These words are sheer poetry even if you don’t speak Hebrew: “Ma tovu ohalecha Ya’akov, mishkenotecha Yisrael.” The English words are poetical too. “How good are your tents, O Jacob, Your dwelling places, O Israel. Like palm groves that stretch out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by God, like cedars beside the water” (Numbers 24:5-6).
My own modern-day translation is less poetic and more practical: If you are Jewish and a descendant of Jacob, listen! Your homes and communities are palatial, beautiful, well-built, and attractive; they are productive, giving you revenue and capital; your gardens are lovely and refreshing. The place in which you live will bring healing to your family and neighbors. The implications of this verse are both physical and spiritual.
It sounds like Jacob and his descendants knew how to live the good life!
This Scripture is the opening prayer of the Jewish synagogue each morning and the first thought that enters the mind of the worshipper who is just waking up. Like the first cup of morning coffee, it brightens the eye and sheds the sluggishness of night. It gives a picture of the place of fruitfulness, peace, and beauty that God promises His people.
The Bible is packed with promises like this for Israel. They are for the Church too, who can partake of the commonwealth of Israel because of the graciousness of God. But we must never stray from the foundation that the covenants and blessings belong to the Jewish people first and foremost.
Much of the Church around the world today is ignorant of the history and destiny of Israel. Some feel the Church has replaced Israel. But this is not the case.
I have seen a news clip from Israel that gave current statistics: There are over 15,000 believing Jews currently living in the Holy Land and over 15 congregations in Jerusalem alone. These numbers offer compelling proof that God is not finished with His ancient people.
Here is a stirring news clip about Messianic Jews in Israel that was presented on the local Israeli evening news.
Tremendous report! Thanks for posting on your blog!