Ephod of God

By Joan Angley

"Teach them the difference between the holy and the profane, between the clean and unclean. Teach them all the word God has given" (Leviticus 10:10). Emeralds, sapphires, diamonds? What do precious gems have to do with God? Everything, if you study the high priest breastplate and decode the message. Proverbs 25:2 says, "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search a thing out." There is much more buried deep in the scriptures than we know. It is a deep well of treasure waiting to be mined and just as precious as sapphires and diamonds. How does God see these jewels? Does the Hebrew name for ruby, written three thousand years ago, mean "flaming sword of light," and does it hint at the laser hidden inside its depths? Do these gems represent anything important and of great value? Absolutely! Is there a secret and mysterious meaning imbedded in the fact that God assigned a jewel to each tribe of Israel, accompanied by two very specific blessings and a tribal banner, which surprisingly has an astronomical significance? Jesus said that before He comes back, there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. Do these constellations, depicted in the tribal banners, tell us something of great import for the world? Are there warnings broadcast in the stars that we should be paying attention to them now? Buckle up and begin one of the most fascinating journeys into the mysteries of God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781646707928

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Ephod of God

Joan Angley

IF ANY ONE BUILDS UPON THE FOUNDATION, WHETHER IT BE WITH GOLD, SILVER, PRECIOUS STONES, WOOD, HAY OR STUBBLE, THE WORK OF EACH WILL BE PLAINLY KNOWN, FOR THE DAY OF CHRIST WILL REVEAL IT BY FIRE AND CRITICALLY APPRAISE THE CHARACTER OF THE WORK EACH PERSON HAS DONE.

1 CORINTHIANS 3:13

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Sardius: Fiery Zeal and High Praise

The Tribe of Judah

The psalm of Judah: Psalm 92

Jacob’s blessing on Judah

Moses’s blessing on Judah

Part 1: A Midrash on Zeal

Zeal: What is it?

God’s definition of fat

Unholy fat

Kidneys and heart

The gallbladder or caul

A prophetic word

Stirring up zeal

Part Two: Seven Hebrew Words for Praise

Hallal—to boast, to blaze light

Yadah—yet will I praise Him

Towdah—anticipatory praise

Zamah—to touch the strings

Tehillah—prophetic praise

Shachah—I bow down

Shalom—peace

Topaz: The Kingdom Established

The Tribe of Issachar

Jacob’s blessing on Issachar

Moses’s blessing on Issachar

A Midrash on Kingdom Government

Part 1: Government by divine order

Kingdom terminology—fruitfulness.

Fruitfulness—the Tabernacle and the feast

Fruitfulness—the palm tree

Fruitfulness—the open almond blossom.

Fruitfulness—the pomegranate: Planter of seeds.

Fruitfulness—the myrtle, fig, and olive

Fruitfulness—soon-to-perish fruit

Fruitfulness—the willow

Righteousness—a prescription.

Righteousness—the fine linen garment

Righteousness—line coals and holy incense.

Righteousness—holy anointing oil

Part 2: Rewards of the kingdom

Rewards and crowns

Emerald: Righteousness to Cover

The Tribe of Zebulun

The psalm of Zebulun: Psalm 96

Jacob’s blessing on Zebulun

Moses’s blessing on Zebulun

A Midrash on the Covering of God

Part one

Covering—the bough.

Covering—the meaning of succoth: A wedding bower

Covering—overshadowed

Covering—to canopy: The tallit

Covering—invitation to a Hebrew wedding.

Part 2: Defilement

Profane overshadowing

Defilement—a scriptural definition

Ruby—Repentance

The Tribe of Reuben

The psalm of Reuben: Psalm 90

Jacob’s blessing on Reuben

Moses’s blessing on Reuben

A Midrash on Repentance

Part 1: A study of Isaiah 58

A Midrash on Repentance

PartTwo: The Ways of God

Sapphire: Hearing the Voice of God

The Tribe of Simeon

The psalm of Simeon: No psalm

Jacob’s blessing on Simeon

Moses’s blessing on Simeon

A Midrash on the Hearing Ear

A man named Simeon

A woman named Anna

Diamond: The Chastening of God

The Tribe of Gad

The psalm of Gad: Psalm 94

Jacob’s blessing on Gad

Moses’s blessing on Gad

A Midrash on the Chastening of God

Offering up a fiery trial of praise

Types of chastening

The responsibility of the believer.

The fiery trial of praise.

Amber: Doubly Fruitful and Preserved

The Tribe of Ephraim

The psalm of Ephraim: Psalm 97

Jacob’s blessing on Ephraim

Moses’s blessing on Ephraim

A Midrash on Doubly Fruitful and Preserved

Doubly fruitful—pruning, sap, and training

Principles of pruning for double fruitfulness

Training: A life of obedience

Agate: God Has Made Me Forget

The Tribe of Manasseh

The psalm of Manasseh: Psalm 97

Jacob’s blessing on Manasseh

Moses’s blessing on Manasseh

A Midrash on Forgetfulness

Amethyst: The Majesty and Royalty of God

The Tribe of Benjamin

The psalm of Benjamin: Psalm 93

Jacob’s blessing on Benjamin

Moses’s blessing on Benjamin

A Midrash on Majesty, Glory, and Light!

Tyrian purple

Majesty, glory, and lights!

Definition of light!

Majesty, glory, and light—the Jewish concept: The Shekinah Glory

Beryl: To Break, to Subdue the Snake

The Tribe of Dan

The psalm of Pan: Psalm 99

Jacob’s blessing on Dan

Moses’s blessing on Dan

A Midrash on To Break the Snake

Priestly feet

To break the snake: Praying against God’s enemies

Onyx: Happy and Blessed, the Blessings of the Kingdom

The Tribe of Asher

Jacob’s blessing on Asher

Moses’s blessing on Asher

A Midrash on the Blessings of the Kingdom

Training your children through blessing

Blood covenant blessings

Blessings of The Kingdom

The New Testament blessing

Jasper: The Glory of God, Flying on the High Places

The Tribe of Naphtali

Jacob’s blessing on Naphtali

Moses’s blessing on Naphtali

The psalm of Naphtali: Psalm 98

A Midrash on Flying on the High Places

The way of the Eagle

Flying on The High Places

Characteristics of eagles

Flying lessons

Tribal Banners

Satan’s New Age deception

The Lion of Judah!

Issachar: The ancient sheepfold

Virgo: The branch

Station of the pouring out

Fishes with bands

The kingly lamb

Taurus: The wrath of God

Gemini: The twins (we shall be like Him)

The snake

Cherubim

Mighty warrior

The kid: Sacrifice slain

The scales

Signs in the Heavens

1991—Signs in the Heavens

June 13, 1991—the stars cry out!

Three conjunctions in one month—a sign!

There is refuge for the righteous

Comet Austin—a Tribulation Sign for Israel

Restoration of God’s people

The branch—treading underfoot

July 11, 1991—eclipse of the decade

The cycle repeats

Signs in the Heavens in July 1994—Comet Shoemaker-Levy

2014–2015 Tetrad Bloodred Moon Eclipses

The Great Sign—Revelation 12:1

Solar eclipse of the century—2017

Solar eclipse message

The Beastly Kingdom Rises!

The three supermoons of 2019

A Godly and Biblical Response in These Last Days Prior to the Day of the 

Lord

Summary

Appendix 1: A Voice Crying in the Heavens

Appendix 2: Signs in the Heavens, the Year of the Crucifixion, and the Day Jesus Died

Appendix 3: Bloodred Moons Summary

Appendix 4: The Day of the Lord Study

Appendix 5: Wormwood Study by Joan Angley

Appendix 6: The Destroyer

Appendix 7: Esther the Myrtle Tree of the Lord Notes Hadassah—Beloved, Royal Consort, Queen

Bibliography

Approval from Other Authors

About the Author

ISBN 978-1-64670-791-1 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64670-792-8 (Digital)

Copyright © 2020 Joan Angley

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

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A Letter from a Reader

Having studied your book, my spirit has been stirred as never before. My spiritual walk with the Lord has been challenged daily. The Word of God has had more light shone on it in some of the revelations and spiritual applications of very practical things, such as the study on the kingdom established and in the area of all the different kinds of trees and how they relate in the Bible and can be applied to my own life now.

I have felt a deeper calling to walk in holiness as I have studied about the Bride of Christ and the characteristics the Lord desires to see in His Bride. The midrash on zeal caused me to be more intense in my love for the Lord, knowing that the result will overflow to others as a natural evangelism. If I am consumed with the Lord and His desires, others will become thirsty and come to Him.

I have been stirred to pray for His zeal and fire to fall upon others in our body. It was extremely encouraging to hear of God’s great love for His people in the Righteousness to Cover teaching. The holy overshadowing, canopying, and pavilioning, etc., brought great encouragement to me.

Overall, I would say that the challenge and desire to walk a holy, obedient life is foremost on my mind when I think of your book.

God bless you!

Loretta Eggers

Teach them the difference between the holy and the profane, between the clean and unclean.

Teach them all the word God has given.

—Leviticus 10:10

Preface

This book began as a science fair project for my ten-year-old daughter. Long after the fair was over, the study continued until it developed into a Sunday school class.

In studying the scriptures, I began to inquire of the Lord why He had placed certain stones in the Old Testament high priest’s breastplate (Exodus 28:15). What were His intentions in designing the sacred piece? What did He see when His eyes looked upon these stones? Did they have special significance for Him?

Little by little, the Holy Spirit began to tutor me. This book is the result. The precious gemstones and their characteristics have become a thing of awe and beauty. Each stone reminds Father of the character of His people. This is an end-time teaching designed to instruct and prepare the Body of Christ for the Bridegroom’s soon return, a maturation process to foster a deeper understanding of the Lord and His word.

Is there a message written here for those who are eager to study and show themselves approved by God, a workman correctly analyzing and accurately discerning the Word of Truth? (2 Timothy 2:15). J. R. Church, in his book, Hidden Prophecies in the Psalms (Prophecy Publications), postulates that the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32 and Psalms 90–100 were specifically assigned to each of the tribes of Israel. As I read his book, pieces of the puzzle began to come together. Eagerly I compiled my charts with each of the tribal assignments, making separate columns for each:

The tribal gemstone.

The tribal psalm.

The tribal blessing of Jacob.

The tribal blessing of Moses.

The tribal banner.

Prayerful meditation revealed several major threads emerging from the fabric of these scriptures, which is the content and focus of this book.

There is much more to explore than what is written here. The tribal assignments will be discussed in chapters 1 through 12. The last two chapters will deal in depth on the origin of the tribal banners and their critical importance for us today.

I might add that I am not a gemologist or a lapidary expert, and admittedly, no one knows for absolute certainty what exact stones were placed in the breastplate. For instance, the blue of the sapphire might have been a more ancient and accessible stone, the lapis lazuli. This would not affect the teaching, however, since the color remains the same. Someday, we shall know all things perfectly.

Please note that scriptural references are taken from the Amplified Bible unless otherwise designated. The term paraphrased simply means that I have inserted the Holy Spirit’s comments as a clarification of that particular scripture. These will be in italics. Please test and examine all that is said by the Written Word of God. Hebrew meanings are from Strong’s Concordance.

This is a book to be savored slowly as a good vintage wine. I believe that you are about to discover for yourself the greatest treasure of the kingdom of God: His gemstones. May the Lord open your understanding of His Word in wonderful ways. May He bring you close to His heart in intimate union as you commence your journey through the heart of God and His holy breastplate.

Acknowledgments

I wish to express my gratitude and deep appreciation to the following individuals, who have given freely of their time in shaping and polishing this manuscript:

The colored gemstone sheet is courtesy of Morrison-Smith Jewelers, and a special thanks to Glen Hasty for assembling the collection.

Contributing writers: David Stern, Vendyl Jones, Malcolm Smith, Mike Bickel, Pam Chesbro, Guy Duty, Bodie Thoene, J. R. Church, and Randall Worley.

Introduction

All things in scripture are written for our understanding. They are given by His inspiration, profitable for instruction in righteousness and holy living to help us conform to the Father’s will (2 Timothy 3:16). It behooves us to find out those things that the Lord desires us to know. Sometimes He will take the most unlikely characters to do His work. He has said that He would take the foolish things to confound the wise. It is my experience that nothing is wasted in the kingdom of God. Every detail is meticulously laid out in the Father’s plans. And so it is with the holy breastplate of the high priest. The book of Exodus carefully describes it in detail:

You shall make a breast plate of judgement, in skilled work. You shall set in it four rows of stones: a sardius, a topaz and a carbuncle shall be the first row: the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx and a jasper; they shall be set in gold filigree. And the stones shall be twelve, according to the names of the sons of Israel, like the engravings of a signet, each with its name, for the twelve tribes. (Exodus 28:15, 17, 18)

Since the scripture does not clearly specify the tribal assignment, how are we to know which tribe belongs to which stone? One must prayerfully look at other passages and compare them, hoping that the true intent of the Holy Spirit may be discerned. The companion scripture to Exodus 28:15–18 is found in Numbers 2:4. According to this reference, there is a specific marching order for the tribes.

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, the Israelites shall encamp each by his own tribal standard or banner with the ensign of their fathers’ houses opposite the tent of meeting and facing it on every side.

On the east side shall be the camp of Judah, followed by Issachar, then Zebulun.

On the south side shall be the standard of Reuben, next will be Simeon, then Gad.

On the west side shall be the standard of Ephraim followed by Manasseh, then Benjamin.

The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side, followed by Asher, then Naphtali.

Thus, the Israelites did according to all the Lord commanded Moses. (Numbers 2, paraphrased)

Placing the two passages together, Exodus 28:15–18 and Numbers 2, we find the following corroborative assignments:

Sardius—Judah

Topaz—Issachar

Emerald—Zebulun

Carbuncle—Reuben

Sapphire—Simeon

Diamond—Gad

Jacinth (Amber)—Ephraim

Agate—Manasseh

Amethyst—Benjamin

Beryl—Dan

Onyx—Asher

Jasper—Naphtali

I submit to you that the tribe of Judah was assigned the sardius as the first assignment. Why is this when Reuben was the firstborn? There are several strong scriptural reasons to support this hypothesis. Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, willingly committed incest with one of Jacob’s wives. Due to this moral failing, Reuben’s voluntary abdication as progenitor of the family line prompted God to reassign this lead position. The scripture aptly comments:

Jacob states, You are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my manly strength and vigor. Your birthright gave you the pre-eminence in dignity and power. But unstable and boiling over like water you shall not excel and have the pre-eminence of the firstborn because you defiled your father’s bed. (Genesis 49:3)

Moses prayed: Let the tribe of Reuben live and not die (because of the original sin of incest by Reuben), let not his men (the tribal population) be few. (Deuteronomy 33:6)

For this reason, God deposed Reuben as the firstborn, choosing another, Judah. This reassignment holds many prophetic overtones, for we read in Revelation who the mighty chief of Judah represents:

See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has won and conquered! He can open the scroll and break its seven seals!

For He is worthy to take the scroll and to break the seals, for He was slain and with His blood He purchased men unto God from every tribe, language, people and nation. (Revelation 5:5, 9)

This mighty one is none other than Yeshua H’a Mashiach, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself! He is the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, the Root of Jesse, our Messiah and Lord. He will have the preeminence as firstborn of the Father, for He is worthy of all blessing, honor, majesty, and glory! Amen. So be it!

Each tribe shall encamp around his own tribal banner (Numbers 2:2). We will discuss tribal banners in chapters 13 and 14. Their origins and pictorial content may surprise you. It is an ancient story of twelve starry constellations emblazoned across the heavens by the hand of God. Each one bears a God-given name, graphically portraying the prophetic program for mankind.

Because the Hebrew astronomy is fairly complex, I chose to treat it separately, in order to avoid confusion with the major themes in the body of the text. Chapters 1 through 12 will deal directly with each stone from the breastplate, the assigned tribal psalm, and the blessings of Jacob and Moses. It is obvious to anyone with a literate eye that the New Age esoteric are feverishly pushing two major components of their New World Order: crystals and astrology. As we shall see, astrology is a poor substitute for the glorious, biblical message originally intended through the constellations. Several godly men have addressed this area: William D. Banks, The Heavens Declare (Impact Books, Inc.); E.W. Bollinger, The Witness of the Stars (Kregel Publication); and Joseph R. Seiss, The Gospel in the Stars (Kregel Publications). Based on the premise that Satan perverts only truth, it is clear that his feverish machinations to distort and bury the true meaning of the stars and gemstones far exceeds imaginable bounds. Although I have read many scholarly exposés on the New Age movement, I have not found one author who would take this fascination with gemstones seriously enough to discover the biblical truth behind the phenomena. This book is an attempt to fill that void. What types of lies has the archdeceiver broadcast concerning gemstones? Katrina Raphaell, author of Crystal Enlightenment,¹ offers some answers.

The advanced race of Atlanteans used crystals to channel and harness the cosmic force. This legendary civilization of advanced sciences used crystals as beacons of light that would serve as a telepathic communicator to their universal forefathers.

It is believed that they programmed certain crystals (recorder crystals) with vital information and rematerialized them into the earth until their appointed time of destiny.

The power and potential of crystals cannot be overstated. It is one of the main contributors to the New age.

This sacred knowledge on how to use crystals and stones for healing is to be used to transform the human predicament and usher in the golden age of Aquarius.

The time is now when once again the healers and light workers will step forth and use crystals as tools in bringing onto the earth a new ray, a new way and a new race. Crystals and stones are very much a part of the planetary transformation of which we are all a part."

Crystals are used to communicate on subtle levels with different life forms (spirit guides or demons) for healing and consciousness raising, as well as to channel certain energies for the express purpose of influencing others. How are gemstones supposed to function? Raphaell continues:

As the crystal is placed on the third eye (between the eyebrows), its energy intermingles with the human electromagnetic field or aura, dissipating or neutralizing psychic and emotional stress, thereby granting one greater personal power. These powerful talismans are used as telepathic vehicles to program specific messages to oneself or to others.

We are on the threshold of a New Age. The New Age stones, along with the knowledge of how to use their forces successfully, have emerged to reverse the course of human self-destruction and ensure planetary peace. The New Age stones are willing to contribute their Light force in assisting us to safely cross the threshold into the Aquarian Age. Crystals and healing stones will be used more frequently to remedy the causes of all types of illness.

She explains that by using quartz crystals, one comes into alignment with cosmic harmony by radiating divine white light, thus channeling messages from the world beyond into one’s daily thoughts and feelings. It is said that large generator crystals are used in group meditation to create world change in the planetary aura, creating a physical reality of peace, love, and joy. Teacher crystals; containing ‘vast resources of personal and universal knowledge’ abound to assist one in ‘out of body’ experiences, to record dreams and to initiate the seeker in profound occultic phenomena. Apparently, Katrina Raphaell is not the only one who shares these views. Randall N. Baer, author of Windows of Light (Harper and Row), confirms these New Age statements.

The current time period in earth’s history marks a turning point of great proportions as a new era of consciousness transformation unfolds. As this process has gained momentum, increased awareness of the unique importance of quartz crystals has been activated. This growing awareness reflects the expansion of collective consciousness as we regain areas of key knowledge that will aid in manifesting a New World Order. A divine metascience will emerge, Light-based technologies that will catalyze transformational processes onto a grand order. Quartz crystals are integrally associated with the entire shamanic complex. These stones of light function as a bridge across the threshold of earth into the celestial realms…a world of gods, spirits and great supernatural power. Quartz crystals reflect the Intelligence of the Universal Mind. They are devices to process one on into higher evolutional planes?

It is clear that New Age believers are using crystals to access unlawful knowledge crafted by demon principalities and powers known as spirit guides, which actively manipulate and control human participants. This is witchcraft or shamanism of the highest order and is an abomination unto God.

What is the true, legitimate use of God’s gemstones? The Bible reveals that the stones of the breastplate are the same stones to be found in the foundation of the New Jerusalem, as well as in the crown of each overcomer. These stones reflect the varied characteristics Father so desires to see blossoming in His Bride: zeal, fruitfulness, righteousness, repentance, a hearing ear, a chastened heart, etc.

Josephus, the Jewish historian, records another interesting fact about the breastplate in his writings:

Those stones the High Priest bore shined out when God was present; bright rays darting out being seen by those most remote which splendor was not natural to the stone.

Is it possible that these stones were a powerful laser that shone out where thousands could see the glory of God? Were the Israelites reminded of the attributes of Jehovah as these stones shone out with a radiant and heavenly light? Are these same characteristics to be highly developed in us as a reflection of His glory? Yes!

Soon, Jesus will come back for His Bride, to take her home forever. She will bask eternally in His Shekinah Light. This is the only true Light of the world. In Him is our hope that we shall see Him as He really is, that we shall be one with our Lord. We are not to live under the mystical influence of the planets, nor by the energies of crystal power, but by the very Word and Truth of a Living God!

Let us inquire into these secrets and mysteries of the kingdom together.

---

¹ Katrina Raphaell, reprinted from Crystal Enlightenment (Santa Fe, New Mexico: Aurora Press Inc., 1985).

Chapter 1

Sardius: Fiery Zeal and High Praise

The fiery, red sardius is named to show to show blood in the Hebrew. It is a beautiful orange-red stone. When light is directed into the sardius, great splendor illumines its opaque surface. Because it takes a high luster when polished, it was a popular stone in ancient times for personal seals and insignias.

The Tribe of Judah

It is no accident that this first stone of fire and light should be engraved with the word praise, for it is a top priority in the heart of the Father.

The psalm of Judah: Psalm 92

You, O Lord, are on high forever. Your enemies shall perish. The uncompromisingly righteous shall grow majestic, durable and shall flourish even in old age as living memorials to God. (Psalm 92:8, 9, 12, 14, 15)

I personally believe that an individual who devotes his time to praise and worship will flourish well into their golden years as living memorials to God. There is something rejuvenating and vital that is imparted to the one who will pursue the worship of the Holy One.

Jacob’s blessing on Judah

A lion’s cub, with the prey; you have gone high up the mountain; he stooped down, he crouched as a lion. Who dares provoke or rouse Him? The sceptre of leadership shall not depart from Judah, nor the Ruler’s Staff from between His feet until Shiloh (Messiah) comes in Whom it belongs and to Him shall be the obedience of the people. Binding His foal to the vine, and His donkey’s colt to the choice vine, He washes His garments in wine and His clothes in the blood of grapes. (Genesis 49:9)

The sardius is a memorial to the precious blood of Jesus, poured out for our redemption. It looks forward to that time when He will come from Bozrah with garments dipped in blood to judge the evildoers and throw Satan and his minions into the pit. Then the kingdom of God and His Son will be established forever and ever.

Who is this Who comes from Edom, with crimson-stained garments from Bozrah? This One Who is glorious in His apparel, striding triumphantly in the greatness of His might? It is I, the One who speaks in righteousness—proclaiming vindication—mighty to save! I have trodden the winepress alone and of the peoples. I trod them in my anger and trampled them in My wrath, and their lifeblood is sprinkled upon My garments and I have stained My Raiment. For the day of vengeance was in My heart and My year of redemption has come. (Isaiah 63:1–4)

This prophecy will be accurately and completely fulfilled by the Spirit of the Living God, for our God is a consuming fire! He is a jealous God who requires the hearts and minds of His people. Did not Jesus say, The zeal for Your house consumes Me? (John 2:17). When we yield to His light, great fiery splendor shines through us. Set Your seal upon my heart (Song of Solomon 8:6).

Zeal is a priority with God! Without it, He will spew us out of His mouth. If you do not see evidence of zeal and abiding passion for Him in your life, ask for it! Personalize the scriptures. Memorize them until they become part of you.

*****

Implant in me Your zeal, O God. The zeal for Your house, let it consume me. Let me be consumed with jealousy for the honor of Your Name.

*****

Moses’s blessing on Judah

Hear, O Lord, the Voice of Judah and bring Him to His people! With His hands He contended for Himself, but You be of help to Him against His enemies. (Deuteronomy 33:7)

Part 1: A Midrash on Zeal2

Our God is a Hebrew God. He may choose to communicate to us in myriad ways. In the past, He has communicated through four different levels of understanding: the Mishnah, Remez, Midrash, and Sod.

The Mishnah—the simple. This is the plain, direct, literal meaning of the Gospel for the common man. Mark’s Gospel was intended to reach out to the man on the street and give him basic, practical instruction in the ways of God. Thus the Gospel of Mark is the Mishnah fleshed out by the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Remez, or hint level, shows deeper truths than what is conveyed in the plain message. The Gospel of Luke focuses on the professional elite: physicians, philosophers, teachers, and lawyers. People in the noble class who were well-read in the scriptures and recognized the reference, the barest hint in a quote.

Where Mark would have baldly stated the reference with an explanatory statement, Luke is confident his readers will know the original source that Jesus draws upon. This Remez is a higher level of understanding the scriptures.

The Midrash requires persistent searching and study of the truth. It means to thresh, as a man would grasp a head of grain, rub it briskly to shell out the chaff, and carefully dissect each granule, extracting every bit of meaning from the kernels. Matthew is the Midrash…God’s message to kings and kingdoms. This Gospel is written to the people of the kingdom in Levitical nomenclature.

The Sod, secret mysteries, is of kabbalistic origins, revealing the mystical aspects of God. On this level, Hebrew scholars may find numerical values of the Hebrew letters and inversions of mathematical formulas to bring forth wonderful truths from the heart of God. John, the Revelator, is the mystic, the seer who sees things that are not, but will be.

It is through the Hebraic understanding of the Midrashic level that we approach the core of teaching represented in each gemstone. Every one contains a Midrash from the heart of God. Sit at the feet of Jesus, as Mary sat at His feet, and learn of Him. For you have chosen the best part that will not be taken away from the voice of the Father. Listen, for as we begin this journey, the Holy Spirit will whisper wise and wonderful insights into your heart. His comments are printed in italics.

Zeal: What is it?

"Lord, you have promised a Midrash for