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.  

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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. 

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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. 

P.S.

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