By Messianic Jewish Rabbi Manny Brotman and Sandra Brotman
I, Yeshua (Jesus), have sent my angel to testify unto you these things in the congregations. I am the Root and the Offspring of DAVID and the Bright and Morning STAR (Revelation 22:16 JUB).
Introduction
Commonly known as the Star of David by Jewish People scattered throughout the world, the "Magen Daveed," as it is pronounced in Hebrew, literally means "shield of David." It is a beautiful symbol that is often used to identify them as a distinct and unique People. Its design has been incorporated into countless items, including necklaces, lapel pins, some mezuzah designs (mezuzah is the Hebrew word meaning "doorpost") mounted on entrances of synagogues, Jewish and Christian homes, and in the architecture of synagogues and churches. It is the focal point on the flag of the State of Israel and is still used in Messianic Judaism.
Current Attacks
Wherever we travel, some Believers come to us and mention that they've heard that the Star of David is used in satanic worship. And, they ask, "Is it all right before God to wear it?"
Before we answer this question, we might say that it is wise to question the credentials of such individuals who make allegations against the Star of David. Do they really have the experience in the occult and satanic worship that they represent? Have we thoroughly checked them out before we accept what they say as "gospel?"
Origins
The Star design, which has for thousands of years been used in many different civilizations, has a fascinating history. The oldest existing artifact is a seventh century B.C.E. seal found in Sidon, a Phoenician port in Tyre, Lebanon. Traditional Jewish writers use B.C.E. (Before the Common Era) in dating rather than B.C. (Before Christ).
In 1 Chronicles 22:4 and 1 Kings 9:11, Hiram, the King of Tyre, loved King David, and furnished both David and his son, Solomon, with cedar trees and gold from Lebanon to be used in the building of Solomon's Temple. David and Solomon hired Sidonian carpenters to cut wood for the Temple one thousand years B.C.E. Whether a Hebrew or a skillful non-Jew (perhaps one of Hiram's skilled craftsmen and carpenters whom God used to help build His Temple) designed the Star of David is a matter of pure speculation.
Is it possible that the Sidonian carpenters brought the star design back with them to Sidon from Israel? It must have been used hundreds of years before by Israel since it is mentioned in the Talmud in Git. 68-a-b that the Star design was engraved on the seal, or signature ring, of Solomon, to indicate his dominion over the demons. According to tradition, the hexagram, a six-pointed star, was first used on the shield that David used in battle, hence, the literal Hebrew, "shield of David."
As Ecclesiastes brings out, there is nothing new under the sun. It would be hard to find any symbol (e.g., the cross, etc.) that was not, at some time in history, first sketched by a person who was not in the family of faith.
Historical evidence no more supports heathen design of the Star of David than it denies Jewish creation of it.
This is the first installment of a special four-part series taken from the article of the same title by Manny and Sandra Brotman. It is used here with permission. Check back in the coming days for Parts 2-4.
The visionary Manny Brotman was known by many as the “Father of Modern-Day Messianic Judaism,” and in 1963 he founded The Messianic Jewish Movement International (MJMI). He is credited with popularizing the use of Messianic terminology and was the first ordained Messianic Jewish Rabbi in the modern Messianic congregation movement in the United States. Manny founded the Young Messianic Jewish Alliance of America in 1965 and laid the groundwork for the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. He spoke at world conventions and appeared on 700 Club, PTL Club, TBN, and 100 Huntley Street across Canada. He represented Messianic Jews in America at Washington for Jesus ’88 and addressed the over one million in attendance there.
Manny married Sandra Sheskin in 1987, and together they ministered throughout the world. In July 1999, Manny suffered a massive brain hemorrhage and “was promoted to Heaven” several days later. At his memorial service, a number of people prayed to accept Yeshua as their Messiah.
Sandra Sheskin Brotman was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home and found Messiah Yeshua in her youth. Her gifted voice and communication skills have resulted in appearances on the nationally televised Today Show, 700 Club, TBN, PTL Club, and 100 Huntley Street across Canada. She has spoken on Capitol Hill to various U.S. Government agencies as well as prayer fellowships of congressional and cabinet wives. She has also performed as guest soloist at The Annual Congressional Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the National Religious Broadcasters.
In 1987, Sandra married Messianic Rabbi Manny Brotman, and they ministered extensively together throughout the world until Manny’s early “promotion to heaven” in 1999. Today, Sandra continues as an evangelist, faithfully teaching and singing in her ministries. Among her passions is ministering to the brave warriors of the U.S. Military and Israel Defense Forces through her music and biblical encouragement. She is also a creative speaker burdened to stop “The American Holocaust of Abortion.” Written and performed by Sandra, her dramatization of a 12-week baby in the womb – who is, in the end, murdered by her mother’s abortion – is a powerful testimony to life in the womb and can be viewed on her website at sandrasheskinbrotman.com.
For concerts, speaking engagements, and Sandra’s dramatic pro-life presentations, please contact:
Mrs. Sandra Sheskin Brotman, PO Box 356, Garret Park, MD 20896-0356, 301-946-3999
