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Sukkot

Sukkot


t

Tau

Covenant

v

Vav

Establish

k

Kaf

Cover

v

Vav

Establish

u

Semech

Protect

“Tell the people of Isra’el, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of Sukkot for seven days to ADONAI.” Leviticus 23:34 (CJB)

Sukkot it one of the three pilgrimage festivals held in the fall. It refers to the temporary buildings that are built to commemorate God’s protection and provision during the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. It is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles and Feast of Booths.
This painting depicts the Paleo letters for Sukkot through the four species of plants that are used to “rejoice before the Lord.” They are the citron (etrog), one palm (lulav), two willow branches (aravot), and three myrtle branches (hadassim).
u represented by myrtle branches
v represented by a bare branch
k represented by willow branches surrounding the citron
v represented by a bare branch
t represented by palm branch

Together these letters would mean “to establish and secure a protective covering for the covenant.” It is a joyous festival and even today we should remember our dependence on the Lord to protect and provide.

u

The ‘Samech’ is a thorn bush representing support, prop up, protect, twist, or snare.

v

The ‘Vav’ represents a tent peg and means to nail, attach, or secure.

k

The ‘Kaf’ depicts a man’s offered hand to welcome, cover, open, or allow.

v

The ‘Vav’ represents a tent peg and means to nail, attach, or secure.

t

The ‘Tau’ depicts crossed sticks as a marker for a signature or agreement or covenant.
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Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Halal Yah (haw-lal’ Yaw)

HyvllH

הַלְלוּיָה

HThe ‘Hey’ depicts a man waving arms for attention, to look, reveal, or behold.
LThe ‘Lamed’ represents a shepherds staff the represents control, direct, authority, or lead.
LThe ‘Lamed’ represents a shepherds staff the represents control, direct, authority, or lead.
vThe ‘Vav’ represents a tent peg or nail and means to secure or hook. But it can also simply mean peg or nail.
yThe ‘Yud’ represents a hand or arm to indicate work, throw, or worship.
HThe ‘Hey’ depicts a man waving arms for attention, to look, reveal, or behold.

The word “Hallelujah” is a compound word from two Hebrew words, “Hallel” meaning praise and “Ya” meaning God. The use of the two Lameds together indicates the authority of authorities (like King of Kings or Lord of Lords).

“Behold or boast at what the authority of authorities (God) has established by the work of His hands!”

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Righteous

Righteous


q

Quph

Follow

D

Dalet

Journey

f

Tsade

Hook

The desire to be hooked on a journey that follows God.

f

The ‘Tsade’ represents a fish hook and means hunter, catch, or desire.

D

The ‘Dalet’ represents a tent flap or door. It can also mean back and forth movement as in going in and out of a door or a journey.

q

The ‘Quph’ character appears like the back of man’s head or a sunset and means last, behind, following, revolving or cycle of time.
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Truth

Truth (Emet)


Truth

t

Tau

Covenant

n

Nun

Life

M

Mem

Water

a

Aleph

Strong

The great mystery of life is within the covenant.

a

The ‘Aleph’ is the picture of an ox head and illustrates the strength of an animal. It can mean strong, power, or leader.

M

The ‘Mem’ illustrates water or waves. As a nomadic people, the Hebrews feared the waves or waters of the seas, so the letter often meant chaos, mighty, or blood. Large bodies of water hold many unknowns or mysteries for an agrarian society.

n

The ‘Nun’ represents a seed or sprout and gives us the meaning of continuing to a new generation. It can have the meaning of life, sustaining, offspring, or heir.

t

The ‘Tau’ is used as a man’s mark, either like a signature on an agreement or even a crossed sticks on the ground to mark a boundary point. Either way, it is associated with an agreement or covenant between two people or between man and God.
 
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Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments

  The client who commissioned this work challenged me to “think outside the box” about what the original commandments looked like when Moses received them on Mt. Sinai. It is believed that the writing from “the finger of God” was in Paleo (pictographic) Hebrew, but I really had not considered that the chiseled letters were on anything other than two blah stones. The thought that Abba might have presented Moses with a “color masterpiece” is mind boggling to me. Considering that He is the original “Color Master,” splashing color all around the world, makes it an interesting prospect. I don’t in any way propose that my rendition of the commandments is an authentic replication. I did spend time with Him while working on these pieces and hopefully “colored” as He instructed for such a time as this. I do hope that when you look at the colors it will expand your mind to be amazed at what an incredible artist He is!!!   I have portrayed the 10 Commandments through the Hebrew mindset (the 10 Words or Eseret HaDavrim), and in the Paleo Hebrew, and in color! As I began the art work I discovered Dr. Frank Seekins’ teaching on the commandments and the secret to easily remembering them. Hebrew numbers the commandments with the first 10 letters of the aleph beyt and in their Paleo (pictographic) form each picture gives a clue to the commandment.   Below is a quick overview of the first 10 letters and their corresponding commandment.  

#1

a

First of 10 Commandments

I am the LORD your God.

The aleph (a) represents first, strength, defender, hero which explains God.

#2

B

Second of 10 Commandments

You shall have no other gods before me.

The beyt (B) represents second, house, family. We choose to enter God’s house and become part of His family.

#3

g

Third of 10 Commandments

You shall not take the Name of the LORD your God in vain.

The gimel (g) represents third, walk, lift up. We understand His Name and take on His character.

#4

D

Fourth of 10 Commandments

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

The dalet (D) represents fourth, a door, path, journey. We work hard but enter God’s door of rest.

#5

H

Fifth of 10 Commandments

Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long.

The hey (H) represents fifth, behold, reveal. Behold! This is the commandment with a promise of long life!

#6

v

Sixth of 10 Commandments

You shall not murder.

The vav (v) represents the number six, a nail, holding together. A nail helps hold two things together. People held together will not destroy each other.

#7

Z

Seventh of 10 Commandments

You shall not commit adultery.

The zayin (Z) represents seven, a weapon, to cut. A weapon can destroy the same as adultery can destroy a marriage and family.

#8

c

Eighth of 10 Commandments

You shall not steal.

The chet (c) represents the number eight, a fence, to protect. The fence reminds us to protect the property of others and not steal.

#9

J

Ninth of 10 Commandments

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

The tet (J) represents nine, to surround, a snake. The tet reminds us not to follow the path of the serpent and lie or accuse.

#10

y

Tenth of 10 Commandments

You shall not covet.

The yod (y) represents ten, a hand, to work. Working reminds us of providing for our own life and not desiring what someone else has.
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Passover

The specially matted print of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew), as presented by Artist Marla Jean Clinesmith, may well portray one of the most vibrant Biblical word pictures of all time.

Passover

Pesach (peh’-sakh)

CuP

פסח

PThe ‘Pey’ represents an open mouth and means speak, open, blow, or apart. It often is used to mean ‘Spirit’ as in the wind.
uThe ‘Samech’ represents a thorn bush that would prop up, support, twist, turn, or snare.
CThe ‘Chet’ illustrates a fence or wall surrounding and protecting the action of life.

In simple terms, it means to crossover or leap, as in God’s Spirit will leap over the marked homes in Exodus Chapter 12. But there is so much more to it. This is the action taken by God (hvhy), the ultimate judge of His own creation, as His Spirit passed over all the households of Egypt to dispense death to the firstborn of Pharaoh, his people, and gods. The only thing that protected God’s people from this deadly plague was the blood of the sacrificed lamb applied to the lintel and door posts of the houses of God’s people. At the sight of the doors marked with blood, the Spirit of God (Pey P) turned away (Samach u) the wrath of God from the walls or boundaries (Chet C) of the homes of those marked as God’s people.

The entire scene was a physical foreshadow of the spiritual reality that Yeshua, the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world, will bring to completion with His death on a cross planted on a hill called Golgotha in Jerusalem generations later.

It’s here, however, that our word picture presents a mystery. If the cross is the ultimate solution to the sin condition separating God and man – why two door posts? Some would speculate a connotation of the lintel and two door posts representing the Crown of thorns and nail pierced hands of the Savior. And while the scriptural account is somewhat silent on this matter, it does record in Exodus 12:37-38 ‘Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed multitude went up with them also …,’ indicating both Jews and Gentiles were saved on that night.

As for me, the picture reminds me of the encouraging words of the Apostle Paul recorded in Ephesians Chapter 2 as he assures us that Christ’s death on the cross made two, both Jews and Gentiles, one thus bringing us the ultimate in peace.

To that we can all proclaim – Hallelujah!!!

Explanation by Pastor Jim Woodard

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Israel

Israel


L

Lamed

Authority

a

Aleph

Leader

r

Resh

Man

s

Shin

Destroy

y

Yud

Work

The ‘Aleph’ and ‘Lamed’ form the root word ‘El’ which means God or strong controller. Together the letters in Israel mean “Men (the nation) whose work is to press/turn others towards El (God).”

y

The ‘Yud’ in pictograph form shows an arm and a hand. The picture can mean to work, throw, worship.

s

The ‘Shin’ represents two front teeth and can mean sharp, eat, consume, separate, or destroy.

r

The ‘Resh’ symbolizes a head, man, or chief.

a

The ‘Aleph’ is the picture of an ox head and illustrates the strength of an animal. It can mean strong, power, or leader.

L

The ‘Lamed’ is a picture of a shepherd’s staff. The shepherd used the staff to exercise authority over his sheep to direct or lead them. It can mean teach, lead, yoke, or move forward.
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Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat Shalom


M

Mem

Chaos

v

Vav

Establish

L

Lamed

Authority

s

Shin

Destroy

t

Tav

Covenent

B

Bet

House

s

Shin

Separate

Together the words signify “to separate to the house of the covenant where the authority that establishes chaos has been destroyed” and “Rest in the Lord in peace”

s

The ‘Shin’ represents two front teeth and can mean sharp, eat, consume, separate, or destroy.

B

The ‘Bet’ shows the floor plan of a tent. It means home, inside, or family.

t

The ‘Tav’ represents a sign, mark, covenant, or cross.

s

The ‘Shin’ represents two front teeth and can mean sharp, eat, consume, separate, or destroy.

L

The ‘Lamed’ is a picture of a shepherd’s staff. The shepherd used the staff to exercise authority over his sheep to direct or lead them. It can mean teach, lead, yoke, or move forward.

v

The ‘Vav’ represents a tent peg or nail and means to secure or establish.

M

The ‘Mem’ illustrates water or waves. As a nomadic people, the Hebrews feared the waves or waters of the seas, so the letter often meant chaos, mighty, or blood.
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Son

Son (Ben)


n

Nun

Life

b

Bet

Floor Plan

Life of the house.

b

The ‘Bet’ shows the floor plan of a tent. It means home, inside, or family.

n

The ‘Nun’ represents a seed or sprout and gives us the meaning of continuing to a new generation. It can have the meaning of continuing, perpetuating, sustaining, offspring, or heir.
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Mother

Mother

Em (ame)

Ma

אֵם

aThe ‘Aleph’ is the picture of an ox head and illustrates the strength of an animal. It can mean strong, power, or leader.
MThe ‘Mem’ illustrates water or waves. As a nomadic people, the Hebrews feared the waves or waters of the seas, so the letter often meant chaos, mighty, or blood. On the other hand, water sustained life and in this instance, it carries that meaning.

Strong Water — Giver of Life. Em is the one who brings life to the tent and holds the home together.

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Chanukah

Chanukah

or Hanukkah (hanuˈka)

hkvNC

חֲנוּכָּה

CThe ‘Chet’ depicts a fence that would contain, divide, surround, protect, or make private.
NThe ‘Nun’ represents a sprout and gives us the meaning of life and continuing to a new generation. It can have the meaning of continuing, perpetuating, sustaining, offspring, or heir.
vThe ‘Vav’ pictures a tent peg or nail. It means to secure, connect, or establish.
kThe ‘Kaf’ represents a palm or open hand, like to invite another into our home with a sweeping motion of our open palm.
hThe ‘Hey’ pictograph represents a man with his hands in the air trying to get someone’s attention. It suggests look, reveal, behold.

The richness of the Hebrew language provides poignant insight into Chanukah, the word that introduces the coming remembrance celebration of the Maccabean rededication of the Second Temple. When investigated through the eyes of Hebrew in its most Ancient form the letters of the word Chanukah reveal inspiring discernment into God’s intentions as He supernaturally delivered provisions to relight the Menorah, a highly significant furnishing in the Holy Place.

Chanukah, in the Ancient Hebrew, starts with the root word NC, one of the more classic thoughts of the entire Word of God, Grace. Chen (NC) was also the root thought of the Chanan or Ancient tent encampment of the Israelites, which embodied a place of beauty and provision. Thus, the opening thought of the word Chanukah directs our thoughts toward the idea that God’s Grace is the source of beautiful provision.

Next follows the letter v, Vav. Even to this day Vav connotes adding and attaching as a conjunction in the Hebrew language and thus speaks of establishing, attaching, or bringing together.

The Vav is followed by the letter k, Kaf. In its Ancient form, k signified the attributes and actions of the open palm. We are most familiar with the message of the k as the simple expression we make with our hand when we invite another into our home with a sweeping motion of our open palm indicating welcome and freedom of access to our space.

The final letter h, Hey, is the magical letter that gives life to the message embedded in the word Chanukah. It cries out “Hey, behold, take notice – this is important!”

Put them all together and the message of Chanukah is powerful and encouraging:

Chanukah – hkvNC
Behold the Grace of God that
freely establishes access
to His life giving light!


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Spirit

Spirit (Ruach)


C

Chet

Within

v

Vav

Establish

r

Resh

Man

Spirit is the expression of man that is established from within, commonly portrayed as breath or wind.

r

The ‘Resh’ symbolizes a head, man, chief, highest, top, beginning, or first.

v

The ‘Vav’ represents a tent peg or nail and means to secure or hook. But it can also simply mean peg or nail.

C

The ‘Chet’ depicts a fence that would contain, divide, surround, protect, or make private.
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Loving Kindness

Loving Kindness


d

Dalet

Door

U

Samech

Assist

C

Chet

Protect

Door of mercy and protection. When such loving kindness is extended to one another, a common journey through life takes place.

C

The ‘Chet’ depicts a fence that would contain, divide, surround, protect, or make private.

U

The ‘samech’ represents a thorn bush that supports, assists, or shields.

d

The ‘Dalet’ represents a tent flap or door. It can also mean back and forth movement as in going in and out of a door.
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Yeshua

Salvation

Yeshua (yay-shoo’-ah)

evSy

יֵשׁוּעַ

yThe ‘Yud’ in pictograph form shows an arm and a hand. The picture can mean to work, throw, worship, or it can simply mean an arm or hand.
sSThe ‘Shin’ may be depicted differently depending on the time period, but represents two front teeth and can mean sharp, eat, consume, separate, or destroy.
vThe ‘Vav’ represents a tent peg or nail and means to secure, attach, or hook together. But it can also simply mean peg or nail.
eThe ‘Ayin’ appears as an eye. It relates to the function of the eye, understanding, or knowledge.

As pictographs, the letters combine to mean ‘see how a hand will save or separate by a nail.’ But it is actually a compound word consisting of ‘Ya’ (God) and the root word ‘shua’ (to rescue). Yeshua is the one who secures our rescue or salvation.