193Observations

Growing

 

4

Branch Out and Grow

 

The Essence of Life…

We began this phase of our journey of discovery in the first volume of Observations in Mashal / Proverb 6, pondering how what Yahowah revealed was applicable to our time. We were introduced to the Covenant, and to our Heavenly Father, but also to the Adversary, who we learned used Paul to plague humankind.

This led us to the prophetic declaration of Yasha’yah | Isaiah, where we have striven to discern how ha Satan, in the guise of the Whore of Babylon, has become the Lord of Christianity, beguiling billions of souls. We have made some notable sojourns along the way, stopping to fully examine Babel, Tsyown, hineh, beryth, and now tsemach.

The reason behind our most recent investigation was to discern if tsemach was a reference to “plants flourishing” when the Land is restored to the conditions experienced in ‘Eden upon Yahowah’s return in 2033, or if it was used to explain that the Covenant’s children would “branch out, growing exponentially while flourishing and living an abundantly enriched life” beginning at this same time. We also recognized that tsemach could be “the Branch,” and thus be evocative of Dowd as it is in Yasha’yah 4:2.

Since the “tsemach – branch” metaphor is most often used in conjunction with Dowd, we have sought to understand what is it about this man and his relationship to Yahowah, the Towrah, and Covenant that make the various implications of tsemach so vital when associated with him.

194Knowing that there was reason to suspect that all three connotations might be applicable, we began our search by pondering a series of questions: What is a branch? Where do we find them? What is their function? How does one achieve its purpose? Then we sought to appreciate how the answers to those questions were related to Yahowah, Yisra’el and Yahuwdah, Ya’aqob and Dowd, the Covenant and Tsyown? Why did God choose this metaphor? And why does He use it more often than “mashyach – anointed Messiah?”

As previously noted, tsemach speaks of “plants growing, of living vegetation sprouting, of life branching out and thus thriving, springing forth and increasing greatly, accomplishing the intended purpose of florae, successfully completing everything required to support abundant life.” Further, the purpose of a “tsemach – branch” is to extend life.

But a branch only functions, doing what it was designed to accomplish, when attached to the proper tree or vine. When a branch is cut off, it withers and dies. But when it is attached and healthy, it is a conduit of life that promotes growth, channeling water and nutrients out of the ground to the leaves, seeds, and fruit, expanding the plant so that it can absorb more light, facilitating the process of photosynthesis.

Additionally, for the branch to function properly, the tree or vine must be rooted in the right location and must grow upright before spreading out. If the tree blows over in a storm or as a result of poor soil or just because the roots were rotten, what is left on the branch will be choked out by the weeds and never receive sufficient light.

The implications are obvious. Humankind cut off from Yahowah withers and dies. But when we are firmly attached to Him, we flourish and grow. His Miqra’ey provide the means to life, the place where living waters and 195the nourishing aspects of His testimony enable us to reach out and embrace the Light that is Yahowah.

When we are rooted in Tsyown and Yisra’el by way of the Towrah, we can withstand even the most formidable foe. But when roots decay, when the soil is nutrient-poor or contaminated with pathogens, when roots are cut, hemmed in and restricted, unable to spread out, or insufficient for any reason, the tree topples and its branches break. And while those bowing down may escape the most serious storm, in that position they will never be able to look up and see, much less touch, the face of God.

Yisra’el is the Land Yahowah selected for our roots to spread. The Towrah is the nutrient He placed in its soil. The Covenant serves as the trunk of this Tree of Lives. Its most prominent Branch is Dowd. We are its fruit. And collectively, it is all symbolic of the Tree of Lives which grew in the heart of the Garden of ‘Eden.

Before we continue, let’s review the passage which brought us to this place. Yahowah revealed…

“In that day, seven belligerent and stubborn, hardened and harsh, women will be overpowering, aggressive, and assertive with one man, approaching while shouting, ‘Our own bread we will eat and our clothes we will wear!

Nevertheless, let us be called by Your name, with it upon us, to remove our reproach as a result of our taunting insults and blasphemous slurs, even our harmful statements.’ (Yasha’yah / Isaiah 4:1)

In that day, which is His day, living vegetation will sprout and thrive, branching out and growing while the Branch will spring forth, greatly increasing every aspect of life, bringing the mission to fruition, successfully completing everything that is required to 196support abundant life, enabling it to branch out and grow (tsemach) for Yahowah.

He shall be beautiful and splendorous, reaching out in a valuable and honorable way, and will, therefore, approach as a glorious manifestation along with the majestic and eminently wonderful fruitful offspring of the Land, also gloriously attractive and shining in appearance as the remnant of survivors of Yisra’el and Yahuwdah. (Yasha’yah / Isaiah 4:2)

Then it will come to pass that he who remains in Tsyown, along with the remnant spared in Yaruwshalaim, will be called ‘Set Apart’ for all who approach Him will be permanently written and recorded in the Book for Lives in Yaruwshalaim. (Yasha’yah / Isaiah 4:3)

Whereupon meeting these conditions, the Upright One of Mine shall wash away the excrement and filth of the daughters of Tsyown and by association purge and rinse away the bloodstains and bloodguilt which is the consequence of killing and the residue of death of Yaruwshalaim from her midst by way of the Spirit of Good Judgment regarding the Means to Resolve Disputes and by the Spirit of Blowing Rage. (Yasha’yah / Isaiah 4:4)

Then Yahowah will create, initiating something cutting edge over every location and dwelling place along the ridgeline of Tsyown as well as over its Miqra’ – her Invitation to be Called Out and Meet, by way of a cloud by day and smoke, then a brilliant shining radiance and majestic light of a flaming fire by night. For indeed, upon all of this manifestation of power and glory will be a sheltering canopy. (Yasha’yah / Isaiah 4:5)

Then there will exist a temporary sheltered dwelling to camp out, a Sukah, serving as a representation of something manifesting greater 197dimensions by the light of day out of Choreb (the mountain of God where the Towrah was revealed) from the outpouring of floodwaters and from the rain.” (Yasha’yah / Isaiah 4:6)

As we are abundantly aware, there are several distinctly different ways we can interpret tsemach in Yasha’yah 4:2. While most provide an allusion to Dowd as the Branch, the primary impetus here is more likely replanting the gardens found in ‘Eden throughout Yisra’el once the Earth has been cleansed of mankind’s filth.

Abundant life is Yahowah’s answer to the plague of death. There is the additional inference that Yahowah’s Covenant children will experience tremendous growth and abundant life at this time.

Our search for answers led us to Dowd’s final words…

“Now these are the last words of the prophet Dowd, the son of Yshay. So then declared the one man who stood up, was raised up, and was established by the Most High, the anointed Messiah, specifically designated, chosen for this task, and approved, set apart from others and authorized to serve as an agent, bequeathing greater responsibility regarding a specific function and mission, of the God of Ya’aqob, the pleasantly melodious, acceptable, and musical, singer and songwriter of Yisra’el. (Shamuw’el / 2 Samuel 23:1)

‘The Spirit of Yahowah spoke through me. And His word, His statements, and His reasoning were upon my tongue. (Shamuw’el / 2 Samuel 23:2)

The God of Yisra’el has spoken to me, saying, “The Rock of Yisra’el (of Those who Engage and Endure with God) is a word picture conveying symbolic meaning for man, correctly and appropriately conveying a reverence and respect for God.” (Shamuw’el / 2 Samuel 23:3)

198So similar to the light of morning, the time to think and consider, the prudent time to search and the best time to seek, when the sun rises during the early part of the day when it is best to observe, consider, and reflect without obscuring phenomena, out of this brilliant light radiates knowledge. From the rain, green and vibrant growth out of the Land. (Shamuw’el / 2 Samuel 23:4)

Indeed, my house is not appropriate, neither proper nor fitting, with God. And yet by contrast, He has constituted and facilitated an everlasting Family Covenant Relationship for me.

It is properly ordered and suitably structured, appropriately arranged and clearly formatted, correctly organized and befittingly positioned, in every way, with every conceivable aspect totally covered, and readily observable, because this is the totality of my liberation and salvation, in addition to everything I desire.

Will He not cause it to branch out and grow, greatly increasing my outreach, bringing my life’s mission to fruition, while completing everything which is required to support abundant life by fulfilling the work of the Branch (tsemach)?’” (Shamuw’el / 2 Samuel 23:5)

It is especially telling that tsemach was Dowd’s final word. Indeed, Dowd’s legacy is encapsulated by tsemach. His life serves as a branch reaching out to us from Yahowah so that we might learn what God values and expects. Dowd’s lyrics reveal what is required to live an abundant life. His Mizmowr expound on the Towrah, teaching us how to observe it.

Dowd’s words are nothing less than the fruit found on the Tree of Lives. They exist so that we might be nurtured by them and live. As Yahowah’s favorite songwriter, most beloved Son, and preferred shepherd, Dowd is the “tsemach – branch which leads to abundant life.”

199Everything Dowd did, everything he said, and everything he wrote is encapsulated in tsemach. And as such, every moment we spend pondering its implications as they are presented by God, Himself, the more like Dowd, His beloved Son, we become. Yahowah called this branch “tsadaq – right,” as He will us if we continue to learn from him.

So, let’s celebrate all of the reasons why tsemach was “the last word of the prophet Dowd” in the midst of a revelation where he was singled out and “declared the one man who stood up, who was raised up, and who was established by the Most High.” There is a reason that God told us that Dowd was “anointed, specifically designated and chosen for this task.”

Yahowah wants us to know that Dowd was “approved and set apart from others, uniquely authorized to serve as an agent regarding this specific function and particular mission.” As the “singer and songwriter of Yisra’el,” Dowd’s voice and lyrics were considered “pleasant, melodious, and acceptable” to the God who inspired him to sing them to us.

Dowd was the fourth man in human history, following Moseh, Yahowsha’ ben Nuwn, and Shamuw’el, who could say: “The Spirit of Yahowah spoke through me.” That alone should have been enough to garner everyone’s attention. And yet, although speaking for God, he said, “His word, His statements, and His reasoning were upon my tongue,” very few take the lyrics to his Mizmowr / Psalms or the lines of his Mashal / Proverbs seriously. And this is in spite of the fact that “the God of Yisra’el has spoken” through Dowd. “The rock” of “Yisra’el” serves as “a word picture conveying a reverence and respect for God.”

In his final declaration, we find Dowd recognized that “similar to the light of morning, the ideal time to think and 200consider, the prudent time to search and the best time to observe and reflect without obscuring phenomena” is “during the early part of the day.” He knew that “out of this brilliant light radiates knowledge.” And that is what he shared with us. His words, like “the rain” promote “vibrant growth.” It is also the time that he fulfilled Bikuwrym following Pesach and Matsah.

Demonstrating that the Towrah exists to perfect the imperfect, Dowd acknowledged, “Indeed, my house is not appropriate, neither proper nor fitting, with God.” “And yet by contrast, He has constituted and facilitated an everlasting Family Covenant Relationship for me.” This realization is one of many reasons that Dowd serves as the living embodiment of the Covenant – the favored Son of the ultimate Father.

Dowd’s concluding statement affirms what we have come to learn, that the Covenant “is properly ordered and suitably structured, appropriately arranged and clearly formatted, correctly organized and befittingly positioned in every way, with every conceivable aspect totally covered and readily observable.”

He knew this to be true, because he observed the Covenant’s conditions in the same place we have, in Bare’syth / In the Beginning. Yahowah’s plan is laid out for us, properly ordered and befittingly positioned, with every conceivable aspect covered and readily observable.

It was not easy. It took time. We had to know where to look, and what not to consider. But by being observant and thoughtful we figured it out, and so had he. All we had to do was closely examine and carefully consider everything Yahowah had to say about His Covenant in His Towrah | Source of Guidance and Direction. It was all laid out for us, everything God expected and offered in return.

In Dowd’s own words, the Covenant provides “the totality of my liberation and salvation, in addition to 201everything I desire.” It is true for all of us, for every member of Yahowah’s Family.

And let us never forget, it was tsemach that brought us to this place, reminding us once again that we are never shortchanged when we seek to understand Yahowah’s words. As a result, “Will He not cause us to branch out and grow, greatly increasing our outreach, bringing our purpose to fruition, while completing everything that is required to support abundant life by fulfilling the work of the Branch?” It is a fitting conclusion to the most important life ever lived.

While we have just considered Dowd’s final statement, tsemach reappears in the last song he sang en route to his Father. In the 132^nd Mizmowr, as we just discovered, the verbal form of tsemach is used to announce that a Choter will come forth, appointed and prepared by God, as part of Taruw’ah to enlighten Yisra’el that the Mashyach Dowd is calling them home. He wrote…

“Yahowah (Yahowah), You choose to remember and proclaim in a most memorable way (zakar) all (‘eth kol) of Dowd’s (la Dowd) responses regarding the afflictions he endured (‘anah huw’)). (Mizmowr / Psalm 132:1)

To show the right way to receive the benefits of the relationship (‘asher), he swore an oath, making a vow seven times over (shaba’) to (la) Yahowah (YaHoWaH), making this binding promise (nadar) to (la) the Almighty One (‘abyr) of Ya’aqob | Israel (Ya’aqob). (Mizmowr 132:2)

Although (‘im) I will enter (bow’) into (ba) the temporary shelter (‘ohel) of my family home (beyth ‘any), and although (‘im) upon my bed stretched out (‘al ‘eres yatsuwa’ ‘any), (Mizmowr 132:3) even if (‘im) I offer (nathan) rest (shenah) to (la) my eyes (‘ayn ‘any), and to my eyelids (la ‘aph ‘any) inactivity (tanuwmah), 202(Mizmowr 132:4) as an eternal witness to the restoring testimony (‘ad), I will learn the location of and experience (matsa’) the home and place to take a stand (maqowm) for (la) Yahowah (Yahowah), a tabernacle (mishkan) for (la) the Almighty One (‘abyr) of Ya’aqob | Israel (Ya’aqob). (Mizmowr 132:5)

Behold (hineh), we heard of it (shama’ hy’) in (ba) ‘Ephrathah | the Branch from Bethlehem (‘Ephrathah). We found it (matsa’ hy’) in (ba) the open environs (sadah) of Ya’ar | the Honeycombed Forest (Ya’ar). (Mizmowr 132:6)

We should choose to go (bow’) into (la) His Tabernacle (mishkan huw’). On our own initiative, unaffected by societal influences and control, let’s choose to consistently and independently make an informative verbal announcement regarding life (chawah) at His footstool (hadom regel huw’). (Mizmowr 132:7)

You and I concur with Your desire to take a stand and establish, both choosing to restore by fulfilling (quwm), Yahowah (YaHoWaH), on behalf of (la) Your harmonious and reconciling dwelling place (la manuwchah ‘atah), for You and the Ark (‘atah wa ‘arown) of Your empowerment (‘oz ‘atah). (Mizmowr 132:8)

Let Your priests who minister by explaining Your intent (kohen ‘atah) choose to be clothed and arrayed (labash) in what is right, honest, and proper, thus vindicating (tsadaq), while (wa) those who are devoted to You (chasyd ‘atah) sing joyfully (ranan). (Mizmowr 132:9)

On behalf of advancing and achieving the expected result with (ba ‘abuwr) Dowd (Dowd), Your associate and coworker (‘ebed ‘atah), never (‘al) turn away Your 203face (shuwb paneh ‘atah) from Your anointed Messiah (mashyach ‘atah). (Mizmowr 132:10)

Yahowah (Yahowah), He swore an oath, making a promise seven times over (shaba’) to (la) Dowd (Dowd) which is trustworthy and reliable, certain and enduring (‘emeth). He will not change it or turn away from it (lo’ shuwb min hy’).

‘I will place (shyth) what comes from (min) the fruit conceived through the harvest (pery) of your internal passion and core desire (beten ‘atah) upon (la) Your seat of honor (kise’ la ‘atah). (Mizmowr 132:11)

So, if and upon the condition (‘im), your children (beny ‘atah) continue to actually observe, closely examining and carefully considering (shamar) My Covenant (beryth ‘any) and (wa) My Enduring Testimony and Restoring Witness (‘eduwth ‘any), then by doing this (zow), I will teach them how to respond appropriately (lamad hem), in addition to (gam) their children (beny hem).

With the Eternal Witness to the Restoring Testimony (‘ad ‘ad), they will continue to live and remain (yashab) in proximity to (la) your seat of honor and empowerment (kise’ ‘atah).’ (Mizmowr 132:12)

For it is true that (ky) Yahowah (YaHoWaH) has chosen and prefers (bachar) Tsyown (ba Tsyown). He desires this (‘awah hy’) as His dwelling place for His household (la mowshab la huw’). (Mizmowr 132:13)

‘This is My place in opposition to oppression where I will promote spiritual reconciliation (zo’th manuwchah ‘any) as an Eternal Witness to the Restoring Testimony forevermore (‘ad ‘ad). Here, in this place (poh) I will abide and remain (yashab) because (ky) I desire it (‘awah hy’). (Mizmowr 132:14)

204I will kneel down in love to lift up, blessing (barak barak) her fortifications and provisions, supplementing the food supply by providing a pleasant change in the menu (tsyd hy’), completely satisfying (tsaba’) the willing, those among her who are open and receptive (‘ebyown hy’) to this bread (lachem). (Mizmowr 132:15)

Also (wa) I will clothe and array (labash) her ministers (kohen hy’) with deliverance and salvation (yesha’) such that (wa) those who are devoted in her (chasyd hy’) will rejoice, singing joyfully (ranan ranan). (Mizmowr 132:16)

For the name and reputation, see how (sham) I will cause to sprout up and enable growth, producing a stem to bring forth new life (tsamach) from the radiant horn of enlightenment (qaran) on behalf of (la) Dowd (Dowd). I have prepared and arranged a useful and informative (‘arak) luminary (ner) for My anointed Messiah (la mashyach ‘any).’” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to Songs / Psalm 132:17)

Dowd is the Branch from which the Choter sprouts to enlighten Yahuwdym. He is our Mashyach and Zarowa’, Yahowah’s Bachar and Bakowr, our Ra’ah and Yasha’.

The Branch was Towrah-observant, and as a result, he understood and accepted the conditions of the Covenant. He realized that this was the right way to approach Yahowah – indeed the only way. He swore an oath to his Father demonstrating his commitment to enable the Covenant’s benefits during the Mowed Miqra’ey.

And then we find the essence of Yahowah’s message: If your children continue to actually observe My Covenant and My Enduring testimony and Restoring Witness, by doing so I will teach them how to respond appropriately, with them always and forever living and remaining in proximity to Dowd’s seat of honor.

205Those who want to live with God as part of His Family are invited to follow the Signs He Posted on Tsyown to Show the Way. Once there, we will “tsamach – grow from the source of His radiant light.” Sharing this reconciling message with us was the mission for which Dowd was appointed.