Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end  (aharit אחרית) from the beginning, And from ancient times (qadam קדם )things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’.

End “Aharit”:  To go after, past, behind, and future are all usages for “aharit”. How can a word mean both past and future? Such is the nature of the language and the Semitic mindset.

Ancient Times “Qadam”: Also has the idea of past and future. While it can mean before and ancient times it also means in front, and east, the direction of the rising sun…beginning of a new day.

To the ancient Israelite , the past  was in front of him because it was something he could see. His future “aharit” was considered behind him because he could not yet see it as it was in the distant future and unclear. There is a familiar analogy that describes this concept, one of a man rowing his boat and who backs into the future on the waters of time.

We know that the past is a good indicator of the future and since hindsight is 20/20 vision what better time of year than now to reflect on the past in order to give us a clearer vision of our future. Hopefully by looking at the past we can gain a greater eternal perspective. How easy it is to get caught up in the day to day business and overlook just how beautifully, lovingly, and intentionally God has, and continues, to move in His steadfast way to “accomplish all His good pleasure” in our life.  Our future is good because our God is, and He is the same today, yesterday, and forever.

Wishing you a Joyful New Year! Blessings, Chaim and Laura

It’s hard to see, but the boat in the background says “Wait N Sea”…hoping it’s a nod to the upcoming year!

p.s. since we’ve had a great response to the sale on the Hebrew Study Workbook we are extending the 20% off offer through January!