The Last Song of Moses

 

“And now write down this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel). Put it in their mouths, so that this song is to Me for a witness against the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel).” (Deuteronomy 31:19)

If you’ve been following along with the “Testing the 613”, you may remember that it is commanded of us to write down the Song of Moses (his last song). I wrote it in a journal I like to keep notes in, and I encourage everyone to do the same. Though if your hands have a hard time holding a pen, then typing is not a bad idea either.

Why are we commanded to write down this song, effectively committing it to memory? Why do those who overcome in Revelation sing the song of Moses? This should clue us in that this is no ordinary song, but that it is powerful in not only message but prophecy. Let’s take a look at the Song of Moses to see what we can piece together from it. It can be found in Deuteronomy 32. Take this as your cue to either write it out or flip to it in the scriptures. 

Moses’s last song to the children of Israel is as profound as it is lengthy, but this being his parting words to those he watched after for over forty years, you would expect no less. There is much to break down when it comes to song, such as the interesting mentions of the Rock, and how Yeshua is referred to as a rock or stone, but that is a topic for another time. 

Moses gives this song, most likely inspired and directed by Elohim, as he prefaces the song with the following, and when he starts singing it is from the perspective of Yah.

“For I know that after my death you shall do very corruptly and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you. And evil shall come to you in the latter days, because you do what is evil in the eyes of יהוה, to provoke Him through the work of your hands. So Mosheh spoke in the hearing of all the assembly of Yisra’ĕl the words of this song till their completion.” (Deuteronomy 31:29-30)

He knows, Yah knows, that Israel will eventually walk away from the instructions of the Most High. This song is not only prophetic in nature but is also a warning. Keeping the Torah keeps us in right standing with the Father, as our Messiah showed us in his own life. That’s why Moses closes the song with the following remark.

“And when Mosheh (Moses) ended speaking all these words to all Yisra’ĕl (Israel), he said to them, “Set your heart on all the words with which I warn you today, so that you command your children to guard to do all the Words of this Torah.” (Deuteronomy 32:45-46)

Now that we’ve read and have a generalized idea about what the song is stressing, why do you think they sing it in Revelation 15?

“And I saw like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those overcoming the beast and his image and his mark and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of Elohim. And they sing the song of Mosheh (Moses) the servant of Elohim, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are Your works, יהוה Ěl Shaddai (Almighty)! Righteous and true are Your ways, O Sovereign of the set-apart ones! “Who shall not fear You, O יהוה, and esteem Your Name? Because You alone are kind. Because all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your righteousnesses have been made manifest.” (Revelation 15:2-4)

We see the overcomers proclaiming that His ways, the Torah, are righteous and true; the same sentiments are expressed not only by Moses in his last song, but through all the writings, the prophets, and Messianic writings, which Revelation is a part of. With all that transpires from Deuteronomy up to Revelation, it becomes evident that Moses’s last song tells the entire story of Israel. How they will lose their way and be persecuted due to their own disobedience, but in the end, Yah will return to His people and save them from their strife. It is a song of redemption. Our Elohim knew that his people would not walk in righteousness; that’s why He has this warning and proclaims the end from the beginning.

“Remember the former events of old, for I am Ěl, and there is no one else – Elohim, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from of old that which has not yet been done, saying, ‘My counsel does stand, and all My delight I do.” (Isaiah 46:9-10)

Moses’s last song was not the only song the overcomers sang that day, but the song of the Lamb was also called to remembrance. This is most likely the song that transpires in Revelation 5.

“And when He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the set-apart ones. And they sang a renewed song, saying, “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals, because You were slain, and have redeemed us to Elohim by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and made us sovereigns and priests to our Elohim, and we shall reign upon the earth. And I looked, and I heard the voice of many messengers around the throne, and the living creatures, and the elders. And the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb having been slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and respect and esteem and blessing!” And every creature which is in the heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying, “To Him sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb, be the blessing and the respect and the esteem and the might, forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amĕn!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and bowed before Him who lives forever and ever.” (Revelation 5:8-14)

The song of the Lamb and the song of Moses go hand in hand, as the song of Moses is a story of redemption; well, there can be no redemption without the Lamb. See my article titled “Redeeming the Bride” for more information. With this greater understanding, and even now, I believe there is still much to be understood with both songs, we can appreciate why the overcomers were singing both songs together. It also symbolizes how we cannot separate the Torah from the Messiah, as the overcomers are those possessing both.

“And they overcame him because of the Blood of the Lamb, and because of the Word of their witness, and they did not love their lives to the death.” (Revelation 12:11)

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to fight with the remnant of her seed, those guarding the commands of Elohim and possessing the witness of יהושע Messiah” (Revelation 12:17)

I hope this article has edified you and encouraged you to do your own research. I pray that the Ruach Hakodesh guides you in your studies and leads you into all truth. Shalom. 

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Scriptural Research: 5 Key Components for Thoroughly Examining the Scriptures

 

Conducting scriptural research, in my opinion, is something every follower of the Messiah should do. Though I believe Peter would agree with me.

“But set apart יהוה Elohim in your hearts, and always be ready to give an answer to everyone asking you a reason concerning the expectation that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)

We should do our due diligence and thoroughly examine the scriptures. Do not confine the teachings that bring blessings and life to a small section of your life. Treat it as a student, a proper student, treats a research paper. I remember in college spending hours in the library, poring through books and articles. To gather enough information to write a compelling, in my case, historical paper on a particular subject.  

Below, I have listed five key components that have helped me when doing research. There are, of course, other means of conducting research and many more to be listed. These five, however, have been fundamental to me, and I hope they help you in your studies as well. 

The Fundamentals of Scriptural Research

We have to start somewhere when studying the Bible, and while study Bibles can be useful, they can also be chock-full of erroneous teachings, and for that reason, I typically stay away from them. I do have several translations in my possession, KJV, The Scriptures, The Cepher, along with numerous online translations. When I turn to the Bible, I don’t want someone else’s commentary to be right up against the verses. True, that as I read, I might have a respected teacher’s thoughts on the passage in mind or a couple of teachers for that fact, but without their direct influence, I can read the scriptures with me in the driver’s seat. Now, without further ado, let's break down five tips for scriptural research. 

Five Tips for Scriptural Research:

 Terminology- learning the vocabulary associated with the Bible is paramount to understanding the message being conveyed. What is favor? What are tablets? What are angels? Thankfully, the Bible does a fine job of explaining its terms; however, there are times when we have to seek out the definition. Terminology extends beyond simply learning the vocabulary; it also entails how the Hebrew language functions, which in turn leads to Hebraic thought. Something within the same vein as terminology is learning about the people of the Bible. The best part about learning terminology and people is that it happens organically as one reads and studies.

Techniques- The methods used to conduct research. This entails writing notes when reading or watching a video. Finding counterarguments to develop a well-rounded idea of the topic, one such topic that is hot right now is the timeline, and in particular, the Millennial Reign. Get a whiteboard and brainstorm or create a diagram that helps put your thoughts in order. Spend time meditating on the word. Create a list of all the times a word is used in the Bible. Develop a method for reading the Bible, such as following the yearly Torah portions.

Like-minded People- Finding others who are of a similar mindset will greatly increase your research progress. It's why people create study groups, beyond the camaraderie, of course. Unfortunately, this can be difficult as many of us are physically separated from other Hebrews. Thankfully, online ministries have done an excellent job of helping bridge that gap. While it won’t replace the same feeling of being in person with other Hebrews, it does provide a connection that otherwise would not be there.   

Mentor- This is a very special relationship, so rare that, at least in my case, I have truly ever found one. A mentor is someone who is more personal than a typical teacher. They will push you well beyond your limits, pass on their knowledge to you, chastise you when you mess up, and keep you on track. Think of the relationship between Yeshua and his disciples; it’s the best example I can give.    

Context- You’ve probably heard it said before, “context, context, context.” As a history student, it was drilled into me, and when it comes to studying the scriptures, it remains true. We cannot take verses in isolation or try to make a verse mean something that the original author never meant to convey. The Bible defines sin as transgressing the Torah (1 John 3:4); sin can never mean anything other than that. Yet, there are many Biblical ‘scholars’ who make sin to be whatever it is they don’t like. Terminology and context work congruently, and likewise, it’s a skill that is built up over time.         

Get Started! 

There's no time like the present to get started, and really, when it comes to something so crucial to our relationship with the Father, why wait another day? In today’s age, we have access to so many resources; please do not take this for granted. You arrived on this earth precisely when you were meant to; utilize what is available to you. For you never know when things will change. Studying might not seem fun at first, and it will eat away at your free time, but it is well worth the effort. May the Ruach Hakodesh guide you in your studies. 

“It is the esteem of Elohim to hide a matter, And the esteem of sovereigns to search out a matter.” (Proverbs 25:2)  

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What was Joseph saying in Genesis 44:15 about Divination?

 

“And Yosĕph (Joseph) said to them, “What deed is this you have done? Did you not know that a man like me indeed divines?” (Genesis 44:15)

Did Joseph really practice divination, or is something else going on here? If one was to take this verse in isolation, then it would appear that Joseph admitted to using magic. The Bible, however, teaches that the use of divination is a sin.

“Let no one be found among you who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices divination, or a user of magic, or one who interprets omens or a sorcerer,” (Deuteronomy 18:10)

 ‘Do not eat meat with the blood. Do not practice divination or magic.” (Leviticus 19:26)

Joseph was a righteous man that Yah blessed, so it would not make sense for him to be committing the sin of divination.

“And it came to be that יהוה was with Yosĕph (Joesph), and he became a prosperous man, and was in the house of his master the Mitsrian (Egyptian).” (Genesis 39:2)

“The prison warden did not look into any point that was under Yosĕph’s (Joseph’s) hand, because יהוה was with him. And whatever he did, יהוה made it prosper.” (Genesis 39:23)

And for those of you familiar with Joseph, know that he was made second in all of Egypt, and because of his position, he was able to save his family (along with Egypt) from the seven years of famine. While Joseph most certainly endured trials and tribulations, it would be disingenuous to assert that he was not blessed by El Shaddi. This being the case, then what was Joseph saying in Genesis 44:15? We actually have a few different manuscripts that detail what Joseph is doing. 

The Context of Genesis 44:15

Joseph, aforementioned, is second only to Pharaoh in Egypt, and when his brothers come to Egypt seeking food, it just so happens that Joseph is in charge of the food supply and distribution. His brothers do not recognize him, but Joseph knows exactly who they are. In order to test their hearts, Joseph comes up with several stratagems to put his brothers through. One of them, and this being connected to the verse in question, is to place a silver cup in the grain sack of Benjamin, to make it appear as though he had stolen it. Ultimately, this ruse shows Joseph that his brothers deeply regret what they did to Joseph as a child and how their actions caused much pain and sorrow for their father Jacob. 

The Bible’s Account

“And he commanded the one over his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as they are able to bear, and put each man’s silver in the mouth of his sack. And put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and the silver for his grain. And he did according to the word of Yosĕph which he spoke.” (Genesis 44:1-2)

Jubilees’ Account

“And Joseph devised a plan whereby he might learn their thoughts as to whether thoughts of peace prevailed amongst them, and he said to the steward who was over his house: 'Fill all their sacks with food, and return their money unto them into their vessels, and my cup, the silver cup out of which I drink, put it in the sack of the youngest, and send them away.” (Jubilees 42:25)

Jasher’s Account

“And when Joseph saw his brother, the son of his mother, he again wished to weep, and he entered the chamber, and he wept there, and he washed his face, and went out and refrained from weeping, and he said, Prepare food. And Joseph had a cup from which he drank, and it was of silver beautifully inlaid with onyx stones and bdellium, and Joseph struck the cup in the sight of his brethren whilst they were sitting to eat with him. And Joseph said unto the men, I know by this cup that Reuben the first born, Simeon and Levi and Judah, Issachar and Zebulun are children from one mother, seat yourselves to eat according to your births. And he also placed the others according to their births, and he said, I know that this your youngest brother has no brother, and I, like him, have no brother, he shall therefore sit down to eat with me.” (Jasher 53:10-13)

“At that time Joseph commanded his officer to fill their sacks with food, and to put each man's money into his sack, and to put the cup in the sack of Benjamin, and to give them provision for the road, and they did so unto them.” (Jasher 53:23)

Josephus’ Account

“Now when after supper they had composed themselves to sleep, Joseph commanded his steward both to give them their measures of corn, and to hide its price again in their sacks; and that withal they should put into Benjamin’s sack the golden cup, out of which he loved himself to drink.” (Flavius Josephus Chapter 6 How Joseph, When He Was Become Famous In Egypt, Had His Brothern In Subjection, part 7 number 124)

Concluding the Matter

As we can see from the four witnesses, Joseph was merely playing the part. He purposely had the cup placed in Benjamin’s sack, and thus did not need to use divination to know who stole something. This example does highlight something of great importance, too many, too often, read a verse in isolation and do not investigate the matter. In this case, reading the beginning of the chapter would have clarified the issue. Spending more time researching and studying the scriptures would do us all some good. Not passively skimming through, but truly taking the time and making the effort to learn the Set-apart scriptures. May the Rauch Hakodesh lead you into all truth.

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Exploring the Sinai Covenant and the Renewed Covenant

 

For many, this question will seem a no-brainer, as many teachers/leaders proclaim that we are in the renewed covenant. Yet, when I study this topic, I come away with a different perspective. When I began following Messiah Yeshua in Torah, the renewed/ new covenant was one of the first things I researched. Despite it being one of my early research projects, I haven’t shared it here on Red Pill Messianic. 

While there are many covenants in the Bible, the word covenant means an agreement. When speaking about The Covenant, most people tend to be referencing the covenant that establishes Elohim’s people. It is this covenant that I will be exploring today, first breaking down what the covenant is (also known as the Sinai covenant or the ‘old’ covenant), and afterward covering the renewed covenant.

The Sinai Covenant

“For they set out from Rephiḏim, and had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Yisra’ĕl (Israel) camped there before the mountain. And Mosheh went up to Elohim, and יהוה called to him from the mountain, saying, “This is what you are to say to the house of Ya‛aqoḇ (Jacob), and declare to the children of Yisra’ĕl(Israel): ‘You have seen what I did to the Mitsrites(Egyptians), and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. ‘And now, if you diligently obey My voice, and shall guard My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession above all the peoples – for all the earth is Mine – ‘and you shall be to Me a reign of priests and a set-apart nation.’ Those are the words which you are to speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl(Israel).” (Exodus 19:2-6)

“And it shall be, if you diligently obey the voice of יהוה your Elohim, to guard to do all His commands which I command you today, that יהוה your Elohim shall set you high above all nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1) 

The covenant made at Mount Sinai was between Yah and the House of Israel (Here meaning all twelve tribes, as all are present). The agreement hinges on the people obeying Yah, which is His Torah (instructions), and if they do, then they will be accepted as His people. It’s important to note that this is not the first time the Torah was given; to learn more, please see my article titled “Torah before Mount Sinai”. That means, Adam and Eve, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, were all expected to obey the Father and if they didn’t, then they were punished, as is the case for Adam and Eve being exiled from the garden. With this understanding, and given the context of the Israelites being freed from Egypt after hundreds of years of slavery, Sinai is the perfect place and time to bring up the covenant. The Israelites probably forgot the ways of the Most High after several generations of being in Egypt.  Later on, we see Ruth, a natural-born Moabite, making the same vow so that she might be counted among Elohim’s people.

“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you, or to go back from following after you. For wherever you go, I go; and wherever you stop over, I stop over. Your people are my people, and your Elohim is my Elohim.” (Ruth 1:16)

By declaring that Yah will be her Elohim, she’s affirming to diligently obey His voice and to do all that He commands. For there is no other way to enter into that covenant, remember the language used during the giving of the covenant. If you obey the Voice of Yah, then you shall be His people, and Ruth agrees to those conditions. 

The Renewed Covenant

“See, the days are coming,” declares יהוה, “when I shall make a renewed covenant with the house of Yisra’ĕl(Israel) and with the house of Yehuḏah(Judah), not like the covenant I made with their fathers in the day when I strengthened their hand to bring them out of the land of Mitsrayim(Egypt), My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares יהוה. “For this is the covenant I shall make with the house of Yisra’ĕl(Israel) after those days, declares יהוה: I shall put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people. “And no longer shall they teach, each one his neighbor, and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know יהוה,’ for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares יהוה. “For I shall forgive their crookedness, and remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31–34)

There are two key elements of the renewed covenant that should be pointed out. First, the covenant is only between Yah, the House of Israel, and the House of Judah. Eventually, the two houses will be made one once again (also tethered to the renewed covenant). For more information, please see my article titled “Israel and Judah”. Secondly, the Torah gets written on the hearts of His people. How this covenant is not like the one He made at Sinai is that where the original covenant relied upon us to learn and teach the Torah. The renewed covenant has the Torah written on the heart; in essence, it becomes second nature to the Israelites. There will be no need to teach the Torah to others, as they will all intrinsically know it.

This aspect, having the Torah written on the heart and not having to learn/teach it to others, is an indicator that the renewed covenant has not taken place yet. We still have to learn the Torah and teach it to others. Furthermore, in Ezekiel, we have the same covenant being discussed with the added information that all who are scattered will be brought back. This has not happened yet and is directly tied to the renewed covenant.

“And I shall take you from among the nations, and I shall gather you out of all lands, and I shall bring you into your own land. “And I shall sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean – from all your filthiness and from all your idols I cleanse you. “And I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. And I shall take the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I shall give you a heart of flesh, and put My Spirit within you. And I shall cause you to walk in My laws and guard My right-rulings and shall do them. “And you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers. And you shall be My people, and I shall be your Elohim.” (Ezekiel 36:24-28)

The book of Baruch corresponds with Ezekiel.

“Yet you have dealt with us, Yah our Elohim, in all your kindness and in all your great compassion, as you spoke by your servant Moses on the day when you commanded him to write your law in the presence of the people of Israel, saying, “If you will not obey my voice, this very great multitude will surely turn into a small number among the nations, where I will scatter them. For I know that they will not obey me, for they are a stiff-necked people. But in the land of their exile they will come to themselves and know that I am Yah their Elohim. I will give them a heart that obeys and ears that hear; they will praise me in the land of their exile, and will remember my name and turn from their stubbornness and their wicked deeds; for they will remember the ways of their ancestors, who sinned before Yah. I will bring them again into the land that I swore to give to their ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and they will rule over it; and I will increase them, and they will not be diminished. I will make an everlasting covenant with them to be their Elohim and they shall be my people; and I will never again remove my people Israel from the land that I have given them.” (Baruch 2:27–35)

As mentioned earlier, the renewed covenant is also characterized by the two houses becoming one. To add, in the renewed covenant, the Israelites no longer sin (Torah is written on their hearts), David (Most likely referencing Yeshua, as he is also called a son of David) is made king over Israel, there will be peace in the land, and Elohim will establish His set-apart place among them.  

“And speak to them, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “See, I am taking the children of Yisra’ĕl from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and shall gather them from all around, and I shall bring them into their land. “And I shall make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Yisra’ĕl(Israel). And one sovereign shall be sovereign over them all, and let them no longer be two nations, and let them no longer be divided into two reigns. “And they shall no longer defile themselves with their idols, nor with their disgusting matters, nor with any of their transgressions. And I shall save them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and I shall cleanse them. And they shall be My people, and I be their Elohim, while Dawiḏ(David) My servant is sovereign over them. And they shall all have one shepherd and walk in My right-rulings and guard My laws, and shall do them. “And they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Ya‛aqoḇ(Jacob) My servant, where your fathers dwelt. And they shall dwell in it, they and their children and their children’s children, forever, and My servant Dawiḏ(David) be their prince forever. “And I shall make a covenant of peace with them – an everlasting covenant it is with them. And I shall place them and increase them, and shall place My set-apart place in their midst, forever. “And My Dwelling Place shall be over them. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.” (Ezekiel 37:21–27)

None of what we just read has occurred yet, and would take some mental gymnastics to make it fit with the notion that the renewed/new covenant is in effect. What about in the Messianic and Apostolic writings, is there any information on the renewed covenant that might be gleaned from its pages? 

Messianic Writings on the Renewed Covenant

“And as they were eating, יהושע took bread, and having blessed, broke and gave it to the taught ones and said, “Take, eat, this is My body.” And taking the cup, and giving thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. “For this is My blood, that of the renewed covenant, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. “But I say to you, I shall certainly not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on till that day when I drink it anew with you in the reign of My Father.” (Matthew 26:26-29)

Yeshua plays a major role in ushering in the renewed covenant, and afterward, when it’s fully enacted. Yeshua said he was sent only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel; he had to redeem them, and the only way he could was through death. That’s because of the Torah instructions concerning a man and his wife; after Israel was divorced and played the harlot, there was no other way to bring them back. For more information, please see my article “Redeeming the Bride.” Yeshua also takes on the role of mediator in the covenant, as described in Hebrews.

“But now He has obtained a more excellent service, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was constituted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, “See, the days are coming,” says יהוה, “when I shall conclude with the house of Yisra’ĕl(Israel) and with the house of Yehuḏah(Judah) a renewed covenant, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Mitsrayim(Egypt), because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them,” says יהוה. “Because this is the covenant that I shall make with the house of Yisra’ĕl(Israel) after those days, says יהוה, giving My laws in their mind, and I shall write them on their hearts, and I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people. “And they shall by no means teach each one his neighbor, and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know יהוה,’ because they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. “Because I shall forgive their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawlessnesses I shall no longer remember.” By saying, ‘renewed,’ He has made the first old. Now what becomes old and growing aged is near disappearing.” (Hebrews 8:6-13)

What are the better promises in the renewed covenant? Israel and Judah becoming one and never separating again, Elohim’s people will inherit the land promised to their forefathers and never to be cast out again, Elohim’s people will no longer sin, the Torah is written on Elohim’s people, Elohim will set His place among His people forever, Yeshua will be the forever King over Israel, and there will be peace for Yah’s people. At the end, Paul is simply stating that the renewed covenant is on its way, as the first is laid to rest when the renewed version starts.  

I know there are many ministers out there, even Messianic/ Hebrew ones, who believe and teach we are in the renewed covenant. While I do think it’s important to know which covenant is standing, although entry is essentially the same, I don’t think it should be a point of division. The population of Hebrews is small, and we do not need to be divided spiritually, as many of us are physical. I implore everyone to do their own research and test everything, including this article. May the Ruach Hakodesh be your guide to all truth.

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Discovering Life Lessons from Elohim's Creation: The Mountain, Tree, and Rivers

 

Elohim’s creation is full of wonder, mystery, and if one is observant, the very mountains, trees, and rivers may teach you something. Not in the sense that they will speak to you in verbal form, but in a language nonetheless, you need only be attentive and contemplative.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible qualities have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, both His everlasting power and Mightiness…” (Romans 1:20)

His invisible qualities can mean a multitude of things, but for me, it’s the lessons that Elohim shares via the creation. In a way, it has taken the place of a mentor. I still watch and listen to several different teachers, but for years now, I have been without a mentor. If you’ve never experienced that type of relationship, it’s hard to imagine the whole that is left when a mentor departs. I think it’s how the disciples felt when Yeshua left them, albeit it must have felt much more amplified. What I have written down below are a few lessons accompanied by corresponding Scripture. I hope you find some wisdom or benefit in them. 

Yah Speaks Through His Creation

Observe how the mountain does not bow to the wind; it remains calm and fixated. Now, notice how a tree sways and gives with the wind. It does not struggle against the wind but uses the wind to either cast off old branches or to spread its seed. Finally, watch the many rivers that flow down the mountain. Some faster and some slower, yet all reach the bottom in due time. 

Observation Notes

The Mountain- At times, we must be like the mountain, strong, independent, unmoving, and reserved. For example, when you set boundaries with someone, you must maintain them, or they will test your limits to find a way through. Think of them as being the wind; they push and conjure up a mighty gust, but you are planted and are unbendable. Upon your sharp resolution, their attempts will fall by the wayside. 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, nor be discouraged, for יהוה your Elohim is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

The Tree- At times, we must emulate the tree, being flexible yet firm, pruning ourselves, and maximizing effectiveness. Learn to use opposition to either cast off negative aspects of your character or to grow and spread your utility. In life, we will experience storms; we may lose our jobs or have a relationship come to a close. In these moments, we can use the turbulence caused by such scenarios to better ourselves. We can take losing the job to finally try that business idea we’ve been sitting on but never attempted because we were too comfortable. In the same token, a breakup might reveal some nasty habits we have that need to be let go of. Use the storm, don’t let the storm use you. 

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim.” (Romans 12:2)

The Rivers-   Life is much like the rivers making their way down the mountain; it bends and flows at various speeds. But unlike the rivers, we are constantly comparing our progress to others. What good is this? Why say “When he was my age, he already did this and that.” Can one man’s journey be compared to another’s? If so, it should not be done in a competitive manner. You are the river, constantly moving to your end state, and there will be many obstacles along the way. Knowing this, do not stop at every rock along the way, for this will disrupt your flow. Do not wear yourself thin, becoming nothing more than a stream, unable to properly flow and provide aid to weary travelers. Likewise, do not become so full of yourself that you become a flood, destroying everything around you. A healthy river is not too small or too large, and it is not dammed up but flows continually and effortlessly.   

“Trust in יהוה with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;” (Proverbs 3:5)

Putting it All Together 

Life is all about growing and becoming the best version of ourselves. Our ideal state is to become like the Messiah, as Paul wrote to be imitators of him as he is of the Messiah. Being better today than we were yesterday is the epitome of self-development, and the tools to achieve this are all around us. The Bible, righteous leaders/teachers, and the very creation model. From the mountain, we learn what it means to be unflinching in the face of challenges. From the tree, how to use troubling times to benefit us. Last but not least, from the rivers, how we are all on our own path, and that we should focus on our own efficiency.    

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