Wisdom is the Life of Understanding

“Give Me Understanding and I Shall Live.”

py thomas © Omer Notes  May 7, 2013 –Week Six
Tsadde - Psalm 119:137-144

This blog was the result of one of my studies during the season of "Counting the Omer" that those in covenant relationship with GOD are  directed to observe.  So I've taken a moment to provide a short overview of what this season means in accordance to the LORD's (ADONAI) word in scripture in the following 4 paragraphs.  I encourage you to read, as during this season its also a season of introspection, where we examine ourselves in terms of the needed surrender of obedience to our Creator and the Righteous Judge, ELOHIM (GOD).




What Is the Omer and Why Is It Counted? 
“From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf [omer] of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks [Sabbaths].” (Leviticus 23:15)

An Omer is a unit of measure that refers to sheaves of a harvested crop. In ancient times, the Jewish People brought the Omer of barley to the Temple as an offering on the second day of Passover. The Torah commands the Jewish People to count seven weeks (49 days) from the time of this wave offering until the evening of the festival of Shavuot (Pentecost). Shavuot occurs on the fiftieth day.

 The number 50 is associated with theYear of Jubilee and, therefore, represents freedom and liberation (Leviticus 25:10)—a time when the shofar (ram’s horn) would sound and all slaves would go free and all debts would be cancelled.

Since the number seven represents wholeness, perfection and completion, the seven weeks are also significant. For example, in six days God created the universe but on the seventh day, His work was completed and He rested. The counting of the Omer, therefore—seven weeks of seven days (49)—represents the expectation of the final completion, or the age of a universal "rest"—the coming of Messiah and the Messianic age.

Counting the Omer today reminds the Jewish people that their redemption from slavery in Egypt was not complete until they received the Torah (the Law). Similarly, we are to be counting the days in blessed anticipation until Yeshua returns and establishes His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and justice on this earth.


Likewise for those who have entered into the covenant of salvation, the Counting of the Omer reflects our deliverance from the bondage of sin, and the introspective process of our examining ourselves in accordance to Yeshua’s (Jesus) life and the Word of YHWH, especially since we are called to be conformed and pattern our lives after His (Yeshua). We too are counting down Yeshua’s return for the Body of Messiah.
Psalm 119:137-134

ץ Tsadde

¹³⁷ Righteous are You, O Lord,
And upright are Your judgments.
¹³⁸ Your testimonies, which You have commanded,
Are righteous and very faithful.
¹³⁹ My zeal has consumed me,
Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your word is very pure;
Therefore Your servant loves it.
¹⁴¹ I am small and despised,
Yet I do not forget Your precepts.
¹⁴² Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth.
¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have overtaken me,
Yet Your commandments are my delights.
¹⁴⁴ The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting;
Give me understanding, and I shall live.

Word Study
The following is  short word study to help understand the context of the scripture above.  I have only included two words that the Holy Spirit brought to my attention for my personal consideration and understanding of what is spoken in the above passage of scripture. 
 
Verse 138 -Testimonies [5713] is the Hebrew word “edah” (pronounced ay-daw’); which means witness in the presence of an assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm.

Verse 144 – Testimonies [5715] is the Hebrew word “eduwth” (pronounced ay-dooth); fem. of [5707]; testimony witness

• 5707 is the Hebrew word “ed” ayd, from 5749 contr.; concr. a witness: abstr. Testimony; specifically a recorder, i.e. prince – witness.
• 5749 is the Hebrew word “uwd” to testify to duplicate by  reiteration; admonish, restore, to record, stand upright, testify, give warning, bear to call (witness)

Verse 144 Righteousness [6664] is the Hebrew word “tsedeq” (pronounced tseh-dek’) from [6663 – morally cleansing]; which means right morally, legal; that which is altogether just.

The Conclusion of the Matter

Thus, the morally right, legal and altogether just of ADONAI's (the LORD's) witness (testimonies) will stand forevermore, is recorded forevermore; and bears witness forevermore!  No matter what way I may try to rationalize carnal and unrepentant behavior, ADONAI’s law is and always will be truth.  
 

It would be wise for me to always seek, refer and surrender to the obedience of His testimonies – the witness of His righteousness (and likewise you too). Without this understanding there is no eternal life, but only death.  This is the meaning of Yeshua fulfilling the law, and through it He has given every soul born the opportunity to receive this eternal life, based on the law which is morally cleansing, morally right, and morally legal –that which is altogether just!
 

If we waste all of our younger years without surrender to obedience to the whole counsel of ADONAI’s word; and are allowed to live to see old age, it will cut us to our hearts to face the consequences for not having made provision for old age (spiritually, financially and for not having dealt with our sins); and even more so for life eternal and have deceived ourselves that we won’t face an eternal death.  That unfortunately will be the saddest and most grievous surprise for some.  Selah.

How we spend the life we’re given on earth will most certainly determine where we ultimately spend eternity.  This should be a sobering thought to those who have eyes to see; and ears to hear what the Spirit of the LORD is speaking daily when He allows us to awaken one more time.
 

Many of us don’t realize that every new day we’re given, is another day for us to have the chance and opportunity to get things right with our Creator and the Righteous Judge ELOHIM.  Can we really afford to squander our lives?

Selah – worth our deepest consideration.
 

One of the LORD's maidservants, the least of these,

py thomas
(c) May 7, 2013