Yeshua (Jesus) read Biblical Hebrew.

“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read.
And the book (scroll; written in Biblical Hebrew) of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him.  And He opened the book (scroll) and found the place where it was written,

“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”

And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’”   (Luke 4:16-21)

Yeshua of Nazareth had been reading from Isaiah chapter 61, a Messianic passage.

The Hebrew word for “Nazareth” is nitzehret, and it is not surprising that the modern Hebrew word for “Christians“–followers of Yeshua of Nazareth, is ‘notzrim’. (These words have the same Hebrew root consonants: nun, tsadke and resh–sounds like ‘n’, ‘tz’ and ‘r’.)

Did you know that ‘notzrim’, the modern Hebrew word for “Christian”, is found in the very powerful prophetic chapter, Jeremiah 31?

First, please note that this chapter in Jeremiah declares:

1. There will be a New Covenant made with the House of Israel and the House of Judah. (vs. 31-34)  This promise is repeated in the New Testament Book of Hebrews chapter 8!
2. The LORD’s everlasting love for Israel. (v. 3)
3. There will be a worldwide regathering of the Jewish people back to their land. (vs. 8-14)
4. The guarantee of Israel’s preservation as a nation. (vs. 35-37)

Sandwiched between these awesome promises,
we find the word “Notzrim” in verse 6:

כִּי יֶשׁ־יֹום קָרְאוּ נֹצְרִים בְּהַר אֶפְרָיִם קוּמוּ וְנַעֲלֶה צִיֹּון אֶל־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ פ

I’ll transliterate the verse:  “Key yesh yom karoo notzrim b’har Ephraim koomoo vehnaahleh Zion el Adonai eloheinu.”

“For there shall be a day,
that the watchmen shall call upon the mount Ephraim:
‘Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion,
unto the LORD our God’.” (Jer 31:6 Jewish Publication Society translation [JPS])

There are three Biblical Hebrew (root) words for “watchman”:

natsar נצר; tsaphah צפה; shamar  שמר

The more common Biblical Hebrew (root) words for ‘watchman‘ are:

1. ‘tsaphah’ (Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary [SHD], entry 6822)–to look out, spy;
2. ’shamar’ (SHD, entry 8104) –to keep, watch, preserve.  By the way, the word used for God as the “Keeper of Israel” is shomer, which comes from shamar.

But, the word used in Jeremiah 31 for ‘watchmen’ is notzrim. As just stated, the modern Hebrew word for ‘Christians’ is notzrim. I asked an Israeli friend of mine about this and he was baffled.  I showed him the passage.  He did a double-take.  He said he would speak to someone he knew, who had been in the Ministry of Education in Israel, to see if it could be explained.  I have not received an answer.

So, the third (and less common) Biblical Hebrew (root) verb from which we get ‘watchmen’ is ‘natsar’ (SHD entry 5341) — which has a primary root meaning “to watch, guard, keep”; and out of which comes the word, notzrim.

(Not to bore some of you, but here’s a quick Hebrew lesson:  Hebrew verbs are based on a root system, where generally three consonants comprise the root of a particular verb.  When certain vowel points or a prefix and suffix are added, the verb becomes a noun.  For instance, the verb,’to guard’, and the noun,’watchman’, share the same root.)

“Notzrim” appears three times in the Hebrew text.  It’s found in Job 27:18, describing the temporary nature of the house of the wicked as being like “a hut which the watchman has made.”    It’s found in a negative context in Jeremiah 4:16 where “watchers (notzrim) come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.”

And, it is found in the Jeremiah 31:6 passage we have been discussing.

Another Biblical Hebrew word which is derived from ‘natsar’ (from which we get the word ‘notzrim‘) is ‘netser’ (SHD entry 5342).
It means “sprout” or “shoot”, literally “branch”.

So what’s the connection between “branch, sprout, or shoot” and ‘watchman’?  What does this mean to people of faith?

The prophetic Messianic passage in Isaiah 11: 1-6 (JPS Translation) declares:

“And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse (King David’s father),
And a twig (branch) (netsar, entry 5342) shall grow forth out of his roots.
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,
The spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The spirit of counsel and might,
The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD;
And he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes,
Neither decide after the hearing of his ears;
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor…”

Netsar is only used two other times in the Hebrew Scriptures:

The first is in Isaiah 14:19, speaking of the demise of one fallen from heaven who had said in his heart that he would raise his throne above the stars of God and make himself like the Most High.  Most biblical scholars conclude that this is speaking of satan (Hebrew ’satan’–deceiver, adversary).

“But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch (netsar) …” (King James Version)

The other time we find netsar is in Isaiah chapter 60.  The context is Israel’s condition when Messiah returns:

“Thy people also shall be all righteous,
They shall inherit the land for ever;
The branch (netsar) of My planting,
The work of My hands,
Wherein I glory.
The smallest shall become a thousand,
And the least a mighty nation;
I the LORD will hasten it in its time.” (Isa. 60:21-22 JPS)

Immediately after this Isaiah 60 passage, we obviously come to Isaiah 61– the same section wherein Yeshua read in the synagogue in Nazareth (nitzehret)!

So, this unusual root Hebrew word (nun, tsadke, resh) is spoken of in the context of Messiah, Israel, satan, enemies of Judah,  and in modern Hebrew:  Christians!

Therefore, who are the watchmen -notzrim- mentioned in Jeremiah 31:6, who say: “Arise, and let us go up to Zion, unto Yahweh our God?”

Notwithstanding that in the Isaiah 62 passage,  “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem…” — the word for “watchmen” is from the root shamar; could the watchmen mentioned in Jeremiah 31 verse 6 prophetically be today’s Christians, who intercede day and night for the LORD to watch over Israel and make Jerusalem a praise on the earth?

Please note: This verse about watchmen (notzrim) saying “Arise, let us go up to Zion, unto the LORD our God”, is followed by a command to “sing with gladness for Jacob, and to announce ye, praise ye, and say, “O LORD, save Thy people, the remnant of Israel.“” (Jeremiah 31:7)

Is this remnant, which is described as weeping as it returns to the Land of Israel, the Holocaust survivors?

Who is commanded to rejoice with Jacob (Israel; the Jewish people) in verse 7?

How could it be Jacob that rejoices with a broken Jacob that is described in verse 9 as returning to the Land (v.8) with weeping?

That does not make sense.

I offer that it was Gentile believers in Yeshua, true Christians, who knew the Holy Scriptures and the promise of restoration for the Jews.  These are the modern day watchmen for Israel:  The ‘Notzrim’!

History notes that this modern regathering, which began in the late 1800’s, was preceded by Christian Zionists who spoke out, even before Theodore Herzl, about God’s promises to restore Zion!

We welcome your thoughts on the matter!

1 John 5:14-15 says, “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us:  And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.  When we pray the Scriptures we are praying wisely, because we are praying His will!

The context of the Gospel is Jewish (“Salvation is of the Jews”, said Yeshua–John 4:22) and the Scriptures are replete with verses revealing how to pray for Israel with the Father’s heart. We must ask Yahveh (The LORD) to reveal His love for the Jewish people and His burden for them (He says in Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you (Israel) with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you.”)

The Jewish people are a brokenhearted people and if we intercede for them it must be with a humble and tender heart.  Then we know we are praying in accordance with the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh).

When we pray for Israel, we are praying not only for the country in the Middle East, but for all Jews everywhere in the dispersion (Diaspora).

Here is a sample prayer to guide you in your praying.  Prayer for Israel is a very important ministry in which Yahveh, the Holy One of Israel, wants to engage us in these last days:

“Abba (Father), in the Name of Yeshua, I thank You for preserving the Jewish people.  Truly this reveals Your faithfulness to keep Your Word and Your covenants.  Thank You that the only time Israel will cease from being a nation is when the fixed ordinances (sun, moon and stars) depart from before You (Jeremiah 31:35-36)  Thank You that no weapon formed against Israel shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).  Israel has faced many enemies over the centuries.  I understand Satan has wanted to destroy Israel because she is the apple of Your eye (Zechariah 2:8) and because Messiah will return when Israel’s eyes are opened and they call upon His name (Zechariah 12:10).

Thank You for Michael the Archangel that You have assigned to protect Israel (Daniel 10:13).  O Yahveh of Hosts (hosts = armies in Biblical Hebrew), please station angels about her borders and the people.  Thank you that You who keep (guard) Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4).

Abba, as the prophets of old, we confess our sins and the sins of our fathers, particularly where Christians have participated in the sin of anti-Semitism, failing to show the love and patience of Your Son to the Jewish people.  These scars formed in history have wounded and confused Your chosen people.  Cleanse us from this sin which breaks Your heart.  Your Word says they are beloved and their gifts and calling as a nation are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).  I ask You to convict church leaders and teachers who have taught that You are finished with Israel.  Please forgive them and open their eyes.  Like the Apostle Paul, let them say, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved.” (Romans 10:1).  May I extend mercy to the Jewish people even as Your Word commands in Romans chapter 11, verse 31 that “through my mercy they may also obtain mercy.”

Thank You that only a partial hardening has happened to Israel (Romans 11:25).  Thank You for the remnant (Romans 11:5) that has believed and for those who will come to faith.

I do not beg You for the salvation of the Jewish people, for Messiah Yeshua already died for them (1 John 2:2).  Rather, I wrestle them out of the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13) with the weapons of our warfare which are not carnal but mighty through You to the pulling down of strongholds (II Corinthians 10:3-5).  I cast down the thought patterns of unbelief, fear and  father-rejection.  I take captive these thoughts and all confusion to the obedience of the Messiah (II Cor. 10:5).  As Your Word says, ” …Yahveh (The LORD) rebuke thee…”.  (Zechariah 3:2 KJV)

Father, Your Word says that “… to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away (2 Corinthians 3:15-16 NASB)”  Thank You that You are able to take the veil away and please do so for (personalize with the Jewish person, or people, you know).  I pray for religious Jewish people – the Orthodox and Hasidic Jews. In the Name of the Lord Yeshua, I come against the spirits of deception that would tell them that religion will save them.  Reveal to them, Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), that it is only by the blood atonement of the Messiah Yeshua that they are saved.  Have mercy on them O, God, Who delights in mercy (Jeremiah 9:24).

I pray today for the approximately 300,000 Jewish people in the former Soviet Union who have not yet left in fulfillment of prophecy (Jeremiah 23:3,7,8).  Protect them from the growing violence against them because they are Jews.  I thank you for delivering approximately 90% of the Jewish people out of the former Soviet Union in faithful fulfillment of Your prophetic Word.   I thank You for the many Russian believers who are now in Israel.  Strengthen them and give them grace in adjusting to their new home.

I pray for the Jewish people of Europe and Latin America who know they need to leave their countries because of growing anti-Semitism and return to Israel.  Please make a way–let every mountain of hindrance be removed so they can depart speedily. I pray for provision and the way of escape to be made clear to them.

I pray for Your Body of believers in Israel– for protection, growth, unity, boldness and provision.  Protect them, dear Lord.

I pray for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – for a hedge of protection, wisdom and courage, as the Gentile nations pressure him to return land that You promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants forever (Genesis12:7; 15:18; 17:8)  Thwart and confuse all plots and plotters against the Jewish people (Psalm 83, Psalm 124, Psalm 129:5).  Bring her enemies to repentance (Matthew 5:44).  Let them henceforth use their energies to build Your kingdom and to comfort Israel. (Isaiah 40:1)

I pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).  Thank You for prospering my life because I love her (Psalm 122:6)  Speak to my mind the ways You want me to reach out to Your people.  Make me a comfort to Your people (Isaiah 40).

I particularly pray for Holocaust survivors who need a revelation of Your personal love after experiencing such devastation.  Holy One of Israel, naturally, I don’t desire to feel the brokenness that the pogroms of Russia or the Holocaust have caused.  I am willing to receive the prayer burdens of Your heart for the Jewish people.  I am willing to stand as a watchman for the nation of Israel (Isaiah 62).  I give You no rest until You make Jerusalem a praise on the earth (Isaiah 62).

I pray for more laborers in this end time harvest, particularly for those to labor among elderly Jewish people in South Florida, New York City, Los Angeles & Chicago.  I pray for those laborers to be wise, tender and kind, full of your Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit).  I pray for divine appointments for them, that their steps would be directed to Jewish people searching for You, Your love, Your forgiveness, Your peace, Your touch, Your comfort. May they be anointed to speak your Word with power, conviction and the Ruach HaKodesh.  May they walk in humility and in the bond of peace with other laborers in the same part of the harvest.  May they be protected from all harm.  May their families be exceedingly blessed.

I pray Lord Yeshua for Your speedy return.  Soon may You hear the Jewish people say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD.” (Psalm 118; Matthew 23:39). Maranatha, even so come, Messiah Yeshua!

I pray all these things on the authority of the blood atonement and in the name of Yeshua, the soon returning King of the Jews.

Copyright ©1996 Prophetic Prayers by Prophetic Prints.  If you wish to copy this prayer for free distribution, permission is hereby granted to duplicate it provided there are no changes or omissions made to this prayer and this byline is included.  Please note this prayer has a Spanish translation, as well.  Please email us through our contact form to receive a copy.