The Bible and Clean Eating: Understanding What YHWH Proclaims as Clean and Unclean

To eat or not to eat? That is the question. I have heard preachers and Bible teachers say on numerous occasions, “I’m glad God did away with the law because I love my bacon!” At the time, I had no idea how completely wrong that statement was. Mainstream Christianity, either by choice or ignorance, proclaims that the Torah is done away with, which includes the commandment not to eat unclean animals. 

Clean and Unclean Land Animals 

Let us all investigate the matter, that way we know exactly what YHWH proclaims as clean and unclean.

“Speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel), saying, ‘These are the living creatures which you do eat among all the beasts that are on the earth: ‘Whatever has a split hoof completely divided, chewing the cud, among the beasts, that you do eat. ‘Only, these you do not eat among those that chew the cud or those that have a split hoof: the camel, because it chews the cud but does not have a split hoof, it is unclean to you; and the rabbit, because it chews the cud but does not have a split hoof, it is unclean to you; and the hare, because it chews the cud but does not have a split hoof, it is unclean to you; and the pig, though it has a split hoof, completely divided, yet does not chew the cud, it is unclean to you. ‘Their flesh you do not eat, and their carcasses you do not touch. They are unclean to you.” (Leviticus 11:2–8) 

According to Torah, pork is unclean and is not to be eaten. To further illustrate that message, we’ll look to see what the prophet Isaiah had to say. 

“I have held out My hands all day long to a stubborn people, who walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts; the people who provoke Me continually to My face, who slaughter in gardens, and burn incense on slaughter-places of brick; who sit among the burial-sites, and spend the night in secret places, who eat flesh of pigs, and the broth of unclean meat is in their pots,” (Isaiah 65:2-4) 

It should be pretty clear that, no matter how much you love your bacon, it is deemed unclean by your Father. I used to enjoy bacon; now, I can’t even imagine eating it again. It has lost all appeal to me; that goes for all the other unclean animals I was eating. 

Dietary Instructions Regarding  Fish and Birds  

Now, let’s see what birds and fish are considered unclean and not to be chosen as food.

“These you do eat of all that are in the waters: any one that has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas or in the rivers, that you do eat. ‘But all that have not fins and scales in the seas and in the rivers, all that move in the waters or any living being which is in the waters, they are an abomination to you. ‘They are an abomination to you – of their flesh you do not eat, and their carcasses you abominate. ‘All that have not fins or scales in the waters are an abomination to you. ‘And these you do abominate among the birds, they are not eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the vulture, and the black vulture, and the hawk, and the falcon after its kind, every raven after its kind, and the ostrich, and the nighthawk, and the seagull, and the hawk after its kind, and the little owl, and the fisher owl, and the great owl, and the white owl, and the pelican, and the carrion vulture, and the stork, the heron after its kind, and the hoopoe, and the bat.” (Leviticus 11:9-19)

So, catfish, shrimp, crawfish, lobster, and crab are all unclean. My wife used to really enjoy eating crawfish, but after waking up to Torah, she gave it up and has never looked back. Well, good news, chicken and turkey are clean! I don’t think many people struggle with not eating the following, but here you go.

“And these are unclean to you among the creeping creatures that creep on the earth: the mole, and the mouse, and the tortoise after its kind, and the gecko, and the land crocodile, and the sand reptile, and the sand lizard, and the chameleon.” (Leviticus 11:29-30)

Yeshua Did Not Do Away with the Torah 

Let’s examine two sections of scripture that are usually given to “prove” that the dietary commandments have been done away with. 

“And the Pharisees and some of the scribes assembled to Him, having come from Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). And seeing some of His taught ones eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Yehuḏim (Jews), do not eat unless they wash their hands thoroughly, holding fast the tradition of the elders, and coming from the market-place, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions which they have received and hold fast – the washing of cups and utensils and copper vessels and couches. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your taught ones not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” And He answering, said to them, “Well did Yeshayahu (Isaiah) prophesy concerning you hypocrites, as it has been written, ‘This people respect Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain do they worship Me, teaching as teachings the commands of men.’ Forsaking the command of Elohim, you hold fast the tradition of men. And He said to them, “Well do you set aside the command of Elohim, in order to guard your tradition. “For Mosheh (Moses) said, ‘Respect your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ “But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me, is Qorban (that is, a gift),” ’ you no longer let him do any matter at all for his father or his mother, nullifying the Word of Elohim through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such traditions you do.” And calling the crowd to Him, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: “There is no matter that enters a man from outside which is able to defile him, but it is what comes out of him that defiles the man. “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” And when He went from the crowd into a house, His taught ones asked Him concerning the parable. And He said to them, “Are you also without understanding? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside is unable to defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purging all the foods?” And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil reasonings, adulteries, whorings, murders, thefts, greedy desires, wickednesses, deceit, indecency, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. “All these wicked matters come from within and defile a man.” (Mark 7:1-23)

Notice that it makes it very clear that the act of washing your hands before eating (in a ceremonial sense, check the Talmud for that) is a tradition of men and not a commandment from YHWH. I think mainstream Christian leaders need to be told to stop teaching the traditions of men (man doctrine) and to start obeying the Father's instructions (Torah). I know Yeshua would tell them so, just as he told the Pharisees. I know some of you may use a translation that says “Thus making all foods clean” at Mark 7:19. I’ve seen that newer translations use this, but this is the translators putting their own meaning and thoughts into the text. This is evident because they put it in parentheses. I would also suggest that the Bible never claims unclean animals as food; thus, unclean animals would not fall into the category of food. Furthermore, historical research has shown that it was once believed that eating bread with unwashed hands would allow demons to enter the body. And Yeshua is stating that eating bread with unwashed hands will not defile or profane the body, but committing sin will, which is why he then lists off several sins. 

“For out of the heart come forth wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, whorings, thefts, false witnessings, slanders. “These defile the man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.” (Matthew 15:19-20) 

Peter’s Vision Explained  

“And on the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Kĕpha (Peter) went up on the house-top to pray, about the sixth hour. And he became hungry and wished to eat. But while they were preparing, he fell into a trance, and he saw the heaven opened and a certain vessel like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth, in which were all kinds of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping creatures, and the birds of the heaven. And a voice came to him, “Rise up, Kĕpha (Peter), slay and eat.” But Kĕpha (Peter) said, “Not at all, Master! Because I have never eaten whatever is common or unclean.” And a voice came to him again the second time, “What Elohim has cleansed you do not consider common.” And this took place three times, and the vessel was taken back to the heaven. And while Kĕpha (Peter) was doubting within himself about what the vision might mean, look, the men who had been sent from Cornelius, having asked for the house of Shim‛on, stood at the gate, and calling out, they enquired whether Shim‛on (Simon), also known as Kĕpha (Peter), was staying there. And as Kĕpha (Peter) was thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “See, three men seek you. But rise up, go down and go with them, not doubting at all, for I have sent them. So Kĕpha (Peter) went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Look, I am the one you seek. Why have you come?” And they said, “Cornelius the captain, a righteous man and one who fears Elohim and well spoken of by the entire nation of the Yehuḏim (Jews), was instructed by a set-apart messenger to send for you to his house, and to hear words from you.” So inviting them in, he housed them. And on the next day Kĕpha (Peter) went away with them, and some brothers from Yapho (a seaport city of Pal) went with him.” (Acts 10:9-23)

“And talking with him, he went in and found many who had come together. And he said to them, “You know that a Yehudi (Jew) man is not allowed to associate with, or go to one of another race. But Elohim has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” (Acts 10: 27-28)

What was the vision about? Well, it was not about making all animals clean; the Bible is very specific about what the vision was about. Cornelius was a gentile, and as per Jewish traditions (man-made law), gentiles were seen as unclean people. But, as we all know (If you don’t, see my post “Discovering the Connection Between Israel and the Church in the Bible”) we can become a part of Israel, once we accept Yeshua. We become citizens of Israel, no longer seen as gentiles. If you want to know more about the Torah, you can click on the tab titled “Torah”. As to why Elohim used such a dream to convey the message that no person should be called common and why He didn't just tell him plainly, we look to Numbers 12. Here, YHWH states that He speaks to prophets in dreams, visions, and riddles. 

“And He said, “Hear now My words: If your prophet is of יהוה, I make Myself known to him in a vision, and I speak to him in a dream. “Not so with My servant Mosheh (Moses), he is trustworthy in all My house. “I speak with him mouth to mouth, and plainly, and not in riddles. And he sees the form of יהוה. So why were you not afraid to speak against My servant Mosheh (Moses)?” (Numbers 12:6-8) 

I hope this post brought some clarity and encouragement to follow the ways of our Elohim. I pray that you all come out of the doctrines of men and help spread the truth to the ends of the earth. May the Rauch Hakodesh guide you into all truth. 

P.S.

Check out some of my books! Available in both print and Kindle versions. 

Understanding the Lawless Nature of the Antichrist and Its Implications for Christians

 

As you probably guessed from the title, I will be covering the antichrist or anti-messiah, not to the extent that I will surmise who the lawless one is, but his characteristics. If you want to hear an interesting theory of who it is, I will leave a link at the bottom of the page to a YouTube video by Rob Skiba. The main aspect of the anti-messiah I want to focus on is his lawless nature and what that means for all the Christians who claim the Torah has been done away with. If the Torah or law was done away with, then why is it a big deal that the anti-messiah is called the man of lawlessness? Since Christianity teaches that the Torah is done away (teaching lawlessness), then does that not make Christians lawless? 

Yeshua’s View on Lawlessness 

Here’s what Yeshua had to say about being lawless.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire of My Father in the heavens. “Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your Name?’ “And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who work lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:21-23)

It was this very realization that led me to Torah observance and to discovering my true identity. If you have never heard the anti-messiah called the man of lawlessness, you’re not alone. In fact, all my years in Christianity, I never heard that title for him. It wasn’t till I started reading my Bible for myself that I discovered this, which is why I stress to every one of you to do your own research and take the time to read your Bible. 

If you’ve been with Red Pill Messianic for a bit, then you have more than likely read this next verse about 10 times, but it’s important! Plus, people who are new need to know this truth as well. 

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4) NIV

“Everyone doing sin also does lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4) The Scriptures 2009 

The Lawless One is With Satan

Now that we all know that sin is breaking the Torah, which results in lawlessness, we can conclude that the anti-messiah isn’t deemed lawless in the world's sense of the word. I had a friend of mine suggest that maybe that’s what lawlessness means, but as we just read, that is not the case. Now let's take a look at the verses that led me on this path.

“And then the lawless one shall be revealed, whom the Master shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth and bring to naught with the manifestation of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and wonders of falsehood, and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, in order for them to be saved. And for this reason, Elohim sends them a working of delusion, for them to believe the falsehood, in order that all should be judged who did not believe the truth, but have delighted in the unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12) 

Notice that the lawless one is empowered by Satan, and yet most Christians claim that keeping Torah is a doctrine of demons. Truly, they have already been bewitched if they believe Torah (which was given by Elohim) is evil and that lawlessness is the gospel. The anti-messiah will deceive those who refuse to love the truth and delight in unrighteousness.

How the Bible Defines Truth and Righteousness 

“Blessed are the perfect in the way, Who walk in the Torah of יהוה! Blessed are those who observe His witnesses, Who seek Him with all the heart! Yes, they shall do no unrighteousness; They shall walk in His ways.” (Psalm 119:1-3)

“So that the Torah truly is set-apart, and the command set-apart, and righteous, and good.” (Romans 7:12) 

It is evident, according to both David and Paul, that the Torah is righteous. From Psalm 119, we learn that we do no unrighteousness by walking in his ways (Torah), and in Romans, it clearly defines the Torah as righteous. Therefore, unrighteousness must be lawlessness, in other words, walking in disobedience to His instructions. 

“Your righteousness is righteousness forever, And Your Torah is truth.” (Psalm 119:142)

“I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

The Bible states that the Torah and Yeshua are the truth. You may be thinking that this is a contradiction, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. For more information, check out my article, “Parable of the Ten Virgins.” 

Who the Dragon Goes After

In Revelation, we are told that the dragon (whether that is the anti-messiah or Satan himself, I’m not sure) goes to make war with a very specific people group.

“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)

The dragon is not worried about those who just keep the Torah or the ones who believe in Yeshua and forsake the Torah; he goes after those who have both! That alone tells me the dragon is not worried about Christians, for although they believe they do not obey. 

The Narrow Path

You and I must walk carefully, too far to the left and we fall into legalism, too far to the right and we fall into lawlessness. I believe this to be the narrow gate we must enter through. 

“Enter in through the narrow gate! Because the gate is wide – and the way is broad – that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in through it. “Because the gate is narrow and the way is hard pressed which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Who Do You Follow?

In this stage of our life, we can either be children of the one true Elohim or the Devil; the choice is ours. 

“And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Everyone staying in Him does not sin. Everyone sinning has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one lead you astray. The one doing righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. The one doing sin is of the devil, because the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of Elohim was manifested: to destroy the works of the devil. Everyone having been born of Elohim does not sin, because His seed stays in him, and he is powerless to sin, because he has been born of Elohim. In this the children of Elohim and the children of the devil are manifest: Everyone not doing righteousness is not of Elohim, neither the one not loving his brother.” (1 John 3:5-10)

Replace the word “sin” with its definition, “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” So, it would read like this, “whoever makes a practice of breaking Torah is of the devil.” I did not put my own meaning into the text, as we read earlier, that is how the Bible defines sin. If this is your first time coming across this information and you feel angry, confused, and defensive, all I ask is that you pray to the Holy Spirit to be your guide to the truth, as it is written. 

“But I say the truth to you. It is better for you that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you at all, but if I go, I shall send Him to you. “And having come, He shall convict the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment.” (John 16:7-8)

“...the Spirit of the Truth, He shall guide you into all the truth. …” (John 16:13)

It is very simple, brothers and sisters, we either follow the ways of YHWH and imitate Yeshua, or we follow in the footsteps of the Devil.

“Become imitators of me, as I also am of Messiah.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) 

“They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” יהושע said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. “But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has spoken to you the truth which I heard from Elohim. Abraham did not do this. “You do the works of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of whoring, we have one Father: Elohim.” יהושע said to them, “If Elohim were your Father, you would love Me, for I came forth from Elohim, and am here. For I have not come of Myself, but He sent Me. “Why do you not know what I say? Because you are unable to hear My Word. “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you wish to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it. “And because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. Who of you proves Me wrong concerning sin? And if I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?” He who is of Elohim hears the Words of Elohim, therefore you do not hear because you are not of Elohim.” (John 8:39-47) 

Yeshua is not saying those who are of Abraham are of the Devil (See my article “Discovering the Connection Between Israel and the Church in the Bible”), he said if you were children of Abraham, you would do as he did. He called the Pharisees children of the Devil because they added to the Torah and made man-made doctrines to follow instead of the complete Torah, while also denying who Yeshua was. Does that sound familiar? Moreover, do you really think the Devil desires to obey the Torah? 

If you’re interested in knowing more, check out my Torah tab, and you can read several other posts I have written on about this topic. I pray you will test all things, including this teaching, and may the Rauch Hakodesh guide you into all truths.  

P.S.

Check out some of my books! Available in both print and Kindle versions.  

Understanding Biblical Cosmology and the Evidence for a Young Earth

 

If you already believe in Biblical Cosmology (flat, enclosed, stationary, and localized), then you probably already believe that the earth is young as well. I know that for me, I was a young-earth creationist long before I discovered the flat earth. The two obviously fall under Biblical cosmology but the young earth is a bit more accepted in mainstream Christianity. Say you’re a flat earther, and watch how many friends and family members shun you. With that being said, the young earth could be used as a gateway for people to learn the truth about reality (Biblical Cosmology). Unlike the flat earth, where you can find scriptures that support the model throughout the Bible, the evidence for a young earth is really only in Genesis.

The Days of Creation

“ ...and there came to be evening and there came to be morning, one day.” (Genesis 1:5)

“...and there came to be evening and there came to be morning, the second day.” (Genesis 1:8)

“And there came to be evening and there came to be morning, the third day.” (Genesis 1:13)

“And there came to be evening and there came to be morning, the fourth day.” (Genesis 1:19)

“And there came to be evening and there came to be morning, the fifth day.” (Genesis 1:23)

“...And there came to be evening and there came to be morning, the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31)

We see that after each portion of creation is complete, whether that be the forming of the earth and firmament or creating the sun and moon, it always finishes with “and there was evening and there was morning, the (blank) day.” Now, some people might say, “Yeah, but a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day to the Lord.” They are quoting from scripture, but take it out of context. Let’s look at that verse in the full context of what Peter was talking about.

Peter’s Usage of Simile 

“knowing this first: that mockers shall come in the last days with mocking, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all continues as from the beginning of creation.” For they choose to have this hidden from them: that the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by the Word of Elohim, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. And the present heavens and the earth are treasured up by the same Word, being kept for fire, to a day of judgment and destruction of wicked men. But, beloved ones, let not this one matter be hidden from you: that with יהוה one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. יהוה is not slow in regard to the promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward us, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:3-9)

First off, Peter was not talking about creation; he was talking about how people will mock those who say the Messiah is coming. Peter then goes on to tell us that the reason Yeshua is taking so long to return is that he wants everyone to come to repentance. 

Since we’re talking about repentance and sin, let me take this moment to show you what the Bible’s definition of sin is. 

“Everyone doing sin also does lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4) Torah is often translated as law.

To repent is to turn away from sin; therefore, repentance is to turn to Torah, to walk in the ways of our Elohim. Anyway, back to Biblical Cosmology, notice that Peter says, “is as” and not “is” or “is a”. It’s a simile! The definition of a simile is, “a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.” Peter used a simile to illustrate the patience and long-suffering of our Adonai, he is not saying a day is a thousand years to Him but that it is like that. Elohim exists outside of time. He created everything, and as far as we know, time did not start until creation began, and He was here before. 

The Setting Apart of the Sabbath

Now, let’s look at the beginning of Genesis 2 to see the seventh day being made holy and, in effect, becoming the Sabbath. 

“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their array. And in the seventh day Elohim completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And Elohim blessed the seventh day and set it apart, because on it He rested from all His work which Elohim in creating had made.” (Genesis 2:1-3)

If creation took place over trillions of years, did Elohim make the next trillion years a Sabbath? Of course not, that doesn’t make any sense. Now I’ve heard the argument put forth that can’t be the Sabbath, for the Torah was not given till Moses. But the Bible indicates something else.

“Of all the clean beasts take with you seven pairs, a male and his female; and of the beasts that are unclean two, a male and his female.” (Genesis 7:2)

Here we see that Noah had some idea of what clean and unclean animals are, which is detailed in the Torah (YHWH’s instructions).

“because Aḇraham obeyed My voice and guarded My Charge: My commands, My laws, and My Torot.” (Genesis 26:5) 

Torot is the plural form of Torah, i.e., teachings or instructions. Genesis 26 tells us flat out that Abraham obeyed the commandments and His laws (Torah or Torot for plural). In Exodus, we get a clear answer to whether what happened in Genesis 2:1-3 was the Sabbath being set forth. 

“For in six days יהוה made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore יהוה blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart.” (Exodus 20:11) 

There you have it, the event of Genesis 2:1-3 was indeed the setting of the Sabbath, not only that, but we get even more confirmation that creation was done in 6 days. 

No Evidence to Support the Gap Theory 

There is this idea floating around called the “Gap Theory.” It states that there is a long period of time in between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Let’s have a look for ourselves and see if we find any indications of a “gap”. 

“In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth. And the earth came to be formless and empty, and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of Elohim was moving on the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:1-2)

I did not see any evidence to support the “Gap Theory”, but I know where it comes from. It comes from believers wanting what the world says and what the Bible says to coexist. “Science,” says the earth took trillions of years to form, the Bible says it took one day. They do not mesh; stop trying to conform the Bible and conform yourself to the Bible. People might say, “What about carbon dating?” Its accuracy has been in question for years, and above that, I don’t trust mainstream science that pushes for a godless universe. They have been proven liars time and time again. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Continue to believe pathological liars, and you have issues. 

We must understand that there is good and there is evil, and Satan is doing all he can to fool the world into believing neither he nor YHWH exists. Do your own research! Don’t take my word for it; search out these matters for yourself. I pray the Rauch Hakodesh guides you into all truth. 

P.S.

Check out some of my books! Available in both print and Kindle versions.

The True Ultimate Sacrifice: Understanding the Divorce of the House of Israel and its Reclamation

 

Sacrifice is a word usually used to describe having to give up something to obtain something else. We often hear about athletes, celebrities, and billionaires, on how much they had to sacrifice to get to where they are now (Whether that involved their souls is a topic for another discussion). Or how those in the line of duty paid the “ultimate” sacrifice to save the lives of others. I say “ultimate” because it does not triumph over the true ultimate sacrifice that took place many years ago. When Elohim came and died to reclaim the one, He divorced the house of Israel. I say Elohim came and died because of what Thomas said:

“And after eight days His taught ones were again inside, and T’oma (Thomas) with them. יהושע came, the doors having been shut, and He stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to T’oma (Thomas), “Bring your finger here, and see My hands. And bring your hand and put it into My side – and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And T’oma (Thomas) answered and said to Him, “My Master and my Elohim!” (John 20:26-28) 

You may be a bit lost at this point due to what mainstream Christianity teaches. To better understand who you are, I recommend reading my posts, “Discovering the Connection Between Israel and the Church in the Bible” and “Understanding the Distinction Between the House of Judah and the House of Israel”. This is a continuation of those and will present you with the true reason why Yeshua sacrificed himself. 

The House of Israel Divorced 

Our story begins with the house of Israel being divorce from YHWH, for their adulterous ways (following other gods). 

Understanding the Distinction Between the House of Judah and the House of Israel

 

I believe it is very important for us to know about the distinction between the house of Judah and the house of Israel (Also called the house of Joseph or Ephraim). Today, many people associate all 12 tribes of Israel with Jews, but this is false, for the term Jew does not show up until after Israel became two nations.

Abraham was a Hebrew, not a Jew

 The word Hebrew is also usually associated with only Jewish heritage and culture. However, the first man to be called a Hebrew was:

“And one who had escaped came and informed Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamrĕ the Amorite, brother of Eshkol and brother of Anĕr, and they had a covenant with Aḇram. ” (Genesis 14:13)

Abraham couldn’t have been a Jew, as neither the tribe of Judah nor the house of Judah had been established, so to say only the Jews are Hebrews is false. When in fact all of Israel are Hebrews, Abraham fathered Isaac, who fathered Jacob (who later becomes Israel), who fathered the 12 tribes. If you read my post, “Discovering the Connection Between Israel and the Church in the Bible” then you know those of us who follow Yeshua are Abraham’s seed, thus we are Hebrews. 

Israel Divides into Two

The nation of Israel was split into two, after years of unrest and infighting among the 12 tribes of Israel. The details of this can be found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. The southern kingdom, made up of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and a portion of Levi (to what extent is unclear), became known as Judah or the house of Judah. The northern kingdom, made up of the other 10 tribes, became known as Israel or the house of Israel. The distinction is seen here: 

“And he mustered them in Bezeq, and the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel) were three hundred thousand, and the men of Yehuḏah (Judah) thirty thousand.” (1 Samuel 11:8)

Up until Israel divided, the word Jew was never used. 

The Misconception of the Usage of Hebrew and Jew

It is a common misconception to say that the Jews were slaves to the Egyptians when it was all of Israel that was enslaved; that is why YHWH says this.

“Say, therefore, to the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel), ‘I am יהוה, and I shall bring you out from under the burdens of the Mitsrites (Egyptians), and shall deliver you from their enslaving, and shall redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments, ” (Exodus 6:6) 

YHWH doesn’t say “tell the Jews”, he tells Moses to inform all of Israel. Since we’re in Exodus, let's look at a verse that supports the notion that all of Israel are Hebrews.

“And the midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Mitsrian (Egyptians) women. For they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.” (Exodus 1:19) 

The first time the word Jew is brought up is here:

“And in the seventh new moon it came to be that Yishma‛ĕl (Ishmael) son of Nethanyah (Nethaniah), son of Elishama, of the seed of the reign, came with ten men and struck Geḏalyahu (Gedaliah) that he died, and the Yehuḏim (Jews), and the Kasdim (Chaldeans) who were with him at Mitspah (Mizpah).” (2 Kings 25:25)

Remember this takes place after the split, those who come from the house of Judah are called Jews, those who come from the house of Israel are never called Jews in the Bible. 

The House of Israel Divorced 

Now we turn to see when the house of Israel was divorced and sent away.

“And יהוה said to me in the days of Yoshiyahu (Josiah) the sovereign, “Have you seen what backsliding Yisra’ĕl (Israel) has done? She has gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there committed whoring. “And after she had done all these, I said ‘Return to Me.’ But she did not return. And her treacherous sister Yehuḏah (Judah) saw it. “And I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Yisra’ĕl (Israel) had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Yehuḏah (Judah) did not fear, but went and committed whoring too.” (Jeremiah 3:6-8) 

Because the house of Israel betrayed YHWH and sought after other gods and forsook the ways (Torah) of the Most High, they were divorced, scattered among the nations. This was hinted at in Genesis when Israel (Jacob) blessed Ephraim. 

“And when Yosĕph (Joseph) saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephrayim (Ephraim), it was evil in his eyes; and he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from the head of Ephrayim (Ephraim) to the head of Menashsheh (Manasseh). And Yosĕph (Joseph) said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this one is the first-born, put your right hand on his head.” But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also becomes a people, and he also is great. And yet, his younger brother is greater than he, and his seed is to become the completeness of the nations.”(Genesis 48:17-19) 

Note that “completeness of the nations” can be translated as “Fullness of the Gentiles”, see Strong’s concordance H4393 and H1471. Gentile means “nations” or, more specifically, nations outside of Israel. That means anyone who is not of Israel, as mentioned in Romans:

“For I do not wish you to be ignorant of this secret, brothers, lest you should be wise in your own estimation, that hardening in part has come over Yisra’ĕl (Israel), until the completeness of the nations has come in.” (Romans 11:25)

The Two Sticks 

Now, let me show you how Ephraim and the house of Israel are related. 

“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 (Joseph), the stick of Ephrayim (Ephraim), and for all the house of Yisra’ĕl (Israel), his companions. ” (Ezekiel 37:16)

Here we see that the stick of Ephraim is the house of Israel and is separate from the stick of Judah. This is symbolic of the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah being detached from one another. But a time will come when both sticks are brought back together and made one once more. 

“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?’ say to them, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “See, I am taking the stick of Yosĕph (Joseph), which is in the hand of Ephrayim (Ephraim), and the tribes of Yisra’ĕl (Israel), his companions. And I shall give them unto him, with the stick of Yehuḏah (Judah), and make them one stick, and they shall be one in My hand.” (Ezekiel 37: 17-19)

“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,” (Ezekiel 37:22-23) 

It should be noted that the house of Judah was brought back to the promised land after their time in Babylonian captivity. You can read about this in the books of Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The house of Israel, however, is not recorded returning to the promised land, for they were scattered before Judah was taken captive. You might have heard of the 10 lost tribes of Israel, or as our Messiah called them, the lost sheep.

“And He answering, said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Yisra’ĕl (Israel).” (Matthew 15:24) 

Discovering Your Identity 

If you read “Discovering the Connection Between Israel and the Church in the Bible” then you know we have been grafted into the olive tree of Israel. It can be a difficult concept to grasp due to the indoctrination of man doctrine, but I found a series that teaches on the identity of believers. It’s a great teaching and well worth the 9 plus hours it takes to watch the whole series. Rabbi Steve Berkson really takes his time going over the scriptures, so you can know without a doubt that you are Israel. 

I hope this post helps you to see that there is a difference between the house of Israel and the house of Judah, as well as clearing the air about some misconceptions. Test this teaching, as you should everything, and I pray the Rauch Hakodesh guides you into all truths.

Covenant Community 101: Discovering Your Identity - Part 1 

There are 10 parts to this series; you should be able to find the other parts on YouTube when you click on the link. 

P.S.

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