I’ve learned, making me a disciple (piel imperative)). Truly (ky – because, emphasizing this point), You are the God (‘atah ‘elohym) of my deliverance, freedom, and salvation (yasha’ ‘any – of my liberation, removing me from harm’s way and providing for my welfare and happiness).
With You (‘eth ‘atah – alongside You and in association with You), I look to the future with absolute confidence (qawah – I anticipate, expect, and know that a positive and beneficial outcome awaits (piel perfect)) all of the time (kol yowm – every day).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:5)
The single most important and beneficial decision we can make in life is to trust Yahowah with our souls. In this way, Dowd is the perfect paradigm. Since Yahowah has chosen to exonerate and commend him in spite of some less-than-ideal behavior, we can confidently assume our redemption and reconciliation will be predicated upon the same criteria.
From this moment of decision, life becomes a great voyage of discovery by walking through the pages of His Towrah, Naby’, wa Mizmowr – where we learn what we need to know to live productive lives. And in the process, 632we find that Yahowah is consistent and reliable. And as a result, we are delivered from harm’s way, saved from who we were and what mankind has become.
Yahowah conceived and then enabled a plan to forgive and then forget our errant portrayals of Him. This required Him, as a result of His good and perfect nature, to love us sufficiently to pay the price Himself to exonerate us. Such is the purpose of Passover and UnYeasted Bread, the Mow’ed Miqra’ey of Pesach and Matsah.
“Yahowah (YaHoWaH – an accurate presentation of the name of ‘elowah – God as guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence), remember and invoke (zakar – recall and memorialize) Your mercy (racham – Your compassion and favor) and Your steadfast love and unfailing kindness (chesed – Your affectionate devotion to the relationship). For indeed (ky), they (hem) are from (min) time immemorial (‘owlam – before time began). (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:6)
The errors (chata’ah – the mistakes, offenses, and wrongdoings where I missed the way) of my youth (na’uwrym – childhood) and rebellion (pesha’ – defiance and transgressions) do not remember (lo’ zakar – recall or memorialize) as (ka) Your love for me is remembered (chesed zakar la ‘atah – your unchanging and steadfast devotion for me is recalled) on account of (ma’an) Your goodness (towb – Your perfect nature), Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s name transliterated as guided by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:7)
Yahowah’s nature and plan have been loving since the beginning, long before we were created. And He has not changed – only grown as His love is reciprocated.
Dowd’s follow-up statement is so counterintuitive and yet essential to God’s plan and our deliverance. Yahowah must have a mechanism in place to forgive by forgetting – 633something we wouldn’t normally attribute to God. But that is how our salvation is manifested. As a result of Matsah | UnYeasted Bread, our prior propensity to be religious or conspiratorial, political or patriotic, is expunged from our souls. This is accomplished by the Ruwach Qodesh | Set-Apart Spirit. Once she envelops us in Her light, as she did with Dowd, the darkness disappears – replaced by God’s beautiful and perfect illumination. Light doesn’t cover over the darkness; it eliminates it.
And this is one of the reasons that Dowd wrote “the sins of my youth and rebellion do not remember.” Once he was anointed with the Ruwach | Spirit, there was nothing to see but perfection from that moment forward. This means that Yahowah was able to enjoy the best His Son had to offer without being troubled by his mistakes in judgment. He could inspire him without overwhelming him, while still allowing his best to shine through.
Although be aware, Yahowah can and will dial up the level of His illumination as we mature from adolescence into fully functional and contributing members of His Family. Upon Dowd’s return, for example, our Messiah and King will be as brilliant as the sun and appear as God. And while he will be the brightest among us, he will not be totally unique in this regard because as we transcend dimensions, we will grow in luminosity. And ultimately, it will be God’s goodness that we will benefit from and project.
The religious are wont for their god to be omniscient, unaware that if he were all knowing it would doom them to retaining the stain and stigma of their errant ways. When it comes to God, it is essential that He is capable and willing to be selectively forgetful.
Selective amnesia is as important as remembering what He has instructed and promised…
634“Yahowah (YaHoWaH), the Most High (‘al), is good (towb – moral, perfect, beautiful, pleasing, joyful, cheerful, happy, favorable, beneficial, generous) and always right (yashar – completely correct, consistently straightforward, and upright), therefore (ken) He is the Source of teaching and instruction, and He guides and directs (yarah – He provides the information required to know and to understand) those who have gone astray (chata’ – to those who have violated the standard and are guilty, those who would otherwise be condemned) along the Way (ba ha derek – in the way, with the way, and by the way).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:8)
In the Garden, there was a Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Bad. The best which can be derived from that tree is to know Yahowah – who is eternally and consistently good.
And while that’s important and beneficial, the fact that God is always yashar | right is vital. This means we can trust His answers and rely on His promises. He will always do what is right for us.
Yarah serves as the verbal root and, thus, actionable aspect of towrah. It is, therefore, a “source of teaching and guidance, or instructions and directions.” And while these provide the essence of good teaching, they also direct our steps along the way.
The phrase, ba ha derek, is an essential component of this instruction. It literally means “in the way,” “with the way,” and “by the way.” So Yahowah “directs those in the way,” “guides sinners with the way,” and “teaches sinners by the way.” And “ha derek – the way” is the straight, narrow, and solitary path designated by God through the seven steps known as the Mow’ed Miqra’ey | the Eternal Witness to the Invitations to be Called Out and Meet.
“He enables the way of (darak / derek – He provides the path for) the unpretentious and sincere (‘anaw – the 635straightforward and humble; from ‘anah – those who respond, answer the call, and actively engage) with this means to achieve justice and resolve disputes by making informed and rational decisions (ba ha mishpat – by exercising good judgment).
He provides the information to teach (lamad – He responds to and instructs) those who respond to His call and actively engage (‘anaw – those who are unpretentious and sincere) His Way (derek).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:9)
Yahowah has articulated the plan and done the work, providing us with the means to understand what He is offering and expects in return. Therefore, so long as we are correctly informed, our attitude is unpretentious and sincere, and we are straightforward in our approach, we will be invited and welcomed into Yahowah’s Home and Covenant Family.
Mishpat is one of the many terms misrepresented in Judaism. It is comprised of my | ponder the implications of shaphat | judging and deciding, exercising good judgment regarding the means to resolve disputes by making informed and rational decisions. It was misappropriated to represent the “laws” which comprise the mitzvot upon which Judaism is based. Mitzvot is a twisted perversion of the plural of mitswah – which represent the instructions pertaining to the terms and conditions of the Covenant.
But in Judaism, the rabbis dispensed with exercising good judgment and making informed and rational decisions because it is bad for business. Instead, rabbinical tradition states that there are 613 mitzvot | ‘commandments.’ This number does not appear in the Towrah, and it was not even postulated until the 3rd century CE when Rabbi Simlai claimed in a sermon, perhaps to make the point that a person should observe the Torah with his whole body: “613 commandments were communicated 636to Moses, 365 negative commands, corresponding to the number of solar days [in a year], and 248 positive commands, corresponding to the number of the members [bones covered with flesh] of a man’s body.” He was wrong in that there are no “commandments,” there is nothing “negative,” and the number of bones in an adult body is 206. Nonetheless, rabbis continued to parrot rabbis until the lie was considered an irrefutable fact and an obligatory ordinance.
In the midst of a discussion of how teaching leads to knowing, and how knowing leads to confidently trusting the realization that our previous missteps are forgotten, it is sensible to base mishpat’s definition on its component parts – my | to consider shaphat | exercising good judgment. Rendering mishpat as “law” in this context would be ill-informed and in conflict with Dowd’s message.
The case on behalf of the etymologically based translation is further supported by the conclusion of the prophet’s statement in which he explains that we can make mishpat | an informed and rational decision because Yahowah lamad | provides the information to teach us how to ‘anaw | respond to His invitation to engage.
Dowd saw Yahowah very differently than the religious…
“All (kol) the mannerisms and conduct (‘orah – the ways life is conceived, conveyed, preserved, expressed, related, and enjoyed) of Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s name transliterated as guided by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence) are merciful and beyond reproach (chesed – demonstrate goodness, faithfulness, and loving kindness), and they are trustworthy and reliable (‘emeth – true, sure, enduring, certain, and dependable) for (la) those who are protected and preserved by observing (natsar – for those who are saved and maintained by closely examining and carefully 637considering) His Family-Oriented Covenant Relationship (beryth huw’ – His nurturing relational agreement, binding promise, solemn oath, and mutual alliance) and His enduring Witness (wa ‘edah huw’ – His restoring testimony).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:10)
There is a consensus among many that the “God of the ‘Old Testament’” is mean and wrathful – which means that they disagree with God’s Son and our Messiah, Dowd. So, to remedy their perceived grievance, the authors of the Christian New Testament conceived a new god more to the liking of Romans and Greeks. Their replacement god, known as Jesus Christ, is said to have loved the world and wanted to save everyone, making him very popular.
In the replacement god’s religion, knowing would be replaced by believing, and mercy would be known as grace, named after the pagan goddesses. It would be dispensed based on one’s faith.
There is no attempt to explain how the new god could be the same as the old god when the gods, who they referred to as a Trinity, had nothing in common. And how is it that this monumental shift in plans could be implemented without the old god losing his credibility and ceasing to be reliable after his original plan had to be scrapped? As for why nothing of this change was conveyed by the prophets, the Christian authors, beginning with Paul, used a handy workaround. It began with denouncing Dowd – robbing him of everything Yahowah said about him. They did so to resolve the problem that God said nothing of Jesus Christ.
But that was not the end of the Christian problems. After nullifying the Towrah, discounting the prophets, and robbing God’s Son and our Messiah, they had to create a new covenant because the old one was predicated upon all of the things they were rejecting. But if God wanted to introduce a new and different covenant for entirely 638different people, why did He, Moseh, and Dowd speak of this one? And why is there no prophecy predicting that God would change His mind, His approach, His conditions, and His people?
And while those are irresolvable problems for Christianity, Judaism has its own issues because this Beryth | Covenant is Yahowah’s, not Judaism’s. And the ‘Edah | Enduring Witness which matters comes from Yahowah’s Towrah, not the Talmud of men.
Previously, I affirmed that Dowd’s relationship with Yahowah was exemplary and uncommonly superior. And now, we all know why this is so. Dowd understood and then confirmed the things that Yahowah values – our knowledge of His name, His loving and reliable nature, His means to forget and forgive, His teaching, and now His Covenant and Witness.
And the lesson here is simple – come to appreciate what God values and He will treasure your soul. And if you want Yahowah to call you by name, acknowledge His…
“As a result (la ma’an – the intent and purpose of and for the sake of; from ‘anah – speaking of those who answer and respond to the witness) of Your name (shem ‘atah – your reputation and renown), Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as directed in His ToWRaH – teaching regarding His HaYaH – existence and our ShaLoWM – restoration), You have chosen to genuinely and completely forgive, releasing by way of a pardon (wa salah – You have already decided to actually pay a ransom to pardon, removing all associated guilt (qal wa perfect suffix conjugation)) my wrongdoing and resulting liability (la ‘awon ‘any – my guilt for having not been in accord with the standard, my personal propensity to twist and distort), because indeed (ky), it and He (huw’) are great (rab).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:11)
639Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have a number of irresolvable credibility problems, and among the worst is their dismissal of Yahowah’s name. Without it, there is no salvation. And without it, there is no credibility because their religions are predicated upon the testimony conveyed in the Towrah, Prophets, and Psalms, and that witness is inseparable from Yahowah. And yet, should they acknowledge Yahowah’s name, there is no room for a HaShem, Adonai, G-d, Jesus, or Allah.
La ma’an reveals that the “purpose” of Yahowah’s name is to ransom us from our errant ways. Indeed the “result” of Yahowah’s name is forgiveness. Based upon mah | to ponder the implications of ‘anah | to reply, ma’an tells us that those who “contemplate answering and responding to the witness” of Yahowah’s name will be pardoned and, thus, saved from our sin.
Salah, translated as “You have chosen to genuinely and completely forgive, releasing by way of a pardon,” was scribed in the qal stem, affirming that the pardon will be actual, genuine, and real. The perfect conjugation tells us that God’s forgiveness is seen as whole and complete, requiring nothing more of us. Then, in the waqatal (wa + perfect), volition is conveyed, telling us that it is both Yahowah’s choice and desire to save us.
Removing our Heavenly Father’s passion from His Word by inadequately translating the desires and interactions expressed by these intrinsic forms of Hebrew grammar is one of many ways religious publishers make the God of the “Old Testament” appear dictatorial and overbearing. They render His desires as commands, although the text dictates otherwise.
Also relevant is that, while Yahowah and His name are “rab – great,” the purpose of the Covenant is to share His greatness with us. This is affirmed by the following Towrah statement: “After these conversations, the Word 640of Yahowah, He came to exist with ‘Abram in the form of a personal, visual, and illuminating manifestation which could be seen and experienced to say: ‘Do not be awed, frightened, or intimidated ‘Abram. I am a defender and shield, a protective covering for you, your exceedingly great (rabah) reward.’” (Bare’syth / In the Beginning / Genesis 15:1)
While it is rewarding to know Him, it is even more so to be blessed by Him as a result of our response to Him…
“Hence (zeh), whatever (my) individual (‘ysh) respects and reveres (yare’) Yahowah (Yahowah – written as directed by His towrah – teaching), He will teach him (yarah – He will become the Source of their guidance and will direct him) in the way (ba derek) he should choose (bachar – desire, select, and prefer (qal imperfect indicating that our desire must be genuine and that our choice must be based upon reality because the implications will unfold and be ongoing throughout time)).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:12)
There is but one name upon which a person may rely to receive completely trustworthy instruction on the Way. And while knowing it is important, it is by choosing it that we prosper.
“His soul (nepesh huw’ – his consciousness) in (ba) the most favorable, pleasing, and festive circumstances (towb – goodness, beauty, prosperity, and enjoyment) will dwell and endure (lyn – will rest and remain, abiding in safety), and his descendants (zera’ huw’ – seed and offspring) will inherit (yarash) the land (‘erets – the realm and world). Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:13)
A very close and intimate fellowship and reliance with (sowd – confiding and confident counsel in) Yahowah (YaHoWaH – an accurate presentation of the name of ‘elowah – God as guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence) is 641approaching and near (la – surely awaits) those who respect and revere Him (yare’ huw’).
And His Family-Oriented Covenant Relationship (wa beryth huw’) is made known to them (yada’ hem – is revealed to them (hifil infinitive)).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:14)
The reason God created the universe, conceiving life therein, was to grow by way of forming close and personal relationships with humankind. Those who avail themselves of this opportunity will find their souls residing in the most favorable and festive of circumstances. In this case, the ‘erets | land represents two related concepts. Upon Yahowah’s return, He will restore the Earth to the conditions experienced in the Garden of ‘Eden so that His children can reside with Him in the Promised Land. And also, Yisra’el serves as a metaphor for living and remaining in God’s company.
Yada’, written in the hifil stem, reveals that the subject of the verb, which is the Beryth | Covenant, causes the object of the verb, those engaging in a close personal relationship with Yah, to participate in the action of the verb, growing in knowledge, familiarity, and understanding. This means that being part of the Covenant facilitates our awareness and appreciation of God. Said more directly: the Covenant causes us to yada’ | know Yahowah and to be known by God. Further, since yada’ was scribed in the infinitive construct, the verbal noun reinforces the reality that we become vividly known to God without limitation.
Dowd is continuing to live by example…
“My eyes (‘ayn ‘any – my observations and perceptions, my focus, gaze, perspective, and attention) will continually be (tamyd – will constantly remain without interruption) upon (‘el) Yahowah (Yahowah), because (ky), He (huw’), Himself, will come to withdraw 642and remove (yatsa’ – He will descend, extend Himself, come forth, and serve) my feet (regel ‘any) away from the snare (min resheth – out of the trap and restraints, speaking of yarash – the human propensity to oppress, possess, destroy, and impoverish). (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:15)
You have chosen to continually turn to me, Your presence approaching me (panah ‘el ‘any – changing me to come before Him), to have mercy on me (‘el chanan – to show me favor and compassion) as a unique child (ky yachyd), and I am (wa ‘any) humbled and responsive (‘any).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics / Psalm 25:16)
What is your priority? Dowd’s was Yahowah. And the reason his eyes were continually trained upon his Father was because seeing is our primary portal to knowledge and redemption.
Dowd used his eyes to read Yahowah’s testimony and, thereby, seeing God as He actually exists. This is the antithesis of imagining a god in the likeness of man. Therefore, the Messiah was not the least bit worried about an actual snare in the sense of a trap set to capture an animal. The confining restraint that he asked Yahowah to keep away from him was the controlling and limiting influence of human religious and political schemes.
In the 25th Psalm, Dowd does not tell us everything we can learn and know, but he does reveal everything we need to understand to engage in the Covenant relationship with Yah and to be delivered out of harm’s way. He provides the proper perspective on the Towrah – Yah’s Teaching. He frames the issues which really matter.
For example, Dowd realizes that he is a yachyd | a unique and special child in his Father’s eyes. And so, while most view David as the boy with the sling who would become king, Yahowah perceives Dowd as His beloved Son. And it is from this realization that we not only 643understand the purpose of the Covenant but, also, appreciate why it is Dowd’s birthright to be sovereign of the Earth.
When we perceive Dowd as our Shepherd, Messiah, Savior, and King, and as God’s Son, we can better understand what awaits us as we grow in the Covenant. Just as Dowd is returning as if he were God, as brilliant as the sun, we, as Yahowah’s children, will come to resemble Dowd.
Well, sort of. We have it better than Dowd because he will remain burdened by the responsibilities of nurturing us as our Shepherd, protecting us as our Messiah, and leading us as our King while we enjoy the benefits his guidance and leadership bring to enrich our lives. With responsibilities this great come burdens of equal magnitude, which is why we should all be delighted with this outcome.
It is apparent that Yahowah provides embarrassing insights into the lives of people like ‘Adam, Chawah, Noach, ‘Abraham, Sarah, Lowt, Ya’aqob, Moseh, ‘Aharown, the Yisra’elites, Shamuw’el, Dowd, Shalomoh, Howsha’, and Yasha’yah for a reason. He not only wants us to know that He can work effectively through flawed individuals but, also, He can perfect the imperfect. But even more than this, God wants to keep His narrative real and show what happens when we make good decisions as well as the consequence of bad ones.
From such scrutiny, Dowd was not immune. And by studying what went right and wrong throughout his life, we find a common denominator. The more Dowd used his intellect, the more often he was right. But when he let his emotions override his judgment, things went south in a hurry.
Thomas Jefferson, another soaring intellect, framed this issue for us in his Dialogue between the Head and 644Heart. In pining for Maria Cosway in 1786, he chided himself over his emotions, saying that they made him among “the most wretched of all earthly beings. Overwhelmed with grief, every fiber of my frame distended beyond its natural powers to bear, I would willingly meet whatever catastrophe should leave me no more to feel or to fear.” Twenty-eight centuries earlier, Dowd would write…
“The anguishing trouble, vexing anxiety, and confining adversity (tsarah – the distress and apprehension, the dire straits and enmity; from tsarar – to be bound up and diminished, besieged and discounted) of my heart (lebab ‘any – of my emotions and inclinations) are growing, becoming more expansive and expressive (rachab – are broader and multiplying at the moment (hifil perfect – they are contributing to a temporary expansion of the grief)).
From (min) my hardships and troubles (matsuwqah ‘any – my affliction, suffering, and distress), You want to bring me out, withdrawing me and taking me away (yatsa’ ‘any).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 25:17)
Dowd was a very emotional fellow, something which no doubt drove his passion for Yahowah and his people, his intimate relationships, and his exemplary lyrics. However, his heart, unguided by evidence and reason, often betrayed him, leading to disastrous consequences. Some storms were so intense, tens of thousands lost their lives due to his poor decisions.
And so, in writing this confession, Dowd is not only admitting that his emotions are adversarial and confining and, therefore, counterproductive, he is affirming that Yahowah’s preference is to diminish their influence over our lives. In the debate between head and heart, we find that Dowd’s life was negatively affected by his emotions, and God’s intent was to help him diminish their impact 645through greater understanding. That makes this a referendum of reason over faith.
Dowd is an open book to us because he was open to God…
“Witness (ra’ah – You should choose of Your own volition to see (qal imperative)) my response to my hardships, troubles, and suffering (‘ony ‘any – how I answer the ways I am afflicted and impoverished; from ‘anah – to reply and to be put down) and my unpleasant, difficult, and distressing experiences related to my work (wa ‘amal ‘any – and to my labor and travail which is wearisome) and then (wa) choose to lift up and carry away (nasa’ – Your will is to bear and forgive (qal imperative)) all of the ways I have gone astray or have misled (la kol chata’ach ‘any).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 25:18)
While Dowd had his fair share of detractors during his initial life, none was more vicious or demonic than his fellow countryman, King Sha’uwl. And yet, with Yahowah as his partner, the Messiah won every battle, and his life was never threatened. Dowd brought most of his suffering upon himself as the result of emotionally charged choices. And no doubt, the job of overseeing Yisra’el’s wayward children is aggravating, as both Yahowah and Moseh can attest.
Beyond these things, there is a subtlety here that I don’t want you to miss. Dowd was not asking Yahowah to remove his afflictions or eliminate the unpleasant aspects of his work. Therefore, following this advice, we should not approach God and abuse our relationship with Him by turning Him into a Make-A-Wish Genie. His Towrah | Guidance is given to help us overcome obstacles, persevere during hardships, and prevail when confronted with challenges. In this way, we can effectively deal with life’s challenges. And when we prevail, it will distinguish us 646from the overtly political or religious, making our witness on behalf of Yahowah and His Covenant all the more credible and realistic.
Instead of asking for a personal favor, Dowd asked Yahowah to eliminate anything he may have said or done which might mislead and cause someone to go astray. Following this advice, I am now rewriting each of the 35 books I composed, correcting any potentially misleading commentary. Being right is essential for all of us, but it becomes an unrelenting responsibility when we are called out as a Witness. We are, therefore, committed to correcting the record.
In striving to understand, let’s also keep in mind that Dowd represents far more than himself because his triumphs and tragedies serve as a metaphor for Yisra’el. And this suggests that these hardships and troubles are those of his people. So, to the extent that their propensity to go astray contributed to their suffering, Dowd asked his Father to minimize this profoundly negative influence on Yisra’el’s existence. What would be good for him would be good for the nation, just as we can and should use this man’s life to guide our own.
I may be slow at times because, as a student of the Towrah and Prophets, I worked on these translations for 15 years before I perceived that Dowd is acknowledging something Yahowah saw long before it occurred. While I knew that the world’s most popular religion was predicated upon Replacement Theology, claiming that every promise made to Yisra’el had been magically transferred to a Gentile Church, what I missed is that the mythos of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Messiah was achieved by stealing these things from Dowd. It was Peter’s and Paul’s ploy, one Peter conveyed in his first public address and then Paul presented in his letter to the Galatians. They would create Jesus by robbing David.
647“Look at (ra’ah – You should choose of Your own volition to see (qal imperative)) my foes, and how many are in open opposition to me (‘oyeb ‘any ky rabab), and what they have done which is fiercely destructive by maliciously robbing (sina’ah chamas) and shunning me by refusing to accept me (sane’ ‘any).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 25:19)
There are numerous grave and unforgivable crimes in the annals of human history, but mugging God’s Son and robbing him of his due to contrive credibility for the Christian god is among the worst. Dowd’s job, both past and future, is tough enough without depriving him of his accolades, authority, and achievements.
Like Dowd, I’ve done some daring things in my life. Among them, having written so effectively against Islam, Christianity, Judaism, as well as liberal ideology, I’ve endured thousands of death threats and slanderous ad hominem attacks. All the while, I relied upon Yahowah’s promise to watch over and protect my soul. Not only would I have lost the ability to expose and condemn these malignancies if I had been killed but, also, those who God opposes would have claimed victory over the truth.
“Closely examine, carefully consider, and watch over (shamar) my soul (nepesh ‘any) and deliver me (wa natsal ‘any – rescue and defend me, saving me).
Do not allow me to be disgraced or humiliated (‘al bowsh – do not allow me to be delayed or diminished) because (ky) I seek refuge and protection in You (chasah ba ‘atah).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 25:20)
I had an advantage thanks to Dowd. I was able to take comfort in the promises presented in the 91st Mizmowr | Psalm because he wrote it for those of us in a similar position. It is the reason that we are together, you and I, pursuing what can be gleaned from the life and lyrics of this remarkable man. On the Taruw’ah of our initial 648meeting, when I questioned God on how He intended to protect me if I did as He requested, He told me to reach into my pocket, where I found the 91st Psalm.
“Integrity and strength (tam – being perceived as innocent and perfect), being honest, straightforward, and upright (wa yosher – being right), will preserve and protect me (natsar ‘any – will guard me, keeping me safe).
Absolutely and without equivocation (ky), I am looking forward to You and awaiting the beneficial outcome You will provide with complete confidence (qawah ‘atah).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 25:21)
When his head ruled his heart, Dowd’s integrity and strength were unassailable. It is these qualities which ensure that our Father will protect our lives and preserve our souls. For this and other reasons, within his Mizmowr and Mashal, Dowd’s insights are all straightforward and honest – especially in their application to our lives.
Affirming that Dowd represents more than just himself, we read…
“God (‘elohym), it is Your desire to redeem (padah – You have chosen to ransom and release from bondage and captivity, providing redemption and salvation, release and freedom) Yisra’el | Individuals who Engage and Endure with God (‘eth Yisra’el) from all of (min kol) his troubles and unfavorable circumstances (tsarah huw’ – his confinement and oppression, from being anguished and diminished).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Sing / Psalm 25:22)
And He will, just as soon as Yisra’elites get out of their own way and let God do as He desires – which is to reconcile His relationship with His people. Further, there is a causal link between this troubling time and Yahowah’s redemption. They will occur in quick succession as the Time of Ya’aqob’s Troubles leads to the Day of Reconciliations.
649Of all the lyrics composed by Yahowah’s beloved Son, none sing any more brilliantly than those he shared in the 25th Mizmowr. Here are his thoughts again for our edification…
“From Dowd (la Dowd): To You (‘el ‘atah), Yahowah (Yahowah), I continually bring (nasa’) my soul – the essence of who I am, my consciousness and persona, my ability to observe and respond (nepesh ‘any). (Mizmowr 25:1)
My God (‘elohym ‘any), in You (ba ‘atah) I boldly trust and steadfastly rely, just as I confide while exuding my confidence (batach). I do not want to be put to shame or be humiliated, neither be disappointed nor delayed, because I want no regrets regarding my decisions (‘al bowsh). My enemies (‘oyeb ‘any) will not have their way and triumph because of me (‘al ‘alats la ‘any). (Mizmowr 25:2)
Moreover (gam), everyone (kol) who confidently looks forward to You, who anticipates a beneficial outcome from You, awaiting Your return and deliverance while trusting You, they will be gathered in and collected by You (qawah ‘atah). They will have no regrets because they will not be disappointed or disapproved (lo’ bowsh).
Let them be humiliated and confused (bowsh) who are deceitful and treacherously betray, especially playing religious dress-up (ha bagad) without cause (reqam). (Mizmowr 25:3)
It is Your desire for me to know and understand (yada’ ‘any) Your ways (derek ‘atah), Yahowah (Yahowah). You want to teach me (lamad ‘any) Your way of life (‘orach ‘atah). (Mizmowr 25:4)
You want to lead and guide me, setting out and walking with me (darak ‘any) by being truthful, reliable, 650and dependable (ba ‘emeth ‘atah). It is Your will for me to learn and then teach (lamad ‘any). Truly (ky), You are the God (‘atah ‘elohym) of my deliverance, freedom, and salvation (yasha’ ‘any). With You (‘eth ‘atah), I look to the future with absolute confidence (qawah) all of the time (kol yowm). (Mizmowr 25:5)
Yahowah (YaHoWaH), remember to invoke (zakar) Your mercy (racham), Your steadfast love, and unfailing kindness (chesed). For indeed (ky), they (hem) are from (min) time immemorial (‘owlam). (Mizmowr 25:6)
The errors (chata’ah) of my youth (na’uwrym) and rebellion (pesha’) do not remember (lo’ zakar), but instead (ka), remember Your love for me (chesed zakar la ‘atah) on account of (ma’an) Your goodness (towb), Yahowah (Yahowah). (Mizmowr 25:7)
Yahowah (YaHoWaH), the Most High (‘al), is good; He is moral, perfect, pleasing, beneficial, generous (towb) and always right (yashar). Therefore (ken), He is the Source of teaching and instruction as He guides and directs (yarah) those who had gone astray (chata’) along the Way (ba ha derek). (Mizmowr 25:8)
He enables the way of (darak / derek) the unpretentious and sincere, especially the responsive (‘anaw), with the means to achieve justice and resolve disputes by making informed and rational decisions (ba ha mishpat). He provides the information to teach (lamad) those who respond to His call and actively engage (‘anaw) in His Way (derek). (Mizmowr 25:9)
All (kol) the mannerisms and conduct (‘orah) of Yahowah (Yahowah) are merciful and beyond reproach (chesed). They are trustworthy and reliable (‘emeth) for (la) those who are preserved and protected by observing (natsar) His Family-Oriented Covenant 651Relationship (beryth huw’) through His enduring and restoring Witness (wa ‘edah huw’). (Mizmowr 25:10)
As a result (la ma’an) of Your name (shem ‘atah), Yahowah (Yahowah), You have chosen to genuinely and completely forgive, releasing by way of a pardon (wa salah), my wrongdoing and resulting liability (la ‘awon ‘any), although (ky), it (huw’) was great (rab). (Mizmowr 25:11)
Hence (zeh), whatever (my) individual (‘ysh) respects and reveres (yare’) Yahowah (Yahowah), He will teach him (yarah) in the way (ba derek) he should choose (bachar). (Mizmowr 25:12)
His soul (nepesh huw’) will dwell and endure (lyn) in (ba) the most favorable, pleasing, and festive circumstances (towb). And his descendants (zera’ huw’) will inherit (yarash) the land (‘erets). (Mizmowr 25:13)
A very close and intimate fellowship with (sowd) Yahowah (YaHoWaH) is approaching and awaits (la) those who respect and revere Him (yare’ huw’). His Family-Oriented Covenant Relationship (wa beryth huw’) is made known to them (yada’ hem). (Mizmowr 25:14)
My eyes (‘ayn ‘any) will continually be (tamyd) upon (‘el) Yahowah (Yahowah) because (ky), He (huw’), Himself, will come to withdraw (yatsa’) my feet (regel ‘any) from the snare (min resheth). (Mizmowr 25:15)
You have chosen to continually turn to me, your presence approaching me (panah ‘el ‘any), to have mercy on me (‘el chanan) as a unique child (ky yachyd). And I am (wa ‘any) humbled and responsive (‘any). (Mizmowr 25:16)
The anguishing trouble, vexing anxiety, and confining adversity (tsarah) of my heart (lebab ‘any) are growing, becoming more expansive and expressive 652(rachab). From (min) my hardships and troubles (matsuwqah ‘any), You want to withdraw me, taking me away (yatsa’ ‘any). (Mizmowr 25:17)
Witness (ra’ah) my response to my hardships, troubles and suffering (‘ony ‘any), to the difficult and distressing experiences associated with my work (wa ‘amal ‘any), and then (wa) choose to carry off the burden (nasa’) all of the ways I have gone astray or have misled (la kol chata’ach ‘any). (Mizmowr 25:18)
Look at (ra’ah) my foes, and how many are in open opposition to me (‘oyeb ‘any ky rabab). What they have done is fiercely destructive by maliciously robbing (sina’ah chamas) and shunning me, refusing to accept me (sane’ ‘any). (Mizmowr 25:19)
Carefully consider and watch over (shamar) my soul (nepesh ‘any) and deliver me (wa natsal ‘any). Do not allow me to be disgraced or humiliated, to be delayed or diminished (‘al bowsh), because (ky) I seek refuge and protection in You (chasah ba ‘atah). (Mizmowr 25:20)
Integrity and strength (tam) and being honest, straightforward, and upright (wa yosher) will preserve and protect me (natsar ‘any). Absolutely and without equivocation (ky), I am looking forward to You and awaiting the beneficial outcome You will provide with complete confidence (qawah ‘atah). (Mizmowr 25:21)
God (‘elohym), it is Your desire to redeem and liberate (padah) Yisra’el | Individuals who Engage and Endure with God (‘eth Yisra’el) from all of (min kol) his troubles and unfavorable circumstances (tsarah huw’).” (Mizmowr / Psalm 25:22)
What a marvelous treasure from the most gifted of men! May the Messiah’s words help us live more fulfilling 653and productive lives. May his song sing to the hearts, minds, and souls of his people and bring them Home.