ALPHABETIC DESIGNS IN MATTHEW

Just as Torah designs are not limited to the Old Testament, neither are alphabetic designs. These designs follow the Hebrew alphabet and the meanings attached to the letters as noted by the rabbis and sages over the millennia. As with the Torah designs of Matthew, some of the alphabetic designs are obscure (indicated by ??), others just leap off the page at you. Here is a sampling:

Chapter 1 - Aleph, God as Creator and King. ??
Chapter 2 - Beit, house and temple. The wise men came to the house where Mary, Joseph and Jesus were staying.
Chapter 3 - Gimel, loving kindness and culmination. After the baptism of Jesus, the Lord said audibly, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”
Chapter 4 - Dalet, door or the way. Jesus calls the first of the disciples to follow Him in the way.
Chapter 7 - Zayin, focal point of sustenance and struggle. ??
Chapter 8 - Chet, transcendence, life and grace. ??
Chapter 9 - Tet, objective good. The daughter of the ruler had died, but Jesus used this event to good by returning her to life.
Chapter 10 - Yod, creation and metaphysical. ??
Chapter 11 - Kaf, crowning accomplishment. “The Kingdom of God has been forcefully advancing.” (Verse 14)
Chapter 12 - Lamed, teaching and learning. ??
Chapter13 - Mem, concealed and revealed. Jesus gave truths in the form of parables. Some of which He explained to His Disciples.
Chapter 14 - Nun, faithfulness, soul and emergence. ??
Chapter 16 - Ayin, sight and insight. “Blessed are you, Simon son of Johan, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in Heaven.” (Verse 17)
Chapter 17 - Peh, mouth and speech. At the Mount of Transfiguration the Lord spoke.
Chapter 18 - Tzaddi, righteousness and humility. “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Verse 4)
Chapter 20 - Resh, the wicked. Jesus describes how He will be betrayed, condemned to death, mocked and flogged by wicked men. (Verses 17-19)

(There are 22 Hebrew letters. The cycle begins again with chapter 23.)

Chapter 24 - Beit, house and temple. Jesus describes how the Temple will be destroyed.
Chapter 25 - Gimel, loving kindness and culmination. The entire chapter speaks of the Coming Kingdom, which is the culminating event of the history of man.
Chapter 27 - Hay, the breath of God. With a loud cry, Jesus gave up His Spirit. (Verse 50)
Chapter 28 - Vav, completion and redemption. The Great Commission is found in this chapter.

Alphabetic and Torah designs are not only found in Matthew. They are throughout the Old and New Testaments. I challenge you to look for them. It is rewarding in two ways; one way is you will find these meanings for yourself, and the other is you will find many other amazing insights as you search. I thank the Lord for His Holy Word the we have received today.

BACK to Alphabetic Designs.