Revelation 1:9-16 - The Son of Man in the Midst of the Lampstands
The study of the Book of Revelation (הִתְגַּלּוּת, Hitgalut) reaches chapter 1:9-16, where Brother Gideon Levytam brings us to the apostle John on the island of Patmos. John did not go there for a vacation. The emperor Domitian had banished him as a prisoner for the word of God and the testimony of Yeshua the Messiah. John calls himself a brother and companion in tribulation. He means the opposition believers meet for their testimony, not the great tribulation to come (John 16:33). The emperor meant to silence him. Instead the LORD met him there and gave him the Revelation. In the Spirit John heard a voice behind him, loud as a shofar. Gideon shows what John saw when he turned. Seven golden lampstands stood before him. They are the seven assemblies of Asia Minor, each called to give light to those around it. In the midst was one like the Son of Man, Ben ha-Adam (בֶּן הָאָדָם), the person Daniel saw some six hundred years earlier (Daniel 7:13). This is the glorified Messiah, a King in the role of a judge. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and nothing in the life of His people is hidden from Him. Out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, the truth of God's word. He stands in the midst and knows the spiritual condition of every assembly, in every country and century. God can use His own anywhere, even on a prison island. Believers are called to give light in a dark world.
Romans 10:1-3 - My Heart's Desire Is That Israel Might Be Saved
The study of the Book of Romans reaches chapter 10, and Brother Gideon Levytam opens with Paul's burden for his people: my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. The Hebrew word for salvation, yeshuah (יְשׁוּעָה), is the very name of Yeshua. Jewish individuals had believed, the apostles among them, but Israel as a nation was not yet saved. Israel has a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. No nation has carried such devotion from generation to generation: morning prayers in the synagogue, the Sabbath, the feasts. But zeal does not save. Drawing from the Hebrew Scriptures, Gideon shows what Israel missed. Being ignorant of God's righteousness, the nation went about to establish its own righteousness and did not submit to the righteousness of God. The whole religious world shares the same problem: a righteousness built on what man does for God. Isaiah says all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). The law was never given to save Israel, but to drive the nation to its need of the Messiah. Salvation is something God does for man. Abraham was declared righteous because he believed the LORD, and it was counted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Every person by nature is lost, and the Messiah came to seek and to save the lost. Everyone who turns to the Lord Yeshua is saved, and at His return Paul's prayer will be answered: Israel as a nation will be saved.
Zechariah 9:10-17 - The Coming King and the Prisoners of Hope
Concluding chapter 9 in his verse-by-verse study of the Book of Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה), Brother Gideon Levytam takes up verses 10 to 17 and the return of the King. Verse 9 was fulfilled when Yeshua rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Verse 10 waits for His return: between the two verses lie some two thousand years. Our people have long spoken of two Messiahs, one who suffers and one who reigns. There is only one Messiah, and He comes twice. He came once to die for the sin of the world. He is coming again to reign. In His kingdom the instruments of war will be cut off. He will speak peace, shalom (שָׁלוֹם), to the nations, and swords will be beaten into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4). His rule will reach from sea to sea, to the ends of the earth. Israel's restoration rests on the blood of the covenant, not on her own righteousness. The old sacrifices could only cover sin; the blood of the Messiah takes it away (Jeremiah 31:31). Zechariah calls Israel prisoners of hope: captives still, but captives with God's promise. The LORD Himself will defend His people and save them in that day as His own flock. Israel will see her King at last and say: how great is His goodness, and how great His beauty. Everyone who receives Him can say the same now, in this day of grace.
Revelation 1:4-8 - Yeshua the Faithful Witness and Coming King
Continuing his verse-by-verse study of the Book of Revelation (הִתְגַּלּוּת, Hitgalut), Brother Gideon Levytam takes up Revelation 1:4-8, where John greets the seven churches of Asia Minor. Seven speaks of completeness, and these assemblies represent the whole church worldwide. The greeting of grace and peace comes from the triune God. It comes from the Father, who is and was and is to come. It comes from the sevenfold Spirit, the one Spirit in the fullness of His attributes (Isaiah 11:2). And it comes from Yeshua the Messiah: the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Firstborn is a title of rank, not of birth order. He rose to die no more, and in all things He has the preeminence (Colossians 1:18). He loves us. He washed us from our sins in His own blood and made us a kingdom of priests. He came the first time in humility, as the Lamb. He is coming again with clouds, in power and great glory, and every eye shall see Him. Our people Israel, as the prophet Zechariah foretold, will look upon Him whom they pierced and mourn, recognizing their Messiah. Even the sacred name declares His eternity, for its letters spell haya (הָיָה), hoveh (הֹוֶה), yihyeh (יִהְיֶה): He was, He is, He is to come. Yeshua, the Alpha and Omega, is the eternal Son, the Almighty, co-equal with the Father and the Spirit.
Romans 9:30-33 - Righteousness by Faith and Israel's Stumbling Over the Messiah
In this concluding study of Romans 9, Brother Gideon Levytam examines the striking contrast between the nations (הַגּוֹיִם), who were not pursuing righteousness yet attained it by faith, and Israel, which pursued righteousness through the works of the Law but did not attain it. Gideon explains that no one can be declared righteous through human merit or law-keeping. Righteousness is God’s gift, received by faith in the finished work of Yeshua the Messiah. Drawing from the Hebrew Scriptures (הַתַּנַ״ךְ), particularly Isaiah and the Psalms, Gideon identifies Yeshua as the stone laid by God in Zion. Although Israel as a nation stumbled over Him, He is the tried and precious cornerstone, the sure foundation for everyone who believes. All who trust in Yeshua for salvation are justified by God and will never be put to shame.
Zechariah 9:1-9 - The King of Zion Comes in Humility
In this verse-by-verse study of the Book of Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה), Brother Gideon Levytam begins the final prophetic section of the book by explaining the burden of the word of the Lord concerning the nations surrounding Israel. He shows how Zechariah 9:1–8 foretold the conquests of Alexander the Great against Syria, Tyre, Sidon, and the Philistine cities, while revealing God’s sovereign protection over Jerusalem and His Temple during the times of the Gentiles. Through these fulfilled prophecies, we are reminded that the Lord sees all things and faithfully accomplishes His purposes for Israel. The focus then turns to Israel’s promised Messiah. In the beautiful prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, Yeshua the Messiah comes to the daughter of Zion in humility, righteous and bringing salvation, riding upon the foal of a donkey. Brother Gideon highlights the contrast between the pride of earthly rulers and the lowliness of Israel’s true King, who came first to give His life for the sins of the world and will one day return to establish His righteous Messianic Kingdom.
Revelation 1:1-3 - The Unveiling of Yeshua the Messiah
In this introductory study of the Book of Revelation (הִתְגַּלּוּת, Hitgalut), Brother Gideon Levytam brings us to the very heart of this prophetic book: the unveiling of Yeshua the Messiah. While many find Revelation complex or intimidating, Gideon reminds us that the word "Apocalypse" simply means an "unveiling" or a "disclosure." This revelation was not meant to be hidden, but was given by God the Father to Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah, who signified it by His angel to the apostle John for the instruction and encouragement of all His servants. Gideon highlights the unique promise found in Revelation 1:3, a specific blessing for everyone who reads, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy. By drawing powerful parallels between the "first things" of Genesis and the "last things" of Revelation, he shows how God's redemptive plan comes full circle, from the first creation to the new heavens and the new earth. This study encourages believers to approach Revelation with expectant hearts, fixing their eyes on the glorious return of Yeshua the Messiah, the Son of Man, the coming King, and the righteous Judge.
Romans 9:22-29 - Vessels of Mercy and the Preservation of the Remnant
In this study of Romans 9:22-29, Brother Gideon Levytam explores the depths of God’s sovereignty and His divine purpose in redemption. Continuing with the illustration of the Potter and the clay, Gideon explains that while humanity has fitted itself for destruction through its own sin, God demonstrates His incredible long-suffering toward the “vessels of wrath.” In contrast, He makes known the riches of His glory upon the “vessels of mercy,” whom He prepared beforehand for glory. His mercy extends not only to the Jewish people but also to believers from among the nations (Gentiles). Gideon highlights the fulfillment of the prophecy of Hosea (הוֹשֵׁעַ), where those who were once “not My people” are now called the “children of the living God.” He also emphasizes the biblical principle of the remnant within Israel. Quoting the prophet Isaiah (יְשַׁעְיָהוּ), he reminds us that although the children of Israel may be as the sand of the sea, God has preserved a seed for Himself throughout history, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel and preventing the nation from being utterly consumed like Sodom and Gomorrah. This study underscores that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace and mercy toward all whom He calls.
Zechariah 8:9-23 - From Mourning to Joyful Feasts and the Nations Seeking Zion
In this verse-by-verse study of Zechariah 8:9-23, Brother Gideon Levytam explores the Lord's encouraging words to the Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylon to rebuild the Temple. Through the prophet Zechariah, God calls His people to "let your hands be strong," promising to replace Israel's former judgment with blessing. Gideon explains how the fasts that remembered Jerusalem's destruction will one day be transformed into seasons of joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts for the house of Judah. Looking ahead to the Messianic Kingdom, Gideon highlights the final prophecy of the chapter, when the nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord of Hosts (Adonai Tzva'ot). Ten men from all the languages of the nations will take hold of the tzitzit (fringes) of a Jewish man, saying, "We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you." This beautiful picture points to the future reign of Yeshua the Messiah, when Israel will be fully restored and Jerusalem will become the center of worship for all the earth.
Jonah 4:1-11 - Jonah's Anger and the Sovereign Mercy of God
In the final chapter of the Book of Jonah (יוֹנָה), Brother Gideon Levytam explores the stark contrast between the prophet’s bitter displeasure and the Lord’s boundless compassion. Even after witnessing the repentance of Nineveh, Jonah becomes exceedingly angry, struggling to align his own desires with God’s sovereign will. Through the divine object lessons of the kikayon (gourd), a prepared worm, and a vehement east wind (sharav), the Lord lovingly challenges Jonah’s misplaced priorities and reveals His deep heart of mercy for the Gentile nations. Gideon reminds us that God’s thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8–9). While Jonah wrestled with God’s grace toward Israel’s enemies out of concern for his own nation’s future, we are pointed to Yeshua the Messiah—the One who is greater than Jonah (Matthew 12:41). Yeshua perfectly submitted to the Father’s will, accomplishing redemption through His sacrificial death so that both Jew and Gentile might receive forgiveness of sins. This final chapter serves as a powerful call to examine our own hearts, submit to God’s sovereignty, and align our ways with His merciful purposes.