ReGenesis, A Galilean Manner of Speech
Copyright 2011 - Jeff “JT” Thayer
Smashwords Edition
(Second Edition eBook – Enhanced with Digi-Novel Cyber-Bridges) Published by Jeff “JT” Thayer at Smashwords. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Forward to Second Edition
2011 - Full Disclosure to the Reader:
The first edition of ReGenesis, a Galilean Manner of Speech was written and published in 2004. At the time it was published, I truly believed the book and the research was something I was called by God to share with those who were interested enough to receive it. I also thought there would be a lot of interest in the subject matter of the book intentionally written as a novel. Looking back now over the 7 subsequent years, I can say my hope of interest in ReGenesis was overly optimistic. Sales of the book were by all measures modest with some years only yielding the sale of one or two books and several CDs of the companion ReGenesis music.
Subsequent to the writing of the First Edition of ReGenesis, I was asked to adapt the book in 2005 to a screenplay for the possible production of it as a feature film. It took quite a bit of time, but that was completed in 2005 and presented to parties who requested it. Disappointingly that effort was not rewarded with a commitment to go forward, and it appeared at the time that the efforts spent on screenplay and a number of re-writes was essentially wasted. A number of subsequent attempts to get interest generated in producing the film subsequent to 2005 met with a similar fate.
So moving fast-forward to late 2010, you can probably imagine my reluctance to consider an inspiration I was given to reformat the novel into the Second Edition integrating and updating it with references to new information, adding interactive Cyber-Bridge links to that information within the novel, and rekindling attempts to produce the screenplay as a feature film with a companion documentary. The frustration with all previous efforts in seeing ReGenesis, a Galilean Manner of Speech bear some type of fruit giving glory to God who clearly was their inspiration for all of this hung heavily over me.
Around the Holidays in 2010, I struggled with self serving analyses like: “Well maybe it was not the right timing in 2004 or 2005.” “Maybe I haven’t found the right partners to produce this.” “Maybe the world was not ready for this.” “But maybe it is now.” Many, many things went through my head, most of which were mere rubbish and as I said generally self-serving.
I also found myself at the time questioning the utility of re-publishing this book and talking about the return of a pure speech spoken of by the prophet Zephaniah, when my own use of it, despite a desire for it to work, could honestly not be described as anything other than “hit and miss.” I could not sincerely tell someone that I have experienced uncontrovertible evidence that this works every time no matter what the circumstances. So why re-publish? And the financial life of my family and myself for the past seven years bore strong witness to the fact that these sounds, this speech as clear is it may be, did not have that effect on us repeatedly. I should say, there have been blessings in many areas for which I am thankful, but the road to financial success has certainly been walled off and the ReGenesis - First Edition novel and the screenplay have been no exception during the past seven years.
And so I was and remained concerned about releasing ReGenesis with all the new information it contains as reference materials and an amplified storyline where it suggests the return of a pure speech that will help heal mankind, when in fact I could not honestly say it was doing that in my own life.
It is sad , but is a true statement. I must say that was true even until the very day of writing this Forward to the Second Edition. And while I must honesly also say it may still be true, I was given an inspiration to place into this Forward which has given me some comfort in releasing the Second Edition. It is simple and I thank you for bearing with me.
It’s about service of God. I really was not about that when I wrote the First Edition and the screenplay of ReGenesis. I may have uttered servile words to the effect that it was about God, but truth be told it was not. It was about me and about my family and finding a way using the talents God had blessed me with (writing, producing) to improvie our lives. That was what it really was always about … not God, but us and the needs of my family. So here I sit typing this Forward wondering, based on the experience of the First Edition, whether anyone will ever really read this, and if they do, actually care that I am revealing all of this to the reader.
So with that concern pending, let me share one last observation that was provided as I was coming to this closing. It’s what I overlooked and missed in the book of Zephaniah 3-8-19 during and after writing and releasing the First Edition. It reads:
“Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination [is] to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, [even] all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.”
It’s that last phrase: “to serve him with one consent” that I had and continued to miss during this past seven, long and rather hard years in the “desert” of life. I must leave the reader with this significant admission as a key to consider … perhaps the most important key bring any real meaning to the novel. I was also shown during this Forward writing Matthew 6:24:
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
I must say I knew about this, but I was not practicing it … certainly not from the heart. I was serving two masters and Mammon admittedly was first. There was a tendency during these seven years to marginalize the significance of what Yeshua did during the short time he was here 2000 years ago. Regardless of what people may label him and his work, I could not and cannot honestly say I have committed to serving God as Yeshua instructed … certainly not to that extreme. And yet he says follow me … do what I do. I have struggled I am sure like many men with a family and children living in these difficult financial and social times with this command and I must say I still do. It would be folly to suggest otherwise.
So as I close this Forward I have fallen to the influence of replacing a relationship with Yeshua and God replacing it with a reflection on physics and sound sciences possibly misleading a reader to think that all we need to do to heal is know the sounds, regardless of our life and how we have or are living it. That has not been my experience, and I am openly admitting that. The benefits of the sounds do flow, however this service of God requirement cannot be overlooked as a condition. As I said from personal experience over seven years that it has not worked for me because I was first serving Mammon in actuality. Despite knowing these sounds and using them sporadically from time to time, their use had not seemingly changed the intense struggles that have challenged myself and my family. I do not want the reader to think otherwise, let this book and its story be used to lead you astray. So I have requested forgiveness – the sounds are sa la cha and na sa aa. I am in the process of quietly reviewing Yeshua’s mission and accepting for me the real significance of what Yeshua did from myself and my family and what it means to be grafted to that vine in a John 15 sense.
I wish each reader well in your journey and hope this Forward has presented you with a context for ReGenesis. Sha la ma.
Preface to Second Edition
Since the original publication of ReGenesis, A Galilean Manner of Speech much has taken place in the digital world including the ability to publish eBook and digi-novel versions with enhanced bonus content which gives a reader and viewer a rich media experience. To take advantage of being able to deliver ReGenesis to readers in a less expensive version and provide a rich media interactive experience with Cyber-Bridge links have been provided in the book at relevant places, which can be clicked by a reader of this digital version of ReGenesis. It is my hope that the bonus content featured at the links will provide readers with access to a combination of video content, PDF content, and additional links to 3rd party content which enhances and engages your attention. You can also keep up-dated at the web and blog pages where you are directed to the status two projects:
ReGenesis, A Galilean Manner of Speech (a feature film in development) , And
ReGenesis, The Primordial Language of Light (a documentary in development)
In addition to what is contained in the Forward to this Second Edition of ReGenesis, I would add that much has been revealed in the past seven years in scientific fields concerning Cymatics, DNA as a biocomputer, the Schumann Resonance and its relationship to DNA morphology, and reshaping of water molecules which make up to 90% of the composition of DNA. What may have been considered and scoffed at as science fiction in 2004 has become a mainstream scientific inquiry in 2011. The same holds true for evidence supporting the existence of a slow manner of speech tracing its origins back through Abraham Abulafia in the 13th century to Galilee at the time of Yeshua and well back into the days of the O.T. prophets accused of stammering but more likely doing something quite different back to the Gan Eden time-frame. Research continues into to differences in how letters (whether paleo Hebrew or Aramaic) were actually pronounced in days before written on animal skins or engraved on stones. As that research is a prime focus of the ReGenesis story, and is now at the center of certain scientific experimentation, it is my hope you will visit the http://www.regenesisfeaturefilm.wordpress.com and stay current on wherever this research and focus continues to lead us. God willing, we will continue to up-date the site with developments that further this journey together. -JT
ReGenesis - Table of Contents
Forward to Second Edition
Preface to Second Edition
Chapter 1 – No Questions
Chapter 2 – Safed
Chapter 3 – Old Man’s Office
Chapter 4 – The Manuscript
Chapter 5 – Dreams
Chapter 6 – Oral Tradition
Chapter 8 – To the Stacks
Chapter 9 – Reconnection
Chapter 10 – Coffee Shop
Chapter 11 – Marianna
Chapter 12 – Return to Seminary
Chapter 13 – Sawyer’s Cabin
Chapter 14 – Meeting with Daniel
Chapter 15 – Can You Loosen
Chapter 16 – Daniel’s Den
Chapter 17 – Technology Turned
Chapter 18 – Epilogue
Chapter 1 No Questions.
“The ancient One is hidden and not concealed. Small face is manifested and not manifested. The manifested is written in letters.” Twenty-two letters that are concealed, Twenty-two letters that are manifest. A concealed Yod, a manifest yod. The concealed and manifest are balanced in weight.” Sifra Detzniyutha 4
“I am not going to the Dean’s Office until I read my application agreement with this school,” Joshua stated to no one in particular as he walked across the quad. “Being thrown out of a class for asking questions. Pure nonsense. What kind of a school is this? It’s the third time this semester I’ve been asked to go to the Dean’s Office. And for what? That Flint is an idiot. He’s on an ego trip. Doesn’t like questions that he cannot answer. Spoils his day.”
Joshua continued walking across the parking lots toward the dorm and tried to remember what file he’d placed his application and acceptance papers in for entrance into Chapel of the Lord Seminary.
“What are you doing?”
Joshua recognized the voice. “Hey Duke. I’m busy,” Josh replied, a bit annoyed.
“Yeah, I did … thrown out again. Sent to the Dean’s office,” complained Joshua bitterly.
“What did the old man say?” Duke asked curiously.
“Haven’t gone to his office yet. I’m looking for something,” Joshua stated, as he continued to rummage through assorted file folders in a trunk at the end of his bed.
“What?” questioned Duke sitting down in a chair … which seemed to contain more books than there was room to hold them. “Research project?”
“My application to this place. Here it is,” rejoiced Joshua casting a brief look at Duke who was still struggling to sit down.
“What do you need that for?” persisted Duke finally settled down.
“Listen Duke. I don’t understand something about so-called higher education. Where did I agree to listen to a professor spew out nonsense and not ask questions in his class?” asked Joshua, feigning confusion.
“It’s not the asking of questions they don’t like Josh. It’s your questions they don’t like.” Joshua thought for a moment maybe Duke was right. Maybe it really was him, and not the school that was the problem.
Still annoyed, Joshua quickly replied sarcastically, “Gee Duke … Can I write down your amazing insights? I’m well aware it’s my questions! That’s obvious, and so what? I’m entitled to answers, aren’t I? I paid tuition just like everyone else. Why do other people get to ask questions, but I get sent to the Dean’s office when I ask a simple question?”
Duke protested. “They don’t know how to handle you Josh. You weren’t mind mapped like us through the traditional educational system. Your parents’ home schooling you with that Noah Webster plan thing. Is that what they called it?”
“Yeah,” admitted Joshua.
“Obviously it made a difference Josh. See, your questions are not about pre-selected facts, they are about concepts. You challenge dominant theological premises. Your questions go to the very foundation … the core of what there are trying to teach here. Your questions challenge their theology, not just once in a while, but all the time. Professors don’t even know where you got the information from to even ask what you do. That’s why they’re upset and throw you out of the class.”
“Here I found it! Duke, shut up and listen to this. This is what I was looking for Duke. It’s in the seminary brochure and I quote:
“The doctrinal position of Chapel of the Lord Seminary follows historic tradition. That tradition is the Protestant Reformation. This School is based upon the premise that the Scriptures are TRUE and without error in their original form. Biblical Christianity dictates the philosophy of education of the school. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world and that apart from faith in His atoning work there is no redemption. The doctrinal statements as stated below are the basic presuppositions, which shall dominate the classroom.
At all times the Scriptures are the authority for whatever is being taught. The Scriptures are to be regarded as true, they are to be reverenced, and they are to be obeyed. Reading the Scriptures, prayers and singing hymns and psalms are a regular part of seminary life. We believe the doctrines of the Scriptures as stated in the three ancient statements: The Apostles' Creed, The Nicene Creed, and the Creed of Chalcedon. We also hold to those doctrines which are common to the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, The Westminster Confession of Faith, The Heidelberg Catechism, The Canons of Dort, and The Philadelphia Confession of Faith. Copies of these may be found on the Reserve Shelf of the School's Library. We do not take a specific stand on the mode of baptism, form of Church government, or the sequence of events at Christ's second coming.
The purpose of Chapel of the Lord Seminary (School for Biblical Studies) is to glorify God by preparing students to serve in various aspects of Christian service with an emphasis on being effective teachers and preachers of God's Word with exegetical and communication skills.”
“Okay. See what I mean? Where does it say no questions? Nowhere. That’s where! I’m taking this to the old man’s office and I’m going to throw it at him. See here? Communication skills. The brochure for this school is written in the King’s English. Questions are not prohibited. Right?”
“Hold on, Josh. Slow down,” replied Duke. “Before you go saying something you will surely regret. Think! Where do you think you are? This is a seminary very few people in America even know about. Even if they did, the majority of people in this country wouldn’t care. We’re stuck up here in the Colorado mountains. People living 20 miles from here don’t even know who or what we really are. They don’t know this place exists. It’s been that way for a long time.”
“So?”
“What do you mean, so Joshua? This is not an ordinary seminary. There are thousands of those. Students here were handpicked from the top schools in the country… except you. No offense Josh, but most of us still can’t figure out how you got in here. Or even how you knew about the school to apply to it.”
“I told you before Duke” intoned Joshua. “Someone in my family heard about this place many years ago. They wrote it down somewhere in our family records. That’s all I know. Don’t even care at this point. I’m going to Dean Higgins’ office. I’m going to tell the old man what I think. That’s what I’m doing and you can’t stop me with your reasoning.”
Just then another presence slipped into the room. It was Sawyer.
“How long you been here Sawyer?” Duke asked.
“Long enough to know Joshua is in trouble again, and he’s about ready to get into more,” she replied with a look of amusement.
“Just what is that supposed to mean, Sawyer? Give me a break. I have to go to the Dean’s office. You don’t,” insisted Joshua as he placed the application papers in a backpack and headed for the door.
“Come on Josh. Listen to Duke. We’ve all been round and round on this. You upset the faculty because they can’t answer your questions. They won’t answer your questions, because they have to acknowledge the existence of books they either have not read, refuse to read, or have been told not to read.”
“So, Sawyer, tell me. Does education and truth end the minute you become a professor?”
“That’s not the point Josh and you know it! There is an established educational direction this school has taken. Yes it’s conservative. But it is tied into their extensive alumni support, the school’s reputation…”
“Where Sawyer? This school is virtually unknown in mainstream circles. It’s not even listed in the yearly catalogues published for those interested in attending seminary. It’s so elite as to be invisible. You know that!” retorted Joshua.
Joshua was right. Lord of the Chapel Seminary was school that had a very low profile and very high standards for admittance. Professors at the school were handpicked, generally from a pool of alumni who had attended the school. No one from the outside actually set foot in the school during its working hours. Deliveries were made to a depot not on the school property and redelivered to the school. It was truly private, and this privacy had persisted for many years. Some wondered why.
“Josh it is visible to those who need to know about it.”
“Oh I see. You mean it’s visible in those high brow prep schools only a few in the country ever get to attend. Kind of a skull and bones for the believers?”
For Bonus Content Click: Cyber-Bridge 1.001 – What is History?
“No Josh, this school is different. It’s been established at least since the founding of America. Many alumni claim it was here before the 1700’s in some form.”
Sawyer’s family had sent one person to the school from each generation back as far as the 1700’s. This is what her father had told her when she graduated from Hill School in 2001. Sawyer recalled she and her father were sitting at Wychmere Harbor Club on the Cape having a private graduation drink and dinner.
He had said to her, “So Sawyer, now’s the time to tell me. Is it Harvard Divinity or Lord of the Chapel? I need to make the tuition arrangements.” She had thought for a moment looking out to the yacht in the harbor where the rest of her family was entertaining guests. Lord of the Chapel is my choice Dad. I believe it will be good to leave New England for awhile. I like the mountains.” After she announced the choice, her Dad told her more of the history of the school she had chosen. It was fascinating she thought at the time, and even more curious he had chosen not to tell her about it up until the announcement.
Joshua looked out the ice frosted window of his room and tuned Sawyer out of his mind. It’s starting to snow again he thought. He needed to eat lunch and then handle the Dean’s office on a full stomach. He turned to tell Sawyer he was going to lunch. She’d left apparently aware he was ignoring her.
Looking around, as he walked quickly to the dining hall, Joshua reflected on why he had decided to enter this seminary two years ago. It had been a difficult decision. His father was against it from the start. Joshua knew there was more to the reasons his father had given him. Maybe he was right about programming minds for society’s interests…
Chapter 2 - Safed
Small Stone Chapel – Safed Palestine in Hula Valley Near Lake Tiberias
The Messiah will even interpret the spaces between the letters. A Rabbinic Proverb
“Have you found the ba ra aa sha ya ta yet?” asked the older man quietly speaking into an ancient dial telephone on a small antique desk.
“Etxekojaun . . . baserritarrak,” (master of the compound in Basque) was the static response on the other end of the tattered telephone line … until Homam cut him off. “Speak Hebrew Jehiel. I sent you to Arantzazu Monastery to follow the leads and find the book. I didn’t ask you to speak to every person in every farm in the Basque highlands of Spain. Sounds like you walked through all Urbia in the Guipúzcoa Province. That was not your instructions young man!”
It had been months of research following up lead after lead. All to no apparent end. Homan was really angry as he was listening to the excuses on the other end of the line. A shadow passed in the twilight of the day seeping through the stone hut window Homam was looking out off across Tiberias Lake in the northeastern Israel. He continued half-listening to the Jehiel’s never ending excuses on the telephone and mused as the shadow now entered the door. The village of Safed had changed very little since the first Kabbalists began to meet there in the 13th century.
As the body of Sacar entered the hut, Homam shouted into the phone, “Stop giving me these excuses Jehiel. We have strong evidence this manuscript was written in the ancient Basque Euskara language. Rabbi Judah Albotini was the last to refer to it in Sulam Aliyah. He had it when he was living on the Iberian peninsula. We’ve had that evidence since Loyola established the Jesuits. Caro had it and then it seems to have disappeared. We’ve gone over this again and again. A translation of it must exist in Euskara. Abulafia’s writings don’t lie. Theba ra aa sha ya ta was translated from the ancient script of Gan Aden. Before you left us you were specifically told you will not find it listed in Arantzazu’s library catalogue. You know better. You know the Basques. Even if they had ba ra aa sha ya ta in their home they would not reveal it to an outsider like you. You must have been drinking a little too much txakolina (a wine brew in Basque) Jehiel. By the look on Sacar’s face, I believe he agrees with me.”
“Homam, I’ve done everything I can think of to track down the leads you gave me,” replied Jehiel nervously on the other end of the line. “I still believe we have been misled again. Some want us to think the manuscript is in these mountains. They have wanted us to think that for the last 500 years, maybe more. We get a lead. We track it down. Another lead and we track it down. It’s been a long time Homam and I’m not being disrespectful when I say I think we need to admit the possibility we are being played by forces that are much smarter than we are at this time. The congregation agrees with me, and the Group has moved into the area again…”
Homam cut him off again. “Maybe Jehiel. That’s why I’m dispatching a team to Colorado again. You will join them Jehiel when you’ve finished your mission there. Tickets will be delivered to you in Vitoria at the same place tomorrow. Your flight departs a week from today. Do not quit. Have you spoken with the Father Azkue?”
“I think he had been dodging me Homam,” Jehiel interjected. “He told me yesterday he would meet me today at a small bistro in Vitoria. Azkue called at the last moment and cancelled. He told me one of his congregation had a death in the family and he needed to be with them. Sounded nervous. I don’t believe him.”
“Azkue is considered one of the experts in the field of exegesis Jehiel. As a younger man, his work in the Gan Aden script was beyond peer review. I do not believe he even has parishioner responsibilities. Find him Jehiel. Force the meeting if necessary. You must exhaust all leads and spare no expense in this matter. You must get to him and find out if this New Testament manuscript also exists. If it is also written in the ancient script, it is one of a kind like the be re aa shi yo ta. You know what will happen if the Group finds it first. Or if this is simply released to the world Jehiel.”
“I understand all too well Homam. I will renew my efforts with Azkue and will call you with my results before my flight to Colorado. Will you remain in Safed?”
“Yes, Sacar and I remain.”
“Sha la ma.” And the phone went dead.
Homam replied, “Sha la ma,” as he put down the phone and turned his attention to the doorway of the stone hut. Homam thought about Safed and Jehiel’s question. Homam had been in Safed most of his life. It was a seemingly quiet artist’s community. At least that was the appearance on the outside. Those who lived there knew differently. All children had been taught Safed’s history for being a Kabbalah center of spiritual enlightenment re-established by the Ramak. It had been so since the 13th century. But there was a history to Safed before that time. The village sat on a green mountain overlooking the Hula Valley marshes of Lake Tiberias. Many names had been given this lake throughout Biblical history: Sea of Galilee, Sea of Chinnereth, Gennesar, Lake of Gennesaret and others.
From Mt. Arbel, the lake looked much like a Davidic kinnor harp. Tabgha, Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes were on the northwestern shore and chosen as the location for much of the ministry of Christ. Very few religious people knew the significance of the place. Even fewer understood its power in teaching initiates the manner of speech which had been kept quiet for so long.
A rich and ancient Sephardic tradition remained evident in the clump of ocher-colored homes of modern Safed. Small synagogues with mahogany altars placed at the center of the room, circular benches and oriental carpets were still kept in perfect condition by the ancient beadles honoring the rich history of the village. Famous Kabbalists of the oral tradition were honored by the quiet teachers of the present. Abulafia, Codovero, Luria, Caro were names taught to the young ones as soon as they could speak. Homam had been one of those young ones. He was now one of those teachers, a Kabbalist of Safed. The silence was broken by someone sitting down, and Homam was brought back to the immediate present. He looked at his friend and student Sacar.
“So Sacar, what about the coins. Are they Phoenician? Is it the ancient script?”
“Was that more excuses from Jehiel or progress?” pressed Sacar. Homam’s rolling eyes toward the ceiling were an answer to his question. “The ancient script on the coins does prove their origin Homam. We’ve used our advanced dating analyses in the city. We have determined the coins do date back to before the days of Abraham. It’s enough for the lab to conclude…”
“…Conclude what?”
“The coins are authentic. There is another tie between the ancient Basques and the Phoenicians which used the Gan Aden alphabet. Our search must continue for the book and more connections.”
“So, it’s true then,” whispered Homam, amazed.
___________________________________________
For Bonus Content Click: Cyber-Bridge 2.001 – DNAWater
The trip from New Mexico to Colorado was short. The four men were quiet as a cell phone rang in the pocket of the man in the passenger seat. Driver and passenger exchanged knowing glances.
“Hello,” said the passenger.
“I got a call from the Director at the university. He’s confirmed the person you’re supposed to follow. Be discrete. Contact him first, you have his name. He lives off campus.”
“Will do,” was the quick reply of the passenger. “Manager ….,” the cell phone went dead. The Manager had hung up without signing off. Someone very important had just walked into his office. He hadn’t been expected at the New Mexico facility for a week. He was early.
“Another one?” the Visitor asked already knowing the answer.
“We think so,” replied the Manager. “We’re not sure we have a sample of his DNA yet. Still looking into it.”
“How do you know?”
“One of the Directors has had several recent conversations with one of his teachers. It’s a Professor Colrecht, Lord of the Chapel Seminary. Says the kid is constantly raising questions in class. Questions which run to the roots of the Hebrew words. Colrecht is not teaching him this. Basic exegesis, that’s all. No one else is teaching him either … at least not in the seminary. Curriculum is like all the rest. Minor variations,” continued the Manager.
“Think he has help?” asked the Visitor, making himself comfortable in the office. “Not sure.”
“Safed One?”
“Maybe, but there doesn’t seem to be an immediate connection. At least we can’t place it.”
“So what’s the rush?” asked the Visitor staring intently. “Why move so quickly?”
“We think he’s woken up. Colrecht indicates he may have the sounds. At least he’s on a research track … We seem to have a lot happening all at the same time. People from all around the world. There’s seems to be no predictable pattern.”
“May have awoken?” he quipped with raised eyebrows. Do you think it’s the time for this? Pure speech returned?”
“Zephaniah’s prophecy,” nodded the Manager affirmatively. “We need to be sure. At least about this one. I’ve sent four men. All the equipment. We’ll know for sure shortly.”
The Visitor got up to leave the room. Walking out the door, the Manager heard, “I want to be the first call when you’re sure.”
The Manager sat back in his chair, deep in thought, partially relieved.
Zephaniah Prophecy of the Restoration of a Pure Language in the End Times: Chapter 3.8-9: “Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.”
Chapter 3 – Old Man’s Office
“Make us choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be contented with half truth when whole truth can be won. Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when right and truth are in jeopardy.” West Point Cadet Prayer
The walk to the Dean’s office wasn’t enjoyable. As he walked, Joshua thought about how every student learned early into their first year that Higgins’ pet name was “the old man.” No one had ever told Joshua how the name was pinned to Higgins. Looking around the campus quad, his attention turned to the spring thaw in the mountains. It has its moments, particularly in April when the word bleakness is an understatement. Colorado had been extremely cold for couple of weeks after Christmas, then tons of snow. Now it was wet, slushy snow. You never feel dry thought Joshua. This cold and wet seeps into your very soul like a blanket of wet newspaper. Joshua opened the outer door to the administration building and entered a long corridor which had become familiar to him. It was unsettling.
At the end of the hallway, Joshua walked into the Dean’s office and announced his arrival to the secretary. “He’ll be just a minute Joshua,” said the Higgins’ secretary with an obvious attitude.
Joshua observed the secretary’s curt behavior. He could hear dimmed voices. They seemed to be coming from Higgins office. He was not sure. It was apparent to Joshua she knew he was coming. It was a small school, but not that small. Professor Flint had had enough time to come over here himself and talk to the old man. Probably did, knowing Flint. Maybe that was who was inside. No! That couldn’t be. Flint was too impressed with his voice and intelligence to whisper.
Just then Higgin’s door opened and he appeared.
“So, Joshua. We seem to be meeting like this all too often, don’t we? Come into my office please.” His tone was cautionary.
As he entered the old man’s office, Higgins closed the door behind him. Higgins then went over to his overstuffed chair behind his desk. Leaning back, clasping his hands behind his head, he grinned, “So Joshua…Joshua…Joshua. What are we going to do with you young man?”
Higgins repeated Joshua’s name over and over again with slow emphasis, as if he had rehearsed this meeting and was repeating his name for someone else in the room. It was as if the Dean was playing to an audience from a script.
“Why don’t you tell me your side of this apparent disagreement Joshua?”
Before answering, Joshua looked around the room for any evidence someone else had been there before him. Satisfied they were alone, Joshua answered, “It’s quite simple Dean.
He pulled a copy of his application papers to the seminary from his backpack and went to the description of Professor Flint’s Doctrine of Man class. He found it listed under systematic theology.
Joshua continued, “The school’s brochure states Professor Flint’s class is … I quote: ‘A study of the doctrine of man: his origin as a covenant creature, covenant breaker, need of salvation, redemptive state, and glorification.’”
“Back up Joshua. Tell me what started this dispute,” retorted Higgins.
“I am,” replied Joshua. “Professor Flint was speaking about Chapters 1-5 of Genesis. He was discussing the differences between Chapter 1 and 2 concerning Adam and Eve. I asked him about the differences between the begetting and the bearing of children in Chapters 1-5.”
“Stop right there Joshua. Professor Flint told me you were sarcastic and asked if he knew whether Adam and Eve had belly buttons?”
“That’s true,” Joshua admitted. “It’s a valid question and I was not sarcastic. I was serious!”
Joshua reached for his Bible in his backpack and immediately turned to Genesis 5.3 and began to read, “‘And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth: And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters: And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.’ My question to Dean Higgins was genuine. In Chapter 5 we have many men begetting children with no reference to their wives or to any woman whatsoever. In chapter 2 we have Eve conceiving and then bearing Cain and then Abel. Hence the belly button question.”
“I don’t understand your point Joshua,” interjected Higgins.
“Men begetting children without wives is a bit unusual don’t you think Dean? The Hebrew word for begat or beget is yalad. The same word is translated in Genesis 4 as bear in the sense of bearing a child. So, I had a valid question, and I waited until the end of class to raise my hand and address it. This brochure doesn’t say anything about refraining from asking questions. Absolutely nothing. And furthermore I looked in the original application papers I submitted…”
Higgins cut him off mid-sentence with a look of concern. “Whoa, Josh. Slow down. I’m not indicting you. I’m not even taking sides. I just want to know what your side of the story is? Are you suggesting men actually begat children in early history without women? Come on, how is that possible Josh? Is this why you asked concerning belly buttons? You don’t think Adam and Eve had one because…”
“Because they probably didn’t. I’m simply asking the question Dean? I don’t have the answer. But, I believe it is a valid question. The Biblical text is not remotely clear on this point. Not surprisingly, the concordances don’t help answer the question either. I’m not saying our original ancestors were brought here by aliens or genetically engineered by aliens, if that’s what you think. Although I do find the concepts rather intriguing.”
Just then Joshua noticed the rear door to Higgins’ office appeared slightly open. He hadn’t noticed it when he walked into the office several minutes earlier. It was also the first time he noticed what appeared to be an ancient document mounted in a very old picture frame behind the Dean. The writing appeared to be in a script he had seen but could not readily identify. Old ribbons were attached to the faded document by thick wax seals adjacent large letters “L.S.” There were Latin uncials letters he recognized, mixed with a strange seemingly Semitic script bordering the document. Strange, he thought. Been here a number of times and never saw that wall hanging before.
Startled from Joshua’s daydreaming Higgins asked, “So, how is your father Joshua?”
Still considering the document behind Higgins’ desk Joshua responded, “I haven’t spoken to him in awhile Dean. When I was last home, we got into a disagreement about my being a student here. As you know he’s against anything having to do with a seminary.” That was over three years ago. The questions seemed out of place.
“That must be hard for you Joshua. I respect you father’s position. Don’t necessarily agree with it…but I do respect it. Now tell me what’s the real problem between you and Professor Flint?”
“Nothing really Dean. I asked him several very simple questions during the class. He flew off the handle immediately and told me to march myself over here to see you.”
“Several? So what were the other questions?”
“When he was giving us his spin on man’s covenant with God out of Noah’s experiences, I asked him about Genesis Chapter 6.”
“Surely you didn’t ask him if the angels had belly buttons,” interjected Higgins with a look of despair.
“Interesting concept,” interrupted Joshua rubbing his chin. “But no! I didn’t. I simply asked him whether he thought the angels leaving their heavenly abode and cohabiting with the daughters of men constituted a breach of God’s covenant with man. After all, that is the focus of this class … in this brochure … God’s covenant with man?”
Higgins shook his head acknowledging Joshua’s all to obvious point. “What did Flint say?” asked Higgins with a noticeable degree of curiosity.
“He told me my question was neither relevant nor germane to his lecture,” responded Joshua in disgust.
“And, how did you respond Joshua?” retorted Higgins.
“I continued my inquiry. Obviously it was germane enough for God to destroy the whole earth with a flood. I stated if God was that upset over the results of this cohabitation, then it might be a good idea for us to understand why God was so unhappy.”
“Josh, what did you mean by results of this cohabitation? Do you mean actual people, children, progeny?”
“Well Dean, Genesis 6 actually says the results were giantsi created in the land. What does that text say to you?”
“And you believe that Josh? Literally.”
“I believe the Scriptures. Yes, Dean I do.”
“Couldn’t that be simply a metaphor or a legend? After all, we don’t exactly have eye witness accounts of anything in the book of Genesis. Many scholars had said the Genesis accounts in Chapters 1-11 are only etiologies, Joshua. You’ve been taught this. It’s part of your first year curriculum. ”
“I’ve read all of that. It’s been drilled into me. It’s not supported in this case Dean. There is a second witness. It’s in the New Testament book of Jude 6-7.
“What does Jude say about this Genesis 6 reference to angels cohabiting with the daughters of men?” he asked, apparently humoring Joshua.
Joshua turned in his Bible again and read, “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. It’s also the story revealed in the entire Book of Enoch.”
“Okay Joshua. I understand your position. You know the Book of Enoch is not canon. At best its pseudipigrapha Joshua, and certainly not something you would want to base your theory upon … maybe Flint is right however.”
“My Father taught me otherwise about the Book of Enoch in all of its versions, but that is for another time and place. What do you mean Flint might be right?”
“Well his systematic theology class is on the Doctrine of Man. It relates to man’s covenant with God, and the breaking of that covenant by man’s behavior. The class is not about angels and what they have done or not done.”
“But that’s my point Dean.”
“What’s your point Joshua, I don’t understand.”
“The word in Jude rendered as angels is the Greek word: aggelos. It means: a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God. In Genesis Chapter 6 the phrase is simply sons of God, and there is no reference to angels whatsoever.”
“So what is you point Josh?”
“My point is, the word rendered angels must be a reference to men as messengers and not to angels. It was not disobedient men, but angels that crossed the line drawn by God.”
“Why is that important to you? How is that going to make you a better pastor? That is why you are here isn’t it Joshua?” asked Higgins now becoming exasperated.
“If these so-called giants, which are the offspring of the sons of God, actually cohabited with the daughters of men, why did this constitute a breach of man’s covenant with God? I think the answer to this question is something I should know.”
“Why Joshua? Why? You are really losing me.”
“Dean, God thought it significant enough to destroy all the people on the earth at that time, except eight, right?” Joshua looked up from his Bible to see Higgins nodding affirmatively.
Just then, as Joshua finished the sentence, something dropped in the room behind Higgins’ office. Both looked in that direction. The door Joshua had noticed earlier as slightly ajar, was now shut. Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe not he thought.
Nervously Higgins interjected, “Josh, this is all very interesting. Let’s continue this in the future. But for now, next time you’re in Professor Flint’s class, tell him you spoke with me. Tell him you and I agreed that you will continue to respect his classes, but I see nothing wrong with the questions that you asked.”
“I will Dean,” Joshua replied, a bit relieved. But what about an answer to my questions? Where can I find the answers.”
“Seems to me you have answered those questions already Joshua. Or at least you are on a track for research that may have merit for future discussion. I don’t see how this will make you a better pastor or even a theologian, if that remains your career decision. Given the weight and number of scholars who have already decided what they believe Genesis 6 means, our modern society may not be willing or ready to accept an alternative you seem to propose. Are you prepared to publish something that will ultimately ostracize you from the majority of opinions on this subject? Are you ready to present to the standard publishers of theological books a theory that runs contrary to all other books they have published on the subject? Think about that Joshua. Think deeply on it Joshua.”
“But Dean, who gets to decide what the interpretation is, and what is taught to seminarians? Where are these decisions made? Is it the theological book publishing companiesii or some organized force behind them? Is it the alumni sponsors of this seminary? Who Dean, who?” asked Joshua rather excited.
His questions fell upon deaf ears. Joshua had been dismissed, without formal notice or statement. Higgins had already risen, traversed his office and retired into the anteroom through the rear door closing it behind him. It was the room where he had heard the noise. Joshua thought as he did this that there had been someone in the anteroom who had been listening to their conversation. Still sitting there in his same chair, Joshua felt a bit silly, certainly unsatisfied. Arising, he left Higgins’ office and walked slowly back to his dorm room. The sun was just going down behind the skyline of the school. The pine tree silhouette amplified by the brilliant red orange sunset was breathtaking. He paused for a moment just to look at it. Joshua forgot all about the old man and realized all that mattered now was food and sleep. He needed both. First food at the dining hall, then to the stacks to finish the research for Colrecht’s exegesis class. Then bed.
Chapter 4 – The Manuscript
Mene, mene, tekel peres - Thou are weighed in the balances and thou art found wanting. - Daniel 5:24-25
After dinner at the dining hall, Joshua headed for the stacks thinking about the research task at hand. Professor Colrecht was notorious for handing out difficult, if not impossible assignments in Hebrew exegesis. Hebrew word studies in the Bible were difficult enough without Colrecht’s zany influence. This assignment was no different. The class had been instructed to analyze verb tenses in the Exodus chapters 3-20 to determine whether the verb “to be” hayah was accurately translated by the scribes into a past or future tense in the English translations. The final assignment was due in a week.
The seminary library was the most unusual building on the campus, completely unassuming from the outside. The two story high stone building blended in with the architecture of all other buildings on the campus. Unlike other campuses however, the library was all built underground, and it extended downward over 20 stories into the bowels of the Colorado mountainside. A labyrinth of tunnels extended from the elevator in eight directions. Joshua remembered a discussion during his first semester where one of the students commented the library actually sat within an abandoned mine shaft and had been built by mining companies at the turn of the 19th century. Another student had claimed that was impossible, since he had been told by his grandfather that the library had existed well before mining in America had begun in Colorado.
Whatever story was correct, Joshua had been in the library many times since first coming to the school and was amazed at the number of ancient books that were stacked on its shelves, most without coded reference labels. The library was so large, people could actually live in the stacks and never meet another student or attendant for quite some time. Joshua had also learned early on that there were many more books in the library than were contained in the computerized database listed and available at terminals on the first floor. Entire sections of the library were simply not listed in the database. He’d never asked why, and had never discussed his findings with Sawyer, Duke or any other student. It was Joshua’s little secret he used to research the points, which formed some of the annoying questions he raised in the classroom.
If Flint only knew the extent of Joshua’s research efforts, Joshua thought … he’d probably have the Dean rope off the Library sections Joshua utilized for his research.
Joshua entered the elevator sliding his student ID card into the slot and then pushed 19 to descend to the nineteenth floor on his way to a section of the library he had found about a year previously. Joshua had never seen another student in this section of the library. He knew he would be alone without interruption to complete his work for Colrecht. He found the sector containing the rare books providing material for his Genesis 6 discussion with Higgins earlier that day. Again he looked at hundreds of books spanning over 1,000 years concerning angels cohabiting with the daughters of men … both source books and various alternative interpretations.
Putting down his backpack at a research table, Joshua turned on a desk lamp and went to the book shelves where he’d been recently. He went looking for the two books he’d used for the exegesis on the Hebrew word for angels. Those books were essential to completing Colrecht’s assignment. Joshua stared … the books were gone.
There was no space where the books had been. Someone had taken them or checked them out … but why no space left where they had been? It was no coincidence thought Joshua, as he began to realize the impossible odds of someone simply finding these books on their own. He continued to walk up and down the aisles thinking there were two distinct possibilities. The first was the impossible coincidence that someone simply found these books and checked them out. The other more disturbing possibility was someone followed him into the stacks or was somehow watching him to see what he was researching. Joshua thought, after he’d left several days ago, it was quite possible that person took the books. But why? And why make it look like there were no books where these two had been? Surely whoever had done this would have known that he’d return to the same place and see the books were missing. Whoever did this knew he’d see the shelves rearranged as if the books had never been there. It was set up that way.
Joshua walked up and down several adjacent isles making sure he wasn’t simply confused. As he did, his hand gently moved across the volumes and volumes of books at eye level looking at many titles that were Hebrew. Coming to the end of the second isle, his eyes glanced to two books he recognized. They were exactly the books he’d been using.
No doubt now. They had been moved intentionally. He wasn’t crazy. The books were at least 100 feet from where they’d been shelved only 2 days earlier. But why?
Who knew about this place? As he reached and took them from the shelves, he immediately noticed another book carefully sandwiched between them. Joshua had never seen this book. It would not have been evident to anyone, had they simply looked at the shelves. It was only a quarter of an inch thick and had a frayed, flaking leather cover. The pages inside were ancient and hand sewn. Joshua was amazed as he opened this volume from right to left and found the book was a mere 30 pages or so. The pages were entirely animal skins. By all evidence, the book appeared to be an ancient handwritten manuscript written in a Semitic script Joshua did not recognize. On the cover was the same script, diagrams and symbols, which were equally unintelligible. Each page contained the script and had some strange circular and triangular cryptic diagrams, with the letters playing a apparent mystical part in their arrangement. Most curious on the front cover was a triangle with symbols:
He
glanced to the clock near the elevator. 9 o’clock. There was time
to go up to the first floor inconspicuously and get on the computer.
Joshua moved to his backpack to retrieve a pen and pad to take down
the references he hoped to find at the computer banks. Leaving the
backpack at the desk, he pushed the button to the first floor and
went to the first floor terminals.
The elevator seemed to take forever. As he ascended he flashed back to a time when he was a child in his father’s study. It was just after his weekly Friday afternoon Hebrew class, which his father had taught him directly. Joshua was about nine. On his way out he walked by a coffee table and had noticed a book that was opened under a tablet. He’d never seen the book before. The edge of the book that Joshua could see had been written in a strange script. As he thought about it now, that very script seemed to be similar to the one in the book he’d just found … the one he’d left next to his backpack on the 19th floor.
Joshua had asked his Father what the book was about, and he had responded it was for research his Father was completing. Nothing more. It was enough for a nine year old, but not now. The elevator opened to the first floor. Joshua exited and walked to the library’s computers and sat down. Finding the search engine screen he typed in the parameters: “Hebrew” AND “Ancient” AND “Scripts”. Many books were immediately listed. There were over 50 hits on the screen and he scrolled down them slowly reading the thumbnail description of each book.
The first subject reference to catch Joshua’s eye was “ABULAFIA, ABRAHAM, (edited by Winston Carmichael Smith), Title: Paleo-Semitic Script and Qabala (1920)(Note to the Reader: This text is fictitious. The information about Abulafia is not).” The description spoke about Abraham Abulafia as being a controversial 13th century Kabbalist born in Saragossa, Spain. This text was a description of Abulafia’s life translated from his spiritual autobiography Otzer Eden Ganuz (Hidden Treasure of the Garden). Joshua wrote down this reference and its location, along with about ten others. Most of them were on the 19th floor, curiously not far from where he’d left his back pack.
He returned to the elevator and descended to the 19th floor. As the door opened he immediately sensed the presence of someone else. It wasn’t a sound, just an intuition he thought as he went to the shelf where the Abulafia volume was located. There were many related books there, all referring to various practitioners of Kabbalah. Most of the volumes also seemed to be rare books. Many were written entirely in Hebrew. He pulled two from the shelves. The first was Paleo Semitic Script and Qabala. The second was Abulafia and Natural Vowels. He took the books to his desk and sat down to read them. Fortunately these books were translated into English. As he read the first book, Joshua quickly learned the amazing story of this man named Abraham Abulafia. Much like Joshua, Abulafia’s father had taught Abulafia the Bible and certain scholarly commentaries. By the age of 18 he traveled from Spain to the Holy Land in search of the 10 lost tribes of Israel, which were then reported to be near a mythical river called Sambatyon.