THE SEED OF THE WOMAN

Gloria Phifer

Isaiah 10:27 the yoke is broken because of the anointing. Christ means Anointed One.

Gen. 3:14-15 the woman and the serpent (devil) will be enemies. Her Seed would crush the enemies head and the enemy would bruise Christ’s heel.

A woman does not have the seed for conception. She has the egg and the man has the seed that fertilizes the egg. But in this 1^st prophesy of The Bible…it is speaking of The Redeemer. A Redeemer is Someone Who buys back what has been lost. Christ Jesus suffered for us. When He crushed satans head, satan bruised His heel. Christ bought back the dominion for mankind. Ps. 69:20-21, Isaiah 50:4-7…He set His face toward the cross like a flint. Isaiah 53. Psalm 22.

Isaiah 7:14 A virgin shall bear a Child and shall call His Name Emmanuel…God with us.

Isaiah 9:6-7. Unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given. His Names shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father andThe Prince of Peace. And the government shall be on His shoulders.

After Malachi was written…the last book of the OT, there was silence from God for 400 years. That silence was broken by The Cry of a Baby.

Gal. 4:3-7 in the fullness of time…sent forth His Son…made by a woman. The Seed was Christ. Our Redeemer. Who took on flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14.

Luke 1:26 Mary the virgin.

1:46-56…the Magnificat.

Marriage was a binding contract, although it still wasn’t consummated. Joseph was betrothed to Mary. Matt. 1:18-25

Joseph believed the angel in his dream and took Mary as his wife but knew her not (sexually) until after The Child was born.

THE SEED OF THE WOMAN

We are beginning the study of the Wonderful Gift of God that was given to us. We are going to the 1^st prophesy given by Elohim (Creator God) in Genesis 3:14-15. Elohim promised a Redeemer…He would be The Seed of the woman.

            In conception, the woman has the egg and the sperm (the seed of man) permeates the egg.  But here is “The Seed of the Woman.”

            Notice the enmity between the woman and the enemy. Enmity in Hebrew is “eybah”.

“Hostility, enmity, hatred. Be an enemy. To be hostile to. To treat as an enemy”. What are your thoughts that this hatred is between the enemy and the woman? In this world can you see the hatred of the enemy toward women? Why does he hate her?

            I think it is because women bear and give birth to children that are born with the image of God. She is a “life giver.” That is what is so sad about abortion…she is destroying the fruit of her womb. The enemy has lied to women and destroyed their offspring. Also, in my experience, a godly woman discerns the works of the enemy. A woman, usually, will see her need of God before the man. She will become a warrior for her family.

            Seed in Hebrew is “Zera”. Seed, fruit, posterity, child. Seed of moral quality. A practitioner of righteousness. Sowing time. To sow. to bear, conceive seed. Plant. Produce yielding seed. Be made pregnant. The Practitioner of righteousness. The Seed of moral quality”.

This “Seed” of the woman is Jesus Christ…He is the Practitioner of righteousness. The Seed of moral quality. Thoughts?   Notice in vs. 15 the word “bruise.” The seed of the enemy and the Seed of the woman will be in battle. 1 John 3:8….”For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil.” This was Jesus purpose. To save and deliver us.  

            From Malachi to Matthew was four hundred years. There was no Word of The Lord.

***The silence of God would be broken by the “Cry of a Baby.”

            Rome was ruling The Land of Israel. Luke 1:5-25. Who was Zacharias and Elizabeth? How was Zacharias chosen to burn incense that day?  How did he react at the presence of the angel?

What kind of man would their child be?  (Malachi 4:5-6…the last Words of the Lord in The Old Testament before the 4 hundred years of silence. Would be fulfilled through John the Baptist.)

            This angel was Gabriel. Hebrew “Gabriel – “man of God.’ Archangel: Gabriel. One of the angel princes or chiefs of the angels. Warrior of God. An archangel; the angel God used to send messages of great importance to man; sent to Daniel, to Zacharias, and to Mary.”

            Vs. 18-22. How did Zacharias react to the angel? Gabriel told Zacharias what his (Gabriel’s) position is with God…what is it?  What was the consequences of Zacharias for his disbelief?  Vs. 22-23 what happened when Zacharias came out of the temple? What happened when he got home? Vs. 25 Bless Elizabeth’s heart what was her reaction?  (It was a reproach in those days to not have children.)

THE SEED OF THE WOMAN

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His Name Immanuel.” Hebrew “’Immanuel” “God with us or with us is God,” 1. Symbolic and prophetic Name of the Messiah, The Christ, prophesying that He would be born of a virgin and would be “God with us.”

            I love this Name Emmanuel (Immanuel). I love that God is with us…He is with us through His Son…Immanuel. Thoughts?

            Luke 1:26 Gabriel is sent to a city of Galilee named Nazareth. Nazareth in Greek “The guarded one”. The ordinary residence and home town of Christ.”  I thought “the guarded one” was interesting. Thoughts?

            What was the six months?  Vs. 27 Gabriel was sent to a virgin and her name was Mary.

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel.

            Gabriel…the messenger sent to Mary. Vs. 27 what was Mary’s situation?

            Vs. 28 what a salutation!!!  How did God feel about Mary? Vs. 29 what was Mary’s reaction? Vs. 30-33. Wow!!! Who would her son be?  She was going to give birth to…Jesus, He shall be great! He shall be called the Son of the Highest! He would be given the throne of His father David. He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever! There would never be an end of His Kingdom!!!  Vs. what was Mary’s reaction and question?

            Divine conception vs. 35. How would this take place?  “The Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called THE SON OF GOD”.  What are you thinking?  Here we find “The Seed of the woman…He is The Son of God…He is Jesus”!!! Blessed be the Name of The Lord forever.  Our Jesus, our Lord. Emmanuel…God with us.

            Vs. 36 what other information did Gabriel give to Mary? Why do you think he told Mary this? Vs. 27 **”For with God nothing shall be impossible!!!”

            Vs. 38 Notice what Mary says!!! She is willing to do God’s will. What are your thoughts, as you read what Mary says, to something that will forever change her life (and the World)?

            Can we even begin to comprehend, God, The Almighty, allowing Himself to be planted into the womb of Mary, as a Seed? A Baby…taking on human flesh. For 9 months being in the womb…such vulnerability…our God.  His longing to be with us…He became like us. John 1:14.

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of The Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

            Luke 1:40-45.  Blessed is she that BELIEVED: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. What did Elisabeth’s baby do at the sound of Mary’s voice?  What was promised to Mary because she believed?

            In closing, let’s read Mary’s beautiful proclamation Luke 1:46-55. Response to Mary’s wonderful message?

A CHRISTMAS STUDY...EMMANUEL...GOD WITH US.

EMMANUEL…GOD WITH US

Gloria Phifer

Our God is a "Giver." John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

ü      What are your thoughts about God being a Giver? That God gave His very Best? What about His love for this world?

            Isaiah 9:6 For unto "us" a Child is born, unto "us" a Son is given.

ü      Notice: this Child, this Son was given for "us!" what are your thoughts?

ü      The government is on His shoulder and His Name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEACE. KJV

ü      When you look at these Names what stands out to you?

This is something that I need to meditate on.  All of them are so profound.  This Wonderful Child will be given His government…upon the throne of David. HE IS THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

            Think of the Mighty God becoming a Seed in a woman's womb. Allowing Him self to become a baby coming from the womb of Mary. To become vulnerable to man kind. The wonder of it all!

            Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; BEHOLD

A virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son and shall call His Name IMMANUEL.

GOD WITH US!!!

ü      How personal this is to us. What are your thoughts that He came to be with us?

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

(Nazareth in Greek means "The guarded one.") I thought this was interesting. I am sure the angels were guarding Mary, Joseph and especially Jesus Christ…the Holy One. I wonder what the angels thought of the Lord of Hosts, Captain of Heavens Armies, becoming a baby. Hebrews 1:5 & 6. Heb. 2:16, 1 Peter 1:12.   Soon, the angels will be sent to announce the birth and light up the sky. I don't know what all of God's universe consists of, but I've always wondered if all the universe stood in awe as Almighty God took on flesh to dwell upon us. The wonder!!!

ü      Thoughts

Luke 1:26-56. Mary is a young virgin. Gabriel, (Strong's…"Warrior of God or Man of God. an Archangel) the Messenger from God, came to the small town of Nazareth to bring her a message. Notice 31 and 32 The NAME…JESUS…HE SHALL BE GREAT AND SHALL BE CALLED THE SON OF THE HIGHEST!!! VS. 35…CALLED THE SON OF GOD.

            JESUS means "Jehovah is Salvation!!!"   JESUS THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES… Philippians 2:5-11. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess…JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.

Romans 10:8-13.

ü      What are your thoughts about Jesus and His wonderful Name?

            I love the Name of Jesus. (I love Jesus!!!) I can't begin to count the times in my life (really daily) that I call on the Name of Jesus. There is no other Name as wonderful and powerful. God, His Father, gave Him this NAME.

            Acts. 3:1-10 and vs. 15 & 16. The Prince of Life…Through faith in His Name this man was healed. There is Power in the Name of Jesus.

ü      As I read about the power in the Name of Jesus it increases my faith.  What about you?

Jesus came in the "fullness of time." Gal. 4-7. He came to make us sons of God. I love the 'Fullness of time!" This plan was from the foundation of the world. Rev. 13:8b. "The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." John 1:12-14.  The Word was made "flesh" and dwelt among us…the Glory of the Only Begotten or the Father, full of grace and truth. (He came to "tabernacle" among us.) He put on flesh in order to dwell with us.

ü      What are your thoughts that He took on flesh and became a human being so He could be with us.? Emmanuel…God with us.

(When you have time read all of Luke 1…Elizabeth, Mary's cousin is pregnant with John the Baptist).

            Mary is a virgin. She is legally bound to be married to a man named Joseph who is also from the tribe of Judah. They are descended from King David.  When Joseph found out she was pregnant he was upset. Matthew 1:18-25.  Once more we see the Name Emmanuel…God with us (vs. 23) and once more we see the Name…JESUS!!!  For He will save His people from their sins.

ü      Here is our Savior.  What are your thoughts?

            I remember as a child being told that Jesus loved me. The song "Jesus loves me" would come to me during my young years when I was in a desperate place. When I thought life was not worth living…this song would come to me.

            JESUS LOVES ME…THIS I KNOW…FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me… for the Bible tells me so.

            Thank You Heavenly Father for giving us Your Only Begotten Son Jesus…We give you praise!!!  EMMANUEL…GOD WITH US! OUR SAVIOR JESUS!  All glory to Emmanuel!!!

            I wanted us to look at a prophesy Zechariahs (John the Baptist father gave when John was born concerning the Messiah.) Luke 1:78-79 "Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the Day Spring from on High has visited us. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

ü      Your thoughts on this incredible prophesy?

            I am very touched that it was the tender mercy of God that Jesus Christ…the Day Spring from on High visited us…to give us light in our darkness and to guide our feet into the Way of Peace. (Jehovah Shalom…the Lord our Peace.)  The Prince of Peace.

           

THE BIRTH

Luke 2:1-7. Bethlehem means "House of Bread." The Bread of Life was born there.

            Swaddling meant "To strap or wrap with strips. To swathe an infant after the oriental custom…wrap with swaddling clothes. "Strong's Conc.

            I find it interesting that the Roman government made this degree that the whole world would be taxed. This brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. (God can use governments to get His will done.) Micah 5:2. Out of this little town would come The Ruler in Israel. (This prophesy was given somewhere around 750 BC .KJV.)

ü      What are your thoughts? I love prophesy. We know God had a plan…Praise Him!!!

             Our Creator, the Mighty God, came from the womb of a woman and became the Son of Man. (Jesus called Himself: The Son of Man. Matt. 18:11) was wrapped and held by His mother. He was a baby. He had been a Seed, given by the Holy Spirit, developed in the darkness of the womb, came through the birth canal into the dim light of the stable and took His first breath. How astounding. He was not born in a palace…He was born in a stable (perhaps even a cave) used for the animals.)

ü      Thoughts?

            There was no room for Him in the inn. I think of our society now.  Is there room for Jesus?  Why is His Name blasphemed? Why do they want to destroy the real meaning of Christmas? Why do they want to take Jesus out of Christmas?  Because the enemy wants to remove Jesus from the consciousness of mankind. But, Jesus will never be removed!!!   To remember and believe in Jesus means HE CAME!!! And He came with purpose…the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)  We will all die (unless the rapture comes first) but Jesus was born to die for you and me…so we could have life abundantly.

            What love!  He left His place in Glory and come to this sinful world…to become the Son of Man. For you and me.

PEACE, GOOD WILL TOWARD MAN.

Luke 2:8-20. Angels announce His birth…"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

ü      If you had been one of the shepherds and the sky lit up with angels giving this announcement…what would it have been like for you?

            The first ones to hear the news were the shepherds. How appropriate…The Good Shepherd had been born. John 10:11-14.  Jesus said" I Am the Good Shepherd."  HE CAME…for His sheep. All glory to God!!

            We will not take the time this morning but when you have time read about Him being taken to the Temple and presented to God His Father. (Luke 2:21-40.)

WISE MEN SEEK THE KING OF THE JEWS

Matt. 2:1-15. (Jesus was born in Judea…Strong's...Greek...Judaea…means "He shall be praised.")

ü      Who were these wise men?  Strong's Greek. "Magos" a Magi an, oriental scientist, wise man. The name given by the Babylonians, (Chaldeans), Medes, Persians and others to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers.

King Herod was troubled and all Jerusalem with him vs.3.

ü      Why do you think all of Jerusalem was troubled along with king Herod?

            Tradition says "three wise men", but there could have been quite a procession. There may have been more wise men; plus the ones who traveled with them.

            Concerning the star…there is a prophesy in Numbers 14:17

            They had seen His star in the East and came to worship Him. Notice vs. 11 "They came into the house."  They were no longer in the manger. 

ü      What were the gifts given to The Child?

Gold: Given for a King. Strong's "perhaps furnishing what is needed." Frankincense. Greek…"libanos" the incense tree. Incense itself…frankincense. A white resin burned as fragrant incense. Myrrh: Greek "Smyrna…A bitter gum and costly perfume; also an antiseptic…it was used for embalming. A perfumed ointment.

LASB: FOOTNOTES:" These wise men gave these expensive gifts as worthy acknowledgement for a future King. Bible students have seen in the gifts symbols of Christ's identity and what He would accomplish. Gold was a gift for royalty; frankincense was a gift for Deity; and myrrh was a spice used to anoint a body for burial.  These gifts may have provided the financial resources for the trip to Egypt and back. "

ü      What are your thoughts concerning these three gifts…given to The King?

           

            Emmanuel…God with us. Jesus, our Savior, Who took on flesh and dwelt among us. Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, The Everlasting Father and The Prince of Peace.

EMMANUEL...THE SEED OF THE WOMAN

We will be looking at the Seed of the woman. 1st a little background. After the flood, one of Noah's three sons Shem would have a descendant: Abraham.  The Lord God made a Covenant with Abraham…it was a blood Covenant. This Covenant was passed to Isaac, Jacob and Jacob's 12 sons. Before Jacob (Israel) died, he gave prophesies to his sons.

Judah would be the tribe that the Seed of the woman would come from. (This is also the Tribe of Kings…King David…Soloman.etc.) The Lord made a Covenant with David about his kingdom. The Davidic Covenant…1 Chronicles 17:11-14. Jesus would establish David's throne forever.

THE SEED OF THE WOMAN

  Genesis 3:15 the first prophesy of the Coming Redeemer.

He would come from the tribe of Judah.  Genesis 49:8-12. Shiloh- Hebrew- shiyloh (shee-lo) Tranquil; Shiloh, an epithet of the Messiah. From a primary root: shalah (shaw-law.}" To be tranquil. Secure or successful. To be happy. Prosper. Be in safety" Such a peaceful Name…Shiloh...

How many times have we been in situations where we were upset and then Jesus comes and in the middle of everything He brings peace.

 When I was a teenager (probably 13 or 14). I had gone through a lot of trauma. I would not sleep with the rest of the family upstairs (We were staying in Mancos Colorado for the summer: my step dad had a job there.) My mother and I were in the local drugstore and there were was a rack of paperback books.  I still am in awe that I found a paperback book about Jesus. I read it every night, and as I think about it, it went along with the scriptures. (At the time I did not know the Word.)  I remember the woman in the story touched His garment.  In reading about Jesus, I had such peace.  The fear I had been fighting evaporated.  There is an old song and I'm not sure of the exact words but here goes…

When Jesus comes the tempters power is broken.

When Jesus comes all fear has passed away.

He takes the gloom and turns it into glory

.For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.

He is our Shiloh…our security, our safety…our tranquility.

Ps 108: 8. The scepter will not pass away from the Tribe of Judah.

 Re. 5:1-10. John wept much because no one was found worthy to open the seven seals... One of the Elders told John not to weep. KJV: Behold, The Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed to open the book and to loose the seals thereof.  John looks (expecting a Lion) instead, in the midst of the throne and the elders, stood a Lamb, as it had been slain. The Lion of the tribe of Judah" prevailed "by being the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. John 1:36…Behold the Lamb of God. .  I find it interesting that the Elder and John the Baptist both said…Behold!  "Behold" in the dictionary means "To observe. Look. See. View and watch." "Look to Jesus!" He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Heb. 12:2.

Isaiah 9:6-7 unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given. The government shall be upon His shoulder: His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.

Notice that unto "us" a Child is born.  Unto "us" a Son is given. He was given for us. John 3:16 God so loved _______ that He gave His only begotten Son, when you believe in Him you will never perish but you will have everlasting life. (Put your name in the blank.)  He was given for you and me.  Incredible!

I found it interesting in Is.9 (that it says "His Name" and then gives us five Names. (Five is the number of grace.)

WONDERFUL the Hebrew word is Pele (peh-leh) "A miracle. Marvelous thing. Wonder (ful-fully). From a primary root - pala (paw-law) to be great. To separate. Distinguish. Wonderful. Accomplish. Arise. Hidden (remember this one, it goes with our next study) Things to high. Miracles perform. (Be, great, make) wonderful. Works. Wondrous."

What do you see in this word that speaks to your soul?

I noticed "to separate". He was separated from His Father.  2 Cor. 8:9.

Then Miracle…marvelous thing…What a wonder that God the Son would take on flesh and tabernacle (pitch His earthly tent) with us. The wonder that the Holy Spirit would put God as a Seed into a woman's womb.

COUNSELOR Ya'ats (yaw-ats) a primary root." To advise. To deliberate or resolve. Take advice. Consult (give-take), Counsel (or). Determine, devise, guide - purpose."

Here is our Counselor. 1 Cor. 1:30. "He is made unto "us" wisdom…"

THE MIGHTY GOD.  The Hebrew word Mighty is gibbowr (ghib-bore) "powerful, Warrior, Champion, Chief, excel, Giant, mighty (man-one.) Strong man, valiant man." From a primary root, "gabar". To be strong, "to prevail", confirm, be great, be mighty, put to more strength…strengthen, be stronger, be valiant, valiant man or warrior. "

We have looked at this Word before- God - El (we saw it in Elohim-Creator and Elyown- The Most High.) "Strength as mighty, especially the Almighty God. Mighty One. Power strong." This Name also came from a Hebrew word "ayil" which means "anything strong- strength - a ram. A strong support. An oak or strong tree.

What do you think when you see "ram" in this word?

(I immediately thought of the ram that was caught in the thicket for Abraham and Isaac. The Lord provided the ram for the sacrifice. (We will be looking at this closer when we look at the Names of Jehovah.) His Name here was "Jehovah Jireh" Gen 22:14…Abraham called the place Jehovah Jireh. As it is said to this day, in the mount of the Lord it shall be seen." It was in the mountain range of Moriah that Jesus died on the cross…the Lord provided the Ram.) The Lord will provide.-Jehovah Jireh.)

Here are two Names, Almighty God and Jehovah Jireh, together they have basically the same meaning. We have double Names for God that give us a strong, powerful explanation of Who Almighty God is.

THE EVERLASTING FATHER

Everlasting "ad"-duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity. Eternity ever (lasting,-more) old, world without end. From the primary root adah (awdaw) to advance. Pass on or continue. "

Father - the Hebrew "Ab" (awb) Father. Chief. Patrimony, principal.

Having an everlasting Father is what I absolutely need. How about you?

Isn't it interesting that Jesus is the Everlasting Father?

THE PRINCE OF PEACE

Prince… Sar (sar) a head person (of rank or class) captain (that had rule). Chief (captain) General, Governor, Keeper, Lord, Master, Prince (ipal) ruler, Steward. To have (exercise, reflex, get) dominion. Make self a prince (bear) rule.

Peace - Shalom. Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare. Health, prosperity, peace, friend, rest, safe (ly) welfare…all is well. To be safe in mind, body or estate. Completed.

Jesus is the Ruler of Peace!

Isaiah 7:14 The Lord Himself will give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son and shall call Him Name Immanuel. (God with us).

(I did not know until I looked in Strong's, Isaiah had a son named Immanuel).

  Jesus is our Immanuel.  He is with us.

  Luke 1:26-38. Names: Jesus. Called the Son of the Highest. The Holy Thing born to you shall be called the Son of God.

   Matthew 1:23. The fulfillment of the prophesy.

  Why was He called the Seed of the Woman? In conception the sperm of the man is the seed that fertilizes the egg of the woman.  But here we see the Seed of the woman. He did not come from a man. He was planted by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary. His blood was pure.  No sin.

We can not fathom the God of the universe becoming a Seed to be planted in Mary's womb. To become flesh and blood.  To grow in a womb for nine months.  To be born through the birth canal into this world as a vulnerable baby.  To place His life, His care into human hands.  What a wonder! He was the Word made flesh…Immanuel God with us.

He came as the Light of the World and He conquered darkness.