Elohim's Aleph-Bet (Letters) - The Pey

Shabbat shalom, friends. My name is Chadwick Harvey, and you're watching Faithful Performance. Thank you so much for joining us tonight as we continue our journey through Elohim's Aleph-Bet. It's very important to understand that we can gain great information, understanding, and wisdom when we study the Hebrew letters. Looking at the stories of the Bible through this lens provides an extra layer of understanding, as we've discussed throughout this series.

We're on the 17th letter of our journey, and we will finish by the Feast of Trumpets on September 12th. We still have five more letters to go after tonight. Before we begin, I want to mention that we are going back to Israel from June 7th to the 17th. If anyone is interested in joining us, around 20 people will be going. We'll be there during the festival of Shavuot, or Pentecost, which is a beautiful time to visit Jerusalem. It also won't be as hot as July or August. You can find more information on the QR code or email me at [email protected]. Please also visit us at faithfulperformance.org for books, the Hebrew calendar, updates, and events. We also have an AI feature on the website where you can type in a question, and it will direct you to the video and time marker where we discuss that topic, along with a summary. Please sign up for our newsletter to receive email updates with summaries and videos of our teachings.

Tonight, my friends, we're going to look at the Hebrew letter Pey. It's a very important letter to understand, and we'll find it in the scriptures, which will make a lot of sense. We'll have a little fun with it as well. Hebrew is read from right to left. You see the Pey in its closed form and its final form, the final Pey. Both are the 17th letter and have a numerical value of 80.

We've seen this pattern with other letters that have two forms, like the Kof, the Mem, and the Nun. There's always a case of humility first, followed by exaltation. This is what we'll see tonight with the Pey.

We always start with a scripture to tie everything together. In Matthew 12:36-37, Yeshua says, "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it on the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is very serious. By our words, we will be judged. That's why this letter, which focuses on our mouth, our speech, is so important. Our tongues can sometimes get out of alignment, and we need to watch what we speak, especially over our children, parents, friends, and family. We must be careful not to cause negative consequences, as Satan can use our words against us in the courts of heaven.

The Pey is the 17th letter of Elohim's Aleph-Bet, and its numerical value is 80. The number 17 is prominent; it's a prime number, the seventh in the list of prime numbers, which elevates and indicates its imminence. It partakes of and strengthens the magnitude of the number seven. It's the sum of two perfect numbers: seven, representing spiritual perfection, and ten, representing the perfection of order. Thus, 17 portrays the perfection of spiritual order.

An illustration of 17 is found in Romans 8, which lists the blessings of those who are in Messiah. Paul asks seven questions: "Who shall separate us from the love of Messiah? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Then he provides ten answers: "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord." This scripture records the spiritual and eternal perfection of the believer standing in Messiah. The answer, represented by the number 10, carries more importance than the question, represented by the number 7, because spiritual perfection is completed only through the perfection of divine order.

Another illustration is in Hebrews 12, contrasting the old and new covenants. The proclamation about the old covenant at Mount Sinai is terrifying, while the new covenant proclaims we have come to Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the church of the firstborn, and to Yeshua, the mediator of the new covenant. The blessings of the new covenant are higher in number and importance.

The pictograph of Pey looks like a mouth, meaning to breathe, word, expression, vocalization, and speech. Interestingly, Pey follows the letter Ayin, which means "eye." This indicates the priority of the eyes before verbal expression. Wise people understand this concept: they are quick to observe and listen before expressing their opinion. The Ayin gives insight, but the Pey, the mouth, gives the expression. Ayin is the gateway to reality, but Pey ushers reality into existence.

In Genesis 1, Elohim's eye saw the earth void, and His Spirit hovered. Subsequently, Elohim spoke light into existence from His mouth, His Pey, with the letter Hey. This illustrates the proper divine order: eye first, then mouth. Elohim used His Pey to bring forth all creation in six days. In Genesis 2, Elohim formed man and blew the breath of life, the Pey, into his nostrils, and man became a living being and a speaking spirit. He used His mouth and breath to give life so that we can use our mouths as an expression for His will and purposes: praising, singing, worshiping, testifying, and confessing Him as our King and Messiah.

The Apostle Paul testifies, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Once we receive salvation, we become transformed and spirit-filled, eager to listen to what Yah is speaking so we can accomplish His work on earth. We should strive for the same wisdom Yeshua demonstrated during Satan's temptation: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." This points us back to the Torah.

The classical Hebrew script for Pey is constructed of a Kof with an ascending Yod or an inverted Vav. The Kof means "container," symbolically representing the divine spark of Elohim within the soul. There's also a hidden Bet within Pey, representing the house of creation or Yeshua. The invisible Pey surrounding the hidden Bet represents the Word of God that created the heavens and the earth.

Elohim used His Pey to speak the Hey, the fifth letter, grace, into creation. Psalm 33:6 states, "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host." Grace was from the very beginning of God's mouth.

The letter Pey has two forms: the first, or medial, form occurs at the beginning or middle of a word, and the final form occurs at the end of a word. The first form of Pey is bent in humility, suggesting a closed or silent mouth while listening for God's instructions. This is where humility comes in with these double-form letters. We often go into prayer with an open mouth, petitioning God, instead of shutting up and listening. Sometimes, He wants to tell us things. This bent form of Pey signifies listening first, then speaking. It allows the Holy Spirit to quiet our souls as we meditate on His glory and listen to His guidance, strategies, and answers.

A great story correlating with the first form of Pey is the announcement of John the Baptist's birth to Zachariah. Gabriel appeared to Zachariah, who doubted the angel's words. Gabriel declared, "Behold, you will be mute and not be able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time." Zachariah's mouth was closed, symbolizing the first form of Pey, because he doubted. He was unable to speak until he confirmed John's name. When he wrote "Yohanan" on a tablet, his mouth was opened, and his tongue was loosed, signifying the final form of Pey. He then spoke, praising Yah.

This illustrates that we should have a closed mouth and a humble tongue, especially in the presence of Yah, or during dreams, visions, or angelic visitations, until the proper time to speak for God's kingdom. Daniel, when encountering Gabriel, was often on his face in humility before being strengthened and able to speak.

After Zachariah's tongue was loosed, he prophesied about Yohanan, substantiating both forms of Pey. He was muted due to disbelief, then his mouth was opened after he confirmed the name. This is the concept of the first form of Pey: a closed mouth and humble tongue until it's the proper time to speak for God's kingdom.

We will now move to the final form of Pey. James 3:5-12 states, "See how great a forest a little fire kindles, and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no one can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus, no spring yields both salt water and fresh."

This correlates with Yeshua's teaching in Matthew 12:36-37 about accounting for every idle word. The Pey-Fei is the 17th letter with a numerical value of 80. The number 8 symbolizes new life and new beginnings, and 10 symbolizes the perfection of divine order. Thus, 80 represents the perfection of divine order for new beginnings. Moses was 80 years old when Yah called him to lead Israel out of Egypt, a new beginning. Psalm 90:10 states, "The days of our lives are seventy years, and if by reason of strength they are eighty years."

The pictograph of Fay also looks like a mouth, meaning breath, word, expression, vocalization, and speech. Again, it follows Ayin, the eye, emphasizing insight before expression. Ayin is the gateway to reality, and Pey ushers it into existence. In Genesis 1, Elohim's eye saw, and His mouth spoke creation. In Genesis 2, He breathed life into man, making him a speaking spirit. We are to use our mouths to speak His will, praising, testifying, and bringing eternal life to others.

The first form of Pey represents a shut or closed mouth, symbolizing humility before speech. The final form, Fay, signifies an open and upright mouth. We must be silent and humble to hear what the Spirit is speaking before we speak out. This is the order: listen first, then speak.

King Solomon wisely stated, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue." James expounds on this, comparing the tongue to a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder on a ship, controlling the larger body. He calls the tongue a fire, a world of iniquity, unruly, and full of deadly poison. We must guard our mouths from evil, including gossip, which is the work of a fool. We cannot praise Elohim and curse our neighbor from the same mouth.

We should use our bridled mouth to exalt Elohim, praising and worshiping Him. The four living creatures and 24 elders in Revelation continually worship Him. Our mouths should only have glorious praises for Yah. Secondly, we should use our bridled mouth in service to others, building them up, not tearing them down, unless it's for righteous correction according to the Bible. James is not talking about righteous anger or zealousness, but about foolishness, gossip, false accusations, and false testimonies.

The tongue is one of the most dangerous sins that hinders the growth of God's kingdom. Satan uses it for division. We must guard our tongue from deceit and gossip, as this is from the evil one. James states that if anyone thinks they are religious but does not bridle their tongue, their religion is useless. We should not have a double-sided tongue.

First and foremost, we should use our mouth to exalt Elohim. Secondly, we should love our neighbor as ourselves. A kind word or a pure smile can change someone's life. We never know what people are going through. We must be the change, allowing the Holy Spirit to use us to lift them up, give them inspiration, and talk about Yeshua and salvation. Let's be kind, loving, respectful, and have good character.

Yeshua declared, "On the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36. We will all give an account of our mouth, our Pey, on judgment day.

Psalm 119 is Elohim's Aleph-Bet, written by King David in homage to each letter and highlighting the importance of Torah. David wrote this after the Hallel Psalms, which are hymns for the Jewish people. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is crucial for understanding King David's heart.

David writes, "Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments. Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your name. Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts. Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes. Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law." David's heart posture was one of deep love for God's commandments. He emphasizes the Torah, God's laws.

Yeshua said in Matthew 4:4, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." King David echoes this, longing for God's commandments. He states, "Rivers of water run down my eyes because men do not keep Your Torah." This is the heart posture we need. David is called a man after God's own heart because of his devotion to the commandments.

Yeshua is the living Torah, the Word of God. Christianity often deviates from the Torah, but we must return to what Moses, David, Jeremiah, and the prophets said. We need to revisit the Torah, the Prophets, and the Psalms with a clearer understanding.

David states, "I hate the evildoers, for they do not keep Your law." This is a strong statement. Yeshua will act on this disobedience. King David spoke from the spirit of God, prophesying for Yeshua. His heart posture is Yeshua's heart posture.

The Torah is the axis of the world. God's laws are forever. They are who He is as God. We cannot discard or replace them. Christianity often falls into replacement theology, as does some of Judaism. We must understand God's Word from His perspective.

The prayer for the first form of Pey: "May we receive the revelation and the anointing of Pey as we continue to set apart ourselves on our spiritual purification journey from the cross to the crown. Let us pursue spiritual perfection of divine order, especially when it comes to the concept of Pey: to listen first and then to speak. This is an area of concern for most of us, as we all want to speak and be heard. However, the Holy Scriptures state a different case and show that we need to listen first, listen correctly, and then speak it out, which is the concept of the first and final form of Pey. So, let us use our mouths to build people up, encourage, and support them in love. In doing so, we will have understood and applied this incredible concept of Pey into our lives. Furthermore, as we apply this concept to our lives—listen more and talk less—we will begin to hear the Holy Spirit clearer and more often. Quiet time is a beautiful, intimate time to have with Elohim. The Ruach is always designed to show us and tell us amazing things. How can one hear what the Ruach is saying if there is always noise and distractions? We must make a wholehearted effort and desire to make this a top priority in our daily lives: alone time with Elohim, so that we can hear what the Spirit is saying to the assemblies. Amen."

The prayer for the final form of Fay: "Thank you very much for being with us again, everybody, tonight. A very powerful lesson that we get from the scriptures and that we get from the Hebrew letters as well. To read the scriptures through the Hebrew letter understanding layer is very significant. May we receive the revelation and the anointing of Fay as we continue to set apart ourselves on our spiritual purification journey from the cross to the crown. The concept of the transition of the first form of Pey into the final form of Fay is paramount to comprehend and also to live out. In this devotional, it is one of the most important lessons, if not the most important, that we must adhere to: to listen before we speak. This is the reason Elohim blessed us with two ears and one mouth, so that we could understand this imperative concept. We must be humble and remain in humility as we first listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling us during our prayer and meditation time, and then we speak. The same principle applies within a conversation with another person. Listen first, then speak, as it shows wisdom and maturity as a believer. Again, the notion is that we must be silent and humble before we straighten ourselves to speak in prayer or in a conversation with another person. It is a concept that we should all try our best to implement in our daily lives and beyond, as it is Yah's order and literal design of the human body. In summary, regarding guarding the tongue, just as James warned, we can build up or destroy, bring life and death through our mouth, tongues, and words. This is a pandemic among the body of Messiah that we must resolve. We must only use our mouth, tongue, and speech in our service to God and to speak life and blessings over people instead of death and curses. Certainly, if the mouth cannot exhort praise, honor, and the truth of the Word of God, then it should remain closed in silence forevermore. As Solomon the wise testifies, 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.' Say L'chaim and Amen."

We then recited the Shema and discussed the importance of Shabbat and the Ten Commandments, emphasizing that the Sabbath is a covenant for all of God's people, not just Jewish people. Paul, in Hebrews 4, speaks of a Sabbath rest that remains for God's people. We must strive to enter that rest through obedience. The Word of God is alive and sharper than any two-edged sword, judging the inner reflections and attitudes of our hearts.

We concluded by discussing the importance of understanding biblical prophecy, the Table of Nations, and the true meaning of the end times, warning against deception and the dangers of political idolatry. The focus should be on repentance, following Yeshua, and His commandments, not on worldly power or political agendas.