Thank you for this well-reasoned and clear article. Another moreh I follow has also calculated into the discussion the position of the stars during the period of 7 BCE through 1 CE, using a sophisticated computer software that can “run back” the wheel of stars in the heavens to any point in history. He has concluded a Sukkot birth for Yeshua, in 5 BCE. Regardless, as you have so aptly said, it is not edifying to be divisive among our family of faith, on such matters. Some obscurity is ok. Thank you for all your wonderful scholarship, Rabbeinu! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
I wonder - since we're on the subject of inconclusive details regarding the birth of המשיח - what are your thoughts around מגדל עדר, the "Tower of the Flock"?
I always thought it strange that when telling the shepherds _where_ to find Yeshua, the angel said "you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger". This only makes sense as a location if they know where to look for newborns who would be "wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger".
Since we know from Micah 4:8 that the Kingship of Zion would rise from the Tower of the Flock, this makes for a compelling argument: the shepherds knew exactly where the unblemished Lamb would be, because he would be where all the unblemished Lambs are claimed for the Temple sacrifices. The new King would be at Migdal Eder in Bethlehem Ephrathah, where all lambs were wrapped in swaddling cloths to keep them unblemished.
The trouble is, there seems to be no evidence that this was actually the practice with newborn lambs. And working backwards from, "we know המשיח fulfilled the prophecies, ergo, he fulfilled Micah 4:8 and was born in Migdal Eder" is a bit backwards - logically speaking.
What do you believe about Migdal Eder? Is there any evidence that the flocks in the region of Bethlehem Ephrathah were dedicated to the temple? Or that the lambs were wrapped in swaddling cloths?
He does not. You can go to his Hebrew for Christians website where he explains his background, his studies, and how came to create the site. One thing he mentions that hit home with me was not being fully satisfied in what he had been taught about Christ and the longing to know more. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you for this well-reasoned and clear article. Another moreh I follow has also calculated into the discussion the position of the stars during the period of 7 BCE through 1 CE, using a sophisticated computer software that can “run back” the wheel of stars in the heavens to any point in history. He has concluded a Sukkot birth for Yeshua, in 5 BCE. Regardless, as you have so aptly said, it is not edifying to be divisive among our family of faith, on such matters. Some obscurity is ok. Thank you for all your wonderful scholarship, Rabbeinu! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
חג שמח ואהבה לך. Happy holidays and love to you. - John
Thank you, brother.
Thank you so much, appreciate you!
Love your posts. They are always uplifting and thought provoking.
תודה, אחי
I wonder - since we're on the subject of inconclusive details regarding the birth of המשיח - what are your thoughts around מגדל עדר, the "Tower of the Flock"?
I always thought it strange that when telling the shepherds _where_ to find Yeshua, the angel said "you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger". This only makes sense as a location if they know where to look for newborns who would be "wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger".
Since we know from Micah 4:8 that the Kingship of Zion would rise from the Tower of the Flock, this makes for a compelling argument: the shepherds knew exactly where the unblemished Lamb would be, because he would be where all the unblemished Lambs are claimed for the Temple sacrifices. The new King would be at Migdal Eder in Bethlehem Ephrathah, where all lambs were wrapped in swaddling cloths to keep them unblemished.
The trouble is, there seems to be no evidence that this was actually the practice with newborn lambs. And working backwards from, "we know המשיח fulfilled the prophecies, ergo, he fulfilled Micah 4:8 and was born in Migdal Eder" is a bit backwards - logically speaking.
What do you believe about Migdal Eder? Is there any evidence that the flocks in the region of Bethlehem Ephrathah were dedicated to the temple? Or that the lambs were wrapped in swaddling cloths?
Thank you for this. 🤍🙏🤍
May I ask, do you speak/minister in a church?
He does not. You can go to his Hebrew for Christians website where he explains his background, his studies, and how came to create the site. One thing he mentions that hit home with me was not being fully satisfied in what he had been taught about Christ and the longing to know more. You will not be disappointed.