64Observations

Covenant

 

3

Being Right

 

Testing Our Ability to Think…

Dowd’s life proves that Sha’uwl, both the wannabe king and the self-proclaimed apostle, were wrong. A person does not have to “obey the Torah” to be saved by it. In spite of his indiscretions, Yahowah continued to love Dowd, announcing for all the world that his beloved Son was “tsadaq – right” and thus “vindicated.”

Dowd loved love. In Hebron, he fathered six sons with six different women in seven years. In Jerusalem, he fathered four sons, including Solomon by Bathshua, and then nine additional sons and one daughter with a variety of other women. This accounting does not include those born to his concubines.

Therefore, considering Yahowah’s affinity for this lovable rascal, his life shatters the notion that God is a puritanical cosmic killjoy preoccupied with punishing fornicators. Sorry, Christians, you got this one wrong too.

As the book of Chronicles archives the testosterone-fueled lives of the Yisra’elites, we ultimately stumble upon a trio of gems, the first of which reveals the purpose of the Home, the second, Yahowah’s affinity for intellect, and the third affirms that Tsyown is Mount Mowryah.

“Then said (wa ‘amar) Dowd (Dowd – Beloved), the King (ha melek), approaching the entire community (la kol ha qahal – to everyone gathered together for a specific reason who were assembled in the crowd), ‘Solomon (Shalomoh – Reconciliation and Restoration; from shalowm – friendship, harmony, and contentment, peace 65and prosperity (also appropriately transliterated Sholomoh)), My son (beny), whom alone (‘echad ba huw’ – as one, unique, singular, and certain) God (‘elohym) has chosen this one time (bachar – selected, prefers, and desires for a limited period of time (qal perfect)), is young (na’ar – is a boy, a teenager, and a child) and is soft, coddled, gentle, and inexperienced (rak – is tender and not tough, timid and weak, untried, untested, and delicate, and thus incapable), and the spiritual work (wa ha mala’kah – the energy expended by the heavenly messenger and representative) is of the highest order, extensive, and important (gadowl – is massive, great, and significant, intense and distinguished, powerful and magnifying, encouraging growth, even majestic, honorable, and empowering, exceeding anything previously experienced) because, indeed (ky – for the reason), man cannot approach (lo’ la ‘adam – there is no way for mankind to move toward the goal except by) the covenant home built on the mount (ha byrah – the elevated household, the fortified home for the family, the temple complex for the covenant; a blending of beyth – family and home, beryth – covenant relationship, and banah – to build and establish, to repair and restore a home for the family and its children) except by (ky la – unless indeed by way of and with regard for the direction of) Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of the name YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence and our shalowm – reconciliation) as God (‘elohym).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:1)

I’ve long suspected that God has an affinity for men with strong personalities, men who are assertive and gregarious, who are willing to cast the fear of failure aside and engage, who are driven to accomplish whatever goal is set before them, who are willing to invest the time, energy, and resources necessary to succeed. He likes men who stand up against the crowd without concern for the 66ramifications. Yah is not timid. He is neither untested nor incapable. And since He had advised Dowd on the matter of succession, it would be reasonable to conclude that the boy’s coddled and Gentile nature was unacceptable. He would need to grow up and become a man to serve with God. That is not to say that Yah is unwilling to work with women, but only that this is His preference for men. There are differences between men and women and the Creator who orchestrated them appreciates those distinctions.

Yahowah chose Dowd because Dowd had courage, superior intellect, a way with words, and a passion to engage. He was also deeply flawed, which made him the ideal individual to tout the Towrah’s ability to perfect the imperfect – just as Moseh, with a speech defect, was chosen to communicate Yahowah’s name and words to the world.

As for why God selected Solomon from Dowd’s flock, we would be wise to assume that the same attributes were behind that decision. Although Solomon was no Dowd. He stumbled far earlier in life and far more egregiously than did his father. Based upon what we know, Solomon wasn’t nearly as bright, and yet he was far more conceited, a far bigger libertine, and a man of very poor judgment. And yes, I realize that the world has been conditioned to equate Solomon with wisdom, but the antithesis is more likely true.

If I may… “For it came to pass when Shalomoh | Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away such that he pursued other gods.

His judgment was not reconciled with Yahowah, his God, as was the heart and judgment of Dowd, his father. (Melekym / 1 Kings 11:4)

Indeed, Shalomoh | Solomon walked away in pursuit of ‘Ashtoreth (the Phoenician goddess of love and wealth), the god of the Tsydony (the Hunters), and after 67Malkam (the Great Kings, god of the Ammonites to whom Israelites sacrificed their infants, also known as Molech)), the disgusting and idolatrous abomination of the ‘Amowny | Ammonites. (Melekym / 1 Kings 11:5)

Shalomoh acted upon and engaged in that which was particularly evil, disagreeable and malignant, adversarial and injurious, in the eyes and perspective of Yahowah. He was not fully committed and abundantly satisfied and totally fulfilled by Yahowah as was Dowd, his father. (Melekym / 1 Kings 11:6)

So then at this time, Shalomoh | Solomon built a high place of worship and cultic platform for Kamowsh | Chemosh (the Subduer, the national deity of the Moabites, a god of the Ammonites, the god identified with Ba’al-Peor | the Lord of Light, Ba’al-Zebub | Satan as the Lord, Mars, and Saturn, whose worship was introduced into Yaruwshalaim by Solomon), the detestable and disgusting idolatrous abomination of Mow’ab | those of a Questionable Father upon the hill which appears before Yaruwshalaim, as well as for Molech (to Rule, the chief deity of the Ammonites), the disrespectful and repugnant atrocity of the children of ‘Amown | Ammon (the Tribes comprising Jordan and descendants of Lowt through Ben-Ammi). (Melekym / 1 Kings 11:7)

And likewise, he acted in a similar fashion for all of his foreign wives, burning incense and offering smoke while slaughtering animals and making sacrifices to their gods. (Melekym / 1 Kings 11:8)

And therefore, Yahowah was exceedingly disappointed to the point of being enraged with Shalomoh | Solomon, because his heart and judgment were perverted such that they were inclined and extended away from Yahowah, God of Yisra’el, who had appeared twice as God to him. (Melekym / 1 Kings 11:9)

68And so Yahowah gave him direct and unequivocal instruction regarding this matter about which He was speaking, telling him that he should not pursue or approach other gods, but he did not consider that which Yahowah had directed.” (Melekym / 1 Kings 11:10)

Solomon started out well but ended poorly. Life is better the other way around.

God, having designed it, has no issue with sexuality, but too much of a good thing distracts from more important things – and can even, as was the case with Shalomoh | Solomon, cause a person to pursue the wrong agenda. Then, of course, we have the issue of Solomon’s writings compared to Dowd’s.

One spoke of what he knew, the other of what Yahowah knew. Dowd thoughtfully composed lyrics celebrating the insights he had discovered by observing the Towrah while Solomon spoke of his life and loves.

One of the more intriguing terms in the prior statement is mala’kah, which I translated as “spiritual work” even though most lexicons ignore its spiritual context and simply render it “work.” It is the feminine of mal’ak, the word for “spiritual messenger and heavenly envoy,” thus it depicts the “energy expended by the heavenly messenger and spiritual representative” of Yah.

Another interesting word is byrah, which I translated based on its root and obvious associations with “beyth – family and home,” beryth – covenant relationship,” and “banah – to build and establish, to repair and restore a home.” And since the word, itself, is defined as “constructing a palatial home upon an elevated and defensible place,” the most accurate rendering in this context becomes “the covenant home built on the mount, an elevated household, a fortified residence for the family, and a temple complex for the covenant.”

69It then becomes evident that the “mala’kah – work of a spiritual representative” is to facilitate our “la / approach to byrah / the covenant home built on the mount” on behalf of Yahowah.

And as is fitting, the home of the first family would be dazzling…

“So now (wa) to the extent I was able (ka koach – according to my ability, authority, and capability, consistent with my resources, and capacity to be firmly committed and consistent, even dependable), I have established (kuwn – prepared, provided, and appointed, deciding upon and making ready) for the house (la beyth – to approach the household and family) of my God (‘eloah ‘any – my Almighty; from ‘elowah), gold for the things of gold, silver for the things of silver, bronze for the things of bronze, iron for the things of iron, wood for the things of wood, precious stones for mounting, and paints and pigments of various colors, as well as all kinds of magnificent and valuable stones, white marble and alabaster in abundance.” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:2)

Beautiful things are to be shared and enjoyed. God created them and Dowd appreciated Yahowah’s artistry.

There are two ways to read what follows. Dowd could have had a senior moment and restated once again that he had accumulated substantial amounts of gold and silver that he intended to donate to the construction of the House. Or we can translate nathan as “I am given” as opposed to “I am giving,” zahab as “shimmering brilliance,” and keseph as “being highly desired.” Doing so thereby creates a statement that is true to the words while enhancing our understanding.

“And beyond what could be expected (wa ‘owd – simultaneously, repetitively, and continually), in my fondness and acceptance (ba ratsah – in my delight and 70favor, my pleasure and reception) in the household (ba beyth – in the family) of my God (‘eloah ‘any – my Almighty; from ‘elowah), for me (la ‘any), there is the existence of (yesh – there exists and remains substantive) a treasure (segullah – personal and valued possessions, an accumulation) of shimmering brilliance (zahab – of golden and brilliant splendor) and a yearning, a sense of being tremendously wanted and desired (wa keseph – of being longed for, chosen, and highly anticipated) that I am given (nathan – I am bestowed and offered) by approaching (la) the house of my God (beyth ‘eloah ‘any), higher and greater dimensions that are well beyond measure (ma’al – greatly surpassing and extending upward in power and position past; from ‘alah – to go up, ascend, and meet, to be withdrawn and excel), exceeding (min – greater than) anything (kol – everything) I have prepared or provided (kuwn – established or appointed) for (la – concerning and to approach) the set-apart (qodesh) Home (beyth – family).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:3)

This is a summation of what we are given as God’s children. Considering our foibles, it indeed “exceeds our expectations” to “be fondly accepted” into the “family of our God.” There “exists” no “personal treasure more valuable” than being transformed into the “shimmering brilliance” of Yah’s light as a result of Him expressing a “tremendous desire” to spend eternity with us. And since Yahowah lives in the seventh dimension, “by approaching the house of our God, we are empowered to higher and greater dimensions.” The “gift God is giving” those entering His “set-apart home” “exceeds anything we have provided” on our account or His.

Although man is wont to call it a “Temple,” you will note that Yahowah uses a much more mundane, albeit comforting, word to describe the building slated to be built upon the threshing floor just up the ridge from Dowd. He 71calls it a “beyth – family home” because it serves as a symbol of the “beryth – covenant.” It exists for the benefit of the relationship and to provide life in abundance.

“Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of the name of YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as directed in His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah existence and our shalowm – restoration), our God (‘elowah), all (kol) this abundance (ha hamown – this accumulation of possessions and riches, this commotion and clamor, even the populace and masses of people) is from (min – out of) Your hand (yad – your open and outstretched hand and influence) that we have provided specifically for the benefit of the relationship (ha zeh ‘asher kuwn – that we have beneficially prepared and established to stand steadfast and upright, even by association as a confirmation (qal perfect)).

It is for building (la banah) You (la ‘atah) a house (beyth – a home) for Your set-apart name (la shem qodesh ‘atah), all to approach You (wa la ‘atah ha kol).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:16)

The “family home” was built “to approach” Yahowah and as the place where His “set-apart” name resides. So why is this Wonder of the Ancient World called “Solomon’s Temple” or the “First Temple” instead of a “Home for Yahowah’s Name?”

More important than any of this, and few things are as vital as acknowledging Yahowah’s name and appreciating the merits of His Covenant Family, we were just told that the Home and Name provide the means to approach God. The only way to enter into Yahowah’s presence and to live with Him in His Home is to recognize that Yahowah alone is God and then engage in His Covenant.

“Since I know (wa yada’ – I recognize and acknowledge, I am cognizant and aware, I possess and 72have evaluated the necessary information to understand), my God (‘elowah), that You (ky – because truly) test (‘atah bachan – You probe and examine, You observe and respond to, You assess and scrutinize the watchfulness, alertness, focus, and observational nature of) the ability to be rational and discerning (leb – the heart as the seat of judgment, the ability to reason and be circumspect, the attitude and character of an individual, the will and ability to process information logically, to incorporate understanding into the fabric of one’s life, thereby framing a person’s perspective and formulating their innermost nature) and continuously accept, agree with, and delight in (wa ratsah – are always pleased with and favor, enjoy and esteem, strongly desire, thereby consistently making amends and restitution for, predisposed to mercifully accept (qal imperfect)) being right (mysharym – being upright and straight forward, on the level and correct, fair and equitable, showing integrity in agreement with the relationship; from yashar – to be right, to be straight and level, to be upright, acceptable, and agreeable, and thereby approved), I (‘any), in the integrity and correctness (ba yosher – in the straightforward, honest, and acceptable nature) of my reasoning and judgment (leb – my heart, genuine nature, capacity to think and form valid conclusions, my volition and attitude), have willingly offered (nadab – I have volunteered of my own free will and eager initiative to give) all these things (kol ‘el-leh).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:17…)

Let’s interrupt this message mid-“verse” to consider the rather profound implications of what we have just read. “God tests our hearts.” In that such tests would have been incomprehensible to the audience at the time, we can rule out medical examinations for heart disease, including atherosclerosis, cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, high blood pressure, cardiomegaly, and cardiomyopathy. There would be no reason for Yahowah to evaluate that which He was 73not offering to cure, something that does not matter as it relates to Him.

Reason dictates we can conclude that Yah is not much interested in the condition of our ticker. And that being the case, leb ought not to be translated as “heart” but instead as what leb was understood to represent.

The faithful may claim that God somehow probes the content of a person’s heart to determine who to save, but what do you suppose such “contents” might include – and is the criterion for such evaluations subjective or objective? Moreover, if the religious are wont to imply that it is the “contents” of an organ that only holds blood that is being considered, aren’t we still in the realm of symbolism, thereby requiring us to render leb as other than “heart?”

As a result of the increased pulse rate in certain situations, many errantly associate their heart with their emotions. This is never more obvious than during the Roman Catholic observance of Saint Valentine’s Day. But turning to God, do we have any reason to suspect that He is interested in our capacity to be emotional? And if so, what emotions would be considered “good” versus “bad?” And be careful not to say love over hate, because Yahowah demonstrates His love by hating those who harm His creation, as should we.

If it is “goodness” residing in one’s heart that is being considered, what is the determining factor that would distinguish it from badness? What standard is being used? If we were to pursue this line of thinking rationally, wouldn’t we come to see that the “content of a person’s heart” and “having a good heart” is really nothing more than the deployment of a moral code on how to properly respond to God and treat others? And if that is the case, how would that be any different than simply exercising good judgment regarding His Towrah instructions?

74When we ask a family member, friend, or associate to “take something to heart,” aren’t we asking them to consider the information that has been provided thoughtfully, accept it as appropriate, and then incorporate the resulting conclusion into their life so that it guides their thinking and responses? This is exactly how those listening to Dowd on this occasion would have understood his statement. Moreover, this perspective is valid throughout time. It is what Yahowah is communicating every time He speaks of our hearts.

The leb is the seat of reason, and it is symbolic of not only exercising good judgment but of incorporating the lessons learned into our inner nature so that the resulting understanding guides our subsequent thinking and actions. The leb speaks of exercising our conscience to develop our character. Our eyes see, our ears hear, our brains process, and then our hearts guide.

Therefore, when we discover that Yahowah is “bachan – testing, probing, examining, assessing, and scrutinizing our willingness “to focus, to be alert, and to be observant,” two things should resonate within us. First, since Yahowah does what He says, we ought to follow His example and be similarly bachan, testing, probing, examining, and assessing everything at our disposal. That would include His Word and also the rhetoric of the opposition. Remember, not once but twice, Yahowah encouraged Shamuw’el to listen to the wayward and adversarial political ambitions of the people.

Second, we should be motivated to properly assess what God is probing to discover and then decide what criterion He is going to use to determine if we pass or fail His test. In this light, and based upon what we have just considered, by scrutinizing our leb, Yahowah is evaluating our willingness and ability to be rational and discerning, to be circumspect and judgmental, to exercise good judgment 75– the very things socialist secular humanists are trying to mitigate with political correctness.

In essence, bachan, to probe, consider, and examine, explains the aspects of our leb that Yahowah is evaluating. It’s our capacity to be observant and circumspect, to closely examine and carefully consider all information at our disposal, and then demonstrate a willingness to accept what is truthful, beneficial, and correct, and act upon these things, rejecting that which is false.

This conclusion is underscored by “mysharym – being right.” God is looking for us to be “upright and straightforward, to be on the level and equitable, showing integrity in our evaluation of the relationship.” And since mysharym is from yashar, more than anything, Yahowah wants us “to be right.” Correctly assessing and acting upon the acceptable, agreeable, and approved path provided by the Towrah through the Covenant to God is the objective criterion used to determine our fate.

And should you not be convinced that being right is what matters, mysharym was followed by yosher, a derivation of yashar. Yahowah is searching for integrity, for an honest approach to understanding the straightforward path that makes us acceptable to Him. It is why He continually asks us to listen to Him and encourages us to be observant, closely examining and carefully considering His Towrah teaching.

With these things known and considered, the “verse” concludes with…

“And so now (wa ‘atah), Your people (‘am – Your family), who are found here at this meeting (ha matsa’ poh – who are encountered at this place and who have experienced this harvest, who have discovered and learned the location and timing of the meetings taking place at this location), I have seen (ra’ah – I have perceived and viewed) gladly and joyously (ba simchah – cheerfully, 76rejoicing while fully entertained) approaching (la) by freely and eagerly showing initiative (nadab – by volunteering of their own free will, revealing their desire) concerning You (la ‘atah).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:17)

It serves to reason that those who chose to attend this meeting heard the invitation considered the host and its purpose, came to appreciate the merits of the gathering, and made a correct decision. All Yisra’el, including Gowym living therein, were invited to this celebration. But not everyone attended. It is the same with the Mow’ed Miqra’ey today. The invitations have been written, addressed, and sent out by Yahowah, but mostly, they are ignored. I suspect that fewer than one in seven Yisra’elites attended this commemorative feast. I suspect that as few as one in a million Gowym RSVP today.

But now, similar to what was reported then, those of us who choose to attend do so nadab – eagerly of our own freewill. We take the initiative to read the invitation, consider its implications, and respond by participating in the feasts, celebrating them when and how God intended. We “ha matsa’ poh – can be found at the meetings God has arranged because we have discovered the location and timing of the events associated with the harvest and want to experience encountering His presence.” And by doing so, we are fully entertained by our Host, celebrating life and learning with the best and brightest.

What follows affirms our prior conclusions. This statement from Dowd to God encourages us to “shamar – closely examine and carefully consider” Yahowah and His role as God “‘owlam – forever.” The “yetser – purpose and intent” of our “machashabah – thinking and reasoning” should result in “leb – exercising good judgment” regarding the “beyth – family and home” of the “God of ‘Abraham, Yitschaq, and Yisra’el,” of correctly assessing the role of the Merciful and Enriching Father who 77Encourages Laughter among those who Engage and Endure with God.

“Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of the name YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence and our shalowm – reconciliation), God (‘elowah) of ‘Abraham (‘Abraham – Enriching and Merciful Father), Yitschaq (Yitschaq – Laughter), and Yisra’el (Yisra’el – Individuals who Engage and Endure with God), our fathers (‘aby ‘anah), I genuinely and emphatically want You to choose to focus upon and highly regard this (shamar zo’th – my overwhelming desire is for You to want to closely examine, carefully consider, and actually care about this occurrence (qal imperative paragogic cohortative – second-person and emphatic first-person volition)) forever (la ‘owlam – throughout eternity) concerning the purpose, inclination, and intentions (la yetser – with regard to the desire and motivation, the will and intent, the contemplation and aspirations, the framing of the issue and tendency) of the thinking (machashabah – the reasoning, rational thought, designs and purposes, the calculations and computations) and judgment (lebab – the attitude and nature, the conscience and thinking, the consideration and motivation) of Your family (‘am – Your people), and prepare (kuwn – fashion and form, establish and sustain, appoint and authenticate, entrusting) their ability to think, reason, and respond (lebab – their minds and rational core attitude, motivation, and consideration) to You (‘el ‘atah).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:18)

Should any doubt remain regarding the test Yahowah will apply to determine our fate, listen to what God’s favorite Son asks his Heavenly Father on behalf of his son…

“And (wa) to my son (la beny), Solomon (Shalomoh – Reconciliation and Restoration; from shalowm), give 78(nathan – provide and bestow, granting) the good judgment (lebab – the ability to reason) to be reconciled and completely devoted to accurately (shalem – to fully, zealously, and effectively; the root of shalowm) observing (shamar – closely examining and carefully considering) the conditions of Your covenant (mitswah – the instructive terms of Your relationship agreement), Your enduring and restoring testimonies (‘eduwth – Your witness to and stipulations for the Covenant agreement; a compound of ‘ed – testimony and witness and ‘uwd – which eternally restores), and Your inscribed prescriptions for living (choq – engraved advice regarding how to be accepted and cut into the relationship), and act upon them all (wa la ‘asah – so as to engage in the whole of them), so as to build (wa la banah – and then to construct) the covenant home on the mount (ha byrah – the elevated household, the fortified residence for the family, the temple complex for the covenant; a blending of beyth – family and home, beryth – covenant relationship, and banah – to build and establish, to repair and restore a home for the family and its children) for which (‘asher – beneficially for the benefit of the relationship) I have provided and prepared (kuwn – I have arranged and entrusted, firmly established, and decided upon).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:19)

Shalem is “being devoted to accuracy, being resolved to zealously, effectively and fully pursue being right.” Such is the legacy of Dowd. He was declared “tsadaq – right and thus righteous and vindicated” by Yahowah. He wanted the same for his son. Dowd did not ask God to give Solomon victory in battle, success in governing, fame, a loyal following, health, wealth, or a happy marriage. He wanted his son to be right regarding God.

This is the basis of the test, as it should be for any evaluation. Learn the material, and then when queried, provide the correct answer. Being right will get you going 79in the right direction. Being wrong will leave you on the wrong side of the door. This is a test you do not want to fail.

Passing should not be difficult because God’s test is open book. Yahowah has provided the answers in His Towrah to every question He is going to ask. He has not and will not take it away. In fact, when He returns, He is going to write a perfect and complete copy of His Towrah guidance on our hearts. So, it is not just open book but actually a book that opens the door to God’s Home.

More than this, shalem is from shalowm – telling us that we ought to invest the time required to correctly assess the means of reconciliation. This was so important to Dowd that he named his son, Shalomoh.

Handing us the answer as to what it means to “shalem shalowm – be right regarding the means to reconciliation,” Dowd pointed directly at the “mitswah – the terms and conditions of the relationship.” There are five such requirements that must be known, accepted, and acted upon to be part of Yahowah’s Family, to live in God’s Home, indeed, to be saved.

These Mitswah are as follows: 1) walk away from the politics of your country, from the babel of religion, and from the institutions of man, 2) trust and rely on Yahowah, instead, 3) walk to Yahowah along the path He has provided so that He can perfect you, 4) closely examine and carefully consider the terms and conditions of the relationship agreement, and 5) as parents, circumcise your sons as a sign that you are committed to raising them to be part of Yahowah’s Family.

There are five benefits afforded to those who embrace the Beryth. But they are only bestowed upon those who read the invitation, consider its implications, understand its purpose, accept its conditions, and then respond by attending the first four Mow’ed Miqra’ey. The Covenant’s 80children receive: 1) eternal life during Pesach, 2) they are perfected on Matsah, 3) they are adopted during Bikuwrym, and 4-5) they are empowered and enriched on Shabuw’ah.

But that was not the end of Dowd’s request on behalf of his son. The sentence which began with “And to my son, Shalomoh | Reconciliation, bestow upon him the good judgment to be reconciled and completely devoted to accurately, completely, passionately, and effectively observing, thereby closely examining and carefully considering, the conditions of Your covenant” and concludes by adding the provisos that he also observes and understands “Your enduring and restoring testimonies (‘eduwth) and Your inscribed prescriptions for living (choq), and then act upon them all (wa la ‘asah), so as to build (wa la banah) the covenant home on the mount (ha byrah) for which (‘asher) I have provided and prepared (kuwn).”

The only way to really understand and genuinely appreciate the mitswah is to consider Yahowah’s “‘eduwth – everlasting witness and restoring stipulations.” Cognizant of Dowd’s request for complete and accurate knowledge, ‘eduwth is a compound of “‘ed – testimony and witness” and “‘uwd – eternal restoration.” These insights are found in only one place – God’s Towrah | Teaching, Naby’ / Prophets, and Mizmowr / Psalms – the everlasting and restoring testimony God communicated to us in Hebrew through the likes of ‘Abraham and Moseh, Shamuw’el and Dowd, Yasha’yah and Yirma’yah. The amplified translations found in these pages are my commitment to shelem ‘eduwth for you, for me, and for my sons as well. Since it was appropriate for Dowd and his son, Solomon, I suspect it’s wise for us as well.

Everything Yahowah had to say to us He had written down, “choq – inscribed,” so that we would “choq – understand His advice regarding how to be accepted and cut into the covenant relationship.” He actually “choq – 81engraved” in stone” a ten-statement summation of these inscribed instructions and placed them inside the Ark of the Covenant, beneath the Mercy Seat, where they remain today.

It is one thing, a rare thing no doubt, to seek to fully understand and correctly assess Yahowah’s mitswah, ‘eduwth, and choq, but it is for naught unless we act upon Yahowah’s guidance and engage in the relationship. Viable relationships are active, not passive. Heaven isn’t about lounging around and taking long naps.

This is now the second time we have encountered byrah, so are now cognizant that it speaks of the “covenant home on the mount.” We derived this definition by recognizing that byrah is a combination of “beyth – family and home,” “beryth – covenant relationship,” and “banah – to build and establish, to repair, and restore a home for the family and its children.” Affirming this, banah is the word which precedes byrah in this statement.

Everything that Dowd requested for his son led to this place, to the Covenant, to a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the mitswah, ‘eduwth, and choq.

It would be easy to misrepresent the intent of the declaration which follows if it is removed from what preceded it. But in context, the only way to be accurate is to account for the fact that this entire discussion was focused on developing a complete and correct assessment of Yahowah’s enduring and restoring testimony.

“Then Dowd said (wa Dowd ‘amar) to all those who had gathered for the meeting (la kol ha qahal – to the entire crowd and community assembled for a specific purpose), ‘Please (na’ – I implore and encourage you, emphasizing my overwhelming and urgent desire and exhortation to) bless, choosing of your own accord to greet and commend (barak ‘eth – electing to appreciate and adore, kneeling down in love to (piel imperative – a 82volitional statement in second person whereby the object, God, receives the benefit of the verb’s action)), Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence), your God (‘elowah).’

And all those in the community who gathered for this reason (wa kol ha qahal) approached and greeted, commending while continually appreciating and adoring (barak la – blessed, kneeling down in love to (piel imperfect)) Yahowah (), the God of their fathers (‘elowah ‘aby).

And so they were inclined to be set apart (qadad – to incline oneself; from qadash – to be set apart) and they made a declaration to this effect (chawah – they verbally explained and announced this in a speech to inform by showing this (estafel hitpael imperfect – rarely used stem is reflexive, whereby the subject, those gathered, acted with respect to themselves, and by themselves, to influence the subject, who is God, on a continual basis with ongoing implications)) to approach (la) Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence) and to the king (wa la ha melek).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:20)

By beginning this statement with na’, this is being presented as a request and not a command, something kings seldom offer their subjects. Further, the initial verb was scribed in the volitional mood, revealing that this was a matter of individual choice. An edict was not imposed. An order was not issued.

Since Yahowah told us on the sixth day of creation that He “barak – got down on His knees, lowering an aspect of Himself in love to lift us up so that we could stand with Him,” it would be counterproductive and contrary to His plan for us to return to our knees in His presence. 83Moreover, the notion of God creating an inferior being to “bow down and worship” Him is demeaning to God and perverts His intent relative to the Covenant Family.

Children should never under any circumstance bow down to their fathers. As our Heavenly Father, Yahowah never instructs us to bow down to Him or to worship Him. Further, considering the disparity in our relative size, good luck lifting God up. As a result, I’ve translated barak as “greet and commend,” which is to “meet with and to recommend,” rather than either “bow down” or “lift up.”

The rendering of qadad, in this context, as “they were inclined to be set apart,” also requires some explanation. Almost every lexicon I considered defines it as “kneeling down, bowing down, or being inclined.” It is almost always used in conjunction with chawah, as it is here. Therefore, chawah’s primary definition, which is “to make a verbal declaration or announcement,” is essential to our understanding of qadad. We can be inclined to make a declarative statement, but bowing to make an announcement is nonsensical in almost every setting and inappropriate following “na’ – please” and when scribed in the volitional mood.

Additionally, since chawah’s secondary connotation is also to “bow down,” having it follow barak and qadad would be ridiculously redundant and verbose if translated as such – something we would not expect from the most impressive linguist and inspired lyricist of all time. Using three different words in succession which can be rendered as “bow down,” barak, qadad, and chawah would read “bow down, bow down, and bow down” if thoughtlessly translated. In this case, the Bibles published by Christian businesses render “barak – bless” and then ignore chawah’s primary meaning and render it “worship” without etymological support.

84This begs the question, how is one supposed to observe Yahowah’s mitswah, ‘eduwth, and choq if their nose is in the dirt as a result of repetitively prostrating themselves? And what king or god would say, “Please, of your own freewill, choose to bless me by bowing down and worshiping me?”

Imagine for a moment being imminently more capable and creative, indeed, being so much more brilliant and powerful than you currently are that you could create an inferior lifeform – something the brightest men using the most sophisticated equipment have not accomplished. How insecure and perverted would you have to be, with such capacity and intellect, to want the likes of a garden slug to repetitively “bless you by bowing down to worship you?” Wouldn’t the first slimy burp and contorted prostration be one too many, a total and complete embarrassment? And why would that be any different than the disparity that currently exists between us and God? The slug, while inferior, is still an animal existing in the same dimensional construct – things that cannot be said of the comparison between mankind and our Creator.

With this in mind, and striving to accurately translate qadad, recognize that Yahowah consistently implores us to be set apart unto Him. So, since the most similarly written word to qadad is qadash, “to be set apart,” I chose to translate qadad as “they were inclined to be set apart.” Then as for chawah, I simply rendered it in accord with its primary definition. So now that you know my reasoning, and are aware of the thought process involved, you are free to agree or disagree.

Lastly, since this statement was based upon Dowd’s urging, keep in mind that Yahowah and Dowd were somewhat incommunicado at this point due to the king’s selfish and inappropriate decisions. It was Gad who was communicating on behalf of Yahowah, and he asked for no 85such thing. Nor do we find God complimenting the people for blessing, bowing down to, or worshiping Him.

That said, while Dowd was prone to error on his own initiative, no one knew Yahowah’s Towrah better than he, nor was anyone more in sync with the Covenant. He had not forgotten the lyrics to his songs, what he had learned and been inspired to share. He wanted for his son what his Heavenly Father wanted for him, and there should be no doubt that he wanted the same for the sheep he was shepherding.

In the context of the community gathering together to meet with Yahowah, it makes perfect sense for them to show their appreciation by adoring and commending God, and by verbally declaring their inclination to be set apart unto Him. So that is how and why this translation was compiled in this way. This was, after all, a gathering to dedicate the construction of the home of Yahowah upon Mowryah’s threshing floor.

So, they celebrated a feast unto God…

“And they prepared by slaughtering and butchering for the purpose of dining with (wa zabach la) Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence) sacrificial offerings for the feast (zebach).

And they were lifted up (‘alah – they ascended, rising and growing) by offerings which elevate (‘olah – doing what is acceptable to move upward) to Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence) the next day (la machorath ha yowm): 1,000 bulls (par ‘eleph), 1,000 rams (‘ayl ‘eleph), 1,000 lambs (kebes ‘eleph), and their libations (nesek – beverages) and animals prepared to be eaten (zabach) in abundance (la rab) for all Yisra’el (la kol Yisra’el). (21)

86They ate and they drank (wa ‘akal wa shathah) before the presence (la paneh) of Yahowah (Yahowah) in that day (ba ha yowm ha huw’) extremely happy with great gladness (ba simchah gadowl). Then they coronated (melek) Shalomoh (la Shalomoh), the son of Dowd (Dawyd), a second time (sheny). And they anointed him (mashach) as a conspicuous and informative leader (nagyd) for Yahowah (la Yahowah) and then (wa) Tsadowq (la Tsadowq – Right) as priest (la kohen).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:22)

The Covenant relationship with Yahowah is a celebration of life. God loves to party, and He wants us to enjoy being in His presence. His seven annual meetings are “chag – festival feasts.”

It is interesting to note that while Solomon was being anointed king, the people, having learned from Dowd, acknowledged that Yahowah was their rightful leader. Solomon’s constitution should, therefore, have been the Towrah, thereby delineating his authorizations and limitations.

This gathering in the City of Dowd was not a massive sacrifice to God, the needless slaughtering of animals. A while back, we determined that the population of Yisra’el at the time would have been around seven million – with approximately one million individuals living in Yahuwdah on the outskirts of Yaruwshalaim.

While butchering 3,000 animals may sound excessive for a feast, it’s not. On average, there are just over 1,000 meals per cow and 250 per lamb or ram. This number of animals would have fed 1,500,000 adults, about twenty percent of the overall population. It was a feast. The people ate and drank as they celebrated this occasion with God. There was an abundance of food and plenty to drink, and 87yet God didn’t so much as take a sip or a bite. Although everyone had a great time, including Yah.

When our words and deeds are rooted in the Towrah, when Yahowah’s testimony provides the perspective from which we consider the world around us, we will be successful and prosper. But this was a different time and place. Yisra’el is no longer listening, nor is most of the world.

“And so then (wa), Solomon (Shalomoh – Reconciliation) resided on (yashab ‘al – dwelled upon and inhabited, settled down and sat upon, lived, inhabiting) the throne (kise’ – seat) of Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of the name of YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as directed in His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah existence and our shalowm – restoration) as king (la melek), succeeding (tachat – under in relation to and after in the orderly flow of time) Dowd (Dowd), his father (‘am).

And he was successful and prospered (tsalach – by being assertive, quick to respond, and energetic, he turned a profit, demonstrating a strong personality, he thrived through accomplishments, allowing others to succeed and prosper). All Yisra’el (wa kol Yisra’el) listened to him (shama’ huw’ – paid attention, hearing what he said).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:23)

To the extent freewill allowed, Yahowah honored Dowd’s request. But Solomon was not Dowd. While one was brilliant and the other smart, and both were flawed, it was their focus which separated them. Dowd studied and spoke about what Yahowah had said and done while Solomon wrote about his own life. As such, Dowd provides a window through which to view the home of Yahowah while Solomon provides a look inside his palace. “Vanity of vanities, everything is vanity…”

88“And (wa) Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of the name of YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as directed in His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah existence and our shalowm – restoration) exalted (gadal – elevated the merit of, reared and raised, nurtured and promoted growth in) Solomon (Shalomoh – Reconciliation) tremendously (ma’al – above and beyond what would be expected) in the sight of (la ‘ayn) all Yisra’el (kol Yisra’el), and bestowed on him (nathan ‘al huw’ – gave and granted, appointing and causing on him) a reign and realm (malkuwth – a kingdom) with a majestic appearance (howd – a countenance conveying vigor and vitality) which had not existed (‘asher lo’ hayah) with any sovereign leader (‘al kol melek – upon any king or kingdom) before him in Yisra’el (la paneh huw’ ba Yisra’el).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:25)

The nation of Yisra’el was no doubt impressive from a human perspective. The kingdom of Solomon appeared grand. The king was considered the wisest of all sovereigns and may well have been. But if I may, Yahowah exalted Solomon in the sight of man, while Dowd facilitated the elevation of man in the sight of God.

“So, Dowd (wa Dowd), the son of Jesse, the One who Exists (ben Yshy – He exists, stands out, and is substantive), reigned over (malak ‘al) all Yisra’el (kol Yisra’el). (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:26)

The days (yowmym) he reigned over (malak ‘al) Yisra’el (Yisra’el) were forty years (‘arba’ shanah). In (ba) Chebrown (Chebrown – to associate and form an association), he reigned (malak) seven years (sheba’ shanah), and in Yaruwshalaim (wa ba Yaruwshalaim), he reigned (malak) thirty-three years (shalosh and shalosh shanah).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 29:16-27)

89We’ve discussed this before, but since Yahowah has reemphasized these facts, it bears repeating. Dowd reigned over all who Engaged and Endured with God for forty years. Forty is the duration of a time of testing. Those aboard the Ark endured forty days and nights during the deluge. Yisra’el was enslaved in Egypt for twice forty decades. The walk away from human religious and political oppression to the freedom and blessings of the Promised Land transpired over forty years. The Towrah was revealed over the course of forty days, during which time, many Yisra’elites returned to idol worship.

This is important because forty Yowbel transpired between the expulsion of ‘Adam and Chawah from the Garden of ‘Eden to the time the means to return was established with ‘Abraham through the Covenant. And forty Yowbel separate the time when ‘Abraham affirmed his willingness to act upon Yahowah’s instructions regarding the Beryth on Mount Mowryah to the time God’s Son enabled the Covenant’s benefits on the same mountain. Further, forty Yowbel will transpire from the Messiah’s fulfillment of the first four Miqra’ey before he returns to reconcile Yisra’el.

While forty is the universal multiple of time with God, the Yowbel are special in their own right. Every seven times seven years plus one, all debts are forgiven, all slaves are freed, and the Land is liberated of all encumbrances. The Yowbel is a semicentennial observation of the annual celebration of Shabuw’ah | the Promise of Seven whereby Yahowah’s children are emancipated and enlightened, empowered and enriched.

These dates, correlated to the Roman Catholic calendar in use today, are as follows: In the Yowbel Year 0 Yah / 3968 BCE, ‘Adam and Chawah were expelled from the Garden. In the Yowbel Year 1000 Yah / 2968 BCE, Noach was born. He and his family would be saved from the flood by acting upon Yahowah’s instructions. In the 90Yowbel Year 2000 Yah / 1968 BCE, ‘Abraham and his son, Yitschaq, affirmed the Covenant with Yahowah on Mount Mowryah. In the Yowbel Year 3000 Yah / 968 BCE, Dowd became the Cornerstone of Yahowah’s Home when it was built on the threshing floor of Mowryah. Then in the Yowbel Year 4000 Yah / 33 CE, Dowd returned to enable the benefits of the Covenant by fulfilling the first four Miqra’ey on Mowryah. Forty Yowbel later, in Year 6000 Yah / 2033 CE, Yahowah will return with His Son to this place, transforming the Earth into ‘Eden so that He can camp out with His children until the Yowbel Year 7000 Yah, at which time there will be no Roman Catholic Pagan calendar remaining to correlate.

Beyond the reference to forty, Dowd reigned in “Chebrown – to Form an Association” for seven years. And it is over seven thousand years that Yahowah will consummate His relationship with humankind. As we affirmed previously, Dowd’s second life on Earth lasted as long as he lived in Yaruwshalaim – thirty-three years.

Widening our perspective to the entirety of Yahowah’s relationship with humankind, we witness the following…

Year 0 Yah: ‘Adam, who was created in God’s image with a nepesh and neshamah, was afforded the opportunity to live forevermore in perfect harmony with Yahowah. Unfortunately, this idyllic situation was shattered when Satan preyed upon Chawah’s desire to be like God. They would corrupt Yahowah’s testimony and disregard His instructions, thereby estranging themselves from Him. As a result, they were all expelled from the Garden.

Exiled from ‘Eden, ‘Adam and Chawah were exposed to hostile influences outside of Yahowah’s protection. Over the ensuing years, they witnessed mankind’s authoritarian and violent tendencies becoming untenable with the added capability their neshamah provided. The marvelous tool God had provided for us to think our way 91to Him and enjoy being with Him was turned against God and man.

Year 1000 Yah: We are introduced to Noach who was born in 2968 BCE as an example of how we can individually return to Yahowah and benefit from His instruction and protection. The ensuing flood was God’s method of saving the Earth and life from the growing threat of neshamah-man by providing a fresh start and a new beginning. It was triggered by an asteroid impact, and a deep upwelling of sea water which inundated the region where humans misusing their conscience resided. It commenced when Noach was 600 years old in year 1600 Yah – 2370 BCE. From this perspective, Yah’s relationship with Noach and their collaboration on the Ark takes precedence over the deluge.

Year 2000 Yah: Precisely 40 Yowbel from ‘Adam’s and Chawah’s removal from the Gan ‘Eden, and 400 years after the Flood, the means to return to fellowship through the Covenant was confirmed by ‘Abraham and Yitschaq. Four days before Pesach in 1968 BCE, they began their journey to Mount Mowryah | Moriah. It was here, at this time, in the most important place on Earth, during His meeting with the Covenant’s first father and son that Yahowah provided the lamb. Yitschaq was 10 and ‘Abraham was 110 years of age when they became prophetic of the fulfillment of Passover. Together with Yahowah, they celebrated the path to everlasting life by acting upon the five conditions of the Covenant.

Thereafter, during the 41^st Yowbel, Ya’aqob was born. The following Yowbel, his 12 sons, comprising Yisra’el, were conceived. Shortly thereafter, the boys acted badly and Yowseph was sold into Egyptian captivity where he became Pharaoh’s lead advisor.

By the 43^rd Yowbel, Ya’aqob, his sons and their families, entered Egypt to survive a prolonged regional 92drought. Centuries later, having remained exiles, in the 48^th Yowbel, the Yisra’elites were enslaved. But even then, Yahowah brought forth His solution when Moseh, who would liberate and enlighten them, was born in 1527 BCE. However, their emancipation would be delayed because after he was condemned by the Hebrews for defending a Yisra’elite, Moseh would flee Egypt at 40 years of age. After this time, Thutmose III became co-regent with his stepmother, Hatshepsut, and then Pharaoh of the Exodus.

In the 50^th Yowbel, at Yahowah’s urging, Moseh, now 80, returned to Mitsraym to liberate the Children of Yisra’el. After considerable debate and ensuing plagues, he would do so on Passover, ‘Abyb 14, 1447 BCE. Pharaoh Thutmose’s son, Amenhemhat, would die that night during the final plague. The Exodus began on Matsah when the Children of Yisra’el left the Crucibles of Religious and Political Oppression. After symbolically experiencing Bikuwrym when emerging from the sea, they would receive the Towrah on Shabuw’ah.

Some 400 years after the Exodus, Dowd, the Chosen One, was born during the 58^th Yowbel in 1042 BCE. As the 8^th son of Yshay, he was anointed Messiah at 8 years of age. Over his 70-year initial life, he would write over 100 Mizmowr and Mashal, unite and defend Yisra’el, acquire their capital of Yaruwshalaim and the Temple Mount, be anointed three times, and set an example we would be wise to follow.

Year 3000 Yah: On the 60^th Yowbel, Yahowah’s beloved Son, Dowd, is announced as the exemplar of the Covenant, its Cornerstone, and our Savior, through the 89^th Mizmowr. In that year, 968 BCE, Dowd’s son, Solomon, began construction of the Temple on Mount Moriah. The House of Yahowah was completed 7 years later, such that in 960 BCE, Shalomoh announced the future arrival of the Nakry | Observant Foreigner during his dedication speech knowing that his people would stumble and need direction.

93And indeed, it would all be all downhill from there. Yisra’elites and their kings emulated the ways of the gowym and chose religious rites and political intrigue over the relationship Yahowah intended. God’s people splintered into two kingdoms, with tremendous infighting between Yisra’el and Yahuwdah. The revelations of impending and prolonged doom by the prophets Howsha’ and Yasha’yah were ignored, such that during the 64^th Yowbel, Yisra’el fell to Assyria in 722 BCE. Then, revealing that there was a better way, during the 65^th Yowbel, in year 3252 Yah, Chiziqyah | Hezekiah rediscovered the Towrah and saved Yahuwdah from the same fate.

Quickly reverting to their religious ways, even failing to listen to Yirma’yah who wrote during the 66^th Yowbel, the leadership of Yahuwdah made a series of miscalculations. Especially disastrous, God’s people would ignore the warning He sent to them through Chabaquwq | Habakkuk in 615 BCE, 666 years in advance of Sha’uwl conceiving Christianity. As a result, during the 67^th Yowbel year, beginning in 608 BCE, the 70-year Babylonian exile began. And after a prolonged siege, Jerusalem fell and the Temple was destroyed in 586 BCE.

The Greeks under Alexander would enter Jerusalem in 322 BCE. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who was the personification of evil, imposed the worship of Greek gods and goddesses in Yahuwdah during the 75^th Yowbel, beginning in 170 BCE. The ill-advised Maccabean revolt began in 167 BCE and the Hasmonean Dynasty was imposed by 141 BCE.

Infighting between Hasmonean heirs provoked the Roman siege of Jerusalem under Pompey at the onset of the 78^th Yowbel in 68 BCE. It marked the first of three Roman invasions. Not long thereafter, in 37 BCE, Rome appointed Herod as King of Judea, ending the Hasmonean 94Dynasty and any semblance of Yisra’elite independence for the next 2,000 years.

Year 4000 Yah: Right on schedule, on the 10^th of ‘Abyb in the 80^th Yowbel year, King Dowd, the Messiah and Son of God, entered Jerusalem from his hometown of Bethlehem to fulfill Passover – just as he had foretold. There were celestial fireworks of course, with a solar eclipse occurring on the first day of the 80^th Yowbel, March 19^th, 33 CE announcing what was to come. Then as Dowd surrendered his basar | corporeal body, basar | heralding the good news in the waning hours of Pesach, there was a lunar eclipse – 16:48 local time in Yaruwshalaim, April 3, 33 CE.

In the transition between Pesach and Matsah, Dowd’s nepesh | incorporeal soul was laden with the infectious yeast of his people’s religious and political rebellion. He would take their guilt – past and future – with him into She’owl, where it would be deposited – never to be seen again, thereby perfecting the Children of the Covenant. It was the 15^th of ‘Abyb, year 4000 Yah / April 4, 33 CE when the Son of God and our Messiah became our Savior.

The next morning, now Bikuwrym | Firstborn Children, the 16^th of the first month of the first year of the 80^th Yowbel, the soul of the Bakowr | Firstborn of Yahowah was released from She’owl | Hell and returned to his Father in Shamaym | Heaven. The third of five benefits of the Beryth | Covenant was now manifest, with Dowd adding adoption to eternal life and perfection. He revealed and enabled the way we should follow.

Seven sevens thereafter, on Shabuw’ah | the Promise of the Shabat, Dowd became the first to be a fully emancipated and enlightened, enriched and empowered Child of God. Because of what he has done, these same benefits are assured on behalf of every Child of the Covenant.

95It all transpired as foretold in the Towrah, the Mizmowr, and Naby’, in the right place, on the corresponding day, in the correct year, but no one yada’ | realized any of this, much less byn | made the connections to understand. And as a direct result of not listening to Yahowah and being unobservant, rather than embracing the relationship made possible by these events, the religions most hostile to the wellbeing of God’s people emerged – Christianity and Judaism – both by foisting false messiahs on the unaware.

The four most important days in human history were all foretold in exacting detail and, yet, when they were fulfilled, the resulting gifts of eternal life, perfection of our souls, adoption into God’s Family, and infinite emancipation and enlightenment, enrichment and empowerment, were squandered. What had been plainly spoken and painfully endured would remain unknown until the Mizmowr and Naby’ were given a Qowl | Voice, Dowd was afforded his Basar | Herald, a little z commenced sowing seeds for the mighty Zarowa’ | Sacrificial Lamb, when Yasha’yah’s Choter | Secondary Branch began to reveal new life as Yahuwdym witnessed the promised Nakry, all so that you might know what your people have hidden for the past 1,990 years.

Having abandoned Father and Son and having rejected the gifts Yahowah and Dowd had provided, replacing the Towrah with their Talmud, now estranged and alone to endure their insufferable religion, Yahuwdym | Jews would be subjugated and enslaved, becoming exiles and scapegoats, dehumanized and demonized. The first self-proclaimed rabbi, Sha’uwl | Paul would promulgate Christianity by robbing Yahowah and Dowd to create the myth of “Jesus Christ.” Then rabbi Akiba, somehow assuming that two wrongs would make a right, responded in kind with his false Messiah, Bar Kokhba | Son of a Star.

96Rome, led by Vespasian and Titus, the Beast’s version of Father and Son, set siege to Jerusalem in 70 CE and destroyed the Temple, killing 600,000 Jews in the process. With the wealth and slaves they commandeered, this evil empire would build the Roman Colosseum to showcase their bestiality.

Then, just two Yowbel after Dowd’s misappropriated and ignored sacrifice, Emperor Hadrian, responding in part to rabbi Akiba’s provocation with his false messiah, destroyed Jerusalem. It was the 82^nd Yowbel year / 133 CE. The Land of Yahuwdah | Judah was renamed “Syria Palaestina” as a snub to Jews because the diminutive Philistines had once savaged them. The Diaspora followed. Jews would endure the most degrading and long-lasting period of abject humiliation ever experienced by any nation or race.

The 100^th Yowbel was marked by nothing because there was no one listening to Yahowah. Yahuwdym had completely separated themselves from God, and worse, they were annoying him with their devotion to Judaism. It is a wonder with all of the torment they endured, that someone along the way didn’t have a Hezikiah moment and notice that they were antagonizing the source of their redemption and reconciliation.

Using the name the Beast of Rome had conjured to harass God’s people, the League of Nations conceived Mandatory Palestine in 1920 after the 1^st World War. But Jewish migration was stymied, setting up the Holocaust. And then out of the ashes of genocide, the newly formed United Nations established the Nation of Israel on May 14, 1948. The War of Independence ensued, followed by the Six Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, as Jews reclaimed much of their homeland – then just 60 years prior to Yahowah’s return with Dowd.

97It was during the 119^th Yowbel, on Taruw’ah in 2001, 2,961 years after the Nakry | Observant Foreigner was announced by Solomon, a Voice was found to call God’s people home. Over the next 32 years, he would listen and learn from Yahowah and His prophets and then expose and condemn the religions most responsible for the subjugation of Yahuwdym: Islam in Prophet of Doom, Christianity in Questioning Paul, and Judaism in Babel. He would compose An Introduction to God, Yada Yahowah, Observations, and Coming Home to awaken Yisra’elites so that they would not miss their final opportunity for Kipurym | Reconciliations.

Five years ago, in 2018, the Nakry revealed that Dowd was the Messiah and Son of God, and that it was Dowd who was returning with Yahowah to fulfill Yowm Kipurym. Three years ago, in 2020, the Choter completed a comprehensive edit and rebranding of the Yada Yahowah Series along with the YadaYah.com site to make his findings available worldwide. A year ago, in 2022, the Basar | Herald unsealed the message Gabry’el | God’s Most Capable and Courageous Man revealed through Dany’el. And then earlier this year, ‘Abyb 10, year 5990 Yah, the ‘Edah | Witness announced as a result of retranslating Dowd’s first 30 Mizmowr, that the Messiah is our Savior. Dowd as the Zarowa’ | Sacrificial Lamb fulfilled the first four Miqra’ey in year 4000 Yah. This profoundly important realization led to yet another comprehensive edit of the 30 volumes now comprising Yada Yahowah. It was during this time that the Yada Yah Social Media campaign to reach Yahuwdym gained traction and began to find and alert God’s Family.

After the Taruw’ah Harvest of saved souls, Yahowah’s final Zarowa’ | Sower of Seeds which Produce New Life will return on Passover, April 16^th, 2030, with ‘ElYah. They will serve as Witnesses in Yaruwshalaim during the worst of the Time of Ya’aqob’s Troubles.

98Year 6000 Yah: Yahowah will return with Dowd to fulfill the final two Miqra’ey, Kipurym and Sukah, during the 120^th Yowbel year. This will conclude the 6^th Millennium of Man and usher in the 7^th Millennium of God. Mark your calendars if you plan to attend Yisra’el’s homecoming and family reunion. It will occur at sunset, 6:22 PM in Jerusalem, October 2^nd, 2033, as we celebrate the Day of Reconciliations.

Marking the special occasion, there will be a total solar eclipse on March 30, 2033 – the day of the new moon marking ‘Abyb 1, denoting the beginning of year 6000 Yah. Fourteen days later, on the 14^th and 15^th of April 2033, during Chag Matsah, there will be a full lunar eclipse, commencing in Jerusalem and spreading to Babylon during Matsah – certifying the darkest of nights. And if that were not enough to garner your undivided attention, there will be a second solar eclipse in year 6000 Yah / 2033 CE on Friday, September 23^rd, which is when the final Taruw’ah will be celebrated – thereby, signifying the end of our journey as witnesses. Then adding to the celestial acclaim, there will be a second total lunar eclipse on the evening of the 7^th and 8^th of October 2033, coinciding with Sukah in year 6000 Yah as the Covenant Family returns to ‘Eden.

Against the magnificent depiction of Yahowah’s intervention on behalf of His people, there is a contrast we must face before we move on. Let me explain.

Yahowah created ‘Adam in His image, placed him in a perfect environment, celebrated life with him, and gave him the ideal companion. And yet, this man threw it all away, doing so upon the advice of a false prophet and adversarial influence whom he believed instead of trusting Yah.

Years later, civilized man became so egregious, religious, and vicious that Yahowah intervened again to give humans with a neshamah | conscience a second chance 99at life. He found, instructed, and protected Noach and his family aboard the Ark, only to have human malfeasance reemerge, red in tooth, word, and claw almost immediately thereafter.

With humankind’s second opportunity squandered, Yahowah found ‘Abraham and Sarah walking away from Babylon. He offered them the chance of a lifetime. They were introduced to the Beryth | Covenant with its five conditions and five benefits. While not the best or smartest of men, ‘Abraham stumbled his way into Yahowah’s outstretched arms, confirming the Covenant and receiving its benefits. But within two generations, they were all but relinquished. And within three, there was virtually nothing left of what could and should have been.

Nonetheless, after being rebuffed on three occasions, Yahowah would come to rescue His people a fourth time, liberating them from slavery in Mitsraym. And yet, within a week, they became antagonistic malcontents and begged to go back to servitude. He offered them His Towrah | Guidance, but it made no difference.

Even though these Yisra’elites did everything possible to annoy and aggravate the Almighty, God endured their temper tantrums long enough to lead them into the Promised Land. Once there, however, they became overtly religious and went their own way, essentially telling Yahowah that they would rather fend for themselves than be around Him.

God would come to His people’s rescue yet again, this time after Yisra’el rejected Him a fifth time. Ya’aqob’s descendants belligerently chose to be like the Gentiles by appointing Sha’uwl to rule over them. Their foray into politics led to the precipice of their annihilation at the hands of a foe so insignificant, they left no independent mark on history.

100The solution Yahowah offered regarding this, the fifth occasion of His people’s salvation, was to anoint and empower His Son, Dowd, to lead and protect them in the ways of a shepherd with His flock. However, they turned on Dowd, leading an insurrection against their Messiah and King. This devastating act of betrayal, and the recognition that Yisra’elites continued to be unreconcilable and irredeemable, led Dowd to the most important decision in human history. With his Father’s support, he would save his people from themselves and salvage his reputation and ability to lead them at the same time.

Should we count these last two acts of rebellion as one, then in the sixth episode of outright rejection, Yisra’el brought Ba’al and ‘Asherah into the land and worshiped them. As a consequence of their predilection for false Gods and pagan religions, they were victimized by those they sought to impress and emulate. The Assyrians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans would invade and pummel them.

Having been rejected and antagonized by His people six times, Yahowah was in no hurry to implement His Son’s plan to redeem them. It would play out on His schedule. However, He did give them hope, inspiring Dowd and other prophets to explain what He and His Son would do to save them from themselves by fulfilling the first four Mow’edym in year 4000 Yah.

When Father and Son did what they had promised, delivering eternal life, removing guilt, adopting, empowering, and enriching the Children of the Covenant through Pesach, Matsah, Bikuwrym, and Shabuw’ah in 33 CE, the seventh and most egregious rejection occurred. Jews initially ignored what Dowd had done, and then they robbed him and themselves of his sacrifice, promoting not one, but two, false messiahs. It was the biggest “F You” in the history of humanity – and it was directed at Yahowah by Yahuwdym.

101Annoyed by those He had blessed, Yahowah withdrew from His irascible nation of misfits. Nearly 2,000 years would pass before He would talk to them again – and even then, it would be indirectly through the Nakry | Observant Foreigner. He would serve as Dowd’s Herald, as a final Witness, to tell Yahuwdym that there would only be one more opportunity for reconciliation – Yowm Kipurym in year 6000 Yah.

While Yisra’el will be afforded this 8^th opportunity to reject their Benefactor, it will be the last. Rejecting God the eighth time will come with an eternal consequence.

Truth be known, saving Yahuwdym seven times was only appropriate because there were no better options.

Yahowah, as a result of His relationship with Dowd, has turned tragedy for many into triumph for a few. But it does not always happen that way. Sometimes there is no recovery, and life ends badly for almost everyone. Such was the case with Dowd’s adversarial predecessor, King Sha’uwl. What began as ill-advised, ended horrifically.

God is in the business of relationships and will do everything within His nature and ability to extend, empower, edify, enhance, and enrich the lives of the Covenant’s children. He elevates His Family, lifting them up, and raising them by loving, nurturing, and protecting them. But these parental aspirations are afforded exclusively to those He favors and who cherish Him, leaving those outside of the Covenant to their own devices.

While what follows isn’t uplifting or edifying, it is nonetheless critical that we appreciate the fact that God isn’t to be trifled with. No matter how good, no matter how popular or powerful, no matter how well-connected or 102courageous, apart from Yahowah, everyone dies. No one in all of human history manifested a higher degree of the aforementioned than Sha’uwl, but having chosen to negate and augment aspects of the Towrah to suit his ambitions, he and his sons went from annoying to adversarial. And because the people foolishly respected and fatefully followed their leaders, they suffered the same fate, losing their freedom, possessions, and lives.

This tragic tale of woe is told in the 10^th chapter of 1^st Chronicles. And as we consider what God is revealing, keep in mind that the people He had liberated from Mitsraym were now being slaughtered by a foe so impotent and meaningless, apart from God’s testimony, nothing would be known about them. This is a testament to how far Jews had fallen after rejecting Yahowah. And this was just one of many sorrows.

“And the Philistines (Palishty – illegitimate and adversarial foreign foes who terrorize) attacked, fighting (lacham – deployed their military, engaging in battle, in opposition, attempting to conquer and control, waging war) against Yisra’el. The people (‘iysh) of Yisra’el were driven away and forced to flee (nuws – were denied and deprived, departing and disappearing, becoming exiles escaping a state that was ceasing to exist) as a result of the presence of the Philistines.

They fell dead (naphal – they were attacked, conquered, and killed), slain and ritualistically defiled (chalal – pierced and treated reprehensibly by a deadly religious force), upon Mount Gilbo’a (Gilbo’a – to seek out and question the means to be rolled away). (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:1)

Then the Philistines overtook (dabaq – steadfastly and closely pursued, united and stubborn in their desire to plague) Sha’uwl (Sha’uwl – Question Him) immediately 103thereafter and from behind (‘achar – subsequently and from the direction of the setting sun) and also his sons.

The Philistines struck down (nakah – beat and afflicted, defeated and destroyed) Yownathan (Yownathan – Yahowah Gives and Bestows or Yields and Designates), ‘Abynadab (‘Abynadab – Father who Incites and Impels), and Malkyshuwa’ (Malkyshuwa’ – Royalty Cries Out for Opulence), the sons of Sha’uwl. (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:2)

The ongoing battles (milchamah – the continuous state of war) against Sha’uwl caught up with him (matsa’ – found him, came to control him, and possessed him), and the archers (yoreh yarah – those who hurl, cast out, and destroy) lay in wait, turning against him (yachal ba – whirled and danced, writhing, the strength and force of the military was opposed to him). (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:3)

So Sha’uwl said to the one carrying his weapons (nasa’ kaly – the one holding his utensils, carrying his supplies, and taking his possessions), ‘Draw (shalaph – remove and brandish) your sword (chereb – your dagger and weapon) and pierce me (daqar ba – drive it through me, thrusting it into me) lest (pen – otherwise) the uncircumcised (‘arel – the unacceptable and forbidden, the un-harvestable) will arrive (bow’ – will come) and abuse me (‘alal ba ‘any – inflict pain, harshly mistreating me, burying me alive).’

But the one carrying his weapons (nasa’ kaly – the one holding his utensils, carrying his supplies, and taking his possessions) was unwilling (lo’ ‘abah – he would not consent or submit, he was not obedient) because (ky – indeed rather) he was overwhelmed with fear and reverence (ma’od – of his great admiration, his unabated respect, and because he was completely terrified).

104So Sha’uwl grasped hold of (laqal – accepted, received, and obtained) the sword (chereb – the cutting implement and weapon) and fell, prostrating himself upon it (naphal ‘al – lowered himself to die upon it, having been cast down on it). (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:4)

When the one carrying his weapons (nasa’ kaly – the one holding his utensils, carrying his supplies, and taking his possessions) saw (ra’ah – inspected and perceived) that Sha’uwl was dead (muwth – absent of life and destroyed as a result of a plague and pandemic disease), he also (gam – in turn and as a concession) fell, prostrating himself upon (naphal ‘al – he lowered himself to die upon) the weapon (ha chereb – the dagger which cuts and separates) and died (muwth – was destroyed by the plague). (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:5)

Sha’uwl (Sha’uwl – Question Him) died (muwth – became absent of life and was destroyed as a result of a plague which killed like a pandemic disease) along with his three sons comprising his family (kol beyth huw’ – including all who were part of his household). They were plagued and died (muwth) all together at the same time (yahdaw – alike, altogether, and completely, unified and in one accord). (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:6)

When all of the individuals (‘iysh) comprising Yisra’el who were associated with the cunning and evil plans in the valley (‘asher ba ha ‘emeq / ‘amoq – who were in accord with the moral deviance and mysticism in depression between elevated areas) observed (ra’ah – saw and examined) this result (ky – this contrast in cause and effect), they fled (nuws – they sought to escape, taking flight, ceasing to exist and disappearing), because, indeed (ky – as a result and consequence of), the plague of death had killed him (muwth) and his sons.

105Then they abandoned (‘azab – deserted and left, rejected and forsook, ending their relationship with) their cities and towns for fear of the wild asses terrorizing them (‘iyr – the wrathful terror and anguish of the donkeys (a common metaphor for Muslims) harassing them and their religious compounds), fleeing in haste (nuws – driven away and being deprived, ceasing to exist).

So, the Philistines (Palishty – the adversarial and terrorizing foreign invaders) came (bow’ – arrived) and occupied them (yashab ba hem – lived in and dwelled in them). (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:7)

And it came to exist (hayah) as part of what followed (min machorath – as a result of what occurred the following day and into the future, exposing the scheme), when the Philistines came as a raiding party to strip (pashat – as militants remove the clothing so as to plunder) the slain, to pierce, and ravage them (ha chalal – the dead and defiled, the profane who are reprehensible), they found (matsa’ – they discovered and came to possess) Sha’uwl and his sons who had fallen (naphal – who were lying prostrate) on Mount Gilbo’a (Gilbo’a – seeking to question the means to be removed). (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:8)

The raiding party stripped him, removing his clothing (pashat – as militants, they undressed and plundered him). And they lifted up and carried away (nasa’ – deceived and beguiled, they desired and seized) his head (ro’sh) and his possessions (kaly – his utensils and weapons, his jewelry and supplies), sending it throughout the realm of the Philistines / Palestinians / Illegitimate and Adversarial Foreign Invaders who Terrorize (Palishty), taking a circuitous route (sabyb – encircling it with the object’s position in multiple places and contexts) to proclaim the news (basar – to bring the good news, conveying the message and tidings) to the gods of their religion (‘atsab – their idols and objects of 106worship which were fashioned to vex, the lamentable things they revered, their harmful religious imagery and the offensive relics they believed in) and to their people. (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:9)

And they placed his possessions and weapons in the home of their gods (beyth ‘elohym). After sounding a trumpet and clapping, they joined hands in a pledge, violently fastening (taqa’ – they drove and secured, thrusting) his skull (golgoleth – bones comprising the cranium (the basis of Golgotha)) to the house of Dagown (Dagown – the fish god, symbolizing fertility (the basis of the Pope’s pointed hat and that of Santa Claus)). (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:10)

So, all of Yabesh, Gile’ad (Yabesh – the Dried Up Stubble in Gile’ad – a region east of the Jordan River conquered and occupied by the Ammonites (in Howsha’ 6:8, it is a place of pollution and iniquity)) heard about everything the Philistines had done to Sha’uwl. (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:11)

Therefore, all the physically strong (chayl – the able, wealthy, twisted, and tormented) individuals arose (quwm – took a stand and rose up) and carried away the corpse (guwpah – the carcass of the dead body) of Sha’uwl and the carcasses of his sons and brought them to Yabesh where they buried their bones beneath the place of (tachat – beneath and on behalf of) the big tree called Allah (ha ‘alah – the god, Allah, the curse of the deified large oak associated with Esau, who is associated with Ishmael, who represents Muslims; and as the feminine of ‘el, ‘elah / ‘Alah is evocative of the moon-god Sin, the symbol of Islam, as well as the Quranic goddesses, Alat, Manat, and al-Uzza, also reminiscent of “Allahu-Akbar – Allah is Bigger and Greater) in Yabesh. And they fasted (suwm – abstained from food, depriving themselves of nutrition) for seven days.” (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:12)

107Yisra’el had chosen Sha’uwl and he had led them away from Yahowah and to their demise. If it were not for God’s intervention, this musicale irritant would have obliterated Yisra’el and we would never have heard of them, their people, their plight, or their God.

And there was another insight worth noting. The Philistines were ruthless savages and senseless pagans, so it is instructive to see that those who have misappropriated their name today are modeling their behavior.

While this was written of King Saul, it is intended to read as a warning to those who would choose to believe the Apostle Paul…

“So therefore, Sha’uwl (Sha’uwl – Question Him) was plagued and died (muwth – was deprived of life as a result of a deadly pathogen which destroys) for placing himself above the relationship, for being untrustworthy and unreliable (ma’al – for being a fraud, treacherously deceitful, misleading others regarding the agreement, for having transcended beyond the standard, being unfaithful and severing the relationship, and committing adultery relative to the covenant), whereby (‘asher) he was a fraud, treacherously deceitful and misleading (ma’al – for placing himself above the relationship, for being untrustworthy and unreliable, severing the agreement) with regard to Yahowah.

Concerning the Word of Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence), therefore, he was not observant (lo’ shamar – he did not closely examine nor did he carefully consider, never focusing upon, regarding, or caring about).

In addition (wa gam – and furthermore), he approached and consulted with (la sha’al – he made inquiries and inquired about) the spirits of the dead (‘owb – communicating with spiritualists, mediums, 108necromancers, and ghosts), seeking to have a relationship with them (la darash – investigating and trying to learn from them, resorting to taking them into account). (Dabry ha Yowmym / 1 Chronicles 10:13)

And he did not seek a relationship with, consult with, or care about (lo’ darash ba – he did not look to, learn from, ponder, or petition) Yahowah, and so he was plagued and killed (muwth – he surrendered his life and died).”

When read with an eye to the future, considering this as prophecy, it becomes one of the most important ever recorded. One thousand years hence another Sha’uwl would arise, and he would be deliberately deceitful and misleading, a complete fraud, who also conversed with demons. The Plague of Death would place himself and his claims above Yahowah. Demonstrating that he was not observant, on countless occasions he misquoted the Word of God. As a result, all who believe Paul will die.

While Paul sought to confiscate the promises Yahowah made to Dowd and give them to his Dionysian “Jesus” to create a pretense of credibility, Yahowah isn’t a fan of Replacement Theology. As such, Dowd will be restored. The Church age will end such that the Kingdom of Dowd can be reborn.

“And, therefore, the kingdom (maluwkah – the position of authority and dominion) turned in the direction of (sabab – came full circle, changing over to) Dowd, the Beloved, son of Yshay, the Substance of Existence.” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 10:14)

This is as clear as words allow. Sha’uwl was not Towrah-observant, he did not listen to God, and in fact had no regard for Him. Death was the result. Neither weapons nor soldiers could forestall the onslaught of the plague.

109In this case, as it is with almost all human conflict, the opposing foes both believed that god was on their side. Militarism, patriotism, religion, and the political schemes of man exacerbated the threat they had been conceived and deployed to prevent. The same remains true today.

For Roman Catholics, this is a dire pronouncement. The religion and its leadership are frauds, treacherously and deceitfully misleading. They have so little regard for Yahowah, they will not even allow His name to be spoken in their churches. And not one Roman Catholic among the billions is observant, considering the Towrah or attending Yah’s Feasts.

Then to add insult to injury, the Catholic claim of papal infallibility and the canonization and beatification of saints is designed to create a relationship with and communicate to the spirits of the dead. All such things are the plague of death for which there is no cure.

It is interesting to note that from a chronological perspective, the discussion we considered in Shamuw’el / He Listens to God / 2 Samuel 5:1-10 is repeated almost word for word over the course of the next ten statements in 1^st Chronicles. In it, the Yisra’elites immediately recognized that even when Sha’uwl was king, Dowd served as their leader, savior, and shepherd. As a result, they immediately entered into a covenant with him, in accordance with Yahowah’s statement. Wasting no time, Dowd captured Tsyown and built the City of Dowd on the lower ridgeline of Mowryah.

Dowd realized that the intent of the Covenant was for man and God to live together. And he recognized the Ark 110of the Covenant was the enduring symbol of what brought us together.

“He [Dowd] engaged to build (‘asah – acted by fashioning and forming) houses (beyth) for himself in the City of Dowd.

And he firmly established (kuwn – arranged and appointed, producing) a place for the Ark of God to stand (maqowm la ‘arown ha ‘elohym – a site, dwelling place and home for the Almighty’s Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat), pitching and spreading out a tent for it (natah la ‘ohel huw’ – stretching out and extending a covered and protected dwelling place and home for it). (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 15:1)

Then Dowd said, ‘No one may approach or carry (lo’ la nasa’ – no one may come near, raise, or lift up) the Ark of God (‘arown ha ‘elohym) except (ky) the Lowyym (Lowyym – those who Unite by Attending to), because (ky – for the reason) in this they (ba hem) were selected and chosen (bachar – desired and preferred) by Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence) to approach, pick up, and carry (la nasa’ – to come near, lift up, and bear) the Ark (‘eth ‘Arown) of Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence) and render assistance to Him (sharath – to minister on behalf of, attending to and serving Him) forever and ever (‘ad ‘owlam – continually and eternally, for an unlimited duration of time).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 15:2)

Dowd was Towrah-observant, so he did as God instructed. He is alive and living with Yahowah as a result. This is not complicated.

“Then Dowd gathered (qahal – summoned to assemble, calling together) all Yisra’el to Yaruwshalaim 111(kol Yisra’el ‘el Yaruwshalaim – everyone who engages and endures with God to the Almighty’s source from which guidance and instruction regarding reconciliation and restoration flow) to bring up (‘alah – to ascend, taking up and lifting up) the Ark of Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence) to its standing place and home (maqowm – established location and dwelling place) which relationally and beneficially (‘asher) he had prepared (kuwn la huw’ – he had confirmed and established for it to stand).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 15:3)

As we turn the page, we find Yahowah speaking indirectly to the man He inspired to write the world’s most meaningful Songs. And yet, as a result of the wonderful time they had spent together, Dowd remained close, vitally interested in the purpose of His God. So it was at this time that the King of Yisra’el came to realize how much more God had done for him than he had done for God. So, he thought, perhaps, that building a permanent home for Yahowah among the people would be better than symbolically living beneath the fluttering fabric of a tent.

“And it came to exist (hayah), when (‘asher – beneficially and relationally) Dowd (Dowd – the Beloved) was settled and living (yashab – was established and dwelling) in his home (ba beyth huw’ – within his house), Dowd said (‘amar) to Nathan (‘el Nathan – to give, to entrust and bestow, to grant, permit, and ascribe), the prophet (ha naby’ – one who proclaims the message of God, providing His insights into the past and future),

‘Look (hineh – behold), I am living (yashab – I am settled and dwelling) in a house (ba beyth – home) constructed from large cedar trees (‘erets – of cedar; from ‘araz – to be firm and strong), but the Ark of the Covenant (‘Arown Beryth) of Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of the name of YaHoWaH, our 112‘elowah – God as directed in His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah existence and our shalowm – restoration) is under (tachat – is beneath in the ordinary flow of time) a tent (yarya’ah – the cover of a cloth shelter).’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:1)

One of the most interesting aspects of God’s persona is a surprising lack of ego. He is the antithesis of “Allahu-Akbar – Allah is Greatest.” It did not bother Him in the least to have the most vital artifact in the universe hanging out in the breeze on a rocky outcropping that oxen had tread. This speaks volumes to open ears because it renders preposterous the perverse notion that God wants to be worshiped.

“And so Nathan said to Dowd (wa ‘amar Nathan 'el Dowyd), ‘Act upon (‘asah – engage in, do and perform, expend the energy and effort to accomplish) everything (kol – all) that relationally and beneficially (‘asher) is in your best judgment (ba leb – is reasonable and appropriate after evaluating and considering the evidence, is in your heart and thus in harmony with your inner nature, perspective, and conclusions), because (ky – for the express reason) the Almighty (ha ‘elohym) is with you (‘im ‘atah).’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:2)

After having studied Dowd’s dissertation, the 119^th Mizmowr / Psalm, I have come to appreciate the author’s action-based approach to the Towrah and its Covenant. He observed to know, exercised good judgment to understand, and then he engaged, acting in the most reasonable and rational way based on what he had learned. Dowd recognized that the Covenant was conceived as a relationship and that as such, for it to have any value, for it to fulfill its purpose, both parties would have to engage and invest in it, not only with their heart, soul, and mind, but 113also with their eyes, ears, hands, and feet. Yah did. So did Dowd.

The king, knowing that Nathan had come to the same conclusion, simply asked the prophet to do what he thought best. He didn’t have to lecture Nathan, query Nathan, or limit Nathan. Dowd and Nathan were confidants, they were family, brothers, both children of Yah. They shared the Towrah in common and were thus motivated to be right.

There are those I work with as well who are also children of the Covenant. We don’t question one another, limit one another, or lecture one another. We know and serve the same God and have come to know Him the same way…by reading His Towrah.

As we approach the next statement, I want you to know that the most common translation of ‘ebed is “servant,” and yet that is not how I’ve rendered it. The reasons are many. First, in Hebrew, nouns are defined by their verbal roots. The basis of ‘ebed is ‘abad, the lexicon’s most used word for “work.” In common practice, it means “to expend considerable energy.” When it’s deployed with regard to man’s response to God, especially the Covenant relationship, it is most accurately rendered as “partner, associate, or coworker.”

Work is noble. It creates value and builds character. It benefits a family and enriches a community. It builds things, creates things, feeds us, protects us, enlightens us, and brings us together. Coming to know Yahowah by studying His Towrah requires work. And for the resulting relationship to have value, for it to bear fruit, we must be willing to engage by acting upon its guidance.

Speaking from experience, the best possible occupation is to work with Yahowah, conveying His message. Dowd epitomized this endeavor. If Yahowah ever had a partner, he is Dowd.

114Also relevant in this regard, the Covenant is a Family. Sons and daughters do not serve their fathers. They act upon their advice, and they work at the business of living as a family.

“Then (wa) it happened (hayah) during that same night (ba ha laylah ha huw’) that the word (dabar – the statement and declaration) of God (‘elohym) came to Nathan (‘el Nathan – to Give) to say (la ‘amar), (Dabry ha Yowmym 17:3)

‘Walk (halak – go) and convey to (wa ‘amar ‘el) Dowd, the Beloved (Dowd – Beloved), My associate (‘ebed – My coworker, one who engages and acts on My behalf; from ‘abad – to act, engage, work, or serve), “This is what (koh) Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of the name of YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as directed in His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah existence and our shalowm – restoration) says (‘amar):

‘You, yourself, will not build (lo’ ‘atah banah – you will not construct or restore (qal imperfect)) for Me (la ‘any) the home (ha beyth – the house) to approach and live (la yashab – to meet, be restored, and settle down, to dwell and abide (qal infinitive construct – serving as a possessive verbal noun, whereby the action and influence of the verb is intensified, interpreted literally and seen as genuine)).’”’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:3-4)

It is as I would have expected, but it is, nonetheless, thought-provoking that this house wasn’t for Yahowah to reside in, but instead, it was to serve as a home “to approach and live, to meet and be restored, to settle down and abide” with God. In other words, the Home of the Covenant would serve the Children of the Covenant. The Christian Bible translations, which have published “build Me a house to live in,” are not supported by the text 115because the preposition “ba – in” wasn’t included in the sentence.

This is important because it properly reflects the realization that God’s Home is in Heaven and that the only purpose of having a home on Earth is to camp out with His creation. Those who would build lavish cathedrals, churches, mosques, and shrines to God are wasting their time and embarrassing themselves. Those who call their church “a house of God” are delusional.

While God is not omnipresent, there are various manifestations of Yahowah’s presence that abide in very specific places. These include in the Towrah and Prophets, above the Ark of the Covenant, within the Tent of the Witness, through His fiery light, by way of His heavenly envoys, through His Set-Apart Spirit, and integrated into the souls of His Covenant children.

There was another reason for Yah’s preference for the tent. It speaks of the conclusion of the Miqra’ of Sukah, of Camping Out with God. It expresses the purpose of Yahowah’s plan.

Yahowah saw to it that His Son would live in a beautiful home set upon the most important parcel of land on Earth. He would have a commanding view of the things they would do to fulfill the promises they had made in the lyrics of his Songs. But He did not want His Son to build a Home for Him. God gives. He does not take. Even the materials Dowd had amassed for its construction came from God, per Dowd’s own admission.

The least pretentious being in the universe said…

“‘For indeed (ky – for the express reason), I have not inhabited or remained in (lo’ yashab ba – I have neither settled, dwelled, nor lived in) a house (beyth – a home) since (min – from) the day (ha yowm – the time), beneficially and relationally to show the way (‘asher), I 116lifted up (‘alah – I ascended, leading and elevating) Yisra’el (‘eth Yisra’el – those who engage and endure with God), even up to (‘ad – continuously, without end, and for an unlimited period of time) this discussion (ha zeh – serving as a reference to and regarded as part of the current discourse).

And (wa) I have been (hayah – I have come to exist and therefore have gone) from (min) tent to tent (‘ohel ‘el ‘ohel – portable and transient habitation to temporary dwelling; from ‘ahal – to be clear and to shine by pitching a tent) and out of (wa min) a tabernacle (mishkan – a relatively large and portable communal habitat comprised of woven fabric or hides, an upright pillar, and tent pegs; from shakan – to settle and abide, to establish and dwell).’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:5)

Just as the tents and tabernacle were temporary, so is our planet, indeed, the universe. God’s eternal Home is in the seventh dimension. Everything beneath His level will, in a little more than a thousand years from now, cease to exist. He will create an entirely new universe, this time with His Covenant children as witnesses and participants.

All too often, we humans fail to consider what has transpired in the past and fail to make the appropriate connections to present and future events. This opens the door to misinterpreting our situation and to misunderstanding implications. Without a map or compass, without the Towrah or a functional conscience, humans become hopelessly disoriented and lost. So, while it is said that those who do not learn from the past are destined to repeat it, I’d suggest that a failure to consider Yahowah’s prior guidance forecloses a person’s ability to know Him. The fact is, God is predictable because He is consistent. His prior guidance remains dependable. Consider Exhibit A:

117“‘During the entire relationship, when (ba kol ‘asher) I walked (halak – I moved and traveled) with Yisra’el (ba kol Yisra’el), did (ha – as an interrogatory) I speak a word (dabar dabar – utter a single statement) with so much as one (‘eth ‘echad) of the Judges (shaphat – of those who adjudicate and lead by executing good judgment to render reasonable decisions) of Yisra’el (Yisra’el) with whom (‘asher) I instructed (tsawah – I directed and appointed) to approach (la) by shepherding (ra’ah – by caring for, meeting the needs of, taking care of, leading, guiding and protecting) My family (‘eth ‘am – My people), to ask (la ‘amar – to mention or request),

“Why haven’t you built for Me (la mah lo’ banah la ‘any – what is the reason you have not established on My behalf) a house (beyth – a home) constructed from large cedar trees (‘erets – of cedar; from ‘araz – to be firm and strong)?”’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:6)

A wonderful case in point is ra’ah – shepherd. This is what Yahowah asked of the Judges, indicating that their role wasn’t to act like lawyers or authority figures. A shepherd lives with his sheep and cares about them. A shepherd guides his flock by walking before them. A shepherd nourishes those under his care, leading them to the best pastures. A shepherd also protects his sheep, sometimes risking his own life to keep them safe. This is what Dowd decided to do on behalf of his flock. He would fulfill the Miqra’ey to save them.

Affirming the role of a shepherd, Yahowah’s favorite titles, “‘ab – Father” and “‘el – God,” both begin with  – a ram’s head. Further, father, written,  , shows the lamb living with his family in a home . Yahowah also advances His role as a shepherd in the title “‘el – God.” Scribed, , the second letter, which was drawn in the form of a shepherd’s staff , shows the lamb serving in this role. This 118is remarkable because, in this way, God is not asking anything of us that He, Himself, isn’t willing to do.

These realizations are essential because they illustrate the kind of relationship Yahowah is seeking to develop with us. He wants to live with us, enjoying long strolls, exploring the world around us, caring for us by tending to our needs, and protecting us while showing us the most magnificent sights along the way.

Especially relevant, shepherds are not worshiped by their sheep. Sheep are never seen bowing down before them. A shepherd, unlike a rancher, camps out with his flock and does not live in a separate home. No lamb ever built a house for his shepherd. God just underscored each of these points because He wants us to be at ease with Him, to trust Him, and to follow Him. In this simple dialog about houses, we are being regaled with earth-shattering insights regarding the character of our Creator.

Since we have already discussed the reasons Yahowah never requested a permanent home, no Acropolis or Pantheon, no Mecca or Vatican, I’d like to share something amiss with Christianity. It is not only based upon their churches serving as houses of god, but more importantly, Christians are woefully ignorant of what Yahowah has said. They do not unfold the map He has provided. By viewing life from the perspective of their New Testament, the map is inverted. They have been beguiled into believing that God’s initial testimony and example are not reliable or relevant. So, I would ask them, if their god could not be relied upon then, why trust him now?

Dowd, of all people, understood shepherding. When he and God first met, he, like Moseh before him, had been tending sheep.

“‘So then (wa ‘atah – therefore now, and in relation to this discussion) this is what (koh) you should say to (‘amar la – you should discuss with) My associate and 119coworker (‘ebed), Dowd, the Beloved (Dowd), thus says (koh ‘amar) Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of the name of YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as directed in His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah existence and our shalowm – restoration) of the spiritual envoys (tsaba’ – heavenly representatives),

“I took you (‘any laqah – I grasped you by the hand and led you) from (min) the pasture (ha naweh – the grazing a flock, living and abiding in beautiful encampments along the way), from following after (‘achar) the sheep (tso’n – the flock), to be (la hayah – to exist as) a leader (nagyd – a worthy individual whose words are proper and true) unto (‘al – toward and near) Yisra’el (Yisra’el – Individuals who Engage and Endure with God), My family (‘am ‘any – My people).”’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:7)

It was consistent, straightforward, and true. Not only did God describe the role of the Judges in terms of a shepherd, but the role of a leader was also similarly defined. Yahowah wants those who represent Him to think like Him. And frankly, why not? I have come to replace almost every aspect of what I once believed with Yah’s perspective on the matter. As a result, my vision has improved. And I am at peace, knowing exactly where I stand with God. Our relationship has been defined, and I am at home in it.

“‘I have been with You (wa hayah ‘im ‘atah) in every one (ba kol) of the steps which beneficially gave meaning to life as a result of the relationship (‘asher) you have walked (halak – you have traveled and gone).

I have cut off (karat – I have separated) all of your foes (kol ‘oyeb – each of your adversaries and enemies) from your presence (min paneh).

Therefore, I will engage, acting to create (wa ‘asah – I will do what is required, working to make) for you (la 120‘atah) a name (shem – reputation and renown) comparable to (ka) the name (ha shem) of the most set-apart ones (gadowlym – of those who become known by separating and devoting themselves) of the Land (la ha ‘erets – of the earth or region).’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:8)

I have translated ‘asher a thousand times, properly conveying its relational and beneficial attributes. In fact, ‘asher was the first Hebrew word I grappled with way back in the waning days of 2001. But this time, fifteen years later, I felt a tug on my heart, one that caused me to examine the full slate of Hebrew terms that are written using these same three letters:  to see where the evidence would lead. And that is how I arrived at: “of the steps which beneficially give meaning to life as a result of the relationship.”

As I have noted in previous books, ‘asher is used to establish a relationship between things. As such, it is commonly rendered as “which, where, when, whoever, wherever, or whenever.” But far more than this, ‘asher addresses “a positive state of mind and a joyful attitude,” in addition to a “blessed and fortuitous outcome.” ‘Asher speaks of “a beneficial result.” Particularly revealing in this context, ‘asher depicts “certain, specific, and correct arrangement of steps to be walked along a path to give meaning to life and upon which to stand to be properly established, rescued and made safe, stable and secure.” The three letters –  – graphically convey the leader of a flock speaking to and nurturing the sheep who are observant.”

Bringing it all together, this means that as Dowd was walking along the steps that lead to the Beryth and which comprise the Miqra’ey, Yahowah was with Him all the way. When he stumbled in a different direction, the relationship suffered, but it did not end. A relationship with 121Yahowah mirrors Yahowah’s nature in that it is eternal and beneficial.

If I may indulge your patience a moment longer, ‘asher isn’t an ordinary word, at least for me. ‘Asher is the reason I am here translating Yah’s testimony and sharing the thoughts as part of the Covenant Family. As I was writing Tea with Terrorists in late 2001, I realized that one of many things that distinguished Allah from Yahowah is that Allah offered no prophecies to validate his credentials and Yahowah provided thousands of them. And one of the first prophecies I sought to properly understand was found in Shamuw’el’s presentation of this same conversation between Yahowah and His Son, Dowd.

I pulled a seldom-used Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible off a dusty shelf and discovered some of what you’ve been reading, learning that ‘asher addresses a beneficial relationship between things. So I asked myself how was it possible that the religious scholars employed by the publishing houses responsible for the KJV, NKJV, ASB, NASB, IV, NIV, NLT, and JPS could all present ‘asher incorrectly, especially when all they had to do to get it right was what I had done a few moments ago: consider the meaning of every word written with the same letters and select the most appropriate option. But since it was obvious that they didn’t, from that moment on, I devoted myself to learning what Yahowah had to say in His own words. And those words have led me to this place.

Moving on to the next salient insight, God did not say that He had destroyed Dowd’s enemies, only that He had separated them from His Beloved, keeping them away from his presence. In this light, karat is the verb that describes how the Beryth / Covenant was conceived, telling us that God “cut an agreement with us for the purpose of separation.” Also telling, since Yah is protecting this man from his foes, the Christian notion of “turning the other 122cheek and of loving one’s enemies” becomes highly suspect.

The great ones of the Land would include ‘Abraham, Yitschaq, Ya’aqob, Moseh, Yahowsha’ ben Nuwn, Shamuw’el, Dowd, Yasha’yah, Howsha’, Yirma’yah, and for a brief time, Shalomoh. However, since as few as one in a million actually appreciate all Dowd | David represents, He is currently viewed as only comparable to these other men. But a day will come when his name is the most esteemed in human history. Promise made. Promise kept. Regarding this, it is vital to think it through because there are greater implications.

“‘I will appoint and bring about (wa sym – I will give, locate, and make) a place to dwell and take a stand (maqowm – a home, an office, a place which provides a sense of direction, a site to offer perspective; from quwm – to rise and stand up) for My family (la ‘am – for My people to approach), Yisra’el (Yisra’el – Individuals who Engage and Endure with God).

And I will plant them (nata’ – I will firmly embed them as seeds in fertile ground so that they can grow) so that they might live, inhabiting this place (shakan – camping out, abiding, dwelling, and remaining), under him (tachat – succeeding him in an orderly and planned arrangement of time and space). And he will not be agitated or anguished (wa lo’ ragaz – so he will not be provoked or astonished, will not be shaken or tremble in anxiety) ever again (‘owd – any longer).

So the sons (wa beny) of injustice (‘awlah – of evil intent who are wrong, dishonest, criminal, harmful, fraudulent, and wicked) will not continue (lo’ yasaph – will no longer increasingly nor ever again add to, joining together) to wear him down (balah – to oppress him) as it was in the beginning (ka ‘asher ba ha re’shown – like at 123the start when this began).’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:9)

Yahowah is a God of promises. He routinely tells us what He is going to do and then does what He has vowed. He carved out a place for His people and rooted them in fertile land. He tended to them because this would be no ordinary locale. Yisra’el is “maqowm – a place to take a stand, to rise up and stand up to show the way, to provide direction and perspective on the proper way to live.” And as maqowm, Yisra’el is both God’s “home” and His “office,” the place He “abides” with man and “works” with humankind.

Yahowah is fond of agricultural metaphors. Throughout time, they have resonated with those willing to listen to His stories. Planting seeds in fertile ground, tending to them, removing weeds and pruning vines, and watering them so that they grow and are fruitful, all provide tangible insights into His nature and purpose. He is in the business of growing good things and of harvesting the most valued crop, whether it be barley, grapes, olives, or human souls. But not everywhere is maqowm, so make sure you are rooted in the proper place.

While tachat in the third-person masculine singular is accurately rendered as “under him,” it also addresses the fact that the things which matter most to God “would play out in this place according to His plan in an orderly and proper arrangement of time” and in harmony with the Songs His Beloved has written. There would always be music in the background, with lyrics that call us Home. And so, they have and will, especially during the Mow’ed Miqra’ey every forty Yowbel marking time on Yah’s calendar – because Dowd is responsible for fulfilling them.

The Messiah’s young life was inspired, but it was not easy. His later life was easy but not always inspired. He began by preventing a giant of a man, a warrior, from 124humiliating and expelling his people. For doing so, the king these same people had chosen to make their decisions for them, sought to kill him.

Even after Sha’uwl’s death, Dowd would battle to keep the Philistines away. But it was during this time, the most challenging and aggravating in his life, that Dowd was inspired to write his songs. The more he strived, the more he thrived, putting him in a position to explain how to properly apply the Towrah to our daily lives because he was living it. When life was hard, full of challenges, and every day brought both obstacles and opportunities, Dowd was dependent upon Yahowah for guidance and answers. He shared what he learned and experienced for our benefit. And while his insights are of value to anyone, anywhere, at any time, they are treasured by those willing to engage and work with Yah as did Dowd.

But once Dowd’s life became comfortable and easy, once he became consumed by transient pleasure and routine occurrences, once he became rich, powerful, and occasionally self-indulgent, while Yahowah still loved him, it would be a while before God would work with him again. There would be inspired acts, but no more inspired lyrics for a while. Therein is a lesson for all of us.

In this light, some things have to be agitated and pressed, even crushed, to maximize their value. Grain is ground into flour and then baked in an oven to make bread. Grapes are crushed and then fermented to create wine. Olives must be pressed to extract their oil. These three agricultural products serve as metaphors for saved souls, which is why we ought not to be surprised that our souls become more valuable when they are challenged, tried and tested, and pressed, even annoyed and aggravated. Similarly, muscles atrophy when not worked, just as our ability to think rationally and communicate effectively wanes when inadequately exercised.

125Successful individuals typically succeed because they are willing to take a calculated risk. They have prepared in advance, have learned from their prior experiences, and are willing to accept a challenge, knowing that their attitude, aptitude, and fortitude provide the catalyst to prevail. Combine this approach with a reliance upon Yahowah’s guidance, and the results change the world.

“‘Appropriately, from the time (wa la min yowmym), to show the way to the beneficial relationship (‘asher – provide the proper perspective), I appointed and instructed (tsawah – I assigned and provided directions to) the Judges (shaphat – those who execute good judgment and render reasonable and rational conclusions to resolve disputes) on account of (‘al – on behalf of) My family (‘am – My people), Yisra’el (Yisra’el – Individuals who Engage and Endure with God).

Moreover (wa), I have humbled and subdued (kana’ – I belittled, imposing a lowly status upon, silencing the pretentious and noisome (in the hifil perfect, God is saying that He worked with Dowd to accomplish this result, but that His intervention would not continue much beyond the present time)) all of your rancorous adversaries (‘eth kol ‘oyeb – every one of your enemies who were threatening in open and hostile opposition).

So (wa), I declare unambiguously before you (nagad la ‘atah – I am continuously informing you, providing a message, while reporting My verdict and warning before you and right out in the open (hifil imperfect – revealing that the message will influence those who hear it and that the consequences will be ongoing with unfolding results throughout time)): (wa) “The house (beyth – the home) for you (la ‘atah – so that you can approach and come near), Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of the name YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence and our shalowm – 126reconciliation) will build and establish (banah – He will construct as a home to restore His children and for them to abundantly prosper; from ben – son or child (qal imperfect dictates a literal interpretation of something that will have enduring consequences)).”’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:10)

Having found the meaning of life with ‘asher, I decided I’d play along with banah, a word that I’ve translated many hundreds of times. Banah is from “ben – son,” a masculine noun that becomes feminine with the concluding . This helps associate it with the “beryth – covenant family,” which is also feminine. Graphically, banah was written:   . Its letters depict the floorplan of a family home comprised of a single doorway, a sperm, symbolic of the conception of life, and a seed, taking root and growing in addition to an individual standing up, looking up, and reaching up to God. Banah speaks of a family living in a home.

These realizations are hinted at in Hebrew dictionaries, but not stated overtly. They acknowledge that banah means: “to build or rebuild, to create or form, to procreate, making a family, restoring and establishing the means to prosper and live life abundantly.” Therefore, rendering it simply as “build” is inadequate.

Yahowah is speaking about establishing a Home for His Family – a house for us to live in and enjoy. It is why He says that He will lift up Dowd’s offspring, encouraging and restoring his descendants by way of his sons and their sons.

“‘And it will occur (wa hayah – it will happen and come to exist) at another time when (ky – indeed, surely, providing a contrast and implying an alternative, for this express reason when) your days (yowmym ‘atah – your time) are proclaimed and fulfilled (male’ – are completed and fully proclaimed, wholly satisfied, and everything is 127totally accomplished) to walk (la halak – to travel and journey through life) with (‘im – in the company of and together, accompanying) your fathers (‘ab ‘atah – male progenitor of offspring, originator and forefathers). I will cause your offspring to rise and be restored (quwm ‘eth zara’ ‘atah – I will encourage, fulfill, establish, and keep your descendants and family based upon what you have sown (hifil perfect)) following you (‘achar ‘atah – besides you) who, as a result of the benefits of the relationship (‘asher –and provide perspective) will always be (hayah – will exist as (qal imperfect)) among your children (min beny ‘atah).

Thus (wa), I will fashion and form, prepare and reestablish (kuwn – I will appoint, build, and support, making steadfast) his kingdom (‘eth malkuwth huw’ – his realm and reign, his royal residence and authority as sovereign).’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:11)

Dowd’s days were proclaimed in his Mizmowr and throughout the prophets. His time was largely fulfilled centuries later when he endured Pesach and Matsah en route to Bikuwrym and Shabuw’ah during the 80^th Yowbel.

As a result of what he would do, his children, the sons and daughters of the Covenant, are invited to walk alongside the forefathers of the Beryth and Yisra’el. We are invited to follow our Messiah, Shepherd, and Savior, our King Home, rising up to God, restored and established through the benefits of the relationship. And in this fashion, the kingdom of Dowd will be reestablished as the Family of God.

When we began our review of this discussion on building homes between Yahowah and Dowd in Dabry ha Yowmym, I was reluctant to proceed. Initially, it appeared to repeat what we had read in 2 Shamuw’el 7 – the prophetic revelation we have translated and discussed more 128than any other. However, where it differs is actually exceedingly insightful because it affirms that we have been right from the beginning. This discussion on building homes is actually about Father and Son working together over three lifetimes to create the Family of God.

As we approach this next statement, it is clearly seen as reinforcing the previous ones…

“‘He (huw’), himself, will build and restore for Me (banah la ‘any – he will procreate and reestablish for Me that which restores children, reestablishing and developing that which prospers abundantly, fortifying the procreation of sons and daughters by making; from ben – son or child (qal imperfect – interpret this relationally and literally, recognizing the ongoing influence over time)) a Family and Home (beyth – a house and household).

And I will establish, fashioning and forming (wa kuwn – I will prepare, arrange, and shape, appoint and support (polel perfect – the process will be completed in a finite period of time whereby the object is being influenced by God)) his seat of honor (kise’ – his throne) for all time as an eternal and restoring witness (‘ad ‘owlam – throughout eternity, forevermore).’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:12)

More than anything, Dowd wanted to build Yahowah’s House. And while he may get his wish, by fulfilling the Miqra’ey of Pesach, Matsah, Bikuwrym, and Shabuw’ah, he achieved something far more enduring and valuable. Dowd reestablished and restored Yahowah’s Covenant Family!

It was the greatest achievement in human history. And therefore, providing a seat of honor for His Son was God’s way of showing His appreciation. Mine is serving him as his Herald. What is yours?

129Considering what the Messiah and Son of God has accomplished on behalf of Yahowah and Yahuwdym, why did anyone fall for imposters like Jesus and bar Kokhba? Why do Christianity and Judaism exist? Why carry around a book, tout it as inspired, and then ignore what it says?

Of all of the things that make Yahowah special and unique, foremost among them is His preference to work with us rather than independently. And never was that collaboration more effective than when fulfilling the Mow’edym. Even more important than the Exodus from Mitsraym, the Miqra’ey provide life and redemption, enrichment and empowerment and thus go far beyond emancipation. And yet, even here, when fulfilling the seven days that would shape God’s relationship with His people, Yahowah restored His Son’s life to restore ours.

As a result, there are few things I have come to appreciate more than Dowd’s relationship with Yahowah. He was “tsadaq – right” about God. He read and reasoned his way into God’s heart. And his lives and lyrics allow us to do the same.

Yahowah was able to work with Dowd in this way because they were on the same page. They spoke the same language. They enjoyed and valued the same things. They were Father and Son. Literally…

“‘I (‘any) will be (hayah – am and will be, existing as (qal imperfect – genuinely and literally, continually and always)) for him (la huw’) accordingly (la – to approach), a Father (‘ab), and (wa) he (huw’) will be (hayah – will genuinely and always be (qal imperfect)) to Me (la ‘any) therefore (la – to come near), a son (ben).

And (wa) My (‘any) unfailing devotion and unwavering love, indeed, favoritism (chesed – steadfast affection and mercy, dependable kindness in the relationship), I will not withdraw, turn aside, or remove (lo’ suwr – will not alter or change, will not cut off or reject, 130will not diminish or negate (hifil imperfect – God is facilitating the ongoing and enduring benefits enjoyed by Dowd)) from being with him (min ‘im huw’) as (ka ‘asher) I removed and withdrew it (suwr) from him who was before you (min ‘asher hayah la paneh ‘atah).’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:13)

To this day, religious Jews deny that Dowd | David is the Son of God. But how is that possible when this and other pronouncements are so clear? And Christians, without any prophetic support for their claim, insist that, instead of Dowd, Jesus is God’s son. Both positions require believers to be ignorant and irrational. But isn’t that the intent of faith?

Yahowah is, of course, speaking of His renunciation of Sha’uwl at the conclusion of this statement. According to God, Sha’uwl’s perceived goodness was second to none, but he was wrong regarding the Towrah, so he was forsaken.

The Covenant is a father-and-child relationship. We are Family. And in a home, there is no place for fear or worship and no merit to politics or religion. Families demonstrate their love and affection for one another, they work together and support each other. Children are protected and instructed, nurtured and guided. They are led by example. Parents are wont to make sacrifices on behalf of their children, knowing that the more they give, the more they receive in return.

So, it all boils down to this. Within the Covenant, Yahowah, the Creator of the Universe and Author of Life, becomes our Father. We are adopted into His Family as His children.

In the Covenant, Yahowah’s love is unconditional and eternal. It is unfailing and unwavering. And it all begins with His Son…

131“‘And (wa) I will take a stand with him and be present for him (‘amad huw’ – I will enable him to stand upright, remaining and enduring (hifil perfect)) in My Family and Home (ba beyth ‘any – in My house and household).

And in My realm (wa ba malkuwth – and in My dominion and kingdom) throughout all eternity as a restoring witness (‘ad ha ‘owlam – for the duration of time, forevermore), his seat of honor (kise’ huw’ – his throne, demonstrating the respect to which he is entitled) shall be established (kuwn – will be arranged, appointed and upheld (nifal – the subject passively receives and carries out the action)) throughout the whole of time (‘ad ‘owlam).’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:14)

It is fascinating to note that the eternal realm, or kingdom, is Yahowah’s. And in it, Dowd is not only given a seat of honor next to his Father, Yahowah will get up to greet His Son.

Further, Yahowah took a stand with the Messiah when they collaborated to fulfill the first four Miqra’ey. And God will be present with him when they arrive on Kipurym. And looking at the bigger picture, this is how we should expect Yahowah to greet all of the Covenant’s children.

God will stand up to embrace and then present each new arrival, each of whom will remain standing in His presence. Then after we have all been introduced and welcomed into Yah’s home, we will be given a seat of honor, each of us sitting beside a God big enough for everyone to be positioned right next to Him.

The example of Dowd is the exemplar for all mankind. Through the lyrics of Dowd’s songs, and through the lives he lived, we are shown the way to God. He became Yahowah’s means to perfect the imperfect. If you want God to stand up to welcome you into His Home, observe 132His Towrah and act upon it. Even better, share what you have learned with everyone who is willing to listen. The more the merrier.

Let’s take a moment to visualize a room comprised and adorned in light, filled with radiant members of the Covenant Family, all beaming with joy, with the most brilliant, and yet inviting individual in the universe standing in its midst, smiling, a twinkle in His eye, while soaring music plays in the background. This may well depict our initial encounter with our Heavenly Father as we enter His Home for the first time. He will embrace us, introduce us, demonstrating His love for us. I also expect that every member of Yah’s Covenant Family will be as happy for their God and their brothers and sisters as they are for themselves. In fact, for many of us, standing in the back of the room, as Yahowah greets someone we may have helped in some way, will be the most enjoyable and satisfying moment of our lives.

“In accordance with every one of these words (ka kol ha dabarym ha ‘eleh), and consistent with every aspect (wa ka kol) of this revealing communication regarding the relationship agreement (ha chazown ha zeh – of this prophetic announcement and vision; from chazah – to be observant, perceptive, and intelligent through close examination and careful consideration), therefore (ken), Nathan (Nathan – One who Gives) spoke to (dabar ‘el) Dowd (Dowd – the Beloved).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:15)

Those who speak for God are specifically instructed not to add anything to or subtract anything from Yahowah’s testimony. That is not to say that we shouldn’t seek to expound upon it, sharing insights we discover along the way – as Moseh did throughout Dabarym | Words. But any attempt to annul or invalidate anything God has said will render an individual unacceptable. No one bears more guilt in this regard than the wannabe apostle, Sha’uwl | 133Paul, whose entire message was predicated on rejecting everything Yahowah and Dowd said and did.

Having received these marvelous reassurances, Dowd realized that Yahowah was not holding his recent past against him. The most favored Son went Home…

“So then (wa), King (ha melek) Dowd (Dowd – Beloved) arrived (bow’ – he came and entered (qal imperfect)) and he settled down, living and remaining (wa yashab – and dwelt, restored and seated, living and staying (qal imperfect)) before the presence of (la paneh – approaching and coming face-to-face with) Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of the name of YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as directed in His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah existence and our shalowm – restoration).

And he asked (wa ‘amar – then he said), ‘Who am I (my ‘any – what am I), Almighty (‘elohym) Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence)?

And what (wa my) is my home and family (beyth ‘any – is my house and household) that (ky – indeed) You have brought me (bow’ ‘any – You have come here with me) here (halom – to this place in Your presence) forever (‘ad – eternally)?’” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:16)

May I be the first to point out something as obvious as it is essential? Dowd arrived in the presence of Yahowah. Our Father brought His Son Dowd Home to Shamaym | Heaven to continue this conversation about Family. And based upon what preceded this and what follows, we have been afforded a great gift – that of listening in to their conversation.

134In a way, Dowd continues to speak for all of us. He is to a significant degree, the voice of mankind. Who are we that Yahowah would choose to spend an eternity with us in His presence? Why is it that someone as magnificent as Yah would want someone flawed and inadequate to live next to Him forevermore?

The answer, of course, is found in beryth, and its root, beyth, and in ‘ab and ben – in home and family, in father and son. There is great joy in investing in the life of someone you love, of raising children. Dowd was a source of satisfaction and happiness for God. Most of all, Yahowah wants to share His life and universe with His children, raising us to be more like Him every moment throughout endless time.

Then there are the Covenant’s benefits, particularly those provided through Shabuw’ah. Once enriched and empowered by Yahowah, the gap between us will shrink considerably. So, while we were made in God’s image, this is a bit like comparing a blueprint to a home, with one being two dimensions and the other three. Once in Shamaym, we will be increased to seven dimensions, which is beyond our comprehension.

As I approached the next statement, I found that the words led me in an entirely different direction than what others had published. According to the NASB, David said: “And this was a small thing in Thine eyes, O God; but Thou hast spoken of Thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the standard of a man of high degree, O LORD, God.”

I do not know what their concluding clause even means. But I suspect that it is a legacy of the errors that were previously promoted in the King James Bible: “And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to 135come, and has regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.”

Both renditions have God choosing to favor the House of Dowd due to his elevated status among men when the opposite is true. Yah chose Dowd when he was a lowly shepherd hanging out with his sheep in a Bethlehem pasture. And Yah is the one responsible for elevating Dowd’s status. Moreover, towr is the masculine variation of towrah and means “towrah explorer” or “towrah teacher,” not “estate” or “standard.”

Recognizing that the subject of this discussion is rather important, in that it serves to explain why God loved and blessed this man more than any other, let’s see if we can more accurately convey that reason. Therefore, based on the primary definition of each word, this is what the Son said to his Father…

“Moreover (wa), this (zeh) was a relatively small thing (qaton – was not unlike lifting Your little finger and thus not difficult (qal imperfect)) from Your perspective (ba ‘ayn ‘atah – in Your eyes), God (‘elohym).

You have continually spoken (wa dabar – You have expressed in words (piel imperfect)) concerning (‘al – about and over) the home (beyth – the house and family) of the one in Your service (‘ebed ‘atah – of Your associate and coworker, Your partner and implement) from long ago and far away (la min rachowq – from a great distance).

And (wa) You have looked upon me (ra’ah ‘any – have seen, viewed, considered, and perceived me (qal perfect)) akin to (ka – similar to and in the manner of, in accord with) an explorer investigating the Towrah (towr – one who searches and seeks to discover information by traveling through the guidance of the Towrah, one who learns by gathering information and making associations so as to be a Towrah Explorer and Towrah Teacher) for humankind (ha ‘adam), elevating their thinking and 136journey to (ha ma’alah – raising their perceptions and constructing an ascending stairway to) Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence), Almighty (‘elohym).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:17)

Dowd correctly assessed that it doesn’t actually diminish Yahowah in the slightest in the seventh dimension, to enhance our lot here on Earth or in the hereafter. While the process is complex and the enhancements infinite, that is the advantage of God working with us in lower dimensions.

Further, bringing Dowd to Heaven, indeed, bringing the entire Covenant Family into His presence, is a relatively small thing compared to transitioning us from material to spiritual beings while increasing us dimensionally, enriching and empowering us as part of the Covenant.

The reason Yahowah spoke more of Dowd than anyone else is because he became our Savior. While Dowd was one of a handful of prolific prophets, one of several anointed, one of a number of approved kings, and even one of three Zarowa’, he is the only one who can claim all of these accolades in addition to being God’s Chosen One and His Firstborn. And uniquely, it was through Dowd that the Miqra’ey were fulfilled, and God’s Covenant Family was conceived.

There are countless reasons why Yahowah fell in love with Dowd, why He chose him over all others, and why He elected to anoint him at such an early age. But one that is seldom considered is among the most important. Dowd was a Towrah explorer par excellence. His 119^th Mizmowr | Psalm is proof of that journey. And this is yet another example we would be wise to emulate.

137More even than this, Dowd was not self-indulgent. He shared what he learned, elevating his thinking along with ours. And as a result of what he discovered and conveyed, we can join him in Heaven above.

This means that Dowd actually understood the reason the Creator of the universe was so enthralled with him. Dowd did something no one else had done, something God wanted most of all. And while it is hard to imagine why this would be, in the 400 years between the time Moseh compiled the Towrah and Dowd wrote his 119^th Psalm explaining every letter within it, no one else had written an expose on God’s Teaching and Guidance. And after Dowd, it would be another 2,000 years before someone would write a book on his study, accurately conveying what the Son of God discovered.

Having done more than anyone else, the favored Son asked…

“What more can Dowd contribute and testify as a witness (mah yasaph ‘owd Dowd – how much beyond this can Dowd add to help others, repeat, do over, correct, or teach now and again into the future (hifil imperfect)) for You, God (‘el ‘atah), as Your coworker (‘eth ‘ebed ‘atah), to be respected that would be significant and rewarding, meaningful and valuable (la kabowd – that would be empowering and honorable, useful and beneficial)?

And so, You (wa ‘atah), with Your coworker (‘eth ‘ebed ‘atah) know and You have made Yada known (yada’ – You have acknowledged, revealed, and made Yada aware (qal perfect second-person masculine singular)).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:18)

It was the most important question ever asked…and answered. Once Dowd learned that he and his extended Covenant Family were being promoted and rewarded by 138Yahowah as a result of his epic journey through the Towrah, the next question was obvious. “With benefits like this, what more can I contribute?”

At this moment, he was witnessing the fruit of his journey through Yahowah’s Towrah. And in recognizing what it was providing for himself and for his extended Family, he had an epiphany. Immediately, he knew, as did his Father, that his question was answered in the very same Towrah in which he had become the world’s foremost student and teacher. The connection was as clear to him as it has been to me for the past 22 years. It was the great aha moment of his life – as it was mine.

When we boil it down to its essence, the Towrah is comprised of two interrelated and inseparable elements – the Beryth | Covenant Family and the Miqra’ey | Invitations to Meet. The Beryth is the purpose of creation and the reason for life – God wants a Family. The Miqra’ey serve as our Invitations to participate in it, and they make it possible.

Dowd was in Heaven in the fullness of time. After his inspiring discussion on homes, and who builds them, Yahowah brought him to Shamaym where he was shown the marvelous result of the Beryth. And he immediately recognized the Miqra’ey served as a means to it. That was his answer. He could and would do much more, making eternal life in his Father’s presence possible for the entire Covenant Family by fulfilling the promise of the Invitations to be Called Out and Meet.

We were regaled in the 22^nd and 88^th Mizmowr with the way Dowd fulfilled Pesach and Matsah. Yasha’yah revealed the methodology in his 9^th and 53^rd chapters. And then in his revelation to Dany’el as Gabry’el | God’s Most Capable and Courageous Man, Dowd, told us where, when, and why he would do so. And therefore, there is no shortage of information regarding the Messiah’s 139fulfillment of Chag Matsah – Passover, UnYeasted Bread, and Firstborn Children.

But some may wonder why we would credit Dowd with fulfilling Shabuw’ah in year 4000 Yah. And the answer is in the same way he fulfills Bikuwrym and Taruw'ah. All three Miqra’ey focus upon him. Dowd, as the firstborn of Bikuwrym became the ultimate recipient of Shabuw'ah. He was enriched, empowered, and enlightened to a greater extent than anyone else. And so, because of what he did on Pesach and Matsah, and what was done for him on Bikuwrym and Shabuw'ah, we celebrate Taruw’ah by speaking about him – heralding his lives and lyrics – all to give Yahuwdym one last chance at Reconciliation.

Each invitation is a gift. Dowd was the first to contribute to and benefit from all of them.

What we are learning here is that this spiritual encounter occurred in concert with what we have long held is the most important of all prophecies. It is when Dowd first realized the role he would play in the redemption of Yisra’el. And so, it would have been after this meeting that Dowd would have written his first-person autobiographical accounts of what he would endure to fulfill Pesach and Matsah leading to Bikuwrym. He had been chosen and anointed for this reason. This is why his Father referred to him as His Firstborn.

It is truly about the Family of God and His Home. We are discovering how it was conceived and built, who lives in it and how that occurs.

That is the additional contribution Dowd could and would make. It is the essence of his testimony as a witness for Yahowah. It is what Father and Son accomplished together. Collaborating to bestow the benefits of the Beryth through the Miqra’ey would be the single most significant and rewarding, meaningful and valuable, empowering and beneficial endeavor ever 140undertaken. And so, Yahowah and His coworker, Dowd, knew what they would accomplish, in addition to when, where, and why they would do so.

And as for me, Yada, I was brought into this conversation to tell you about it.

This was the perfect setting for the ideal result. The prophecy that would bring us together, the one focused on the Home and Family, upon Father and Son, in 2 Shamuw’el 7 was presented a second time in 1 Dabry ha Yowmym 17 to allow us a second chance at coming to yada’ the rest of the story. And in so doing, God’s people would be afforded another opportunity to embrace Father and Son, to become part of their Family and come Home.

This week leading to a Shabat celebration of Taruw’ah during the waning days of the 119^th Yowbel, in year 5990 Yah / September 10^th, 2023, we are witnessing the most rewarding and meaningful affirmation ever written. Dowd, Yahowah’s ultimate coworker, has volunteered to be our Savior, and he is issuing his people an engraved invitation to come home.

The man who had done more than anyone in human history to lead us through the Towrah, into its Covenant, and to God, wanted to become the living embodiment of each. And he did.

In that it was essential to our wellbeing, our Father wanted to share what He and His Son discussed this day in Shamaym | Heaven…

“Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH based upon His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence), along with and for the benefit of (ba ‘abuwr – through and on behalf of, along with, and for the sake of a productive harvest) Your partner (‘ebed ‘atah – Your coworker and associate; from ‘abad – to work, expending considerable energy and intensity toward 141the mission), and according to Your good judgment (wa ka leb – and consistent with Your disposition, inclination, and determination as a result of rationally considering the evidence and rendering an appropriate decision, and according to Your conscience and moral standard, Your thoughts, heart, character, and inner nature), You have accomplished (‘atah ‘asah – You have performed and done, You have engaged in and acted upon, and You have brought about (qal perfect)) accordingly (‘eth) all (kol) of these great things (geduwlah ha zo’th – of these recognizable and honorable manifestations of Your ability, dignity, importance, and power, even majesty; from gadal – to grow and magnify, to promote and empower) to (la – to approach, to move toward the direction of, with the goal of) make known (yada’ – to show and convey information leading to understanding of our close association and friendship, to reveal and acknowledge through proper instruction and teaching, through observation and comprehension to make aware (hifil infinitive construct)) everything (kol) worthy and empowering, honorable and great (ha geduwlah – that fosters growth and magnifies, that is magnificent and majestic).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:19)

Yahowah enriched and enlightened, empowered and energized the life of His son, because through him, we come to realize what our Heavenly Father wants to accomplish with all of His children. If we are willing to engage, after exploring the Towrah, and serve as witnesses for Yah, this is precisely what we should expect.

“Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of the name YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence and our shalowm – reconciliation), there is no one like You, and without You, there is nothing (‘ayn ka ‘atah – without You, accordingly, it would all be for naught, empty, and non-existing). (wa)

142There is no (‘ayn) God (‘elohym) except (zuwlah – besides or apart form) You (‘atah), which is consistent with (ba) every one of (kol) the steps which beneficially have given meaning to life as a result of the relationship which (‘asher) we have heard (shama’ – we have listened to, proclaimed, and reported) with our ears (ba ‘ozen ‘anah).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:20)

We listen to God by reciting His testimony. In doing so, we discover that there is only one God, who has but one name, who has provided a singular path to life. We also discover that He is consistent, never-changing, and always reliable. He alone provides everlasting meaning and purpose to our existence.

Also, while God is unique, so are His people. It is what we should expect.

“And (wa) who (my) is like (ka) Your people (‘am ‘atah – Your family), Yisra’el (Yisra’el – individuals who engage and endure with God), the only nation (gowy ‘echad – the one and only, certain and unique group of related people) on the earth (ba ha ‘erets – in the land and realm) that makes known the steps which beneficially give meaning to life as a result of a relationship (‘asher) the Almighty (ha ‘elohym) walked (halak – journeyed and led), approaching to (la – for the purpose to) redeem and ransom (padah – liberate from servitude, slavery, and bondage to freedom, rescuing and delivering) for Himself (la huw’), a family (‘am – a people) for the purpose of confirming (la sym – to place and set, to appoint and assign, to establish and affirm for the purpose of examination) Your great and empowering (la ‘atah geduwlah – Your honorable and esteemed, worthy and magnificent) name (‘atah shem – personal and proper name, reputation and renown)?

143And it was awesome (yare’ – and it engendered respect and appreciation) to remove (la garash – to drive out) from the presence (min paneh) of Your family (‘am ‘atah) whom for the benefit of the relationship (‘asher – whom to show the way to life) You redeemed and ransomed (padah – You liberated from servitude, slavery, and bondage to freedom, rescuing and delivering) from the Crucibles of Human Oppression (min Mitsraym – away from Egyptian political, religious, military, and economic subjugation) the Gowym nations (Gowym – non-Yisra’elites).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:21)

Yahowah talked the talk and then walked the walk. He did both for the benefit of His Family, revealing and providing a way Home. And that path leads away from all forms of human control, religious, political, militaristic, and economic.

Redemption is an interesting concept in that it requires a price to be paid to ransom a slave from captivity. The only way God could remain just and forgive us was to accept our penalty personally. This is the express purpose of Pesach and Matsah.

“So (wa – also) You appointed and gave to (nathan – You placed as a gift upon, causing) Your people (‘am ‘atah – Your family), Yisra’el (Yisra’el – individuals who engage and endure with God), to be a family for the purpose of approaching You (la ‘atah la ‘am – as a people to direct and guide toward the goal of nearing You) forever and ever (‘ad ‘owlam – throughout the duration of time, unending and eternally). And (wa) You (‘atah), Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of the name YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence and our shalowm – reconciliation), shall exist as (hayah – were, are, and will be, existing as) God (‘elohym) for them 144(la hem la).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:22)

It is hard to reconcile Christian Replacement Theology with this assertion. The promises made to Yisra’el remain in full effect. They are eternal. They were not usurped by any church. Moreover, Yahowah is not the Christian god.

“So now (wa ‘atah – so then), Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of the name of YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as directed in His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah existence and our shalowm – restoration), the word (ha dabar) which You have beneficially spoken regarding the relationship to show the way (‘asher dabar) before and concerning (‘al) Your coworker (‘ebed – Your associate, servant, and one who works with you, expending considerable energy to accomplish the work), and concerning his family (wa ‘al beyth huw’ – and regarding his household), may it be trustworthy and true (‘aman – I would like it to be established and enduring (nifal imperfect jussive – the subject carries out and receives reflexive action on an ongoing basis under the auspices of freewill, expressing volition)) forevermore (‘ad ‘owlam – eternally) engaging and happening (‘asah – acting and performing) in accord with what (ka’asher – consistent with the way) You have said (dabar – You have stated).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:23)

Dowd is certain of a great many things, one of which is that God does what He says. He follows through and fulfills His promises. The fact that the reward is nearly incomprehensible can, at times, however, cause even the most confident among us to speak in this way. But we should be careful here in expressing the influence of the jussive mood. Rather than pleading with his Father, the Son is demonstrating his choice to be with his Father.

145Another thing Dowd recognized that is sparsely understood today, is that the single most important thing to know about God is His name. If you do not know it, you do not know Him.

“Your name (wa shem – Your reputation and renown) will endure, verified and true (‘aman – confirmed and enduring, reliable and dependable, established and lasting), and also (wa), it will be revered as great (gadal – honored and promoted) throughout eternity (‘ad ‘owlam – forevermore, for all time) by saying (la ‘amar – on account of affirming), ‘Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of the name of YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as directed in His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah existence and our shalowm – restoration) of the spiritual implements (tsaba’ – of the divisions of heavenly envoys and vast array of messengers) is the God (‘elohym) of Yisra’el (Yisra’el – individuals who engage and endure with God), a God (‘elohym) for Yisra’el (Yisra’el).’

And (wa) the family of Dowd (beyth Dowd), Your implement (‘ebed – Your associate, coworker, servant, and assistant), will be established and sustained (kuwn – will be prepared, steadfast, ready, and supportive) by Your presence (la paneh ‘atah – before and facing You).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:24)

While this is not true at the moment, in that Ha Shem is the g-d of Israel and of Judaism, it will ring true again in the fall of 2033. And it will remain so for all time thereafter.

“Because indeed (ky), You (‘atah), my God (‘elowah), have revealed and made known by opening the ears (galah ‘eth ‘ozen – have audibly and vocally communicated so as to clearly hear) of Your partner (‘ebed – associate and coworker, implement and servant) 146to build a home for him (la banah la huw’ – to construct a home and procreate a family for him to approach).

Therefore, and for this reason (‘alken), Your implement (‘ebed – Your servant and coworker) can continue to investigate, approach by anticipating intervention, and render thoughtful decisions (la palal – can come near and ask questions, exercise good judgment, request mediation and intercession, speaking out regarding (hitpael infinitive – Dowd is acting on his own initiative to deliver all of the verb’s implications, becoming the living embodiment of palal)) about coming into Your presence (la paneh ‘atah – arriving face-to-face).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:25)

Palal is almost always rendered as “pray” in Bibles published by religious institutions, but that is not what it means. It actually speaks of “exercising good judgment by making comparisons, thereby discriminating fact from fiction after a thorough investigation.” It is “to decide by cutting through the evidence that is observed so as to discern what is trustworthy.” Palal is not only a “thinking” verb, it addresses the idea of “asking questions, receiving answers, then requesting intervention.” As a result of what is understood, to palal is “to speak favorably, intelligently, knowledgeably, and persuasively about the expected reconciliation of a relationship, making declarations which advocate and promote a particular and anticipated consequence based upon the circumstance.”

Dowd had come to realize that his bad behavior was not being held against him, that Yahowah had forgiven him, and more importantly, that God was devoted to honoring the great contributions he had made to help all humankind understand the Towrah and its Covenant. His statement reflects the overwhelming sense of confidence he had in the liberty we all experience as children of the Covenant. It conveys our overwhelming desire to share what we have come to know.

147Palal is the catalyst, the means to excite our passion to speak out in favor of Yahowah. Nothing is more satisfying than encouraging those whose eyes, ears, and minds are open to exercise good judgment in favor of accepting the conditions established to become part of God’s Family. Our response is not only active, informed, thoughtful, and rational, it is one of advocacy, using sound arguments to persuade others into accepting the truth based on the insights that have been derived from being observant.

As it is with Dowd, my relationship with Yahowah is palal – I investigate His Word and learn by exercising good judgment by making reasonable connections, thereby forming a proper perspective from which to know and approach Yah. As a result, I’m passionate and make every attempt to be persuasive, encouraging others to take advantage of the greatest offer ever made.

“So (wa) now (‘atah), Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of the name YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence and our shalowm – reconciliation), You, as God (‘atah huw’ ha ‘elohym), have spoken (dabar – declared and promised, communicating) about Your coworker (‘al ‘ebed ‘atah – concerning Your associate, partner, and implement) regarding these good and generous, pleasing and joyful things (ha towb ha zo’th – these valuable, moral, festive, beautiful, productive, favorable, and enjoyable things).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:26)

Is it any wonder the first child of the Covenant was named “Yitschaq – Laughter?” Is it any surprise Yahowah’s seven annual meetings are “chag – festivals?” And yet, it is genuinely bewildering that all but one in a million people have exchanged our fun-loving Creator for a cosmic killjoy, one who sends people to hell to torture 148them, who expects to be worshiped, and one who wants to control everyone as Lord.

The list of good things afforded the beloved Son is actually no different than that which Yahowah is offering every child of the Covenant who seeks to explore His Towrah and act upon its promises. Our Heavenly Father through His Son paid the price on Pesach and Matsah to ransom and redeem us, as He has already done for His Beloved.

Yah will stand up and greet Dowd upon his arrival in heaven, but He will do the same for us. Dowd will endure forever, perfected and established in Yahowah’s presence, but so shall we. Dowd’s home will be built by God and sit beside His, but so shall it be with ours. Yahowah will always be Dowd’s Father, but He is ours as well from the moment we are adopted into His Family. Yah will treat Dowd as a beloved Son, as He will treat every child of the Covenant.

And Yah will make Dowd’s name great, and He will share His with His beloved, but the same is true of everyone who promotes the Towrah and embraces its Covenant. And we will all do as Dowd is doing now, curiously and thoughtfully observing all God has conceived for our edification and enjoyment, our empowerment and enrichment.

Dowd is not only the living embodiment of Tsyown, he is symbolic of the Covenant, and of everything Yahowah is offering His creation. And all that is expected and required of us is to be explorers of the Towrah, choosing to be sons and daughters of Yahowah by embracing His “beryth – family covenant relationship.

“Henceforth (wa ‘atah), be willing to boldly, continuously, and confidently (ya’al – continue with determination toward the conclusion, content and pleased to accept, the agreement resolved) bless (la barak – to 149kneel down to greet in love and to lift up, invoking favor upon, demonstrating a positive disposition toward) the family (‘eth beyth – the home and household) of Your implement (‘ebed – Your associate and partner, Your coworker and servant) so that they may approach and continue to exist (la hayah) forever (la ‘owlam – eternally) in Your presence (la paneh), because You (‘atah ky), Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of the name YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence and our shalowm – reconciliation), have kneeled down in love to lift them up and favor them (barak – to bless, demonstrating a positive disposition), and so (wa) they are blessed, favored, and lifted up (barak) forever (‘owlam – eternally).” (Dabry ha Yowmym / Words of the Time / 1 Chronicles 17:27)

What more could anyone possibly want than this?