My mother passed away in the Autumn of 2021 at the age of 97. On several occasions, during the final days of her life, she would point to someone apparently standing at the foot of her bed. “Do you see him?” she asked. “Who?” I would reply. “That man,” she said, with a big smile on her face.
No, I did not see the “man.” But I believe she saw something — or someone.
I choose to believe, based on what the Scriptures tell us, that she saw the angel assigned to soon escort her to the place where she would await her resurrection. (More on this later.)
Notice that I did not say the angel who would take her to Heaven. That’s because, contrary to what most of us learned in church, the Bible does not say Heaven is the next stop after we die. According to the Scriptures, both believers and unbelievers alike go to a place referred to as Sheol1 in Hebrew, or Hades2 in Greek.
Sheol In The Scriptures
It has been said that the problem with Sheol is that both the righteous and the wicked go there. Sheol is the mysterious place (grave) from which righteous souls will be resurrected when the trumpet sounds on the Day of the Lord. It also contains a sort of “waiting room” for unrepentant souls destined for the lake of fire known as Gehenna.3
The Prophets and Patriarchs made mention of Sheol on several occasions, and its whereabouts are noted in Enoch’s writings. In Genesis and Jubilees, a distraught Jacob declared that he would go there after examining Joseph’s blood-stained coat.
Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.” And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, “For I will go down into Sheol unto my son mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.
Genesis 37:31-35 Berean Study Bible
Jacob examines Joseph’s coat
And the sons of Jacob slaughtered a kid, and dipped the coat of Joseph in the blood, and sent (it) to Jacob their father on the tenth of the seventh month. And he mourned all that night, for they had brought it to him in the evening, and he became feverish with mourning for his death, and he said: ‘An evil beast hath devoured Joseph’; And he mourned for Joseph, one year, and did not cease, for he said: Let me go down to She’ol mourning for my son.
Jubilees 34:12-13,17
Korah, his followers, and his household go down to Sheol
The rebellious Korah and all his kin went down alive to the pit (Sheol) for trying to usurp Moses’ authority in defiance of the Almighty.
If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then Yahuah has not sent me. But if Yahuah brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated Yahuah with contempt.
Numbers 16:29,30
The Prophet Enoch wrote this regarding Sheol:
In those days shall the earth deliver up from her womb, and Sheol deliver up from hers, that which it has received; and destruction shall restore that which it owes.
1 Enoch 51:1
Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Tobit spoke of Sheol and this place is mentioned in the Psalms, Habakkuk, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Job, and the writings of Baruch (Jeremiah’s scribe).4 It may surprise you to learn that Sheol is also mentioned by one of the three Hebrew men thrown into Nebuchadnezzer’s fiery furnace.5
While we do not understand the exact nature of Sheol, we do know that it is the first stop on our journey to the afterlife. Unfortunately, Sheol/Hades has been mistranslated as “death, pit, grave, and hell in various versions of the Bible. These descriptions have led to much confusion as to its features and whereabouts over the centuries.
According to Fred B. Pearson Th.D., Sheol is a place located in the lower parts of the earth where departed souls reside.6
The Old Testament word for the abode of the dead is Sheol. It is derived, as most scholars think, from a word meaning hollow. To the Hebrew mind Sheol was simply the state or abode of the dead. It was not the same as the grave, though it was so translated in some of the older versions. The grave was the resting place of the body from which the spirit had departed, while Sheol was the resting place of departed spirits, or personalities. Usually, Sheol was thought of as being deep down in the earth, as hell is often thought of today. In Old Testament Sheol is represented as the opposite of the upper sphere of life and light. It is “deep Sheol.” Its direction is “down.”
Enoch mentions that Abel is currently there, along with everyone else who has died since his murder at the hands of his brother Cain (Qayin). However, there is an important distinction made regarding this realm.
Pearson:
Always Sheol was regarded as the appointed place for all persons, the great rendezvous of the dead. Here the dead are gathered to their tribes and families. Often we find, especially in the Pentateuch, such expressions as “to be gathered to one’s people,” “to go to one’s fathers,” etc.
We learn from Enoch that the righteous dead are placed in separate compartments from the unrighteous souls in Sheol. (1 Enoch 22) According to Enoch’s vision, the compartment containing the righteous is “bright and there is a fountain of water in its midst.” The water is perhaps symbolic of resurrection; which makes sense in the context of the parable that Yeshua told of the rich man and Lazarus.
The Rich Man and Lazarus in Sheol
One of the best explanations given of our intermediate destination after death is found in Yeshua’s discourse with the Pharisees in Luke’s gospel, in which he expounded on the Law, Prophets, and the Kingdom.
So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. “And being in torments in Hades,he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. “Then he cried and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”
Luke 16:22-24
” The Rich Man in Hell and the Poor Lazarus in Abraham’s Lap” – Hans Leonhard Schäufelein (1480-1540)
These verses are very illuminating. In them, we learn that Lazarus was carried by angels to a place called “Abraham’s bosom.” The epithet is used to describe a place of comfort.
“Bosom of Abraham” refers to the place of comfort in the biblical Sheol (or Hades in the Greek Septuagint version of the Hebrew scriptures from around 200 BC, and therefore so described in the New Testament)[1] where the righteous dead abided prior to Jesus’ resurrection.
Bosom of Abraham. (2023, April 27). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosom_of_Abraham
We are also told that the rich man was suffering in a lower level of Sheol/Hades in that he had to “look up” to see Abraham and the beggar. Many theologians teach that the rich man was in a fiery Hell, suffering in the torment of literal and unquenchable flames. However, this conclusion has several flaws:
Torment here is referring to an emotional state, not literal flames (a Catholic notion)
When the Scripture speaks of this man being in torment, it is speaking of the emotional torment of a person awaiting the second death, which is total annihilation in the Lake of Fire known as Gehenna. The word for torment or agony is odunaó. HELPs Word Study offers this insight into what this Greek word means:
3600 odynáō (from 3601/odýnē, “very painful sorrow”) – properly, to experience intense emotional pain (WP, 2, 223), i.e. deep, personal anguish expressed by great mourning (LS). This root (ody-) literally means “go down” (as the sun in a sunset) and refers to consuming sorrow.
The rich man was not asking for a literal drink of water. He was desirous of something that he could never have — resurrection.
Contrary to what we were taught in church, the unrighteous dead will spend their time in a dark compartment of Sheol awaiting the final judgment at the end of the millennium. They will have had hundreds, if not thousands of years to contemplate their ultimate destiny in Gehenna — the lake of fire that will completely annihilate them. The wicked will not be forever burning in a lake of fire. This is a Catholic notion and insults the merciful and gracious nature of our Heavenly Father and his Son Yeshua, our High Priest
We Must Be Born Again
In his conversation with Nicodemus, Yeshua ties water and Spirit to the salvation experience. Once we are redeemed from Sheol and “quickened”, we will no longer be made of flesh and blood. In order to enter the New Jerusalem (heaven), our bodies will need to be recreated (reconstituted) and our nature will change.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
John 3:3,4 NKJV
When Yeshua told Nicodemus that we must be born again to enter into Yahuah’s Kingdom, the Pharisee was understandably confused. But he, like us, had to expand his way of thinking. He had to think of Sheol as a type of womb that would “birth” (resurrect) new “creatures” (creations) made of water and Spirit. (James 1:18) This event is known as the first resurrection. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
“Truly, truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5
In John 3:1-21, Yeshua marks the way to eternal life with breadcrumbs for us to follow. These verses contain a wealth of information that contradicts much of what we were taught about the new birth, the way to Heaven, the punishment of Gehenna, and the authority Yeshua’s name carries. This authority is tied to his purpose and has a huge impact on how we understand the sequence of events that lead to our redemption.
Water holds historical, ritual, eschatological, and metaphorical significance in the life of a believer. It is tied to the conduct of individuals and nations. As a rule, covenant breakers, the lawless, and the disobedient are denied water. Those who desire to walk in righteousness are given it abundantly as a sign of moral purity.
Eschatologically speaking, when the righteous are caught up to the New Jerusalem, Yahuah will water our “dry bones.” At this time we will be sprinkled with clean water and purified. This sprinkling represents both the resurrection and the indwelling of the Spirit.
Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
Ezekiel 36:24-26 New Living Translation
Life After Death
The Scriptures speak of our bodies metaphorically as a tent or sukkah — a temporary dwelling place. The essence of who we really are (our mind, will, emotions, and life experiences) is contained in our souls.
Now we know that if the early tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
2 Corinthians 5:1-3 Berean Study Bible
When we die our bodies return to dust, Yahuah withdraws His life-giving breath, and our souls go to the Sheol. The righteous souls who occupy “Abraham’s bosom” will be ransomed from there on the Day of the Lord, when they receive their resurrection bodies. The wicked will remain in their “holding cells” until the Great White Throne judicial proceeding is spoken of in Revelation.
This first resurrection has been called the rapture7 by many in mainstream Christianity. However, it can be more appropriately thought of as the first resurrection or even the second exodus.
I shall ransom them from the power of Sheol; I shall redeem them from Death. O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from my eyes.
Hosea 13: 14 ESV
Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead.
Isaiah 26:19 Berean Study Bible
And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.
Daniel 12:2 Berean Study Bible
Sheol’s Connection to Biblical Cosmology
It must be stated that belief in Sheol’s existence beneath the earth is tied to biblical cosmology. Specifically a geocentric versus a heliocentric model of our home in this physical realm. Why? Because if you adopt a heliocentric mindset, then you will likely believe that the earth contains a liquid outer region surrounded by a solid iron core.
This model not only makes the existence of Sheol as described in the Scriptures almost impossible, but it also injects an element of doubt into what the Bible says about:
Whether you agree or disagree, please take time to test everything that is written in this article against Scripture. Ask the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to guide your thinking.8
When you understand what the Bible has to say about a place called Sheol, you will be well on your way to discovering what happens nanoseconds after you die. Your final destination will either be life in Yahuah’s (YHWH) Kingdom or total annihilation in the lake of fire — the second death. Sheol just is a stop along the way as we all await the resurrection.
FOOTNOTES
1 Sheol (#H7585): underworld (place to which people descend at death). Hades, or the word of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates; grave, hell, pit.
2 (Strongs #G86) hádēs (from 1/A “not” and idein/eidō, “see”) – properly, the “unseen place,” referring to the (invisible) realm in which all the dead reside, i.e. the present dwelling place of all the departed (deceased); Hades. Source: HELPS Word-studies
3 (Strongs #G1067) geenna – Gehenna is a valley west and South of Jerusalem, also a symbolic name for the final place of punishment of the ungodly. Source: Strong’s Concordance. (Strong’s #G1067) géenna (a transliteration of the Hebrew term, Gêhinnōm, “the valley of Hinnom”) – Gehenna, i.e. hell (also referred to as the “lake of fire” in Revelation). Source: HELPS Word-study
5 The “Prayer of the Three Hebrew Children” was once included in the King James bible but was later removed. This is the prayer that Hadrach, Meshech, and Abednego (Hanania, Mishael, and Azariah) prayed while in the furnace. The furnace is symbolic of the Lake of Fire — the ultimate fiery furnace spoken of in the Book of Revelation.
7 The origin of the Rapture doctrine (theory) can be linked to two men: John Nelson Darby, a 19th-century theologian, and C.I. Scofield, author of the Scofield Reference Bible.
8The Gospel Worth Dying For goes into detail concerning life after death, Sheol, Gehenna, and the days leading up to the return of Yeshua. Download the book here.
Bible scholars have spent many hours and much ink expounding on what the easy yoke and light burden of Yahusha Ha’Mashiach really meant.
Some visualize a vibrant and strong Messiah on one side of the yoke joined by a crossbow to an exhausted and nearly dead human. They picture Yahusha dragging this feeble person along the narrow path.
One can see where some can come away with this perspective, which corresponds to the message of Psalm 68:19-20:
“Blessed be יהוה, Day by day He bears our burden, The Ěl of our deliverance! Selah. Our Ěl is the Ěl of deliverance; And to יהוה, the Master, belong escapes from death.”
TS2009
Psalm 55:22 reads:
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.”
TS2009
It is vital to consider a few other verses to get a fuller contextual understanding. First, in Luke 11:46, Yahusha issues a warning:
And He said, “Woe to you also, you learned in the Torah, because you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.”
TS2009
Similarly, Psalm 38:4 reads:
For my iniquities are gone over my head; As a heavy burden, they weigh too much for me.
TS2009
Also, consider the context of loving your neighbor as yourself as described in Galatians 6:1-18:
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.”
With these considerations in mind, I would posit that scripture teaches the concept of a relationship with Messiah Yahusha by which we are yoked with him in our life walk. Indeed, he is the leader whereby we obediently follow him; doing our fair share of the work as we tread the walk of life down the narrow path toward salvation.
Additional passages for contextual consideration can be found in the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37, Numbers 11:17, and Exodus 18:22.
Biblical, Hebraic, and Modern Historical Considerations
To further understand the context of Matthew 11:28-30 and how it applies to our lives today, let’s look at some biblical and Hebraic history as well as some modern-era considerations.
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.
Matt 23:27-28TS2009
As we dig into a few biblically historical examples, it is essential to consider not only the physical aspects of this subject but also the spiritual.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, by against principalities, against powers, and against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12 Cepher
However, the underlying spiritual aspects of perverse laws calling evil good and good evil is an entire study in and of itself.
The Heavy Burden of Tradition
The eleventh chapters of both Luke’s and Matthew’s gospels are examples of how manmade laws and traditions had become excessively burdensome for the people, compared to how the Torah was meant to be interpreted and applied. The Pharisees of the time had elevated their traditions and added legal requirements to the Torah before Yahusha’s Passion.
Consider how many laws are in the Talmud, Mishna, and Gemara.
The Mishna alone adds 63 additional tractates. Among these are some thirty-nine categories which further define what is considered “work” on the Sabbath. Within these thirty-nine categories, are several additional sub-categories, thus adding even more laws and regulations to the already established 613 Mosaic Torah instructions.
With this in mind, one can see why Yahusha was so critical of the Pharisee’s additions and why he made it a point to invite the crowds to adopt an easier way to walk through life at his side.
Now consider a few modern-era examples we see in our time.
“Congress has enacted approximately 200–600 statutes during each of its 115 biennial terms, so that is more than 30,000 statutes which have been enacted since 1789.”
A 2014 Washington Post report reveals that “an average of 462 new laws per state” are added yearly.
The yoke and burden of God’s 613 Torah instructions, of which 248 are positive commandments (the do’s) and 365 are negative commandments (the don’ts), suddenly seem much lighter and less burdensome by comparison.
And, not all 613 laws apply toeveryindividual. It all depends on your particular life circumstance. For example, since the Temple no longer exists, we cannot offer up animal sacrifices as described in the book of Leviticus. We are living in a different administrative era. (1 Corinthians 12:5)
Keep in mind that there are gender (male or female) and marital-specific (married or unmarried) laws included in the 613 in addition to those that only apply to widows, orphans, strangers, etcetera.
An objective survey of the 613 Torah commands reveals that a believer is to observe even fewer than 613 regulations, thus proving the Torah that Jesus preached to be even less burdensome, and the yoke to be even lighter than one might imagine. It is undoubtedly lighter than the countless manmade laws and traditions which the world would have you place on your shoulders to bear throughout your lifetime.
If you ask a child if it would be easier to follow 613 or 30,000 laws, what would their answer be? Are we not instructed to “turn and become like children” in Matthew 18:3? Just something to consider during your time of prayer and meditation on the context of this message.
The Treachery of Good Intentions
What began with some Rabbis simply trying to add a few laws for “clarity” quickly snowballed into an exceedingly burdensome system that few, if any, could follow without violation.
As is the case in the United States, what began as a few constitutional laws and amendments, ballooned into a federal monstrosity with so many laws and regulations in place that even teams of lawyers, judges, and justices continually struggle to interpret and apply them.
The United States has a massive Federal Register that would take half a lifetime to read and interpret. Congress routinely enacts 4000-page bills, which the average educated person has no means to acquire the legal expertise necessary to comprehend. Is it even possible for a citizen to obey the laws of this land without error?
We are truly living in Mystery Babylon. (Revelation 17:5) The confusion we are all experiencing can be traced back to religious traditionalists who sneer at the Torah, thumb their noses at Yahuah, and arrogantly proclaim that they know better.
The Dangers of Ignoring The Truth
Let’s take another look at a Hebraic historical passage in the book of Genesis as well as passages from the extra-biblical book of Jasher to observe where the progressive path of law-creation and perversion can lead.
Many of us are familiar with the Genesis story of Sodom and Gomorrah where Yahuah heard the cries and supplications concerning Sodom’s cruelty. There is the apparent sexual immorality observed in the account, which is central to the morality and resulting judgment of the story. The passage describes how the people of Sodom want the two men (messengers of God in disguise) to leave Lot’s home so they can have intercourse with them.
However, when you study the nineteenth chapter of the Book of Jasher1, you can gainadditional insight into how perverse manmade laws had become in Sodom, beyond the legal rape culture described in Genesis.
When you read the insane narrative surrounding Eliezer’s trial in verses 17-21, the death sentence trial of Paltith in verses 34-35, and the similar fate of another woman in verses 36-43, it becomes painfully obvious how twisted and perverse manmade laws can become. Genesis 19 is a prime example of how Sodom’s depravity became an acceptable expression of the townspeople’s proclivities.
Sodom’s laws had strayed further and further from God’s laws which Noah had taught to all his descendants following the Flood2. In the not-too-distant past, these same laws were commonly understood to be ethical and moral.
As It Was In The Days of Noah
Let’s take a brief look at just a few of the insane anti-biblical laws in practice in the United States today.
Infanticide (the murder of babies in the womb and up to the moment of birth) remains legal in numerous states. Theft is seemingly legal in multiple states and cities. California’s Proposition 47, has made shoplifting “de facto” legal, where people cannot be prosecuted if theft is less than a specific dollar amount. Our nation has redefined marriage, which is historically and biblically defined as between a man and a woman in the Holy Scriptures.
Child abuse has been effectively legalized with the abominable practices of gender reassignment surgeries and chemical hormone experiments on minors.
Frivolous lawsuits abound where open persecution of Bible believers is allowed, providing virtually no protection under the law to prevent double jeopardy. Such as with the repeated lawsuits against the Colorado Christian Baker, who, despite winning a Supreme Court case in his favor, continues to face repeated lawsuits and harassment, with no justice served against the individuals violating the high court’s ruling.
There are also some federal agencies expressing anti-First Amendment sentiments regarding freedom of religion. Recent news of the FBI’s leaked documents shows that the bureau issued a warning that traditionalist Catholics pose an extremist threat.
These are only a few more recent examples. Countless other anti-biblical laws can be found with minimal research. As one can see, just as with the historical, moral decline of Sodom, the world is following a similar path of degradation, perversion, and destruction. However, this should be of no surprise to the Saints.
“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 1:9 KJV
So again, as believers, we are instructed by the Messiah Yahusha concerning these last days that we should expect our world to mimic what Noah experienced just prior to the flood.
Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Luke 17:26,27 KJV
With all this in mind, the question remains: How are believers to react and function in this crazy modern Mystery Babylonian world, whose laws and morals often oppose sound Biblical morals and principles? This question brings us back to the lesson taught by Yahusha in Matthew 11:28-30.
The yoke and burdens of Yahusha are easy and light compared to the madness of the world’s endless stream of laws, wokeness, changes, and double standards. It should be evident to Bible believers that the world’s yoke and burden are impossible to carry.
How can one maintain their biblical morality and loyalty to the kingdom of heaven’s laws, which the Creator uttered at the beginning of time, and simultaneously practice the perverse laws of the Mystery Babylon? Attempting to please the world and satisfy its demands amounts to trying to hit a moving target while blindfolded, constantly having your feet swept from underneath you on sandy ground, which has no foundation in truth.
However, with Yahuah’s laws and ways, the target is fixed and our feet are planted on solid ground. We are anchored to an unmovable foundation built on Biblical truth. Yahuah’s ways lead to freedom and rest for one’s soul – rest from the madness mentioned earlier in Genesis, Jasher, and modern societal anti-biblical law examples.
Yahusha Lifts Our Burdens
In closing, I want to clarify that I am not suggesting any rebellious anti-government sentiment. The purpose of these examples is to remind Bible believers that we are to be set apart and be a light to a lost world.
It is my hope and prayer that you will begin to see that the instructions provided in the Torah, the Prophets, and the Brit Ha’dasha (New Covenant) writings are not a heavy burden. Taking up the yoke of Yahusha, walking at his side on the narrow path, is indeed easy in comparison to the endless list of laws the world imposes on mankind.
As the scriptures teach in John 15:18-19, Matthew 5:16, Romans 12:2, and 1 Peter 2:9, we are not of the world and are called to Yahuah’s Kingdom as a set apart people. We are to live our lives set apart as an example to a very lost world that is burdened by a mountain of manmade laws. Yahusha, our Messiah, is a living example of how God’s laws model an easier way of life.
In the freedom with which Messiah has made us free, stand firm, then, and do not again be held with a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 TS2009
So יהושע (Yahusha) said to those Yehuḏim who believed Him, “If you stay in My Word, you are truly My taught ones, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31,32 TS2009
Blessing, shalom, and all glory and Honor to Yahuah on high.
Photos by Ulrike Mai and Karl Fredrickson
FOOTNOTES
1 We acknowledge the controversy surrounding the authenticity of the Book of Jasher. These references are made to boldly illustrate how mankind goes astray when Yah’s rule of law is perverted.
And now if you will indeed hear my voice, and keep my covenant, ye shall be to me a peculiar people above all nations: for the whole earth is mine. Exodus 19:5 LXX Septuagint
The concept of covenant is a rather interesting notion. Unlike a contract, covenants are very personal. From a biblical perspective, a covenant is a relationship between two people who make binding promises to one another with the objective of realizing a common goal. The party of the first part is Yahuah. The parties of the second part are believers in Messiah – the peculiar1 people spoken of in Exodus 19:5.
The Ten Commandments are the standard by which we can measure whether we are truly living righteously. When we walk in obedience to these commands we can (by faith) reach the common goal of resurrection and eternal life in the Father’s Kingdom. Those committed to keeping Yah’s covenant and obeying these commandments are therefore considered to be His peculiar people.
The Character of Peculiar People
The word “peculiar” in Greek is periousios (G4041).It means that which is one’s own, belonging to one’s possessions, or a people selected by God from the other nations for His own possession. The Hebrew word for peculiar is segullah (H5459). It can mean a treasure, something special, a jewel, or valued possession.
Peculiar people have certain characteristics:
They deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.
They live sober, righteous, and godly lives.
They are filled with joy and love for Yahuah, Yeshua, and their neighbors.
They walk by faith.
Their blessed hope is in the first resurrection.
Teaching us that by denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.
Titus 2:12-14 KJV
The Ten Commandments provide the fuel for denying ungodliness and set the standard for sober, righteous living. Unfortunately, many believers are being told by pastors that they are under a new covenant and the Ten Commandments no longer apply.
It is ironic however that even the secular judicial system uses the last five commandments as the basis for criminal convictions every day. A person choosing to break “the law of the land” ends up facing a judge – a stranger – who will decide their fate. The bottom line is every living, breathing person is subject to some kind of law.
The Ten Commandments provide the structure we need to live godly lives. Following this set of standards for sober, righteous living will help save us from a criminal conviction and keep us in covenant with Yah Most High.
The Destiny of Peculiar People
Peculiar people have a spiritual destiny rooted in faith and obedience.
They anticipate the coming Kingdom of Yah and His Son here on earth.
They will someday be ordained into Yeshua’s royal priesthood.
They have been beneficiaries of the mercy of Yah.
They take comfort in the fact that they are chosen people.
And ye shall be to me a royal priesthood, and a holy nation: These words shalt thou speak to the children of Israel.
Exodus 19:5-6 LXX Septuagint
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of the darkness into His marvelous light: which at times were not a people but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV
The word “mercy” is used twice in verse ten. It is the Greek word “eleeo” (G1653). It can mean“to have mercy on, to help one afflicted or seeking aid, to help the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched, or to experience mercy.”
Peculiar People Obey the Ten Commandments
The first three of the Ten Commandments teach us to honor our Creator.
He is El Shaddai (Almighty God) the most powerful of all. We should have no other gods or false deities before Him.
Yahuah is the only True Eternal Living Elohim and man should not make nor bow down and worship any man-made idols or false deities.
We should not take Yahuah’s name in vain. Peculiar people give Him glory, honor, praise, and respect at all times.
The best place to start practicing peculiar behavior is to learn how to love the Almighty, His Son, and others. Hurting people may also need to forgive and learn to love themselves.
A fruitful life full of love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace is certainly doable for those who remember what Yeshua said in Mark 9:23 —
If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.
Peculiar people honor the fourth commandment which governs the seventh day of the week.
Remember the Sabbath dayto keep it holy.
Yahuah kept the Sabbath2 when He finished His six days of creation. Angels in Heaven guard (keep) the Sabbath along with our Heavenly Father and Yeshua, our High Priest.
And on the seventh day, God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy because it was the day when He rested from all His work of creation.
Genesis 2:2-3 NLT
And all the angels of the presence, and the angels of sanctification, these two great classes- He has bidden us to guard the Sabbath with Him in heaven and on earth. And He said unto us: Behold, I will separate to myself a people from among all peoples, and these shall guard the Sabbath, and I will sanctify them unto Myself as My people and will bless them; as I have sanctified the Sabbath day and do sanctify it unto Myself, even so, will I bless them, and they shall be My people and I will be their God.
Jubilees 2:18-19 R.H. Charles Translation
And thus He created therein a sign in accordance with which they should guard the Sabbath with us on the seventh day, to eat and to drink, and to bless Him who has created all things as He has blessed and sanctified unto Himself a peculiar people above all peoples and that they should guard the Sabbath together with us. And He caused His commands to ascend as a sweet savor acceptable before Him all the days.
Jubilees 2:22-23 Cepher
Complete rest is found by building a faithful relationship with the Father and His Son by following the Ten Commandments and other Torah instructions found throughout the scriptures. These include the fifth commandment which says to honor your father and your mother.
Yeshua (Jesus) says:
“If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.
John 15:10 NASB
The good news for those living under the bondage of a sinful life is they can call out to Yahuah through His Son Yeshua our High Priest, and receive much-needed help. This perfect free aid package is the covenant found in Exodus 19:5-24:8. It is available to everyone seeking truth and mercy from our Heavenly Father and His Son. Peculiar people understand and trust these promises.
FOOTNOTES
1 Most new translations use “special” in place of peculiar.
As believers in Messiah we must take the notion of spiritual preparation seriously. Time spent with Yah is how we prep for Kingdom warfare.
I must admit however, that during the winter months, after the fall feasts have ended, I often find myself challenged. The glory of the Sukkot feast days of October has long faded away, giving rise to a progression of so-called holidays. These winter season pagan celebrations are commonly known as Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day. They are some of the high watermarks of the worldly Gregorian calendar.
Torah-observant believers like us realize how difficult it can be to be around those who reject the Father’s appointed times gatherings. Biblical calendar keepers know how stressful these encounters can be.
Additionally, being cooped up inside for months poses other challenges. During these winter months of lifelessness, bitter cold, little exercise, and lack of sunshine, we may fall prey to depression. As daunting as these obstacles may seem, we know that nature’s resurrection is on the horizon.
The biblical new year’s start in the spring season is so fitting because it is filled with evidence of new life. Our renewed joy in Messiah Yahusha has cycled back again. With unbridled anticipation, we look forward to celebrating the spring feasts: Passover (Pesach), Unleavened Bread (Matzah), Shavuot (Pentecost), and Firstfruits..
Spiritual Preparation Is Our Battle Armor
It may be tempting to use the winter doldrums as an excuse to ride out the clock. However, as believers we must resist the urge. I encourage Torah followers to use this time to hone their skills and dive deeper into the scriptures. We must use this time to prepare for battle.
Let us not forget that we are constantly in a war, as it is written, “Because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against authorities, against the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual matters of wickedness in the heavenlies.
Ephesians 6:12 TS2009
The world is the battlefield that we must conquer through the help of the Ruach HaKodesh — the Holy Spirit. The way we prepare spiritually to fight this battle is through prayer and obedience. This takes time and dedication.
2 Samuel 11:1 tells us that it was at the turn of the year (spring/vernal equinox) when sovereigns went out to battle. The long winter months provide a great opportunity to regroup our thoughts and rededicate ourselves to the study of Yah’s word. Doing so prepares us spiritually for the new battles which will inevitably come.
Brothers and sisters, let us take this message to heart as we put on the armor of Yahuah (Ephesians 6:8-10) and spiritually prepare for the challenges ahead. Be encouraged and emboldened by the strength and protection we have in our Elohim Yahuah.
I leave you with a few verses of encouragement:
Blessed be Yahuah. Day by day He bears our burden, the El of our deliverance! Selah.
Psalms 68:19 TS2009
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
1 Corinthians 1:3-4 HCSB
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not fight according to the flesh. For the weapons we fight with are not fleshly but mighty in Elohim for overthrowing strongholds, overthrowing reasonings and every high matter that exalts itself against the knowledge of Elohim, taking captive every thought to make it obedient to the Messiah, and being ready to punish all disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 TS 2009
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall prove wrong. This is the inheritance of the servants of יהוה, and their righteousness from Me,” declares יהוה.
Whenever you bring up the Bible’s prohibition against eating unclean food, get ready for a fight. It is not an easy conversation to have with most Christians. And if you live in Texas or Louisiana, what I am about to say could be considered fighting words. But this subject needs to be addressed, as it deals with how our Creator wants us to treat our bodies — the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Do you not know that you yourselves are Yah’s temple, and that Yah’s Spirit dwells in you?
I Corinthians 3:16
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from Yahuah? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify Yahuah with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19,20
What agreement can exist between the temple of Yah and idols? For we are the temple of the living Yah. As Yah has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their Elohim, and they will be My people.”
2 Corinthians 6:16
If our goal is to become more like our Father Yahuah and His son Yeshua, we must strive to model their behavior. This is a lifelong transformation process that can only happen by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:1,2) We have to think differently about Torah — or, the Law.
Unfortunately, many of us have sat through countless sermons where we were told that “the law” had been done away with on the cross. We were taught that Old Testament commandments concerning food had no relevance in our modern age with its advancements in medicine and nutrition. The impression was given that we could eat anything we wanted because of…you know…grace.
Grace without the law is anarchy. The law without grace is tyranny.
Rob Skiba
Many fail to realize that the entire canon of Scripture instructs us in how our Creator wants us to live. These instructions apply to every generation, beginning with Adam. The wall of division between Old and New Testament was put there by men. And yes, there have been changes in the administration of the covenant since Genesis. However, these changes are not to be confused with changes in Torah.
There are different ministries, but the same Yahuah. There are diversities of operations, but it is the same Elohiym which works all in all.
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Messiah, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Yeshua.
Ephesians 4:11-13
Administrative changes or adjustments have been made in Torah instructions. However, these changes should not to be taken to mean that either the Father or Yeshua abolished the requirements of the law altogether. (Matthew 5:17)
Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it. For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures!
The directions and instructions given to us in the Torah (Law) are the guidelines we are to follow in order to live righteously in relationship with Elohim — a lifestyle that will ultimately lead to eternal life. As this precious relationship grows and matures, our thoughts, actions and deeds will align with His. This is the epitome of righteous living.
What is Food?
Nowhere in the New Testament (Brit Ha’dasha) do we see an administrative change in the rules regarding clean and unclean food. In a broader sense, dietary restrictions aren’t strictly about food. The rules that govern what we should or should not eat has everything to do with Yah’s concern for our health and well-being. Our Creator knows that certain plants and animals, when ingested, can either kill us or ruin our health. This is why we are given instructions on what types of animals we should avoid ingesting.
Before we get into the nitty gritty of what foods are off limits to us, we must first understand what food is and what it is designed to do for us. Let’s begin with a secular definition of food. The American Heritage Dictionary1 defines food as:
Material, usually of plant or animal origin, that contains or consists of essential body nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals, and is ingested and assimilated by an organism to produce energy, stimulate growth, and maintain life.
There are two Hebrew words for food mentioned in the Old Testament writings. One is ma’akâl (H3978). It can mean food, fruit, or meat. Maakal is taken from akâl (H398) which means to eat, devour, burn up or feed. It is first mentioned in Genesis 2:9:
And out of the ground made Yahuah Elohim to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food;
The other word for food is ‘ôkel (H400) which is the word Joseph’s brothers used when explaining why they came to Egypt. Okel can mean meat, food, eating, victuals or prey. It also carries the understanding that through sustenance one becomes whole and satisfied.
The Most High wants our bodies to be filled with meats and vegetables and grains that will cause us to be whole, satisfied, and disease-free.
Detestable and Unclean
The notion of clean and unclean animals did not originate in the Mosaic law given at Sinai. Yah’s commandments, statues and laws have been in effect since the first couple resided in the Edenic paradise. When Noah was provisioning the Ark, he made room for both clean and unclean beasts and birds.
The clean and unclean animals, the birds, and everything that crawls along the ground came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two, male and female, as Yahuah commanded Noah.
Genesis 7:8
The clean animals were to be used in the sacrificial system of worship and for food. The unclean animals were “vacuum cleaners” designed to keep our earthly home clean. More on this later.
As part of his Torah instructions we are cautioned not to eat any detestable (abominable) or unclean thing so that we can live long and enjoy healthy lives.
You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you.
Leviticus 20:25
Food laws were (and are) two-fold in their purpose. They apply equally to the civil and the ecclesiastical. In antiquity, the purpose behind making a distinction between clean and unclean meats was to discourage the Israelites from becoming influenced by foreign cultures regarding their dietary and religious practices.
The Hebrews were taught to abhor certain foods eaten by other cultures so as to be a distinctive, peculiar people set apart for Yah.
Unclean Food Fights
As was mentioned before, there is a popular misconception that the New Covenant effectively abolished Yahuah’s laws and commandments. Many people assume that clean vs. unclean food restrictions were limited to ancient Jewish cultural practices. However, ministerial changes enacted following the transition from a Levitical priesthood to the ministry of Yeshua did not void Torah’s clean and unclean food distinctions.
Both Paul and Peter stressed the need for all believers to practice righteous behavior as outlined in the Torah. By doing so we demonstrate to the world our set-apartness and put obedience on display. For those of you who remain unconvinced, we will look at New Testament Scripture verses that prove that Old Testament food instructions are still in effect.
Peter’s Vision in Acts 10
He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. Then a voice said to him: “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!” “No, Lord!” Peter answered. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
Acts 10:10-15
Although many believers assume that Peter’s vision meant that Old Testament dietary restrictions had been lifted, they are mistaken. Peter’s vision had nothing to do with food. The conversation he had with “the voice” was concerning how “unclean” gentile nations would now be eligible for a place in Yah’s coming Kingdom based on the redemptive work of our Messiah. Their conversion would be based on repentance and faith in Yeshua.
Read down to verse 28 of the chapter for context. When Peter met up with Cornelius in Caesarea, he told the people gathered in the Centurion’s home that the vision concerned the Gentiles — the nations.
He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.
Acts 10:28
When Peter professed to never having eaten anything common or unclean, he was still obeying Torah dietary restrictions 2 ten years after the crucifixion of Yeshua.
A Pauline Controversy in Romans 14
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him.
Romans 14:1-3
Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
Romans 14:13-18
In Paul’s day meat was often sacrificed on pagan altars and dedicated to pagan gods. This meat would subsequently turn up in local meat markets for sale. These verses fail to support the argument that Paul was teaching that the law governing clean and unclean animals had been rescinded. The issue here had everything to do with a person’s conscience.
The debate was centered around a believer’s freedom in Messiah; their liberty operating within the framework of Torah. New believers from pagan nations were told by Paul that they had choices. If they did not want to risk eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols they could fast, or eat only vegetables. If their conscience was was not bothered by eating sacrificed meat, they could eat the meat. That’s why Paul, said “let each be fully convinced in his own mind”3 because “whatever is not of faith is sin.” 4
Paul was not giving permission to eat pork or any other unclean meat. Romans 14 deals with the notion of Christian liberty — behaving according to what your conscience allowed.
The Colossian Food Police
Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath.
Colossians 2:17
This passage has nothing to do with eating clean or unclean meats. The Greek word for food used here is brosis, which describes the “act of eating.” This is evidenced in the following literal translations of this verse:
Let no one, then, judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect of a celebration, or of a new moon, or of Sabbaths,
Colossians 2:17Literal Standard Version
Let no one, then, judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect of a feast, or of a new moon, or of sabbaths,
Colossians 2:17Young’s Literal Translation
Let no man therefore create a disturbance among you about eating and drinking, or about the division of the feast days, the beginning of the months and the day of the sabbath:
Colossians 2:17Lamsa Bible
Paul was not addressing believers who were eating unclean animals, nor is he criticizing teachers who advocated in favor of Old Testament dietary practices. The argument over clean or unclean food doesn’t even come up in this passage. Paul was confronting some strains of asceticism — the avoidance of anything enjoyable. These false teachers believed that by denying the body, people could achieve a greater degree of spirituality. Paul summarized this belief as “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle.”
If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations: “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”? These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such restrictions indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-prescribed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body; but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 2:20-23
The Timothy Dilemma
They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:3-5
Were these teachers warning believers not to keep antiquated laws concerning clean and unclean food? Paul’s beef with these teachers was that they were telling people to obey commands not found in the Scriptures. The Father encourages marriage and tells us which foods are good for us. The real issue here were beliefs rooted in Greek philosophy which taught that the body was evil and only the soul mattered. Their rules made them appear “hyper spiritual.” In reality these were the doctrines of demons. Again, asceticism rears its ugly head.
Paul was telling Timothy — and us — to trust the Scriptures and not questionable teachers with ulterior motives. It is by studying the word in context that we will be able to identify which meats are set apart by Yah for our enjoyment.
Bible Translations, Interpretations, and Commentaries
Before we go any further, I have to give a shout out to Sean Griffin of Kingdom in Context ministry. Sean’s caveat is “context creates comprehension.” He asserts, and rightly so, that if you cherry-pick certain Scripture verses to support your preferred dogma or doctrine then you will deceive yourself. When studying the Scriptures we must always consider the context. (Exegesis vs. Eisegesis)
Unfortunately (or futunately) we are living in a time where there are so many English bible translations that it is impossible to give an exact count. Couple this with the fact that these translations come in different “flavors”5 then it becomes a real challenge for those of us who sincerely desire a deeper understanding of what the Father is trying to tell us in His Word.
Consider these verses in chapter 7 of Mark’s gospel:
Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially. And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining. So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.”
Mark 7: 1-5
The key to this exchange is found by examining the context! The Pharisees wanted to know why Yeshua’s disciples did not honor their hand washing ritual. This confrontation was not about clean vs. unclean meat consumption. The Pharisees were insulted because their traditions were being ignored.6
Later in the chapter, Yeshua explained to the crowd that witnessed the exchange what it meant to be truly defiled.
“Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.”
Mark 7: 18,19
Your Bible translation probably ends the verse with a statement in parenthesis. This means the publisher or translator took liberties to “help” you understand what is being said. In the case of Mark 7:18 and19, are they helping you understand, or are they pushing the narrative that the rules governing clean and unclean food was done away with? (Violating Torah by eating unclean animals would have been unthinkable to Yeshua and his disciples.7 )
Here is a sampling of the discrepancies found among available modern, classic, and literal translations.
Modern Translations
Classic Translations
Literal Translations
For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.) NIV
Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? KJV
Because it does not enter into his heart, but into the belly, and into the drain it goes out, purifying all the meats. LSV
…since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) ESV
…because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods. NKJV
…because it doth not enter into his heart, but into the belly, and into the drain it doth go out, purifying all the meats. YLT
…since it does not enter his heart, but [only] his stomach, and [from there it] is eliminated?” (By this, He declared all foods ceremonially clean.) Amplified
Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all kinds of food. Webster’s Bible Translation
Because it does not enter into his heart, but into the belly and goes out into the latrine. Purifying all the food. LET
…because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.) BSB
…because it goeth not into his heart, but into his belly, and goeth out into the draught? This he said , making all meats clean. ASV
For it goes not into the heart, but into the belly, and goes forth into the privy, purging all food. SLT
This confrontation was not about clean vs. unclean meat consumption. It was about man made traditions that teach people to disregard the commandments of Yah.
Yeshua was saying that our bodies are designed to process and excrete small dirt or dust particles that might enter the body via unwashed hands. He was telling them that it was more important to have clean thoughts. Bible translators, by adding parenthetical commentary, were misrepresenting Yeshua’s words in order to sell the doctrine that dietary laws no longer had to be obeyed.
Eat At Your Own Risk
Baby back ribs, shrimp scampi, gumbo, fried calamari and escargot. What’s not to like? Is the Father being mean by telling us that these are foods we should avoid? Watch the video and decide for yourself.
Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.
Hebrews 7: 11,12
The administrative modification made following the change from the Temple system (involving the Levitical priesthood) to the ministry of Yeshua meant that certain rules were no longer applicable. The law governing those who would serve in this new type of priesthood was changed, but not rendered invalid.
You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:5
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9
Yeshua’s ministry does not invalidate Torah. With Yeshua as our High Priest of the New Covenant, we are assured of “better promises” that include eternal life in the coming Kingdom — not “better law.” We can look forward to new glorified bodies in which the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) will operate to the fullest, guaranteeing that we will never sin again. In the meantime, we are to practice righteous living by respecting and obeying Yah’s instructions on how to live holy lives in this mortal flesh.
Remember, it was the pagan nations with unclean practices that Yah’s people were constantly being admonished to avoid. Part of the calling of Yeshua’s disciples was to steer people away from the profane, idolatrous, and abominable.
Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD.
Isaiah 66:17
And Yahuah said to him,Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
Ezekiel 9:4
Nevertheless, the foundation of Elohiym stands sure, having this seal, Yahuah knows them that are his. And let everyone that names the name of Mashiach [the Anointed Messiah] depart from iniquity.
2 Timothy 2:19The Cepher
Righteous People Behaving Righteously
In Deuteronomy,8 Moses warned the people that they would suffer if they chose to disobey the commandments of the Most High. If they behaved righteously, by obeying Torah, their lives would be blessed. The same holds true for us today. (We become like the god we serve.)
In the case of food, we are what we eat. The greatest nutritionist you could ever consult would be our Heavenly Father. He literally wrote the book on nutrition. It’s called the Bible.
The Father knew way back then that eating pork, shellfish, and other unclean meats would make us more susceptible to stomach ulcers, digestive tract infections, and cancer. The danger lies in the unseen bacteria and toxic micro-organisms that these unclean animals and insects carry. It doesn’t matter what eccentric foodie bloggers think. When we disobey clearly defined dietary laws we will eventually pay the price.
The bottom line is will we be obedient or give into the demands of our flesh?
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love Yahuah your Elohim, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that Yahuah swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30: 19,20
As you share this information with family, friends and others, it is important not to be argumentative. We must respect each individual’s freedom of choice. We should never try to push Yah’s Torah on adults who have the right to make their own decisions. Shalom.
Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4: 5,6
FOOTNOTES
1 The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th edition
5 Not all translations are created equal. Some focus on a literal (or word for word) translation. Others focus on helping us understand the original meaning — thought for thought — of each passage.
6 Mark 7: 6-13
7 Paul: Acts 24:14;25:8;Romans 3:31;7:12,22. James: James 2:8-12;4:11. John: 1 John 3:4
Credit: The clean and unclean food lists are taken from the booklet “What Does the Bible Teach About Clean and Unclean Meats?” by The United Church of God, an International Association.
In his letter to believers in Colosse, the Apostle Paul implored believers there to walk in wisdom and redeem time.
Walk in wisdom toward those outside, redeeming the time.
Colossians 4:5
What was Paul telling them, and why did he use the word redeem when referring to time?
One of the cornerstones of Kingdom living is understanding how to be good stewards of our time — our most precious commodity. Once it is gone, you can never get it back.
Most life coaches will tell you that the best way to harness the time we have on this earth is to develop routines or daily rituals. They say these habits will save time, and simplify your life. However, while saving time through daily rituals may be a worthwhile goal, believers in Messiah should also be primarily focused on redeeming time.
How You Redeem Time
If you take a closer look at the words time and redeem in the Hebrew and Greek you will discover something very interesting. The first time the word redeem appears in Scripture is in Exodus 6:6.
Therefore say to the children of Israel: I am Yahuah; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.
Exodus 6z:6
Redeem in the Hebrew is גאל (Strongs #H1350) which relates to the ancient near east concept of kinship; that is to be the next of kin, and as such, to buy back a relative’s property, marry his widow, etcetera. The Greek word is exagorazo (Strong’s G1805). It means to buy up or ransom or rescue from loss. It comes from the word agorzo (#G58/G59) which means to gather in the marketplace to purchase. It implies the purchase of something. It has little to do with measuring the flow of time.
When you put it all together, the verse could be telling us that there is a window of time to do something. It implies that the opportunity will not always be here. In an agricultural context the meaning becomes clear. There is an appointed time that the farmer has to harvest the crops before the entire field goes bad. What Paul is saying is that we live in evil, dark times. We have limited opportunities to do the good works Yahuah has called us to do. If we allow ourselves to get caught up in the busyness and troubles of each day, we will miss many opportunities to harvest souls for the Kingdom.
This is why establishing daily routines or rituals are important. These habits serve the purpose of putting us on auto pilot, so the routine things of living don’t devour our time.
When you choose to wake up at a set time each morning to study the Scriptures, it is part of the process of redeeming time. Maybe your ritual includes morning prayer or journaling while sipping a cup of coffee. Part of your daily routine can be devoted to exercising and planning healthy meals for your family.
When our days are organized, it frees us up for the important work of loving our neighbor and reaching out to the lost so they can experience the redemption Messiah paid for us on the tree.
Redeeming Time Will Cost You
The process of making the most of each day does not come easy. It requires introspection, prayer, wisdom and planning. When you have set goals for each day and routinely follow a plan, your life becomes less chaotic. Therefore, when you encounter crisis situations, they will be easier to navigate because of the good habits you have already cultivated. You will be able to see the opportunities for ministry Yahuah has set before you. It will be easier to discern the voice of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spiirt) telling you to “go there” or “speak to that person.”
Are you willing to pay the price to redeem the time so that others can be set free?
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
