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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

The Story of the Star of David

The Star of David or Shield of David (Magen David in Hebrew, מָגֵן דָּוִד with nikkud or מגן דוד without, academically transcribed Māḡēn Dāwīḏ by Biblical Hebrew linguists, pronounced {ma’gen da’vid] in modern Hebrew and Mogein Dovid [ˈmɔɡeɪn ˈdɔvid] or Mogen Dovid [ˈmɔɡen ˈdɔvid] in Ashkenazi Hebrew and Yiddish. It is a generally recognized symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism and is named after King David of ancient Israel.

The “six pointed star” is simply the seal of Da’ud, employing two “daleths”, the beginning and ending letter in the king’s name.The seal of Da’ud is not a “religious” symbol of any kind, according to historical use and the orthodox “rabbi” Kolatch in his “Jewish Book.

In ancient Hebrew, Israels’ king’s name was spelled: DALET-UAU-DALET (three letters). The original shape of the Hebrew letter “dalet” is a simple triangle, and signified a “door” (as to a shepherd’s tent). The name of a king was an important item, and was commonly used as a seal, just as the seal of the presidency of the United States serves to do the same today for the office of the president. It serves the purpose of a “mark” or sign indicating the owner’s authority or sovereignty.


Some critics state that if you examine the “Star of David,” or hexagram, closely, you will discover it has six points, forms six equilateral triangles, and in its interior forms a six sided hexagon — thus it reveals the number of Satan the devil, or the beast of Revelation — 66, and 6 — 666.

However, the Star of David is a little more complex than that. It can actually be constructed with just two triangles, or six triangles and one hexagon, which equals seven shapes, not six! Interestingly, the Star of David contains a total of twenty-four points and sides if the sides and points of all six triangles, plus the six sides and points of the center hexagon are counted. (American Chronicle.com, May 9, 2008 -http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/61087)

Interestingly, it seems that all 24 letters of the Hebrew alphabet are also found in the Star of David:

Scholars both within and without Israel admit that the seal of Da’ud [Star of David or, in the Hebrew, "Maguen David" (literally, Shield of David)] is NOT a “religious” symbol in any way, nor does not have its roots in paganism. Although it was adopted in the Middle Ages as a magical symbol, it was originally a purely decorative geometric design exclusive to no particular culture or religion. As with many things, it’s the use of symbols that really matters. But this doesn’t mar the original item in the least.

Nonetheless, since it has now come to be associated with the modern nation of Israel and/or Judaism, one should exercise discretion in wearing this symbol. In other words, it is a national emblem which identifies the wearer with the nation of Israel, Judaism, or both.

by STEVIE @ 2:56 PM.