Look up

The Hand of God

The original form of yod was a pictograph, a picture of an arm extended with a hand.  The word-picture communicates work, action, specifically God’s work and His essential power.

The modern Hebrew form of yod looks somewhat like a comma suspended in the air. It is the smallest of all the Hebrew letters and the only letter that appears suspended.

This picture prophetically reminds us of ascension and heaven, pointing us upward to the source of all power. Yod can therefore speak to us of God’s essential power also known as the divine spark of life.

There is something else significant about yod: it is the smallest letter.

Its smallness reminds us of humility. And through humility, God often displays His greatest power.  The yod reminds us not to despise small beginnings. (Zech. 4:10)

The names Joshua, Israel, and Jesus all begin with the letter yod. What appears small can carry something extraordinarily significant in the Kingdom of God.

Not One Jot Will Pass Away

Jesus referred to this smallest letter in the Gospel of Matthew:

Matthew 5:18: “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

The word “jot” comes from the Greek iota, referring to the smallest Hebrew letter, yod.

Think about that.

Not even the smallest letter will pass away until everything is fulfilled.

God’s Word is stable, like a rock, unmovable and unquestionable. He is our defense and our stronghold. His hand will accomplish His will, and no enemy can compete with the power of God.

The smallest letter carries a message of the greatest faithfulness that dispels the fear of defeat.  It says, “We win!”  Why? Because what God has spoken, He will fulfill.

We see this pictured in the story of Joshua fighting the Amalekites in Exodus 17:8–16.

Moses sat on a rock while Aaron and Hur helped hold up his hands. In Moses’ hand was the staff of God. A staff represented authority and power.   There are many lessons in this story, but today we are focusing on yod.

The Hebrew word for hand, yad, is related to the Hebrew letter yod.  When Moses held up his hands, Joshua prevailed. When Moses’ hands dropped, the Amalekites prevailed.

Moses, who can be seen as a shadow or picture pointing us toward Jesus, was interceding for Israel. As the battle became difficult, his hands had to remain lifted.

The picture of Moses’ hands lifted up is relaying a message to Joshua.

"Joshua, when the battle is strong, look up to the Source of your strength.  Keep your eyes on Elohim. He keeps His Word".

 God declared:

“I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.”   “Because a hand is on the throne of YAH, war is to YHWH with Amalek from generation to generation.” Ex. 17:14,17

Because a hand is on the throne of YAH, God Himself will war against your enemies.

What Is Nipping at You? Enslaving you?

The name Amalek is rooted and associated with ideas such as “nippers” and “those who wring.”

Does it feel like things are happening behind the scenes that are constantly nipping at you?

Do you feel wrung out by the end of the day?

The Amalekites serve as a picture of those persistent enemies and harassing influences that seek to wear us down and keep us from walking into the promises of God.

The ARTB translates Amalekites as slave-traders. They were also associated with the valleys, places of low ground. This speaks of depression and oppression, enslavement. 

The enemy does not want you to rise into the mountains where you can see clearly and walk in the authority God has given you.

Keep your hands up. When your hands go up, your eyes go up.

And when your eyes go up, you remember where your help comes from.

The Amalekites were already doomed because God had already spoken.

So lift your hands. Lift your eyes. Lift your faith. See the hand of the Lord prevails. 

YODS UP!