The suggestion was made that I start a blog to make this study more organized, easier to post comment and to archive the posts. I'm pretty new at this, so suggestions are definitely appreciated! :)
We begin the study of the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament) this year of 2012-2013 (5773 on the Hebrew Calendar) in the book of Genesis (in Greek) or B'reisheet (in Hebrew).
I would really like your input on what you are looking for in this study. Are you interested in a deeper understanding of the Hebrew text? Looking for how to apply the Bible to your life? Do you want to get to know the God of the Bible? I'm interested in your opinions so that I design this study to meet your needs more effectively. Please join this blog so you can post your comments and subscribe if you would like to receive emails of the postings.
The traditional Torah portion reading (parashot in Hebrew) is Genesis chapter one through chapter 6 to the end of verse 8. Also written: Genesis 1:1-6:8. The additional reading is called the haftarah. This is a reading from the section of the Bible called The Prophets (Nevi'im in Hebrew). Because I believe Jesus/Yeshua is the Messiah (in Greek, Moshiach in Hebrew), I also include the related reading from the New Testament or B'rit Hadashah.
The first Torah reading for the year 2012-2013/5773 is Genesis 1-6:8.
Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1-55:5
B'rit Hadashah: Luke 1:5-80
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning Elohim (god- plural of el'oah) created (bara) the heavens (hashamayim) and earth (haaretz).
Honestly, we could spend weeks on just this first sentence alone! But, I'm trying to keep us within the traditional time frame of the Torah readings. One week per reading. That's why blogs are good! We can always go back and discuss. I'm trying to highlight some of the main words that sparked my thoughts. I promise I'll try not to go into a long discussion of each word. :)
But, we must look at this very first sentence more closely. It is SO SIGNIFICANT. One of the main reasons I study the Bible is to know this God we claim to worship! Who is He? What does He love? What does He hate? Why did He create us? What are His plans for us now and in the future? What does He want from us? UGH. I have SO many questions!
Here in Genesis 1:1 we find the Hebrew word for god is Elohim אֱלֹהִים.
In the paleo-hebrew (ancient Hebrew) reading from right to left:
א- aleph: power or authority
ל- lamed: the shepherd's staff
הִ- hey: look! or behold!
ם- mem: water, blood, chaos
This creates an amazing picture HINT OR CLUE!
These definitions above come from Jeff Benner and The Ancient Hebrew Research Center. http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/
I know we can debate this, but I am care-fully and respectfully placing my research in front of you and hopefully, you will do the same for me. Here is a link where you will find excellent information on this word by Nehemiah Gordon. Gordon is a Karaite Jew. He holds a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies and a Bachelors Degree in Archaeology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Gordon has worked as a translator on the Dead Sea Scrolls and as a researcher deciphering many ancient Hebrew manuscripts.
The guy knows his stuff. Give this a read and let me know your thoughts: http://www.israelofgod.org/elohim1.htm
NEXT: Genesis 1:2
