Subject: A Fresh Look at the Jewish Wedding - Part 2 Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 00:49:35 +0000 To: "Hebraic Heritage Newsgroup"<heb_roots_chr@geocities.com>,
From: mayim <mayim@mail.doitnow.com> Organization: Mayim Hayim Ministry To: Hebraic Heritage Newsgroup<heb_roots_chr@geocities.com> Subject: A Fresh Look At The Jewish Wedding - Part 2
Shalom Rooters,
One of the best books on the Jewish wedding that I have very read was Eddies, and if you have not taken the time to buy it or read it from on line, I advise you to do so. I got the book as soon as it came out, and what a blessing it was to me. Two months ago my Fellowship ask me to teach on the Wedding, and felt like telling all of them, 'just read Eddies book!' However, I asked our LORD to give me something "Fresh on the Jewish Wedding" and this is the fruits of that teaching.
If you would like to see it with all the pictures, and poems you can read it from Mayim Hayim's Web page, just click the Link: http://www.doitnow.com/~mayim/JewishWedding.htm If not just read below:
Thank you Eddie for your wonderful book on Jewish Wedding, its a classic!
Shalom, Barbara Di Gilio
>From Eddie: **************
Thanks Barbara! A couple months ago, I sold out of my "Seven Festivals of the Messiah" book. BUT, TODAY is was reprinted. I will receive the books the beginning of next week. I will be giving more info on how to order this book and my other book, "Who is the Bride of Christ?" as a SPECIAL newsgroup offer in celebration of the REPRINTING of the "Festivals" book tomorrow.
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A Mayim Hayim Study on:
A Fresh Look At The Jewish Wedding (Part 2 of 2) 8. Chet, meaning a chamber, separate, private.
At this point the Bridegroom would depart and go back to his Fathers house to prepare a place for the wedding and his new Bride. My understanding is that a pledge is made by the Bridegroom affirming to his Bride that he will indeed return for her. Yeshua did the same! We read Yeshua's pledge in St. John's Gospel:
John 14:1-3
"Do not let your hearts be distressed. Trust in G-d; trust also in Me. In My Father's house are many chambers; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to make ready a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and catch you up to be with Me that you also may be where I am." (AGI)
These words above are the same words spoken in the ancient Jewish Wedding rite. Yeshua speaks to His followers as a Bridegroom, affirming to them that He would come to take them to Himself.
This is when Messiah will come to sequester us in a chamber made ready for His Bride. A time of separation and intimacy, privacy with our L-rd. I believe it will be for 7 years. One to match each day that the Bride and Bridegroom spends in the wedding chamber, alone and separated from the rest of the world.
Isaiah 26:20-21
"Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers (chadar), and shut thy doors about thee: conceal thyself as it were for a little moment, until the wrath be overpast. For observe, the L-RD cometh out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her dead." (AGI)
The time frame is after the 7 years of the indignation, the L-RD's wrath has passed, not before.
9. Tet, meaning: to surround, a snake, to twist.
Now the time of waiting comes! The Bride would prepare herself making all the preparations to be the best Bride she could be. She waits with baited breath for the Bridegroom to come. I know how anxious she is! She doesn't know the exact time when her Beloved will come for her, this time is "only" known by the Bridegroom's Father. When the Father sees that all of His Son's preparations for the wedding chambers (chadar) is ready, then He will allow His Son to transport His Bride to His home.
Matthew 25:1-5
"At that time the kingdom of Heaven will be like ten undefiled maidens who took their lamps and went out to meet the Bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were insightful. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The Bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became sleepy and fell asleep." (AGI)
This parable, i.e. midrash is a teaching about "readiness," it is plain and it is simple. Many of use have looked for a deeper hidden meaning to Matthew 25, but I believe the right Hebraic understanding of this is the simple teaching of our L-rd of "readiness."
Readiness speaks of many things to each of us. To me it speaks of a predisposition towards eagerness or zeal for the coming of the L-rd. I am full of zeal when I ponder that it could be this year!
At this point in the Bride's life she is surrounded by her family and friends who she will be leaving very soon. She is filled with emotions. She may be going on a long journey to the land of her Husbands home far from her families home.
She is occupied with feelings twisting inside of herself. Maybe even doubt if her Bridegroom will come for her, cool feet so to speak! Filled with these emotions the serpent speaks to her mind:
"You are not a worthy Bride, look at all of your flaws. Who would really what you with all your spots? You are full of wrinkles."
When the enemy of our well being speaks to us we usually listen to his lies. How foolish we are to listen to him. We are already married to the Bridegroom, and the Covenant is sealed!
Rebecca was a zealous Bride, enthusiastic to go meet her Beloved Isaac. She did not vacillate at all, she is the perfect picture of Messiah's Bride.
He is coming for a Bride who is without spot or wrinkle.
2 Peter 3:13-14
"Nevertheless we, according to His Promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. For what reason, beloved, seeing that your looking for such things, be diligent that you may be found of Him in Peace, without spot, and undefiled." (AGI)
Ephesians 5:25-27
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the Congregation, and gave himself for it; that He might hollow and absolve it with the washing of water by the Word. That He might present it to Himself a glorious Temple, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be sanctified and without blemish." (AGI)
It was said by the Jewish Sages of old, and even today's Rabbis teach this truth. That on the day of your wedding the Bride and Bridegroom stand before G-d without spot, and without blemish. I believe that, what about you? It is only the devil, the enemy of soul who tells us otherwise. We must remember the words of our Beloved Bridegroom, and resist the lies of the devil and his fallen angels.
Isaiah 61:10
"I will greatly rejoice in the L-RD, my soul shall delight in my G-d; for He has clothed me with the garments of Salvation (Yeshua). He has covered me with the Robe of Righteousness, as a Bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a Bride adorneth herself with her jewels." (AGI)
It is Yeshua who makes her that way, not herself. He gives us our robe, and crowns.
10. Yod, meaning: a deed, to make, hand.
When the Bridegroom comes to get His Bride it is more of a willing kidnapping. It could be called a snatching in the middle of the night. The Bridegroom and His friends would sneak up on the Bride suddenly. However, not without a shout first! Then there was a blast of the shofar sounding out, she must be ready to run to her Beloved, to flee with him with no hesitation or procrastination. I can't wait till I hear His shout, and the sound of His shofar, how about you?
Matthew 25:6
"At midnight the shout went out: "Here's the Bridegroom! Come out to encounter him!" (AGI)
It is interesting and certainly worth remembering that one of the names for the Feast of Trumpets according to Jewish literature, is "The wedding day of Messiah." This whole marriage feast is a picture of the L-RD coming for His Bride before Yom Kippur, the day of Judgment. Maybe even this year!
Messiah has a "deed" for you, its the Ketubah - the Betrothal Covenant. He is now our Master and our Husband. He has the rights to come to take us to His home because He paid the "Mohar" - the Bridal Price. When He comes He will come from the place of Power, i.e. the Father's right hand. This is the perfect picture of the Yod!
11. Kaf, meaning: to cover, to allow, open hand, arm.
The Bridegroom with His strong open hand takes His Bride away to the place that he has prepared, and the marriage is now consummated. The Tallit (the Jewish prayer Shawl) serves many times today as the Huppah. Made of silk or fine wool it is raised over the couple. It can also be held up by poles or trees that may have been planted at the birth of the Bride or Bridegroom. If he's a rich Bridegroom he may give her all of her wedding garments before hand, which she gladly receives as part of his price. Messiah has given use all of our garments as well!
Blessings are said over the couple, this is call the Birkot Nisuin, the 7 blessings. The second cup of wine is now drunk, and this sets the second seal to the marriage Covenant. We are waiting to drink this cup with our Bridegroom Yeshua.
Now the new couple will spend 7 days together in the wedding room, the "Huppah." This starts the honeymoon cycle, this is were the Bridegroom will cover her with Himself. This part takes place in the Huppah. This is also called the "Nisuin" or the "hometaking." Jewish Bridegrooms do this part today at the wedding by placing their Tallit over their Brides so all can witness it.
The new couple will now become one flesh - Echad. This is also called "Kidushin" meaning: sanctification or ratification. They will get to know each other like never before, this more than a face to face encounter. This also has a ancient name, "Yihud" or the "Knowing." The act of sexual intimacy takes place between the Bride and the Bridegroom. The bed sheets with her blood on it were given to the Brides family. This was so they could never say she was not pure before the wedding day. It was in a sense, her insurance policy. I believe it will be Messiah's bloody garments that will be our insurance policy. It is His covering that dresses me, not my own. His hand is open to me!
I Cor. 13:12
"Now we see but it is a poor reflection as in a brass mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (AGI)
12. L - Lamed, meaning: prod, toward, staff.
And now it is time for the wedding feast to begin! Our Wedding Feast will be in the place that Yeshua has prepared. Some say in Heaven, and others say on the earth after His return. I think it may be on the earth but I'm not real sure about it. I do know one thing, that were ever it is, I'll be there with my Beloved Messiah.
Right after the 7 days of the Huppah, the couple come out of the room and join their guests. These guests have a special name, they are called the B'nai Huppah, "children of the Bridal Chamber." They will join the Bride and Bridegroom to a very festive marriage feast. This is the meal that the couple share with their guest after the 7 days of being alone is over. This meal is called Seudat Mitzyah, a festive meal! Also at the end of the 7 days Yeshua will be crowned King, and we shall be His Queen. We will rule and reign with our Beloved forever. This is for Israel and all who are grafted into her.
Messiah has now been given a Staff, i.e. "The Rod of G-d" to rule with, just like all the past kings of Israel. The one thousand year begins, this is the Millennial reign of Messiah on earth. This is the time of peace we read about in the book Isaiah. This is when the Bridegroom will rejoice over His Bride.
Isaiah 62:5
"For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall thy sons marry you: and as the Bridegroom rejoiceth over the Bride, so shall your G-d rejoice over you." (AGI)
Isn't this enough to make you want to shout out to the L-RD, Great is our G-d, and greatly to be praised, Halleluyah!
Revelation 19:7-9
"Let us rejoice and be delighted and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has fashioned herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (For the fine linen stands for the legal rights of the Saints.) Then the angel said to me, "Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" And he added, "These are the true Words of Elohim - G-d." (AGI)
We will dance and play our tambourine like Miriam did, and maybe even with Miriam! We will hear our Bridegroom rejoicing over us, what a sensation day this will be!!! A Feast like no other we have ever seen or heard about, phenomenal to say the least! The proposal is made and we have accepted. Now the invitations are being sent out to all Believers who are part of His Bride. Are you ready and waiting for your Beloved Bridegroom? I am. I'm waiting with a fire in my heart longing for His return. Messiah gave me a little song years ago about my lamp. Here are some of the words.
"You O'L-RD keep my fire burning, You O'L-RD keep it burning bright. You O'L-RD keep my fire burning, You O'L-RD keep it burning bright. My G-d has turned my darkness My G-d has turned my darkness My G-d has turned my darkness ~ into Light."
Halleluyah, and Amen!!!
My lamp is illuminated, and He has pressed out fresh oil for my lamp! So I can now say, I'm waiting for my Beloved to come and whisper to me, "Come away my beloved, come up, for I have made a place for you. Come enter the chamber and shut the door that we made be known of each other, my Bride, my Love."
I will answer my Beloved Bridegroom with "His Word."
Song of Solomon 1:2-4
"Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth: for His love is better than wine. Because of the savour of thy good ointments your Name is as ointment poured forth. And accordingly do the virgins love thee. Draw me, we will run after thee: the King has brought me into His chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee." (AGI)
My Betrothal is past...
I'm Waiting for him... My Wedding Day Is Coming...
Link to Poetry pertaining to the Wedding of Messiah
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A Summary of the 12 Steps with it's Message!
Part I has been fulifilled by Messiah in His first coming.
Part II will be fulfilled by Messiah in second coming.
1. - Aleph, meaning: Father, strong leader, Ox or Bull.
Our Bridegroom Yeshua is a strong leader,
2. - Bet, meaning: Household, House or Tent.
We have a place in His household because
3. - Gimel, meaning: To lift up, into, a camel.
He was lifted up, and in turn lifts us up with Him.
4. - Dalet, meaning: Door, a pathway, entrance, enter.
He made a pathway by reason of the fact that He is the "Door" by which we can enter the Fathers House.
5. - Hey, meaning: To reveal, window.
He reveals all things to us!
6. - Vav, meaning: To secure, a peg or nail.
He secured a place at Fathers table for us by the nails in His body, and His shed blood.
7. - Zayin, meaning: To cut off, cut, a weapon.
The enemy of our soul is cut off by His weapon of Love.
8. - Chet, meaning: Separate, a chamber, private.
We are separated from the world surrounding us
9. - Tet, meaning: to surround, a snake, to twist.
Kept from the serpents twisted ways
10. - Yod, meaning: a deed, to make, hand.
In His right hand is the deed to make an end of the evil one, and his ways.
11. - Kaf, meaning: to cover, to allow, open hand, arm.
His cover spreads to all who will reach out for His open hand.
12. - Lamed, meaning: prod, toward, staff.
He will rule for 1000 years with the staff of G-d, and it will be very, very good.
The Message To Believers
"Our Bridegroom Yeshua is a strong leader, and we have a place in His household because He was lifted up, and in turn lifts us up with Him. He made a pathway by reason of the fact that He is the "Door" by which we can enter the Fathers House. He reveals all things to us! He secured a place at Fathers table for us by the nails in His body, and His shed blood. The enemy of our soul is cut off by His weapon of Love. We are separated from the world surrounding us, kept from the serpents twisted ways. In His right hand is the deed to make an end of the evil one and his ways. His cover spreads to all who will reach out for His open hand. He will rule for thousand years with the staff of G-d, and it will be very, very good."
(Barbara Ann Di Gilio)
Shalom from Mayim Hayim Ministries PO Box 11911; Phx, AZ 85061 (602) 937-6141 Email: Mayim@doitnow.com
A Mayim Hayim Ministries Teaching Tool All Rights Reserved 1998 (C)
This teaching may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. Permission will be granted upon written request of the publisher. The use of short quotations is permitted and encouraged.
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