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ANOINT THE MAGEN DAVID

An article on the origins and significance of the Magen David

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..."There shall come a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall arise out of Israel. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion." (Numbers 24:17-19)
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek; he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord." (Isaiah 61:1)
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." (Daniel 11:3)

STAR OF DAVID: THE SHEMA:

A SHIELD INSCRIBED WITH "GOD IS ONE." IS THIS YOUR (MAGEN) SHIELD?

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he with hold from them that walk uprightly."(Psalm 84:11)
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen! (I Timothy 1:17)

The combination triangles of the Star of David, (Sometimes called the "Shield of David") goes back to David himself, the formation of the triangles having been taking from the ancient Hebraic signature of King David. The 3 letters of his name, Daled, Waw, Daled, by extension compose a double triangle. Thus it is representative of Messiah. In the modem Hebrew aleph-bet (alphabet), the 'd' sound is represented by the dalet, which looks like a backward ‘r'. In the ancient Hebrew alephbet, the dalet looked like a triangle [A].

The Star of David (also called the Shield of David) was made up of these two triangular dalets. The warriors of pagan nations going to war, would paint dragons, snakes, or other frightening looking creatures on their shields.

Israelites chose to use the Star of David - the two dalets which contained the first and last letters of King David's name. King David had the reputation of being "a great man of war," and this struck into the hearts of Israel's adversaries. It was an excellent and effective symbol for warfare, for it testified of the SHEMA: Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord." (Deut. 6:4) The significance of the Magen David on the shield's of Israel's armies as a holy emblem, is because of their tremendous faith in the promises of the covenant of God.

We tend to think of covenants as totally separate entities. Some are. But they are not always totally necessarily unrelated. One can build upon the aspects of another. The New Testament, which records the new and better covenant made through the blood of Messiah, was actually necessary to bring about the greatest fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.

FROM ONE SEED MANY SONS & DAUGHTERS:

God pointed to the evening sky filled with stars, and promised Abraham that in Isaac, his "SEED" (singular) not SEEDS (plural) would be called, speaking of Messiah as the promised seed. (Genesis 17:21, Hebrews 11:18) This is figurative of Messiah. When God made covenant with David, the throne of David, was again to this STAR SEED, (singular) who would come through the Davidic line. Can you hear the battle cry? Put God is one on your (maghen) shield! And live like righteous, sanctified, holy men and women of the Most High G-d.

In speaking of defensive weapons, the "maghen" was a light round hand buckler, which could be borne by bowsmen, and we read of the men of Benjamin, in Asa's army, that bare shields and drew bows. (2 Chron. 14:8) Shields were made of wood, or wicker overlaid with leather. The anointing of the shield served to protect it in bad weather. But more than this, it demonstrated faith in God, who brings the victory.

In scripture, the maghen (MAW-GAN, fem. plural MEGINNAH) refers to an object which provides covering and protection to the body during warfare. In light of the fact that it is God who always protects His people, it is not surprising that God Himself, is called "a maghen." (Deut. 33:29)

"There is the (maghen) shield of the mighty cast vilely away, as though it had not been anointed..." (2 Sam. 1"21)

"Arise you princes and anoint the (maghen) shield..." (Isaiah 21:5)

Scripture verses showing the use of the maghen:

THE WITNESS OF THE MAGI

"There shall come forth a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall arise out of Judah." Numbers 24:17)
That prophecies concerning Messiah, were widely known in ancient times, is clearly seen in the biblical account of the Magi, who were devout Gentiles with an understanding of prophecy, who said: "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east," and are come to worship Him." (Matt. 2:2) The arrival of the Magi in the city of Jerusalem, (City of David) threw Herod the king, and all the city into a state of great excitement. A council was called of the chief priests and scribes, that Herod might better understand the prophetic significance of this.

Herod sent to Bethlehem and said:

"Go search out exactly concerning the young child; and when you have found him, bring me word that I also may come and worship him."

We are told:

"They having heard the king, went their way; and lo the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding joy!"

This journey of theirs required great faith in God and in prophecy. Seen in their willingness to set out, is their trust in the awesome and incredible leading of God, to lead this to this "Star Child," who was "The Bright & Morning Star." There had never been the birth of so incredible a ruler, ever seen in all the earth. The very heavens testified of Him, with signs and wonders, to indicate His entrance into this earth. He is the Sun of righteousness, whom God prophesied would arise with "healing in His wings." (Malachi 4:2)

The use of the Star of David as a symbol, dates to antiquity. It is seen in the catacombs in Rome, where Jewish people are buried. The insignia is also found on the wall about the city of Jerusalem. The Star of David appears as a seal, in ancient Palestine (6th century B.C.) Eight centuries later, it occuppies a place as part of a Jewish synagogue frieze in Capernaum.

In medieval times, the six-pointed star, was a Jewish printer's mark or heraldic emblem, especially in Prague and among members of the Jewish Foa family, who lived in Italy and Holland.

The Foa‘s moved to Sabbioneta, apparently at the invitation of the ruling Prince, Vespasiano Gonzaga and in Sabbioneta Tobia Foa’ established a Hebrew Press, adopted the 6-pointed star as its logo and, in this manner; helped to establish the Shield of David as the symbol of the Jewish people (6,7). The ancestral "Palazzo Foa,‘" where the family lived until it was sold in the early 1900s. It contains a small synagogue, which is now a national monument.

In 1354, Emperor Charles IV of Prague granted the Jews of his city the privilege of displaying their own flag on state occasions. Their flag displayed a large six-pointed star in its center.

A similar flag remains to this day in the Altneuschul, the oldest synagogue in Prague. Czechoslovakian residents of Prague that call it Staronova. From Prague, the "Magen David" spread to the Jewish communities of Moravia and Bohemia, and then eventually to Eastern Europe. In 17th-century Vienna, the Jewish quarter was separated from the Christian quarter by a boundary stone inscribed with a hexagram on one side and a cross on the other, the first instance of the six-pointed star being used to represent Judaism as a whole, rather than an individual community.

With Jewish emancipation following the French Revolution, Jews began to look for a symbol to represent themselves comparable to the cross used by their Christian neighbors. They settled upon the six-pointed star, principally because of its heraldic associations

STAR OF DAVID VS OCCULT HEXAGONS:

In the book of Isaiah we read of Lucifer, the chief arch-angel, who defiled his brightness. He was the anointed cherub that covered, (Ezekiel 28:14) but he sought to exalt himself above the Most High God.

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer sun of the morning. How art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! For you said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Yet you are brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see you gaze narrowly on you, saying Is this the man that made the earth to tremble? That shook kingdoms?" (Isaiah 14:12)

In modern times, occult symbols, are distinguished from the Star of David; by this: Occult symbols tend to have a circle around them. If it's a six pointed star with a circle around it, then it's a hexagram. If it's a six pointed star without a circle around it, then it's a star of David. If it's a five pointed star with a circle around it, then it's a pentagram. If it's a five pointed star without a circle, then it's just a five pointed star.

COMPROMISE: CONSTANTINE'S MAGIC AMULET:

What concord has Christ with Belial (mixture) ? Or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? (2 Corinthians 6:15)

Constantine the Roman Emperor, was a military stradegist. He worshipped the pagan god Mithra,which was a form of "sun worship," the image of which depicts a bull holding the sun within it's two horns. For the soldier, Mithra embodied the manly characteristics of "courage, loyalty, victory and integrity. Women were excluded from worship. This deity was said to provide Roman soldiers with victory in battle. The temple of Mithras was built during the 2nd century, and contained images of Minerva, Bacchus, and Serapis, which were imported from Italy.

In his book "Astrology in Roman Law And Politics," (p. 4) Frederick Cramer writes concerning Mithraism:

"...A star-cult, sun worship became in the third century a.d. the nt official creed."

Constantine, worshipped Mithra, (The demon "god of forces, (a demonic principality spirit") all of his life, choosing to use the pentagram, the star with a circle around it; on his seal and amulet. The worship of Mithra had many counterfeit similatities to the Christian faith, which made it the ideal "mixture" with which the emporer could dilute the power of Judeo-Christianity. Mithra was Saviour of the world. He was born of a virgin on December 25th. Though Mithraism had struggled to exist for many years, under Emporer Constantine it rose to prominence. The sign of the cross formed by the elliptic and the celestial equator was one of the sacred symbols of Mithra. Blood sacrifice was common, with ritualized slayings of the "bull," to appease Mithra; "a mediator between God and man." Celebratory meals of with bread and wine were served, particularly during festivals to this god.

Mithra was regarded as part of a tri-unity of gods who were co-equal with the supreme deity. During his reign, the Emporer had coins minted, with the inscription: "SOL INVICTO COMITI." (COMMITTED TO THE INVINCIBLE SUN.")

Constantine supposedly converted to Christianity upon his bed, being baptized by Eusebius of Nicomedia, a heretical friend of his. From the Council of Nicea on, we see the emblems of this in "cathlocized Christianity." The heads of Saints didn't really glow as is so often portrayed in religious art. The use of the halo, or nimbus, originated with the pagan Greeks and Romans to represent their sun god, Helios. The Protestant Reformation has not rid the church of many of these pagan influences that infiltrated it in the early years. The stradegy of Satan through Constantine, uniquely fulfilled this verse, is a type of the anti-christ spirit, which even now is in this world.

He shall come in peacably and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. And with the arms of a flood shall they be overthrown from before him, and shall be broken; yes also the prince of the covenant. And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up and shall become strong with a small people. (318 bishops at the Nicean council) He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yes, and he shall forecaast his devices against the strongholds, even for a time." (Daniel 11:21-14)
There is a spiritual awakening taking place, which many call "revival." Many are obeying God's word, which, in speaking of the pagan or paganized religious system, states: "Come out of her my people." By the 5th century, the foundations laid with the Council of Nicea had created the office of "pope." Pope Leo of that era complained that worshippers turned from the altar and faced the open door so they could worship the rising sun.

Multitudes continue to believe that the paganized Roman "fabrication" is true Christianity, but it is not the Judeo-Christianity of the holy bible. The churches which sprang from the catholic church in no way resemble those planted by the apostles of the Lamb. How does one know the difference you ask? The bible warns of seducing demonic spirits, and doctrines of demons, telling us to:

"Test the spirits, and see whether they be of God."

THE OCCULT PENTEGRAM & THE SEED OF THE SERPENT:

Until medieval times, the five points of the pentagram represented the five wounds of Yeshua haMashiach/JesusChrist on the cross.

During these times the pentagram appears to have carried no evil implications, and in a lesser way than the cross, was symbolic of the Yeshua haMashiach, who is called the Bright and Morning Star. (Rev. 22:16) The use of the hexagon with a circle around it, being utilized as a "magic symbol," no doubt came into being by those who were not believers in Yeshua, but understood in some way, that there was power in His His name, and like the 7 sons of Sceva, they sought to access this power without the surrender of their lives to Him, as commanded by the apostles, and recorded in the word of God.

11) God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12) so that when the handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. 13) Then some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." 14) Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15) But the evil spirit said to them in reply, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" 16) Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered them all, and so overpowered them that they fled out of the house and wounded. 17) When this became known to all residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, everyone was awestruck; and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised. 18) Also many of those who became believers confessed and disclosed their practices. 19) A number of those who practiced magic collected their books and burned them publicly; when the value of these books was calculated, it was found to come to fifty thousand silver coins. 20) So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
(Acts 2:38, Acts 19:14)

There is a counterfeit star, that appears as a sign that has existed from ancient times. It speaks of Satanism, or occultism, and occult powers. It exalts the devil, as the arch-enemy of God and His people. In Genesis 3:15, God prophesies this "falling star" which will burn in unquenchable fire.

And I will put enmity between you (the serpent) and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel."
This is Satan, who can appear as an angel of light.

He is personified as the King of Babylon, in Isaiah 14:4, in which God says: Take up this proverb against the King of Babylon saying:

How has the oppressor cesed! The golden city ceased! The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of rulers.

The devil manifests himself as a shield of protection to those who are deceived by him. I will discuss this further under the sub-heading of "occult symbols." The true "Magen David" was not an occult symbol. But either was the brazen serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness. In time, if people drift from God, the very things they once cherished because these lifted their thoughts to God, can become idolatrous. We must all guard our hearts in this matter. What I am saying, is that the Magen David was not, in ancient times a "magic amulet." It had deep spiritual significance to the people of God.

THE STAR OF DAVID & END TIME PROPHECY:

In the eastern culture, the word "star" meant "a prince or ruler." It spoke of one with dignity, glorious power, and majesty. In Numbers 24:17, the fact that the word "Star" refers to a ruler is further supported by the subsequent use of the word "Scepter" immediately following.

The term "Scepter," represents a symbol of authority and dominion. In Numbers 24:14-19, the theme of Genesis 49:10, "scepter" in which "Shiloh," the Messiah is promised, continues. When Messiah comes, He will be a King." In addition to the people of "Moab" in Numbers 24:17, verse 18 also goes on to reference victory over "Edom."

King David had success against Moab and Edom. But this verse cannot refer solely to him because he did not fully defeat them in his victories. A further note in Numbers 24:14, is that Balaam says that his prophecies are to be fulfilled "in the latter days."

Jeremiah 48-49, speak prophetically of God judgement of Moab and Edom in the latter days:

The "Star out of Jacob," is spoken of in Number's 24:17 and in Revelation 22:16 Yeshua refers to Himself as "the Bright and Morning Star."

In John 8:12, we read:

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

WHat Balaam saw and prophesied was the Star of Jacob, the sceptre of Israel, which has always come through the throne of David, and ultimately speaks of Messiah. Whether the Prophet Balaam looked into the night sky, and saw an actual star we are not told. But his prophecy concerning a "Star" or "ruler" who would come forth; is one of the most beautiful in all of history. It is natural that a star in the heavens, may to the quiet observer, resemble a shield. God pointed Abram to the night sky, and said: I am your (maghen) shield, and exceeding great reward.

Through Messiah's atoning sacrifice, Yeshua defeated for Israel and for all who will receive Him. He is become ruler over all who will receive Him as Lord. His presence is to us as a "shield," and buckler.

"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us; and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:15)

He has been exalted with glory and power to the right hand of God the Father. Yeshua haMashiach's first coming was in mercy and grace. He is coming again, the second time in judgement and dominion.

THE MAGEN DAVID & THE EVERLASTING COVENANT:

The covenant God made with David, is unconditional. It promises an unending royal lineage, a throne, and a kingdom. In the declaration of this covenant, God reserves the right to interrupt the actual reign of David's sons if chastisement is needed However, the perpetuity of the covenant cannot be broken. The Abrahamic covenant guaranteed to Israel an everlasting entity as a nation. and an everlasting possession of the land. The Davidic covenant guarantees to them an everlasting throne, an everlasting King, and an everlasting kingdom.

MESSIAH AS THE SEED OF DAVID

The Apostle James declared the rebuilding of the Tabernacle of David, which had fallen (his throne), that all the people of the earth would be drawn to He who sat on that throne, even as the Son of Man was lifted up.

Paul speaks of the fact that Jesus is the seed of David,(Romans 1.3-4) an allusion to the truth that the Davidic promises will ultimately be fulfilled in Him. Christ came in order to "rule over the Gentiles", again showing that the Davidic Reign or Throne encompasses the whole house of Israel not Israel alone. The Lord shall be King over all the earth.

Yeshua haMashiach, the seed of David, has been "raised from the ". God is faithful. He keeps His promises. God made a promise David, and cut an unconditional Covenant with him that will ultimately bless not only Israel, but all the people of the earth. This covenant will endure as the Sun and the moon endure. Though many in the line of David did not abide faithful, but turned away their hearts and walked in apostasy, God preserved the line or posterity of Messiah through David.

Yeshua haMashiach was and is the entire culmination of prophecies concerning the Davidic Throne. He will return to earth, and reign for 1000 years during the Millennium. God will then make a new heaven and a new earth. The promises that God makes in covenant relationship, He will keep.

THE ASPECT OF STAR-SEED:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
(1 Matt 5:19, Rom 7:7)
Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for His (God's seed) remains in Him: and he cannot sin, because he is born (begotten) of God. (I John 3:9)

The Star-Seed aspect through David is seen in 1 Chronicles 17:4-15. The Davidic Covenant is a covenant of Messianic promise. (1 Chronicles 17:4-15) The kingdom covenant regulates the temporal and eternal reign of David's posterity. It secures in perpetuity a Davidic 'house' or line, a throne, and a kingdom. This covenant was confirmed by divine oath in Ps 89:30-37 and renewed to Mary in Lk 1:31-33.

It is fulfilled in the Messiah as the Saviour of the World, and Israel's soon coming King (Acts 1:6; Rev 19:16; 20:4-6). (1 Chronicles 17:4)

"Go and tell David My servant: Thus says the Lord, "You shall not build a house for Me to dwell in; 5) for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from one dwelling place to another. 6) "In all places where I have walked with all Israel, have I spoken a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying, Why have you not built for Me a house of cedar?'" 7) "Now, therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, `Thus says the Lord of hosts, "I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be leader over My people Israel. 8) "And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a name like the name of the great ones who are in the earth. 9) "And I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be moved no more; neither shall the wicked waste them anymore as formerly,10) even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I tell you that the Lord will build a house for you. 11) "And it shall come about when your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up one of your descendants after you, who shall be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12) "He shall build for Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. 13) "I will be his father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take My lovingkindness away from him, as I took it from him who was before you. 14) "But I will settle him in My house and in My kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever."
God will not forsake His covenant.

  • 30) "If his sons forsake My law,And do not walk in My judgments,
  • 31) If they violate My statutes, And do not keep My commandments,
  • 32) Then I will visit their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with stripes.
  • 33) "But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, Nor deal falsely in My faithfulness.
  • 34) "My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips.
  • 35)"Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David.
  • 36) "His descendants shall endure forever, And his throne as the sun before Me.
  • 37) "It shall be established forever like the moon, And the witness in the sky is faithful."

In Psalms 89:28, we read:

"My mercy will I keep for him for ever more, and my covenant shall stand fast with him."
Jesus Christ is the very focus, fulfillment and culmination of the Davidic Covenant. In light of God's prophetic promises concerning the Davidic Covenant, the fact that this rule will be over the whole earth, the amillennialist has no justification for stating that there will be no millennium?

Read and understand these verses: