Servias Ministries Blog

Another writing from my friend Alan:

If you have been following this series of investigations into the family of Jacob, who was later to become Israel, you are aware that Leah, the elder daughter of Laban, was betrothed to a man who did not ask for her, nor have desire for her. And throughout this pageant, Jacob was thereby forced to accept a ‘wife’ he didn’t want in return for having access to the woman he loved. If you or I were writing this script, this is probably not the beginning we would suggest for the makings of a solid marriage and prosperous future. And yet it is the very scenario experienced by the one that was destined to manifest the full meaning of the name ‘Yah-qove’ (Jacob), and who was later to learn what it means to have to die to being ‘Yah-qove’ in order to experience the blueprint known as ‘Israel’. The journey from ‘adam’ to Christ is a storyline that could only be conceived in the Mind of God.
Leah, the wife reluctantly accepted, has given birth to five sons for Jacob, while Rachel, whom Jacob loved, was still barren and could produce no ‘fruit of the womb’. After the incident of ‘the mandrakes’, Rachel was still barren, but Leah produced a fifth son which she named Issachar; “My Wages” or “My Reward”. And even while Rachel remained childless, as if to add insult to injury, Leah conceived again to produce a sixth son for Jacob.
KJV Genesis 30:19 And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son.
KJV Genesis 30:20 And Leah said, “God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell (zah-bal, Strong’s # 2082) with me, because I have born him six sons”: and she called his name Zebulun.
While we have no direct information about what has been transpiring in the life of Leah since the birthing of Issachar, her demeanor and mindset seems to have begun to change; and for the better. Leah seems to be more at peace with herself, and her circumstances. And there is more going on in this scenario than we can plumb in this setting. The significance of the birth and naming of Zebulun seems to indicate that Leah is more accepting of her place in relationship with her husband, and the other ‘wives’ and their children. Leah emphasizes that she has now produced six sons for Jacob, and she relates that to being a ‘good dowry’, and a gift from God.
One of the unique mysteries revealed in this passage of scripture is the relationship between two words used by Leah in this proclamation; ‘zah-bahd’ and ‘zah-bal’. The English words ‘endued’ and ‘dowry’ in this verse, Gen. 30:20, are from the same Hebrew word, ‘zah-bahd’, which is listed as Strong’s #2064-2066. The primary root ‘zah-bahd’, as recognized in Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon, is defined as this: “…to endow; to impart; to bestow a gift, etc.” This
verse is the only place in scripture where I can find this word listed as a verb, and a common noun. Every other use of this three-letter word is as a proper noun name. That makes the use of this word as a verb/noun combination in this verse leap out at me, and causes me to ask ‘why’?
What is going on in the life of Leah that would inspire her to refer to giving birth to six sons as ‘a good dowry’? The English ‘dowry’ is referred to as a gift of money or property, or somethingof intrinsic value, that a woman’s family usually gives to a husband so that the future intended husband has something of value with which to provide for and protect his betrothed. Leah was well aware that the dowry that Laban, her father, had pledged to Jacob was the opportunity to ork further for Laban, just so Jacob could receive Rachel, his true love, as his wife. However,
after the birthing of Issachar, and now Zebulun, Leah declares that God has provided her with the acceptable ‘dowry’ for Jacob; six sons. That, to me, is a remarkable progression in the heart and mind of Leah as she has had to endure competing with Rachel, and two ‘handmaid’ wives, for respect and loyalty and attention from Jacob. Leah is proclaiming that the six sons she has born to Jacob is the proper dowry that she has to bestow (zah-bahd) upon her husband.
Leah has apparently recognized and accepted the valuable role she has to offer this clan. She can now see the true worth of her presence. Leah has found her ‘dwelling place’; the place where she belongs.
The other unique Hebrew word used in this verse is the verb ‘zah-bal’, Strong’s #2082. ‘Zah-bal’ refers to the proper dwelling place of a thing, or person or idea. The use of this word is indication that an idea or person or item is dwelling, actually residing, in its proper locale; where it naturally belongs. And both of the Hebrew words in this verse, ‘zah-bahd’ and zah-bal’, come from a common word association based on the first letter of the words, which is the ‘zayin’, the seventh letter of the Hebrew ‘aleph-beyt’ (alphabet). The use of the ‘zayin’, the seventh
letter, particularly when the ‘zayin’ is the first letter of a word, is indicative of having arrived, via a proper progression, to the correct location of a person or thing or idea. Many times a person or thing or idea can be recognized as not being in its most fitting locale. But that is not so with this word ‘zah-bal’. This word is indicative of a person, thing or idea being specifically where it is most suited; where it belongs. Hence the word ‘Zebulun’, derived from this verb ‘zah-bal’, is descriptive of perpetually dwelling in your most suitable location or condition.
The second letter of these two words is the ‘beyt’ (b), which is also the second letter of the ‘aleph-beyt’. And the role of the ‘beyt’ is to communicate a dwelling place, or cave, or house.

The Hebrew spelling of these words is significant in how these words are being used to communicate. In this context, the word ‘zah-bal’, which is loosely translated as ‘to dwell’, is indicative that Leah has recognized that she sees herself as now being in her relevant role, and in her proper dwelling place. Now that Leah is in her proper dwelling place, mentally and emotionally and spiritually, she believes her husband will now desire to ‘zah-bal’, or ‘dwell’, in her presence. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that Jacob will only dwell with her, and no longer desire his relationship with Rachel, Leah is now at peace with her situation. Leah has, in her own unique way, found peace in this troubled clan. As testimony of her finding her God-endowed place of peace, she will be rewarded with giving birth to another; a daughter, which she names Dinah.
When Leah names her daughter Dinah, the name indicates that Leah has accepted God’s discernment (diyn Strong’s #1777-1781) as a righteous judgment (diyn) for her situation. The word ‘dinah’ (see Strong’s # H1783) is from the same word that is translated in Psalm 7:8 as “…’judge’ (diyn; discern) the people;”, and also in many other places where ‘judge’ or ‘judgment’ is actually better recognized as ‘discernment’. However, the word ‘Dinah’ has the fifth letter of the ‘aleph-beyt’, the ‘hey’, added as suffix to this word ‘diyn’, which makes the word ‘dinah’ a
feminine context. Words which are a ‘feminine’ context’ are descriptive of an activity or idea actually being acted out, and/or physically expressed. The name ‘Dinah’ indicates that this discernment/judgment (diyn) is actually a quality of life being lived out.
Leah has now become ‘zah-bahd’, a good dowry. She doesn’t have a good dowry; she is a good dowry. ‘Zebulun’ (zah-bal) has now become the dwelling place of Leah, and ‘Dinah’ has become her quality of Life; in God, and in her family. Well done, Leah! Well done, indeed!
I can now see that until Jacob had become the complete and proper husband to his first wife, Leah, he could not have sons from his true love, Rachel. Jacob has arrived because Leah has arrived. And now Joseph, the legitimate ‘firstborn’ of Jacob, can come forth, and the journey to ‘Israel’ may continue. Jacob faces more pruning from God before he can be confronted with the role of Israel, which is his intended destination.

Our Beloved Brother Alan has added a new installment to his study of the sons of Jacob:

As the story of Jacob, as revealed through the names of his sons, continues to unfold we see a continuing saga of chaos, disharmony and turmoil.  We read of the ongoing patterns that reveal the painful growth of a family that is experiencing all of the symptoms of dysfunction and crisis that many of us can recognize in our own family histories.  These inevitable malfunctions are the predictable events that are insured by a household consisting of one husband, two wives that are competitive sisters, and two concubines that are under the authoritative management of the individual sisters.  A lifestyle of this making is destined for trouble, and as the crescendo increases, also increases the likelihood of a major disruption, or split.  Jacob’s family troubles are getting worse, and can only go downhill from here. This broken and splintered family that is developing is indeed the beginnings of ‘Jacob’s trouble’ that Jeremiah wrote about, which all began to spin out of control when Jacob was willing to access the birthright by deception and deceit.  “Oh, what tangled webs we weave, when first we practice to deceive”.

We left off following this saga with the birthing of Naphtali to Bilhah, the handmaid to Rachel.  Bilhah, as you remember, was given to Rachel as handmaid by her father Laban when she married Jacob.  When Leah was conceiving and birthing sons to Jacob, and Rachel could not conceive, Rachel gave her handmaid Bilhah to Jacob as a wife.  Jacob dutifully sired two sons with Bilhah, whom Rachel named Dan and Naphtali.  Leah also received a handmaid as gift from her father Laban.  The handmaid to Leah was Zilpah, and when Leah realized that she was no longer getting pregnant, she gave her handmaid Zilpah to Jacob as wife, and Jacob, nice guy that he was, dutifully impregnated Zilpah.  Zilpah bore a son to Jacob, and Leah named the child Gad.  This is where this narrative of the sons of Jacob takes a conspicuous twist.  Keep in mind that a major motivation of this series of articles about the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel is to show a distinct parallel of the progression of the names of these sons of Jacob with our own personal individual experiences on our journey from ‘adam’ to Christ.Jacob’s journey to an identity as Israel is synonymous with our own journey from ‘adam’ to Christ.  The parallels are unmistakable.  And just as Jeremiah prophesied about Jacob being saved ‘out from’ his troubles (Jeremiah 30:7), so shall all receive their ‘saving’ in Christ.

NKJ Genesis 30:9-11;“When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing, she took Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob as wife.And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore Jacob a son.Then Leah said, “A troop comes!” So she called his name Gad.

Of all of these ‘names’ of the sons of Jacob that have been investigated to this point, this ‘name’ of Gad was the most difficult to understand; at least for me.  But if these ‘names’ of the sons of Jacob, birthed by these different women, are of any Spiritual benefit to our own understanding, we must recognize the spiritual implications of these individual ‘names’.  These names have proven to reveal a progression to this point, so we must assume that Gad will also reveal a progression of spiritual illumination; once we plumb the mystery of what these names are revealing to us.

“Then Lead said, ‘A troop (gad) comes’!”  Could it be that Leah is offering a prophecy, maybe even unwittingly, about the coming troubles of this tribal family that is to later be referred to as ‘Israel’?

The name ‘Gad’ has been loosely translated into English as ‘troop’.  While this name may have some relevance to the quantity that this family is becoming, describing ‘gad’ as a troop does very little to reveal the spiritual chaos and dysfunction that this family is becoming.  The name ‘Gad’ comes from the three-letter root verb of ‘gadad’, Strong’s # H1413 and #1414.  This verb, ‘gadad’, is recognized as a cutting process; as the cutting down or felling of trees, and the cutting of stalks of grain into sheaves for harvesting.  This verb also refers to the cutting into the skin of people.  Many warrior cultures have a legacy of cutting into their skin to mark and scar themselves as a means of making themselves distinct from other peoples.  Sometimes this is done to send terror and fear to the opposition.  But it is also used as a means of motivating the ones cutting themselves into a more intense fighting mode, as if cutting into yourself will make you a more fierce antagonist.  This process of cutting into skin is referred to as ‘gah-dude’, Strong’s # H1416, and is used many times throughout the Old Testament language.

There are scriptural references to this activity of cutting into self, and most of these are warnings to avoid this type behavior, for it is not becoming of the sons of God.  Deut. 14:1, 1Kings 18:28 and Jeremiah 16:6 are all references to this process of marking one’s self by cutting into the skin.  However, the most prevalent use of this word is in the idea of groups of people ‘cutting off’, or separating into bands or ‘troops’, for the purpose of distancing themselves from identity with others.  This latter form as ‘separation’ became the most prevalent use of this word ‘gadad’, in all of its numerous forms.  The most recognizable idea of the word ‘gadad’, Strong’s # H1413, was when it was used to refer to those of the family of Jacob that had ‘cut themselves off’, or separated themselves into bands or ‘troops’ to distinguish that they did not continue to identify with, nor have comradery with, their previous tribal family. Psalm 94:21, Jeremiah 5:7 and Jeremiah 47:5 are examples of this ‘separation’ by cutting off.  And Micah 5:1 uses this word three times in one verse.  This word is also used in Joshua 3:15 and 4:18 and Isaiah 8:7, which Strong’s designates as #H1415, where it is translated as ‘banks’, as in the banks of a river, to indicate where the rivers water ceases, and the land begins.  Isaiah 8:7 is a metaphorical reference to the might of the king of Assyria coming up over his ‘banks’, describing the recognized limitations of the king of Assyria, to punish the apostate ‘people of the LORD’.

So, why would this word ‘gadad’ be used as a name for one of the sons of Jacob?  What was Leah seeing, spiritually, that caused her to call this child Gad?  What division or cutting off or separations did Leah sense in the birth of this son that compelled her to name him Gad?  Many, in their religious musings, have described this word ‘gad’ as referring to a troop that abounds in blessing and benevolent prosperity.  But if this were so, why is the most prevalent use of this verb form referring to separation, isolation and/or division?  Something is wrong with the ‘theology’ that ascribes ‘gad’ to an abundance of prosperity and success.  However, if we recognize that the word ‘gadad’ is referring to a time, or set of circumstances, that impel or compel an individual separation from familiar identities, then this word makes perfect spiritual sense.  I believe Leah was prophesying of a coming ‘separation’ within the mindset of the descendants of Jacob, all experiencing their own individual journeys to Christ.  And that ‘coming separation’ would require that the individual sojourner ‘gadad’, or separate and cut themselves off, from the domination of their previous familial identity, in order to take their destiny into another direction; a direction that eventually leads them to the Cross of Calvary, and to resurrection out from among the dead.  For this is just what was prophesied in Jeremiah 30:7. In this scenario of thought, naming the ‘seventh’ son of Jacob ‘Gad’ speaks volumes.

KJV Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop (separation) cometh: and she called his name Gad.

If Leah was prophesying of a coming separation, an individual coming separation that could and would apply to us all as individuals, that ‘prophecy’ should be confirmed somewhere in the scriptures.  I believe that confirmation is revealed in Gen. 49:19.  Many recognize that Genesis 49 is the prophetic vision of Jacob, near the end of his life, where he reveals his own vision of the ‘Sons of Jacob’, the twelve sons that will eventually be recognized as Israel.  In this narrative, Jacob speaks the vision he has for his own twelve sons, a vision that only a father in his old age could reveal.  When Jacob gets to his vision of Gad, the surprise of the millennia is revealed. 

KJV Genesis 49:19 “Gad (gadad), a troop (gadad) shall overcome (gadad) him: but he shall overcome (gadad) at the last”.  All of these words in brackets are from the root verb ‘gadad’.  Remember, this word ‘gadad’ is referring to ‘separation’.

Allow me to translate this verse in my own South Carolina Hebrew descriptions. 

“Gad (separated); a troop (separation) shall overcome (separate) him: but, he shall overcome (separate himself) at the last.”  The wonderful surprise of this verse is revealed in the words translated as “…at the last.”   For the words “…at the last” in this verse are translated from one Hebrew word; the word from which we get the name ‘Jacob’.  WoW!!!  For thousands of years this verse has concealed this mystery: the phrase “…at the last” meant that eventually Gad would overcome by separating himself from his Jacob identity.  For ‘Jacob’, as an identity, has to die to self before ‘Israel’ can be realized and expressed.  Jacob gives us one sentence to declare about the future manifestation of the legacy of Gad.  And in that one brief sentence, Jacob describes the entirety of the message of the Gospel; we must die to self to recognize our Christ Identity.  And some say there is no God!  Tell that to Gad.

To be continued: ?

Over the last few weeks, the broadcast has endured much interference.  This is not unexpected.  Anytime FATHER calls us to a project, resistance will normally occur before we cross the finish line.  This has played out multiple times over the last four decades and this project is no different.  This week I acquired a memory stick for one of our cameras in order to have a second backup to today’s broadcast if the Internet becomes unstable again.

We will have our Sunday afternoon Bible Study at 3PM CST in Bethany.  Bob will be directing the discussion today.  We will continue our focus on Love using the book “Circumcised Heart of Love” as a basis of discussion.  Today, we will be covering Chapter 22.

To participate live or watch this Bible study as a recording afterwards, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-baptism-of-love  The chat room should be open today for your comments.  We look forward to your participation during our live broadcast.

We have had 102 broadcasts over the last 27 months focused on the books published by Servias Ministries.  This will complete our broadcast series on these publications.  You can order our books at www.unity153.net

As of yesterday we have had 23,642 views of the baptism of love channel.  I am grateful for the ongoing financial support that allows us to fulfill the mandate of Servias Ministries.

This will conclude the broadcast of our Bible study.  We will see what FATHER wants us to do next.  Until then, we will move into a time of “compression” in anticipation of the next major “expansion”.  One project, process, function, or area of preparation must end to allow the next to begin.  I am extremely excited about this what is coming forth this year.  The excitement began in early September and has grown since.  I expect something noteworthy to come forth.

We will have our Sunday afternoon Bible Study at 3PM CST in Bethany.  Bob will be directing the discussion today.  We will continue our focus on Love using the book “Circumcised Heart of Love” as a basis of discussion.  Today, we will be covering Chapter 21.

To participate live or watch this Bible study as a recording afterwards, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-baptism-of-love  The chat room should be open today for your comments.  We look forward to your participation during our live broadcast.

FATHER wiling:

We will have our Sunday afternoon Bible Study at 3PM CST in Bethany.  Bob will be directing the discussion today.  We will continue our focus on Love using the book “Circumcised Heart of Love” as a basis of discussion.  Today, we will be covering Chapter 20- Our Covenant of Love.

To participate live or watch this Bible study as a recording afterwards, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-baptism-of-love  The chat room should be open today for your comments.  We look forward to your participation during our live broadcast.

FATHER wiling:

We will have our Sunday afternoon Bible Study at 3PM CST in Bethany.  Bob will be directing the discussion today.  We will continue our focus on Love using the book “Circumcised Heart of Love” as a basis of discussion.  Today, we will be covering Chapter 19- Self Serving Motivation.

To participate live or watch this Bible study as a recording afterwards, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-baptism-of-love  The chat room should be open today for your comments.  We look forward to your participation during our live broadcast.

Our live broadcast issue last week has hopefully been resolved by my Internet technician who came out this week and replace an incoming cable.

Circumcised Heart of Love Chapter 18 Broadcast was recorded since we were unable to keep the Internet connection up.  It has now been uploaded to ustream at:  http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-baptism-of-love

We will have our Sunday afternoon Bible Study at 3PM CST in Bethany.  Bob will be directing the discussion today.  We will continue our focus on Love using the book “Circumcised Heart of Love” as a basis of discussion.  Today, we will be covering Chapter 18- Love unifies.

To participate live or watch this Bible study as a recording afterwards, go tohttp://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-baptism-of-love  The chat room should be open today for your comments.  We look forward to your participation during our live broadcast.

We will have our Sunday afternoon Bible Study at 3PM CST in Bethany.  Bob will be directing the discussion today.  We will continue our focus on Love using the book “Circumcised Heart of Love” as a basis of discussion.  Today, we will be covering Chapter 17- Love your enemies.

To participate live or watch this Bible study as a recording afterwards, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-baptism-of-love  The chat room should be open today for your comments.  We look forward to your participation during our live broadcast.