Lecture Notes: Torah on Location - Gematria and Hebraic Thought

Introduction

• Speaker: Avi Ben Ben-Mordecai
• Topic: Gematria in the Brit Gahadasha and the Tanakh
• Definition: Gematria is the study of Hebraic thought through numbers.

Chokmah, Binah, and Da'at

• Chokmah: Masculine characteristic, wisdom from above (James 3).
• Binah: Building process, conduit for wisdom (Proverbs 9).
  • Hebrew Connection: Bina (בית יוד נון ה) connected to bone/bonah (build/building block).
• Da'at: Experiential knowledge is key in Hebraic thought.
  • Knowledge through experience, not just intellectual exercise (Exodus 24:7).
  • Doing comes before intellectual understanding (Na’aseh v’nishma).

Distinction Between Hebraic and Hellenistic Thought

• Hebraic Thought: Based on action and experience (Torah, Prophets, Writings).
• Hellenistic Thought: Based on intellect and reason (Greek philosophy schools: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle).
• False Knowledge: Intellectual reasoning without experience leads to false knowledge and pride (Proverbs 1:7, 1 Timothy 6:20).
  • True knowledge deflates oneself; based on the fear of Yehovah.

Principles of True Knowledge

• Fear of Yehovah: Beginning of knowledge, leads to humility and obedience (Proverbs 1:7).
• Guarding Knowledge: Avoid idle babblings and contradictions (1 Timothy 6:20).
• Actions over Words: Actions prove true knowledge and fear of Yehovah (Deuteronomy 6:24-25).

Gematria: Numbers and Hebraic Thought

• Concept: Each Hebrew letter has an assigned numerical value.
• Connection: Similar to music (sound, frequency, numbers).

Example: Mashiach (Messiah)

• Hebrew Spelling: Mem (מ), Shiloh (ש), Yud (י), Chet (ח)
• Numeric Value: 358
• Biblical Reference: John 8:12 - Yeshua as the light of the world.

Example: Nachash (Serpent)

• Hebrew Spelling: Nun (נ), Chet (ח), Shin (ש)
• Numeric Value: 358
• Deception: Satan transforms into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
• Contrast: Walking in the light of Mashiach (358) vs. walking in the darkness of Nachash (358).

Discernment and Actions

• Pretenders: People pretending to walk in the light but are in darkness (Proverbs 6:23, Psalm 119:105).
• True Righteousness: Observing statutes and commandments (Deuteronomy 6:24-25).
• Judging by Actions: Actions reveal true belief (Deuteronomy 6:24-25).

Conclusion

• Next Topic: Shiloh (Jeremiah 7, Genesis 49:10).
• Future Focus: Deeper look into Mashiach and related concepts.
• Ending: Wishes of Shalom.