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Verses About Men as Trees & Branches

9/11/2021

(Pro 11:30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.

(Pro 3:18) She [wisdom and understanding] is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.

(Psa 1:1-3) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

(Jer 17:7-8) “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree

How the Golden Lampstand Testifies of the Righteous Branch

8/24/2020

Did you know that the golden lampstand (menorah) serves as a parable of Christ - the Righteous Branch - and those who faithfully abide in him?

(Rev 21:23) And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

According to the passage above, the lamp represents the Lamb. When Christ proclaimed the following, he was expounding the parable of the golden lampstand (menorah) and how it testified of him and those who faithfully abide in him:

How do these proclamations relate to the golden lampstand (menorah)?

How Aaron's Rod Testifies of the Righteous Branch

8/24/2020

Did you know that the story of Aaron’s rod testifies of the resurrection of Christ - the Righteous Branch?

Consider the account of Aaron’s rod. A branch which budded, blossomed and yielded ripening ALMONDS (Numbers 17). On one level the story is a historical account. On another level, the story of Aaron's rod serves as a parable – a type & shadow - of the Righteous Branch… for men are as trees.

The Fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil

7/20/2019

~ Expounding the Parable ~

On a deeper level, the story of the garden of Eden and the trees and the fruit they produced serve as a parable… for the Word of יהוה communicates through parables. One of the most profound of the parables communicated in the Scriptures is the parable that men are as trees who are known by their fruit. Through understanding the parable as well as which “trees” represented the lamp and the priests in the tabernacle in the wilderness, the type of tree that Adam & Eve likely ate from will come into focus.

The story of the garden and the trees and the fruit they produced serve as a parable about MEN. Precept upon precept, Christ (aka the Righteous Branch) later expounded the parable.

Why Barley is Disqualified as Firstfruits

1/9/2019

Q. Is barley the firstfruits which the Scriptures are referring to?

Response: The short answer is no. Christ is not referred to as the Righteous Barley, or the Righteous Blade of Grass, or the Righteous Cereal Grain. Christ - the Firstfruit - is referred to as a Branch… the Righteous Branch.

Here’s the long answer:

Firstfruits are a shadow of Christ… for Christ is the Firstfruit of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:20-23). Throughout the writings of Moses and the Prophets, the Creator and Author of the story uses a branch to represent Christ. That is why Christ is referred to as a Branch… the Righteous Branch (Jer 23:5, Jer 33:15, Isa 11:1, Zec 3:8, Zec 6:12).

Nowhere in the Scriptures is Christ referred to as the “Righteous Blade of Grass” or the “Righteous Cereal Grain”. Rather, Christ is referred to as a branch… of a tree… for men are as trees and are known by their fruit.

Even the very definition of firstfruits disqualifies barley. Here is the Strong’s entry for firstfruit (H1061):

An Inheritance That is Greater Than the Land

1/14/2018

Many people are setting their hopes on inheriting the land of Israel at the restoration of all things. However, what many may not realize is that there is an inheritance that is greater than the land!

While this may seem to be a foreign concept to some, this concept is found in none other than the foundational Scriptures. Consider the children of Israel who were brought out of Egypt and led to Mt. Sinai. While collectively this group of people were called the “children of Israel”, the “children of Israel” were comprised of thirteen tribes who descended from the sons of Israel (referring to the man who was formerly known as Jacob) along with a mixed multitude of people who went up with them (Exo 12:38). יהוה instructed and led the children of Israel through Moses and Aaron. יהוה spoke to Moses and gave Moses directions and instructions, and Moses spoke and relayed יהוה’s directions and instructions to Aaron; Aaron, in turn, spoke and relayed יהוה’s directions and instructions to the children of Israel. Aaron served as the mouthpiece, and Moses served as “God” (H430-Elohim, Magistrate) to Aaron.

The True Root is Not the Hebrew Root

1/14/2018

Ironically, the Hebrew root identifies with the olive tree... a tree that is self-pollinated by the wind, a tree that produces fruit so bitter it is not palatable raw, a tree that contains a seed that is as hard as stone. And let's not forget about its oil… oil that comes forth from the flesh.

Yet, according to Isaiah, the Branch will come forth from the root of Jesse. In contrast to the bitter (H4784 - rebellious) fruit of the olive tree, the Righteous Branch produces the fruit of FAITHFULNESS… the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS and JUSTICE (Isa 11:1-5, Jer 23:55, Jer 33:15).

The Season of Nitzan Is Come!

2/14/2017

The branches of the almond trees are awakening and blossoming (abib). The season of nitzan (blossom-H5339) is come!!! The almond tree ripens her green almond fruit and the blossoms produce a sweet smell!

Current Stage of the Almond Tree

The Two Anointed Ones: The Two Trees in Zechariah 4

1/1/2017

He said to me, "Do you not know what these are?" I said, "No, my lord."
Then he said, "These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth." (Zech 4:11-14)

[Note: Before reading this article, it may be beneficial to read the articles “Rethinking the Olive Tree” and “Who Let the Other Tree In the Orchard”, as these two articles deeply expound some of the principles discussed here and may serve to lay a foundation for the information presented throughout this article.]

In recognizing that the Word of יהוה communicates through parables, we have learned to pay extremely close attention to the imagery conveyed in a passage. We have also learned the significance of applying the principles of His kingdom as we read and interpret His Word.

The passage in Zechariah 4 shares a prophetic description of what shall occur in the last days. Included in the passage is the following imagery:

The Day the Dead & Living Are Brought Out

12/10/2016

But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.
And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.
Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear,
saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here. (Exo 13:18-19)

The Word of יהוה communicates through parables. To the crowds, the Righteous Branch spoke in parables. Privately to His branches, He explained everything. When asked the reason why He spoke in parables, He responded:

The Seed & the Famine of Joseph

10/2/2016

The Word of יהוה communicates through parables. He declares the end from the beginning. The story of the famine during the time of Joseph is no exception. For the story of the famine during the time of Joseph serves as a parable and an overview of the tribulation described in Revelation.

Which Translation Is Accurate?

10/1/2016

Many people seem to be concerned with finding the right translation. May people ask which translation is the most accurate. Through trial and error, we have learned to guard ourselves against thinking that any translation is without error including the Hebrew translation... for we understand that our Father Himself warned us that the pen of the scribes has lied (Jer 8:8).

Who Let the Other Tree In the Orchard?

6/16/2016

“And you and your sons shall guard your priesthood for all that concerns the altar
and that is within the veil; and you shall serve. I give your priesthood as a gift,
and any outsider that comes near shall be put to death.” (Num 18:7)

The Word of יהוה communicates spiritual concepts through physical things. This is known as speaking in parables (Isa 28:9-12, Psa 78:1-4, Mat 13:3, Mat 13:10-13, Mat 13:34-35, Mar 4:33-34). In our opinion, among the most profound parables within the Word of יהוה are the branch in Moses and Aaron’s hands, the offerings and the tabernacle in the wilderness - referring to its design, furnishings, boundaries and those serving and guarding within its boundaries. The design of the tabernacle in the wilderness along with all its furnishings, boundaries and those serving and guarding within its boundaries serve as a “copy and shadow of the heavenly things... for when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.’” (Heb 8:5, Exo 25:8-9, Exo 25:40, Exo 26:30, Exo 27:8)

If the Shadow was an Almond Branch...

6/13/2016

Aaron’s branch budded, blossomed and yielded ripening almonds [Num 17]. This almond branch serves as a shadow or parable of the Righteous Branch prophesied by Jeremiah:

Do Not Do As They Do in the Land of Canaan...

5/14/2016

“…you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you.
You shall not walk in their statutes...” (Lev 18:3)

And יהוה spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the children of Israel and say to them, I am יהוה your Magistrate. You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. You shall follow My rules and keep My statutes and walk in them. I am יהוה your Magistrate. You shall therefore keep My statutes and My rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am יהוה. (Lev 18:1-5)

This is one passage that many seem to be turning a deaf ear. Perhaps many think this passage does not apply to us today. Pay special attention to the following instruction:

Pomegranate Translated for Almond

3/9/2016

I went down to the nut orchard to look at the blossoms [H3] of the valley,
to see whether the vines had budded, whether the [pomegranates] were in bloom. (Song of Sol 6:11)

Righteousness & Justice (verses)

3/9/2016

Righteousness
(H6666, H6664, H6663, H6662)
Right; just; rectitude; straight meaning upright, according with justice and rectitude, not deviating from truth or fairness.

Justice
(H4941, H8199)
practical conformity to the laws and
to principles of rectitude;
honesty; integrity; impartiality; equity

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. (Psa 89:14)

He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. (Psa 33:5)

Did You Know...

1/27/2016

Rethinking the Olive Tree

10/15/2015

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! [Isa 5:20]

Heat, Harvest & Tribulation

9/1/2015

The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The [false seed/grain] are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil.
The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the [false seed/grain] are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels,
and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers,
and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
(Mat 13:37-43)

Blessed is the Man Who...

3/4/2015

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life,
and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Rev 22:14)

Edifying verses surrounding the phrases "Blessed is the man who..." and "Blessed are they who..." to keep us straight according to the plumb line of righteousness. [Isa 28:17]

Disciples Consecrated as Priests

2/27/2015

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You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door
of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. (Exo 29:4)

The Messiah answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” (Joh 13:7)

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Tsitsit & Blossom

2/23/2015

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Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever,
the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified. (Isa 60:21)

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Behold, the Almond Branch is Awakening & Flourishing

2/4/2015

And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Jeremiah, what do you see?"
And I said, "I see an almond branch."
Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it." (Jer 1:11-12)

As we drive through the central valley of California on the first day of the full moon, we see orchards of almond trees that appear to be sleeping; however, as we take a closer look, we find that the branches are beginning to awaken from their winter slumber...click here to see pictures and read more