Ruwach (Spirit) Isa 48:12-18 -“Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together. All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; which among them hath declared these things? YHWH hath loved him: he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans. I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.16 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now adonay GOD, AND his Spirit, hath sent me. Thus saith YHWH, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am YHWH thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: These are the two verses that a friend of mine saw supporting the NT’s holy Spirit. Notice Isaiah states YHWH AND his spirit. The use of the word “AND” delineates YHWH from the spirit as two separate entities – YHWH AND his spirit, so this spirit is not simply just an extension of YHWH himself. Of course, most translations translate the “spirit” in both these texts with a capitol “S” to indicate it as a separate entity from YHWH as part of the trinity. While Isaiah does support a spirit being separate from YHWH, does this lead any credence to a duality of YHWH as a “godhead” as we had been taught when Christians? Isa 63:10-14 - But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him? That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of YHWH caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name. Notice this text once again appears to support Christianity’s concept of YHWH’s holy spirit. As a messianic, I remember interpreting the word holy, quodesh (6944) meaning sanctified, hallowed, or separated, as the holy spirit being separated from YHWH himself, in other words that he was a separate being from YHWH as part of the godhead. Of course the word elohim (430) with the plural suffix is always used to support this theory – that YHWH is at the very least a duality – God and the Holy Spirit – hence an elohim. Let’s look at some definitions of the Hebrew term ruwach. Strongs: OT:7307 - ruwach (roo'-akh); from OT:7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions): KJV - air, anger, blast, breath, X cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit ([-ual]), tempest, X vain, ([whirl-]) wind (-y). It derives from this root: OT:7306 - ruwach (roo'-akh); a primitive root; properly, to blow, i.e. breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy): KJV - accept, smell, X touch, make of quick understanding. Brown/Driver/Briggs BDB- OT:7307 - ruwach -- a wind, breath, a mind, a spirit a) breath b) a wind 1) used of heaven 2) a quarter (used of the wind), a side 3) a breath of air 4) air, gas 5) vain, an empty thing c) spirit (as what breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigor 2) courage 3) temper, anger 4) impatience, patience 5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 6) disposition (used of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 7) prophetic spirit d) spirit (used of the living, breathing being in man and animals); as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, a disembodied being e) the spirit (as the seat of emotion) 1) desire 2) sorrow, trouble f) the spirit 1) as the seat or organ of mental acts 2) rarely used of the will 3) as the seat (especially) of moral character g) the Spirit of God 1) as an inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 2) as an impelling prophet to utter instruction or a warning 3) imparting a war-like energy and executive and administrative power 4) as endowing men with various gifts 5) as an energy of life 6) an ancient angel and later the Shekinah According to Webster – Modern understanding of the term – partly accurate, partly superstitious: 1 : an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms 2 : a supernatural being or essence: as a capitalized : HOLY SPIRIT b : SOUL 2a c : an often malevolent being that is bodiless but can become visible; specifically : GHOST 2 d : a malevolent being that enters and possesses a human being 3 : temper or disposition of mind or outlook especially when vigorous or animated *in high spirits* 4 : the immaterial intelligent or sentient part of a person 5 a : the activating or essential principle influencing a person *acted in a spirit of helpfulness* b : an inclination, impulse, or tendency of a specified kind : MOOD 6 a : a special attitude or frame of mind *the money-making spirit was for a time driven back J. A. Froude* b : the feeling, quality, or disposition characterizing something*undertaken in a spirit of fun* 7 : a lively or brisk quality in a person or a person's actions 8 : a person having a character or disposition of a specified nature 9 : a mental disposition characterized by firmness or assertiveness *denied the charge with spirit* 10 a : DISTILLATE 1: as (1) : the liquid containing ethyl alcohol and water that is distilled from an alcoholic liquid or mash often used in plural (2) : any of various volatile liquids obtained by distillation or cracking (as of petroleum, shale, or wood) often used in plural b : a usually volatile organic solvent (as an alcohol, ester, or hydrocarbon) 11 a : prevailing tone or tendency *spirit of the age* b : general intent or real meaning *spirit of the law* 12 : an alcoholic solution of a volatile substance *spirit of camphor* 13 : enthusiastic loyalty *school spirit* 14 capitalized , Christian Science : GOD 1b synonyms see COURAGE All of the definitions underlined above are supported by the Hebrew Scriptures. As we will see, a spirit can have a malevolent purpose, but it does not necessarily “enter or possess” a person. Rather a spirit can be used to provoke or influence a person to make good (King David) or bad decisions (Pharaoh, Abab, David). In Isa 63:11, the text states that YHWH put his holy spirit “within Moses” or the Children of Israel, as though his holy spirit actually entered their being. This is a tentative translation, however. Qereb (7130) is an adverb that means in proximity, nearness, or in the midst, which is why the Art Scroll Tanach translates Isa 63:11 as putting YHWH holy spirit within the midst of Israel – not within their personages. Ruwach (spirit) is used so many places in Scripture that I’ve tried to categorize its usage to allow better understanding of how this term is used and what ideas surrounding its usage can be discerned. Parts I and II of the study covered: Spirit as an emotion or spirit of life Angels –spirits- as Elohim YHWH’s spirit/ YHWH’s holy spirit Gen 24:6-7 - And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again. YHWH God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel <4397> before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. And he blessed Joseph, and said, God , before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God <430- elohim> which fed me all my life long unto this day, The angel <4397> which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. (Gen 48:15-16) Jacob had wrestled with an angel (Gen 32:24-30) whom Jacob emplores to deliver (i.e. redeem) him from from Esau (32:7) to bless Joseph’s children and to let them be called Jacob and Yisrael that they should receive the blessings of the patriarchal covenants to grow into a mighty nation. But notice yet again, though Jacob acknowledges YHWH, he realizes that YHWH’s desires will be carried out by his angel. And YHWH said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them. And YHWH plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made. (Ex 32:33-35) How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers:16 And when we cried unto YHWH, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border: (Num 20:15-16) And an angel of YHWH came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.2 And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?3 Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.4 And it came to pass, when the angel of YHWH spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.5 And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto YHWH. (Judg 2:1-5) Who maketh his angels (mal’ak) spirits (ruwach); his ministers a flaming fire: (Ps 104:4) David states that YHWH makes his angels spirits or at the very least his angels are spirits. Once a spirit is sent from YHWH to do his bidding it is no longer considered a separate entity but as though it is YHWH himself – i.e. they have the same purpose, job, will or spirit. However, an angel is still a separate entity - it is not actually YHWH or an extension of him that spoke to Abraham, it was a separate messenger. (A messenger could not be YHWH and at the same time be a separate being telling Abraham YHWH’s message). Ex 3:1-15- An angel is as YHWH himself. As an elohim unto Moses. Ex 14:18-20 – YHWH sends his angel to lead Israel. Ex 23:20-23 - Kept Israel and prepared their way before them: Behold, I send an Angel <4397>before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. 22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. 23 For mine Angel <4397> shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. Isaiah refers to this spirit as the spirit of YHVH: “That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? 14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, the spirit of YHWH caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.” (Isa 63:12-14) The context of this chapter is YHWH’s glorious and miraculous deliverance of Israel out of Egypt. When Isaiah states that YHWH’s spirit caused Israel to rest and lead them to make YHWH’s name glorious, he is referring to the angel of Ex 23:23 (quoted above) whom YHWH sent to lead Israel. Isaiah is not speaking of an extension of YHWH’s being, but a separate entity – an angel sent to do YHWH’s bidding. Notice, Scripture does not name a specific angel fulfilling the task of being YHWH’s “spirit.” This position could be ulfilled by any number of angels who YHWH causes to become “ministering spirits.” They are heavenly messengers commissioned by YHWH to perform his tasks and do his bidding. This idea of YHWH’s spirit being any one of a number of angels is consistently employed throughout Scripture. Jacob states that his fathers’ walked before God (Elohim) and that God (Elohim) had provided for him all the days of his life. Yet notice that though Jacob gives due credit to God (YHWH), he states the entity that God (Elohim) used to deliver (redeem) him from evil was an angel (messenger - mal’ak) . Notice Isaiah refers to YHWH “and” his spirit as two separate entities. He does not say YHWH’s spirit as though it is an extention of YHWH himself, rather Isaiah indicates that this spirit, similar to the angel that redeemed Jacob from all evil, carried out YHWH’s desires by sending Isaiah to the people. Another verse helps to clarify exactly “who” this spirit is: I will mention the lovingkindnesses of YHWH, and the praises of YHWH, according to all that YHWH hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him? That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? (Isa 63:7-12) Isaiah tells us that an angel who stood in the very presence of YHWH saved Israel out of her affliction. Again we see YHWH using his holy angel to do his bidding and accomplish his will. It is not an extension of himself, but a separate living being. This is the verse most Christians use to prove that there is a “Holy Spirit,” hence, the KJV’s capitalization as though it is god himself. Is the holy spirit a separate being and part of the god-head as a duality??? If we consider the context of YHWH’s spirit as consistently employed throughout Scripture, we find that in every instance an angel fulfills the role of YHWH’s holy or ‘set apart’ spirit as David tells us that he causes his angels to be spirits: Who maketh his angels (mal’ak) spirits (ruwach); his ministers a flaming fire: (Ps 104:4). The consistent picture presented by the Hebrew text indicates that YHWH anoints, designates, or sanctifies specific angels for particular purposes, jobs, duties, or missions much the same way he sends for his prophets for particular missions. YHWH’s Spirit upon Someone The most important thing I learned from this part of the study was that righteousness can be irrelevant for someone having YHVH’s spirit. YHVH used his spirit to cause King Saul’s men to prophesy – being changed into another type of person – in order to protect David. 1 Sam 19:20 – “And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.” 1 Sam 19:20-24 – And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God<430-‘elohim> was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also. Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah. And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God <430-‘elohim> was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets? After Kings Saul had rebelled against YHVH and YHVH had sent an evil spirit to trouble him, YHVH once again sent for “his spirit” to cause King Saul to righteously prophecy in order to protect David’s life. 2 Sam 23:1-3 – “Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The spirit of YHWH spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” David learned much by reading and applying Torah to his life. YHWH’s constitutional Law is always the first foundation of any wisdom, logic, or understanding. Once this is in place, YHWH can send a spirit so a person can see and understand what is written in his Law or elsewhere in Scripture so that a person can interpret doctrine and prophecy of the future. Notice that personal righteousness and fear of YHWH is the foundation for having YHWH’s enduring spirit. This was the spirit – a spirit of truth and understanding – that YHWH gave to King David. It lasted his whole life because David always submitted his own spirit – his will, his desires – to his God. And when the spirit within him rose up, causing him to rebel (as with Uriah and Bathsheeba), he repented of his actions and turned from them. 1 Chron 28:11-12 - Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat, 12 And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of YHWH, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things: David based the pattern of the temple upon the original tabernacle YHWH had given to Moses in the wilderness, only he modified it to reflect and symbolize Israel’s permanent dwelling and the prophecy to occur later in the nation’s history. While he gleaned much of the pattern from Torah, it was YHWH’s spirit that cause him to see the temple’s design. YHWH’s spirit caused David to see and understand how the temple should be fashioned – it was not by Torah alone. I concluded that in a short-term situation righteousness can be irrelevant for having YHVH’s spirit. But in the long-term, righteousness is key! Stirs someone to do something: Spirit of man (in likeness and image of YHWH’s spirit) When YHWH created humanity, he placed within each of us a spirit. How should we define this spirit? Probably the best definition as we will see designates the heart, desires, will, intentions, hopes, dreams, wisdom, logic, understanding, righteousness, and attitude until it forms character. In essence it is our spirit that defines who we are. And it is our spirit that brings us into full communion and relationship with YHWH. Obedience to his law is only the first step. It is important that we continue on to create within ourselves a spirit likened unto YHWH’s so that we can reflect YHWH’s desires, his will, his intentions, his attitude, wisdom, and understanding, which will ultimately lead to our righteousness. It is this spirit that YHWH will create within each of us that will cause latter-day Israel to become a light unto all nations. Here are some examples that refer to the spirit YHWH has created with humanity. And YHWH God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (neshamah –5397); and man became a living (chay-2416) soul (nephesh - 5315). (Gen 2:7) The neshamah is what gives power to all YHWH’s creation. The word chay means life or living. All humanity is a living spirit abiding within a physical body or soul (similar to YHWH). The word nephesh simply means a living being. It is often translated ‘creature’ (Gen 1:20, 21, 24, 9:4-5 (trans. “life thereof”), 12:5, 13). The soul refers to the physical being containing life/breath. What separates us from the animal kingdom is our spirit and intellect: And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life (neshamah –5397), of all that was in the dry land, died.” (Gen 7:21-22) This text places all living creatures possessing the neshamah/breath. It is the neshamah that gives the power of life. YHWH had given neshamah to all his creation. Yet, humans are separated from the animal kingdom by spirit and intellect. It is this spirit that YHWH trains/ teaches to be like his own. When YHWH states we have his spirit often times it is because our spirit has been molded to be in accord with his own. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. (Ps 142:2-3) This text could be interpreted as describing David’s inner strength, attitude, or hope. Yet all these these emotions are what partially describe the feelings we feel within our physical! Spirit. Notice in this text, spirit denotes both the emotional aspect of spirit as well as the spirit – intellect – YHWH created within each living soul. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O YHWH God of truth. (Ps 31:4-5) Many people attribute this verse to a dying man. This is far from the case as David is very actively being pursued by Saul during the time he wrote this psalm. Rather, David acknowledges his request that YHWH have charge over his human spirit as David has given his heart and his life over to YHWH – his spirit has been converted so to speak. David associates this act of committing his spirit unto YHWH’s hand with his salvation – safety, and deliverance. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom YHWH imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. (Ps 32:1-2) Notice in this text that David seperates physical action from the spirit – the heart or intentions. While obedience to Torah indeed brings blessings, having a spirit – a heart that loves YHWH and all his teachings and philosophies – brings even greater joy and blessing as a properly trained spirit is capable of possessing the wisdom, understanding, attitude to properly interpret and apply the Law to his own life. Asaph also uses ruwach to describe the philosophical thought process that occurred within is being or spirit. I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. (Ps 77:6) Asaph attributes the searching and thought process as to occur within his human spirit /ruwach. His heart communicated with his spirit. This describes an emotional thought process. Earlier in this psalm we find that Asaph is greatly saddened, troubled, and overwhelmed by the great and lengthy distress that he sees will occur to YHWH’s people. Asaph reasons within his spirit to try to understand what YHWH is doing. Asaph was guided by YHWH’s spirit during the time he wrote this psalm, yet Asaph still reasoned within his own spirit to try and understand what YHWH had shown to him. This verse greatly supports the use of logic, reasoning, and understanding within the essence of our being. Solomon builds upon Asaph’s dirge when he writes: The spirit of man is the candle of YHWH, searching all the inward parts of the belly. (Prov 20:27) Solomon clearly delineates the spirit of man being separate from the spirit of YHWH. Solomon compares humanity’s spirit to YHWH’s candle as it is our own personal spirit that searches within ourselves to see if we are living up and meeting the standards of YHWH’s Torah or to simply understand YHWH, his law, interpretation, and prophecy. Again, this indicates that humanity’s spirit can and even should be trained unto righteousness. This is why Isaiah writes that the righteous do not behold evil: The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. (Isa 33:14-16) When a person has trained their spirit to be in accord with YHWH’s they will not desire to see or hear of things that contradict Torah. Seeing perversity – like a murder movie, or perhaps even an actual video of a violent crime disturbs their spirit so greatly that they take no pleasure in it and abstain as much as possible in this wicked world of those things that are arbitrary to YHWH’s Law. Thus saith God YHWH, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I YHWH have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; (Isa 42:5-6) This text could be interpreted in at least two ways, first it could be interpreted to occur after YHWH has poured out his spirit upon Israel in the latter days or it could be seen to apply to all humanity. I’m inclined to the latter interpretation as YHWH has indeed given a spirit unto “all that walk upon the earth.” Each of us has breath and a living spirit. We are a physical body with a spirit that possesses intellect, desire, and understanding. Without a doubt, the best description of humanity’s spirit is given by Elihu. It may be remembered that Elihu righteously spoke to Job on YHWH’s behalf. He was the only one of Job’s friends whose words did not sin in the council he gave to Job, hence the reason he was not commanded to bring a sin offering as were Job’s other companions. Notice the incredible understanding Elihu imparts regarding humanity’s spirit and the way it works: I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. 8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. (Job 32:7-9) The word for ‘inspiration’ is neshamah (5397). It is the word used in Gen 2:7 & 7:22 to describe the breath of life. In other words, there is a spirit that YHWH has created to exist within a physical man. That spirit can be guided/influenced/inspired by the breath/power of life YHWH gave at creation. This is a pivitol point as it demonstrates each of us has a spirit that YHWH can influence or to which he can give wisdom and understanding if we will humble ourselves and become obedient. Isaiah builds upon this idea when he writes: Isa 42:5 - Thus saith God YHWH, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath (neshamah –5397) unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: Isaiah consistent with Genesis and Elihu – YHWH has endowed humanity with a living spirit that has a physical body that breaths life. The neshamah gives the power of breath/life while the spirit also has power but inclines more toward personalities, character, and intellect. Elihu adds to this understanding of humanity’s spirit when he states: Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.5 If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. (Job 33:2-6) Elihu states that he –with the nemesh that had given life – would answer Job on YHWH’s behalf. Elihu continues his position, which he stated earlier. YHWH’s spirit made him while YHWH’s neshamah had given him the power of life. Elihu spoke his words out of the uprighteness and knowledge of his own heart. This was perfectly alright as Elihu had trained his spirit, his heart, and gained his knowledge through study of Torah. Notice that Isaiah, Genesis, and Elihu indicate that the spirit and breath go hand in hand – we do not possess one without the other. When Genesis records: Gen 2:7 - And YHWH God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (neshamah –5397); and man became a living (chay-2416) soul (nephesh - 5315). The neshamah is what gives power to all YHWH’s creation. The word chay means life or living. All humanity is a living spirit abiding within a physical body or soul (similar to YHWH). The word nephesh simply means a living being. It is often translated ‘creature’ (Gen 1:20, 21, 24, 9:4-5 (trans. “life thereof”), 12:5, 13). The soul refers to the physical being containing life/breath. What separates us from the animal kingdom is our spirit and intellect: Gen 7:21-22- “1 And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life (neshamah –5397), of all that was in the dry land, died.” This text places all living creatures as possessing the neshamah/breath YHWH had given to all his creation. What the animal kingdom does not possess that humanity does is a spirit and a heart of wisdom, knowledge, understanding. It is this spirit that YHWH trains/ teaches to be like his own. When YHWH states we have his spirit often times it is because our spirit has been molded to be in accord with his own. Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy spirit , they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. The glory of YHWH shall endure for ever: YHWH shall rejoice in his works. (Ps 104:29-31) At the beginning of this study I asked the question of who or what was the spirit that moved upon the face of the waters in Gen 1:3. Throughout TNK we find that YHWH sends forth his mighty messenger/spirits – elohim to perform his bidding and in this text we find that YHWH’s messenger spirits have the power to create. Notice once again, that though YHWH uses his spirits to perform his bidding and though they may even be spirits set apart for a particular purpose, thus making them qodesh or holy, they are never – not even once – given any glory, honor, or praise. YHWH alone is given the glory for his work of creation. Num 16:20-22 0 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? Num 27:15-20- 5 And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, 16 Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,17 Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.18 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. The promise of YHVH’s Spirit – or at the very least a spirit likened unto YHVH Prov 1:23 - Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. OT:5042 - naba` (naw-bah'); a primitive root; to gush forth; figuratively, to utter (good or bad words); specifically, to emit (a foul odor): naba` -- to flow, to pour out, to pour, to gush forth, to spring, to bubble up, to ferment a) (Qal) to flow b) (Hiphil) to pour out, to emit, to cause to bubble, to belch forth 1) to pour out 2) to cause to bubble, to ferment 3) to pour forth, to emit, to belch forth Isa 44:3-8 - 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.5 One shall say, I am YHVH's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto YHVH, and surname himself by the name of Israel. 6 Thus saith YHVH the King of Israel, and his redeemer YHVH of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. OT:3332 - yatsaq (yaw-tsak'); a primitive root; properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard: to pour, to flow, to cast, to pour out a) (Qal) 1) to pour, to pour out 2) to cast 3) to flow b) (Hiphil) to pour, to pour out c) (Hophal) 1) to be poured 2) cast, molten (participle) 3) being firmly established (participle) Joel 2:27-29 - 27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am YHWH your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. OT:8210 shaphak --to pour, to pour out, to spill a) (Qal) 1) to pour, to pour out 2) to shed (blood) 3) to pour out (anger or heart) (figurative) b) (Niphal) to be poured out, to be shed c) (Pual) to be poured out, to be shed d) (Hithpael) 1) to be poured out 2) to pour out oneself Ezek 18:31 - 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Make - OT:6213 - `asah -- 1) to do, to fashion, to accomplish, to make a) (Qal) 1) to do, to work, to make, to produce a) to do b) to work c) to deal (with) d) to act, to act with effect, to effect 2) to make a) to make b) to produce c) to prepare d) to make (an offering) e) to attend to, to put in order f) to observe, to celebrate g) to acquire (property) h) to appoint, to ordain, to institute i) to bring about j) to use k) to spend, to pass b) (Niphal) 1) to be done 2) to be made 3) to be produced 4) to be offered 5) to be observed 6) to be used c) (Pual) to be made 2) (Piel) to press, to squeeze Ezek 36:24-28 - 4 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. Ezek 39:28-29 - Then shall they know that I am YHVH their God, which cause them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there. Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith YHVH GOD. Fruits of YHWH’s spirit: How do we know if we have YHWH’s spirit? This poor man cried, and YHWH heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.7 The angel of YHWH encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.8 O taste and see that YHWH is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Ps 34:6-8) First we see that YHWH will send angels to protect and deliver those who walk in his ways and develop his spirit. The first two traits we see that indicates someone has cultured or developed YHWH’s spirit is the ability to fear and trust in YHWH at the same time. To fear that YHWH will hold you accountable (Ex 34:7) when you sin, yet trusting that YHWH is merciful and will be faithful and righteous to save and deliver you from affliction and adversity when you turn from your sin(s). And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God. (Ps 78:8) Throughout Scripture, we see that heart and spirit go hand in hand. The heart describes the desires and understanding while the spirit inclines more to attitude and discipline. In this text we find that obedience is only part of following YHWH. It is vitally important that we set our heart aright and train our spirit to be faithful and steadfast to both he and his Law. Much like training a child – you can condition mindless obedience through the power of the rod. But if you train the heart and spirit to desire to obey to love what they are obeying the whole process is easier and greater fidelity can be applied to all situations. Issues that arise, whose solutions are not found within the Law can be deduced by the wisdom, heart, understanding, and spirit gleaned from the teachings and philosophies contained within YHVH’s Law. But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of YHWH. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. (Num 14:21-24) Here we find a contrast between the spirit of Israel’s general populace and Caleb. Israel’s general populace had scene all of Yahweh’s miracles, his judgments and seen his glory upon Mt. Sinai, yet they took no head to it. They did not consider – they had no fear of YHWH- but dismissed his awesome acts. They had an attitude of complacentcy and disbelief. The spirit, attitude, heart of the general public inclined toward doubt, rebellion, hard heartedness, bickering, complaining, and self-will. Caleb (a Kennite-non-Israelite-Ger) had another attitude/heart with which he viewed all these things than the people – he considered these YHVH’s mighty acts, feared YHWH, believed him and acted upon it with great zeal. Caleb fully followed YHWH, trusted in his promises and acted upon them. Notice this text does not state Caleb possessed “YHWH’s spirit” but that his spirit was different from Israel’s. In my opinion, Caleb had trained his human spirit – the spirit within each and every human – to be subjective to YHWH’s commands and teachings. His heart and spirit was faithful and he did not give in to bickering or complaining, but acted upon faith that lead to obedience. Caleb had a spirit willing to obey, willing to hope, willing to have courage, willing to trust, and willing to believe Israel could conquer and win a mighty foe. Compare Caleb’s spirit to that of Israel’s populace in the wilderness…. Notice the attitude, heart, disposition (i.e. spirit) which that person with YHWH’s spirit possesses. He/She fears YHVH, trusts him, and is steadfast with him. A person who has the fruits of YHVH’s spirit also sets their heart aright- this implies personal grooming from the inside out to make sure our heart, mind, and spirit are in accord with his Law. And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought YHWH's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto YHWH. (Ex 35:20-22) One of the first traits of having a spirit that is aligned with YHWH is a willing spirit and a willing heart. Your attitude and desires strive to willingly obey or meet whatever request YHWH makes. Our first reaction is not, “I can’t,” but to willingly try without doubting the ability or the outcome. Notice it is very hard to have this willing attitude if you choose to have a negative outlook on life. Willingness automatically necessitates a realistic positiveness – a belief that you can and will obey YHVH to do what is right in his sight. And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as YHWH commanded Moses. (Deut 34:9) Wisdom is another by-product of culturing a spirit like YHWH’s spirit. When we train our spirit to be in harmony with YHWH’s, the wisdom of Torah will seep out of every crevice and every decision we face as the precepts and principles upon which the law is based will guide and direct our every decision, choice, and belief. I want to spend a little bit of time on part of Ps 51 as there is so much we can glean that is often overlooked. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Ps 51:14-17) This psalm is part of the prayer David prayed after his sin in regard to Uriah and Bathsheeba. David reveals that true sacrifice, true repentence are always accompanied by a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart. Notice this indicates a broken self-will or self desire. It is letting go of the desires of self satisfaction or self fulfillment – lusts – that have a potential to cause you to error or sin from walking in the way of YHWH. A broken spirit and a broken heart demonstrate that you are obeying YHWH’s command to walk in his fear as they demonstrate your whole hearted compliance to love him and all his ways, trusting that he will not hold those guiltless who violate his law. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (Prov 11:13) Prov 15:4 - A **wholesome** tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. BDB – 4832 - marpe' (trans. Wholesome) --health, healing, cure a) healing, cure b) health, profit, sound (of mind) c) healing incurable (with negative) BDB - 5558 - celeph (trans. Perverseness)-- crookedness, perverseness, crooked dealing Faithfulness is another trait of having developed a spirit akin to YHWH. Solomon tells us that people who posses a faithful spirit do not reveal another’s confidence. If a person has confided a struggle, sin, or other personal information a person who has developed a faithful spirit like YHWH’s will not go around publishing the information. Compare this to YHWH’s character and his actions. When David sinned with Uriah and Bathsheeba he asked YHWH to “hide his face from David’s sins, and blot out all David’s iniquities.” (Ps 51:9) David was asking YHWH to conceal his sins and cover them. And YHWH indeed faithfully forgave David, though his sins did have lasting consequences. There is another part of David’s prayer that I think is relevant to this discussion. He states that Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness…For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Ps 51:14, 16-17) I remember discussion forum where this text was given as proof YHVH does not wat our sacrifices….however this interpretation blatantly overlooks both the Law and the context of David’s prayer. The context of this verse is the bloodguilt David incurred by killing Uriah. Murder is the only sin for which there is no remedy, as the Law does not ordain any sacrifice by which atonement can be attained. Rather the Law states that murder is only expunged or atoned “by the blood of him that shed it” (Num 35:33). So when David states that YHWH did not desire his sacrifice, it was because there was no sacrifice he could make except for his own life. Yet, because of the righteousness’ in David’s life, YHWH mercifully spared this judgment, allowing his children to inherit his bloodguilt. When their third and fourth generations became heinously wicked YHWH would extract and expunge his judgment against them. But I want to go back again to the idea or concept of true sacrifice being that of a humble and contrite heart. I’ve heard many people among Karaite circles state that all we need to do is obey the Law. The heart and spirit is irrelevant. I’m going to purpose that this ideology totally violates the very foundation of Torah. Simply obeying the Law without the right heart or spirit is little better than not obeying it at all. For instance, YHWH commands that we bring sacrifices when we sin. Notice, however, that if we do not bring our sacrifice with a humble and contrite spirit YHWH finds our actions abominable. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? (Prov 21:27) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to YHWH: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. (Prov 15:8) Walking in the way of YHWH is more than just blind obedience or capitulated observance. You must walk in YHWH’s way with the right heart and mind. Your spirit should be re-created to reflect his character. Take for example a child whose been given the task of cleaning off the kitchen table. If he does his job half-heatedly, he will have to re-do it several times at best or break a few dishes along the way at worst. His spirit, mind-set or attitude precludes him from the healthy pride, joy, and satisfaction of a job well-done. The child has not learned or exercised a willing spirit nor has he received the benefits that come from knowing you can achieve anything –whether great or small. The same can be said for capitulated obedience to YHWH’s Law. If you bring a sacrifice or oblige other parts of Torah just to meet the law’s requirements – neither you nor YHWH has gained anything. Nothing is solved long-term. In order for there to be real improvement or progress, you must be heart-broken over your sin when you bring a sin offering. You must be convicted and spirit broken – willing to change how you do things, how you think or approach ideas or attitudes in order for YHWH’s healing to be effective in your life so that your sins can indeed be healed. This type of whole-hearted and whole-spirited approach to YHWH’s law will fully exhibit the fruits of your Creator’s Law so that you can be a joyful light to all nations. Solomon continues to develop this idea by stressing the importance of developing a lowly, humble spirit. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Prov 16:19) Another key trait of possess YHWH’s spirit is a humble and lowly spirit that does not think proudly of himself. In my opinion after the Fear of YHWH a humble spirit is the second greatest trait of possessing a spirit likened unto YHWH’s. Truly fearing YHWH will lead to humility and willingness to boey. Both of these traits will lead to wisdom and faithfulness. Prov 16:18 - 18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. BDB-1363--gobahh -- height, exaltation a) height b) exaltation, grandeur c) haughtiness Here we see that a distainfully proud and self-exalted spirit – such as King Saul’s – develops before we depart from YHVH’s law. Our spirit hardens as our desires and our wants become more important to us than humbling ourselves so we can willingly obey. In short we stop having a spirit that walks in YHVH’s fear. Prov 29:23 - 3 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. There are two types of honor described in this text. The first is a self-inflicted pride that thinks too highly of itself, that exalts itself above others. For anyone familiar with Dr. Suess, I call this the Sneetches complex. It is the spirit that says we are the best….and they are the worst. Solomon contrasts this type of self-righteous exaltation with true honor that comes from creating, developing, and culturing a spirit likened unto YHWH’s. It is a sprit that continually humbles itself to obey and receives the honor of true blessing that naturally comes from loving and obeying YHWH and his law. So how do we know if we possess a broken spirit capable of being in submission to YHWH’s spirit and his desires? A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. (Prov 15:13) Notice the association once again between heart – desire and spirit – attitude and intellect. Many of us have painful experiences in our background that have lead to us humbling ourselves to the reality of the godless and torahless world in which we live. If, however, you’ve been blessed to live without these painful experiences then a good indication that you have humbled yourself and have broken your spirit so as to bring it into YHWH’s guidance and subjection would be that crimes such as murder, purgery, adultery, etc. bring great sorrow to your heart. When you hear of people experiencing these tragedies or read about them in the news, it causes your heart and spirit to cry out within you. While there is nothing unrighteous about a merry heart or cheerful countenance, as Solomon would say, there is a time and season for everything under the sun. Another key trait or fruit of possessing a righteous, godly spirit is the ability to control and rule over one’s emotions – especially the human spirit’s first reaction of anger when we feel hurt, threatened, or perceive injustice. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. (Prov 16:32) Solomon is describing our ability to rule over the spirit YHWH has created within each and every human being. By creating within ourselves a contrite and humble spirit – we will have the incredible strength of self discipline. We will have discipline where health and nutrition are concerned; discipline and temperance where finances are involved. Insight and foresight where the emotional and spiritual well being of our families are concerned….properly ruling over our spirits will lead to obedience granting blessings beyond our wildest dreams. The ability to rule over your spirit will spare both you and others the heartache of rash anger. Solomon is not speaking of righteous indignation in this text, where YHWH’s law, deceit, or other crimes have occurred. But even if we were to include these crimes into this discussion, the ability to control and rule over our spirit so that anger is not our first response, gives us incredible control and discipline of spirit. It creates within us a power and strength no one can provoke. It is the tool YHVH has given us to develop a spirit likened unto his. Prov 25:28 - He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. What did walls do for ancient cities? – protection from evil. Earlier, we saw that the term spirit includes many human emotions such as hope, strength, attitude, belief, etc…….. The children of Israel are a great example of a people who completely lacked knowledge and understanding of how to rule over their own spirits. At the first sign of adversity or calamity they pessimistically assumed the worst and began to complain. This is how we know if our spirit has errored from YHWH’s. We will lack the ability to rule our thoughts, emotions, desires, and attitudes. We will complain rather than turning to YHWH to seek understanding. And our responses to others will be rash and immature. Solomon gives the antipathy of self-rule and self-discipline in Ecclesiastes Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God. (Eccl 5:6-7) People who lack YHWH’s spirit of self rule and self discipline are complacent regarding their sins. They multiply the excuses and words to rationalize the causes of their sins. Solomon tells us that YHWH will destroy the work of people who have this type of complacent spirit, who have not learned the value of self discipline of their inner-most being. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. Prov 14:29 Solomon states that people who rush to anger, that are short-tempered, who have knee-jerk reaction to something they hear or see that they do not like, have a spirit that fosters and furthers foolishness. Solomon further tells us that a trait of a person who has YHWH’s understanding spirit is the ability to control one’s ability to get angry quickly while those who have a hastey spirit are foolish and exalt folly over wisdom – let’s think about this again….. How do we know if we have properly disciplined and trained our spirit? The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from YHWH. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but YHWH weigheth the spirits.3 Commit thy works unto YHWH, and thy thoughts shall be established. (Prov 16:1-3) The first step in ruling over our spirit is to plan and prepare our heart. Our heart mentors our spirit. We know that we have YHVH’s spirit if we commit both our works and our thoughts unto YHVH. He will give us the knowledge and understanding to bring our plans, hopes, and dreams to pass. Prov 17:27 - He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. BDB- 7119 - qar --cool; cool, calm, self-possessed (used of spirit) This text I found particularly interesting. The word for excellent – qar – means cool, calm, and self-controlled or self-possessed. Solomon states that a person who possesses a cool, calm, and self-controlled spirit is of great understanding.