YHWH's Top Ten

By Brother Rabbi Dani’el Rendelman
Emet Ministries
ravemet@comcast.net

MEMBER OF BNAI YAHSHUA SYNAGOGUES WORLDWIDE

At the start of every year the pundits and critics put together their top ten lists. From the top ten news stories to Time Magazine’s Man of the Year it seems everyone has their say about the best and worst of life. Countdowns cover the fanatical and the funny of pop culture. Take for example this humorous list from an Internet web site:

The top ten comments overheard at a potluck dinner:
10. Oh, what an interesting texture!
9. I didn't know there were that many shades of green!
8. Oh, Fred, don't get worked up, she told you it was a new Band-Aid! Besides, you love potato salad!
7. Trudy, your egg salad bust of the teacher is very, um, uh, er...creative!
6. Jim, saying in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, doesn't excuse your double dipping!
5. You say missionaries gave you this recipe?!
4. What do you mean the dog wouldn't eat it?!
3. I didn't think you could deep fry that!
2. If Jell-O and vegetables were meant to exist together, Bill Cosby would have been a vegetarian!

And the number one comment heard at any potluck is:
1. Was that SUPPOSED to be crunchy?

Like automobiles and cellular telephones, it seems countdown lists are part of modern life. The crude comedian David Letterman uses a satirical list comedy on his nightly show and of course the FBI has their Top Ten Most Wanted. There are the top ten-bestseller lists that cover the popularity of books, movies, and music. The Creator even has a sort of top ten. In fact, the number ten appears numerous times throughout the scriptures. There are ten creative utterances in the book of Genesis and ten virgins and talents in the parables of the Savior. This number even has special meaning.

In Hebrew the number ten is the number of absolute completeness. It relates to the Hand through the value of the Hebrew Letter ‘Yod.’ Ten is the number of judgment and understanding.

The Talmud calls attention to the fact that there are Ten different words used for Idols in the Bible, Ten generations from Adam to Noah; Ten generations from Noah to Abraham, and Abraham was tried with ten trials. Yet as interesting as these items are they are not really “YHWH’s Top Ten.” What we are going to discuss is even greater than the Ten Commandments, the Ten Plagues, the Ten Rebellions of Yisra’el in the Wilderness and ten sockets found in the Tabernacle. Though these subjects are important we will not Midrash the events in the Bible when ten times fire was called down from heaven and the ten times someone said “I have sinned.” Nor will we delve into the ten parables of the book of Matthew or the ten occasions Yahshua said, “I am” in the book of John.

YHWH’s top ten are not just about His actions and involvement with man. These ten items will focus on who YHWH really is. This top ten list is different than anything you have ever read. It is not funny but intriguing. It is not written by man but has come about through many men who have studied the scriptures for thousands of years. This list answers many questions like “How can I know the Creator more intimately?” and “How are the Savior and YHWH really one?” Grasping this list will bring clarity to Biblical topics like sickness and healing, judgment and mercy, good and evil, the right hand of power, the Word being made flesh, and even deep insights on honoring father and mother.

In the essence of David Letterman and countless others let’s countdown, one by one, the Top Ten attributes of the Almighty. These attributes are also considered His emanations, His descriptions, His powers, His radiances, His characteristics, His qualities, His stages, His Names, His garments, His points. These Ten Hebrew concepts will help you know YHWH better and identify with His power in a real way. These ten crowns will build your faith and awareness of the Holy.

Counting in Hebrew
The Hebrew word for “counting” is “Sefirah,” so it makes sense that these ten attributes are called “sefirot,” pronounced “seh-fee-ROAT.” Each Sefirah provides a focus for study and intimacy. Each Sefirah is like a side to a beautiful multi-faceted diamond. These sefirot express a different beautiful brilliance of the Master Malach YHWH. Indeed the concepts in our top ten are even like a clear prism. “From our perspective, we receive an understanding of the All-Eternal One of Isra’el by the way He presents Himself to His creation. YHWH is a concealed pure, brilliant white spiritual Light that beams, as it were, through a prism on one side but emerges on the other side as a composite of ten colors. This gives us a multidimensional picture of Elohim,” wrote Avi Ben Mordechai.

So, with this information let us open our hearts and our minds to the emet of YHWH and allow His word to instruct us. Before you quit reading because of caution or boredom consider these words from Romans… “I urge you, brothers, in view of YHWH's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what YHWH’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will,” 12:1-2.

Let your mind be renewed or ‘made like new’ as you consider the short descriptions of each sefirot. Hopefully this short discussion will start a spark and fan a flame that will lead to greater study. This teaching will not give you all the answers or information available on YHWH His attributes. The purpose of this writing is to help facilitate more intimacy and closeness with the Master. It is time to expose the realities behind the veil of deity that have held back believers from understanding the Creator. Many ideas throughout the Bible and phrases of Yahshua and Rabbi Sha’ul (Paul) can be better understood in the context of the sefirot.

You see, what you think about, you become. So, by thinking about the characteristics of YHWH and focusing on them you will then become more like Him. His sefirot will become your sefirot. His ways will become your ways. Spend a few minutes and think quietly about each concept. Read and meditate about the dynamics of Elohim and see your thoughts and your life change. Please, don’t let this be just another article you read. Don’t just file this teaching away in your brain with other stuff, like what you ate last night or the balance in your checkbook. Let this study be a beginning of clarity and learning for you. Because, this is YHWH’s Top Ten. YHWH’s Top Ten.

Learning these Hebrew phrases will bring greater understanding of the Torah, as these ideas are used all throughout the Scriptures. In Hebrew a word usually has many meanings and a depth of definition so the more you learn Hebrew words the greater your grasp of YHWH can become. If you use a Bible that has Hebrew words, like the Restoration Scriptures True Name Edition, then you are already familiar with most of these terms.

These terms can also be placed in a chart (located below), which positions some of the attributes on the left, right, and on the middle. One side is motherly, full of grace and devotion while the other is fatherly with justice and fear. Unrestrained dominion gives rise to evil while unrestrained giving results in just the opposite. The middle column is the ideal balance and harmony. The rabbis have taught that the universe could not survive if it were founded only upon justice or only upon mercy. The middle is the way of Messiah.
This countdown is the path of creation that will describe exactly how man was ‘made in the image of Elohim.’ This is YHWH. This is Yahshua. Each of these phrases will describe the Savior in His humanity and divinity from head to toe. Let’s begin with number ten, starting at the top and counting down. Each sefirot will reveal a different aspect and title of the Master YHWH and His power.

#10 Keter, pronounced “KEH-tair”
This word literally means “crown, rosh, will, head, desire,” and appears in Esther 2:17. This is the link between the finite and the infinite. It is the “ratzon elohim” or will of YHWH. “Blessings crown the head of the righteous,” says Tehillim 10:6. It comes from the Hebrew root kof-tav-reish, which means to circle or encircle like a crown or head. It can also mean to wait. When we are told to wait upon YHWH we are being told to put upon His will and His life in our life. “The naïve inherit folly, but the wise are crowned with knowledge,” says Proverbs 14:18. When we trust in YHWH and walk in accordance to His ratzon then we are crowning Him as King of our lives and living “keter.” It is symbolic of intellect and Elohim the Son. The title given for this attribute is Eyeh Asher Eyeh – the Elohim Who Was, Is, and Is To Be.

#9 Chochmah, pronounced “khokh-MAH”
This is the first power of YHWH and in all actuality the first creation of the universe. This word literally means “wisdom” and ‘potential.” YHWH created Chochmah and through Chochmah existence was established. You simply have to read Proverbs 8 to fully understand this. Chochmah implies the ability to look deeply into some aspect and uncover truth. It is mental energy and inspiration. Chochmah should be regarded as the ‘mother’ or ‘feminine’ side of YHWH. “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Yerushaliym,” Yesha’yahu 66:13. Grammatically in both Hebrew and Aramaic Chochmah is feminine. “Chochmah has built her house, she has hewn her seven pillars,” says Proverbs 9:1. In ancient writings the name “Yah” is revealed with Chochmah. This sefirot represents the passive left side of YHWH, the side of the Ruach HaKodesh.

“The Ruach is simply the feminine manifestation of YHWH! Let’s begin by first stating that Hebrew, like many languages of the earth, contains both feminine and masculine tenses. The tense of the word determining the gender of the noun being described. For example, in Spanish “muchacho” means boy, and “muchacha” means girl. The “o” at the end of muchacho defining masculine tense, and the “a” at the end of muchacha defining feminine tense. In Hebrew, the word “Ruach” is feminine tense, assigning to the Spirit a feminine nature, character, gender. But when a tense (male or female) is in reference to a life form, then the tense is in reference to the “gender” of the life form. Since we know the Ruach to be a conscious, living being, the manifested power of YHWH capable of leading us, guiding us, and of instructing and teaching us in the Way of all truth; Yochannan 14:26, Lukas 12;12; we can determine from the tense of the Hebrew and Aramaic words that the Ruach HaKadosh is feminine tense, and therefore, “female in gender,” wrote Rabbi Moshe Yoseph Koniuchowsky

#8 Binah, pronounced “BEE-nah”
If YHWH is full of wisdom then it is only right that He is also full of reason or logic. This is Binah. Binah is understanding, where thoughts and ideas take form. It is used in Job 12;11 as “the ear examines words.” The New Testament teaches that it is through hearing or Binah that emunah or faith is realized. “Faith cometh by Binah and Binah by the Word of Elohim,” says the book of Romans. Binah is to take the concepts of life and analyze them through the Eternal.

Binah and Chochmah work together. “Chochmah naturally recognizes that there is wisdom in an encounter. Binah takes that wisdom and analyzes it, studies the parameters and principles, and leaves understanding. These two concepts worked together in creation. The scriptures teach that the builders of the mishkan, Dani’el, Solomon, and Yahshua were all endowed with heavenly Chochmah and Binah,” says one source. “Only YHWH give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of YHWH thy Elohim,” 1 Chronicles 22:12. This term speaks of the active right and masculine Father side of YHWH. Binah derives from the root ‘bein’ which means between. The power of Binah is to determine and reason between ideas. YHWH is revealed as “Elohim Chayim,” the master and author of life through mental understanding known as Binah.

#7 Chesed, pronounced “KHEH-sed”
This sefirot is an “act that has no cause.” Chesed is often misunderstood as ‘grace’ in religious circles, yet is better translated as mercy and love. It is unconditional giving that is motivated only by deep caring. After crossing the Red Sea the Yisraelites proclaimed that YHWH El led them out of bondage because of chesed. “In your chesed you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling,” Shemot 15:13. Chesed is pity and compassion again found on the motherly side of YHWH.

Chesed is the mainstay of Torah and the backbone of the faith. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of chesed and emet,” John 1:14. Even in this verse chesed is paired with the next sefirot. You see, this concept, the idea of grace, did not start with Yahshua the Messiah. Chesed was present at creation and in the Garden of Eden, it is the heart and soul of the Creator. Yet if allowed to run rampant chesed brings nothing but chaos. There is no restraint. Think of that mother who allows her children to scream and act out without doing any discipline. The overwhelming power of chesed creates the need for the next sefirot, the next attribute balances chesed.

#6 Gevurah, pronounced “geh-voo-RAH”
Gevurah is the attribute of YHWH that balances chesed. Gevurah is judgment, truth, strength, discipline, and restraint. It is this side of YHWH that establishes His ability to allow the “rain to fall on the just and the unjust.” Gevurah is similar to the Hebrew idea of ‘din’ or ‘judgment based on the facts.’ This attribute brings order to the world. YHWH is revealed as “elohim” with his judgment. In fact if you were to read throughout the Scriptures you would find that the word “Elohim” is used in most of the verses that deal with YHWH pronouncing judgment and exercising discipline. This crown of YHWH is symbolized by the patriarch Avraham. The numerical value of gevurah in gematria is 216, which is 6 times 6 times 6. The tablets of the covenant that Moshe received at Sinai were 6 by 6 by handbreadths.

Gevurah comes from the left/father side of YHWH, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you,” Mattitiyahu 6:3-4. Giving is an expression of chesed, which would be restrained by gevurah.

#5 Tiferet, pronounced “tee-FAIR-reht”
The scales of judgment and mercy are balanced by Tiferet, glory. “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Yahshua was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him,” Mattitiyahu 8:24-27. Here in the Messianic writings, the stormy sea and waves of gevurah are quieted through the calm waters of chesed by the Tiferet of Messiah.

The Hebrew word Tiferet is found throughout the Bible often translated as “crown, glory, body, and heaven.” Tiferet is glorious because it expresses the divine balance of judgment and mercy. This balance is not humanly possible, yet flows freely from YHWH. This radiance of the Creator can be seen through His memorial name YHWH. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory (Tiferet), the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father (Binah), full of grace (chesed) and truth (gevurah),” Yochannan 1:14. Yahshua is the balance of the right and the left, He is the middle pillar, and the crown of YHWH.

#4 Netzach, pronounced “NEH-tzakh”

Netzach is on the motherly side of YHWH. This sefirot is the force behind the experiences in life and the reason “why” so much happens. Netzach can be defined as “eternal life, victory, endurance, and confidence.” YHWH Tzvaot is declared through this Hebrew garment that reveals the Almighty as now and forever. “Whoever believes (Binah) in the Son has eternal life (netzach), but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for Elohim’s wrath (gevurah) remains on him,” Yochannan 3:36. Netzach is all about eternity and victory. “And also the Netzach of Yisrael will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind,” says 1 Samuel 15:29. Indeed, “Yahshua HaMoshiach is the same yesterday, and today, and forever,” Ivrim 13:8.

#3 Hod, pronounced ‘hood,’ like the word “phone”
In the world of action hood is “splendor and praise often revealed in words and actions.” This term is similar to the Hebrew word “hade” which means ‘echo.’ In our world we are to take upon the hood of YHWH Elohim T’zvaot and echo His actions, repeat His words, and reflect His character. Hod is advanced commitment to honor the Almighty. It is on the side of gevurah and is symbolic of the leg if YHWH.

Hod is the power of splendor to advance, to keep going no matter what. Hod and Netzach are often called “two halves of a single body walking together,” as they work together to establish YHWH’s will. These attributes are like feet that have purpose and drive to walk out the kingdom. “And when the Master saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, “Do not weep.” And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, “Young man, I say to you arise! (Netzach) And the dead man sat up, and he began to speak (hood). And Yahshua gave him back to his mother. And fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying (hood) Elohi, saying, “A great navi has arisen among us!” and, “Elohim has visited His people!” Lukas 7:13-16.

“Netzach and Hod correspond to the fourth and fifth days of creation, when the sun and the moon and the stars were created. Even though light was created on the first day, this light was infinite and too sublime to be of use to the finite worlds. Thus on the fourth day, a finite, usable form of light was apportioned. On the fifth day birds and sea-creatures were created, the first recipients of YHWH’ benevolence and the first created beings able to fulfill the commandment to be fruitful and multiply. The powers of prophecy and Divine inspiration derive from the sefirot of Netzach and hood for they actually receive the efflux of light,” wrote one Rabbi.

#2 Yesod, pronounced “YEE-sod”
Like the strong and sturdy foundation of a tall building is the stage of Yesod. This term literally means “foundation and righteous.” For it is the “righteous that are the foundation of the world.” YHWH is revealed as “El Chai,” or the “Mighty One of Life,” within the context of Yesod. From the righteousness of YHWH we are righteous. Yahshua prayed, “Father, I want those you have given me (Yesod) to be with me where I am, and to see my glory (Tiferet), the glory (Netzach) you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world,” Yochannan 17:24.

If hood and Netzach are the feet of YHWH then Yesod is the reproductive parts of the Almighty. Those in right standing with YHWH pass along their faith to generations to come. Yesod is the connector that allows all the other emanations to function and Yesod is a divine pillar.

“But what exactly is this Divine pillar? It is the Divine will to bestow upon others. Were there not such a Divine will, then there could not exist a universe that senses itself independent of YHWH, as does our universe. It is only because YHWH "wished to bestow" that He created a universe that has its own self-contained laws, and humans that perceive themselves as totally independent beings. This is the "pillar" that extends from the bedrock of reality (which is YHWH Himself) and then becomes the foundation for our world. Consider this analogy: A human being develops from a single cell. (While conception requires two cells -- the mother's cell and the father's cell -- the action of childbearing is initiated by the father.) What is the source of that single cell? The father's desire to beget a child. Why did the father desire to have a child? To that question there is no answer that is discernible from the simple existence of the child. The same is true of this world and the attribute of Yesod. We ask ourselves why this world exists. We answer: Because YHWH chose to bestow existence upon us. That answer is definitely discernible from the fact that we exist. Why YHWH chose to bestow existence upon us is not answered from within the existence of the world,” says aish.com

#1 Malchut, pronounced “mal-CHOOT”
The last and the first quality of YHWH is His kingdom, His reign. It always has been and always will be. “His kingdom shall have no end,” says the Tanakh. “This is the gate of YHWH, through which the righteous may enter,” says Tehillim 118:20. Malchut can be defined literally as “kingdom and sovereignty.” It is here in the Malchut that YHWH is seen as Master, as Adonai. The Messiah spoke often of the Malchut, speaking that the fallen stated of man could be repaired through rebirth – through entering the Kingdom. “To You, Elohim, is gevurah, Tiferet, chesed, Netzach, hood, for all that is in heavens and earth (Yesod); to You, Elohim, is the Malchut," 1 Chronicles 29:11.

The kingdom of YHWH is not just some lofty idea to be experienced in the sweet-by-and-by but here in on earth, in the world of action. It is here, through our emunah and actions that YHWH’s attributes are birthed into the physical reality. All the sefirot culminate in our actions as we walk out the rule and reign of the Malchut. “Whereas Chochmah is the potential to be, Malchut is the actual being, the final manifestation, which was the original intention. It is for this reason that Malchut is also called Shekinah the Divine Indwelling Presence, the immanent revelation of Elohim. Malchut contains two completely opposite qualities, called hitnasut meaning exaltedness, and its opposite shiflut humility. The beginning is wedged in Malchut the end. The reverse is also true Malchut is wedged in keter. This means that the final product, Malchut, is the original intention of the entire process of emanation,” says one source.

The Top Ten
Well, there you go. There is your short introduction to YHWH’s Top Ten attributes. Now, the ball is in your court to go further in study, prayer, and research. Delve into these Hebrew words and uncover the depths of the love of YHWH and His power. You see, these phrases do not imply many ‘gods’ but are the various levels of YHWH revealing Himself to mankind. Each sefirot is an open door of discovery that will lead to “the earth being filled with the knowledge of YHWH as the ocean covers the sea-bed,” Yesha’yahu 11:9.

To help begin using these words when you speak and read the Torah. Perhaps do an indepth word study on each of the sefirot. Take this knowledge and do something with it! The Messianic writings say that “knowledge makes you puffed up.” This knowledge will do you no good unless you, the reader, begin to incorporate the character of YHWH in your daily life. Experience the kingdom of Malchut, balance out chesed and gevurah in your walk, and allow the wisdom and reason of YHWH to aide your understanding. Don’t let these just be YHWH’s Top Ten, let them also be yours.

Use this short prayer from Rabbi Ed Nydle and feature the attributes into your prayer time.

Prayer Using the Names
Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh crown me (Keter)
Yah give me wisdom (Chokmah)
Elohim Chayim grant me understanding (Binah)
El with the Right Hand of His Love make me great in the Kingdom (Chesed)
Elohim from the terror of His judgment protect me (Gevurah)
YHWH with His mercy grant me beauty (Tiferet)
YHWH Tzavaot watch me forever (Netzach)
Elohim Tzavaot grant me beatitude from His splendor (Hod)
El Chai make his covenant my Foundation (Yesod)
Adonai open my lips and my mouth will speak of Your praise (Malkut)
B’shem Yahshua Hamoshiach
Amein