The TRUTH About CANNABIS and our CREATOR

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"It is of the utmost importance to be genuinely humble in one’s heart, soul and mind upon coming into awareness about these particular mysteries. This is not about ‘worshipping the plant’, which would be blasphemously placing the ‘creation over the Creator’ and a violation of the first commandment. 

Rather, this is about fully understanding what is contained in the scripture regarding the sacred relationship it is to have in our lives, the holy and proper way to use it, the serious consequences for not doing so — and how prominently it fits into the heavenly plan of the Most High God who created all things.

Over and over again, what we find in scripture on these matters is overwhelmingly clear – and above all, it teaches us that certain holy, sacred or ‘sacramental’ things (also often referred to as: ‘sacraments’) are extremely paradoxical by nature – and thus do indeed require a sincerely reverential attitude and a repentant spirit toward the Almighty when they are partaken of in any manner by mankind…”

The true revelations surrounding qaneh the reed being rightly acknowledged as the plant of renown and known as cannabis-hemp, have since the fall of mankind not been enveloped in a long-hidden secret place -- but actually... right in front of your face...

This is one of our Creator’s greatest mysteries -- now being revealed as we approach the return of Messiah, and a key part of how He will regenerate this old groaning creation in order to make the new heaven and earth that will last forever, and which He has promised His people shall inherit…

Qaneh Besem 

[Qoph-Nun-Hé-Bet-Shin-Samekh]

The Hebrew word…

In the Tree of Life — is the Cane and Reed like unto a Rod — the righteous Canon, Rule & Measure — in the Holy Word of Almighty God...

Qaneh! 

[Qoph-Nun-Hé]

...means all that the Holiest Author intends it to be interpreted as… a cane; a reed; a rod; a pen; a staff; a branch; a stalk; a measuring rule and a righteous scale of The MOST HIGH YAH…

The fragrant sweetness of the qaneh reed is found in the…

Besem!

[Bet-Shin-Samekh]

The fragrance of the reed and sweetness of the cane…

Cannabis and the joys of biblical Hebrew!

Michoel Green | TIMES OF ISRAEL | March 2019

Let’s talk about cannabis!

No, not the actual plant. I’m far more interested in its cool etymology.

Do you know that “cannabis” comes from the Hebrew word “קנבוס” (“KaNaBoS”)?

And קנבוס actually comes from the ancient Biblical term, “קנה בשם” (“KaNeH BoSeM”), one of the ingredients of the anointing oil delineated in Exodus 30:23!

“KaNeh Bosem” was a pungent and aromatic stalk plant used to soak in the sacred oil, most likely hemp.

The Hebrew root קנה (“KaNeH”) means a reed or stalk, as in the thick stalk of a hemp plant.

Amazingly, this word found its way to countless other languages, from Syriac word ‘qunnappa,’ to Arabic ‘kunnab,’ Greek ‘kannabis,’ and Latin ‘canabum.’

The original pot-smokers are thought to be the ancient Scythians, who are believed to have adopted the name for cannabis from their Semitic neighbors, our Hebrew-speaking ancestors

However, cannabis isn’t the only English word that comes from the Biblical root “KaNeH.”

That’s just the beginning.

Latin “canna” derived from there, and came to mean a reed or pipe.*

Here’s a partial list of some of the modern English words that are believed to be cognates of Hebrew “KaNeh”:

Cane. It’s reed-like. That’s right! Important human staples sugar cane** and cannibus are both from Hebrew.

Candy. From the cane of sugar cane.

Cannon. Also shaped like a hollow reed.

Gun. Believed to be a phonetic variation of cannon. “G” and “C” are both guttural-palatal.

Canal. Shaped like a pipe or groove.

Channel. Same as canal.

Canyon. A long narrow valley, like a groove.

Canoe. A hollowed shaft of a tree or giant reed.

Canvas. Sturdy cloth made from fibrous stalk of hemp, cannabis.

Canon. Law, standard used for judging. Long, straight reeds were used as measuring rods.

Canonize. To admit as authoritative by law.

Cinnamon. From Hebrew KiNaMoN, it’s also believed to be a cognate of KaNeH, since the aromatic bark is shaped like a reed.

Cannoli. From Italian cannolo, hollow tube or reed.

Canister. A tubular container, like a hollow reed. Or perhaps from reed wicker basket.

Can. From canister.

Can you now understand how wonderfully versatile this Hebrew root “KaNaH” is?

Yes you can!

But the “reed” meaning of קנה is just the tip of the iceberg.

The root קנה KaNah actually has many other cognates in Biblical Hebrew. Here are some of them:

KaNeh קנה can also mean windpipe or trachea, like a hollow reed.

KaNah קנה as a verb means to acquire or to affix in place (like a reed).

KaN קן means a nest, or that which is fixed in place.

MiKNeh מקנה, livestock that you acquired.

KaYiN קין means a spear, like a sharp reed.

KiNah קנה and לקונן might mean a dirge that is fixed in regular or rigid stanzas.

KaNeh קנה was a branch of the candelabra (Menorah), like a reed or pipe.

KaN קנא means jealousy, one who is fixated on something, like a reed firmly standing implanted in the earth.

TiKeN תקן means to fix or affix something.

K’NaS קנס means a fixed penalty or fine in Mishnaic Hebrew.

So as you can clearly see, Hebrew KaNah has truly come full circle. From cannabis, candy, canoes, canyons and cannons, you have Biblical Hebrew to thank for all those words.

Next time you hear researchers tout the health benefits of cannabis, remind them of the all wonderful linguistic and spiritual benefits of Biblical Hebrew, the language that gave us “cannabis” and much more!

Next time you taste that candy, savor the sweetness of the Holy Tongue.

The world’s most ancient language that’s very much a vibrant language to this day… in the study halls, synagogues, and even on the streets of Jerusalem.

The language of the Book, still spoken by the People of the Book…

The language of our ancestors, the language of our children, and the language of our destiny. Our past, present and future.

A timeless tribute to a timeless language!

Addendum:

As modern science rediscovers the ancient benefits of cannabis, could it be that this rediscovery is a harbinger of another awesome rediscovery that is yet to come in the imminent future, that of the sacred anointing oil? 

This holy oil that Moses made, the “שמן משחת קודש,” has been in hiding since the days of King Yoshiyahu in circa 445 BCE, along with the Holy Ark and several other sacred items, which are destined to be rediscovered in the time of the Future Redemption.

If cannabis is indeed the ingredient referred to as קנה בשם, “KaNeH BoSeM,” the pungent stalk listed in Exodus 30:23, the resurgence of cannabis in contemporary times would be a most fitting prelude to the discovery of the ancient oil that stores the fragrance of that original KaNeh BoSeM that Moses prepared 3,330 years ago...

MASHIYACH or MESSIAH translates to ANOINTED ONE in Hebrew and refers to the Christ (chrism ‐ both derived from the Greek word chriein) and/or those saints keeping His word and walking in His likeness... 

In scripture, the word "anointed" was used to describe several types of people in ancient Israel, which included prophets, kings, and priests. 

The anointing of one with oil was a symbolic act that marked the individual as having been elevated in legal status or as being chosen to serve in a special role. The oil also symbolized the Holy Spirit - Ruach Qodesh coming upon someone.

This, also referring to the same holy anointing which was given by the Almighty and commanded in the Torah for ceremonial pouring of the sacred oil upon their heads at the appointed times…

1 Samuel 16 [FULL CHAPTER] 

COMMANDED BY YHWH IN THE TORAH: 

The holy oil used to anoint kings, priests and sacred objects – including the incense – were to be made of four of the principal spices — myrrh, cinnamon, qaneh-bosem, and cassia — carefully prepared with olive oil.

The word בשם קנה – qaneh-besem -- deliberately mistranslated as ‘calamus‘ (or in some of the following examples as ‘sweet cane‘) -- appears a total of five times in the scripture: in addition to the above verse at Exodus 30:23, it can be found in Song of Songs 4:14, Ezekiel 27:19, Isaiah 43:24 and Jeremiah 6:20...

As we can see from the above scripture, in the garden of the Lord… qaneh-besem - calamus - sweet cane is decidedly considered to be amongst the chief herbs and spices.

Most careful notice should likewise be taken of the manner in which it is offered - or, as is found in the previous example, not offered at all - in this instance by the people to whom He first gave his commandments: the nation of Israel.

In previous verse, we may observe how the Most High is not at all pleased with what might today be called holding to a staunchly 'prohibitionist' attitude which seeks to avoid  offering and even using qaneh-besem entirely (See also: 2 Chronicles 29:5), as well as create unjust ‘legalisms’ which can force others -- some who may even offer it with reverence and humility in the name of YAH -- to abstain as well, whilst stigmatizing, marginalizing, subjugating, imprisoning -- and at times, even murdering those who will not comply.

In addition to a reference to its relationship with incense, in this verse one finds His people going to the opposite extreme, wherein the He rejects all of their offerings of qaneh-besem or 'sweet cane' as simply 'not acceptable' — but in this instance,  because Israel had failed to keep His commandments, and therefore, sadly -- due to the fact that they really should have known better, they have become no different the heathen who offer it to false gods all the day long.

As His word clearly reveals, the Creator of qaneh-besem does not find it at all acceptable when His people go to either extreme (see also: Deuteronomy 5:32 & Matthew 7:13-14)  in regards to their use of it.

Being on the one hand, either completely against offering it at all -- or on the other, offering it blasphemously whilst living in rebellious violation of His law -- which required keeping the Torah under the old covenant, and since the coming of Messiah, has been for all mankind to repent and keep the two great commandments (Matthew 22:37-40) known commonly as the “golden rule”.

Simply put, THE MOST important thing to understand regarding qaneh-besem, aka cannabis — and this cannot be emphasized enough — is what the Creator of the plant desires from those who use it in any form; specifically that one must offer it in HIS NAME for the ATONEMENT of sin.

First and foremost, it is to be offered in remembrance of Yahshua HaMashiyach – Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, whenever one is using holy anointing oil, breathing the incense or eating it as the shewbread (or the body and blood of the Lord - sacrament ‐ eucharist, which shall be discussed more a bit later).

Those with wisdom and understanding will heed diligently the warnings in these verses where the word qanehbesem-calamus-sweet cane specifically appears and the judgments for either scoffing at it entirely -- OR -- using it in an idolatrous manner are extremely severe.

The overwhelmingly clear message from the above study is that whether Jew or Gentile, the Almighty is ready to judge any and all inhabitants of the earth who violate His commandments regarding cannabis by offering it to idols instead of HIM ALONE -- or worshipping the creation over the One who created it and committing blasphemy by making the plant itself into a false god...

BOTTOM LINE: The scripture is abundantly clear on this matter -- it is crucial to understand that ONLY PURE OFFERINGS in HIS NAME and while living by HIS COMMANDMENTS are acceptable in His presence.

In this context, let us look back a bit now to recall very carefully THE SYMBOLISM of how YHWH appeared to Moses and spoke with him first at the burning bush, then how He instructed the holy men of Israel in the tent of meeting as they were guided by the pillars of clouds and fire through the wilderness, and yet more fire and smoke upon Mount Sinai where He gave the ten commandments, before leading them into into the promised land. 

Thus, regarding all holy offerings such as we have been discussing – and in particular, during the years in the wilderness, before they moved to the promised land and built the temple, let us now return to the subject of the offering of incense -- which, like the anointing oil has been the subject of of much speculation in regards to one of its hidden ingredients likewise being qaneh-besem--cannabis.

Most important to understand is that there were strict commandments regarding its use -- starting always with remembrance of the first one, as given in the Torah to Moses and the temple priests -- and many more throughout the scripture which display the Most High’s very clear indignation towards anyone who makes these kind of sacrifices to anyone or anything besides Him alone…  

See also: 1 Chronicles 6:49 - 1 Chronicles 23:13 - 2 Chronicles 2:4 - 2 Chronicles 13:11

.

With the sacrifice of His life that Messiah made on the cross at Calvary, He is now our HIGH PRIEST FOR EVER and once and for all our ULTIMATE ATONEMENT -- as the scripture saith...

HEBREWS 7 - HEBREWS 8 - HEBREWS 9 - HEBREWS 10

This is why whenever we offer sacrifices under the new covenant, we are to do this in REMEMBRANCE of HIM for the REMISSION of SINS (Matthew 26:28, Luke 22:19-20).

As it is written in the prophet Ezekiel, HE has provided an ATONEMENT FOR US...

As well, in the book of the prophet Isaiah, one will find a similar theme of incense and the 'forgiveness of sin' clearly demonstrated in his vision...

A burning coal… from the מִזְבֵּחַ mizbêach (altar)… to atone for sin…

It is of the utmost importance to remember that there are dire consequences for not obeying the commandments of YHWH on this matter, so let us recall again here…

 The wise shall heed the grave admonition from the Most High and recall what the deadly consequences were even when Aaron’s own sons violated the commandments from their Elohim and offered strange incense in His presence. 

Let us in this light also consider most carefully what scripture in the book of Kings and Chronicles says in particular about burning incense to false gods and offering it in idolatrous ways which provoke the wrath and judgment of the Almighty. 

The examples of what Solomon did and what happened to him and so many other kings are another stern warning for those who would follow in their stumbling block footsteps. 

In stark contrast, we also can see the profound difference in how the righteous kings dealt with such idolatry and how the Father blessed them for their faithfulness to His commandments. 

(See Also: 2 Chronicles 9:13 and Revelation 13:18)

Indeed, the offering of incense to idols and false gods and often in the high places is an ongoing pattern which we can observe not only the heathen, but Israel and Judah sliding back into time and time again. This, despite the Almighty warning them against doing so and punishing them severely when they carried on unrepentantly with such unfaithful and vain behavior. 

Let us consider this most carefully in the following examples...

(See also: 2 Chronicles 30:14 and 2 Chronicles 32:12)

Hezekiah indeed restored that which is right before the LORD, but it wouldn't be long before Israel would slide right back into what He told them He abhorred...

As we continue on with our study of the offering of incense through the books of the prophets, we find the same pattern with Israel continually lapsing back into idolatry and the Most High judging them just like the heathen who ignorantly do likewise. 

[JEREMIAH 44 • Full Chapter]

Throughout the Old Testament, the overwhelmingly clear and essential message from the scripture is that the Creator of qaneh-besem becomes wrathful, especially toward any of His own people when they burn incense to false gods and fleshly lusts which violate His commandments -- and He will continue to judge them for their abominations if they do not believe and repent according to His word. 

Let us now recall here exactly where the vision given to Zechariah from the angel Gabriel regarding the coming birth of John the Baptist occurred...

Y'shua HaMashiyach – Jesus Christ 

Those who have ears to hear, let them hear... and also let them consider very carefully now to be assured that herein we are speaking of the very same Messiah and Savior known to the Hebrews as Y'shua HaMashiyach and to the world as Jesus Christ. 

The only man who all truly faithful believers for two-thousand years have recognized and worshipped as being one with the Father… the incarnated Son of God Almighty... who was crucified and put to death for the sins of mankind… resurrected unto glory to His heavenly throne... and sent forth the Spirit of Truth who comforts and teaches all things to those who keep His commandments. 

Indeed, we speak of the same Y'shua HaMashiyach –Jesus Christ that the saints patiently await to return and who will raise the dead unto life eternal at the end of time. 

It is of the utmost importance to be genuinely humble in one’s heart, soul and mind upon coming into awareness about these particular mysteries. This is not about ‘worshipping the plant’, which would be blasphemously placing the ‘creation over the Creator’ and a violation of the first commandment.  

Rather, this is about fully understanding what is contained in the scripture regarding the sacred relationship it is to have in our lives, the holy and proper way to use it, the serious consequences for not doing so — and how prominently it fits into the heavenly plan of the Most High God who created all things. 

Over and over again, what we find in scripture on these matters is overwhelmingly clear – and above all, it teaches us that certain holy, sacred or ‘sacramental’ things (also often referred to as: ‘sacraments’) are extremely paradoxical by nature – and thus do indeed require a sincerely reverential attitude and a repentant spirit toward the Almighty when they are partaken of in any manner by mankind. 

Indeed, it is one of the key mysteries contained in the covenant with Israel and given to all nations through the gospel given by Messiah which is being revealed and fulfilled in its time. 

Again — it truly cannot be emphasized enough here that -- the plant cannabis in and of itself — is most certainly not what we worship or what saves us. 

Just as all true believers have testified since His selfless sacrifice at Calvary… it is by nothing but the blood of Y'shua HaMashiyach – Jesus Christ and faith in Him alone which can save a sinful mankind from eternal damnation. 

Although it certainly is possible for people to make cannabis itself into an idol – which unfortunately can all too often be observed in those possessed with a spirit of drunkenness who are typically overzealous and unlearned. Yet the fact remains that is a clear violation of the first commandment – for which we have already seen throughout scripture the reproach from YHWH -- and the dire consequences which follow when people make offerings in vain to false gods. 

And so -- let it be made abundanly clear here that none of this is to suggest that without the use of cannabis one cannot have an abiding and faithful relationship with Christ or hear His voice and communicate with Him as all the faithful have testified throughout the age since His coming. 

But it bears repeating: the atonement of sin once and for all by the sacrifice He made on the cross at Calvary and the subsequent outpouring of the grace of God is not to be negated in the least by the many mysterious ways of His working through time to lead His people unto salvation and restore His creation.

As for the well-known and near countless medicinal properties of the plant, which even modern science has had to acknowledge and come to terms with — one must also bear in mind that neither is this insight and wisdom intended to give the impression that we are to ignore or negate the incarnate divinity of the Messiah or His power to perform LITERAL miracles of healing which were (and still are at times) completely SUPERNATURAL and FAR MORE powerful than any manner of the nevertheless wonderful and incredibly wide ranging health benefits that cannabis can also provide to those who have discovered them and how to use it responsibly. 

Indeed, while cannabis is the most important plant the Creator has given mankind for deepening our relationship and communion with Him in Spirit – as well as providing much relief of suffering and restoration of health for a great many ailments of mind and body – let us never forget here that we are still talking about the One who not only made the plant itself… but also literally walked on water and raised the dead! 

Thus, when it is offered purely in the name of the Most High  -- with meekness and humility, first and foremost to seek atonement and forgiveness for sin – cannabis acts in a manner which amplifies — or one may say, intensifies — the power and clarity of His voice and the focus of the worship. 

God forbid that for nearly two millennia the truly humble, childlike faith (Matthew 18) of the sincere believer and devout follower of Yahshua HaMashiyach – Jesus Christ becomes lost, corrupted or diminished by any of these revelations about cannabis. 

But rather, to the contrary – despite the challenge it may indeed present to many who have been kept in darkness about it by the Father of Lies and the Mother of Harlots through her Babylonian churches, and so are still not ready to receive it – let us pray that it will ultimately come to only enlighten and strengthen that very same faith in as many as possible as He prepares all of His creation for the resurrection and transfiguration that the great congregation of saints has looked towards and hoped for since His first coming.

Luke 12:49-53 

In the everlasting covenant – the most holy fruit of paradise is the key to the bread of life and water made wine – the flesh and blood of the tree of everlasting life… which in the heavenly sense is first and foremost... 

The EternalWord : Yahshua HaMashiyach – Jesus Christ… 

Yet in addition to this, in regards to the eating of the flesh and drinking of the blood of Christ in a literal manner – it is first essential to consider most carefully the following commandments found in the Torah… 

Ex 25:23-30 

‘Alway(s)’… as in: FOREVER! 

Thus, it is key to understand with wisdom that the tree of everlasting life is also in a literal manner, the long-veiled principal ingredient in the shewbread or ‘Bread of Presence’ and the new wine, which is simultaneously – in the earthly sense – once again… the Creator’s most holy herb: cannabis בּשׂם קנה qanehbesem… 

The Fragrant Reed, Rod and Sweet Smelling Cane of God – The Righteous Branch and True Vine – The Rock, Chief Corner Stone and Water of Life made into Lamb’s Bread and New Wine – Holy Flesh, Body and Blood from the Table of Love, our Heavenly Father’s Comforter, Spirit of Truth given from above… 

It is all of these things in One Holy Truth just as the Creator intended… as it is written… 

But once again it cannot be emphasized enough: that blood which saved us was that literal blood He shed from His body on the cross at Calvary nearly two millennia ago; whilst the ‘drinking of His blood’ in the form of sacramental 'new wine' and ‘eating of His body’ is an offering to be given IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIM FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS and a participatory act of communion on the part of the believer, wherein the wine and flesh is a representation of that blood and body being consumed along with continued repentance and sanctification. 

The true believer must always be keeping above all, the holy Word firmly in their heart, soul and mind – and know that one must always remain faithful and humble when using the plant of renown which our Creator has made for His children of Wisdom: for she is justified only of those who offer a pure offering — not as we have seen to idols or false gods on high places, nor with mixed wine (Proverbs 23:30) and the pursuit of fortune and profit (Isaiah 65:1-12 & Malachi 3:1-12) or lustful intoxication (Hosea 4:11) 

Rather, it must always be offered with meekness and a contrite heart towards our heavenly Father — again, first and foremost as we have been commanded — with repentance and in remembrance of Yahshua HaMashiyach – Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.