The Story of Hanukkah: Tragedy, Bloodshed, and Hope

 

The story of Hanukkah is one filled with tragedy, bloodshed, and hope. Found in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, it details the persecution placed on the Hebrews by the Greeks, how they were killed for following Torah, how the temple was made unclean with swine blood, and how, in the end, the Maccabean rebellion drove out the Greeks. Many have connected Hanukkah with being a type and shadow of the great tribulation, and I must concur, for I, too, see the similarities. But before we get into the prophetic imagery, we must first cover what Hanukkah is and why some choose to celebrate it. For starters, we have biblical evidence that Master Yeshua celebrated this feast. 

“At that time the Ḥanukkah (dedication) came to be in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), and it was winter. And יהושע was walking in the Set-apart Place, in the porch of Shelomoh (Solomon).” (John 10:22-23)

Here we have Yeshua up at the temple during Hanukkah, which is where the celebration would have been held at that time. This is very important because Hanukkah is not a Mo’edim, an appointed time made by YHWH; it is a holiday established by the House of Judah after they rededicated the temple, following the Greek occupation. This shows that Elohim agrees with this holiday because when Yeshua was here, he partook in the celebration. 

The Biblical Menorah 

There is, however, one difference that I know of between Judaism Hanukkah, and Biblical Hanukkah. This being the style of the menorah, in Judaism, they use the nine-candleled one, but biblically speaking, it should only have seven. 

“And you shall make a lampstand of clean gold – the lampstand is made of beaten work…” (Exodus 25:31)

“And you shall make seven lamps for it, and they shall mount its lamps so that they give light in front of it.” (Exodus 25:37)

My understanding of how to do Hanukkah is that each of the seven lampstands or branches represents the seven Mo’edim. That is Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Weeks, Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. If you are unfamiliar with these, I wrote a post on them, titled “The Mo'edim”, feel free to check it out. Anyways, for eight nights or all on one day, you read the story of Hanukkah and the Mo’edim, how the appointed times were given in the Tanakh (Old Testament), and how Yeshua fulfilled them or how he will in the future. After each Mo’edim is read, you light a candle. This is how I was taught to do it, but it's not an appointed time, so there are no commandments on how we are to specifically celebrate Hanukkah. 119 ministries have a video on Hanukkah, and it would behoove you to check it out. 

The Events that Led to Hanukkah

Now, without further ado, let us begin the story.

“After Alexander the Macedonian, Philip’s son, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated Darius, king of the Persians and Medes, he became king in his place, having first ruled in Greece. He fought many battles, captured fortresses, and put the kings of the earth to death. He advanced to the ends of the earth, gathering plunder from many nations; the earth fell silent before him, and his heart became proud and arrogant. He collected a very strong army and won dominion over provinces, nations, and rulers, and they paid him tribute. But after all this he took to his bed, realizing that he was going to die. So he summoned his noblest officers, who had been brought up with him from his youth, and divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive. Alexander had reigned twelve years when he died. So his officers took over his kingdom, each in his own territory, and after his death they all put on crowns, and so did their sons after them for many years, multiplying evils on the earth. There sprang from these a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus, once a hostage at Rome. He became king in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.” (1 Maccabees 1:1-10)

Alexander the Great had conquered a vast amount of territory in a relatively short amount of time. When he died at the age of 33, his empire was split among his generals. These became known as the Hellenistic kingdoms. After some time, Antiochus arose and became King of the Hellenistic Syrian kingdom. 

“In those days there appeared in Israel transgressors of the Torah who seduced many, saying: “Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles all around us; since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us.” The proposal was agreeable; some from among the people promptly went to the king, and he authorized them to introduce the ordinances of the Gentiles. Thereupon they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to the Gentile custom. They disguised their circumcision and abandoned the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold themselves to wrongdoing.” (1 Maccabees 1:11-15)

Here we see a great falling away, the followers of Elohim forsaking the Torah and aligning themselves with gentile customs. 

“After Antiochus had defeated Egypt in the one hundred and forty-third year, he returned and went up against Israel and against Jerusalem with a strong force. He insolently entered the sanctuary and took away the golden altar, the menorah for the light with all its utensils, the offering table, the cups and bowls, the golden censers, and the curtain. The cornices and the golden ornament on the front of the temple—he stripped it all off. And he took away the silver and gold and the precious vessels; he also took all the hidden treasures he could find. Taking all this, he went back to his own country. He shed much blood and spoke with great arrogance. And there was great mourning throughout all Israel.” (1 Maccabees 1:20-25)

Antiochus, upon arriving in Jerusalem, ransacks the Temple, taking the gold, silver, and other valuable treasures, while at the same time spilling the blood of the Hebrews. 

“Two years later, the king sent the Mysian commander to the cities of Judah, and he came to Jerusalem with a strong force. He spoke to them deceitfully in peaceful terms, and they believed him. Then he attacked the city suddenly, in a great onslaught, and destroyed many of the people in Israel. He plundered the city and set fire to it, demolished its houses and its surrounding walls. And they took captive the women and children, and seized the animals. Then they built up the City of David with a high, strong wall and strong towers, and it became their citadel. There they installed a sinful race, transgressors of the Torah, who fortified themselves inside it. They stored up weapons and provisions, depositing there the plunder they had collected from Jerusalem, and they became a great snare. The citadel became an ambush against the sanctuary, and a wicked adversary to Israel at all times. They shed innocent blood around the sanctuary; they defiled the sanctuary. Because of them the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled away, she became the abode of strangers. She became a stranger to her own offspring, and her children forsook her. Her sanctuary became desolate as a wilderness; her feasts were turned into mourning, Her sabbaths to shame, her honor to contempt. As her glory had been, so great was her dishonor: her exaltation was turned into mourning.” (1 Maccabees 1:29-40)

Two years after stealing the precious metals from the temple, the Greeks return, tricking the Hebrews into believing they came in peace, only to multiply their malicious deeds with more killings, defiling the sanctuary and Elohim’s Torah. Sadly, this was just the beginning of sorrow. 

“Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, and abandon their particular customs. All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king, and many Israelites delighted in his religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath. The king sent letters by messenger to Jerusalem and to the cities of Judah, ordering them to follow customs foreign to their land; to prohibit burnt offerings, sacrifices, and libations in the sanctuary, to profane the sabbaths and feast days, to desecrate the sanctuary and the sacred ministers, to build pagan altars and temples and shrines, to sacrifice swine and unclean animals, to leave their sons uncircumcised, and to defile themselves with every kind of impurity and abomination; so that they might forget the Torah and change all its ordinances. Whoever refused to act according to the command of the king was to be put to death. In words such as these he wrote to his whole kingdom. He appointed inspectors over all the people, and he ordered the cities of Judah to offer sacrifices, each city in turn. Many of the people, those who abandoned the Torah, joined them and committed evil in the land. They drove Israel into hiding, wherever places of refuge could be found. On the fifteenth day of the month Kislev, in the year one hundred and forty-five, the king erected the desolating abomination upon the altar of burnt offerings, and in the surrounding cities of Judah they built pagan altars. They also burned incense at the doors of houses and in the streets. Any scrolls of the Torah that they found they tore up and burned. Whoever was found with a scroll of the covenant, and whoever observed the Torah, was condemned to death by royal decree. So, they used their power against Israel, against those who were caught, each month, in the cities. On the twenty-fifth day of each month they sacrificed on the pagan altar that was over the altar of burnt offerings. In keeping with the decree, they put to death women who had their children circumcised, and they hung their babies from their necks; their families also and those who had circumcised them were killed. But many in Israel were determined and resolved in their hearts not to eat anything unclean; they preferred to die rather than to be defiled with food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. And very great wrath came upon Israel.” (1 Maccabees 1: 41-64) 

Antiochus sets forth the decree that all those under his rule should act as one, following the Greek religion. Copies of the Torah were destroyed, and those who had the Torah or obeyed it were put to death. There is a lot I’m not covering this time, but will during future Hanukkahs, such as the similarities between this time period and the great tribulation. There’s just so much to cover, and that’s one of the many great things about Hanukkah. 

“The officers of the king in charge of enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Modein to make them sacrifice. Many of Israel joined them, but Mattathias and his sons drew together. Then the officers of the king addressed Mattathias: “You are a leader, an honorable and great man in this city, supported by sons and kindred. Come now, be the first to obey the king’s command, as all the Gentiles and Judeans and those who are left in Jerusalem have done. Then you and your sons shall be numbered among the King’s Friends, and you and your sons shall be honored with silver and gold and many gifts.” But Mattathias answered in a loud voice: “Although all the Gentiles in the king’s realm obey him, so that they forsake the religion of their ancestors and consent to the king’s orders, yet I and my sons and my kindred will keep to the covenant of our ancestors. Heaven forbid that we should forsake the Torah and the ordinances. We will not obey the words of the king by departing from our belief in the slightest degree.” As he finished saying these words, a certain Judean came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein according to the king’s order. When Mattathias saw him, he was filled with zeal; his heart was moved, and his just fury was aroused; he sprang forward and killed him upon the altar. At the same time, he also killed the messenger of the king who was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar. Thus, he showed his zeal for the Torah of Elohim, just as Phinehas did with Zimri, son of Salu. Then Mattathias cried out in the city, “Let everyone who is zealous for the Torah and who stands by the covenant follow me!” Then he and his sons fled to the mountains, leaving behind in the city all their possessions. At that time many who sought righteousness and justice went out into the wilderness to settle there, they and their children, their wives and their animals, because misfortunes pressed so hard on them.” (1 Maccabees 2:15-30) 

The first act of rebellion comes at the hand of Mattathias, practically declaring war on the king by killing his messenger. They gather those who are still Torah observant and flee to the mountains, from there they conduct guerrilla warfare, while also trying to remain hidden from the Greek army. 

“It was reported to the officers and soldiers of the king who were in the City of David, in Jerusalem, that those who had flouted the king’s order had gone out to secret refuges in the wilderness. Many hurried out after them, and having caught up with them, camped opposite and prepared to attack them on the sabbath. The pursuers said to them, “Enough of this! Come out and obey the king’s command, and you will live.” But they replied, “We will not come out, nor will we obey the king’s command to profane the sabbath.” Then the enemy attacked them at once. But they did not retaliate; they neither threw stones, nor blocked up their secret refuges. They said, “Let us all die in innocence; heaven and earth are our witnesses that you destroy us unjustly.” So, the officers and soldiers attacked them on the sabbath, and they died with their wives, their children and their animals, to the number of a thousand persons. When Mattathias and his friends heard of it, they mourned deeply for them. They said to one another, “If we all do as our kindred have done, and do not fight against the Gentiles for our lives and our Torah, they will soon destroy us from the earth.” So, on that day they came to this decision: “Let us fight against anyone who attacks us on the sabbath, so that we may not all die as our kindred died in their secret refuges.” Then they were joined by a group of Hasideans, mighty warriors of Israel, all of them devoted to the Torah. And all those who were fleeing from the persecutions joined them and supported them. They gathered an army and struck down sinners in their wrath and the lawless in their anger, and the survivors fled to the Gentiles for safety. Mattathias and his friends went about and tore down the pagan altars; they also forcibly circumcised any uncircumcised boys whom they found in the territory of Israel. They put to flight the arrogant, and the work prospered in their hands. They saved the Torah from the hands of the Gentiles and of the kings and did not let the sinner triumph.” (1 Maccabees 2:31-48)

Some of those who fled to the mountains were found and given the chance to live if they obeyed the king, but they refused and chose to die without fighting back. This caused much heartache to Mattathias, and he and his companions decided that they should fight against the Greeks, even on the Sabbath. This would not be breaking the Sabbath, because they fought to liberate Judah from the tyrannical Greeks, which is good. As the Messiah said, it is not wrong to do good on the Sabbath. Ultimately, Mattathias led a successful campaign against the Greeks and drove them out of Jerusalem.

The Festival of Hanukkah

“Then Judas and his brothers said, “Now that our enemies have been crushed, let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it. So the whole army assembled, and went up to Mount Zion. They found the sanctuary desolate, the altar desecrated, the gates burnt, weeds growing in the courts as in a thicket or on some mountain, and the priests’ chambers demolished. Then they tore their garments and made great lamentation; they sprinkled their heads with ashes and prostrated themselves. And when the signal was given with the shofar (a type of trumpet created from a ram’s horn), they cried out to Heaven. Judas appointed men to attack those in the citadel, while he purified the sanctuary. He chose blameless priests, devoted to the Torah; these purified the sanctuary and carried away the stones of the defilement to an unclean place. They considered what ought to be done with the altar for burnt offerings that had been desecrated. They decided it best to tear it down, lest it be a lasting shame to them that the Gentiles had defiled it; so they tore down the altar. They stored the stones in a suitable place on the temple mount, until the coming of a prophet who could determine what to do with them. Then they took uncut stones, according to the Torah, and built a new altar like the former one. They also repaired the sanctuary and the interior of the temple and consecrated the courts. They made new sacred vessels and brought the menorah, the altar of incense, and the table into the temple. Then they burned incense on the altar and lighted the lamps on the menorah, and these illuminated the temple. They also put loaves on the table and hung up the curtains. Thus they finished all the work they had undertaken. They rose early on the morning of the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, that is, the month of Kislev, in the year one hundred and forty-eight, and offered sacrifice according to the Torah on the new altar for burnt offerings that they had made. On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had desecrated it, on that very day it was rededicated with songs, harps, lyres, and cymbals. All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised the Elohim of Heaven, who had given them success. For eight days they celebrated the dedication of the altar and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of deliverance and praise.” (1 Maccabees 4:36-56)

“Then Judas and his brothers and the entire assembly of Israel decreed that every year for eight days, from the twenty-fifth day of the month Kislev, the days of the dedication of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness on the anniversary.” (1 Maccabees 4:59)

The time of Hanukkah is one of celebration but also accompanied by the realism of our ancestors who suffered for keeping Torah. From 1 Maccabees we get an overview of the story of Hanukkah, 2 Maccabees we receive a more on-the-ground perspective, and let me tell you it is quite emotional. I hope everyone has a blessed Hanukkah celebration, continues to test all things, and that the Ruach Hakodesh leads you into all truth. 

P.S.

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

The Dark Origins of Halloween: From Samhain to Trick-or-Treat

 

For many, it will come as no surprise that Halloween has its origins in pagan occult practices, yet churches around the world will still be hosting some sort of festivities on that day. They will have various games, trick-or-treating segments, and other Halloween-themed activities. But what are the origins behind Halloween and those deeds done on that day? 

Christianizing Pagan Ways and Days  

As the British Isles were being converted to Catholicism in the early 600s, Pope Gregory the 1st wrote a letter to Abbot Mellitus detailing what the strategy should be to gain “converts”. 

“In 601 A.D. Pope Gregory the First… issued a now famous edict to his missionaries concerning the native beliefs and customs of the peoples he hoped to convert. Rather than try to obliterate native peoples' customs and beliefs, the pope instructed his missionaries to use them: if a group of people worshipped a tree, rather than cut it down, he advised them to consecrate it to Christ and allow its continued worship.” (Jack Santino. Halloween in America: Contemporary Customs and Performances, p.7)

Immediately, a red flag should pop up; this is what is called syncretism, and the church made it a custom to adopt pagan ways of worship and to Christianize them. The Bible, however, does not allow for such actions; we are not to worship Elohim in the same manner as the Gentiles or pagans do their gods.

“Guard yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire about their mighty ones, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their mighty ones? And let me do so too.’ “Do not do so to יהוה your Elohim, for every abomination which יהוה hates they have done to their mighty ones, for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their mighty ones.” (Deuteronomy 12:30-31) 

The Samhain and Halloween Connection 

As the Catholic Church was moving through Britain, one of the people groups they would have come across were druids. Druids were a learned class among the Celts who held roles as priests, judges, and teachers. One of their festivals was called Samhain, which begins the evening of October 31, and it is not a mere coincidence that the two holidays fall on the same day. It is from this tradition that we get Halloween, as noted, Pope Georgy instructed his missionaries not to destroy the pagan customs but to “Christianize” them. 

“This feast day was meant to substitute for Samhain, to draw the devotion of the Celtic peoples, and, finally, to replace it forever. That did not happen… All Saints Day, otherwise known as All Hallows (hallowed means sanctified or holy), continued the ancient Celtic traditions.” (University of Northern Iowa on Samhain)

Samhain, which means “End of Summer”, was one of the most important festivals for the Celtic people. During this time, it was (is) believed that the supernatural veil was at its thinnest, giving rise to many supernatural occurrences, such as the gods playing tricks on the people. One of the more significant events during Samhain was the sacrifice of humans. 

“First-born sacrifices are mentioned in a poem in the Dindshenchas, which records that children were sacrificed each Samhain…” (Rogers, Nicholas. Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night, p. 17)

“Halloween. That was the eve of Samhain… firstborn children were sacrificed…Samhain eve was a night of dread and danger.” (National Geographic, May 1977, pp. 625-626)

Believe it or not, but human sacrifice still occurs to this day, and maybe even more so on Halloween night. It may also surprise you to know that many of the traditional activities of Halloween can be traced back to Samhain, such as the use of jack-o’-lanterns, dressing up, bobbing for apples, and trick-or-treating.

Jack-o’-lanterns

“It is believed that faces, rather than other images or symbols, were originally carved onto the pumpkin because they gave the jack-o’-lantern the look of a head. The Celts of ancient times believed that the head was the most sacred part of the human body, for it housed a person’s immortal soul.” (Dunwich, Gerina. The Pagan Book of Halloween, p. 32)

“Trophy, charm, or ornament, the human head figured prominently in Celtic life. Warriors hung enemy heads on their houses as a show of prowess, and Druids, believing that the head harbored the soul, placed skulls in sanctuaries to ward of evil.” (National Geographic, May 1977, p. 603)

“… the jack-o’-lantern is generally presented in its traditional form as a festive euphemism for death’s-head, the triangular nose hole and rictus grin being the “dead” giveaways.” (Skal, David J. Death Makes a Holiday: The Cultural History of Halloween, p. 38)

“Carved and illuminated by a candle, they are symbolic of death and the spirit world.” (Thompson, Sue Ellen. Holiday symbols and customs, p. 256)

Dressing up in Costume

“There may also have been precedents for trick-or-treating and Halloween costumes in Samhain celebrations. James (1961) reports that in Gallic celebrations of Samhain, the skins of slaughtered animals were worn as a disguise to invoke the spirits of sacred animals and that this masquerade feature continues to survive in the Scottish Highlands.” (Russell W. Belk, University of Utah. Halloween: an Evolving American Consumption Ritual) 

“… mischievous spirits could play tricks on the living- so it was advantageous to “hide” from them by wearing costumes. Masks and costumes were worn to either scare away the ghosts or to keep from being recognized by them.” (John Ankerberg, John Weldon, Dillon Burroughs. The Facts on Halloween, p. 16)

Trick-or-Treat

I found several websites and articles that stated Trick-or-Treat started when Druids would visit houses and ask the man of the house if he was going to provide a sacrifice or not. If the man did offer up someone from his house, then the Druids would place a hollowed-out pumpkin filled with human fat and a candle. This was meant to let other Druids know that this house has already given a sacrifice. If the man refused to give up someone, then strange markings were written on his door in blood; this was done to cause the spirits to afflict the family. The reason I do not have a quote for this is that I could not find this information in a book or a scholarly article, so take it with a grain of salt. 

Bobbing for Apples

“Apples were the sacred fruit of the goddess Pomona, and many games of divination involving apples entered the Samhain customs through her influence. One of the most popular involved bobbing for apples.” (Common Boundary, Sep./Oct. 1993, p. 30)

Do not Do as they Do

Now, many may say, “Well, when I celebrate Halloween, it’s just for fun and I’m not thinking of other gods and spirits.” This is a common objection from people, but I propose that what if engaging in these activities on that night causes spirits or demons to attach themselves to you? Even more, are we not told to be a set-apart people and not to follow the ways of the nations?

“You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.” (Leviticus 18:3)

“When you come into the land which יהוה your Elohim is giving you, do not learn to do according to the abominations of those nations.” (Deuteronomy 18:9)

“Thus said יהוה, “Do not learn the way of the nations…” (Jeremiah 10:2)

“So this I say, and witness in the Master, that you should no longer walk as the nations walk, in the futility of their mind,” (Ephesians 4:17)

There are Holy days that the Father has given us to observe, and they are beyond measure in terms of value and meaning compared to these holidays celebrated by the nations. If you have not read my post titled “The Mo’edim” and my other articles in the pagan holiday series I highly recommend giving them a read. Continue to test all things 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. 

What Does it Mean to Walk in the Spirit According to the Bible?

 

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? Is it this mystical state of being achieved by meditation, is it following the teachings of man-made doctrine, or is it following the Messiah in obedience to the Father’s instructions (Torah)? I believe the Bible makes it very clear that the right answer is the last option. I know many in the Church will proclaim the law has been done away with or is not for them, but if you profess to be a follower of the Messiah, then the Torah is totally for you.

Walking in the Spirit vs the Flesh 

 Paul writes quite heavily on this topic, showing the contrast between walking in the Spirit and walking according to the flesh. 

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

“For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under Torah.” (Galatians 5:17-18)

Walking in Spirit is walking in obedience to the Father, as Paul states the Torah is Spiritual, and the flesh wants to do the exact opposite, which is disobedience. Many people get hung up on verse 18, but it isn’t as complicated as it sounds. If you are led by the Spirit (the Torah), then you are not under the Torah. If I keep the commandments, I am not under the law because I cannot be under what I am following. Think about the laws in your country, as long as you obey, you are not under the law (under arrest). 

“And the works of the flesh are well-known, which are these: adultery, whoring, uncleanness, indecency, idolatry, drug sorcery, hatred, quarrels, jealousies, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, dissensions,factions,envy, murders, drunkenness, wild parties, and the like – of which I forewarn you, even as I also said before, that those who practice such as these shall not inherit the reign of Elohim.” (Galatians 5:21)

The acts of the flesh are contrary to the acts of the Spirit, for the Torah does not promote such actions but condemns them. It speaks out against adultery, idolatry, sexual impurity, and hatred. Yet some people will state that the works of the flesh is Torah observance, how can this be? For the Father’s instructions do not tell me to go commit adultery or worship false gods, but tell me not to do these things. Paul writes that by walking in the Spirit, Torah, we do not do the desires of the flesh.

“And I say: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not accomplish the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

Yeshua’s Behavior Mirror’s the Torah  

We are told to imitate the Messiah, and following Torah is how we are being transformed into the image of the Son. 

“For Messiah is the goal of the ‘Torah unto righteousness’ to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4) 

When I read the commandments, it’s as if I’m a biologist examining strains of DNA, because as John writes, the word put on flesh. Studying the Torah is how I know who the Messiah is, what he values, what he stands for, and what he is against. So, in keeping the Father’s instructions, my aim (goal) is Messiah, the more commandments I keep, the more I align myself to Yeshua and the Father’s will. By being obedient, I bear fruits that showcase my character and demonstrate where my heart is. 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustworthiness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no Torah.” (Galatians 5:22-23) 

Obeying Torah (walking in the Spirit) leads us to be full of Shalom (peace), joy, gentleness, and self-control. The Torah is not against such attributes because following the instructions leads to them. 

Stay in Him, through Obedience 

Since the case has been made that walking in the Spirit is Torah observance and that fruit is produced from such living, notice then, the speech Yeshua uses in identifying who enters the kingdom and who is thrown out. 

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. “Every branch in Me that bears no fruit He takes away. And every branch that bears fruit He prunes, so that it bears more fruit. “You are already clean because of the Word which I have spoken to you. Stay in Me, and I stay in you. As the branch is unable to bear fruit of itself, unless it stays in the vine, so neither you, unless you stay in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who stays in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit. Because without Me you are able to do naught! “If anyone does not stay in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up. And they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15: 1-6)

One cannot be a branch in Messiah if they do not first proclaim to know him, and any branch that does not bear fruit (which is brought forth from obedience) is cut off and thrown into the fire. This passage presents complications for those who claim once saved always saved, but the one who is walking according to the Spirit should have no fear. By being a YHWH believer, Yeshua follower, keeper of the Torah, you can rest easy knowing that while the world may come against you, you have no condemnation.

“There is, then, now no condemnation to those who are in Messiah יהושע, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1) 

Continue to test all things, including what I have written; it is, after all, your responsibility to be knowledgeable in the word. I hope you will be inquisitive and uncompromising in your walk with Messiah Yeshua, 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.  

The Proper Interpretation of 'Eye for an Eye' in the Bible

 

“But if there is injury, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, lash for lash.” (Exodus 21:23-25)

The term “eye for an eye and tooth for tooth” has often been used by Christians to show how barbaric the “old laws” were back in the day. Followed then by quoting what Yeshua said in the Brit Hadashah (New Testament), to turn the other cheek. When presented out of context, it does make the Torah seem rather brutal and depicts a Messiah who taught against keeping the Father’s instructions. Yet, when given the entire context of the phrase “eye for an eye,” it is plain to see (no pun intended) that the correct way of interpreting this is in view of a judicial system that operates within the punishment fitting the crime. In fact, this is quite obvious given the examples that are laid out immediately following Exodus 21:25.

A Judicial System of Equal Measure 

“And when a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant, and destroys it, he is to let him go free for the sake of his eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he is to let him go free for the sake of his tooth.” (Exodus 21:26-27) 

If we were to take a literal interpretation of “eye for an eye” as it is given in Exodus 21, we can already see problems arising. Such as why wasn’t the man who destroyed the eye of his servant, in turn, have his eye destroyed? Or when he knocked out a tooth, why didn’t he have a tooth removed? Did Moses forget what he wrote just 2 seconds earlier? Did the Bible just contradict itself? Of course not, these are two examples of how “eye for an eye” was to be implemented, not in a literal sense, as the examples demonstrated, but in a judicial way. Because the master permanently damaged the servant, the proper action was to release said servant from their obligation.

“And when a man opens a pit, or if a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls in it, the owner of the pit is to repay, he is to give silver to their owner, and the dead beast is his.” (Exodus 21:33-34)

Again, we see that if the typical understanding of an “eye for an eye” was applied here, then the person who dug the pit should have one of his animals killed. But, as we can see, the punishment befitting the crime was to pay the price of the dead beast, so the owner who had just lost livestock could have it replaced. The idea of “eye for an eye” was not meant to come off as cruel, but was a way to make sure the person in trouble did not receive a punishment worse than the offense. Take the judicial system today, people are always attempting to sue someone else for more than the damages owed. They don’t just want reconciliation; they want retribution. If the Bible were advocating for taking revenge, as some have equated “eye for an eye” to mean, then the Bible would be contradicting itself, for it is a sin to seek vengeance. 

“Do not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the children of your people. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am יהוה.” (Leviticus 19:18) 

Yeshua vs the Pharisees for the Proper Interpretation   

Then what was Yeshua talking about when he presumably condemned the perfect Torah? Well, the Messiah was not being critical of the Father’s instructions but was challenging how it was being applied under the leadership of the Pharisees. 

“You heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,’ but I say to you, do not resist the wicked. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” (Matthew 5:38-39) 

Notice how Yeshua states, “you heard it was said”, not “It is written”, this may seem of little significance upon first glance, but understanding the difference is key to unlocking what the Master was talking about. By saying you have heard it said, immediately we can know Yeshua was not attacking the Father’s instructions but was critiquing how it was both understood and practiced. During this time, the phrase “eye for an eye” (still widely used today to convey a vengeful attitude) was used to justify personal vendettas, which, as we have already covered, is a sin. If this is the case, then what do we make of turning the other cheek? Exodus 21:23-25 speaks of permanent damage or actions that warrant serious consequences, such as losing an eye, tooth, or receiving scars or burns. These are lasting changes and will remain with a person for the rest of their lives. Even more so, the idiom starts with, “if there is injury”, a slap on the cheek is nothing compared to losing a limb or enduring a perpetual alteration. The Messiah is essentially saying to toughen up; a measly slap on the face or its equivalent is nothing to get overly upset about. I imagine Elohim looking down on us, seeing a bunch of children running around, crying about everything. We must learn to endure hardship or risk falling by the wayside when things really get serious. Furthermore, why would Yeshua denounce a judicial system that allows for reconciliation and applies equal weight and measures? Given the whole scope of what “eye for an eye” means, it is easy to see the absurdity brought forth by lawless people, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Taking scripture out of context to fit man-made doctrines is vile, especially when suggesting that Yeshua taught against the Torah.

Building Understanding of the Word

 I hope this brings understanding and a way to combat the accusations of lawless people, for we must be ready to give a defense for what we believe. 

“But set apart יהוה Elohim in your hearts, and always be ready to give an answer to everyone asking you a reason concerning the expectation that is in you, with meekness and fear, having a good conscience, so that when they speak against you as doers of evil, those who falsely accuse your good behavior in Messiah, shall be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the desire of Elohim, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:15- 17) 

Continue to test all things, including this, 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.  

Is Faith More Than Just Believing? Understanding The Bible's Definition of Faith

 

Is faith more than just simply believing? Is faith a confession of the mouth for things hoped for and nothing else? Is there evidence that a person has faith or faithfulness? Mainstream Christianity provides an ambiguous definition of faith, or at least what it means to have faith (to be faithful). 

Mainstream Christianity’s Definition of Faith 

According to Billy Graham, faith has two parts to it. First, we must believe that YHWH exists, that He loves us, and that He sent His Son to die for our sins. The second part is,

“a definite decision not only to believe in our minds that Christ can save us, but to put our lives into His hands and trust Him alone for our salvation. True faith not only believes Christ can save us, but actually trusts Him to do it.” (Billy Graham, Can you give me a simple definition of faith?) 

This is a typical mainstream Christian response; faith is simply believing as if we are talking about Santa Claus, and we must believe he exists to receive our gifts. I say this not to downplay the role belief plays in having faith but to put it into perspective, just as James wrote, 

“You believe that Elohim is one. You do well. The demons also believe – and shudder!” (James 2:19) 

The Bible's Definition of Belief 

James had some very interesting things to say regarding faith, or as the Scriptures translate it, belief. I will return to his writings towards the end of the post, but for now, let us turn to Hebrews, where the author (possibly Paul) defines faith or belief.

“And belief is the substance of what is expected, the proof of what is not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Interesting, belief (faith) is the substance of things expected. Do you not know that substances are things that exist in the physical world and not in the mind? For example, my thoughts take up no space; they have no extension or substance to them. It is only when my thoughts are written down or acted out that they materialize. Moreover, proof is the presence of empirical evidence, which can only be verified when seen. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that simply professing to have faith is not enough, but having proof that is verifiable by tangible means. This is exactly what the author of Hebrews goes on to show us with the faith “Hall of Famers” as some have so adequately referred to them.

“By belief, Heḇel (Abel) offered to Elohim a greater slaughter offering than Qayin (Cain), through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, Elohim witnessing of his gifts. And through it, having died, he still speaks. By belief, Ḥanoḵ (Enoch) was translated so as not to see death, “and was not found because Elohim had translated him.” For before his translation he obtained witness, that he pleased Elohim. But without belief it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to Elohim has to believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him. By belief, Noaḥ, having been warned of what was yet unseen, having feared, prepared an ark to save his house, through which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to belief. By belief, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he was about to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By belief, he sojourned in the land of promise as a stranger, dwelling in tents with Yitsḥaq (Isaac) and Ya‛aqoḇ (Jacob), the heirs with him of the same promise, for he was looking for the city having foundations, whose builder and maker is Elohim. By belief also, Sarah herself was enabled to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the normal age, because she deemed Him trustworthy who had promised. And so from one, and him as good as dead, were born as numerous as the stars of the heaven, as countless as the sand which is by the seashore. In belief all these died, not having received the promises, but seeing them from a distance, welcomed and embraced them, and confessed that they were aliens and strangers on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:4-13)

All of them mentioned above were obedient. Abel brought the best he had for the sacrifice, Enoch walked faithfully with Elohim, Noah built the Ark, Abraham traveled to a foreign land when Elohim told him to do so, and Sarah trusted in Elohim to make good on His promise. It is only because they had faith that they were able to be obedient to the Father. If they did not trust the Father, then they would not have done what they did. It is quite simple, faith, like love, is a verb. For if I tell my wife that I love her, but my actions do not align with my words, then do I truly love her? Likewise, if I say I have faith in the Messiah, but I do not express my profession with good works, like those mentioned above, then do I truly trust in Him? I do not do the various actions to show my affection towards my wife to garner her love; on the contrary, I do those actions because I have obtained her love. Similarly, I keep the Torah because that is tangible proof of my faith in Yeshua Hamashiach. This is exactly what James was talking about when he said,

“So also belief, if it does not have works, is in itself dead. But someone might say, “You have belief, and I have works.” Show me your belief without your works, and I shall show you my belief by my works.” (James 2:17-18)

The way James describes faith is in complete alignment with Hebrews 11:1; the work is the very substance that gives testament to the proof that one has faith. Also, in keeping with the flow of Hebrews, James gives his own list of faith “Hall of Famers”. 

“But do you wish to know, O foolish man, that the belief without the works is dead? Was not Abraham our father declared right by works when he offered Yitsḥaq (Isaac) his son on the slaughter-place? Do you see that the belief was working with his works, and by the works the belief was perfected? And the Scripture was filled which says, “Abraham believed Elohim, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness.” And He called him, “he who loves Elohim.” You see, then, that a man is declared right by works, and not by belief alone. In the same way, was not Rahab the whore also declared right by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also the belief is dead without the works.” (James 2:20-26) 

What does James mean by works? Does he mean attending Sunday church, teaching Sunday school, and generally being a good person? I would argue no, but to know what we should do (the works) we must know what is Biblically defined as good. 

Good as Defined by the Bible

“If you obey the voice of יהוה your Elohim, to guard His commands and His laws which are written in this Book of the Torah, if you turn back to יהוה your Elohim with all your heart and with all your being. “For this command which I am commanding you today, it is not too hard for you, nor is it far off. “It is not in the heavens, to say, ‘Who shall ascend into the heavens for us, and bring it to us, and cause us to hear it, so that we do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, to say, ‘Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, and cause us to hear it, so that we do it?’” “For the Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart – to do it. See, I have set before you today life and good, and death and evil,” (Deuteronomy 30:10-15) 

Being obedient to YHWH and following his instructions is good, so is it wrong to assume that keeping Torah is performing good works? Titus doesn’t seem to think so.

“For the saving Gift of Elohim has appeared to all men, instructing us to renounce wickedness and worldly lusts, and to live sensibly, righteously, and reverently in the present age, looking for the blessed expectation and esteemed appearance of the great Elohim and our Saviour יהושע Messiah, who gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people, his own possession, ardent for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

Neither does Paul.

“For by favour you have been saved, through belief, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of Elohim, it is not by works, so that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah יהושע unto good works, which Elohim prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Even Paul agrees with Titus and James that we are created in Yeshua to do good works, which YHWH has prepared for us to walk in. Remember that the good works prepared by Elohim is His Torah, His instructions on how to live a life pleasing to Him. And how does this tie in with faith? Well, Paul said we are saved by grace through faith, which means that faith is the vehicle through which we arrive at grace (unmerited favor). James tells us that faith without works is dead; no good works equal no gas for the vehicle. Therefore, there is no grace for those who claim to have faith and yet lack the works to prove it. 

Belief without Works is Dead

“My brothers, what use is it for anyone to say he has belief but does not have works? This belief is unable to save him.” (James 2:14)

Keeping Torah with the attitude that you will save yourself (which is works without belief), will not be effective; it is through belief that our good works will be counted as righteous. 

“For not the hearers of the Torah are righteous in the sight of Elohim, but the doers of the Torah shall be declared right.” (Romans 2:13) 

Continue to test all things, including this teaching, for I do not wish for you to become like children, unable to think for themselves. Instead, it is my hope you will grow into mature adults in the spirit, fully capable and ready to be a living testimony to our Messiah Yeshua and our Father YHWH. 

P.S.

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