Uncovering St. Patrick's True Identity: A Hebrew and Torah-Observant Man in Ireland

 

Once again, my studies have brought me to the British Isles (a geographical term which does not imply that Ireland belongs to Great Britain). My first foray into the Isles was documented in my article "Wales and the Lost Tribes of Israel," and as it happens, Maewyn, Patrick's birth name, has Welsh origins.

Now, my research has taken me to the Emerald Island, where I have discovered a recurring pattern throughout history: the manipulation of a person's true identity to fit a specific narrative. This phenomenon occurred with Yeshua and Paul and how they are presented in the Christian Church.

In this case, I am delving into the records to uncover the true person behind St. Patrick. Contrary to popular belief, the celebrated saint was not Catholic but was, in fact, born a Hebrew. His family likely settled in the British Isles following the siege of Jerusalem. 

“The learned declare that he was of the Jews by origin, since it is manifest from the miracles which God wrought for him, that he was of the children of Israel, for of them were the Jews besides. For when the vengeance was inflicted by Titus and Vespasian, the Jews were scattered throughout the world, and Patrick’s original kindred came to Britain…” (Lives of Saints from the Book of Lismore. United States, AMS Press, 1890. pg. 150)

“Patrick may have been descended from the Sons of Israel. When the Sons of Israel were banished by Titus and Vespasian into slavery to the four corners of the world in revenge for the blood of Christ, his ancestors came to Britain.” (Book Of Leinster, 1160.)

“The links must account for the Hebrew quality of Irish monasticism, for modern Jewish authorities affirm that the remaining remnants of the Samaritan sect represent the purest form of the ancient Hebrew stock. The Samaritans were part of the northern tribes of Israel and their capital, Shechem was destroyed by Vespasian in 70 A.D. Since St. Patrick is said to be the descendant of an Israelite family who were scattered by Vespasian and Titus “in bondage throughout the four quarters of the world” and who came to Britain, it is possible that Patrick himself was of Samaritan ancestry.” (Boswell, Winthrop Palmer. The Roots of Irish Monasticism. United States, San Francisco State College., 1969. pg. 64-65)

Before moving on, there are three important points to note from the quotes mentioned. Firstly, it is worth considering why some Jews who fled Judea ended up in the British Isles. It is unlikely that they simply closed their eyes and pointed to a spot on the map. In my previous article, "Wales and the Lost Tribes of Israel," I argued that some of the northern tribes, specifically the House of Israel, may have found their way to the British Isles after being divorced and kicked out of their land.

Secondly, in the Book of Leinster, it is suggested that the Jewish people were exiled from Israel for killing Yeshua. While true in a sense, it was Rome that had killed Yeshua, and it's also important to remember that thousands of Jewish people were among his followers, and he himself was Jewish, as were his disciples. The writer of the Book of Leinster seems to be pushing a narrative that suggests the Jews (specifically, those of the House of Judah) are completely against the Messiah.

Thirdly, in "The Roots of Irish Monasticism," the author suggests that Maewyn may have been from Samaria, a region whose inhabitants are said to be descendants of the northern tribes that were not exiled from Israel after Assyria's conquest. This would make Maewyn a Hebrew by blood but not a Jew. For more information, please refer to my article "Israel and Judah".

Ireland and the Torah

Continuing with The Roots of Irish Monasticism, the author goes on to say,  

“Israelitish features in Irish monasticism include the use of an Eastern type liturgy visible in the Antiphonary if Bangor, the festal observance of Saturday in the same manner as the Jews, evidence for a Pharisaic observance of Sunday, the prominence of Hebrew features in Irish canon law collections (including Biblical Cities of Refuge and Jubilee Years), together with Mosaic prohibitions on diet, and injunctions on tithes likewise Hebraic in inspiration. There was also a Hebrew treatment of the sanctuary as already noted in the case of St. Columbanus, and finally there were numerous Hebrew words occurring in cryptographic monastic Irish works such as Hisperica Famina.” (Boswell, Winthrop Palmer. The Roots of Irish Monasticism. United States, San Francisco State College., 1969. pg. 64-65)

Historians have pointed out the similarities between the Celtic/Gaelic and Hebrew languages over the years. In Acts chapter 29, we find a possible explanation for this phenomenon. It is suggested that the Celts, to some degree, retained their ancient ways of keeping Torah.

Maewyn is credited with bringing the truth of Yeshua and Torah to Ireland. However, this was only after he had spent six years there as a slave. After regaining his freedom, he returned to Ireland and shared the powerful and life-changing message of Elohim. This is why there are so many references to Ireland and the Celts in general doing things in a Hebrew manner. 

“The Celts used a Latin Bible unlike the Vulgate, and kept Saturday as a day of rest, with special religious services on Sunday.” The Rise of the Mediaeval Church and Its Influence on the Civilization of Western Europe from the First to the Thirteenth Century. United States, B. Franklin, Flick, Alexander Clarence. 1909. pg. 237)

“It seems to have been customary in the Celtic churches of early times, in Ireland as well as Scotland, to keep Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, as a day of rest from labor, and Sunday, commemorative of the Lord’s resurrection, as one of rejoicing, with exercises of public worship. In that case they obeyed the fourth commandment literally upon the seventh day of the week—the day on which the Lord lay in the grave—and did not understand the precept about resting from labor to apply to the day of rejoicing over his resurrection.” The Church in Scotland: A History of Its Antecedents, it Conflicts, and Its Advocates, from the Earliest Recorded Times to the First Assembly of the Reformed Church. United States, Presbyterian Board of Education, Moffat, James Clement. 1882. pg.140)

To correct a common misconception, the Sabbath is not Jewish; it belongs to Yah. However, it is not surprising that many historians and academics refer to anything Hebrew as Jewish, even in the case of Abraham, who was born before the existence of the tribe of Judah.

“A central feature [of the Celtic churches] was the profound respect for the authority of the Scripture, and a strong emphasis on the legal aspects of the Old Testament. The Liber ex Lege Moisi survives in four manuscripts of Irish origin, dating from c. 800 (Hardinge 1972, 50). It consists of a series of texts of Old Testament law, covering a variety of topics and situations. The work expresses an unstated assumption that Old Testament law was a prime directive for the proper conduct of everyday life. Hardinge cites a series of parallels between Celtic Christian practices and those of the Old Testament, in which the Celtic is a much closer variant of the original than anything surviving in the other branches of Christianity. The shared elements include the keeping of the Saturday Sabbath, tithing, the definition of “first fruits” and offerings, the establishment of walled precincts for the priestly/monastic families, inheritance of religious office, and fasting and dietary restrictions.” (St Joseph in Britain: Reconsidering the Legends. Part 2. Deborah K. E. Crawford. Folklore, vol. 105, 1994, pp. 51–59. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1260629)

Maewyn and his disciple Columba were known for teaching the entire Bible, not just the small portion found at the back of the book. This stands in stark contrast to how Christianity is often taught by modern preachers and teachers. 

“Following the example Patrick, Columba and Celtic Christians for centuries made the Scriptures the foundation for their studies.” (The Celtic Church in Britain. Hardinge. pg. 30)

“…Columba was likewise credited with teaching “the books of the Law completely…” (The Celtic Church in Britain. Hardinge. pg. 50)

“…the Celtic Church began when Sabbath observance had not been relinquished by Christians at large…These traditions persisted for more than two centuries after the saint’s death.” (The Celtic Church in Britain. United Kingdom, S.P.C.K. for the Church Historical Society, Hardinge, Leslie. 1972. pg. 78)

If the historical Maeywn was a Torah-keeping follower of Yeshua, then how did Saint Patrick come about? Unfortunately, it is difficult for a person to defend themselves or speak out against false accusations once they have passed away. 

“Two centuries elapsed after Patrick’s death before any writer attempted to connect Patrick’s work with a papal commission. No pope ever mentioned him, neither is there anything in the ecclesiastical records of Rome concerning him.” (Truth Triumphant: The Church in the Wilderness. United States, Hartland Publications, Wilkinson, Benjamin George. 2004. pg. 81)

The Roman Church, or Christianity, waited until Maewyn, his disciple Columba, and all those who knew him had passed away before they began to rewrite history to fit their own narrative. Regrettably, this practice has been applied to many figures throughout history, including one who is now relegated to the realm of fantasy. 

Rome vs the Torah

When Constantine made Christianity the main religion of Rome, his intention was not to follow Yah as Yeshua did, but to use his own means. He merged pagan practices and festivals with Christian beliefs, such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and Valentine's Day.

I believe that Satan is actively working to manipulate the Roman-rooted church and erase the true history of those who followed Yeshua. This includes renaming certain groups and altering the characteristics of individuals such as Maewyn, erasing the parts of him that made him who he was.

The British Isles, perhaps because of their distance from Rome, did not immediately submit to the religious mandate. It would take centuries for Roman missionaries and monks to finally convert the Isles. However, these church officials had much to say about the region. 

“The Britains are against the entire world. They are hostile toward the Roman customs, not only in the Mass, but also on their tonsure, serving with the Jews in the shadow rather than the truth.” (St. Joseph In Britain: Reconsidering The Legends, Part 2 as originally published in Folklore Vol. 105, 1994)

“If one flouts the Council of Nicaea and keeps Easter with the Jews on the fourteenth of the moon, he shall be driven out of every church unless he does penance before his death.” (Medieval Handbooks of Penance: A Translation of the Principal "libri Poenitentiales" and Selections from Related Documents. United States, Columbia University Press, McNeill, John Thomas, and Gamer, Helena Margaret. 1938. pg. 188)

Maewyn’s Supposed Confessio

This letter has been attributed to Maewyn himself, but upon closer examination and taking a holistic approach to analyzing the document, it can only be concluded that this letter was not written by Maewyn and was most likely used by the Catholic Church to push their agenda. The Church wanted to turn him into a Catholic saint and used the letter to show that he had no issue with eating pork, a well-known method used by the Inquisition in identifying Jews. In the letter, Saint Patrick details being on a long journey with a group of companions who were on the brink of starvation when their prayers were answered by a herd of pigs. 

“And with God's help this came to pass; and behold, a herd of swine appeared on the road before our eyes, and they slew many of them, and remained there for two nights, and the were full of their meat and well restored, for many of them had fainted and would otherwise have been left half dead by the wayside.” (Confessio, attributed to Saint Patrick of Ireland.)

Now that we have gathered evidence showing that the Celtic people, including Maewyn, were Torah observant to some degree, we can see how this is problematic. Moreover, the church of Ireland, which Maewyn is credited with founding, followed many of the Torah's teachings, including the dietary instructions. 

“The rules of the Old Testament which shaped the theocracy of Israel were followed by the Celts as a natural consequence of their view of biblical authority. The role of the Liber ex Lege Moisi was paramount. The laws defining clean and unclean animals which might or might not be used as food, the methods of slaughtering animals, the advice on hygiene applying to both men and women, the Levirite marriage, the precepts modifying usury and slavery, the treatment of widows and orphans, as well as the payment of tithes and the offerings of first fruits, all were thought necessary.” (The Celtic Church in Britain. Hardinge. pg. 202)

Conclusion

Maewyn Succat was a man whose true attributes have been forgotten by many. His morals have been erased and reformatted to fit an agenda. Rather than being recognized as someone who brought the Torah and the message of Yeshua to Ireland, he is falsely remembered as the one who brought Catholicism to the Celts, his memory reduced to nothing more than a drinking holiday celebrated with green beer.

I hope you have enjoyed this little journey, and I beseech each one of you to do your own research on the matter. May the Ruach Hakodesh lead you into all truth.

P.S.

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Worshipping in Spirit and Truth: Understanding the True Intent of the Torah

 

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father also does seek such to worship Him. “Elohim is Spirit, and those who worship Him need to worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)

Christians use this verse to suggest that worshipping the Father, via the Torah, was done away with and that now the way to worship the Father is through the Spirit. The spirit to them means doing whatever they believe to be right. Following their own code of ethics instead of what the Father gave to us. This is identical to how the Pharisees were in the first century. Something that is missed by most Bible readers today is, the spiritual aspect of the Torah was not being taught at that time. The Pharisees were only teaching outward expressions of obedience, but not inwardly obeying the Torah.  

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you are like whitewashed tombs which outwardly indeed look well, but inside are filled with dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. “So you too outwardly indeed appear righteous to men, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:27-28)

Do not simply read past the fact that Yeshua said that the Pharisees were lawless. They may have kept their man-made traditions, later known as the Talmud, a blend of Torah and additions, but their hearts were not set on Elohim’s ways. To the Pharisees, they believed that as long as they performed aspects of the Torah outwardly, as a checklist, if you will, that they could add on to the commandments. But this is proof of a heart that is not inclined to El Shaddai’s, and we were always supposed to obey Yah both outwardly and inwardly. For the heart is what Yah looks at when judging a person.

“And now, Yisra’ĕl, what is יהוה your Elohim asking of you, but to fear יהוה your Elohim, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, and to serve יהוה your Elohim with all your heart and with all your being, to guard the commands of יהוה and His laws which I command you today for your good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

To love Yah is to obey Him.

“And you shall love יהוה your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your might. And these Words which I am commanding you today shall be in your heart.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-6)

Serving and loving are one in the same; the latter did not do away with the former, as many may contend. How could it, for they work in tandem. Yeshua, during his earthly ministry, showed, or rather brought back to remembrance, that the commands were always rooted in the heart. 

“You heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ “But I say to you that everyone looking at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)  

This principle was understood at the time the Torah was re-given to Israel at Mount Sinai, but was forgotten with disobedience and poor leadership. There are levels to understanding the commands of Elohim. The surface level is realizing what the command is saying, such as do not commit adultery. The deeper level of understanding is acknowledging that such actions are first birthed in the heart; thus, we must guard our thoughts. During the time of Yeshua in Judah, had there been righteous leaders, the people would not have forgotten this, but they did, and that is why Yeshua is explaining/ showing the full intent of the Torah. 

Another thing to consider when speaking about the heart is that the heart had to be right when giving an offering. Just presenting an offering with an unrepentant heart did nothing.

“The slaughtering’s of Elohim are a broken spirit, A heart broken and crushed, O Elohim, These You do not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Tsiyon (Zion); Build the walls of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). Then You would delight in slaughtering’s of righteousness, In ascending offering and complete ascending offering; Then young bulls would be offered on Your slaughter-place.” (Psalms 51:17-19)   

This brings us to what the Torah was designed to do. Contrary to popular beliefs, it is more than a simple list of dos and don’ts. It was designed to create a relationship. You cannot treat the Torah as a checklist and think you're living righteously. The heart has to be in it. A sacrifice with a disdained heart, or being superficial in observance, will benefit you nothing. The Torah judges, or rather is used to judge, the thoughts and intentions of the heart, not just the actions. Going through the motions will not profit you.

“For the Word of Elohim is living, and working, and sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting through even to the dividing of being and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Back to the main topic of the article, worshiping the Father in Spirit. Is it something esoteric? Hardly.

“For we know that the Torah is Spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.” (Romans 7:14)

The Torah is spiritual and living; remember that, it’s not just words on a page that can be discarded at will. A spiritual being understands spiritual matters, and the Set-apart Spirit and the Torah come from the same source.

“But the Helper, the Set-apart Spirit, whom the Father shall send in My Name, He shall teach you all, and remind you of all that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

One of the functions of the Ruach is to call us to remembrance; we cannot remember what we never learned. The spiritual is not some mystical state of being, completely separated from the physical. Is your spirit separated from your being? No, the two work in tandem. You must study (physical) to allow the Ruach to remind(spiritual) you in times of need.   

“I have given them Your Word, and the world hated them because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14)

Yeshua taught his disciples the Word (Torah), and this is what the Ruach causes us to remember. The world hates the Torah because it is not of the world but of the Father, just as Yeshua is. Thus, the world hates the Torah and those who diligently follow it.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the matters of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the matters of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. Because the mind of the flesh is enmity towards Elohim, for it does not subject itself to the Torah of Elohim, neither indeed is it able, and those who are in the flesh are unable to please Elohim. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Messiah, this one is not His.” (Romans 8:5-9)

You are still in the flesh if you do not subject yourself in body and mind(heart) to the Torah. For this, it is to have the matters of the Spirit, Torah, on the mind. This allows you to please Elohim in obedience. Those who live according to the flesh are not able to keep Torah; perhaps in the flesh they can, but not in Spirit and truth.

“But you shall receive power when the Set-apart Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Yerushalayim, and in all Yehuḏah and Shomeron, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

“Mighty is the wise in strength, And a man of knowledge strengthens power.” (Proverbs 24:5)

Knowledge equals power, knowledge of the word of Elohim, which is what the Ruach causes us to remember. That is the power of the Ruach.

“And יהושע returned in the power of the Spirit to Galil, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding country.” (Luke 4:14)

Yeshua returned from the wilderness in the power of the Spirit and combated the Devil with the Torah.

“But the natural man does not receive the matters of the Spirit of Elohim, for they are foolishness to him, and he is unable to know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

The natural man is unable to receive the Torah, because it comes from the Spirit of Elohim, and the natural man is unable to know the matters of the Spirit of Elohim because he lives in the flesh. That is why we must die to the flesh to receive the spirit.

Continue to test all things, and may the Ruach Hakodesh lead you into all truth.  

P.S.

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The Significance of Wearing Tzitzit in Torah Observance

 

I remember years ago sitting in on a Christian pastor doing a lesson over tzitzit (though he called them tassels). He mentioned that the tzitzit were meant to remind people to keep the commands of Elohim. Then he went on to say that the Christians had the "What Would Jesus Do?" bracelets to remind them to act like Jesus.  Oy vey! That’s what tzitzit are for: to remind you and everyone who sees them to keep the Torah, which Yeshua kept. I digress, but before departing from this trip down memory lane, I can’t help but think of this verse.

“But He answering, said to them, “Why do you also transgress the command of Elohim because of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3)

The importance of wearing our tzitzit cannot be understated; they not only serve as a physical reminder to keep the commandments, but likewise serve to signal to others that we are Torah observant. As a consequence, they are also conversation starters. I’ve had many people ask me what they are and why I wear them. It’s a great opportunity to spread some seeds, whether they take root or not is up to the individual. So, where do we find this commandment to wear these tzitzis? 

“And יהוה spoke to Mosheh (Moses), saying, speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel), and you shall say to them to make tzitzit on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue cord in the tzitzit of the corners. And it shall be to you for a tzitzit, and you shall see it, and shall remember all the commands of יהוה and shall do them, and not search after your own heart and your own eyes after which you went whoring, so that you remember, and shall do all My commands, and be set-apart unto your Elohim. I am יהוה your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Mitsrayim (Egypt), to be your Elohim. I am יהוה your Elohim.” (Numbers 15:37-41)

Humans have a tendency to follow after their own wants and desires, and we constantly have to stay in the word to remain vigilant from evil spirits. Tzitzit are there to help us and our fellow Hebrews to guard our eyes and thoughts (Notice that the scriptures do not state that only men can wear the tzitzit; that is a tradition of Judaism). We see them and instantly remember that Elohim is watching us, and that His Torah should always be present in our minds. As David wrote. 

“Blessed is the man who shall not walk in the counsel of the wrong, and shall not stand in the path of sinners, and shall not sit in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the Torah of יהוה, and he meditates in His Torah day and night.” (Psalms 1:1-2)

Yeshua wore/wears Tzitzit

There are quite a few examples in the Messianic scriptures of Yeshua wearing his tzitzit, and interesting enough, they all surround healing.  I believe this to be the case because the tzitzit are a reminder to keep the commands, and obedience brings blessings.

“And you shall serve יהוה your Elohim, and He shall bless your bread and your water. And I shall remove sickness from your midst.” (Exodus 23:25) 

Here are several verses that illustrate Yeshua wearing his tzitzit and people being healed by touching them.

“And יהושע (Yeshua) rose and followed him, His taught ones too. And see, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the tzitzit of His garment. For she said to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I shall be healed.” But יהושע (Yeshua) turned, and when He saw her, He said, “Take courage, daughter, your belief has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that hour.” (Matthew 9: 19-22)

“And having passed over, they came to the land of Gennĕsar. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding country, and brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him to let them only touch the tzitzit of His garment. And as many as touched it were completely healed.” (Matthew 14: 34-36) 

“And a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who, having spent all her livelihood on physicians, was unable to be healed by any, came from behind and touched the tzitzit of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. And יהושע (Yeshua) said, “Who touched Me?” And when all denied it, Kĕpha (Peter) and those with him said, “Master, the crowd’s throng You and press upon You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” But יהושע (Yeshua) said, “Somebody did touch Me, for I knew power went out from Me.” And the woman, seeing that she was not hidden, came trembling, and falling down before Him she declared to Him in the presence of all the people why she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. And He said to her, “Take courage, daughter, your belief has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:43-48)

“And wherever He went, into villages, or cities, or the country, they were laying the sick in the market-places, and begged Him to let them touch if only the tzitzit of His garment. And as many as touched Him were healed.” (Mark 6:56)

As we just read, many people are flocking to Yeshua to receive healing, and the one object they wish to touch on him are his tzitzit. That’s not a coincidence, that’s a message. 

I hope this short article has been helpful, enlightening, and thought-provoking. May the Ruach Hakodesh guide you into all truth. 

P.S.

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The Book of Jubilees: An Overview of the Wisdom and Insight of Moses

 

The Book of Jubilees, also known as Little Genesis, is an excellent book full of wisdom and insight. It truly is a shame that this book, which is attributed to Moses, is often rejected. While scholars continue to debate the authenticity of the book, and I maintain it is due to the bias of said scholars, this book of Jubilees was found with the Dead Sea Scrolls. In fact, the largest section of Jubilees was in a vessel that also contained Genesis (dating back to the second century BCE). This is important because it signifies that the Levites who took care of the scriptures recognized Jubilees as scripture.

“And it came to be, when Mosheh (Moses) had completed writing the Words of this Torah in a book, until their completion, that Mosheh (Moses) commanded the Lĕwites (Levites), who bore the ark of the covenant of יהוה, saying, “Take this Book of the Torah, and you shall place it beside the ark of the covenant of יהוה your Elohim, and it shall be there as a witness against you.” (Deuteronomy 31:24-26)

“And Israel blessed his sons before he died and told them everything that would befall them in the land of Egypt; and he made known to them what would come upon them in the last days, and blessed them and gave to Joseph two portions in the land. And he slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the double cave in the land of Canaan, near Abraham his father in the grave which he dug for himself in the double cave in the land of Hebron. And he gave all his books and the books of his fathers to Levi his son that he might preserve them and renew them for his children until this day.” (Jubilees 45:14-16)

You may be wondering how placing scripture in earthen vessels equates to honoring scripture? Well, in the Torah, we find this commandment.

“These are the laws and right-rulings which you guard to do in the land which יהוה Elohim of your fathers is giving you to possess, all the days that you live on the soil. “Completely destroy all the places where the nations which you are dispossessing served their mighty ones, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. And you shall break down their slaughter-places, and smash their pillars, and burn their Ashĕrim with fire. And you shall cut down the carved images of their mighty ones and shall destroy their name out of that place. “Do not do so to יהוה your Elohim.” (Deuteronomy 12:1-4)

This was taken to mean that we should not destroy objects that have the name of Yah on/in them. One example of this would be the scrolls, or Bibles in our case, as the name of Yah is written all over them (Unless the translators have removed His name). So, what did the Levites do when a scroll became to worn out? Instead of burning them, as that would be destroying the name of Yah, they placed them in vessels and put them in caves. Much like a burial.  

Another interesting tidbit is that the Messianic (Keep Torah and follow Yeshua) Ethiopians (who claim to be descendants from the tribe of Levi) have always had the book of Jubilees as part of their canon.

So why do the Ethiopians have it and not the rest of the world? Well, the first perpetrators to consider Jubilees as non-authentic were the Pharisees of Judea in the 9th century CE. Because of this, they did not add it to their Masoretic canon, which is what the KJV and many other canons are based on. 

The book of Jubilees contains verses that discuss future events, and they are consistent with the rest of the scriptures. Here are a few examples that might get you excited to give the book of Jubilees a try. 

Regathering and Tabernacles

“And they will forget all My law and all My commandments and all My judgments, and will go astray as to new moons, and sabbaths, and festivals, and jubilees, and ordinances. And after this they will turn to Me from amongst the Gentiles with all their heart and with all their soul and with all their strength, and I will gather them from amongst all the Gentiles, and they will seek me, so that I shall be found of them, when they seek me with all their heart and with all their soul. And I will disclose to them abounding peace with righteousness, and I will remove them the plant of uprightness, with all My heart and with all My soul, and they shall be for a blessing and not for a curse, and they shall be the head and not the tail. And I will build My sanctuary in their midst, and I will dwell with them, and I will be their Elohim and they shall be My people in truth and righteousness. And I will not forsake them nor fail them; for I am the Yah their Elohim.” (Jubilees 1:13-17)

“And speak to them, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “See, I am taking the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel) from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and shall gather them from all around, and I shall bring them into their land.” (Ezekiel 37:21)

“And I shall make a covenant of peace with them – an everlasting covenant it is with them. And I shall place them and increase them, and shall place My set-apart place in their midst, forever.” (Ezekiel 37:26)

Circumcising the Heart, the In Dwelling of the Set-apart Spirit, and Cleansing

“And after this they will turn to Me in all uprightness and with all (their) heart and with all (their) soul, and I will circumcise the foreskin of their heart and the foreskin of the heart of their seed, and I will create in them a holy spirit, and I will cleanse them so that they shall not turn away from Me from that day unto eternity.” (Jubilees 1:22)

“And I shall sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean – from all your filthiness and from all your idols I cleanse you. And I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. And I shall take the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I shall give you a heart of flesh, and put My Spirit within you. And I shall cause you to walk in My laws and guard My right-rulings and shall do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

New Creation and Mount Zion

“For Yah has four places on the earth, the Garden of Eden, and the Mount of the East, and this mountain on which thou art this day, Mount Sinai, and Mount Zion (which) will be sanctified in the new creation for a sanctification of the earth; through it will the earth be sanctified from all (its) guilt and its uncleanness through- out the generations of the world.” (Jubilees 4:26)

“And it shall be in the latter days that the mountain of the House of יהוה is established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills. And all nations shall flow to it. And many peoples shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of יהוה, to the House of the Elohim of Ya‛aqoḇ (Jacob), and let Him teach us His ways, and let us walk in His paths, for out of Tsiyon(Zion) comes forth the Torah, and the Word of יהוה from Yerushalayim(Jerusalem).” (Isaiah 2:2-3)

“For look, I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and the former shall not be remembered, nor come to heart.” (Isaiah 65:17)

Within Jubilees, we also get additional details on some of the events mentioned in the Torah and other books as well. 

The Angels that Praised Elohim During Creation

“And thereupon we saw His works, and praised Him, and lauded before Him on account of all His works; for seven great works did He create on the first day.” Jubilees 2:3)

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding. Who set its measurements, if you know? Or who stretched the line upon it? Upon what were its foundations sunk? Or who laid its corner-stone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of Elohim shouted for joy?” (Job 38: 4-7)

The Garden of Eden

“And in the first week of the first jubilee, [1-7 A.M.] Adam and his wife were in the garden of Eden for seven years tilling and keeping it, and we gave him work and we instructed him to do everything that is suitable for tillage.” (Jubilees 3:15)

“And יהוה Elohim took the man and put him in the garden of Ěḏen to work it and to guard it.” (Genesis 2:15)

Expulsion from the Garden 

“And on that day on which Adam went forth from the Garden, he offered as a sweet savor an offering, frankincense, galbanum, and stacte, and spices in the morning with the rising of the sun from the day when he covered his shame. And on that day was closed the mouth of all beasts, and of cattle, and of birds, and of whatever walks, and of whatever moves, so that they could no longer speak: for they had all spoken one with another with one lip and with one tongue. And He sent out of the Garden of Eden all flesh that was in the Garden of Eden, and all flesh was scattered according to its kinds, and according to its types unto the places which had been created for them.” (Jubilees 3:27-29)

“So יהוה Elohim sent him out of the garden of Ěḏen to till the ground from which he was taken, and He drove the man out. And He placed keruḇim at the east of the garden of Ěḏen, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:23-24)

Angels Instruct Men and Corruption

“And in the second week of the tenth jubilee [449-55 A.M.] Mahalalel took unto him to wife Dinah, the daughter of Barakiel the daughter of his father's brother, and she bare him a son in the third week in the sixth year, [461 A.M.] and he called his name Jared, for in his days the angels of Yah descended on the earth, those who are named the Watchers, that they should instruct the children of men, and that they should do judgment and uprightness on the earth.” (Jubilees 4:15)

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)

Angels or Messengers, depending on the translation, are charged with instructing humans in the ways of Yah. This makes sense, given all the references we have about angels visiting certain figures in the Bible. Unfortunately, some of the Watchers gave in to lust and thus brought about the Nephilim.

“And he testified to the Watchers, who had sinned with the daughters of men; for these had begun to unite themselves, so as to be defiled, with the daughters of men, and Enoch testified against (them) all.” (Jubilees 4:22)

“And it came to be, when men began to increase on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of Elohim saw the daughters of men, that they were good. And they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. And יהוה said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever in his going astray. He is flesh, and his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of Elohim came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, the men of name.” (Genesis 6:1-4)

I encourage everyone to test the book of Jubilees, give it a read for yourself, and see what you think. For me, the book has added layers of understanding and provided me with insights into some things that were only lightly touched upon in the canon. I’m grateful to be alive in such a time to discover these books that were ripped from the bible, to have them so accessible. Well, continue to test all things and may the Ruach Hakodesh lead you into all truth.  

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Who is Elohim's Chosen Nation? A Biblical Perspective

 

There is a sentiment within America that Elohim has chosen this nation for greatness. This is not a new idea either, remember Manifest Destiny? Yet, it goes beyond being blessed (as some might say), to many, America is Elohim’s country. A city on a shining hill that is broadcasting the light of democracy to the heathen world. As I typed that sentence, generations of propaganda flooded my mind; indeed, the spirit of nationalism has been intertwined in American Churches since the birth of the nation. 

While I could delve into the history of religion in America, and perhaps one day I will, the purpose of this article is to find out who is Elohim’s chosen? Is it America with its capital decorated with pagan gods and objects? Is it the political state of Israel that does not even keep Torah? Or is it a nation of people, not defined as our modern understanding of nations, but as a group of people united in their belief? Using Biblical sources, we will see that the scriptures make it quite clear who is chosen.

Elohim’s Inheritance

 “Blessed is the nation whose Elohim is יהוה, The people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance.” (Psalms 33:12)

I saw this verse plastered on an American flag with an eagle flapping its wings. It perfectly encapsulates how Americans view themselves within the scope of the Bible. In time, I will cover what god, America, truly serves, but for now, let’s break down this verse and see what David was actually saying. As far as the first half of the verse goes, the issue is that people read it in a vacuum. Not understanding how grafting in works, nor their identity in the Messiah. I will touch on it lightly here, but for greater study, please visit “Grafted In” and “Israel and Judah”. To put it shortly, when someone accepts Yeshua as their Messiah and agrees to keep Elohim’s Commands, they are no longer gentiles but fellow Hebrews/ Israelites in Yah’s kingdom. Think about the Egyptians who left with the Israelites following the death of the firstborn. 

“And the children of Yisra’ĕl(Israel) set out from Ra‛meses(Ramses) to Sukkoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides the little ones. And a mixed multitude went up with them too, also flocks and herds, very much livestock.” (Exodus 12:37-38)

Yet by the time we reach Mount Sinai, there is no more talk of a mixed multitude. Why? Because the Egyptians who left with them crossed over (The meaning of Hebrew) and became assimilated into the tribes of Israel.

“And Mosheh went up to Elohim, and יהוה called to him from the mountain, saying, “This is what you are to say to the house of Ya‛aqoḇ(Jacob), and declare to the children of Yisra’ĕl(Israel): ‘You have seen what I did to the Mitsrites(Egyptians), and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. ‘And now, if you diligently obey My voice, and shall guard My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession above all the peoples – for all the earth is Mine – ‘and you shall be to Me a reign of priests and a set-apart nation.’ Those are the words which you are to speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl(Israel).” (Exodus 19:3-6)

To which all the people present answered.

“And all the people answered together and said, “All that יהוה has spoken we shall do.” So Mosheh brought back the words of the people to יהוה.” (Exodus 19:8)

Those who were born Egyptian wouldn’t say that Egypt is a nation whose Elohim is Yah, just because a few crossed over. Instead, those naturally born Egyptians now identified as Israelites, much like Ruth and Rahab did. And what nation has Yah as their Elohim? Biblical Israel, a group of people who have submitted to the authority of El Shaddai, and now follow Yeshua in Torah obedience. 

What about the last part of the verse, who is Elohim’s inheritance?

“For the portion of יהוה is His people, Ya‛aqoḇ(Jacob) His allotted inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 32:9)

“Then I shall gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Yehoshaphat. And I shall enter into judgment with them there for My people, My inheritance Yisra’ĕl(Israel), whom they have scattered among the nations, and they have divided up My land.” (Yoel 3:2)

America is not Elohim’s inheritance; the whole house of Israel is. It does not matter how many Hebrews live in America; it does not change Elohim’s inheritance. At one time, many Hebrews lived under Roman rule, but that didn’t make Rome Elohim’s inheritance. The individual Hebrews living in Rome or America are His inheritance, but not the nations they have been scattered to.  

Is it the Political State of Israel?

What’s the difference between the political state of Israel and Biblical Israel? One could argue everything, and that they are the same in name alone. The current state of Israel does not follow the Torah, but the Talmud, and neither do they accept Yeshua as their Messiah King. While it is true that Hebrews are living in Israel who are following after the Messiah in Torah obedience, the overwhelming majority do not. 

The biggest illustration of this Israel not being the Biblical Israel comes from prophecy. Many like to say that when the State of Israel was created in 1948, it was a fulfillment of prophecy; however, this cannot be the case.

“And you, son of man, take a stick for yourself and write on it, ‘For Yehuḏah(Judah) and for the children of Yisra’ĕl(Israel), his companions.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Yosĕph(Jospeh), the stick of Ephrayim(Ephraim), and for all the house of Yisra’ĕl(Israel), his companions.’ “Then bring them together for yourself into one stick, and they shall become one in your hand. “And when the children of your people speak to you, saying, ‘Won’t you show us what you mean by these?” (Ezekiel 37:16-18)

“And speak to them, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “See, I am taking the children of Yisra’ĕl(Israel) from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and shall gather them from all around, and I shall bring them into their land. “And I shall make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Yisra’ĕl(Israel). And one sovereign shall be sovereign over them all, and let them no longer be two nations, and let them no longer be divided into two reigns.” (Ezekiel 37:21-22)

“And I shall make a covenant of peace with them – an everlasting covenant it is with them. And I shall place them and increase them, and shall place My set-apart place in their midst, forever.” (Ezekiel 37:26)

Yah said he would bring back both the House of Israel and the House of Judah, but only Judah returned. The whole House of Israel is still split and has not been unified yet. As for peace? Anything but peace has followed the State of Israel since its creation. Elohim has not set His set-apart place in their midst, and furthermore, He said He would bring them back, not the United Nations or the Rothschilds.  

The land of Israel has been taken once again, only this time the enemy claims to be the true inheritors of the land. Yet this is all going according to Yah’s plan, as the State of Israel, aka Babylon, is storing up wrath for itself.

“And in her was found the blood of prophets and set-apart ones, and of all who were slain on the earth.” (Revelations 18:24)

“Yerushalayim(Jerusalem), Yerushalayim(Jerusalem), killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to her! How often I wished to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, but you would not! See! Your house is left to you laid waste.” (Matthew 23: 37-38)

“And the great city became divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Baḇel was remembered before Elohim, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.” (Revelations 16:19)

“And their dead bodies lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Seḏom(Sodom) and Mitsrayim(Egypt), where also our Master was impaled.” (Revelations 11:8) 

 I could go on, but this truly is a topic worthy of having its own article. Hopefully, what I have presented is at least enough to get you to consider that the Political State of Israel is really Babylon masquerading as the true Israel.

So, who is Elohim’s chosen? Israel. And who makes up Israel? Those who have the testimony of Yeshua and keep the commands of Elohim.

“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the set-apart Yerushalayim(Jerusalem), descending out of the heaven from Elohim, having the esteem of Elohim, and her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal, and having a great and high wall, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve messengers, and names written on them, which are those of the twelve tribes of the children of Yisra’ĕl(Israel).” (Revelation 21:10-12)

“In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelations 22:2)

“Blessed are those doing His commands, so that the authority shall be theirs unto the tree of life, and to enter through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14)

There is no thirteenth gate for Gentiles, and no other nation of people has Elohim chosen except for Israel. All may come and be admitted into His kingdom, and His decree is Torah. Continue to test all things, and may the Ruach Hakodesh lead you into all truth. 

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The Last Song of Moses

 

“And now write down this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel). Put it in their mouths, so that this song is to Me for a witness against the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel).” (Deuteronomy 31:19)

If you’ve been following along with the “Testing the 613”, you may remember that it is commanded of us to write down the Song of Moses (his last song). I wrote it in a journal I like to keep notes in, and I encourage everyone to do the same. Though if your hands have a hard time holding a pen, then typing is not a bad idea either.

Why are we commanded to write down this song, effectively committing it to memory? Why do those who overcome in Revelation sing the song of Moses? This should clue us in that this is no ordinary song, but that it is powerful in not only message but prophecy. Let’s take a look at the Song of Moses to see what we can piece together from it. It can be found in Deuteronomy 32. Take this as your cue to either write it out or flip to it in the scriptures. 

Moses’s last song to the children of Israel is as profound as it is lengthy, but this being his parting words to those he watched after for over forty years, you would expect no less. There is much to break down when it comes to song, such as the interesting mentions of the Rock, and how Yeshua is referred to as a rock or stone, but that is a topic for another time. 

Moses gives this song, most likely inspired and directed by Elohim, as he prefaces the song with the following, and when he starts singing it is from the perspective of Yah.

“For I know that after my death you shall do very corruptly and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you. And evil shall come to you in the latter days, because you do what is evil in the eyes of יהוה, to provoke Him through the work of your hands. So Mosheh spoke in the hearing of all the assembly of Yisra’ĕl the words of this song till their completion.” (Deuteronomy 31:29-30)

He knows, Yah knows, that Israel will eventually walk away from the instructions of the Most High. This song is not only prophetic in nature but is also a warning. Keeping the Torah keeps us in right standing with the Father, as our Messiah showed us in his own life. That’s why Moses closes the song with the following remark.

“And when Mosheh (Moses) ended speaking all these words to all Yisra’ĕl (Israel), he said to them, “Set your heart on all the words with which I warn you today, so that you command your children to guard to do all the Words of this Torah.” (Deuteronomy 32:45-46)

Now that we’ve read and have a generalized idea about what the song is stressing, why do you think they sing it in Revelation 15?

“And I saw like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those overcoming the beast and his image and his mark and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of Elohim. And they sing the song of Mosheh (Moses) the servant of Elohim, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are Your works, יהוה Ěl Shaddai (Almighty)! Righteous and true are Your ways, O Sovereign of the set-apart ones! “Who shall not fear You, O יהוה, and esteem Your Name? Because You alone are kind. Because all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your righteousnesses have been made manifest.” (Revelation 15:2-4)

We see the overcomers proclaiming that His ways, the Torah, are righteous and true; the same sentiments are expressed not only by Moses in his last song, but through all the writings, the prophets, and Messianic writings, which Revelation is a part of. With all that transpires from Deuteronomy up to Revelation, it becomes evident that Moses’s last song tells the entire story of Israel. How they will lose their way and be persecuted due to their own disobedience, but in the end, Yah will return to His people and save them from their strife. It is a song of redemption. Our Elohim knew that his people would not walk in righteousness; that’s why He has this warning and proclaims the end from the beginning.

“Remember the former events of old, for I am Ěl, and there is no one else – Elohim, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from of old that which has not yet been done, saying, ‘My counsel does stand, and all My delight I do.” (Isaiah 46:9-10)

Moses’s last song was not the only song the overcomers sang that day, but the song of the Lamb was also called to remembrance. This is most likely the song that transpires in Revelation 5.

“And when He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the set-apart ones. And they sang a renewed song, saying, “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals, because You were slain, and have redeemed us to Elohim by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and made us sovereigns and priests to our Elohim, and we shall reign upon the earth. And I looked, and I heard the voice of many messengers around the throne, and the living creatures, and the elders. And the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb having been slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and respect and esteem and blessing!” And every creature which is in the heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying, “To Him sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb, be the blessing and the respect and the esteem and the might, forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amĕn!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and bowed before Him who lives forever and ever.” (Revelation 5:8-14)

The song of the Lamb and the song of Moses go hand in hand, as the song of Moses is a story of redemption; well, there can be no redemption without the Lamb. See my article titled “Redeeming the Bride” for more information. With this greater understanding, and even now, I believe there is still much to be understood with both songs, we can appreciate why the overcomers were singing both songs together. It also symbolizes how we cannot separate the Torah from the Messiah, as the overcomers are those possessing both.

“And they overcame him because of the Blood of the Lamb, and because of the Word of their witness, and they did not love their lives to the death.” (Revelation 12:11)

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to fight with the remnant of her seed, those guarding the commands of Elohim and possessing the witness of יהושע Messiah” (Revelation 12:17)

I hope this article has edified you and encouraged you to do your own research. I pray that the Ruach Hakodesh guides you in your studies and leads you into all truth. Shalom. 

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What was Joseph saying in Genesis 44:15 about Divination?

 

“And Yosĕph (Joseph) said to them, “What deed is this you have done? Did you not know that a man like me indeed divines?” (Genesis 44:15)

Did Joseph really practice divination, or is something else going on here? If one was to take this verse in isolation, then it would appear that Joseph admitted to using magic. The Bible, however, teaches that the use of divination is a sin.

“Let no one be found among you who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices divination, or a user of magic, or one who interprets omens or a sorcerer,” (Deuteronomy 18:10)

 ‘Do not eat meat with the blood. Do not practice divination or magic.” (Leviticus 19:26)

Joseph was a righteous man that Yah blessed, so it would not make sense for him to be committing the sin of divination.

“And it came to be that יהוה was with Yosĕph (Joesph), and he became a prosperous man, and was in the house of his master the Mitsrian (Egyptian).” (Genesis 39:2)

“The prison warden did not look into any point that was under Yosĕph’s (Joseph’s) hand, because יהוה was with him. And whatever he did, יהוה made it prosper.” (Genesis 39:23)

And for those of you familiar with Joseph, know that he was made second in all of Egypt, and because of his position, he was able to save his family (along with Egypt) from the seven years of famine. While Joseph most certainly endured trials and tribulations, it would be disingenuous to assert that he was not blessed by El Shaddi. This being the case, then what was Joseph saying in Genesis 44:15? We actually have a few different manuscripts that detail what Joseph is doing. 

The Context of Genesis 44:15

Joseph, aforementioned, is second only to Pharaoh in Egypt, and when his brothers come to Egypt seeking food, it just so happens that Joseph is in charge of the food supply and distribution. His brothers do not recognize him, but Joseph knows exactly who they are. In order to test their hearts, Joseph comes up with several stratagems to put his brothers through. One of them, and this being connected to the verse in question, is to place a silver cup in the grain sack of Benjamin, to make it appear as though he had stolen it. Ultimately, this ruse shows Joseph that his brothers deeply regret what they did to Joseph as a child and how their actions caused much pain and sorrow for their father Jacob. 

The Bible’s Account

“And he commanded the one over his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as they are able to bear, and put each man’s silver in the mouth of his sack. And put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and the silver for his grain. And he did according to the word of Yosĕph which he spoke.” (Genesis 44:1-2)

Jubilees’ Account

“And Joseph devised a plan whereby he might learn their thoughts as to whether thoughts of peace prevailed amongst them, and he said to the steward who was over his house: 'Fill all their sacks with food, and return their money unto them into their vessels, and my cup, the silver cup out of which I drink, put it in the sack of the youngest, and send them away.” (Jubilees 42:25)

Jasher’s Account

“And when Joseph saw his brother, the son of his mother, he again wished to weep, and he entered the chamber, and he wept there, and he washed his face, and went out and refrained from weeping, and he said, Prepare food. And Joseph had a cup from which he drank, and it was of silver beautifully inlaid with onyx stones and bdellium, and Joseph struck the cup in the sight of his brethren whilst they were sitting to eat with him. And Joseph said unto the men, I know by this cup that Reuben the first born, Simeon and Levi and Judah, Issachar and Zebulun are children from one mother, seat yourselves to eat according to your births. And he also placed the others according to their births, and he said, I know that this your youngest brother has no brother, and I, like him, have no brother, he shall therefore sit down to eat with me.” (Jasher 53:10-13)

“At that time Joseph commanded his officer to fill their sacks with food, and to put each man's money into his sack, and to put the cup in the sack of Benjamin, and to give them provision for the road, and they did so unto them.” (Jasher 53:23)

Josephus’ Account

“Now when after supper they had composed themselves to sleep, Joseph commanded his steward both to give them their measures of corn, and to hide its price again in their sacks; and that withal they should put into Benjamin’s sack the golden cup, out of which he loved himself to drink.” (Flavius Josephus Chapter 6 How Joseph, When He Was Become Famous In Egypt, Had His Brothern In Subjection, part 7 number 124)

Concluding the Matter

As we can see from the four witnesses, Joseph was merely playing the part. He purposely had the cup placed in Benjamin’s sack, and thus did not need to use divination to know who stole something. This example does highlight something of great importance, too many, too often, read a verse in isolation and do not investigate the matter. In this case, reading the beginning of the chapter would have clarified the issue. Spending more time researching and studying the scriptures would do us all some good. Not passively skimming through, but truly taking the time and making the effort to learn the Set-apart scriptures. May the Rauch Hakodesh lead you into all truth.

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Exploring the Sinai Covenant and the Renewed Covenant

 

For many, this question will seem a no-brainer, as many teachers/leaders proclaim that we are in the renewed covenant. Yet, when I study this topic, I come away with a different perspective. When I began following Messiah Yeshua in Torah, the renewed/ new covenant was one of the first things I researched. Despite it being one of my early research projects, I haven’t shared it here on Red Pill Messianic. 

While there are many covenants in the Bible, the word covenant means an agreement. When speaking about The Covenant, most people tend to be referencing the covenant that establishes Elohim’s people. It is this covenant that I will be exploring today, first breaking down what the covenant is (also known as the Sinai covenant or the ‘old’ covenant), and afterward covering the renewed covenant.

The Sinai Covenant

“For they set out from Rephiḏim, and had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Yisra’ĕl (Israel) camped there before the mountain. And Mosheh went up to Elohim, and יהוה called to him from the mountain, saying, “This is what you are to say to the house of Ya‛aqoḇ (Jacob), and declare to the children of Yisra’ĕl(Israel): ‘You have seen what I did to the Mitsrites(Egyptians), and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. ‘And now, if you diligently obey My voice, and shall guard My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession above all the peoples – for all the earth is Mine – ‘and you shall be to Me a reign of priests and a set-apart nation.’ Those are the words which you are to speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl(Israel).” (Exodus 19:2-6)

“And it shall be, if you diligently obey the voice of יהוה your Elohim, to guard to do all His commands which I command you today, that יהוה your Elohim shall set you high above all nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1) 

The covenant made at Mount Sinai was between Yah and the House of Israel (Here meaning all twelve tribes, as all are present). The agreement hinges on the people obeying Yah, which is His Torah (instructions), and if they do, then they will be accepted as His people. It’s important to note that this is not the first time the Torah was given; to learn more, please see my article titled “Torah before Mount Sinai”. That means, Adam and Eve, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, were all expected to obey the Father and if they didn’t, then they were punished, as is the case for Adam and Eve being exiled from the garden. With this understanding, and given the context of the Israelites being freed from Egypt after hundreds of years of slavery, Sinai is the perfect place and time to bring up the covenant. The Israelites probably forgot the ways of the Most High after several generations of being in Egypt.  Later on, we see Ruth, a natural-born Moabite, making the same vow so that she might be counted among Elohim’s people.

“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you, or to go back from following after you. For wherever you go, I go; and wherever you stop over, I stop over. Your people are my people, and your Elohim is my Elohim.” (Ruth 1:16)

By declaring that Yah will be her Elohim, she’s affirming to diligently obey His voice and to do all that He commands. For there is no other way to enter into that covenant, remember the language used during the giving of the covenant. If you obey the Voice of Yah, then you shall be His people, and Ruth agrees to those conditions. 

The Renewed Covenant

“See, the days are coming,” declares יהוה, “when I shall make a renewed covenant with the house of Yisra’ĕl(Israel) and with the house of Yehuḏah(Judah), not like the covenant I made with their fathers in the day when I strengthened their hand to bring them out of the land of Mitsrayim(Egypt), My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares יהוה. “For this is the covenant I shall make with the house of Yisra’ĕl(Israel) after those days, declares יהוה: I shall put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people. “And no longer shall they teach, each one his neighbor, and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know יהוה,’ for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares יהוה. “For I shall forgive their crookedness, and remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31–34)

There are two key elements of the renewed covenant that should be pointed out. First, the covenant is only between Yah, the House of Israel, and the House of Judah. Eventually, the two houses will be made one once again (also tethered to the renewed covenant). For more information, please see my article titled “Israel and Judah”. Secondly, the Torah gets written on the hearts of His people. How this covenant is not like the one He made at Sinai is that where the original covenant relied upon us to learn and teach the Torah. The renewed covenant has the Torah written on the heart; in essence, it becomes second nature to the Israelites. There will be no need to teach the Torah to others, as they will all intrinsically know it.

This aspect, having the Torah written on the heart and not having to learn/teach it to others, is an indicator that the renewed covenant has not taken place yet. We still have to learn the Torah and teach it to others. Furthermore, in Ezekiel, we have the same covenant being discussed with the added information that all who are scattered will be brought back. This has not happened yet and is directly tied to the renewed covenant.

“And I shall take you from among the nations, and I shall gather you out of all lands, and I shall bring you into your own land. “And I shall sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean – from all your filthiness and from all your idols I cleanse you. “And I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. And I shall take the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I shall give you a heart of flesh, and put My Spirit within you. And I shall cause you to walk in My laws and guard My right-rulings and shall do them. “And you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers. And you shall be My people, and I shall be your Elohim.” (Ezekiel 36:24-28)

The book of Baruch corresponds with Ezekiel.

“Yet you have dealt with us, Yah our Elohim, in all your kindness and in all your great compassion, as you spoke by your servant Moses on the day when you commanded him to write your law in the presence of the people of Israel, saying, “If you will not obey my voice, this very great multitude will surely turn into a small number among the nations, where I will scatter them. For I know that they will not obey me, for they are a stiff-necked people. But in the land of their exile they will come to themselves and know that I am Yah their Elohim. I will give them a heart that obeys and ears that hear; they will praise me in the land of their exile, and will remember my name and turn from their stubbornness and their wicked deeds; for they will remember the ways of their ancestors, who sinned before Yah. I will bring them again into the land that I swore to give to their ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and they will rule over it; and I will increase them, and they will not be diminished. I will make an everlasting covenant with them to be their Elohim and they shall be my people; and I will never again remove my people Israel from the land that I have given them.” (Baruch 2:27–35)

As mentioned earlier, the renewed covenant is also characterized by the two houses becoming one. To add, in the renewed covenant, the Israelites no longer sin (Torah is written on their hearts), David (Most likely referencing Yeshua, as he is also called a son of David) is made king over Israel, there will be peace in the land, and Elohim will establish His set-apart place among them.  

“And speak to them, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “See, I am taking the children of Yisra’ĕl from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and shall gather them from all around, and I shall bring them into their land. “And I shall make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Yisra’ĕl(Israel). And one sovereign shall be sovereign over them all, and let them no longer be two nations, and let them no longer be divided into two reigns. “And they shall no longer defile themselves with their idols, nor with their disgusting matters, nor with any of their transgressions. And I shall save them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and I shall cleanse them. And they shall be My people, and I be their Elohim, while Dawiḏ(David) My servant is sovereign over them. And they shall all have one shepherd and walk in My right-rulings and guard My laws, and shall do them. “And they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Ya‛aqoḇ(Jacob) My servant, where your fathers dwelt. And they shall dwell in it, they and their children and their children’s children, forever, and My servant Dawiḏ(David) be their prince forever. “And I shall make a covenant of peace with them – an everlasting covenant it is with them. And I shall place them and increase them, and shall place My set-apart place in their midst, forever. “And My Dwelling Place shall be over them. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.” (Ezekiel 37:21–27)

None of what we just read has occurred yet, and would take some mental gymnastics to make it fit with the notion that the renewed/new covenant is in effect. What about in the Messianic and Apostolic writings, is there any information on the renewed covenant that might be gleaned from its pages? 

Messianic Writings on the Renewed Covenant

“And as they were eating, יהושע took bread, and having blessed, broke and gave it to the taught ones and said, “Take, eat, this is My body.” And taking the cup, and giving thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. “For this is My blood, that of the renewed covenant, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. “But I say to you, I shall certainly not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on till that day when I drink it anew with you in the reign of My Father.” (Matthew 26:26-29)

Yeshua plays a major role in ushering in the renewed covenant, and afterward, when it’s fully enacted. Yeshua said he was sent only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel; he had to redeem them, and the only way he could was through death. That’s because of the Torah instructions concerning a man and his wife; after Israel was divorced and played the harlot, there was no other way to bring them back. For more information, please see my article “Redeeming the Bride.” Yeshua also takes on the role of mediator in the covenant, as described in Hebrews.

“But now He has obtained a more excellent service, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was constituted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, “See, the days are coming,” says יהוה, “when I shall conclude with the house of Yisra’ĕl(Israel) and with the house of Yehuḏah(Judah) a renewed covenant, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Mitsrayim(Egypt), because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them,” says יהוה. “Because this is the covenant that I shall make with the house of Yisra’ĕl(Israel) after those days, says יהוה, giving My laws in their mind, and I shall write them on their hearts, and I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people. “And they shall by no means teach each one his neighbor, and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know יהוה,’ because they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. “Because I shall forgive their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawlessnesses I shall no longer remember.” By saying, ‘renewed,’ He has made the first old. Now what becomes old and growing aged is near disappearing.” (Hebrews 8:6-13)

What are the better promises in the renewed covenant? Israel and Judah becoming one and never separating again, Elohim’s people will inherit the land promised to their forefathers and never to be cast out again, Elohim’s people will no longer sin, the Torah is written on Elohim’s people, Elohim will set His place among His people forever, Yeshua will be the forever King over Israel, and there will be peace for Yah’s people. At the end, Paul is simply stating that the renewed covenant is on its way, as the first is laid to rest when the renewed version starts.  

I know there are many ministers out there, even Messianic/ Hebrew ones, who believe and teach we are in the renewed covenant. While I do think it’s important to know which covenant is standing, although entry is essentially the same, I don’t think it should be a point of division. The population of Hebrews is small, and we do not need to be divided spiritually, as many of us are physical. I implore everyone to do their own research and test everything, including this article. May the Ruach Hakodesh be your guide to all truth.

P.S.

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Is Astrology a Sin According to the Torah?

 

I was recently asked if astrology was bad, and while the answer may seem obvious to more seasoned followers of Yeshua, those still growing are still in the process of learning the Torah. When responding to young ones in the faith, and this can apply to both physically young and those who have just started to walk in the way of the Messiah, it is best to answer the question truthfully, humbly, and with evidence. To answer the question, we must first understand what astrology is, and according to Britannica, it is:

“Astrology, a type of divination that involves the forecasting of earthly and human events through the observation and interpretation of the fixed stars, the Sun, the Moon, and the planets. Devotees believe that an understanding of the influence of the planets and stars on earthly affairs allows them to both predict and affect the destinies of individuals, groups, and nations.” (Britannica, Astrology) 

The most common way this is done today is with horoscopes, where you look up for astrological sign and read what your daily fortune is. This practice is very popular in the world, with practically every culture having its own variant of it, if not the same one. So, it’s easy to see for the young ones that something so commonplace can be sin, and make no mistake, divination is a sin.

“Do not eat meat with the blood. Do not practice divination or magic.” (Leviticus 19:26)

“Let no one be found among you who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices divination, or a user of magic, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. “For whoever does these is an abomination to יהוה, and because of these abominations יהוה your Elohim drives them out from before you.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) 

Seeking the stars to provide insight into the future or for reasons of mysticism is an abomination to Elohim and is not something we should be doing. This is different than looking to the stars for navigation or using the sun and moon to tell the time. 

“And Elohim said, “Let lights come to be in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and appointed times, and for days and years.” (Genesis 1:14)

I hope this has helped, and continue to test all things, to include this, and may the Ruach Hakodesh lead you into all Truth.

P.S.

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