Perdamaian di Yerusalem oleh Gus Yahyah

PERDAMAIAN: wawancara khusus KH.Yahya dengan AJC ..

Gus Yahya di America Jewish Commitee (AJC) Global Forum di Yerusalem. (foto: Yahya C Staquf for ngopibareng.id)
Jalan Perdamaian di Yerusalem, Ini Dialog Lengkap Gus Yahya dan Rabi David Rosen
11 Jun 2018 22:42

Internasional
"Jika seseorang tidak memiliki Rahmah, tidak memiliki kasih sayang dan kepedulian terhadap orang lain, orang ini tidak akan pernah mau memberi keadilan untuk orang lain. Jadi, ...aku ingin menyerukan pada dunia:

Mari memilih Rahmah," kata Gus Yahya Cholil Staquf. Share :  Ngopibareng.id |
KH Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya) tampil dalam America Jewish Commitee (AJC) Global Forum di Yerusalem.

Berbicara di depan 1600 orang Yahudi tentang Indonesia dan Islam tentu sebuah kesempatan besar dan penting.

Dalam dialog di forum tersebut, Gus Yahya, panggilan akrabnya, tampil bersama Rabi David Rosen, sebagai moderator dari AJC International Director of Interreligious Affairs, berlangsung Ahad (10/6/2018).

Berikut ngopibareng.id menghadirkan transkripsi lengkap dialog dalam rangkaian kegiatan Gus Yahya, yang resmi diundang The Israel Council on Foreign Relations, Yerusalem itu.

Rabi David Rosen:

Selamat datang.

Anda adalah salah satu murid terbaik dari salah satu guru terbaik yang pernah ada, Presiden Abdurrahman Wahid.

Dan AJC sudah berhubungan dgn Gus Dur sejak 20 tahun lalu.

Gus Dur juga bicara di acara seperti ini, 16 tahun lalu. Beliau juga pernah mengunjungi Israel sebanyak 3 kali.

Lalu Anda sekarang mengikuti jejaknya.

Bagaimana perasaan Anda?

KH Yahya Cholil Staquf:

Terima kasih atas kesempatan ini.

Adalah sebuah keberuntungan bagi NU bahwa Gus Dur meninggal dunia dengan meninggalkan murid-murid yang kemudian tumbuh dan mengikuti jejaknya.

Apa yang selama ini saya saya dan rekan-rekan saya lakukan hanyalah sebatas melanjutkan pekerjaan dari Gus Dur.

Rabi David Rosen:

Tapi ini bukan sekadar ketersambungan.

Kehadiran Anda di sini memiliki signifikansi tersendiri di mata dunia. Bagaimana Anda memaknai hal ini?

KH Yahya Cholil Staquf:

Idealisme dan visi yang dimiliki oleh Gus Dur adalah keberlangsungan umat manusia dalam jangka waktu yang sangat panjang.

Dan oleh karenanya tidak bisa dicapai secara instan.

Gus Dur telah menjalankan perannya dalam mewujudkan visi tersebut, dan kini adalah giliran murid-murid beliau di generasi ini untuk melanjutkan pekerjaan tersebut.

Kami merasa beruntung, sebab berkat Gus Dur, kami telah mencapai titik tertentu di mana kami bisa melihat arah yang lebih jelas di depan kami.

Rabi David Rosen:

Dalam pidatonya di forum AJC di Washington, Gus Dur bicara tentang hubungan yang istimewa antara Yahudi dan Islam yang telah berjalan ratusan tahun.

Bagaimana Anda memandang hubungan ini?

KH Yahya Cholil Staquf:

Hubungan antara Islam dan Yahudi adalah hubungan yang fluktuatif.

Terkadang baik, terkadang konflik.

Hal ini tergantung pada dinamika sejarah yang terjadi.

Tapi secara umum kita harus mengakui bahwa ada masalah dalam hubungan dua agama ini.

Dan salah satu sumber masalahnya terletak pada ajaran agama itu sendiri.

Dalam konteks realitas saat ini, kaum beragama, baik Islam maupun Yahudi perlu menemukan cara baru untuk pertama-tama memfungsikan agama dalam kehidupan nyata, dan kedua menemukan interpretasi moral baru yang mampu menciptakan hubungan yang harmonis dengan agama-agama lain.

Rabi David Rosen:

Jadi, Anda mengatakan bahwa melakukan intrepretasi ulang terhadap teks Al-Quran dan Hadits —sebagai upaya untuk menghilangkan penghalang bagi terciptanya hubungan baik antara Islam dan Yahudi— adalah sesuatu yang mungkin dilakukan?

KH Yahya Cholil Staquf:

Bukan hanya “mungkin”, tapi ini sesuatu yang “harus” dilakukan.

Karena setiap ayat dari Al-Quran diturunkan dalam konteks realitas tertentu, dalam masa tertentu.

Nabi Muhammad SAW dalam mengatakan sesuatu juga selalu disesuaikan dengan situasi yang ada pada saat itu.

Sehingga Al-Quran dan Hadits adalah pada dasarnya dokumen sejarah yang berisi panduan moral dalam menghadapi situasi tertentu.

Ketika situasi dan realitasnya berubah, maka manifestasi dari moralitas tersebut sudah seharusnya berubah pula.

Rabi David Rosen:

Lalu, Anda dan Gus Dur selalu menekankan pentingnya memerangi ekstremisme dan mempromosikan pendekatan yang lebih humanis.

Apakah menurut Anda Indonesia memiliki sesuatu yang bisa diberikan pada dunia dalam kaitannya dengan hal ini?

KH Yahya Cholil Staquf:

Ini bukan tentang menawarkan sesuatu dari Indonesia.

Karena Indonesia sendiri bukannya sudah terbebas dari masalah.

Kami memiliki masalah kami sendiri.

Kami memang memiliki semacam kearifan lokal yang membantu masyarakat untuk hidup secara harmonis dalam lingkungan yang heterogan, tapi kami masih punya banyak masalah terkait agama, termasuk Islam.

Apa yang kita hadapi saat ini, apa yang seluruh dunia hadapi saat ini adalah sebuah situasi di mana konflik terjadi di seluruh dunia, dan di dalam konflik-konflik ini, agama hampir selalu digunakan sebagai senjata untuk menjustifikasi konflik.

Sekarang saatnya kuta bertanya, “apakah kita ingin hal ini berlanjut?

Atau kita ingin memiliki masa depan yang berbeda?”

Jika kita ingin hal ini berlanjut, konsekuensinya jelas: tidak ada yang bisa bertahan hidup di dalam kondisi seperti ini.

Jika kita ingin masa depan yang berbeda, kita harus mengubah cara kita mengatasi persoalan.

Saat ini, agama digunakan sebagai justifikasi dan senjata untuk berkonflik.

Kita, kaum beragama, mesti bertanya pada diri kita sendiri, apakah ini benar-benar fungsi yang sebenarnya dari agama?

Atau apakah ada cara lain yang memungkinkan agama berfungsi sebagai sumber inspirasi untuk menemukan solusi dari semua konflik ini?

Dalam pandangan saya, juga pandangan Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), dunia perlu berubah. Semua pihak perlu berubah.

Saya akan menggunakan metafora “obat macam apa pun tidak akan bisa menyembuhkan pasien diabetes atau jantung, selama si pasien tidak mau merubah gaya hidupnya”.

Salah satu ayat dalam Al-Quran juga menyebutkan “innallaha laa yughayyiru maa bi qaumin hatta yughayyiru maa bi anfusihim” yang artinya “Sesungguhnya Allah tidak mengubah keadaan suatu kaum sampai mereka mengubah keadaan diri mereka sendiri”.

Selama ini kita selalu terlibat dalam konflik untuk memperebutkan barang, sumber daya, kekuasaan, apapun itu, dengan tujuan untuk mengalahkan pihak lain.

Dan pada akhirnya, kita bahkan tidak mampu lagi membedakan bagaimana konflik ini bermula, dan bagaimana seharusnya konflik ini diselesaikan.

Bagi saya, yang tersisa saat ini adalah sebuah pilihan.

Sebuah pilihan mendasar yang bisa memberi kita solusi nyata.

Pilihan itu adalah apa yang kita sebut dalam Islam sebagai “Rahmah”.

Rahmah berarti kasih sayang dan kepedulian terhadap sesama.

Kita “harus” memilih Rahmah, karena ini adalah awal dari semua hal baik yang kita selalu idamkan. Jika kita memilih Rahmah, baru kita bisa berbicara soal keadilan.

Karena keadilan bukan hanya merupakan sesuatu yang kita inginkan, tapi juga tentang kemauan untuk memberikan keadilan bagi orang lain.

Jika seseorang tidak memiliki Rahmah, tidak memiliki kasih sayang dan kepedulian terhadap orang lain, orang ini tidak akan pernah mau memberi keadilan untuk orang lain. Jadi, jika saya harus berseru pada dunia, aku ingin menyerukan pada dunia: “Mari memilih Rahmah”.

(Sontak, 1600 orang Yahudi di forum tersebut bertepuk tangan, menyambut gagasan Gus Yahya, red)

Rabi David Rosen:

Konsep Rahman dan Rahim memiliki kemiripan dalam Yahudi.

Hal ini mengindikasikan bahwa Islam dan Yahudi sejatinya memiliki kedekatan dalam spirit dan tradisi keagamaan.

Pak Yahya,
kami berterimakasih banyak atas seruan Anda untuk memilih Rahmah, dan kami harap Anda mampu menjadi inspirasi bagi muslim di seluruh dunia, dan kita harap kita bisa mencapai rekonsiliasi dan membawa berkah bagi seluruh masyarakat.

Dan AJC akan selalu berusaha menjalani peran untuk memfasilitasi rekonsiliasi dan perdamaian sejati. (adi)

Baca Juga :

Gus Yahya Staquf ke Israel, Ini Penjelasan PBNU
Di AJC Global Forum, Gus Yahya: Saya Berdiri di Sini untuk Palestina
Terkait Isu Undangan ke Israel, Ini Klarifikasi Gus Yahya

Disambut Gemuruh di Israel, Gus Yahya Tawarkan Konsep Islam Welas Asih

KH Yahya Cholil Staquf dialog lengkap Rabi David Rosen Yerusalem
Editor : Riadi

Di salin kembali oleh :

By.Aspenas Warkey Cohen

Emunah

HALLALU-YAHUAH THROUGH YAHUSHA HA'MASHYACH HOUSE OF YASHAR'AL; TZION

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. REVELATION 12:11

CONVERSATION WITH A DOUBTFUL MIND; THIS IS THE STATEMENT MADE BY HIM...

"The entire so-called new testament is fake and phony a worthless piece of paper."

MY HUMBLE SUBMISSION; PRAISE BE YAH!

The genealogists might have erred concerning the lineage but man makes mistakes but YAH doesn't not! If you don't believe the law=(torah) and the nabayim=(prophets) and the Tahallyim=(psalms)  plus the writing's concerning the Messiah then my friend you must read again because they all speak of the elect one of YAHUAH our ALUAHYM and CREATOR the SAVIOUR of the WORLD through YAHUSHA HA'MASHYACH... As nabuah=(prophesied).

Howbeit, some people have purposed to cause others to stumble by the way of MISTRANSLATION'S and UNBELIEF adhering to lie's and fables and other erroneous DOCTRINE'S and TRADITIONS of Men of debased MIND'S void of understanding least they hear with their ears and understand with their Heart to be SAVED.

Becareful that your stance doesn't cause others to stumble one chapter does not promote your RETHORIC nor have you submitted any proof of the accusations submitted by your claim so we might be able to prayerfully prove all things pertaining to this matter according to the scriptures and not our opinion's by the RUACH HA KADASH discernment... Therefore moving forward if you shall not produce anything I pray that you cease and desist from making unsubstantiated claims howbeit it might have some validation from the beginning but the light of YAHUAH shall judge among the false doctrine and bring to light the TRUTH.

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Torah of Mosheh, and in the prophets, and in the Tehilliym, concerning me. LUKE 24:44

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. REVELATION 12:11

BEHOLD my Servant, whom I uphold; my Elect One, in whom my soul delights; I have put my RUACH upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the other nations. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his Torah.  ISAIAH 42:1-4

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto you, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them את eth all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. 
DEUTERONOMY 18:18-19

Thus says YAHUAH TSEVA'OTH; If you will walk in my ways, and if you will guard את eth-my watch, then you shall also judge את eth-my house, and shall also guard את eth-my courts, and I will give you places to walk among these that stand by. Hear now, O Yahusha the high priest, you, and your fellows that sit before you: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth את eth-my servant the BRANCH. For behold the stone that I have laid before Yahusha; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, says YAHUAH TSEVA'OTH, and I will remove את eth-the iniquity of that land in one day. In that day, says YAHUAH TSEVA'OTH, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.  ZECHARIAH 3:7-10

I will declare the decree: YAHUAH has said unto me, You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I shall give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve את eth-YAHUAH with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.  PSALMS 2:7-12

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire; my ears have you opened: burnt offering and sin offering have you not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the rolls of the cepher it is written of me, I delight to do your will, O my ELOHIYM: yea, your Torah is within my heart.  PSALMS 40:6-8

Thus says YAHUAH, the Holy One of Yashar'el, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, says YAHUAH TSEVA'OTH.  ISAIAH 45:11-13

WHO has believed our report? and to whom is the arm of YAHUAH revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he has no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of ELOHIYM, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and YAHUAH has laid on him את eth the iniquity of us all.  ISAIAH 53:1-6

And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary את eth-my ALUAHYM also? Therefore ALUAHYM YAHUAH himself shall give you a sign; Behold! a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth an infant son, whose name is called Immanu'el.  ISAIAH 7:13-14

And as Mosheh lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Adam be lifted up: That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For YAH so loved את eth-the world, that he gave את eth-his את eth-yachiyd, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For YAH sent not his את eth-yachiyd into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the yachiyd of YAHUAH. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  JOHN 3:14-19

THAT את eth which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) את eth That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son YAHUSHA HAMASHIACH.  1 JOHN 1:1-3

And ELOHIYM said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. So ELOHIYM created את eth-man in his own image, in the image of ELOHIYM created he him; male and female created he them.  GENESIS 1:26-27

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of YAHUAH, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of YAHUAH. And the Word was made flesh, and tabernacled among us, (and we beheld his esteem, the esteem as of the yachiyd of the Father,) full of favor and truth.  JOHN 1:10-14

Wherefore YAHUAH also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of YAHUSHA every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that YAHUAH is YAHUSHA HAMASHIACH, to the glory of YAH the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  PHILIPPIANS 2:9-12

Ye men of Yashar'el, hear these words; YAHUSHA the Netseriy, a man approved of YAH among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which YAHUAH did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of YAH, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom YAHUAH has raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be held of it. For David speaks concerning him, I foresaw YAHUAH always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because you will not leave my soul in She'ol, neither will you suffer your Kadash=(Set-apart) One to see corruption.  ACTS 2:22-27

But those things, which YAHUAH before had showed את eth by the mouth of all his prophets, that HAMASHIACH should suffer, he has so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of YAHUAH; And he shall send את eth-YAHUSHA HAMASHIACH, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heavens must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which YAHUAH has spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Mosheh truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall YAHUAH ELOHAYKEM raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.  Yea, and all the prophets from Shemu'el and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which ELOHIYM made with our fathers, saying unto Avraham, And in your seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first YAHUAH, having raised up his Son YAHUSHA, sent him to bless you, in turning away everyone of you from his iniquities.  ACTS 3:18-26

For I am not ashamed of the Besorah of HAMASHIACH: for it is the power of YAH unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Yahudiy first, and also to the Yavaniy. For therein is the righteousness of YAH revealed from belief to belief: as it is written, The just shall live by belief. For the wrath of YAH is revealed from heaven against all wickedness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the Truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of YAH is manifest in them; for YAHUAH has showed it unto them. For from the creation of the world, the invisible things of YAH are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and divinity; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew YAHUAH, they glorified him not as YAHUAH, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  ROMANS 1:16-21

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am the א (Aleph) and the ת (Tav), the beginning and the end, the first and the last. BARUK=(Blessed) are they that do YAHUAH'S COMMANDMENT'S, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loves and makes a lie. I YAHUSHA have sent my MESSENGER to TESTIFY UNTO YOU THESE THING'S IN THE CALLED OUT ASSEMBLIES. I am the root and the OFFSPRING OF DAVID, and the BRIGHT STAR RISING in the MORNING. And the RUACH and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.  REVELATION 22:12-17

PRAISE BE YAHUAH OUR ALUAHAYNU AND SAVIOR THROUGH YAHUSHA HA'MASHYACH HOUSE OF YASHAR'AL; TZION THIS IS THE MESSAGE FROM THE BEGINNING; FOR SCRIPTURE'S INTERPRETATE SCRIPTURE LINE UPON LINE PRECEPT UPON PRECEPTS HERE A LITTLE THERE A LITTLE...

I HUMBLY SUBMIT THIS EVIDENCE OUT OF LOVE HOWBEIT THERE ARE STILL MANY OTHER SCRIPTURES AND LIFE ITSELF ALONG WITH NATURE EXCLAIM TO ALL CREATION THAT WE ARE A CREATION THAT ONLY DIVINTY COULD CONCEIVE CONTRARY TO THE NAYSAYERS AND MOCKERS THE RETHORIC OF HUBBLE AND THE DEVILUTION OF CHARLES DARWIN I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES AND IN THE END HE SHALL STAND UPON THE EARTH!

Diplomatic Relation between Israel and Indonesia

Kabar Gembira!  Pelan Tapi Pasti :

INILAH : 'KAIROS'  waktu Tuhan Untuk Indonesia .

Pengusaha Minta Hubungan Dagang RI-Israel Tak Dipolitisasi
OLEH: TEMPO.CO
SENIN, 29 MEI 2017 09:10 WIB

Pekerja mengamati bongkar muat peti kemas di Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT), Jakarta, 26 April 2017.

Bank Indonesia mencatat Neraca Perdagangan Indonesia surplus pada Maret 2017.

ANTARA / M Agung Rajasa
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -

#Rencana untuk membuka kerja sama dagang antara Indonesia dan Israel.

#Seperti Selengkapnya, kerja sama perdagangan dua negara belum dapat terjalin dengan baik, karena Indonesia dan Israel memiliki hubungan diplomatis secara resmi.

#Baca: Dubes: Rakyat Indonesia Kini Lebih Memahami Isu Palestina

#"Kita bisa pisahkan urusan politik dan ekonomi, jangan menyebutnya.

#Kalau soal ekonomi, kenapa enggak dijajaki," kata Ketua Asosiasi Pengusaha Indonesia (Apindo) bidang Hubungan Internasional dan Investasi, Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, saat dihubungi Tempo, Minggu, 28 Mei 2017.

#Baca: Berikut Daftar Negara Sahabat dan Musuh AS di Era Trump

Shinta mencontohkan kerja sama ekonomi dan perdagangan Indonesia dengan Taiwan yang tetap berjalan meskipun tak memiliki hubungan politik.

Menurut dia, jika ditilik dari segi bisnis dan hubungan ekonomi Indonesia dan Israel, terdapat potensi yang cukup besar. "

Jadi selama ada keuntungan untuk kedua belah pihak, kenapa enggak," katanya.

#Shinta berujar selama ini hubungan perdagangan yang dilakukan antara pengusaha Indonesia dan Israel selalu menggunakan negara pihak atau tidak dilakukan secara langsung.

#Misalnya melalui Inggris atau Amerika Serikat, banyak yang di baliknya itu milik Israel," ucapnya.

Kondisi ini, kata Shinta, menyebabkan sulitnya memprediksi atau mengukur nilai perdagangan Indonesia dan Israel selama ini.

"Angkanya enggak ada yang bisa nyata, susah karena memakai pihak ketiga tadi."

#Shinta menambahkan, meskipun saat ini belum ada hubungan diplomatis, tidak tertutup jika diperlukan.

#Mungkin bisa jika kamar ke kamar atau kantor dagang," ujarnya.

#Terkait dengan potensi produk perdagangan yang bisa digali dari Israel, Shinta mengatakan, diungkapan pertanian, teknologi informasi (TI), dan perangkat lunak.

#Mereka kan terkenal dengan teknologinya yang bagus, tapi kita enggak bisa buka kerja samanya selama ini, enggak optimal," katanya.

#Sementara itu, produk yang dapat ditawarkan oleh Indonesia, menurut Shinta, termasuk produk makanan dan minuman, tekstil, sepatu, dan kelapa sawit.

#Kami selama ini belum menjajaki lebih lanjut, tapi itu menjadi salah satu ujung tombak kita ke luar dan ada potensi untuk dibawa ke sana," tuturnya.

Kita sama doakan semoga rencana Pemerintah Indonesia membuka hubungan dengan dengan Israel tercapai..

Toh itupun sesuai keinginan Presiden Almr  Gusdur.

(oleh: GHOIDA RAHMAH)

Aaronic Blessing

THE AARONIC BLESSING - by Shon Cunningham
1. It is found in Numbers 6:24-26

2. It was spoken over the people by the priests at the Tabernacle, then later at the Temple. (Num.6:23)

3. God promises to bless His people when this blessing is spoken over them. (Num.6:27)

4. The priests would form the letter "Shin" with their hands and fingers when reciting the blessing. The Shin stands for the "Sh" sound in El Shaddai (God Almighty).

5. According to tradition, the Divine Presence would shine through the priests fingers as they were reciting the blessing.

6. For this reason, no one was allowed to look at the priests hands out of awe of the Creator.

7. During the second Temple period, the priest whose lot was cast to light the altar of incense that day had the honor of leading the blessing. This was the duty of Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, on the day he was visited by the angel. Making it significant that he could not speak. (Luke 1:5-22)

8. Also called the "Lifting of the hands," it is likely that Yeshua (Jesus) spoke it over the disciples before He ascended to heaven. (Luke 24:50)

9. The Aaronic Blessing is the oldest piece of Scripture we have. It was found on an amulet dating between 700-650 BCE.

10. The blessing is traditionally spoken over the children on Friday night before the Shabbat meal.

11. Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock), who was Jewish, actually patterned the Vulcan salute after the Aaronic Blessing using one hand instead of both.

Shabbat Reading

FRIDAY PRAYER POINTS
JUNE 29TH, 2018

1. We began this morning by reading Psalm 121.
o I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where shall my help come from? My help comes from YHWH, who made Heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. YHWH is your keeper; YHWH is your shade on your right hand…YHWH shall keep you from all evil; He shall keep your soul. YHWH shall keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.Psalms 121:1-8
o Thank You that You who do not slumber nor sleep watches over both us and Your people Israel.
o You are our Keeper – our Guardian, our Protector – and we praise You for being that to us (Psa. 3:3).
o What a joy to see that this 3,000 year old Psalm is as current today as it was back then (Jer. 1:12).
o We declare that Your Word is settled forever in heaven (Psa. 119:89).
o For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.Psa. 36:9
2. Tens of thousands of Syrian refugees are streaming towards Israel's Golan borders – fleeing from an assault against these "rebels' by both Syria and the Russian Air Force. Jordan, which is already housing more than a million Syrian refugees, has closed its border. What should Israel do?
o Lord, where is the American administration which was part of the deal to create an area in southwestern Syria as a de-escalation zone? Wake them up to how their inaction is ruining their reputation of being a faithful ally here in the Middle East (Matt. 5:37).
o Download Your plans to the IDF concerning how to handle this situation (Prov. 19:21).
o Protect Israel's soldiers as they protect Israel's borders.
o Impart to them the ability to know the innocent from the terrorists among them.
o Based on Romans 8:28, we ask that You would watch over this looming situation and bring out of it the most amount of glory to Yourself and the salvation of multitudes of these mostly Islamic refugees.
o Not to us, O YHWH, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for Your mercy and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where now is their God? But our God is in Heaven; He has done whatever He has pleased.Psa. 115:1-3
o Lord Yeshua, continue to reveal Yourself to many refugees among the Muslims (Rev. 1:17-18).
o As they see the true face of Islam – may many flee to You for safety, salvation and peace (John 16:31).
o Is it time for Israel to extend its borders outward to provide a safe zone for these Syrians (Isa. 54:2-3)?
o We bless You for Israel annexing the Golan. Continue to protect it from enemy attacks (Psa. 35:1-3).
o Release angelic protection for all of Israel's north and northeast borders (Psa. 35:4-8).
o Lord, as Israel has two borders under attack today – the Syrian-Lebanese and the Gazan borders – please watch over Malachi 1:5b: YHWH will be magnified upon [and beyond] the border of Israel.
3. On July 16th, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet. One of the topics on their agenda is Syria. Reports are that Trump will accept Syrian President Assad's rule over that nation as long as all foreign militaries leave – probably with the exception of Russia's. Also, we are hearing that if not, the US will give Israel a "green light" to attack all Iranian bases in Syria.
o YHWH brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He breaks the plans of the people. The counsel of YHWH stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.Psa. 33:10-11
o The king's heart is in YHWH's hand as the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He will.Prov. 21:1
o Based on the above verses and many others, Lord we ask that You will assert Your sovereignty over this meeting and only allow that which furthers Your divine purposes to come forth (Rev. 17:17).
o Prepare Israel to know what to do and how to respond to the results of this meeting (Isa. 42:9).
o Make it very clear to Putin that leaving Iran in Syria is a danger to Russia's plans as well as to Israel.
o Thank You for Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and the Israeli security cabinet for enforcing their red-lines re: Iranian activity in Syria (Ezek. 37:10).
4. Netanyahu has been under constant pressure in all areas of his life – both private and political.
o Abba, we are amazed at how well he continues to function and we thank You for that (Psa. 80:17).
o We ask that You instruct Bibi and teach him the way he should go; that You will counsel him and Your eye will always be on him (Psa. 32:8; Prov. 16:9).
o As he is Your appointed man to lead Israel at this time, continue to sustain him (2 Sam. 19:33).
o May Netanyahu discover Psalm 50:15 and make it a reality in his life: Call on Me in the day of trouble; and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
o Pour out on Bibi the gift of delegation (Ex. 18:13-26).
o Surround him with people whom he can trust so that he can delegate to them (Neh. 7:2; Prov. 20:6).
o Bring around him godly counsel – both in his political and personal life (Prov. 27:6).
o Forbid bitterness from growing in his family over all the personal attacks they have endured (Eph. 4:31).
o As Sara Netanyahu goes to trial in mid-July, draw her to Yourself (Jer. 31:3).
o In Your timing, raise up a worthy replacement for Netanyahu to lead Israel (Dan. 2:21).
5. Israel's Gaza border is far from peaceful. While the huge demonstrations are over, the firebomb kites are still setting Israeli lands ablaze and there are daily attempts by Hamas terrorists to breach the security fence and commit terror attacks on Israeli communities and against IDF soldiers. Also, Hamas has started to shoot rockets at Israel in response to Israeli attacks on the kite-flyers.
o We give You the glory that with all the demonstrations there was no loss of life on the Israeli side and no breaching of the security fence (Psa. 121:4).
o Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; also let those who hate Him flee before Him…He scatters the people who delight in war.Psa. 68:1, 30b
o Implant Your plans to IDF strategists and tacticians so that the army knows what to do (Josh 6:2-5).
o Abba, if Israel should extend its border into Gaza and create a no-go zone on Hamas' side of the fence, lead the IDF on how to do it and give Israel wisdom on how to explain it to the world.
o Lord, we grieve that it is Your land that is on fire (Lev. 25:23). Protect it for Your holy name's sake.
o Expose the spirit behind so many in the "save the planet' movement: that they will do whatever it takes to protect Mother Earth – but are totally silent when Father God's land is being destroyed (Rev. 11:18b).
o Protect Israel from this anti-God spirit that as infiltrated the environmentalist movement.
o Divide the Hamas leadership and let them fight each other (Psa. 129:5).
o Thank You that Abbas' Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria is at war with Hamas (Psa. 55:9).
6. While Iran is still the number one threat to the nation of Israel, God is hearing our prayers and shaking that nation to its foundations. What a shock to hear this people who used to cry "Death to America," and "Death to Israel," now shouting "Death to Palestine," and "Death to the Dictator," that is the Ayatollah Khamenei who runs Iran.
o Lord, forgive us for even thinking that Iran is an existential threat to Israel, as You have stated, Thus says YHWH, who gives the sun for a light by day and the laws of the moon and of the stars for a light by night…YHWH of Hosts is His name; if those ordinances depart from Me…then the seed of Israel shall cease being a nation before Me forever. Thus says YHWH, If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth below searched out, then I will cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says YHWH. (Jer. 31:35-37)
o Yet Iran is Israel's most dangerous enemy today, so we thank You for shaking it internally as protests against the regime explode in its streets.
o Protect and use the ordinary Iranian citizen to overturn that wicked Shi'ite regime (2 Kings 9:32-33).
o Pour spiritual fuel on these protests to root out Your enemies who have called for the destruction of Your people and Your nation (Psa. 83:1-4, 16-18).
o Turn Iran's regular army and its police to stand with the people against the regime (2 Kings 9:11-13).
o For I will cause Elam [modern Iran] to be afraid before their enemies and before those who seek their life, and I will bring evil on them, even My fierce anger, says YHWH. And I will send the sword after them until I have destroyed them;Jer. 49:37
o Thank You for the growing Body of believers in Iran. Teach them how to pray and act (2 Pet. 4:7).
o Prepare even now the next generation of Iranian leaders (Isa. 45:1-4).
o Remove all anti-Zionist spirits from them and from the Body of Messiah (Gen. 12:3a).
o We proclaim to Iran's current regime: Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he also will reap. (Gal. 6:7)
7. We are approaching the unveiling of US President Trump's "deal of the century" – this is a "peace deal" between Israel and…? And that is the most interesting part, as God has done such a good job of hardening the Palestinian leadership's hearts that there is no one on the other side with whom Israel could even talk to. So the US peace team is aiming for a regional deal that includes Egypt, Jordan, maybe Saudi Arabia and other Arab Gulf States. Yet the danger is what are they planning to ask from Israel.
o Lord, protect Your land from being divided any further (Lev. 25:23; Ezek. 36:5).
o We thank You for all that Trump and his team have done for Israel, especially in the UN, but God warn him that if he dares to touch Your land, America will become even more divided than it is now. Behold, in those days…when I will bring again the exiles of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat. I will fight with them there for My people and for My inheritance Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and divided My land. (Joel 3:1-2)
o Wake up Trump's Christian spiritual advisory council to warn him away from dealing with Your land as if it is just another real estate deal – and so ending up by blaspheming You (Ezek. 35:12-13)!
o Use Bibi's background as an historian and his deep insight and commitment to Israel's security to "Just say 'No'," to anything that would endanger Israel (Jud. 11:23-24).
o If possible, for America's sake, scrap this plan and may it never be presented.
o God, this Shabbat's Torah portion shows us how You turned the curses of Balaam into blessings. Do it again if there is any curse that comes with this peace plan (Deut. 23:5).
o Somehow may Trump and his team be lead to read from this section and may these verses come alive to them: God is not a man that He should lie; neither the son of man that He should repent. Has He said, and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken, and shall He not make it good? (Num. 23:19); Surely, there is no enchantment against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel. According to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What God has worked! (Num. 23:23); Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you. (Num. 24:9b)
8. Israel's water situation is desperate. While we have enough water to drink and use around the house, waters from heaven that feed underground aquifers, refresh nature and are depended on by farmers have been lacking for several years. We need God to intervene.
o Lord, as You said in Isaiah 41:17-20, we need You to create new water sources in this – Your land.
o Please God, do not allow the Sea of Galilee to become saline and destroyed as a fresh water lake.
o You said that if we ask You to do it, You would make this land like the Garden of Eden. We are asking today (Ezek. 36:35-37).
o Send rain out of season (Jam. 5:17-18) .
o Anoint Israel hydrologists to come up with new ways of producing fresh water (Prov. 16:9; 19:21).
o With all the crises that the government has to deal with, please do not let this one be ignored.
o Are there any among the vanities of the nations who make rain fall? Or can the heavens give showers? Is it not You, O YHWH our God? Then we will wait on You; for You do all these things.Jer. 14:22
We also prayed for aliyah, the return of the Jews in exile to Israel. Ask God to stir up the nest of the Jewish people in your specific nation and for them to see that it is imperative to return home now. Also ask that the Church in your nation will see its obligation to help them to return (Isa. 49:22).

Shabbat shalom and blessings from Zion

Hebrew Language

- Hebrew of the Hebrews: One whose parents are both Hebrews (Phi 3:5; Co2 11:22); a genuine Hebrew. - Hebrews: (Act 6:1) were the Hebrew-speaking Jews, as distinguished from those who spoke Greek. (See GREEKS.) - Hebrew language: The language of the Hebrew nation, and that in which the Old Testament is written, with the exception of a few portions in Chaldee. In the Old Testament it is only spoken of as "Jewish" (Kg2 18:26, Kg2 18:28; Isa 36:11, Isa 36:13; Ch2 32:18). This name is first used by the Jews in times subsequent to the close of the Old Testament. It is one of the class of languages called Semitic, because they were chiefly spoken among the descendants of Shem. When Abraham entered Canaan it is obvious that he found the language of its inhabitants closely allied to his own. Isaiah (Isa 19:18) calls it "the language of Canaan." Whether this language, as seen in the earliest books of the Old Testament, was the very dialect which Abraham brought with him into Canaan, or whether it was the common tongue of the Canaanitish nations which he only adopted, is uncertain; probably the latter opinion is the correct one. For the thousand years between Moses and the Babylonian exile the Hebrew language underwent little or no modification. It preserves all through a remarkable uniformity of structure. From the first it appears in its full maturity of development. But through intercourse with Damascus, Assyria, and Babylon, from the time of David, and more particularly from the period of the Exile, it comes under the influence of the Aramaic idiom, and this is seen in the writings which date from this period. It was never spoken in its purity by the Jews after their return from Babylon. They now spoke Hebrew with a large admixture of Aramaic or Chaldee, which latterly became the predominant element in the national language. The Hebrew of the Old Testament has only about six thousand words, all derived from about five hundred roots. Hence the same word has sometimes a great variety of meanings. So long as it was a living language, and for ages after, only the consonants of the words were written. This also has been a source of difficulty in interpreting certain words, for the meaning varies according to the vowels which may be supplied. The Hebrew is one of the oldest languages of which we have any knowledge. It is essentially identical with the Phoenician language. (See MOABITE STONE.) The Semitic languages, to which class the Hebrew and Phoenician belonged, were spoken over a very wide area: in Babylonia, Mesopotamia, Syria, Palestine and Arabia, in all the countries from the Mediterranean to the borders of Assyria, and from the mountains of Armenia to the Indian Ocean. The rounded form of the letters, as seen in the Moabite stone, was probably that in which the ancient Hebrew was written down to the time of the Exile, when the present square or Chaldean form was adopted. - Hebrews, Epistle to: (1.) Its canonicity. All the results of critical and historical research to which this epistle has been specially subjected abundantly vindicate its right to a place in the New Testament canon among the other inspired books. (2.) Its authorship. A considerable variety of opinions on this subject has at different times been advanced. Some have maintained that its author was Silas, Paul's companion. Others have attributed it to Clement of Rome, or Luke, or Barnabas, or some unknown Alexandrian Christian, or Apollos; but the conclusion which we think is best supported, both from internal and external evidence, is that Paul was its author. There are, no doubt, many difficulties in the way of accepting it as Paul's; but we may at least argue with Calvin that there can be no difficulty in the way of "embracing it without controversy as one of the apostolic epistles." (3.) Date and place of writing. It was in all probability written at Rome, near the close of Paul's two years' imprisonment (Heb 13:19, Heb 13:24). It was certainly written before the destruction of Jerusalem (Heb 13:10). (4.) To whom addressed. Plainly it was intended for Jewish converts to the faith of the gospel, probably for the church at Jerusalem. The subscription of this epistle is, of course, without authority. In this case it is incorrect, for obviously Timothy could not be the bearer of it (Heb 13:23). (5.) Its design was to show the true end and meaning of the Mosaic system, and its symbolical and transient character. It proves that the Levitical priesthood was a "shadow" of that of Christ, and that the legal sacrifices prefigured the great and all-perfect sacrifice he offered for us. It explains that the gospel was designed, not to modify the law of Moses, but to supersede and abolish it. Its teaching was fitted, as it was designed, to check that tendency to apostatize from Christianity and to return to Judaism which now showed itself among certain Jewish Christians. The supreme authority and the transcendent glory of the gospel are clearly set forth, and in such a way as to strengthen and confirm their allegiance to Christ. (6.) It consists of two parts: (a) doctrinal (Heb. 1 - 10:18), (b) and practical (Heb. 10:19 - 13:25). There are found in it many references to portions of the Old Testament. It may be regarded as a treatise supplementary to the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians, and as an inspired commentary on the book of Leviticus. - Hebron: A community; alliance. (1.) A city in the south end of the valley of Eshcol, about midway between Jerusalem and Beersheba, from which it is distant about 20 miles in a straight line. It was built "seven years before Zoan in Egypt" (Gen 13:18; Num 13:22). It still exists under the same name, and is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Its earlier name was Kirjath-arba (Gen 23:2; Jos 14:15; Jos 15:3). But "Hebron would appear to have been the original name of the city, and it was not till after Abraham's stay there that it received the name Kirjath-arba, who [i.e., Arba] was not the founder but the conqueror of the city, having led thither the tribe of the Anakim, to which he belonged. It retained this name till it came into the possession of Caleb, when the Israelites restored the original name Hebron" (Keil, Com.). The name of this city does not occur in any of the prophets or in the New Testament. It is found about forty times in the Old. It was the favourite home of Abraham. Here he pitched his tent under the oaks of Mamre, by which name it came afterwards to be known; and here Sarah died, and was buried in the cave of Machpelah (Gen 23:17), which he bought from Ephron the Hittite. From this place the patriarch departed for Egypt by way of Beersheba (Gen 37:14; Gen 46:1). It was taken by Joshua and given to Caleb (Jos 10:36, Jos 10:37; Jos 12:10; Jos 14:13). It became a Levitical city and a city of refuge (Jos 20:7; Jos 21:11). When David became king of Judah this was his royal residence, and he resided here for seven and a half years (Sa2 5:5); and here he was anointed as king over all Israel (Sa2 2:1, Sa2 2:11; Kg1 2:11). It became the residence also of the rebellious Absalom (Sa2 15:10), who probably expected to find his chief support in the tribe of Judah, now called el-Khulil. In one part of the modern city is a great mosque, which is built over the grave of Machpelah. The first European who was permitted to enter this mosque was the Prince of Wales in 1862. It was also visited by the Marquis of Bute in 1866, and by the late Emperor Frederick of Germany (then Crown-Prince of Prussia) in 1869. One of the largest oaks in Palestine is found in the valley of Eshcol, about 3 miles north of the town. It is supposed by some to be the tree under which Abraham pitched his tent, and is called "Abraham's oak." (See OAK.) (2.) The third son of Kohath the Levite (Exo 6:18; Ch1 6:2, Ch1 6:18). (3.) Ch1 2:42, Ch1 2:43. (4.) A town in the north border of Asher (Jos 19:28). - Hegai: Eunuch, had charge of the harem of Ahasuerus (Est 2:8). - Heifer: Heb. 'eglah , (Deu 21:4, Deu 21:6; Jer 46:20). Untrained to the yoke (Hos 10:11); giving milk (Isa 7:21); ploughing (Jdg 14:18); treading out grain (Jer 50:11); unsubdued to the yoke an emblem of Judah (Isa 15:5; Jer 48:34). Heb. parah (Gen 41:2; Num 19:2). Bearing the yoke (Hos 4:16); "heifers of Bashan" (Amo 4:1), metaphorical for the voluptuous females of Samaria. The ordinance of sacrifice of the "red heifer" described in Num 19:1; compare Heb 9:13. - Heir: Under the patriarchs the property of a father was divided among the sons of his legitimate wives (Gen 21:10; Gen 24:36; Gen 25:5), the eldest son getting a larger portion than the rest. The Mosaic law made specific regulations regarding the transmission of real property, which are given in detail in Deu 21:17; Num 27:8; Num 36:6; Num 27:9. Succession to property was a matter of right and not of favour. Christ is the "heir of all things" (Heb 1:2; Col 1:15). Believers are heirs of the "promise," "of righteousness," "of the kingdom," "of the world," "of God," "joint heirs" with Christ (Gal 3:29; Heb 6:17; Heb 11:7; Jam 2:5; Rom 4:13; Rom 8:17). - Helah: Rust, (Ch1 4:5, Ch1 4:7), one of the wives of Ashur. - Helam: Place of abundance, a place on the east of Jordan and west of the Euphrates where David gained a great victory over the Syrian army (Sa2 10:16), which was under the command of Shobach. Some would identify it with Alamatta, near Nicephorium.        

HalleluYAH

- Hallelujah: Praise ye Jehovah, frequently rendered "Praise ye the Lord," stands at the beginning of ten of the psalms (Ps. 106, 111-113, 135, 146 - 150), hence called "hallelujah psalms." From its frequent occurrence it grew into a formula of praise. The Greek form of the word ( alleluia ) is found in Rev 19:1, Rev 19:3, Rev 19:4, Rev 19:6. - Hallow: To render sacred, to consecrate (Exo 28:38; Exo 29:1). This word is from the Saxon, and properly means "to make holy." The name of God is "hallowed", i.e., is reverenced as holy (Mat 6:9). - Halt: Lame on the feet (Gen 32:31; Psa 38:17). To "halt between two opinions" (Kg1 18:21) is supposed by some to be an expression used in "allusion to birds, which hop from spray to spray, forwards and backwards." The LXX. render the expression "How long go ye lame on both knees?" The Hebrew verb rendered "halt" is used of the irregular dance ("leaped upon") around the altar (Kg1 18:26). It indicates a lame, uncertain gait, going now in one direction, now in another, in the frenzy of wild leaping. - Ham: Warm, hot, and hence the south; also an Egyptian word meaning "black", the youngest son of Noah (Gen 5:32; compare Gen 9:22, Gen 9:24). The curse pronounced by Noah against Ham, properly against Canaan his fourth son, was accomplished when the Jews subsequently exterminated the Canaanites. One of the most important facts recorded in Gen. 10 is the foundation of the earliest monarchy in Babylonia by Nimrod the grandson of Ham (Gen 10:6, Gen 10:8, Gen 10:10). The primitive Babylonian empire was thus Hamitic, and of a cognate race with the primitive inhabitants of Arabia and of Ethiopia. (See ACCAD.) The race of Ham were the most energetic of all the descendants of Noah in the early times of the post-diluvian world. See table: Ham Families scattered to the extreme south Cush Mizraim Phut Canaan The Ethiopians and their colonies The Egyptians and their colonies The Libyans and Mauritanians The Canaanites, Phoenicians, and their colonies - Haman: Of Persian origin), magnificent, the name of the vizier (i.e., the prime minister) of the Persian king Ahasuerus (Est 3:1, etc.). He is called an "Agagite," which seems to denote that he was descended from the royal family of the Amalekites, the bitterest enemies of the Jews, as Agag was one of the titles of the Amalekite kings. He or his parents were brought to Persia as captives taken in war. He was hanged on the gallows which he had erected for Mordecai the Jew (Est 7:10). (See ESTHER.) - Hamath: Fortress, the capital of one of the kingdoms of Upper Syria of the same name, on the Orontes, in the valley of Lebanon, at the northern boundary of Palestine (Num 13:21; Num 34:8), at the foot of Hermon (Jos 13:5) towards Damascus (Zac 9:2; Jer 49:23). It is called "Hamath the great" in Amo 6:2, and "Hamath-zobah" in Ch2 8:3. Hamath, now Hamah, had an Aramaean population, but Hittite monuments discovered there show that it must have been at one time occupied by the Hittites. It was among the conquests of the Pharaoh Thothmes III. Its king, Tou or Toi, made alliance with David (Sa2 8:10), and in 740 B.C. Azariah formed a league with it against Assyria. It was, however, conquered by the Assyrians, and its nineteen districts placed under Assyrian governors. In 720 B.C. it revolted under a certain Yahu-bihdi, whose name, compounded with that of the God of Israel (Yahu), perhaps shows that he was of Jewish origin. But the revolt was suppressed, and the people of Hamath were transported to Samaria (Kg2 17:24, Kg2 17:30), where they continued to worship their god Ashima. Hamah is beautifully situated on the Orontes, 32 miles north of Emesa, and 36 south of the ruins of Assamea. The kingdom of Hamath comprehended the great plain lying on both banks of the Orontes from the fountain near Riblah to Assamea on the north, and from Lebanon on the west to the desert on the east. The "entrance of Hamath" (Num 34:8), which was the north boundary of Palestine, led from the west between the north end of Lebanon and the Nusairiyeh mountains. - Hamath-zobah: Fortress of Zobah, (Ch2 8:3) is supposed by some to be a different place from the foregoing; but this is quite uncertain. - Hammath: Warm springs, one of the "fenced cities" of Naphtali (Jos 19:35). It is identified with the warm baths (the heat of the water ranging from 136 degrees to 144 degrees) still found on the shore a little to the south of Tiberias under the name of Hummam Tabariyeh ("Bath of Tiberias"). - Hammedatha: Father of Haman, designated usually "the Agagite" (Est 3:1, Est 3:10; Est 8:5). - Hammelech: The king's, the father of Jerahmeel, mentioned in Jer 36:26. Some take this word as a common noun, "the king", and understand that Jerahmeel was Jehoiakim's son. Probably, however, it is to be taken as a proper name.