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G20. Knowing God & Who He Is.    [Make a Comment]

We are to know God & who He Is.

This precept is derived from His Word (blessed be He):

Scripture Contents

  1. Key Scriptures
  2. Knowing God In General
  3. Not Knowing God
  4. Persons that Knew God
  5. Knowing Who God Is

    Commentary

Key Scriptures

Isaiah 43:10
"You are my witnesses," says ADONAI, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you can know and trust me and understand that I am he - no god was produced before me, nor will any be after me."

Jeremiah 31:32-33(33-34) (see also Hebrews 8:11)
For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Isra'el after those days," says ADONAI: "I will put my Torah within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will any of them teach his fellow community member or his brother, 'Know ADONAI'; for all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest; because I will forgive their wickednesses and remember their sins no more."

John 17:3
And eternal life is this: to know you, the one true God, and him whom you sent, Yeshua the Messiah.

Galatians 4:8-9
In the past, when you did not know God, you served as slaves beings which in reality are non-gods. But now you do know God, and, more than that, you are known by God. So how is it that you turn back again to those weak and miserable elemental spirits? Do you want to enslave yourselves to them once more?

Supportive Scriptures - Knowing God in General

Jeremiah 9:22-23(23-24)
Here is what ADONAI says: "The wise man should not boast of his wisdom, the powerful should not boast of his power, the wealthy should not boast of his wealth; instead, let the boaster boast about this: that he understands and knows me - that I am ADONAI, practicing grace, justice and ..."

Ezekiel 38:16 (God known through Israel's enemy)
You will choose just that time to come from your place in the far reaches of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them on horseback, a huge horde, a mighty army; and you will invade my people Isra'el like a cloud covering the land. This will be in the acharit-hayamim; and I will bring you against my land, so that the Goyim will know me when, before their eyes, I am set apart as holy through you, Gog.

Hosea 2:22(20)
I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you will know ADONAI.

Hosea 6:3
Let us know, let us strive to know ADONAI. That he will come is as certain as morning; he will come to us like the rain, like the spring rains that water the earth.

Hosea 8:2
Will they cry out to me, 'We are Isra'el, God, we know you'?

Daniel 11:32
Those who act wickedly against the covenant he will corrupt with his blandishments, but the people who know their God will stand firm and prevail.

1 Chronicles 28:9
As for you, Shlomo my son, know the God of your father. Serve him wholeheartedly and with desire in your being; for ADONAI searches all hearts and understands all the inclinations of people's thoughts. If you seek him, he will let himself be found by you; but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever.

1 Corinthians 1:21
For God's wisdom ordained that the world, using its own wisdom, would not come to know him. Therefore God decided to use the "nonsense" of what we proclaim as his means of saving those who come to trust in it.

Philippians 3:10-11
Yes, I gave it all up in order to know him, that is, to know the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings as I am being conformed to his death, so that somehow I might arrive at being resurrected from the dead.

Hebrews 8:11
None of them will teach his fellow-citizen or his brother, saying, "Know ADONAI!" For all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest ...

Supportive Scriptures - Not Knowing God

Isaiah 45:4-5
It is for the sake of Ya'akov my servant, yes, for Isra'el my elect, that I call you by your name and give you a title, although you don't know me. I am ADONAI; there is no other; besides me there is no God. I am arming you, although you don't know me ...

Jeremiah 2:8
The cohanim didn't ask, 'Where is ADONAI?' Those who deal with the Torah did not know me, the people's shepherds rebelled against me; the prophets prophesied by Ba'al and went after things of no value.

Jeremiah 4:22
It is because my people are foolish - they do not know me; they are stupid children, without understanding, wise when doing evil; but they don't know how to do good.

Jeremiah 9:5(6)
You inhabit a world of deceit; deceitfully they refuse to know me ...

Hosea 5:4
Their deeds will not allow them to return to their God, for the spirit of whoring is in them, and they don't know ADONAI.

Job 18:21
This is how things are in the homes of the wicked, and this is the place of those who don't know God.

Galatians 4:8
In the past, when you did not know God, you served as slaves beings which in reality are non-gods.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
What God wants is that you be holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality, that each of you know how to manage his sexual impulses in a holy and honorable manner, without giving in to lustful desires, like the pagans who don't know God.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-8
For it is justice for God to pay back trouble to those who are troubling you, and to give rest along with us to you who are being troubled, when the Lord Yeshua is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in a fiery flame. Then he will punish those who don't know God, that is, those who don't listen to the Good News of our Lord Yeshua and obey it.

Titus 1:16
To all who are themselves pure, everything is pure. But to those who are defiled and without trust, nothing is pure - even their minds and consciences have been defiled. They claim to know God, but with their actions they deny him. They are detestable and disobedient; they have proved themselves unfit to do anything good.

1 John 4:8
Those who do not love, do not know God; because God is love.

Supportive Scriptures - Persons that Knew God
(A partial list)

1. ADAM & EVE KNEW GOD

Genesis 3:8-10
They heard the voice of ADONAI, God, walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, so the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of ADONAI, God, among the trees in the garden. ADONAI, God, called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself."

2. ENOCH KNEW GOD

Genesis 5:22-24
After Metushelach was born, Hanokh walked with God 300 years and had sons and daughters. In all, Hanokh lived 365 years. Hanokh walked with God, and then he wasn't there, because God took him.

3. NOAH KNEW GOD

Genesis 6:9
Here is the history of Noach. In his generation, Noach was a man righteous and wholehearted; Noach walked with God.

4. ABRAHAM KNEW GOD

Isaiah 41:8
But you, Isra'el, my servant; Ya'akov, whom I have chosen, descendants of Avraham my friend ...

James 2:23
... and the passage of the Tanakh was fulfilled which says, "Avraham had faith in God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness." He was even called God's friend.

5. MOSES KNEW GOD

Exodus 33:11
ADONAI would speak to Moshe face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then he would return to the camp; but the young man who was his assistant, Y'hoshua the son of Nun, never left the inside of the tent.

Exodus 33:19-23
He replied, "I will cause all my goodness to pass before you, and in your presence I will pronounce the name of ADONAI. Moreover, I show favor to whomever I will, and I display mercy to whomever I will. But my face," he continued, "you cannot see, because a human being cannot look at me and remain alive. Here," he said, "is a place near me; stand on the rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you inside a crevice in the rock and cover you with my hand, until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand, and you will see my back, but my face is not to be seen."

Numbers 12:6-8
He said, "Listen to what I say: when there is a prophet among you, I, ADONAI, make myself known to him in a vision, I speak with him in a dream. But it isn't that way with my servant Moshe. He is the only one who is faithful in my entire household. With him I speak face to face and clearly, not in riddles; he sees the image of ADONAI. So why weren't you afraid to criticize my servant Moshe?"

6. DAVID KNEW GOD

1 Samuel 13:14
But as it is, your kingship will not be established. ADONAI has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and ADONAI has appointed him [David] to be prince over his people, because you did not observe what ADONAI ordered you to do.

Acts 13:22
God removed him [Saul] and raised up David as king for them, making his approval known with these words, 'I found David Ben-Yishai to be a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want.'

7. YESHUA KNEW GOD

John 5:19-20
Therefore, Yeshua said this to them: "Yes, indeed! I tell you that the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; whatever the Father does, the Son does too. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he does; and he will show him even greater things than these, so that you will be amazed."

John 10:30
I [Yeshua] and the Father are one.

John 14:10-11
Don't you believe that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me? What I am telling you, I am not saying on my own initiative; the Father living in me is doing his own works. Trust me, that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me. But if you can't, then trust because of the works themselves.

8. YESHUA'S DISCIPLES KNEW GOD
(The disciples knew God through knowing Yeshua)

Luke 22:34
Yeshua replied, "I tell you, Kefa, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know me."

John 14:7-9
"Because you have known me, you will also know my Father; from now on, you do know him - in fact, you have seen him." Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it will be enough for us." Yeshua replied to him, "Have I been with you so long without your knowing me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?"

Supportive Scriptures - Knowing Who God Is (A partial list of virtues & confirming Scriptures)

Summary
God is a blesser of men
God is a comforter
God is compassionate
God is creator
God is our deliverer & savior
God is an encourager
God is eternal
God is faithful
God is the father of Yeshua
God is our father
God is fearsome
God is a forgiver of sin
God is a giver of gifts
God is glorious
God is God of all
God is good
God is gracious
God is great
God is our healer
God is our helper & counselor
God is holy
God is immutable (unchangeable)
God is incomparable
God is invisible
God is jealous
God is our judge
God is just
God is kind
God is a law-giver
God is our leader
God is Lord
God is love
God is loving
God is merciful
God is near
God is omnipotent
God is omnipresent
God is omniscient (all knowing, wise & seeing)
God is one
God is one with Yeshua
God is patient
God is praiseworthy
God is our protector
God is our provider
God is righteous
God is self-existent / self-defining
God is a server
God is slow to anger
God is sovereign & king
God is a spirit
God is a teacher
God is transcendent (beyond our understanding)
God is triune
God is trustworthy
God is truthful
God is vengeful
God is wise

1. GOD IS A BLESSER OF MEN

Genesis 22:16-18
He said [to Avram], "I have sworn by myself - says ADONAI - that because you have done this, because you haven't withheld your son, your only son, I will most certainly bless you; and I will most certainly increase your descendants to as many as there are stars in the sky or grains of sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the cities of their enemies, and by your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed - because you obeyed my order."

Exodus 23:25
You are to serve ADONAI your God; and he will bless your food and water. I will take sickness away from among you.

Numbers 6:23-27
Speak to Aharon and his sons, and tell them that this is how you are to bless the people of Isra'el: you are to say to them, 'Y'varekh'kha ADONAI v'yishmerekha. [May ADONAI bless you and keep you.] Ya'er ADONAI panav eleikha vichunekka. [May ADONAI make his face shine on you and show you his favor.] Yissa ADONAI panav eleikha v'yasem l'kha shalom. [May ADONAI lift up his face toward you and give you peace.]' In this way they are to put my name on the people of Isra'el, so that I will bless them.

Deuteronomy 7:13-14
He will love you, bless you and increase your numbers; he will also bless the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground - your grain, wine, olive oil and the young of your cattle and sheep - in the land he swore to your ancestors that he would give you. You will be blessed more than all other peoples; there will not be a sterile male or female among you, and the same with your livestock.

Malachi 3:10
"Bring the whole tenth into the storehouse, so that there will be food in my house, and put me to the test," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot. "See if I won't open for you the floodgates of heaven and pour out for you a blessing far beyond your needs."

Matthew 5:1-11
Seeing the crowds, Yeshua walked up the hill. After he sat down, his talmidim came to him, and he began to speak. This is what he taught them: "How blessed are the poor in spirit! for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. How blessed are those who mourn! for they will be comforted. How blessed are the meek! for they will inherit the Land! How blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness! for they will be filled. How blessed are those who show mercy! for they will be shown mercy. How blessed are the pure in heart! for they will see God. How blessed are those who make peace! for they will be called sons of God. How blessed are those who are persecuted because they pursue righteousness! for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. How blessed you are when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of vicious lies about you because you follow me!"

James 1:12
How blessed is the man who perseveres through temptation! For after he has passed the test, he will receive as his crown the Life which God has promised to those who love him.

Section E Index

2. GOD IS A COMFORTER

Isaiah 41:13
For I, ADONAI, your God, say to you, as I hold your right hand, 'Have no fear; I will help you.'

Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

John 14:15-16
If you love me, you will keep my commands; and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforting Counselor like me, the Spirit of Truth, to be with you forever.

2 Corinthians 1:3
Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, compassionate Father, God of all encouragement and comfort;

Section E Index

3. GOD IS COMPASSIONATE

Exodus 34:6
ADONAI passed before him and proclaimed: "YUD-HEH-VAV-HEH!!! Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh [[ADONAI]] is God, merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in grace and truth;

Isaiah 30:18
Yet ADONAI is just waiting to show you favor, he will have pity on you from on high; for ADONAI is a God of justice; happy are all who wait for him!

Psalm 86:15
But you, Adonai, are a merciful, compassionate God, slow to anger and rich in grace and truth.

Psalm 103:13
Just as a father has compassion on his children, ADONAI has compassion on those who fear him.

Nehemiah 9:31
Even so, in your great compassion, you didn't completely destroy them; nor did you abandon them, for you are a compassionate and merciful God.

Romans 9:15
For to Moshe he says, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will pity whom I pity."

2 Corinthians 1:3
Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, compassionate Father, God of all encouragement and comfort;

Section E Index

4. GOD IS A CREATOR

Genesis 1:27
So God created humankind in his own image; in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them.

Genesis 2:3
God blessed the seventh day and separated it as holy; because on that day God rested from all his work which he had created, so that it itself could produce.

Deuteronomy 32:6
You foolish people, so lacking in wisdom, is this how you repay ADONAI? He is your father, who made you his! It was he who formed and prepared you!

Malachi 2:10
Don't we all have the same father? Didn't one God create us all? Then why do we break faith with each other, profaning the covenant of our ancestors?

Psalm 124:8
Our help is in the name of ADONAI, the maker of heaven and earth.

1 Corinthians 8:6
... yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom all things come and for whom we exist; and one Lord, Yeshua the Messiah, through whom were created all things and through whom we have our being.

Section E Index

5. GOD IS OUR DELIVERER & SAVIOUR

Isaiah 33:22
For ADONAI is our judge, ADONAI is our lawgiver, ADONAI is our king. He will save us.

Isaiah 43:11
I, yes I, am ADONAI; besides me there is no deliverer [savior].

Isaiah 49:26
I will feed those oppressing you with their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood as with wine. Then everyone will know that I, ADONAI, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Ya'akov.

Isaiah 60:16
You will drink the milk of nations, you will nurse at royal breasts and know that I, ADONAI, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Ya'akov.

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, ADONAI, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for you are my praise.

Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the God who saves me, my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 79:9
Help us, God of our salvation, for the sake of the glory of your name. Deliver us, forgive our sins, for your name's sake.

Psalm 103:2-4
Bless ADONAI, my soul, and forget none of his benefits! He forgives all your offenses, he heals all your diseases, he redeems your life from the pit, he surrounds you with grace and compassion ...

Psalm 107:19-20
In their trouble they cried to ADONAI, and he rescued them from their distress; he sent his word and healed them, he delivered them from destruction.

1 John 4:14
Moreover, we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as Deliverer of the world.

1 Peter 1:3
Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who, in keeping with his great mercy, has caused us, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah from the dead, to be born again to a living hope ...

Section E Index

6. GOD IS AN ENCOURAGER

Joshua 1:9
Haven't I ordered you, 'Be strong, be bold'? So don't be afraid or downhearted, because ADONAI your God is with you wherever you go.

John 16:33
I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have shalom. In the world, you have tsuris. But be brave! I have conquered the world!

Acts 23:11
The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage! For just as you have borne a faithful witness to me in Yerushalayim, so now you must bear witness in Rome."

Romans 15:4-6
For everything written in the past was written to teach us, so that with the encouragement of the Tanakh we might patiently hold on to our hope. And may God, the source of encouragement and patience, give you the same attitude among yourselves as the Messiah Yeshua had, so that with one accord and with one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, compassionate Father, God of all encouragement and comfort; who encourages us in all our trials, so that we can encourage others in whatever trials they may be undergoing with the encouragement we ourselves have received from God. For just as the Messiah's sufferings overflow into us, so through the Messiah our encouragement also overflows.

Section E Index

7. GOD IS ETERNAL

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the High, Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy: "I live in the high and holy place but also with the broken and humble, in order to revive the spirit of the humble and revive the hearts of the broken ones.

Psalm 90:1-2
A prayer of Moshe the man of God: Adonai, you have been our dwelling place in every generation. Before the mountains were born, before you had formed the earth and the world, from eternity past to eternity future you are God.

Psalm 93:2
Your throne was established long ago; you have existed forever.

Psalm 102:13(12)
But you, ADONAI, are enthroned forever; your renown will endure through all generations.

Lamentations 5:19
You, ADONAI, reign forever; your throne endures through all generations.

Matthew 6:13
And do not lead us into hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. For kingship, power and glory are yours forever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:17
So to the King- eternal, imperishable and invisible, the only God there is - let there be honor and glory for ever and ever! Amen.

1 Timothy 6:15-16
His appearing will be brought about in its own time by the blessed and sole Sovereign, who is King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal, who dwells in unapproachable light that no human being has ever seen or can see - to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

Section E Index

8. GOD IS FAITHFUL

Deuteronomy 7:9
From this you can know that ADONAI your God is indeed God, the faithful God, who keeps his covenant and extends grace to those who love him and observe his mitzvot, to a thousand generations.

Isaiah 25:1
ADONAI, you are my God. I exalt you, I praise your name. For you have accomplished marvels, [fulfilled] ancient plans faithfully and truly.

Psalm 89:2-3(1-2)
I will sing about ADONAI's acts of grace forever, with my mouth proclaim your faithfulness to all generations; because I said, "Grace is built to last forever; in the heavens themselves you established your faithfulness."

Section E Index

9. GOD IS THE FATHER OF YESHUA

Mark 1:10-11
Immediately upon coming up out of the water, he [Yeshua] saw heaven torn open and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; then a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with you.

John 1:14
The Word became a human being and lived with us, and we saw his Sh'khinah, the Sh'khinah of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed.

Romans 15:5-6
And may God, the source of encouragement and patience, give you the same attitude among yourselves as the Messiah Yeshua had, so that with one accord and with one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

2 Corinthians 1:3
Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, compassionate Father, God of all encouragement and comfort

1 Peter 1:3
Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who, in keeping with his great mercy, has caused us, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah from the dead, to be born again to a living hope ...

Section E Index

10. GOD IS OUR FATHER

Deuteronomy 32:6
You foolish people, so lacking in wisdom, is this how you repay ADONAI? He is your father, who made you his! It was he who formed and prepared you!

Isaiah 64:7(8)
But now, ADONAI, you are our father; we are the clay, you are our potter; and we are all the work of your hands.

Malachi 2:10
Don't we all have the same father? Didn't one God create us all? Then why do we break faith with each other, profaning the covenant of our ancestors?

Matthew 23:9
And do not call anyone on earth 'Father.' because you have one Father, and he is in heaven.

1 Corinthians 8:6
... yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom all things come and for whom we exist; and one Lord, Yeshua the Messiah, through whom were created all things and through whom we have our being.

Ephesians 4:5-6
And there is one Lord, one trust, one immersion, and one God, the Father of all, who rules over all, works through all and is in all.

Section E Index

11. GOD IS FEARSOME

Genesis 31:42
If the God of my father, the God of Avraham, the one whom Yitz'chak fears, had not been on my side, by now you would certainly have already sent me away with nothing! God has seen how distressed I've been and how hard I've worked, and last night he passed judgment in my favor.

Deuteronomy 6:24
ADONAI ordered us to observe all these laws, to fear ADONAI our God, always for our own good, so that he might keep us alive, as we are today.

Psalm 103:13
Just as a father has compassion on his children, ADONAI has compassion on those who fear him.

Psalm 111:10
... the first and foremost point of wisdom is the fear of ADONAI; all those living by it gain good common sense. His praise stands forever.

Psalm 115:12-13
ADONAI has kept us in mind, and he will bless. He will bless the house of Isra'el; he will bless the house of Aharon; he will bless those who fear ADONAI, great and small alike.

Psalm 130:4
But with you there is forgiveness, so that you will be feared.

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of ADONAI is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Job 25:2
Dominion and fear belong to him; he makes peace in his high places.

Job 28:28
And to human beings he said, 'Look, fear of Adonai is wisdom! Shunning evil is understanding!'

Nehemiah 1:5
I said, "Please, ADONAI! God of heaven! You great and fearsome God, who keeps his covenant and extends grace to those who love him and observe his mitzvot!"

Section E Index

12. GOD IS A FORGIVER OF SIN

Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like you, pardoning the sin and overlooking the crimes of the remnant of his heritage? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in grace. He will again have compassion on us, he will subdue our iniquities. You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Psalm 103:3
He forgives all your offenses, he heals all your diseases ...

Psalm 130:4
But with you there is forgiveness, so that you will be feared.

Daniel 9:9
It is for Adonai our God to show compassion and forgiveness, because we rebelled against him.

Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;

Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive your offenses.

Luke 6:37
Don't judge, and you won't be judged. Don't condemn, and you won't be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Ephesians 1:7-8
In union with him, through the shedding of his blood, we are set free - our sins are forgiven; this accords with the wealth of the grace he has lavished on us. In all his wisdom and insight ...

Colossians 3:13
Bear with one another; if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive him. Indeed, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.

1 John 1:9
If we acknowledge our sins, then, since he is trustworthy and just, he will forgive them and purify us from all wrongdoing.

Section E Index

13. GOD IS A GIVER OF GIFTS

Matthew 7:11
So if you, even though you are bad, know how to give your children gifts that are good, how much more will your Father in heaven keep giving good things to those who keep asking him!

Romans 6:23
For what one earns from sin is death; but eternal life is what one receives as a free gift from God, in union with the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.

Romans 12:6-8
But we have gifts that differ and which are meant to be used according to the grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, use it to the extent of your trust; if it is serving, use it to serve; if you are a teacher, use your gift in teaching; if you are a counselor, use your gift to comfort and exhort; if you are someone who gives, do it simply and generously; if you are in a position of leadership, lead with diligence and zeal; if you are one who does acts of mercy, do them cheerfully.

Ephesians 2:8
For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but God's gift.

James 1:17
Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father who made the heavenly lights; with him there is neither variation nor darkness caused by turning.

Section E Index

14. GOD IS GLORIOUS

Exodus 24:16
The glory of ADONAI stayed on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day he called to Moshe out of the cloud.

Numbers 14:21-23
But as sure as I live, and that the whole earth is filled with the glory of ADONAI, none of the people who saw my glory and the signs I did in Egypt and in the desert, yet tested me these ten times and did not listen to my voice, will see the land I swore to their ancestors! None of those who treated me with contempt will see it.

1 Kings 8:10-11
When the cohanim came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of ADONAI, so that, because of the cloud, the cohanim could not stand up to perform their service; for the glory of ADONAI filled the house of ADONAI.

Isaiah 6:3
They were crying out to each other, "More holy than the holiest holiness is ADONAI-Tzva'ot! The whole earth is filled with his glory!"

Isaiah 49:3
He said to me, "You are my servant, Isra'el, through whom I will show my glory."

Ezekiel 9:3
Then the glory of the God of Isra'el was made to go up from over the keruv, where it had been, to the threshold of the house. He called to the man clothed in linen, who had the scribe's writing equipment at his waist.

Ezekiel 10:19
The k'ruvim lifted their wings and rose off the earth - I was watching as they went off with the wheels next to them. They paused at the entrance to the east gate of ADONAI's house, with the glory of the God of Isra'el over them, from above.

Habakkuk 2:14
For the earth will be as full of the knowledge of ADONAI's glory as water covering the sea.

Psalm 19:2(1)
The heavens declare the glory of God, the dome of the sky speaks the work of his hands.

Palms 79:9
Help us, God of our salvation, for the sake of the glory of your name. Deliver us, forgive our sins, for your name's sake.

Revelation 19:1
After these things, I heard what sounded like the roar of a huge crowd in heaven, shouting, "Halleluyah! The victory, the glory, the power of our God!"

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15. GOD IS GOD OF ALL

Deuteronomy 4:39
... know today, and establish it in your heart, that ADONAI is God in heaven above and on earth below - there is no other.

Jeremiah 32:27
Look, I am ADONAI, the God of every living creature; is there anything too hard for me?

Ephesians 4:6
And there is one Lord, one trust, one immersion, and one God, the Father of all, who rules over all, works through all and is in all.

Section E Index

16. GOD IS GOOD

Psalm 25:7-8
Don't remember my youthful sins or transgressions; but remember me according to your grace for the sake of your goodness, ADONAI. ADONAI is good, and he is fair; this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live] ...

Psalm 34:9(8)
Taste, and see that ADONAI is good. How blessed are those who take refuge in him!

Psalm 106:48(107:1)
Blessed be ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, from eternity past to eternity future. Now let all the people say, "Amen! Halleluyah!" Give thanks to ADONAI; for he is good, for his grace continues forever.

Psalm 119:68
You are good, and you do good; teach me your laws.

Psalm 145:9
ADONAI is good to all; his compassion rests on all his creatures.

Matthew 19:16-17
Why are you asking me about good? There is One who is good! But if you want to obtain eternal life, observe the mitzvot.

1 Timothy 4:4
For everything created by God is good, and nothing received with thanksgiving needs to be rejected ...

2 Peter 1:3
God's power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through our knowing the One who called us to his own glory and goodness.

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17. GOD IS GRACIOUS

Exodus 34:6
ADONAI passed before him and proclaimed: "YUD-HEH-VAV-HEH!!! Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh [[ADONAI]] is God, merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in grace and truth;

Isaiah 30:19
People in Tziyon, who live in Yerushalayim, you will weep no more. At the sound of your cry, he will show you his grace; on hearing it, he will answer you.

Psalm 89:2-3(1-2)
I will sing about ADONAI's acts of grace forever, with my mouth proclaim your faithfulness to all generations; because I said, "Grace is built to last forever; in the heavens themselves you established your faithfulness."

Psalm 145:17
ADONAI is righteous in all his ways, full of grace in all he does.

Romans 1:5
Through him we received grace and were given the work of being an emissary on his behalf promoting trust-grounded obedience among all the Gentiles ...

Romans 3:24
By God's grace, without earning it, all are granted the status of being considered righteous before him, through the act redeeming us from our enslavement to sin that was accomplished by the Messiah Yeshua.

Hebrews 4:16
Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne from which God gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.

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18. GOD IS GREAT

1 Kings 8:41-42
Also the foreigner who does not belong to your people Isra'el - when he comes from a distant country because of your reputation (for they will hear of your great reputation, your mighty hand and your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house;

Jeremiah 10:6
There is no one like you, ADONAI! You are great, and your name is great and mighty.

Jeremiah 32:18
You display your grace to thousands but also repay the guilt of the fathers into the lap of their children who follow them. Great, powerful God, whose name is ADONAI-Tzva'ot ...

Ezekiel 38:23
I will show my greatness and holiness, making myself known in the sight of many nations; then they will know that I am ADONAI.

Psalm 86:10
For you are great, and you do wonders; you alone are God.

Psalm 95:3
For ADONAI is a great God, a great king greater than all gods.

Psalm 96:4
For ADONAI is great, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared more than all gods.

Psalm 104:1
Bless ADONAI, my soul! ADONAI, my God, you are very great; you are clothed with glory and majesty

Psalms 135:5
I know that ADONAI is great, that our Lord is above all gods.

Nehemiah 1:5
I said, "Please, ADONAI! God of heaven! You great and fearsome God, who keeps his covenant and extends grace to those who love him and observe his mitzvot!.

1 Chronicles 16:25
For ADONAI is great, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared more than all gods.

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19. GOD IS OUR HEALER

Exodus 15:26
He said, "If you will listen intently to the voice of ADONAI your God, do what he considers right, pay attention to his mitzvot and observe his laws, I will not afflict you with any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians; because I am ADONAI your healer."

Exodus 23:25
You are to serve ADONAI your God; and he will bless your food and water. I will take sickness away from among you.

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, ADONAI, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for you are my praise.

Psalm 30:3(2)
ADONAI my God, I cried out to you, and you provided healing for me.

Psalm 103:2-3
Bless ADONAI, my soul, and forget none of his benefits! He forgives all your offenses, he heals all your diseases

Psalm 107:19-20
In their trouble they cried to ADONAI, and he rescued them from their distress; he sent his word and healed them, he delivered them from destruction.

James 5:14-15
Is someone among you ill? He should call for the elders of the congregation. They will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. The prayer offered with trust will heal the one who is ill - the Lord will restore his health; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Section E Index

20. GOD IS OUR HELPER & COUNSELOR

Isaiah 9:5(6)
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; dominion will rest on his shoulders, and he will be given the name Pele-Yo'etz El Gibbor Avi-'Ad Sar-Shalom [Wonder of a Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace],

Isaiah 41:13
For I, ADONAI, your God, say to you, as I hold your right hand, 'Have no fear; I will help you.'

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct and teach you in this way that you are to go; I will give you counsel; my eyes will be watching you.

Psalm 46:2(1)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 54:6(4)
But God is helping me; Adonai is my support.

Psalm 124:8
Our help is in the name of ADONAI, the maker of heaven and earth.

John 14:15-16
If you love me, you will keep my commands; and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforting Counselor like me, the Spirit of Truth, to be with you forever.

John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Ruach HaKodesh, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything; that is, he will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Hebrews 13:6
Therefore, we say with confidence, "ADONAI is my helper; I will not be afraid - what can a human being do to me?"

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21. GOD IS HOLY

Exodus 15:11
Who is like you, ADONAI, among the mighty? Who is like you, sublime in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?

Leviticus 20:26
Rather, you people are to be holy for me; because I, ADONAI, am holy; and I have set you apart from the other peoples, so that you can belong to me.

1 Samuel 2:2
No one is as holy as ADONAI, because there is none to compare with you, no rock like our God.

Isaiah 6:3
They were crying out to each other, "More holy than the holiest holiness is ADONAI-Tzva'ot! The whole earth is filled with his glory!"

Ezekiel 38:23
I will show my greatness and holiness, making myself known in the sight of many nations; then they will know that I am ADONAI.

Psalm 99:2-3
ADONAI is great in Tziyon; he is high above all the peoples. Let them praise your great and fearsome name (he is holy)

1 Peter 1:16
On the contrary, following the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in your entire way of life; since the Tanakh says, "You are to be holy because I am holy.

Revelation 4:8
Each of the four living beings had six wings and was covered with eyes inside and out; and day and night they never stop saying, "Holy, holy, holy is ADONAI, God of heaven's armies the One who was, who is and who is coming!"

Section E Index

22. GOD IS IMMUTABLE
(unchangeable)

Numbers 23:19
God is not a human who lies or a mortal who changes his mind. When he says something, he will do it; when he makes a promise, he will fulfill it.

1 Samuel 15:29
Moreover, the Eternal One of Isra'el will not lie or change his mind, because he isn't a mere human being subject to changing his mind.

Malachi 3:6
But because I, ADONAI, do not change, you sons of Ya&akov will not be destroyed.

Psalm 102:27-28(26-27)
They will vanish, but you will remain; like clothing, they will all grow old; yes, you will change them like clothing, and they will pass away. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.

Job 23:13
But he has no equal, so who can change him? What he desires, he does.

Hebrews 1:11-12
They will vanish, but you will remain; like clothing, they will all grow old; and you will fold them up like a coat. Yes, they will be changed like clothing, but you remain the same, your years will never end.

Hebrews 6:17
Therefore, when God wanted to demonstrate still more convincingly the unchangeable character of his intentions to those who were to receive what he had promised, he added an oath to the promise

James 1:17
Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father who made the heavenly lights; with him there is neither variation nor darkness caused by turning.

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23. GOD IS INCOMPARABLE

Exodus 15:11
Who is like you, ADONAI, among the mighty? Who is like you, sublime in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?

Psalm 89:7(6)
For who in the skies can be compared with ADONAI? Which of these gods can rival ADONAI ...

Psalm 113:5
Who is like ADONAI our God, seated in the heights ...

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24. GOD IS INVISIBLE

John 1:18
No one has ever seen God; but the only and unique Son, who is identical with God and is at the Father's side - he has made him known.

1 Timothy 1:17
So to the King - eternal, imperishable and invisible, the only God there is - let there be honor and glory for ever and ever! Amen.

1 Timothy 6:15-16
His appearing will be brought about in its own time by the blessed and sole Sovereign, who is King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal, who dwells in unapproachable light that no human being has ever seen or can see - to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God remains united with us, and our love for him has been brought to its goal in us.

1 John 4:20
If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar. For if a person does not love his brother, whom he has seen, then he cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

Section E Index

25. GOD IS JEALOUS

Exodus 20:4-5
You are not to bow down to them or serve them; for I, ADONAI your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but displaying grace to the thousandth generation of those who love me and obey my mitzvot.

Exodus 34:13-14
Rather, you are to demolish their altars, smash their standing-stones and cut down their sacred poles; because you are not to bow down to any other god; since ADONAI - whose very name is Jealous - is a jealous God.

Nahum 1:2
ADONAI is a jealous and vengeful God. ADONAI avenges; he knows how to be angry. ADONAI takes vengeance on his foes and stores up wrath for his enemies.

Section E Index

26. GOD IS OUR JUDGE

Genesis 18:25
Far be it from you to do such a thing - to kill the righteous along with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike! Far be it from you! Shouldn't the judge of all the earth do what is just?

Isaiah 33:22
For ADONAI is our judge, ADONAI is our lawgiver, ADONAI is our king. He will save us.

Jeremiah 9:23(24)
... instead, let the boaster boast about this: that he understands and knows me - that I am ADONAI, practicing grace, justice and righteousness in the land; for in these things I take pleasure," says ADONAI.

Romans 2:16
For their lives show that the conduct the Torah dictates is written in their hearts. Their consciences also bear witness to this, for their conflicting thoughts sometimes accuse them and sometimes defend them on a day when God passes judgment on people's inmost secrets. (According to the Good News as I proclaim it, he does this through the Messiah Yeshua.)

Romans 11:33
O the depth of the riches and the wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments! How unsearchable are his ways!

1 Peter 1:17
Also, if you are addressing as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person's actions, you should live out your temporary stay on earth in fear.

Section E Index

27. GOD IS JUST

Genesis 18:24-25
Maybe there are fifty righteous people in the city; will you actually sweep the place away, and not forgive it for the sake of the fifty righteous who are there? Far be it from you to do such a thing - to kill the righteous along with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike! Far be it from you! Shouldn't the judge of all the earth do what is just?

Isaiah 30:18
Yet ADONAI is just waiting to show you favor, he will have pity on you from on high; for ADONAI is a God of justice; happy are all who wait for him!

Jeremiah 9:23(24)
... instead, let the boaster boast about this: that he understands and knows me - that I am ADONAI, practicing grace, justice and righteousness in the land; for in these things I take pleasure," says ADONAI.

Psalm 99:4
Mighty king who loves justice, you established fairness, justice and righteousness in Ya'akov.

Psalm 140:13(12)
I know that ADONAI gives justice to the poor and maintains the rights of the needy.

Nehemiah 9:32-33
There is no question that you are just in all that has come upon us; for you have treated us fairly. It is we who have acted wickedly.

Romans 2:2
We know that God's judgment lands impartially on those who do such things

1 Peter 1:17
Also, if you are addressing as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person's actions, you should live out your temporary stay on earth in fear.

1 John 1:9
If we acknowledge our sins, then, since he is trustworthy and just, he will forgive them and purify us from all wrongdoing. NormalParagraph Section E Index

28. GOD IS KIND

1 Samuel 20:14
However, you are to show me ADONAI's kindness not only while I am alive, so that I do not die

1 Kings 3:5-6
At Gi'on ADONAI appeared to Shlomo in a dream at night; God said, "Tell me what I should give you." Shlomo said, "You showed your servant David my father much grace, as he lived before you honestly and righteously, having an upright heart with you. You preserved this great grace for him by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as is the case today."

Romans 2:4
Or perhaps you despise the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience; because you don't realize that God's kindness is intended to lead you to turn from your sins.

Titus 3:4
But when the kindness and love for mankind of God our Deliverer was revealed, he delivered us. It was not on the ground of any righteous deeds we had done, but on the ground of his own mercy. He did it by means of the mikveh of rebirth and the renewal brought about by the Ruach HaKodesh

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29. GOD IS A LAW-GIVER

Exodus 13:8-9
On that day you are to tell your son, 'It is because of what ADONAI did for me when I left Egypt.' "Moreover, it will serve you as a sign on your hand and as a reminder between your eyes, so that ADONAI's Torah may be on your lips; because with a strong hand ADONAI brought you out of Egypt ...

Exodus 16:4
ADONAI said to Moshe, "Here, I will cause bread to rain down from heaven for you. The people are to go out and gather a day's ration every day. By this I will test whether they will observe my Torah or not."

Exodus 24:12
ADONAI said to Moshe, "Come up to me on the mountain, and stay there. I will give you the stone tablets with the Torah and the mitzvot I have written on them, so that you can teach them."

Deuteronomy 4:8
What great nation is there that has laws and rulings as just as this entire Torah which I am setting before you today?

Isaiah 33:22
For ADONAI is our judge, ADONAI is our lawgiver, ADONAI is our king. He will save us.

James 4:12
There is but one Giver of Torah; he is also the Judge, with the power to deliver and to destroy. Who do you think you are, judging your fellow human being?

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30. GOD IS OUR LEADER

Psalm 5:9(8)
Lead me, ADONAI, in your righteousness because of those lying in wait for me; make your way straight before me.

Psalm 23:2
He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water,

Psalm 25:4-5
Guide me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the God who saves me, my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 27:11
Teach me your way, ADONAI; lead me on a level path because of my enemies

Psalm 31:4(3)
Since you are my rock and fortress, lead me and guide me for your name's sake.

Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do your will, because you are my God; Let your good Spirit guide me on ground that is level.

Romans 2:4
Or perhaps you despise the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience; because you don't realize that God's kindness is intended to lead you to turn from your sins.

2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who in the Messiah constantly leads us in a triumphal procession and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of what it means to know him!

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31. GOD IS LORD

Isaiah 42:8
I am ADONAI [Lord]; that is my name. I yield my glory to no one else, nor my praise to any idol.

Isaiah 43:11
I, yes I, am ADONAI; [Lord] besides me there is no deliverer [savior].

Isaish 44:24
Here is what ADONAI says, your Redeemer, he who formed you in the womb: "I am ADONAI [Lord], who makes all things, who stretched out the heavens all alone, who spread out the earth all by myself."

Jeremiah 9:23(24)
... instead, let the boaster boast about this: that he understands and knows me - that I am ADONAI, practicing grace, justice and righteousness in the land; for in these things I take pleasure," says ADONAI.

Jeremiah 32:27
Look, I am ADONAI, the God of every living creature; is there anything too hard for me?

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32. GOD IS LOVE

1 John 4:8
Those who do not love, do not know God; because God is love.

1 John 4:16
Also we have come to know and trust the love that God has for us. God is love; and those who remain in this love remain united with God, and God remains united with them.

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33. GOD IS LOVING

Deuteronomy 7:8
Rather, it was because ADONAI loved you, and because he wanted to keep the oath which he had sworn to your ancestors, that ADONAI brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from a life of slavery under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed.

Romans 5:5
... and this hope does not let us down, because God's love for us has already been poured out in our hearts through the Ruach HaKodesh who has been given to us.

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in that the Messiah died on our behalf while we were still sinners.

1 John 4:16
Also we have come to know and trust the love that God has for us. God is love; and those who remain in this love remain united with God, and God remains united with them.

1 John 4:19
We ourselves love now because he loved us first.

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34. GOD IS MERCIFUL

Exodus 34:6-7
ADONAI passed before him and proclaimed: "YUD-HEH-VAV-HEH!!! Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh [[ADONAI]] is God, merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in grace and truth;

2 Samuel 22:26
With the merciful, you are merciful; with the champion of purity, you are pure;

Psalm 25:6-7
Remember your compassion and grace, ADONAI; for these are ages old.

Psalm 86:15
But you, Adonai, are a merciful, compassionate God, slow to anger and rich in grace and truth.

Psalm 103:8
ADONAI is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in grace.

Nehemiah 9:31
Even so, in your great compassion, you didn't completely destroy them; nor did you abandon them, for you are a compassionate and merciful God.

Romans 9:15-16
For to Moshe he says, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will pity whom I pity." Thus it doesn't depend on human desires or efforts, but on God, who has mercy ...

Romans 9:23
What if he did this in order to make known the riches of his glory to those who are the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory

Romans 12:1
I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical "Temple worship" for you.

Ephesians 2:4
But God is so rich in mercy and loves us with such intense love ...

Hebrews 4:16
Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne from which God gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.

1 Peter 1:3-4
Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who, in keeping with his great mercy, has caused us, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah from the dead, to be born again to a living hope, to an inheritance that cannot decay, spoil or fade, kept safe for you in heaven.

Section E Index

35. GOD IS NEAR

Deuteronomy 4:7
For what great nation is there that has God as close to them as ADONAI our God is, whenever we call on him?

Jeremiah 23:23-24
Am I God only when near," asks ADONAI, "and not when far away? Can anyone hide in a place so secret that I won't see him?" asks ADONAI. ADONAI says, "Do I not fill heaven and earth?"

Acts 17:27-28
God did this so that people would look for him and perhaps reach out and find him although in fact, he is not far from each one of us, ...

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36. GOD IS OMNIPOTENT

Exodus 15:6
Your right hand, ADONAI, is sublimely powerful; your right hand, ADONAI, shatters the foe.

Jeremiah 32:17
ADONAI, God! You made heaven and earth by your great power and outstretched arm; nothing is too hard for you ...

Matthew 6:13
And do not lead us into hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. For kingship, power and glory are yours forever. Amen.

Matthew 19:26
Yeshua looked at them and said, "Humanly, this is impossible; but with God everything is possible."

Mark 14:36
Abba!" (that is, "Dear Father!") "All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me! Still, not what I want, but what you want."

Romans 1:20
For ever since the creation of the universe his invisible qualities - both his eternal power and his divine nature - have been clearly seen, because they can be understood from what he has made. Therefore, they have no excuse

1 Corinthians 2:3-5
Also I myself was with you as somebody weak, nervous and shaking all over from fear; and neither the delivery nor the content of my message relied on compelling words of "wisdom" but on a demonstration of the power of the Spirit, so that your trust might not rest on human wisdom but on God's power.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength!

Hebrews 1:3
This Son is the radiance of the Sh'khinah, the very expression of God's essence, upholding all that exists by his powerful word; and after he had, through himself, made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of HaG'dulah BaM'romim.

Revelation 19:1
After these things, I heard what sounded like the roar of a huge crowd in heaven, shouting, "Halleluyah! The victory, the glory, the power of our God!

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37. GOD IS OMNIPRESENT

1 Kings 8:27
But can God actually live on the earth? Why, heaven itself, even the heaven of heavens, cannot contain you; so how much less this house I have built?

Jeremiah 23:23-24
Am I God only when near," asks ADONAI, "and not when far away? Can anyone hide in a place so secret that I won't see him?" asks ADONAI. ADONAI says, "Do I not fill heaven and earth?"

Psalm 139:7-10
Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I lie down in Sh'ol, you are there. If I fly away with the wings of the dawn and land beyond the sea, even there your hand would lead me, your right hand would hold me fast. If I say, "Let darkness surround me, let the light around me be night," even darkness like this is not too dark for you; rather, night is as clear as day, darkness and light are the same.

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38. GOD IS OMNISCIENT
(all knowing, wise & seeing)

Ezekiel 11:5
The Spirit of ADONAI fell on me, and he said to me, "Say, 'Here is what ADONAI says: "What you are saying is correct, house of Isra'el; because I know how your minds work.'"

Psalm 139:1-5
For the leader. A psalm of David: ADONAI, you have probed me, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I stand up, you discern my inclinations from afar, you scrutinize my daily activities. You are so familiar with all my ways that before I speak even a word, ADONAI, you know all about it already. You have hemmed me in both behind and in front and laid your hand on me.

Psalm 147:5
Our Lord is great, his power is vast, his wisdom beyond all telling.

Job 11:7-11
Can you penetrate God's depths? Can you find out Shaddai's limits? They're as high as heaven; what can you do? They're deeper than Sh'ol; what can you know? Their extent is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. If he passes through, puts in prison and assembles [for judgment], who can prevent him? For he knows when people are worthless; so if he sees iniquity, won't he look into it?

Acts 15:18
"After this, I will return; and I will rebuild the fallen tent of David. I will rebuild its ruins, I will restore it, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, that is, all the Goyim who have been called by my name," says ADONAI, who is doing these things.' All this has been known for ages.

Romans 2:16
For their lives show that the conduct the Torah dictates is written in their hearts. Their consciences also bear witness to this, for their conflicting thoughts sometimes accuse them and sometimes defend them on a day when God passes judgment on people's inmost secrets. (According to the Good News as I proclaim it, he does this through the Messiah Yeshua.)

Romans 11:33
O the depth of the riches and the wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments! How unsearchable are his ways!

Hebrews 4:13
Before God, nothing created is hidden, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

1 John 3:20
Here is how we will know that we are from the truth and will set our hearts at rest in his presence: if our hearts know something against us, God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Section E Index

39. GOD IS ONE

Deuteronomy 6:4
Sh'ma, Yisra'el! ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI echad [Hear, Isra'el! ADONAI our God, ADONAI is one];

Mark 12:28-29
One of the Torah-teachers came up and heard them engaged in this discussion. Seeing that Yeshua answered them well, he asked him, "Which is the most important mitzvah of them all?" Yeshua answered, "The most important is, 'Sh'ma Yisra'el, ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI echad [Hear, O Isra'el, the LORD our God, the LORD is one] ...

John 16:13-15
However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own initiative but will say only what he hears. He will also announce to you the events of the future. He will glorify me, because he will receive from what is mine and announce it to you. Everything the Father has is mine; this is why I said that he receives from what is mine and will announce it to you.

1 Corinthians 8:4
So, as for eating food sacrificed to idols, we "know" that, as you say, "An idol has no real existence in the world, and there is only one God."

Galatians 3:20
Now a mediator implies more than one, but God is one.

1 Timothy 2:5
For God is one; and there is but one Mediator between God and humanity, Yeshua the Messiah, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom on behalf of all, thus providing testimony to God's purpose at just the right time.

Section E Index

40. GOD IS ONE WITH YESHUA

John 10:30
I and the Father are one.

John 14:9-11
Yeshua replied to him, "Have I been with you so long without your knowing me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me? What I am telling you, I am not saying on my own initiative; the Father living in me is doing his own works. Trust me, that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me. But if you can't, then trust because of the works themselves.

1 John 4:15
If someone acknowledges that Yeshua is the Son of God, God remains united with him, and he with God.

Section E Index

41. GOD IS PATIENT

Isaiah 48:9
Yet for the sake of my own reputation I am deferring my anger; for the sake of my praise I am patient with you, so as not to cut you off.

Jeremiah 15:15
ADONAI, you know. Remember me, think of me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors. Because you are patient, don't banish me; know that for your sake I suffer insults.

Romans 2:4
Or perhaps you despise the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience; because you don't realize that God's kindness is intended to lead you to turn from your sins.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some people think of slowness; on the contrary, he is patient with you; for it is not his purpose that anyone should be destroyed, but that everyone should turn from his sins.

2 Peter 3:15
And think of our Lord's patience as deliverance, just as our dear brother Sha'ul also wrote you, following the wisdom God gave him.

Section E Index

42. GOD IS PRAISEWORTHY

Exodus 15:2
Yah is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. This is my God: I will glorify him; my father's God: I will exalt him.

Exodus 15:11
Who is like you, ADONAI, among the mighty? Who is like you, sublime in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?

Deuteronomy 10:21
He is your praise, and he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things, which you have seen with your own eyes.

Isaiah 25:1
ADONAI, you are my God. I exalt you, I praise your name. For you have accomplished marvels, [fulfilled] ancient plans faithfully and truly.

Isaiah 63:7
I will recall the grace of ADONAI and the praises of ADONAI, because of all that ADONAI has granted us and his great goodness toward the house of Isra'el, which he bestowed on them in keeping with his mercy, in keeping with the greatness of his grace.

Jeremiah 20:13
Sing to ADONAI! Praise ADONAI! For he rescues those in need from the clutches of evildoers.

Psalm 47:7(6)
Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our king, sing praises!

Psalm 48:2(1)
Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our king, sing praises!

Psalm 68:5(4)
Sing to God, sing praises to his name; extol him who rides on the clouds by his name, Yah; and be glad in his presence.

Psalm 145:3-4
Great is ADONAI and greatly to be praised; his greatness is beyond all searching out. Each generation will praise your works to the next and proclaim your mighty acts.

Ephesians 1:5-6
He determined in advance that through Yeshua the Messiah we would be his sons - in keeping with his pleasure and purpose - so that we would bring him praise commensurate with the glory of the grace he gave us through the Beloved One.

Section E Index

43. GOD IS OUR PROTECTOR

Exodus 14:14
ADONAI will do battle for you. Just calm yourselves down!

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong, be bold, don't be afraid or frightened of them, for ADONAI your God is going with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon made will prevail against you. In court you will refute every accusation. The servants of ADONAI inherit all this; the reward for their righteousness is from me," says ADONAI.

Psalm 3:2-4(1-3)
ADONAI, how many enemies I have! How countless are those attacking me; how countless those who say of me, "There is no salvation for him in God." (Selah) But you, ADONAI, are a shield for me; you are my glory, you lift my head high.

Psalm 18:31(30)
As for God, his way is perfect, the word of ADONAI has been tested by fire; he shields all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 32:7
You are a hiding-place for me, you will keep me from distress; you will surround me with songs of deliverance. (Selah)

Psalm 118:6
With ADONAI on my side, I fear nothing- what can human beings do to me?

Psalm 119:114
You are my hiding-place and shield; I put my hope in your word.

Psalm 121:7
ADONAI will guard you against all harm; he will guard your life.

Ephesians 6:11
Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary.

Section E Index

44. GOD IS OUR PROVIDER

Genesis 22:8
Avraham replied, "God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son"; and they both went on together.

Genesis 22:13-14
Avraham raised his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in the bushes by its horns. Avraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering in place of his son. Avraham called the place ADONAI Yir'eh [[ADONAI will see (to it), ADONAI provides]- as it is said to this day, "On the mountain ADONAI is seen."

Psalm 107:9
For he has satisfied the hungry, filled the starving with good.

Psalm 147:8
He veils the sky with clouds; he provides the earth with rain; he makes grass grow on the hills; he gives food to the animals, even to the young ravens when they cry.

Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds flying about! They neither plant nor harvest, nor do they gather food into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they are?

Matthew 7:7-11
Keep asking, and it will be given to you; keep seeking, and you will find; keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps asking receives; he who keeps seeking finds; and to him who keeps knocking, the door will be opened. Is there anyone here who, if his son asks him for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you, even though you are bad, know how to give your children gifts that are good, how much more will your Father in heaven keep giving good things to those who keep asking him!

Acts 14:17
In times past, he allowed all peoples to walk in their own ways; yet he did not leave himself without evidence of his nature; because he does good things, giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons, filling you with food and your hearts with happiness!

2 Corinthians 9:8-9
Moreover, God has the power to provide you with every gracious gift in abundance, so that always in every way you will have all you need yourselves and be able to provide abundantly for every good cause - as the Tanakh says, "He gave generously to the poor; his tzedakah lasts forever."

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who gives me power.

Philippians 4:19
Moreover, my God will fill every need of yours according to his glorious wealth, in union with the Messiah Yeshua.

Section E Index

45. GOD IS RIGHTEOUS

Jeremiah 9:22-23(23-24)
Here is what ADONAI says: "The wise man should not boast of his wisdom, the powerful should not boast of his power, the wealthy should not boast of his wealth; instead, let the boaster boast about this: that he understands and knows me - that I am ADONAI, practicing grace, justice and righteousness in the land; for in these things I take pleasure," says ADONAI.

Psalm 145:17
ADONAI is righteous in all his ways, full of grace in all he does.

Romans 1:32
They know well enough God's righteous decree that people who do such things deserve to die; yet not only do they keep doing them, but they applaud others who do the same.

Section E Index

46. GOD IS SELF-EXISTENT / SELF-DEFINING

Exodus 3:14
God said to Moshe, "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh [I am/will be what I am/will be]," and added, "Here is what to say to the people of Isra'el: 'Ehyeh [I Am or I Will Be] has sent me to you.'"

Isaiah 41:4
Whose work is this? Who has brought it about? He who called the generations from the beginning, "I, ADONAI, am the first; and I am the same with those who are last."

John 5:26
For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has given the Son life to have in himself.

Revelation 1:8
"I am the 'A' and the 'Z'," says ADONAI, God of heaven's armies, the One who is, who was and who is coming.

Section E Index

47. GOD IS A SERVER

Matthew 20:28
For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve - and to give his life as a ransom for many. (see also, Mark 10:45)

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed.

John 13:3-8
Yeshua was aware that the Father had put everything in his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God. So he rose from the table, removed his outer garments and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured some water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the talmidim and wipe them off with the towel wrapped around him. He came to Shim'on Kefa, who said to him, "Lord! You are washing my feet?" Yeshua answered him, "You don't understand yet what I am doing, but in time you will understand." "No!" said Kefa, "You will never wash my feet!" Yeshua answered him, "If I don't wash you, you have no share with me."

1 Peter 1:18-19
You should be aware that the ransom paid to free you from the worthless way of life which your fathers passed on to you did not consist of anything perishable like silver or gold; on the contrary, it was the costly bloody sacrificial death of the Messiah, as of a lamb without defect or spot.

Section E Index

48. GOD IS SLOW TO ANGER

Exodus 34:6
ADONAI passed before him and proclaimed: "YUD-HEH-VAV-HEH!!! Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh [[ADONAI]] is God, merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in grace and truth;

Numbers 14:18
ADONAI is slow to anger, rich in grace, forgiving offenses and crimes; yet not exonerating the guilty, but causing the negative effects of the parents' offenses to be experienced by their children and even by the third and fourth generations.

Joel 2:13
Tear your heart, not your garments; and turn to ADONAI your God. For he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in grace, and willing to change his mind about disaster.

Psalm 86:15
But you, Adonai, are a merciful, compassionate God, slow to anger and rich in grace and truth

Psalm 103:8
ADONAI is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in grace.

Psalm 145:8
ADONAI is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and great in grace.

Section E Index

49. GOD IS SOVEREIGN / KING

Exodus 29:46
... they will know that I am ADONAI their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt in order to live with them. I am ADONAI their God.

Exodus 31:13
Tell the people of Isra'el, 'You are to observe my Shabbats; for this is a sign between me and you through all your generations; so that you will know that I am ADONAI, who sets you apart for me.'

Exodus 33:19b
Moreover, I show favor to whomever I will, and I display mercy to whomever I will.

2 Samuel 7:22
Therefore, you are great, ADONAI, God; for there is no one like you, and there is no God besides you - everything we have heard confirms that.

Isaiah 33:22
For ADONAI is our judge, ADONAI is our lawgiver, ADONAI is our king. He will save us.

Isaiah 46:9-11
Remember things that happened at the beginning, long ago - that I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. At the beginning I announce the end, proclaim in advance things not yet done; and I say that my plan will hold, I will do everything I please to do. I call a bird of prey from the east, the man I intended, from a distant country. I have spoken and will bring it about; I have made a plan, and I will fulfill it.

Psalm 24:10
Who is he, this glorious king? ADONAI-Tzva'ot - he is the glorious king. (Selah)

Psalm 47:7-9(6-8)
Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our king, sing praises! For God is king of all the earth; sing praises in a maskil. God rules the nations; God sits on his holy throne.

Psalm 59:14(13)
Finish them off in wrath, finish them off, put an end to them, and let them know to the ends of the earth that God is Ruler in Ya'akov. (Selah)

Psalm 93:1-2
ADONAI is king, robed in majesty; ADONAI is robed, girded with strength; The world is well established; it cannot be moved. Your throne was established long ago; you have existed forever.

Psalm 115:3
Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Matthew 10:29
Aren't sparrows sold for next to nothing, two for an assarion? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's consent.

Ephesians 1:11
Also in union with him we were given an inheritance, we who were picked in advance according to the purpose of the One who effects everything in keeping with the decision of his will ...

1 Timothy 6:15-16
His appearing will be brought about in its own time by the blessed and sole Sovereign, who is King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal, who dwells in unapproachable light that no human being has ever seen or can see - to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

Section E Index

50. GOD IS A SPIRIT

Genesis 1:1-2
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was unformed and void, darkness was on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God hovered over the surface of the water.

Zechariah 4:6
Then he answered me, "This is the word of ADONAI to Z'rubavel: 'Not by force, and not by power, but by my Spirit,' says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

John 4:24
God is spirit; and worshippers must worship him spiritually and truly.

Romans 8:26-27
Similarly, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we don't know how to pray the way we should. But the Spirit himself pleads on our behalf with groanings too deep for words; and the one who searches hearts knows exactly what the Spirit is thinking, because his pleadings for God's people accord with God's will.

1 John 4:13
Here is how we know that we remain united with him and he with us: he has given to us from his own Spirit.

Section E Index

51. GOD IS A TEACHER

Exodus 4:15
You will speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I will be with your mouth and his, teaching you both what to do.

Isaiah 2:3
Many peoples will go and say, "Come, let's go up to the mountain of ADONAI, to the house of the God of Ya'akov! He will teach us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For out of Tziyon will go forth Torah, the word of ADONAI from Yerushalayim.

Isaiah 54:13
All your children will be taught by ADONAI; your children will have great peace.

Micah 4:2
Many Gentiles will go and say, "Come, let's go up to the mountain of ADONAI, to the house of the God of Ya'akov! He will teach us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For out of Tziyon will go forth Torah, the word of ADONAI from Yerushalayim.

Psalm 25:8-9
ADONAI is good, and he is fair; this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live], leads the humble to do what is right and teaches the humble [to live] his way.

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct and teach you in this way that you are to go; I will give you counsel; my eyes will be watching you.

Psalm 71:17
God, you have taught me since I was young, and I still proclaim your wonderful works.

Psalm 119:102
Remove scorn and contempt from me, because I observe your instruction.

Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do your will, because you are my God; Let your good Spirit guide me on ground that is level.

Section E Index

52. GOD IS TRANSCENDENT
(beyond our understanding)

Isaiah 55:8-9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways," says ADONAI. "As high as the sky is above the earth are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Psalm 139:6
Such wonderful knowledge is beyond me, far too high for me to reach.

Job 36:26
Look, God is great, beyond what we can know; the number of his years is uncountable.

Ecclesiastes 11:5
Just as you don't know the way of the wind or how bones grow in a pregnant woman's womb, so you don't know the work of God, the maker of everything.

Romans 11:33-34
O the depth of the riches and the wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments! How unsearchable are his ways! For, 'Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who has been his counselor?'

Philippians 4:7
Then God's shalom, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua.

Section E Index

53. GOD IS TRIUNE

Genesis 1:26
Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, in the likeness of ourselves; and let them rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the animals, and over all the earth, and over every crawling creature that crawls on the earth."

Genesis 3:22
ADONAI, God, said, "See, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, to prevent his putting out his hand and taking also from the tree of life, eating, and living forever"

Genesis 11:7
Come, let's go down and confuse their language, so that they won't understand each other's speech.

2 Samuel 7:28
Now, Adonai ELOHIM, you alone are God; your words are truth; and you have made this wonderful promise to your servant.

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of Adonai saying, "Whom should I send? Who will go for us?" I answered, "I'm here, send me!"

Isaiah 48:16
Come close to me, and listen to this: since the beginning I have not spoken in secret, since the time things began to be, I have been there; and now Adonai ELOHIM has sent me and his Spirit.

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of Adonai ELOHIM is upon me, because ADONAI has anointed me to announce good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted; to proclaim freedom to the captives, to let out into light those bound in the dark

Matthew 3:16-17
As soon as Yeshua had been immersed, he came up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, he saw the Spirit of God coming down upon him like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with him."

Matthew 28:19
Therefore, go and make people from all nations into talmidim, immersing them into the reality of the Father, the Son and the Ruach HaKodesh ...

Mark 1:10-11
Immediately upon coming up out of the water, he saw heaven torn open and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; then a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with you." Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness ...

2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the love of God and the fellowship of the Ruach HaKodesh be with you all.

Section E Index

54. GOD IS TRUSTWORTHY

Psalm 9:10-11(9-10)
ADONAI is a stronghold for the oppressed, a tower of strength in times of trouble. Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you have not abandoned those who seek you, ADONAI.

Psalm 13:6(5)
But I trust in your grace, my heart rejoices as you bring me to safety. I will sing to ADONAI, because he gives me even more than I need.

Psalm 20:8(7)
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we praise the name of ADONAI our God.

Psalm 31:15(14)
But I, I trust in you, ADONAI; I say, "You are my God."

Psalm 56:4-5(3-4)
... when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God - I praise his word - in God I trust; I have no fear; what can human power do to me?

Psalm 84:13(12)
ADONAI-Tzva'ot, how happy is anyone who trusts in you!

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in ADONAI with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding.

1 Corinthians 1:9
God is trustworthy: it was he who called you into fellowship with his Son, Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord.

1 John 1:9
If we acknowledge our sins, then, since he is trustworthy and just, he will forgive them and purify us from all wrongdoing.

Section E Index

55. GOD IS TRUTHFUL

Numbers 23:19
God is not a human who lies or a mortal who changes his mind. When he says something, he will do it; when he makes a promise, he will fulfill it.

Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the God who saves me, my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 31:5(4)
Into your hand I commit my spirit; you will redeem me, ADONAI, God of truth.

Psalm 43:3
Send out your light and your truth; let them be my guide; let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the places where you live.

Psalm 86:11
But you, Adonai, are a merciful, compassionate God, slow to anger and rich in grace and truth.

John 16:13
However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own initiative but will say only what he hears. He will also announce to you the events of the future.

Section E Index

56. GOD IS VENGEFUL

Deuteronomy 32:35
Vengeance and payback are mine for the time when their foot slips; for the day of their calamity is coming soon, their doom is rushing upon them.

Ezekiel 25:17
I will execute great vengeance on them with furious punishments; and they will know that I am ADONAI when I lay my vengeance on them.

Nahum 1:2
ADONAI is a jealous and vengeful God. ADONAI avenges; he knows how to be angry. ADONAI takes vengeance on his foes and stores up wrath for his enemies.

Psalm 94:1
God of vengeance, ADONAI! God of vengeance, appear!

Romans 12:19
Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God's anger; for in the Tanakh it is written, "ADONAI says, 'Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.'"

Hebrews 10:30
For the One we know is the One who said, "Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay," and then said, "ADONAI will judge his people."

Section E Index

57. GOD IS WISE

Isaiah 40:28
Haven't you known, haven't you heard that the everlasting God, ADONAI, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not grow tired or weary? His understanding cannot be fathomed.

Proverbs 3:19
ADONAI by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding he established the heavens ...

Romans 16:25-27
Now to God, who can strengthen you, according to my Good News, in harmony with the revelation of the secret truth which is the proclamation of Yeshua the Messiah, kept hidden in silence for ages and ages, but manifested now through prophetic writings, in keeping with the command of God the Eternal, and communicated to all the Gentiles to promote in them trust-grounded obedience - to the only wise God, through Yeshua the Messiah, be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:23-24
Precisely because Jews ask for signs and Greeks try to find wisdom, we go on proclaiming a Messiah executed on a stake as a criminal! To Jews this is an obstacle, and to Greeks it is nonsense; but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, this same Messiah is God's power and God's wisdom!

Ephesians 1:7-8
In union with him, through the shedding of his blood, we are set free - our sins are forgiven; this accords with the wealth of the grace he has lavished on us. In all his wisdom and insight ...

James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is, first of all, pure, then peaceful, kind, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Commentary

Scripture commands us to know God, but we cannot know Him without knowing something about who He is. It is true of humans as well. We can know everything about a person and still not know him because knowing a person requires that there be a relationship; if there is none, then we do not really know him. Scripture exhorts us to know God by having an intimate and personal relationship with Him; for example:

John 17:3And eternal life is this: to know you, the one true God, and him whom you sent, Yeshua the Messiah.

1 John 4:8Those who do not love do not know God; because God is love.

Indeed, Scripture tells us that God is our heavenly father; but, do we relate to Him as a father? One test is whether we relate to Him as we do (or should do) our earthly father. We talk to our earthly father. Do we talk to God? We listen when our earthly father speaks. Do we hear God when He talks to us? Ideally, we love our earthly father (and mother) because they gave birth to us and first loved us. God gave birth to us through His creation and 1 John 4:19 says:

We ourselves love now because he loved us first.

Loving God is foundational to our having a personal relationship with Him, and we cannot love God without knowing Him, and cannot know Him without knowing who He is. How do we know who God (in fact any person) is? We have to spend time with a person to know who he or she is, and it is no less true of God. If this Mitzvah causes us to evaluate whether we spend enough time with God to know who God is, then it has done its job.

It is important that we know how to spend time with a God whom we cannot see. First, we can converse with God. If we are a believer, we know that God hears us when we speak to Him, but what is sometimes more challenging is hearing Him when He speaks to us. For those of us that confess that we rarely hear God or do not hear God at all, I would say that the first step in our hearing Him is our believing that we can.

Our ability to know God through conversing with Him is a foundational attribute and empowerment of the New Covenant; we read in Jeremiah 31:32-33(33-34):

"For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Isra'el after those days," says ADONAI: "I will put my Torah within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will any of them teach his fellow community member or his brother [to] 'Know ADONAI'; for all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest; because I will forgive their wickednesses and remember their sins no more."

God says that the New Covenant he will make with the Israelites will result in everyone who is party to it knowing Him as Lord and, to achieve it, He will put the Torah within each of us, and write it on each of our hearts. I have no doubt that the Israelites of old who heard Jeremiah speak his prophesy did not have a clear understanding of how God would bring it to pass, but we now know that He did it by sending the Holy Spirit to indwell those of us who receive him. For that reason, knowing God must involve the Holy Spirit for, without the Holy Spirit, we are out of communication with both Yeshua and the Father, and therefore out of communication with God.

God has graciously provided us with help for our getting to know Him, and that help is the Bible that tell us about Him - ergo, the Scriptures quoted in this Mitzvah about knowing Him. We must keep in mind, however, that knowing God (which is the goal) is different from knowing about Him, but knowing about Him helps us to know Him. Here are two Scriptures that exhort us to have knowledge about Him:

Ephesians 1:16-17I have not stopped giving thanks for you. In my prayers I keep asking the God of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you will have full knowledge of him.

Colossians 1:9-10:&nbosp; Therefore, from the day we heard of it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all the wisdom and understanding which the Spirit gives; so that you may live lives worthy of the Lord and entirely pleasing to him, being fruitful in every good work and multiplying in the full knowledge of God.

While these Scriptures exhort us to have knowledge of God, they do not themselves give us that knowledge. I therefore refer the reader of this Mitzvah to the above list of God's many attributes. The list tells us who God is and, interestingly, most of the items on it tell us who we should be as well. We achieve those attributes by putting off our old selves, and modeling our new selves after Yeshua (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Classical Commentators

The mitzvot compiled by Maimonides, Meir, and HaChinuch command us to believe in God, to love Him, worship Him, fear Him, cleave to Him and relate to Him in other ways, but they do not address knowing Him.

NCLA: JMm JFm KMm KFm GMm GFm

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