A look at 1 Kings 3:15-4:1 and Matt 16-17

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BenAvraham

Senior Member
Aug 30, 2015
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#1
1 KINGS 3:15-4:1

In this scripture portion, we see Solomon lifting up “burnt offerings” and “peace offerings” after also having “dreams. ” In his dream, YHVH asked him what he wished for, “For wisdom, an understanding heart to judge these people” and YHVH thus granted him what he hoped for.

We have "knowledge" "understanding" and "wisdom" to take advantage of. We should seek all three. This should be a guide for us when we wish for things. The best wish would be knowledge of the Torah and wisdom to implement what we learn from God's Holy Writ. As we see. God gave Solomon that and more.

We are living in a very materialistic world, a world that revolves around "things." Yes, things can bring temporary happiness, but nothing eternal, nothing internal either. This world and the things of this world will pass away. Things of this world will get "broken" or "stolen." While some things are important to us in this life, we need to get prepared for the Life and World to Come.

Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of God's WORD, will get us prepared for both worlds. If we want eternal treasures, put God's Word into action, and ask for understanding and wisdom to internalize what God wants us to know. Soloman wished for the good thing. Let us all wish also for this "good thing."

” Burnt offerings” symbolize our sinful nature, and the “peace offerings” speak of our happiness and joy because of our salvation experience. Today these offerings are “offered up” in “prayer and thanksgiving” The prayers of confession of sin are always heard, and so are the prayers of praise and thanksgiving, because we know we have been forgiven.

MATT 16: 1-17:27

The “leaven” of the Pharisees is “unbelief” as Yeshua said, this reminds us of when He was visiting the temple during this same time of Hanukkah, and the Jews came around him and said; “Tell us plainly if you are the Messiah or not!” Yet He rebukes them saying “I have already told you and you do not believe!”

He had already given signs through his miracles of healing, and raising of the dead, how much more proof did they need? What does “leaven” do in bread? It “puffs up the bread” and that is what pride does, it “puffs up” and person, and sometimes, stubborn pride brings on unbelief. Kefa (Peter) exhibits his faith when he says; “You are Messiah, the Living God”

Faith is “believing what we cannot see” yet Kefa sees Yeshua and sees the miracles, and so he believes, yet Yeshua says later on after the resurrection, “You have believed because you see, blessed are those who do not see yet BELIEVE!

1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-5

Rav Shaul (The Apostle Paul) is speaking to the local believers of Corinth. This was one of the churches that he started. I was in Corinth in 1999. He is stating very simply that he witnessed about Yeshua very plainly, without fancy words, without an intense religious vocabulary, just simply, “Yeshua died on the cross, was crucified for our transgressions, for our sins He gave up his life.”

When we are allowed to tell others about Yeshua, not by force but by invitation. Not in a condemning way, not using scare “fires of hell” tactics, just a message of love and sacrifice. Thus we can allow the Spirit of God to work on the person, It is the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of unbelievers so that they may become believers. Not our work, but HIS work.

Shalom and Happy 2025.
 
Oct 24, 2012
16,816
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#2
We have "knowledge" "understanding" and "wisdom" to take advantage of. We should seek all three. This should be a guide for us when we wish for things. The best wish would be knowledge of the Torah and wisdom to implement what we learn from God's Holy Writ. As we see. God gave Solomon that and more.
you seem to be promoting Torah over the Bible, as there are those that promote King James over all other translations
this is something I am noticing, and if this is for you and how you get through it all. I am elated for you, continue, I see the love pour through, and I do not think for a second it is from any translations, I believe God speaks through you, as I hear the humility in it, and I thank you for it

For me, the Paraphrased Living Bible, has taught me much, and ultimately I continue to take it all to Father, our Father in risen Son to ex[plain the truth of it all winth love and mercy of Son given us to abide willingly in, and I thank you for your view of Torah, I get the same from the Bible, Father has given you an excellent view of The Love for us to all and not to just those that seem to love us back, at least for me, this be what I am seeing
And I do compare all translations, keeping Father and Son as Won (One) above everything else here in this world today.
Taking it all to Father in trust to learn new willingly from Daddy for me at least, that be what I see is all that got left is to be born new in Father's Spirit and Truth to get led own and rest from self works forever. still learning daily
 
Oct 24, 2012
16,816
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#3
When we are allowed to tell others about Yeshua, not by force but by invitation. Not in a condemning way, not using scare “fires of hell” tactics, just a message of love and sacrifice. Thus we can allow the Spirit of God to work on the person, It is the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of unbelievers so that they may become believers. Not our work, but HIS work.
So we might see Luke 21:14-15 and be willing for Father's lead as in the Holy Spirit did in and through Jesus for s to see this and trust the same
Thanks, getting it slow, but getting it thank you
 
Aug 30, 2015
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#4
Shalom, the "Torah" IS the Bible. "Torah" means "Instruction" all 66 books books and letters of the Bible ARE instruction for us all. Straight from God's mouth, through the pens and quills of the those who wrote HIS Words.
 
Oct 24, 2012
16,816
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#5
Shalom, the "Torah" IS the Bible. "Torah" means "Instruction" all 66 books books and letters of the Bible ARE instruction for us all. Straight from God's mouth, through the pens and quills of the those who wrote HIS Words.
As discerning, discernment only comes from Father in =risen Son for me at least, I see this for you too and thank you
Amazing this gift from daddy to us all to believe ir or not. Fro whatever reason, I knew from youth in me God was real and is real. Then growing up came to not a first see discerning and got caught up in listening to human beings as if they got it and I do not get it. when says
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
1 Corinthians 2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
2 Corinthians 4:2
We do not try to trick people into believing—we are not interested in fooling anyone. We never try to get anyone tobelieve that the Bible teaches what it doesn’t. All such shameful methods we forego. We stand in the presence of God as we speak and so we tell the truth, as all who know us will agree.
1 John 2:27
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, in your hearts, so that you don’t need anyone to teachyou what is right. For he teaches you all things, and he is the Truth, and no liar; and so, just as he has said, you must live in Christ, never to depart from him.

Thank you for all the sharing in God's Love, it is helpful to me at least
 
Aug 30, 2015
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#8
By the way, where do you live? do you have WhatsApp? maybe we can talk someday, if you want, send it to me in a private message