Showing posts with label Judaism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judaism. Show all posts

Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Great Jewish Scholar 'Rashi' Comments on the 'Cornerstone'



Rashi is the nickname for a certain Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac (1040-1105 A.D.), a brilliant scholar of Judaism who lived during the latter half of the 12th century in Europe. Here are Rashi's short Comments on Psalm 118:22-23, the Foundational Reference to the 'Cornerstone':
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PSALM 118:22) The stone that the builders rejected became a cornerstone. <---> כב.
RASHI'S COMMENT) 'The stone that the builders rejected': A people that was humble among the peoples.
          
PSALM 118:23) This was from the Lord; it is wondrous in our eyes. <---> כג.
RASHI'S COMMENT) 'This was from the Lord': So will everyone say.      

- Psalm 118, The Complete Jewish Bible with Rashi's Commentary, Chabad.org
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Friday, October 26, 2012

A Few Definition of the Star of David References


The Star of David on the official Flag of the nation-state of Israel
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Star of David
(Noun):Star of David - a six-pointed star formed from two equilateral triangles; an emblem symbolizing Judaism. - Magen David, Mogen David, Shield of David, Solomon's seal
- WordNet 3.0 Dictionary (at the Free Dictionary.com)


Star of David
Star of David (noun): a hexagram used as a symbol of Judaism. Also called Magen David, Mogen David, Shield of David.
Related Words for Star of David: Magen David, Mogen David, Shield of David, Solomon's seal

- Collins World English Dictionary


Star of David
(n.) Also called Magen David - an emblem symbolizing Judaism and consisting of a six-pointed star formed by superimposing one inverted equilateral triangle upon another of equal size.

- Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged


The Star of David
(Magan David or Mogen Dovid in Hebrew, Shield of David, Solomon's Seal, or Seal of Solomon) is a generally recognized symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity. It is also known as the Jewish Star. With the establishment of the State of Israel the Jewish Star on the Flag of Israel has also become a symbol of Israel.

- Star of David, Bigpedia, bigpedia.com
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Saturday, October 6, 2012

Hitler planned to Abolish the Ten Commandments, the very Cornerstone of Biblical Faith


אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי




The stone the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone. By the LORD this has been done this, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

- Psalm 118:22-23


 



אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי

Hitler Attacks the Ten Commandments




Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

- Ecclesiastes 12:13
 
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The Judeo/Christian Ten Commandments


I. YHVH (יהוה) is the LORD your God. You will not worship any other god. - א  
II. You will not use the name of the LORD your God in vain. - ב
III. You will not profane the Sabbath day, but keep it holy. - ג
IV. You will not dishonor either your father or your mother. - ד
V. You will not kill. - ה
VI. You will not commit adultery. - ז
VII. You will not steal. - ו  
VIII. You will not lie. - ח
IX. You will not envy another man's wife. - ט
X. You will not envy another man's property. - י 


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The Ten Letters of the Ten Commandments in Hebrew



אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי


First they came for the Jews. I was silent. I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists. I was silent. I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists. I was silent. I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me, but there was no one left to speak up for me.

- Martin Niemoller, a Protestant Minister killed by the Nazis





Actual Quotes from Adolph Hitler



QUOTE #1:QUOTE #1: The day will come when I shall hold up against these (Ten) Commandments the tables of a new law. And history will recognize our movement as the great battle for humanity's liberation, a liberation from the curse of Mount Sinai.

- Adolph Hitler (Hitler Speaks, by Herman Rauschning)

QUOTE #2:This is what we are fighting against: the masochistic spirit of self-torment, the curse of so-called morals, idolized to protect the weak from the strong...Against the so-called Ten Commandments, against them we are fighting.

- Adolph Hitler (Hitler Speaks, by Herman Rauschning)

QUOTE #3: The Ten Commandments have lost their validity…Conscience is a Jewish invention. It is a blemish like circumcision.

- Adolph Hitler, (Hitler Speaks, by Herman Rauschning)

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This Crooked Cross Needs to be Straight



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+ Biblical References to the Swastika +

What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is missing cannot be supplied.

- Ecclesiastes 1:15

In that day the LORD, with His deadly and great and strong sword, shall punish Leviathan, the piercing serpent, even Leviathan, that crooked serpent; and He shall finally slay the dragon that is in the sea.

- Isaiah 27:1

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places made smooth.

- Isaiah 40:4

I will bring the blind by a way that they did not know. I will lead them on paths where they have never been. I will make darkness, light before them, and crooked things, straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

- Isaiah 42:16

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.

- Mark 1:3


Like I said, No Crooked Crosses allowed here, only Straight ones



אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי





Written below are a few different ways of visualizing the ten different Hebrew letters which have symbolized the Ten Commandments for nearly 3,400 years. The are as follows:

With a straight dash in front of them:

 

- א  

- ב

- ג

- ד

- ה

- ז

- ו  

- ח

- ט

-  י


אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי

Or with a number in front of them:

1) א  

2) ב

3) ג

4) ד

5) ה

6) ז

7) ו  

8) ח

9) ט

10) י

 

אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי

Or with a Roman numeral in front of them:

 

I) א  

II) ב

III) ג

IV) ד

V) ה

VI) ז

VII) ו  

VIII) ח

IX) ט

X) י

 

And in a similar manner:

I. - א  

II. - ב

III. - ג

IV. - ד

V. - ה

VI. - ז

VII. - ו  

VIII. - ח

IX. - ט

X. - י

אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי - אבגדהזוחטי

 
The Name of the LORD God


May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Moses.
 

And I'd say, probably, intellectually I've drawn as much from Judaism as any other faith.

- President Barack Obama


יהוה = YHVH






Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Star of David, the Seal of Solomon, and How they Differ

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ON THE LEFT: Star of David (n.) - A symbol consisting of two OVERLAPPED triangles    
ON THE RIGHT: Solomon's Seal (n.) - A symbol consisting of two INTERLACED triangles

Notice how the Star of David's 2-dimensional triangles are 'overlapped' while the Seal of Solomon's 3-dimensional triangles are drawn to appear 'interlaced', like clothing threads.

According to legend, King Solomon supposedly took the rather simple, two-dimensional Star of David he inherited from his Royal father and managed to improve upon it by having the two opposite triangles appear as if they were interwoven with one another. A rather interesting take on the very real differences between the Star of David and the Seal of Solomon reads as follows:
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Uniting the Water Triangle [facing downwards] with the Fire Triangle [facing upwards], the Hexagram is formed. It forms a six pointed star also known as the Seal of Solomon. This symbol is a [different type of] Star of David, the national symbol of Israel (God's chosen nation). The difference between the Star of David and the seal [of Solomon] is the triangles which make up the seal [Solomon] interlock and the two triangles of the Star of David lie flat against each other.

- Hexagram, TheForbiddenKnowledge.com


A Green Earth Symbol, Yellow Air Symbol, Black and White Star of David, then a Blue Water Symbol, and a Red Fire Symbol
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The traditional understanding that the Star of David and the Seal of Solomon have fundamental differences in both their origins and visual appearances, seems to have been nearly lost in modern times. What's most frustrating is that more a few modern dictionaries have gotten the essential differences between these two distinct types of hexagrams completely wrong, thus misleading everybody. So, readers should take careful note right now that the symbol seen on top of the Pope's head is, to be completely accurate, not a Star of David, but a Seal of Solomon instead. The biggest visual clue is the way that the Seal of Solomon's triangular lines look like they are either above or beneath one another without ever truly intersecting. Apparently, this was never the case with the Star of David. To be specific, King David used the symbol as a short form of his written signature and as a battle insignia painted on the shields of his fellow Israelite soldiers. In both cases, the iconographic complexity seen in the Seal of Solomon was never really needed and therefore never developed. In contrast, the Seal of Solomon was thought to have been an actual Royal Seal used throughout King Solomon's reign, a hand-held device which stamped an image upon either a puddle of wax, or clay, or even a form of paper made with animal skins. These Seals were usually custom-made by professional artists and were thus far more complex in appearance than any written signature or hand-drawn war emblem.

Notice how it requires far more artistic ability to draw (or create) the Seal of Solomon on the Right, rather than the simple, child-like Star of David on the Left.

In truth, one could say that both symbols were simply different versions of the Star of David. However, the Seal of Solomon has always been depicted with three-dimensional, interwoven (or interlaced) triangles. It is most unfortunate that literally no one these days really knows, or even cares, about what a Seal of Solomon actually is anyway. However, for the sake of precision, one should define the Star of David as being comprised of OVERLAPPING triangles, just as the Seal of Solomon (Solomon's Seal)should always have the appearance of INTERLACED (or INTERWOVEN) triangles instead. The actual, and factually correct, dictionary definitions of these two emblems are listed below:
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Star of David
(n.) - A symbol consisting of two OVERLAPPED equilateral triangles forming a star with six points, used as a symbol of Judaism. It is also called Magen David, Mogen David, and Shield of David, and is shaped identically to the hexagram and Solomon's seal. It is used on the flag of the modern state of Israel.

- Collaborative International Dictionary of English, Dictionary.net

Solomon's Seal (n.) - A mystic symbol consisting of two INTERLACED triangles forming a star with six points, often with one triangle dark and one light, symbolic of the union of soul and body. It is shaped identically to the hexagram and Star of David, distinguished only in its usage.

- Collaborative International Dictionary of English, Dictionary.net
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Among the various myths and legends concerning this age-old Biblical symbol, two of them stand out in particular. The first one concerns the reasons behind why the hexagram was ever called a star (or shield), while the second story explains the intricate three-dimensional pattern seen on the Seal of Solomon, but usually never with the Star of David. Now as to why the hexagram was ever called a Star, the main reason should be quite obvious to most observers. As nearly everybody would agree, the six-pointed shape itself bear a striking visual resemblance to the twinkling effect one experiences when looking directly at either a star, or the sun, through a somewhat hazy atmosphere.

Twinkle (Upward Triangle), Twinkle (Downward Triangle) little star, how I wonder what you are (Star of David). Up above the world so high (Upward Triangle), like a diamond in the sky (Downward Triangle)...

- An interpretation of the song 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star'


A Ragtag Collections of Triangles and Hexagrams

There is also a Biblical reason why the hexagram has been called a star and it concerns a certain, obscure prophecy found in the Book of Numbers. Keeping in mind that this was written long before King David was ever born, the relevant verse talks about an unknown future leader of Israel who will rise to power and go on to defeat the traditional enemies of the Israelites- the Moabites for example. This future hero is metaphorically described as 'a Star' which 'shall come forth from Jacob', obviously meaning a yet-to-born descendant from the one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Because of the importance of the Davidic Kingdom, quite a few scholars claim this passage from Numbers should be seen as a direct reference to the later military success and subsequent rule of King David. Indeed, David official founding of the Kingdom of Israel in Jerusalem was the first event of extreme significance which had occurred in Israel since the time period recorded in the Book of Numbers. Yet the question remains as to why the hexagram, rather than David himself, is the 'Star' mentioned in Scriptures. The best, and probably only correct answer to this is that the original Star of David served as his personalized signature- comprised of two triangular Hebrew letters written on top of each other with one of them turned upside down. In short, the hexagram was simply a uniquely clever way David wrote the first and last initials to his own name. Therefore, the claim that the six-pointed hexagram used for David's name was also a perfect symbolic representation of the Biblically prophesied 'Star' of 'Jacob' happens to be fairly logical, at least in a metaphorical sense. Also, because the Bible just so happens to be filled to the brim with metaphors, this legendary explanation may indeed be the real truth behind the origins of the six-pointed Star.
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STAR OF DAVID:
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A STAR shall come forth from Jacob. A scepter shall rise from Israel and shall crush the corners of Moab, and destroy all the sons of Sheth.

- Numbers 24:17

SEAL OF SOLOMON: Place me like a SEAL upon your heart, like a SEAL on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.
- Song of Solomon 8:6
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Now it is time to turn to the Judeo/Christian legends surrounding the Seal of Solomon and the reason behind the change in name. First, as previously mentioned, the more complex looking six-pointed star with interwoven triangles was Solomon's way of improving upon his father David's original design for their family coat-of-arms. This three-dimensional hexagram was also a far more appropriate insignia for a King of Israel and his Royal family to have as their personal seal. Even so, there was also a deeper, more profound reason behind the interwoven appearance of the Seal of Solomon's two interlaced triangles. Apparently, this specific design served as a visual talisman providing spiritual protection and control against the forces of evil. Not only was the Seal thought to ward against, or scare off, demons and other evil spirits, it also helped to trap, contain, and control them- thus rendering them harmless to mere mortals.

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THE REVELATION: 'The triangles which make up the Seal [of Solomon] interlock and the two triangles of the Star of David lie flat against each other.' (www.theforbiddenknowledge.com)


The Star of David's Triangles pictured on the Left 'lie flat against each other'. while on the Right, the Seal of Solomon's Triangles 'interlock'.

To truly understand how and why this worked, notice how the Seal's interlaced lines have an eerie, maze-like appearance to them, going back and forth, above and behind each other, in a ceaseless, never-ending pattern. This infinite sense of complexity was said to cause disorientation and utter confusion in any demon who dared to look directly at the symbol. More than two thousand years later, the Medieval Christians (as well as Jews) also put their trust in the Seal of Solomon, believing it provided ample protection from the forces of darkness. Three different online sources confirm the 'magical' history of this symbol:
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The hexagram, as the Seal of Solomon, is generally...believed to have protective powers and magical properties...[It] has a long history of providing protection from demons and evil spirits. In some magical practices, it is associated with exorcisms.

- Who Knew Two Triangles Could Do So Much?: The Hexagram, by Rebecca, Themagicalbuffet.com

The Seal of Solomon dates back to the Bronze Ages and is a powerful symbol with many mystical and magickal qualities...the Seal of Solomon is believed to offer protection against both enemies and the evil eye, control spirits, and bring good luck in all aspects of life.

- Seal of Solomon, Amulet Power, Angelfire.com

In the middle Ages it was common to find amulets and talismans which reproduced the Seal of Solomon...It was believed that these magic drawings protected the wearer from the influence of demons and evil spirits, or just bad luck. It was also common to record the seal on a frame or lintel of the entrance door to homes...with the same protective character against the spirits or to potential fires.

- The Hexagram, Star of David or Seal of Solomon, Looking4thetruth77.blogspot.com


An Assortment of Flags and Diagrams showing how Earth, Air, Water, and Fire triangles are placed together to form the Star of David, a symbol representing the entirety of Creation, both Heaven and Earth, and all that is in them.

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One might apt to conclude that both the form and function of the Seal of Solomon were in perfectly alignment, thus explaining the legendary spiritual powers this symbol was believed to possess. These days, Christians (and Jews) are free to choose to believe or disbelieve in its significance, yet even today, in the 21st century, the Seal's actual power over the minds of men (and women) has yet to disappear completely. Indeed, look at the dozens and dozens, perhaps even hundreds, if not thousands, of modern, educated adults who still use this symbol to practice magic and/or witchcraft. Even if one doesn't believe in any magic whatsoever, there still has to be a reason why so many fellow humans have such an on-going obsession with this one particular geometric shape. as if by its very appearance the supernatural will then become possible. A more balanced view concerning the power of the Star of David/Seal of Solomon can be found in the Catholic Church of today. Mentioning the Star of David by name, it reads as follows:
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The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the STAR OF DAVID, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament.


- Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church
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In conclusion, the actual history of the hexagram in terms of the Judeo/Christian tradition indicates that the Star of David/Seal of Solomon appears to be in complete agreement with a fairly long and extensive history of Christian use. Hopefully, Christian respect and admiration for this particular emblem will extend itself into an open friendliness, rather than hostility, towards those who still practice and believe in Judaism. Christian Gentiles must come to realize that, even today, the Jews are part of Jesus Christ's real family, for He really was born a Jew and He really did die a Jew. As such, this symbol represents both Him and them, meaning the non-Christian Jew is not simply just the 'Other', the Jew is also a Christian's brother.

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Monday, September 10, 2012

The Facts about Talmudic Sexual Morality


"The constant accusation that the Talmud is in any way sexually immoral or impure is one of the biggest lies ever told. In reality, the Rabbis of the Talmud were very strict about personal sexual behavior."
 





 

* The Natural, Normal, and Traditional Sexual Morality of the Talmud *
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The constant accusation that the Talmud is in any way sexually immoral or impure is one of the biggest lies ever told. Why? I've studied the ENTIRE Babylonian Talmud for many years and found it to be very sexually moral, more so than most forms of Christianity. In reality, the Rabbis of the Talmud were very strict about personal sexual behavior. For example, the Talmud insists that a husband may only have sex with his wife in total darkness. Any outside light source illuminating the interior of the marital bedroom was prohibited. Marital love even by the moonlight was seen as sinful and wrong. This is not to say the Rabbis were repressed in any way. Indeed, they come off as quite wise and down-to-earth about sexual matters. Their frank discussions of animal breeding practices would probably make a young girl blush, but their old-fashioned chivalry and respect for women prove the point that these Rabbis represented sort of an ancient version of the Anglo-Saxon country Gentleman.





* The Talmudic Opposition to the Devil's 'Handshake' *
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Because of the traditional Jewish respect for self-discipline and self-control, the Talmud's attitude towards masturbation was far different than today's Christian tolerance and acceptance of a sexual act still defined in the dictionary as self-abuse, or self-defilement. The Rabbis of the Talmud considered any man (or boy) who masturbated as being 'worthy of death'. Here is the relevant Talmudic verses and their blatant condemnation of that diabolical method the Devil prefers to use all the while pretending to shake your hand in friendship.


== The Jewish Talmud's References about Masturbation ==


Rabbi Ammi stated: "He who excites himself by lustful thoughts will not be allowed to enter into the Presence of the Holy One, blessed be He.' For here it is written, 'Was evil in the sight of the LORD,' and elsewhere it is written, 'For You are not a God that takes pleasure in wickedness and evil shall not sojourn with You.'"


- Jewish Talmud, Niddah 13b

Eleazar stated: "Who are referred to in the Scriptural text, 'Your hands are full of blood?' Those that commit masturbation with their hands."


- Jewish Talmud, Niddah 13b

It was taught at the school of Rabbi Ishmael, 'You shall not commit adultery,' implies, 'You shall not practice masturbation with either hand or with foot.'

- Jewish Talmud, Niddah 13b
       

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Joshua Star, Part II. The Hexagram's Metaphorical Influence on the New Testament



I, Joshua (Jesus)...am the Root and Branch of David. I am the Bright, Morning Star.

- Revelation 22:16



Part II. The Hexagram's Metaphorical Influence on the New Testament

Read carefully, the Gospels show substantial evidence that those who actually wrote them clearly intended to make metaphorical use of the Star of David, an age-old sacred symbol of the Judeo-Christian tradition. While this could never really be proven directly, at least some of the words and phrases that Rabbi Joshua (Jesus) utilizes throughout the Gospels appear to be blatant references to the hexagram, as well as the two triangles that create it. Here are just some of those Biblical passages:

Defeating Satan

(Jesus) called them to Himself and began speaking to them in parables, 'How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished!'

- Mark 3:23-26

Jesus said to them, 'Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?

- Matthew 12:25-26

The Strong Man's House

How can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.

- Matthew 12:29


No one can enter the strong man's house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house.

- Mark 3:27



Defeating Satan

Bible Mark 3:23-24


How can Satan cast out...


...Satan? If a kingdom is divided...


...against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Bible Mark 3:25


If a house is...


...divided...


...against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

Bible
Mark 3:26


If Satan has risen up...


...against himself and is...


...divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished!

Bible Matthew 12:25


Any kingdom divided...


...against itself is laid waste and any city or house divided...


...against itself will not stand.

Bible Matthew 12:26


If Satan casts out...



...Satan
, he is divided...


...against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?


The Strong Man's House


Bible Mark 3:27


No one can enter the strong man's house and...


...plunder his property unless he first...


...
binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house.

Bible Matthew 12:29


Or how can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off...


...his property, unless he first...


...binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.

As the above passages strongly suggest, Rabbi Joshua understood that gaining control and authority over demons also required the ritual knowledge and use of the six-pointed hexagram. For literally 2,000 years, Jews and Christians alike have trusted in the Star of David as a supernaturally powerful 'hex' against Satan and the Devil. The religious power of this Judeo-Christian symbol has always meant to be a pox on both of their wicked, evil houses, as the old saying goes.

Clearly, the originally Jewish tradition of understanding the hexagram must have filtered over to the early Church and continued onward from there. Even St. Paul's letters show evidence of its metaphorical influence, especially when it comes to his precise choice of words. In general, both Judaism and Christianity has looked upon the hexagram not only as the royal family coat-of-arms for David and his descendants, but also as a representation of opposites which may sometimes complement each other. Even today, many religious Jews are taught from early childhood that the upright triangle (the Eye Above the Pyramid) symbolizes Heaven, while the inverted triangle (the Eye Below the Pyramid) stands for the Earth, as in the Book of Genesis which states:

In the beginning, when God created the Heavens and the Earth...

- Genesis 1:1

Thus, the Jewish child is consistently taught to see the Star of David as a seamless union of differing realities. This typically includes such natural phenomena as the mountains and the valleys, the lightning and the thunder, the ocean waves and the undertow, all of which comprise a small part of God's overall Creation.

(Jesus said) 'If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.'

- Matthew 12:27-28


With that in mind, it seems more than probable that Rabbi Joshua ben Joseph of Nazareth (Jesus Christ) was also taught similar ideas about the hexagram many centuries ago, especially since the Star of David also happened to be His own immediate family's (Joseph and Mary) ancient insignia. All things considered, it appears quite likely that the fairly obvious metaphorical references to this icon found throughout both the Old and New Testament is no mere coincidence. Instead, these symbolic allusions to the hexagram, and its two opposing triangles, may simply be little more than a literary practice of the Biblical Prophets which has been in use since the days of Moses. As history shows, this simple, yet very meaningful, symbol known as the Star of David has also managed to teach generations upon generations of children (and adults) about the eternal, abiding truth that can be found within the Judeo-Christian tradition.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Maccabees.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. David.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

The Crooked Serpent is the Swastika


swastikart2gifLEFT.gif image by Judas999 = the Crooked Serpent, the Devil

Unknown to most Jews and Christians, the ancient Israelites were well aware of the swastika due to their ancient contact with the Hindu civilizations of the east. The Hindu religions, as well as Buddhism, have been using the two swastikas since even before King David made the hexagram his official coat-of-arms around the year 1,000 B.C. Rest assured, the Biblical writers most probably had the swastika in mind when discussing the crooked serpent (the Devil) as well as his evil, crooked ways and paths. The best way to illustrate this is simply to list the numerous quotes related to the swastika. Careful study reveals that the prophets most certainly meant the swastikas symbolically when using the term 'crooked'.


124px-Crossed_circle-1.png picture by Judas999

Crooked
Straight
Crooked
Crooked Path
Straight Path

Crooked Path

Crooked Way
Straight Way

Crooked Way


The Crooked Serpent
He divides the sea with His power and by His understanding He smites through the proud. By His Spirit, He has garnished the Heavens. His hand has formed the crooked serpent. (Job 26:12-14)

In that day the LORD with His hard, great and strong sword shall visit leviathan the serpent, and leviathan, the crooked serpent, and shall slay the whale that is in the sea. In that day there shall be singing to the vineyard of pure wine. 'I am the Lord that keep it, I will suddenly give it drink, lest any hurt come to it, I keep it night and day.' (Isaiah 27:1-3)

For it was requisite that inevitable destruction should come upon them that exercised tyranny: but to these it should only be shewn how their enemies were destroyed. For when the fierce rage of beasts came upon these, they were destroyed with the bitings of crooked serpents. But Your wrath endured not for ever, but they were troubled for a short time for their correction, having a sign of salvation to put them in remembrance of the commandment of thy law. (Wisdom 16:4-6)


Crooked Paths
They do not know the way of peace and there is no justice in their tracks. They have made their paths crooked, no one who walks in them will know peace. (Isaiah 59:8)

Even when I cry out and call for help, He shuts out my prayer. He has blocked my ways with hewn stone. He has made my paths crooked. He is to me like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in secret places. (Lamentations 3:8-10)

The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:8-10)

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare you the way of the LORD, make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'" (Luke 3:4-6)


Her feet go down to death, her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life, her paths are crooked, but she knows it not. (Proverbs 5:5-7)

Discretion will guard you. Understanding will watch over you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things, from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness; who delight in doing evil and rejoice in the perversity of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways. (Proverbs 2:11-15)

Crooked Ways

Do good, O LORD, unto those that are good and to them that are upright in their hearts. As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them away with the workers of iniquity, but peace shall be upon Israel. (Psalm 125:4-5)

Better is the poor man walking in his simplicity, than the rich in crooked ways. (Proverbs 28:6)

The violence of the wicked will drag them away because they refuse to act with justice. The way of a guilty man is crooked, but as for the pure, his conduct is upright. (Proverbs 21:7-9)


Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost, fixed his gaze on him and said, 'You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the LORD? Now behold, the hand of the LORD is upon you and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.' And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. (Acts 13:9-11)

Woe to them that are fainthearted, who believe not God and therefore they shall not be protected by Him. Woe to them that have lost patience and that have forsaken the right ways and have gone aside into crooked ways. What will they do, when the LORD shall begin to examine? (Sirach 2:15-17)


The Crooked Cannot be Made Straight
That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. (Ecclesiastes 1:15)

Consider the work of God; for who can make straight that which He has made crooked? (Ecclesiastes 7:13)


The LORD God will make the Crooked Straight
The voice of one crying in the desert: 'Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the wilderness the paths of our God.' (Gospels)

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight and the rough ways plain. The glory of the LORD shall be revealed and all flesh together shall see, that the mouth of the LORD has spoken. (Isaiah 40:3-5)

I will lay waste the mountains and hills, and will make all their grass to wither. I will turn rivers into islands and will dry up the standing pools. I will lead the blind into the way which they know not and, in the paths which they were ignorant of, I will make them walk. darkness light before them, and I will make crooked things straight. These things have I done to them and have not forsaken them. They are turned back. Let them be greatly confounded that trust in a graven image, that say to a molten image: 'You are our god.' (Isaiah 42:15-17)

The Crooked
To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself astute. (Psalm 18:25-27)

To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. (2 Samuel 22:26-28)

He is the Rock, His work is perfect for all His ways are judgment. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is He. They have corrupted themselves. Their spot is not the spot of His children, they are a perverse and crooked generation. (Deuteronomy 32:4-6)


Do all things without grumbling or disputing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, (Philippians 2:14-15)


He who loves transgression loves strife. He who raises his door seeks destruction. He who has a crooked mind finds no good, and he who is perverted in his language falls into evil. (Proverbs 17:19-21)

For my mouth will utter truth and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverted in them. (Proverbs 8:7-8)

When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. (Proverbs 11:2-4)

For wisdom is a safeguard, as money is a safeguard, but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to them that have it. Consider the work of God; for who can make straight that which He has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider this: God also has set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. (Ecclesiastes 7:12-14)

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. I communed with mine own heart, saying, 'Lo, I am come to great estate and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem.' Yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. (Ecclesiastes 1:14-16)

A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood will be a fugitive until death, let no one support him. He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, but he who is crooked will fall all at once. (Proverbs 28:17-19)


Crooked Things
Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and they kept not His testimonies. They turned away and kept not the covenant: even like their fathers they were turned aside as a crooked bow. They provoked him to anger on their hills and moved him to jealousy with their graven things. (Psalms 77:56-58)

(He) uses the chips of his work to dress his meat, and taking what was left thereof, which is good for nothing, being a crooked piece of wood, and full of knots, carves it diligently when he has nothing else to do, and by the skill of his art fashions it and makes it like the image of a man or the resemblance of some beast, laying it over with vermillion and painting it red, and covering every spot that is in it. (Wisdom 13:12-14)

Say to Aaron: 'Whoever of your seed throughout the families (that) has a blemish, he shall not offer bread to his God. Neither shall he approach to minister to Him: If he be blind, if he be lame, if he have a little, or a great, or a crooked nose.' (Leviticus 21:17-19)

The Street called Straight
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, LORD.' And the LORD said to him, 'Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.' (Acts 9:10-12)

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Friday, January 21, 2011

The Cornerstone, Part I. Up, Down and All Around the Jewish Talmud




The Stone which the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone.
By the LORD this has been done and it is wonderful in our eyes.


- Psalms 118:22-23




Down, Up and Together as One









Part I. Up, Down, and all Around the Jewish Talmud

The Talmud, Tanchum. Voeschanan


Death is designed for man from time immemorial. When the hour of man's departure hence arrives, nothing will save him from it. If he had the wings of an eagle and could soar high up above the earth...





...he would, of his own accord, come down to meet his fate.--Death is a new gate for the righteous to enter in. (The Talmud, Tanchum. Voeschanan)






The Talmud, Tanchum. Shoftim




God will eventually reveal his glory to all mankind as unmistakably as though He had placed his throne in the centre of the heavens...





...and then moved it from one extreme end ...






...to the other, so that everybody should see and know it. (Tanchum. Shoftim)







The Babylonian Talmud, Baba Mezi’a 117a


Two dwelt in a house, one above and one below. Now, the plaster on the ceiling...broke, so that when the one above washed with water, it dripped down, causing damage to the one below...





...Now, who must repair? R. Hiyya b. Abba said: 'The upper dweller'...






R. Elai said: "The lower one, the sign thereof is, 'And Joseph was brought down to Egypt.'" (Baba Mezi’a 117a)






The Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 103b



Once a man becomes poor in friends below on earth...






...he becomes poor above in Heaven. (Sanhedrin 103b)







The Babylonian Talmud, Gittin 10b




The Jew signed first below...





...thinking that another Jew would sign above, but the lender got the signature of a Samaritan instead. (Gittin 10b)







The Babylonian Talmud, Berakoth 17a


A favourite saying of Abaye was: 'One should always strive to be on the best terms with his brethren and his relatives and with all men and even with the heathen in the street, in order that he may be beloved above...





...and well-liked below and be acceptable to his fellow creatures.' (Berakoth 17a)







The Babylonian Talmud, Berakoth 29b




R. Eliezer says: 'Do Thy will in heaven above...






...and grant relief to them that fear Thee below and do that which is good in Thine eyes. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, who hearest prayer.' (Berakoth 29b)






The Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 44b



Resh Lakish said: 'He who devotes his strength to prayer below...





...has no enemies to overcome above.' R. Johanan said: 'One should ever implore mercy that all Heavenly beings may support his effort in prayer so that he may have no enemies on high.' (Sanhedrin 44b)






The Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 37a



R. Eliezer b. Jacob says: 'It is impossible to declare that Levi was stationed below since it is stated that he was above...




...and it is impossible to declare that he was above since it is stated that he was below; so how was it? The elders of the priests and Levites were below...





...and the rest above.' R. Joshiyah said: 'All the Levites who were qualified to serve as bearers of the ark were below and the rest above'...





...Rabbi says: 'Both the priests and Levites and also the Israelites were standing below. They turned their faces towards mount Gerizim and opened with the blessing, and then towards mount Ebal and opened with the curse. (Sotah 37a)






The Babylonian Talmud, Yebamoth 105b



'Who is this man,' cried Abdan out to him, 'who strides over the heads of the holy people!' (Yebamoth 105b)






The Babylonian Talmud, Baba Kamma 79b



A thief...acts as if the eye of Below would not be seeing and the ear of Below would not be hearing, as it says: "Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, 'Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?'" - Baba Kamma 79b





The Babylonian Talmud, Niddah 40b




Those sacrifices whose blood is to be sprinkled above...was sprinkled below,






...those whose blood is to be sprinkled below and was sprinkled above. - Niddah 40b







The Babylonian Talmud, Berakoth 24b



If one sneezes in his prayer it is a good sign for him, that as they give him relief below on earth...





...so they give him relief above in Heaven. (Berakoth 24b)







The Babylonian Talmud, Yebamoth 105b




A man who offers up his prayers must direct his eyes to the Temple below





...and his heart towards the Heavens above. (Yebamoth 105b)







The Babylonian Talmud, Horayoth 12b



MISHNAH. A HIGH PRIEST RENDS HIS GARMENTS FROM BELOW





AND AN ORDINARY PRIEST FROM ABOVE...R. Judah. R. Ishmael said: 'He does not rend his clothes in the manner of other people, but he rends from below while an ordinary priest rends from above!' (Horayoth 12b)






The Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 36a




Behold it is written: 'And I will send the hornet before thee!' R. Simeon b. Lakish said: 'It stood by the bank of the Jordan and injected a virus [into the Canaanites] which blinded their eyes above...




and castrated them below.' (Sotah 36a)







The Babylonian Talmud, Shabbath 110a



So that the snake cannot attack him either from below






or above. (Shabbath 110a)







The Babylonian Talmud, Niddah 47b



So also did R. Simeon state: 'The Sages have indicated in the physical development of a woman three marks below




and corresponding ones above. If, namely, she is like an unripe fig above, it may be taken for granted that she has not yet grown two (pubic) hairs. If she is above like a fig in its early ripening, it may be taken for granted that she has already grown two (pubic) hairs.' (Niddah 47b)





The Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 14a



'Show us where Moses is buried'. When they stood above, it appeared to them to be below...






when they were below, it appeared to them to be above.





They divided themselves into two parties; to them who were standing above it appeared below, and to those who were below it appeared above...R. Hama son of R. Hanina said: 'Even Moses our teacher does not know where he is buried.' (Sotah 14a)






The Babylonian Talmud, Baba Bathra 11a


It is related of King Monobaz that he spent all his own savings and the savings of his fathers in years of scarcity. His brothers and his father's household...said to him, 'Your father saved money and added to the treasures of his fathers, and you are squandering them.' He replied: "My fathers stored up below...



...and I am storing above , as it says, 'Truth springeth out of the earth and righteousness looketh down from Heaven.' My fathers stored in a place which can be tampered with, but I have stored in a place which cannot be tampered with, as it says, 'Righteousness and judgment are the foundation of his throne.'" (Baba Bathra 11a)





The Babylonian Talmud, Yebamoth 105b




A man who offers up his prayers must direct his eyes towards the Temple below, for it is said, 'And Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually'...




...And the other said: 'The eyes of him who offers up prayers shall be directed towards the Heavens above, for it is said 'Let us lift up our heart with our hand.' (Yebamoth 105b)







The Babylonian Talmud, Baba Mezi’a 86b




One should never break away from custom. For behold, Moses ascended on High






...and ate no bread, whereas the Ministering Angels descended below and ate bread. (Baba Mezi’a 86b)



May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian Tradition.