July 2023
July 2023
Tammuz 5783
Of current calendars and cosmic conundrums…
“In dire straits” or “between narrow straits” is a phrase taken from the Book of Lamentations, describing the destruction of the First Temple.
Yes, it is also the name of a great rock band. Given Mark Knopfler’s Hebraic origins, he may have heard the Biblical meaning… or perhaps just the colloquial English usage.
It means a state of extreme distress.
“Judah has gone into captivity, under affliction and hard servitude; She dwells among the nations, she finds no rest; All her persecutors overtake her in dire straits.” (Lamentations 1:3 NKJV)
In Jewish life the term refers to the squeezing, narrow, difficult days, days that led to destruction and exile. A strait is also a dangerously narrow place that a ship must get through while carefully navigating so as to not be shipwrecked on the rocks on both sides as it slowly moves forward.
In Jewish tradition, the three-week time period we are in right now is also called the dire straits in the Hebrew calendar. The days begin on the 17th of Tammuz – this is the date on which the Jerusalem wall was breached. And they end on the 9th of Av, the date on which the First and Second Temples were destroyed.
BUT GOD!
There is so much more about Tisha B’Av that we need to know… especially that the sages teach in the age of Messiah it will be the MOST joyous holiday!
“He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.” (Psalms 18:19 NKJV)
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…” (Acts 3:19 NIV)
We are privileged to live in this time and see the Glory of the Lord arise as darkness increases around us. Chazak! Be Strong - Joshua 1:9
Thanks to your generosity:
We were able to interview Itamar Marcus of Palestinian Media Watch (palwatch). Itamar was back in Israel after testifying before the U.S. congress about today’s Anti-Semitism.
We also caught up with Peter Tsukahira of Mount Carmel, Israel. You’ll want to hear his teaching about God’s Kingdom, from his new book, Equip.
Please consider a monthly partnership with the House of Peace.
Together we proclaim Yeshua to Israel and Israel to the Nations!
With gratitude,
Myles & Katharine