Two memorials commemorating events in history of modern Israel are celebrated in this month. Israel Independence Day is on the 5th of Iyar, and Jerusalem Day, the day Israel reconquered Jerusalem during the Six Day War, is on the 28th day of the month. The 4th of Iyar is Israel's Yom HaZikaron, or Israeli national memorial day for fallen soldiers.
There are several dates in Israel's ancient history to note this month, too, as recorded in the pages of scripture.
1) On the first day of Iyar following the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, the thirsty people reached a well of bitter water. Moses was told to cast a tree into the water. He did and it miraculously became sweet. YHWH then promised that if Israel followed His ways he would not place upon them the diseases he placed upon Egypt.
“The diseases I have placed upon Egypt I will not place upon you, for I AM YHWH your Healer.” Exodus 15:26
YHWH Rophe - YHWH our Healer
Hebrew letters often have deeper meaning than the simple words they spell. Again, the Hebrew letters that form the word Iyar form an acronym of the Exodus verse above: "I am the Lord your Healer", thus Iyar is seen as a propitious time for healing.
2) On the first day of Iyar, King Solomon began the construction of the First Temple. (Kings I:6:1)
3) On the exact same day, hundreds of years later, Ezra began the construction of the Second Temple. (Ezra 3:8)
4) During the month of Iyar following the exodus from Egypt, mannah began to fall in the desert for the wandering people to eat, and it continued to fall for 40 years. According to Jewish tradition, mannah is supposed to have healing qualities, so there is another association between Iyar and healing.
When I ran across this I sat up and took notice. At this very moment.... actually since about the time of the new moon for Iyar ..... I have been in need of physical healing. I'm not sure why or what is going on, but it has definitely gotten my attention. The list of symptoms in interesting: (roving) joint pain, swollen lymph nodes on my neck, extreme fatigue, low grade fever, swollen and/or weak hands and arms, headaches, back and neck pain, not being able to sleep, and a host of other little things that hit pretty much all at once, but I didn't realize were connected or related. Yikes!
I was delighted to do some reading about what the Jewish sages say this month means, or what it's essence is all about... I found the essence to be healing, drawing closer to YHWH and building understanding. Although I do not subscribe to Talmudic teachings as being equal with Torah, I do find the associations between this month, it's constellation (the ox plowing the field, sowing new seed and nourishing growth and healing of the land), letter meanings (as in the acronym explained above) and the historical dates of import (also listed above), etc., to be amazing and somehow comforting, if not a little enlightening.
Above all, I am just pleased as punch that YHWH brought all this to my attention. I had already determined and understood (through prayer) that the next few weeks were going to have to be a time of healing and recovery and discovery for me because of the number of things in life that recently changed or stopped and how worn out I feel inside and out! It has become (literally) painfully obvious that some of my priorities are out of balance. This has been a confirmation of that decision to rest and seek His healing and comfort.
Hallelujah and praise be to the One who opens my eyes... daily...