Overview
This teaching explores the Hebrew concept of grace ("hen/hit noon"), its meaning in scripture as a protected place or camp, and its practical implications for inclusion, forgiveness, and obedience within Yah's community.
Meaning and Symbolism of "Grace" in Hebrew
- The word "hen" (grace) in Hebrew pictography combines symbols for a fence/wall and a seed, depicting enclosure and protection.
- Genesis 6:8 introduces grace as the ability to enclose or protect one’s "seed," as seen with Noah and the ark.
- Grace is described as being brought into a protected, set-apart camp—a place of refuge and beauty.
Scriptural Insights on Grace
- Traditional Christian view defines grace as unmerited favor, but the Genesis context emphasizes protected inclusion contingent on obedience.
- The protection of the ark and later the camp exemplifies the grace of Yah’s people as a safe, encircled space.
- Leviticus 19:33-34 and Deuteronomy passages instruct Israelites to treat strangers seeking refuge with love and fairness, as they once sought refuge in Egypt.
- Yah's law includes commands to care for strangers, the fatherless, and widows, integrating them into the camp if they accept and follow Yah’s commandments.
Conditional Nature of Grace and Inclusion
- Entry into the protected place (grace) is open, but continued protection depends on adherence to the camp's rules.
- Grace has a time limit; once the opportunity closes (as with the flood), entry is no longer possible.
- Forgiveness and pardon are integral to grace, but prior wrongs are only pardoned if a newcomer agrees to the camp’s terms.
The Door, The Camp, and Acceptance
- Entry to grace (the protected region) must be through the designated door/gate (dalet), representing Yah’s word and people.
- The tribe of Judah and its modern representation is considered the present "door" or gateway for joining Yah’s people.
- Rejection of Yah’s chosen representatives (Judah) equates to rejecting entry to the protected camp.
Lessons for the Community
- The faithful must welcome those seeking refuge if they accept the laws and commandments, without mistreatment.
- Those joining must acknowledge past offenses against Yah’s people and commit to the community’s standards.
- Grace involves both extension of protection and requirement of obedience for insiders and outsiders alike.