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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Who is Elohim's Chosen Nation? A Biblical Perspective

 

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

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

Elohim’s Inheritance

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

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

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

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

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

To which all the people present answered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it the Political State of Israel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Last Song of Moses

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

P.S.

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Scriptural Research: 5 Key Components for Thoroughly Examining the Scriptures

 

Conducting scriptural research, in my opinion, is something every follower of the Messiah should do. Though I believe Peter would agree with me.

“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.” (1 Peter 3:15)

We should do our due diligence and thoroughly examine the scriptures. Do not confine the teachings that bring blessings and life to a small section of your life. Treat it as a student, a proper student, treats a research paper. I remember in college spending hours in the library, poring through books and articles. To gather enough information to write a compelling, in my case, historical paper on a particular subject.  

Below, I have listed five key components that have helped me when doing research. There are, of course, other means of conducting research and many more to be listed. These five, however, have been fundamental to me, and I hope they help you in your studies as well. 

The Fundamentals of Scriptural Research

We have to start somewhere when studying the Bible, and while study Bibles can be useful, they can also be chock-full of erroneous teachings, and for that reason, I typically stay away from them. I do have several translations in my possession, KJV, The Scriptures, The Cepher, along with numerous online translations. When I turn to the Bible, I don’t want someone else’s commentary to be right up against the verses. True, that as I read, I might have a respected teacher’s thoughts on the passage in mind or a couple of teachers for that fact, but without their direct influence, I can read the scriptures with me in the driver’s seat. Now, without further ado, let's break down five tips for scriptural research. 

Five Tips for Scriptural Research:

 Terminology- learning the vocabulary associated with the Bible is paramount to understanding the message being conveyed. What is favor? What are tablets? What are angels? Thankfully, the Bible does a fine job of explaining its terms; however, there are times when we have to seek out the definition. Terminology extends beyond simply learning the vocabulary; it also entails how the Hebrew language functions, which in turn leads to Hebraic thought. Something within the same vein as terminology is learning about the people of the Bible. The best part about learning terminology and people is that it happens organically as one reads and studies.

Techniques- The methods used to conduct research. This entails writing notes when reading or watching a video. Finding counterarguments to develop a well-rounded idea of the topic, one such topic that is hot right now is the timeline, and in particular, the Millennial Reign. Get a whiteboard and brainstorm or create a diagram that helps put your thoughts in order. Spend time meditating on the word. Create a list of all the times a word is used in the Bible. Develop a method for reading the Bible, such as following the yearly Torah portions.

Like-minded People- Finding others who are of a similar mindset will greatly increase your research progress. It's why people create study groups, beyond the camaraderie, of course. Unfortunately, this can be difficult as many of us are physically separated from other Hebrews. Thankfully, online ministries have done an excellent job of helping bridge that gap. While it won’t replace the same feeling of being in person with other Hebrews, it does provide a connection that otherwise would not be there.   

Mentor- This is a very special relationship, so rare that, at least in my case, I have truly ever found one. A mentor is someone who is more personal than a typical teacher. They will push you well beyond your limits, pass on their knowledge to you, chastise you when you mess up, and keep you on track. Think of the relationship between Yeshua and his disciples; it’s the best example I can give.    

Context- You’ve probably heard it said before, “context, context, context.” As a history student, it was drilled into me, and when it comes to studying the scriptures, it remains true. We cannot take verses in isolation or try to make a verse mean something that the original author never meant to convey. The Bible defines sin as transgressing the Torah (1 John 3:4); sin can never mean anything other than that. Yet, there are many Biblical ‘scholars’ who make sin to be whatever it is they don’t like. Terminology and context work congruently, and likewise, it’s a skill that is built up over time.         

Get Started! 

There's no time like the present to get started, and really, when it comes to something so crucial to our relationship with the Father, why wait another day? In today’s age, we have access to so many resources; please do not take this for granted. You arrived on this earth precisely when you were meant to; utilize what is available to you. For you never know when things will change. Studying might not seem fun at first, and it will eat away at your free time, but it is well worth the effort. May the Ruach Hakodesh guide you in your studies. 

“It is the esteem of Elohim to hide a matter, And the esteem of sovereigns to search out a matter.” (Proverbs 25:2)  

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Context of Genesis 44:15

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

The Bible’s Account

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

Jubilees’ Account

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

Jasher’s Account

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

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

Josephus’ Account

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

Concluding the Matter

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

P.S.

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