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.

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

Was the Serpent Really Satan? Unpacking the Biblical Evidence

“And the naḥash was more crafty than all the lives of the field which יהוה Elohim had made, and he said to the woman, “Is it true that Elohim has said, ‘Do not eat of every tree of the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1)

In Genesis 3:1, we read about the Nahash, who was craftier than all the creatures of the field created by Elohim. He is also known as the serpent who deceived Eve into eating from the Tree of Knowledge. But was the Nahash just a mere snake or something else entirely?

The Hebrew word used for Nahash can be translated as serpent, snake, image (of serpent), or fleeing serpent (mythological/ or perhaps more than myth). In Numbers 21:6 and Deuteronomy 8:15, we see the same word translated as fiery serpents, which were sent by Yahweh to punish the Israelites for their rebellion.

“And יהוה sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people. And many of the people of Yisra’ĕl died.” (Numbers 21:6)

“Who led you through that great and awesome wilderness – fiery serpents and scorpions and thirst – where there was no water, who brought water for you out of the flinty rock, (Deuteronomy 8:15)

In Isaiah 27:1, Nahash is also used to describe Leviathan, a creature far superior in terms of size and ability to the average snake. Here, Leviathan is referred to as a fleeing serpent (nahash).

“In that day יהוה with His severe sword, great and strong, punishes Liwiathan the fleeing serpent, Liwiathan that twisted serpent. And He shall kill the monster that is in the sea.” (Isaiah 27:1)

Interestingly, the root word for Nahash, nâchash, naw-khash', means to practice divination, observe signs, learn by experience, practice fortunetelling, whisper a spell, or take as an omen. It implies that Nahash is associated with supernatural abilities and may not be just an ordinary creature.

In 1 Samuel 15:23, rebellion is compared to the sin of divination, which is rooted in Nahash, which also means serpent. This suggests that Nahash has a deeper spiritual connotation beyond its physical meaning.

“For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of יהוה, He also does reject you as sovereign.” (1 Samuel 15:23)

In the book of Revelation, Satan is referred to as the dragon, the serpent of old, who deceived or enchanted Eve in the Garden of Eden. This means that Nahash, the serpent who deceived Eve, was Satan in disguise. 

“And there came to be fighting in the heaven: Miḵa’ĕl and his messengers fought against the dragon. And the dragon and his messengers fought, but they were not strong enough, nor was a place found for them in the heaven any longer. And the great dragon was thrown out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who leads all the world astray. He was thrown to the earth, and his messengers were thrown out with him.” (Revelation 12:7-9)

“And I saw a messenger coming down from the heaven, having the key to the pit of the deep and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,” (Revelation 20:1-2)

Hasatan is still able to go to Heaven, as seen in the aforementioned verses and in Job 1:6, where he presented himself before Yah alongside the sons of Elohim. The significance here, is that contrary to popular belief, Satan has not been exiled from heaven doomed to never return, but still has the ability to walk in the Set-apart land of Yah’s domain.

“And the day came to be that the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before יהוה, and Satan also came among them.” (Job 1:6)

The fiery serpents mentioned in Numbers and Deuteronomy are also described as Saraph, which means serpent, fiery serpent, poisonous serpent (fiery from the burning effect of poison), seraph, seraphim, majestic beings with 6 wings, human hands or voices in attendance upon Elohim. It also refers to a class of angels. In Isaiah 6:6, one of the Seraphim is described as working in the slaughter-place of heaven. This raises the question of whether the fiery serpents mentioned earlier could be fallen Seraphim living in the wastelands, or if they were simply poisonous snakes.

“And one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the slaughter-place.” (Isaiah 6:6)

In 2 Corinthians 11:14, we read that Satan masquerades as a messenger of light, indicating that he still looks like a righteous messenger, despite his true nature. So his appearance is not one of red skin, horns and a forked tail, but one of majesty befitting a messenger of Elohim. This also might have played into the deception of Eve, as Hasatan would have looked like a proper emissary of Yah, but was working his whispers of deception. 

“And no wonder! For Satan himself masquerades as a messenger of light!” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

In Genesis 3:14, Yah curses the Nahash by making it crawl on its belly and eat dust all the days of its life. This punishment implies that Nahash was not a normal snake, as they already crawl on their bellies. 

“And יהוה Elohim said to the naḥash, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all livestock and more than every beast of the field. On your belly you are to go, and eat dust all the days of your life.” (Genesis 3:14)

In Genesis 3:15, we see that there is enmity between the Messiah and those of Hasatan, not biological snakes. This is confirmed in Matthew 13:37-39, where the good seed represents the sons of the reign, while the darnel represents the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. Furthermore, more in John 8:44, Yeshua states that the devil is the father of lies, meaning he is the first to lie. That first lie occurred between him and Eve.

“And I put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed. He shall crush your head, and you shall crush His heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

“And He answering, said to them, “He who is sowing the good seed is the Son of Aḏam, and the field is the world. And the good seed, these are the sons of the reign, but the darnel are the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. And the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the messengers.” (Matthew 13:37-39)

“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.” (John 8:44)

To conclude this thought, while the Nahash is often translated as serpent, its root meaning suggests that it is associated with supernatural abilities and divination. The use of the same word to describe Leviathan, fiery serpents, and fallen Seraphim implies that Nahash may not be just an ordinary creature. Instead, it may represent a class of divine beings, such as Hasatan. Ultimately, the Nahash represents the spiritual battle between good and evil, between Yahweh and Hasatan.

The Prince of Tsor

“You were in Ěḏen, the garden of Elohim. Every precious stone was your covering: the ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, shoham, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald and gold. The workmanship of your settings and mountings was prepared for you on the day you were created. “You were the anointed keruḇ that covered. And I placed you, you were on the set-apart mountain of Elohim. You walked up and down in the midst of stones of fire.” (Ezekiel 28:13-14)

The mention of the prince of Tsor in Ezekiel 28 has been a topic of debate for centuries. While some have claimed that this prince is a reference to Satan, the context of the chapter suggests otherwise. In fact, Ezekiel 28 makes it clear that the prince of Tsor is a man:

“Son of man, say to the prince of Tsor, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “Because your heart is lifted up, and you say, ‘I am Ěl, I sit in the seat of Elohim, in the heart of the seas,’ whereas you are a man, and not Ěl, though you set your heart as the heart of Elohim!” (Ezekiel 28:2)

In the book of Ezekiel, the prince of Tsor and other earthly kings are associated with Eden. However, this association is not meant to suggest that these kings are equivalent to Satan or other demonic entities, or were even in Eden. Instead, Yah through Ezekiel places foreign kings “in Eden” metaphorically to ridicule their self-perceived glory, highlighting the inadequacy of earthly rulers before El Shaddai.

For example, soon after speaking of Tyre’s king being “in Eden,” Ezekiel asks the king of Egypt, 

“To whom are you to be compared in esteem and greatness among the trees in Ěḏen? But you shall be brought down with the trees of Ěḏen to the depths of the earth, lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his crowd,’ declares the Master יהוה.” (Ezekiel 31:18) 

Of course, Pharaoh was never literally among the trees of Eden, nor were Eden’s trees ever recorded as being cut down.

Tyre, or Tsor, was a city in Lebanon that was part of the Canaanite empire, located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It was a powerhouse in the commerce business, and its wealth and splendor were the subject of admiration and envy. 

The reference to the prince of Tsor as a "kerub" or "cherub" is also significant. This term is typically associated with angelic beings that serve as protectors, and the city of Tsor was known for its treasure and defensive capabilities. Through its richness in trade, it could supply the entire region with supplies. In a sense, Tsor could have acted as a caretaker of Israel if they had chosen to follow Yah. They do not, which will lead to their destruction, which is mentioned in Isaiah 23: 1-6, Ezekiel 26:1-8, and here in Ezekiel 28:16-17

“By the greatness of your trade you became filled with violence within, and you sinned. So I thrust you from the mountain of Elohim, and I destroyed you, O covering keruḇ, from the midst of the stones of fire.“Your heart was lifted up because of your loveliness, you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendour. I threw you to the earth, I laid you before sovereigns, to look at you.” (Ezekiel 28:16-17)

 The stones of fire mentioned above could be alluding to the fact that the city of Tsor decorated its walls with gold shields imbued with precious stones, which would light up when reflecting sunlight, giving them and the city wall a fiery appearance. This prophecy came to pass when Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander the Great (at different times) both conquered and burnt the city of Tsor. Its splendor and wealth were laid desolate by invading Kings.

In conclusion, while the mention of the prince of Tsor in Ezekiel 28 has been the subject of much debate and interpretation over the years, the context of the chapter and the description of the prince suggest that he was a mortal ruler rather than a reference to Satan’s rebellion. 

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

P.S.

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

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. 

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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.  

P.S.

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