Bereisheit / Genesis: January 2009 Archives

   h |B 

 wyn:B; 

Children © 

By Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk 

Limood 

Bereisheit [Genesis] 18.1 - 33 

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Our Devri Torah is in the loving Memory of Mr. Robert Dietrich and Mr. Jimmy Reeves and Mr. Jim Wilson may they rest in peace. 

Shalom Dear Ones, 

We are learning Bereisheit 18 [Genesis 18].  There is one Word that really caught my attention this time through on our learning expedition.  Please notice the seventh Word of Bereisheit 18.19.  

Gen. 18:19

, hW<@x'y" rv,Ÿa} ˆ°['m'l] wyTi%[]d"y" yKi¢

 wyr:+j}a' /ŸtyBeAta,w" wyn:•B;Ata,

hq:¡d:x] t/cè[}l' hw:±hy" Ër<D<∞ WŸrm]v...âw"

 h~w:hy" aybi¶h; ˆ['m'%l] fP...-v]miW

 .wyl...â[; rB≤`DIArv,a} ta´à µh;+r:b]a'Al['

Why did the Word wyn:B;, Baw Nawv, meaning children catch my attention? First it is because at that time in history Avraham's ONLY child was Yishmael.  Yet Ha Torah Records Hashem as Using the Word,  wyn:B;, Baw Nawv, 'children.'  Baw Nawv occurs five times before Bereisheit 18.19.  Baw Nawv occurs in Bereisheit 7.7, 13; 8.18; 9.1 and 9.8.  Each occurrence means children.  The Word Baw Nawv is common.   Baw Nawv occurs in 230 Passukim [Verses] of Ha Tenach.  The first Letter of Baw Nawv is  B, Bet, meaning house.  Bet is the second Letter of the Aleph Bet [Hebrew alpha bet].  The Letter Bet Represents tyIBæ, Bah Yeet, House; tyviarEB], Bereisheit, In the Beginning; ˚WrB;, Baw Rook, Blessings; ar:B;, Create and ˆBi, Ben, Son and wyn:B;, Baw Nawv, Children.  This is just a very small sampling of what the Letter Bet Represents.   In essence this means that a good parent builds a house from the beginning creating the correct atmosphere for blessings in their children.

Why did Hashem Use the Word wyn:B;, Baw Nawv?  Well. we cannot second guess the Creator.  However we do know that wyn:B;, Baw Nawv can represent children and grandchildren.  wyn:B;, Baw Nawv can also represent sons.  We know that Avraham had eight sons, Yishmael, Yitzchok, Zimran, Yokshon, Medan, Midian, Yishbok and Shuach.  Only Yitzchok was the son of the Covenant.   wyn:B;, Baw Nawv represents Yitzchok and his children and grandchildren etc. and  wyn:B;, Baw Nawv represents all eight of Avraham's sons.  It should not be difficult for us to understand Ha Torah's Intention in the use of the Word  wyn:B;, Baw Nawv.  It is clear that Hashem Made Direct reference to both Yishmael and Yitzchok and indirect references to the other sons of Avraham.  Ha Torah Takes us further than this.  Ha Torah Says, wyn:•B;Ata,, Eht Baw Nawv, meaning everything from Aleph to Tav of Avraham's children and grandchildren.  The Word Eht makes this all inclusive.  The meaning is all Avraham's sons and their children and their grand children.  Baw Nawv is the Gematria 68.  Eht - Baw Nawv is the Gematria 469.  Yih Tzah Veh - Eht - Baw Nawv is the Gematria of 580.  Each Gematria has important associations.

Now we observe the phrase, wyn:•B;Ata, hW<@x'y", Yih Tzah Veh - Eht - Baw Nawv, meaning [Avraham] commanded his children.  This phrase brings everything back into focus.  The Word, hW<@x'y", Yih Tzah Veh, meaning he [Avraham] commanded expresses much.  What did Avraham command his children? 

Gen. 18:19

, hW<@x'y" rv,Ÿa} ˆ°['m'l] wyTi%[]d"y" yKi¢

 wyr:+j}a' /ŸtyBeAta,w" wyn:•B;Ata,

hq:¡d:x] t/cè[}l' hw:±hy" Ër<D<∞ WŸrm]v...âw"

 h~w:hy" aybi¶h; ˆ['m'%l] fP...-v]miW

 .wyl...â[; rB≤`DIArv,a} ta´à µh;+r:b]a'Al['

For every individual who is not of the bloodline of Avraham these three Words are real important. 

wyr:+j}a' /ŸtyBeAta,w", Vih Eht - Bay Toh - Ah Chah Rawv, meaning and the household of [Avraham].  Why is this so important?  It is real important because these three Words include people from all walks of life and of all descendants.  Ha Torah Recorded that Avraham commanded his household after him.

Gen. 18:19

, hW<@x'y" rv,Ÿa} ˆ°['m'l] wyTi%[]d"y" yKi¢

 wyr:+j}a' /ŸtyBeAta,w" wyn:•B;Ata,

hq:¡d:x] t/cè[}l' hw:±hy" Ër<D<∞ WŸrm]v...âw"

 h~w:hy" aybi¶h; ˆ['m'%l] fP...-v]miW

 .wyl...â[; rB≤`DIArv,a} ta´à µh;+r:b]a'Al['

Avraham commanded his children and his household after him,  WŸrm]v...âw" Vih Shaw Mih Roo, meaning to guard... to keep;  Ër<D<∞, Deh Rehk, meaning the path... the way... of Hashem.  How were they to guard the path of Hashem?  

Gen. 18:19

, hW<@x'y" rv,Ÿa} ˆ°['m'l] wyTi%[]d"y" yKi¢

 wyr:+j}a' /ŸtyBeAta,w" wyn:•B;Ata,

hq:¡d:x] t/cè[}l' hw:±hy" Ër<D<∞ WŸrm]v...âw"

 h~w:hy" aybi¶h; ˆ['m'%l] fP...-v]miW

 .wyl...â[; rB≤`DIArv,a} ta´à µh;+r:b]a'Al['

t/cè[}l', Lah Ah Soot, meaning to do the work of hq:¡d:x], Tzih Daw Kawh [Tzedakah]  fP...-v]miW; Oo Meesh Pawt, meaning Justice. So He [Avraham[] commanded his children and his household after him that they guard the path of Hashem by doing the work of Tzedakah [Kindness and Charity] and Justice...

What is the meaning here?  There are children of the bloodline of Avraham who do not 'guard the path of Hashem by doing the work of Tzedakah [Kindness and Charity] and Justice...' and their are disciples of Avraham who do 'guard the path of Hashem by doing the work of Tzedakah [Kindness and Charity] and Justice...'  One is born of the bloodline of Avraham the other is born of the Spirituality of Avraham.

The point is that Avraham was known for doing Kindness, Charity and Justice.  Our Sages Teach that Yitzchok looked exactly like Avraham.  People could not tell them apart from their looks or from their actions of Kindness, Charity and Justice.  Yishmael was unruly.  Yishmael was a thief.  Yishmael was hated by those around him.  See Bereisheit 16.12. Yishmael may have been from Avraham's bloodline but he did not do the actions of Kindness, Charity and Justice.  Remember He [Avraham] commanded his children.  As parents and grandparents we know that all of our children may not follow our instructions.  It is our responsibility to command them in the path of Hashem.  It is their individual responsibility to Observe these Commands.  At first Yishmael did not Observe these commands.  Eisov did not Observe these commands. We can only Teach the path of Hashem.  We cannot force our children to follow the Path of Hashem.  So while they are all our children there is a difference!

Gematria Miluy

wyn:B;, Baw Nawv, children

550 = wynB

        w          y            n            B

550 =   12=w6 w6  + 20=d4 w6 y10  + 106=ˆ50 w6 n50  +  412=t400 y10 B2

Gematria Regal

yrEm]v, Sh Mih Ray, the Guardians 

550 = y10 r200 m40 v300

The fullness of children is the Gematria 550. The Gematria of yrEm]v, Sh Mih Ray, meaning the Guardians completes this Passuk.   He [Avraham[] commanded his children and his household after him that they guard the path of Hashem by doing the work of Tzedakah [Kindness and Charity] and Justice in order to bring upon Avraham everything from Aleph to Tav of that Hashem Had [Spoken] upon him.

In other words Avraham's children are commanded to guard how they live in order  to preserve the promises of Hashem Given to Avraham.  Avraham's children are commanded to be  guardians or to be just like Avraham.  This tells us that Avraham was a proper example for his children.  Our goal is to raise guardians of Ha Torah.

When a parent is not a proper example for their children what do they do?  One begins from where they are. Try to begin repairing poor behavior.  Try building on good traits. 

A good parent builds a house from the beginning creating the correct atmosphere for blessings in their children.  When children are already grown the house is built.  One cannot start from the beginning.  It is challenging to create an atmosphere for blessings when the children are grown or gone from home.  How does one remodel a child's home?  How does one change behavior and attitudes that our children learned from us from the beginning?  These are the areas we face when we failed to place the Letter Bet in  wyn:B;, Baw Nawv. When the Bet is absent we have wOynI, Nee Voh meaning lamenting, wailing, passionate expressions of grief and sorrow.  We have regret and disappointment.  We mourn and express disappointment when the Letter Bet is removed from   wyn:B;, Baw Nawv.

When Ha Torah Says Avraham commanded his children this means he established a House of Learning.  Yitzchok attended the School of Shem and Eiver.  We do not read of Yishmael attending the school of Shem and Eiver.  Avraham was circumcised when Yitzchok was born. Avraham was not circumcised when Yishmael was born. Avraham taught Kindness, Charity and Justice to both Yitzchok and Yishmael.  At first it did not take with Yishmael.  Why?  His mother Hagar poisoned her son with hatred towards Sarah and Sarah's Teachings of Ha Torah.  Later when Hagar changed her name to Keturah she became beautiful.  Our Sages Teach her deeds became beautiful. Rabbi Avrohom Davis / Rabbi Avrohom Kleinkaufman, The Metsudah Chumash / Rashi (Hoboken, NJ: KTAV Publishing House, Inc. 1993) p266

Remember Avraham who was very wealthy sent Yishmael away with just a little bread and a pouch of water because he was angry with him.  See Bereisheit 21.14. Yishmael later corrected his life style. Our sages note this in the comments for Bereisheit 25.8,9. Our Sages Teach that 'a good old age' makes specific reference to the fact that Yishmael no longer cause Avraham grief.  Our Sages also point out that Yishmael repented.  Rashi Says, 'Good old age [means] that Ishmael had repented...'  ''We infer from the fact that, ['And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him'] that Ishmael repented and gave precedence to Isaac.  [Why?] We would expect to see Ishmael mentioned first as the older son.''

It is real important to note this change of behavior for Yishmael because this gives us an understanding of what needs to happen to turn things around for a wayward child.  Yishmael needed a change of location.  Where he was living was not good.  Yishmael needed a change of influences.  The people he was listening to influenced him incorrectly.  Either his family / friends needed to change or their view on what is correct / incorrect needed to change.  This is what we pray for and work towards with wayward children.  We use others to influence them.  We encourage a change in their poor background to a better background.  Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz and Rabbi Nosson Scherman, The Artscroll Tanach Series - Bereishis Vol. I(a) (Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. 3rd Impression, 1989), p 975, 977

May Hashem open our eyes to areas we can improve and may we try to be better people.  May we use Ha Torah to assist us in meeting the challenges in life.

Blessings Health, Prosperity, Kindness and Peace,

Dr. Akiva Gamliel

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µymit;

The Perfection of Avraham © 

By Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk 

Limood 

Bereisheit [Genesis] 17.1 - 27 

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Our Devri Torah is in the loving Memory of Mr Yochanan Bond may he rest in peace and Mrs. 

Jeanne Camille Wiltz Pierre may she rest in peace. 

Shalom Dear Ones,

We are learning Bereisheit 17 [Genesis 17].

Bereisheit 17.1

1. When does Avram's name change?

Avram is ninety-six years old and his name is still Avram.  In Passuk Hey [Verse 5] Avram's name is changed to Avraham.

Gen. 17:1

µynI-v; [v't´¢w" hn:¡v; µy[iàv]TiAˆB, µr:+b]a' yhi¢y"w"

la´¢AynIa} wŸyl;ae rm,aOYªw" µr:%b]a'Ala hw:@hy" ar:ŸYEw" 

 .µymiât; hyEèh]w< yn"¡p;l] ËL´àh't]hi yD"+v',

2. What do you feel Hashem Meant when He Said to Avram, 'Walk before Me and be Perfect'?

Notice the last Word of Passuk Aleph [Verse 1]. 

µymit;, Taw Meem means honest, innocent, harmless, upright, naive, whole, full, complete, entire, flawless and unblemished...

The Word Taw Meem occurs 54 times in Ha Tenach.  The first occurrence is Bereisheit 6.9 when Ha Torah States 'Noach was flawless in his generation.'  The second occurrence of Taw Meem is here in Bereisheit 17.2. 

The Gematria of Taw Meem is 490. 

In Bereisheit 15.2 Avram was 70 years.  Ha Torah Records Avram's statement,  'My Master, Hashem, what will You Give me since I continue childless and the administrator of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?'  It is interesting that the tenth Word is yrIyrI[}, Ah Ree Ree, meaning childless.

Gen. 15:2

yrI-yrI[} Ël´¢/h yki`nOa;w" yli+AˆT,TiAhm' h~wIhyÖ yn:•doa} µr:%b]a' rm,aOY§w" 

.rz<[≤âylia' qc,M≤àD" aWh¡ yti+yBe qv,m≤¢Aˆb,W

Avram's contention was '[Hashem[ You have not given me children.'  In last weeks Limood, Bereisheit 16, it was Sarai, Avram's wife, who said, 'Hashem has restrained me [Sarai] from having children.'  This was 15 years past Bereisheit 15.2.  This is when Sarai gave Avram her handmaiden, Hagar. When Avram was 86 years old he has Yishmael. Something changed.

The Gematria of Taw Mee {perfect} is 490.

The Gematria of Ah Ree Ree {childless} is 490.  

490 = µ40 y10 m40 t400

490 = y10 r200 y10 r400 [70

3. What is the connection between these two Gematrias? What does not having children and walking perfect before Hashem possible indicate?  What one thing did Avram lack?

Bereisheit 17 .2

The last two words are repeated.

  Gen. 17:2

 .daoêm] daoèm]Bi Ú¡t]/a hB≤àr"a'w" Ún<-ybeW ynI∞yBe yti`yrIb] hn:èT]a,w"

The Gematria of daom], Mih Ohd, meaning to increase.  When we have two of the same Words following each other as in  daom] daom]Bi Ha Torah is Saying Greatly increase.  The Gematria of Mih Ohd is 45. In Passul Bet [Verse 2] Hashem is Saying to Avram, I Will My Covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you [i.e.. your descendants] exceedingly.  It is interesting to note that the Gematria for hl;Wag", Gih Voo Law, meaning to redeem or redemption.  

Mystically I see redemption being multiplied exceedingly.

45 = d4 a1 m40

45 = h5 l30 w6 a1 g3

G-d Willing we will learn more later today and this week.  I plan to add more to this discussion later. Please think about Bereisheit 17.  It would really be wonderful if you would join us in sharing your thoughts .  I would really enjoy hearing from you.

The Rebbetzin brought out a really good point:

It is interesting to note that mih ode mih ode (translated as "most exceedingly") is used by Hashem in speaking to Avram in Passuk Beit (Verse 2) and then just after He Gave Avram his new name, Avraham, in Passuk Vav (Verse 6). Hashem Is Heaping Blessings on our holy Forefather Avraham and in turn on all of his descendants. This is Resplendent Divine Love and is so uplifting to read, absorb and experience. Reference for translation: Rabbi Nosson Scherman, > (Mesorah Publications, Ltd., Brooklyn, N.Y. 1993), p. 7

Mazel Tov Rebbetzin!

Excellent comment!

Brachah Rivkah bat Sarah ask a really great question:

...What do you feel Hashem Meant when He Said to Avram, 'Walk before Me and be Perfect'?

To walk implies action on man's part. This seems to say that without action one cannot be Perfect Before HaShem. One must Observe the Mitzvot of Ha Torah to become Perfect. Is this correct?

Re: 'To walk implies action on man's part. This seems to say that without action one cannot be Perfect Before HaShem. One must Observe the Mitzvot of Ha Torah to become Perfect. Is this correct?"

ACTION IS VERY IMPORTANT! Excellent observation!

Ha Torah Teaches that our actions are everything. This is why we at B'nai Noach Torah Institute stress changing ones behavior. Our actions of Observing the Commands of Ha Torah is what makes us righteous. In other words one must do goods. One must avoid the actions that are wrong. If one were to think that faith alone is all that one needs to please our Creator that would be incorrect.

Action is a MAJOR distinction between Judaism and Spirituality and the other religions of the world.

When Ha Torah Says Noach was perfect / flawless in all his ways this specifically alludes to the fact that in addition to Noach righteous living... righteous actions... the absence of sinful actions... Noach was born circumcised. Rabbi Yisroel Yitzchok Yishai Chasidah, Encyclopedia of Biblical Personalities (Jerusalem: Shaar Press Publication Mashabim, 2003) p412

Shem the son of Noach was also born circumcised. Rabbi Yisroel Yitzchok Yishai Chasidah, Encyclopedia of Biblical Personalities (Jerusalem: Shaar Press Publication Mashabim, 2003) p510

What is the point? Avraham was Instructed by Hashem to walk in perfection. Avraham lacked one thing. What was it?

This returns us to our Gematria.  µymit;, Taw Meem means honest, innocent, harmless, upright, naive, whole, full, complete, entire, flawless and unblemished...  At that time, Bereisheit 15.2, Avram was  yrIyrI[}, Ah Ree Ree, meaning childless.  For Avram to have children he needed to take a special step.  This was an elevated step.  This step was circumcision.  It was Brit Milah.  The Creator Knew that Avram would follow His Command to be Circumcised.  The Creator Changed Avram's name to Avraham.  The Creator also changed Sarai's name whose name was also changed to Sarah had a son.  Less than a year later they had an exceptional son, Yitzchok.

Avraham Observed the Mitzvah of Brit Milah.  Observing Ha Torah brings about wonderful rewards.

May each of us Observe the Commands of Ha Torah and receive rich wonderful blessings for Hashem.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Akiva Gamliel

   h |B

˚]l; ˆgEm; ykinOa;

I am your Shield ©

By Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk

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Our Devri Torah is in the loving Memory of Mr Yochanan Bond may he rest in peace and Mrs. 

Jeanne Camille Wiltz Pierre may she rest in peace. 

Limood

Bereisheit [Genesis] 15.1 - 21

When we examine the Gematria of  ˚]l; ˆgEm; ykinOa;, Aw Noh Chee - Maw Gayn Law Kih, meaning I [Hashem] Am your Shield is 224.  In Ha Torah we make a lot of stir about Hashem being Avraham's Shield.  In our morning prayers, in the very first blessing of Shemoneh Esrei we say, 'O King, Helper, Savior and Shield. Blessed are You, Hashem Shield of Avraham.'  The Schottenstein Edition Siddur for Weekdays With An Interlinear Translation (Mesorah Publications, Ltd., Brooklyn, N.Y. first edition 2002) pp144,145

Our Sages Teach B'nei Yisroel to be extremely careful when repeating this first Blessing of Shemoneh Esrei.  We try to use all our power to concentrate on this IMPORTANT BLESSING.  Why?  Every Jew has a Divine Spark from Avraham.  Every Noachide has a Divine Spark from Noach.  No matter how far one drifts this Divine Spark is NEVER extinguished!  The Divine Spark ALWAYS BECKONS us to return to the Way of Hashem!  But that is not all!

The Gematria of  ˚]l; ˆgEm; ykinOa, I Am your Shield mystically Teaches us.  The Gematria for ˚]r<D<, Deh Rehk meaning Way is 224.  As in [Hashem is the] Way. Or as in [Ha Torah is the] Way... The Way of Hashem is hr:hoF]hæ, Hah Tih Hoh Raw, meaning clean / pure.  We are to walk in purity in cleanness on the path Hashem Has Given us qyDIXækæ, Chah Tzah Deek, meaning, like the righteous.  We we see Avraham we see our great Patriarch on the way.  We see him as righteous.  We see him as clean and pure.  This tells us something about being shielded by Hashem. We in turn should be on the path, the way.  We should be righteous like the righteous.  We should be clean and pure.  Being on the path shields us.  Being righteous shields us.  Being pure shields us.  Ned I say anything about how television programs DISRUPT being on the path, being righteous and being clean and pure.

224 = ˚20 l30  ˆ50 g3 m40  y10 k20 n50 a1

224 = ˚20 r200 d4

224 = h5 r200 h5 f9 h5

224 = q100 y10 d4 x90 k20

If we examine just the word Maw Gayn, meaning shield we notice that the Gematria is 93 which is also the Gematria of ab;x;, Tzaw Vaw, meaning host.  Through out the first several chapters of Bamidbar the word Tzaw Vaw occurs in sixty different verses.  This has to do with each tribe being a force a host. The point being is in gathering together in groups to serve for protection. The Gematria of hl;jænæ, Nah Chah Lawh, meaning inheritance is 93. Part of the inheritance of B'nei Yisroel is Hashem Being our shield.   µk,yjeb]zIw", Vih Zee Vih Chay Chehm, meaning Our Sacred-offerings are like a shield.  These are obligatory offerings.  The obligatory offerings are a Command a Mitzvah.  The point is that in keeping / guarding the Observance we receive a shield.

93 = ˆ50 g3 m40

93 = a1 b2 x90

93 = µ40 k20  y10 j8 b2 z7 w6

93 = h5 l30 j8 n50

May we have the desire and the courage to walk on the path in righteousness and in purity!  May our Observances of Ha Torah and love for the Creator help to protect us!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Akiva Gamliel

h |B

qd<x,AKil]mæW

Who Is  Malki Tzedek -  The King of Righteousness? ©

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By Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk

Our Devri Torah is in the loving Memory of Mr. Mordechai Litman,  Mrs. Augusta Student Litman and Mr. Arnold Student Litman and Mr. Will Belk, Mrs Ida Simmons Belk, Mr. George Belk, Mr. Michael Sakash, Mrs Channah Horvat Sakash, Mrs Ethel Channah Sakash Belk,  Donald Wayne Belk, Mr. Gary Lee Belk and may they rest in peace.

Limood

Bereisheit [Genesis] 14.1 - 24

Our Sages Teach that Malki Tzedek was Shem the son of Noach who survived the flood.  How do we know this?  This is discussed in the commentary of the Talmud, Nedarim 32b (9) and other ancient writings. Much of the commentary of the Talmud dates back to the Sages of the first Bet Ha Mikdosh to the Sages of the Great Assembly also known as the Great Sanhedrin.  Those Sages Novim {Prophets} and Scribes of Ha Tenach, what Christians refer to as the Old Testament.  Notable, 'Among them were many prophets, including Chaggai [Haggai] Zecharyah [Zechariah], Malachi, Daniel, Chananiah,  Mishael,  Azariah, Ezra, Nechemiah, Mordechai, and Zerubavel...  History of the Jewish People From Yavneh to Pumbedisa Mesorah Series, (Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. 97th Impression, 2004) p 34

As a point of interest the Shadrach, Meshach and Abed Nego that steeped out of the fire were also known as Chananiah,  Mishael,  Azariah.  Daniel The Artscroll Tanach Series - Sefar Daniel  (Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. First Edition 1979), pp x; 128,129  Also please notice Daniel 1.6,7.

Zechariah lived at the time of the destruction of the first Bet Ha Mikdosh {3338 F. C. } and at the time of the construction of the second Bet Ha Mikdosh.  Why is this significant?  That was 2,431 years ago, 5769 F. C.   - 3338 F. C.  = 2,431.  F. C. means From Creation.  I.e. that is from the creation as stated in Bereisheit 1, 2. The Talmud States that R' Zecharyah said in the name of R' Yishmael[ben Nethaniah]: Originally, the Holy One, Blessed is He, wished for the priesthood to emerge from the descendants of Shem, son of Noach, as it is stated in reference to Shem, 'and he was a priest of G-d, the most High...'  See Bereisheit 14.18

There are several important points to consider.

First, this is the Novie [Prophet] Zechariah who wrote Sefer Zecharyah of our Bible.

Second, he is credited by the Talmud of stating who Malki Tzedek is.  He stated that Malki Tzedek was Shem the son of Noach.  Even though Malki Tzedek's identity as Shem was common knowledge thousands of years ago that information could be lost down through the years so Zechariah stated it.

Third, in Judaism the information of Malki Tzedek has been passed from Teacher to student for thousands of years.  We did not loose sight of who Malki Tzedek was. 

Fourth, there are different spellings for Mah Lih Cee Tzeh Dehk, Malki Tzedek, Malchizedek, Melchizedek and Melchisedec.  These are variations in translations.   In Ha Tenach there are two references to Malki Tzedek, Bereisheit 14.18 and Tehillim [Psalms] 110.4.  In the New Testament there are nine references,  Hebrews 5:6,10; 6:20; 7:1,10,11,15,17 and 21. 

A series of serious differences surround Malki Tzedek. I feel that these differences exist due to a lack of historical knowledge and translation errors from Hebrew to English.  It may be possible to clear up issues by providing additional information.  Let's carefully examine the details. Let's examine Tehillim {Psalms} 110.4. 

Tehillim 110.4

ˆh´àkoAhT...âa' µje%N:yI aOlèw" { hw:!hy" [Bæ¶v]nI

.qd<x≤âAyKil]m' yti%r:b]DIAl[' µl...-/[l] 

English Translation:

Hashem Has Sworn and Will Not rescind [His Oath to Avraham] you are a Kohan {priest} [by dynasty] forever upon the word of Malki Tzedek.

1. Who is Tehillim 110.4 Making reference to? When did Hashem Swear this?

The first Word Tehillim 110.4 is [Bæ¶v]nI Nee Shih Bah, which means 'has sworn' has already taken place. Tehillim 110.4 is making reference to an event that happened between G-d, Malki Tzedek and Avraham in Bereisheit 14.18,19.  The root word of [Bæ¶v]nI Nee Shih Bah is [Bæ¶v] Shih Bah.  It is unusual for the Letter Nun to be added to the front of   [Bæ¶v] Shih Bah.   Placing the Letter Nun at the front of  [Bæ¶v] Shih Bah represents 'What G-d Has Sworn He Will Be Faithful to keep'.  In addition if a human swears it maybe before seven men.  When G-d Swears it is like this is before seventy men.   This shows our Creator's very strong commitment to keep His Oath.  For more information compare the Gematria of 422 for  [Bæ¶v]nI and the Gematria 422 for µy[ib]v Shee Vih Ee, meaning seventy. 

The first time the Word  [Bæ¶v]nI Nee Shih Bah occurs in Ha Torah is in Bereisheit 24.7 where Avraham Says to Eleazer, 'Hashem, G-d of heaven, Who Took me from my father's house, and from the land of my birth, and Who Spoke to me and Who Swore to me...'  This was years after Bereisheit 14.18,19.   This is a challenging situation. Why?  The Action of  Hashem Swearing happened yet we do not have a pin pointed reference to where it happened or to when it happened.   We Observe the Promises of Hashem to Avraham in Bereisheit 12.2,3 yet there is no reference to Hashem Swearing.  Again in Bereisheit 13.14-17 we Observe the Promises of Hashem to Avraham, yet there is no reference to Hashem Swearing.

Tehillim 110.4

ˆh´àkoAhT...âa' µje%N:yI aOlèw" { hw:!hy" [Bæ¶v]nI

.qd<x≤âAyKil]m' yti%r:b]DIAl[' µl...-/[l] 

2. The Writer of Tehillim 110.4 Informs us that not only did Hashem swear to Avraham but Hashem Will Not rescind [His Oath to Avraham].  Hashem's Oath to Avraham is an eternal oath. 

Tehillim 110.4

ˆh´àkoAhT...âa' µje%N:yI aOlèw" { hw:!hy" [Bæ¶v]nI

.qd<x≤âAyKil]m' yti%r:b]DIAl[' µl...-/[l] 

3. Then Hashem Says to Avraham, 'You are a Kohan {Priest} [by dynasty] forever.'  Now if one reads Bereisheit 14.18,19 these Words are not recorded there.  One must question, Where does the Writer of Tehillim 110.4 come up with these Words, 'You are a Kohan {Priest} forever.' ?  Tehillim 110.4 is the only place in all of Ha Tenach where these words are recorded.  Spoken of once in all of Ha Tenach.  As indicated earlier the New Testament mentions this four times.  We now have a second instance where Tehillim 110.4 makes a proclamation that we cannot pin point the reference.  Yet we know these Words, 'You are a Kohan {Priest} forever.' were Spoken by Hashem.

2 Samuel 8.18

 yti`rEK]h'w" [d:+y:/h∞y"AˆB, WŸhy:Ÿn:b]W

.Wyîh; µynIèh}Ko dwI¡d: ynEèb]W yti-leP]h'w"

1 Chronicles 18.17

 dywIèd:AynEb]W yti-leP]h'w" yti`rEK]h'Al[' [d:+y:/h∞y"AˆB, WŸhy:Ÿn:b]W

 .Ël,M≤âh' dy"èl] µynI¡voarIh;

4. Define ˆheko Kohan.   ˆheko Kohan is singular for priest.  µynIhæKO Choh Nah Neem is plural for priests.  'The term kohen [priest] always means one who ministers to Deity except for in specific cases - such as [Bereisheit 41.45]: The ˆheko [chief] of On; and [Exodus 2.16] Jethro the ˆheko [chief] of Midian - where the term denotes one of high rank.' Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz and Rabbi Nosson Scherman, The Artscroll Tanach Series - Bereishis Vol. I(a) (Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. 3rd Impression, 1989), p 495 Do we have precedence for this? Yes! 2 Samuel 8.18 Says, '...Dovid's sons were senior ministers.' Notice the Words in red above.  Notice the third Word, µynIhæKO Choh Nah Neem, meaning Priests. Yet here we translate this 'ministers'.  The KJV translates this  'Chief Rulers'.   The NIV says David's sons were royal advisors.  Interesting,  if one looks up 'chief' in the Strong's Concordance for 2 Samuel 8.18 it gives the reference # 3548.  Their they define ˆheko Kohan to include priest, chief ruler, prince, principle officer.  Then in 1 Chronicles 18.17 Ha Tenach uses a different Word to describe Dovid's sons, µynIvoarIh;

Haw Ree Shoh Neem, meaning the chief ministers.  KJV says, chief again.  NIV says,  chief officials.  This establishes that Kohan does not always mean priest. 

5. Why is this important to prove that the Word ˆheko Kohan does NOT always mean priest?  When Tehillim 110.4 Speaks in reference to Avraham as being a Kohan [by dynasty] forever it is important to understand that Avraham's descendants were  Priests through Aharon ben Levi ben Yaakov and kings through Yehudah ben Yaakov.  G-d Willing we will discuss this later.

Tehillim 110.4

ˆh´àkoAhT...âa' µje%N:yI aOlèw" { hw:!hy" [Bæ¶v]nI

.qd<x≤âAyKil]m' yti%r:b]DIAl[' µl...-/[l]

6. Why do we say Avraham was a Kohan [by dynasty] forever?  It is because Avraham is the beginning of  a succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role as Kohanim {Priests}  and Melechim {Kings}.  On the second line of Hebrew above the first word is µl;wO[l] Lih Oh Lawm, meaning forever. When Hashem Says or Thinks Avraham is a Kohan forever that represents a dynasty. 

7. Who spoke the Words, 'You are a Kohan [by dynasty] forever.' ?  Were they directly Spoken by Hashem?  Were they spoken through a Malach {Angel}?  Did a Novie {Prophet} speak these Words?  The answer is found in the last four Words of Tehillim 110.4.  '...upon the Word of Malki Tzedek.'  The Words, 'You are a Kohan [by dynasty] forever.'  were not spoken by anyone.  These were perceived!  They eminated from the Mind of Hashem.  Over 2,400 years ago The Novie Zechariah provides us with an explanation. This explanation is quoted in numerious books.  It is astounding that other religious have by in part ignored this.

''[The Prophet] Zechariah said on behalf of Rav Yishmael [ben Nethaniah] that the Holy One, Blessed is He, had intended that the priesthood should stem from Shem the son of Noah [who later assumed the title of Malchizedek.]  But after Malchizedek uttered this blessing, [G-d Decided] that the priesthood should stem from Abraham.  For when Malchizedek blessed Abraham before [G-d],  Abraham had rebuked Malchizedek: =[Saying]. 'Should a servant's blessing be given precedence over his Master's?'

Therefore, [G-d Gave] the priesthood to Abraham.  The [Words] of HASHEM... You shall be a priest forever because of the træB]dI Dee Bih Rawt, words of Malchizedek, who accorded Abraham precedence over Hashem.''  After Tehillim 110.4 Says, 'You are a Kohan [by dynasty] forever upon the Word of Malki Tzedek.' 

Tehillim 110.4

ˆh´àkoAhT...âa' µje%N:yI aOlèw" { hw:!hy" [Bæ¶v]nI

.qd<x≤âAyKil]m' yti%r:b]DIAl[' µl...-/[l]

The Word l[æ Ahl means on, upon, by, on behalf of, on account of, because.  As discussed already the Word ytræB]dI Dee Bih Raw Tee means, 'Words'.  The point is that ytiræB]dIAl[æ Ahl - Dee Bih Raw Tee means 'upon the Words' of Malki Tzedek.   If one wanted to argue that the translation should be after the order of Malki Tzedek as is stated in the New Testament one must substantiate this position.  Uf one looks up the Word Order in Strong's Concordance for Psalms 110.4 the reference is 

# 1700.  Strong's defines hr...b]DI Dee Vih Rawh as meaning, reason, suit or style, end, estate, order or regard.  The correct definition of  hr...b]DI Dee Vih Rawh is Word, cause or reason.  The Word hr...b]DI Dee Vih Rawh is found only three times in all of Ha Tenach. If one examines how the KJV translates hr...b]DI Dee Vih Rawh in Genesis 29.10 and 39.19 the translation is 'spoke'.  In 2 Kings 5.4 the translation is 'said'.   The Word ytræB]d" is found 79 times in Ha Tenach.  Genesis 24.33 told, 28.15; 41.28 spoken, Genesis 42.14 spake, Exodus 20.22 talked,  Exodus 25.22 commune, Numbers 11.17 talk, Numbers 14.35, Said, Numbers 23.26 told,  Numbers 24.12 speak, and Deuteronomy 33.3 Word.  We could go on.  The point is that ytiræB]d" Dee Bih Raw Tee does NOT mean order.  To argue that ytiræB]dIAl[æ Ahl - Dee Bih Raw Tee means after the order of Malki Tzedek ignores what the Prophet Zechariah, what was then common knowledge and what the correct definition of ytiræB]d" Dee Bih Raw Tee is. At the very least the Talmud Gives us a beginning and an ending of Malki Tzedek. He is not from an unknown priesthood.  Malki Tzedek. is not without a father or mother.  Noach was Malki Tzedek's father and Na'amah was his mother.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Akiva Gamliel