Author Archives: Natan Lawrence

Is There a Connection Between Sin and Sickness?

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Is there a connection between the sins we commit and the sicknesses and diseases that come upon us? In many cases, the answer is yes, The Bible has much to teach us on this subject. 

Let’s first establish some basic truths.

Everyone will eventually die, so not all sickness is a result of sin (Heb 9:27).

Some sickness is not due to sin, but comes on us so that YHVH might be glorified when the person is miraculously healed (John 9:2–3). 

The purpose of some sickness is for spiritual our refinement to bring us to a higher level spiritually as was the case with Job.

In a general sense, pain, suffering and death came upon all men because of Adam and Eve’s initial rebellion against YHVH Elohim in the Garden of Eden. As a result of the “fall of man,” all men have come under this curse and suffer as a result.

Unto the woman [Elohim] said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. (Gen 3:16–19)

Some sickness is a direct result of disobeying YHVH’s commandments; that is to say, it is YHVH’s judgment against that sin. For example, in Exodus 15:26, YHVH speaks about not putting the diseases of Egypt upon his people if they will follow his commandments.

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of YHVH thy Elohim, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am YHVH that healeth thee.

The Torah further makes the connection between sin and sickness when it lists the curses for Torah disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:21–22.

YHVH will make the plague cling to you until He has consumed you from the land which you are going to possess. YHVH will strike you with consumption, with fever, with inflammation, with severe burning fever, with the sword, with scorching, and with mildew; they shall pursue you until you perish.

In Deuteronomy 7:15, YHVH again mentions not afflicting his people with the sicknesses of Egypt if they will obey his Torah-commandments.

And YHVH will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.

Elsewhere, the Bible shows that there is a direct relationship between sin and healing in Psalm 103:3,

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases…

“Leprosy” or the infectious skin disease the Torah refers to as tsaraat (Lev 14:34) was a judgment from YHVH against several specific sins.

When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession…

In several instances in the Scriptures, we read that tsaraat was the consequences of a specific sin. In the case of Miriam, it was the sin of pride and rebellion against spiritual authority and using her tongue in an evil manner against YHVH’s spiritual authority (Num 12:1, 9–10). In the case of Gehazi, he became leprous because of greed and lying (2 Kgs 5:20–27). Uzziah, the king of Judah, became leprous because of his pride and rebellion against YHVH when he dared to violate the Torah by burning incense in the temple (2 Chron 26:16–23).

Envy can bring on bone diseases. Envy can also refer to “jealousy and sexual passion.”

A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. (Prov 14:30)

Sexually transmitted diseases are a direct result of sexual promiscuity and idolatry, and is a judgment from Elohim against those who engage in such ungodly practices.

For this cause Elohim gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. (Rom 1:26–27)

Yeshua, on several occasions, equates sin and healing. That is to say, he viewed forgiveness of sin and the healing of a disease as synonymous concepts. To him, the sickness was a result of sin.

Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? (John 5:24)

Yeshua shows that illness can be a direct punishment for sin, as well, when he states that a man whom he had just healed was sick because of his sin.

Afterward Yeshua findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. (John 5:14)

YHVH’s laws of judgment against sin are still in operation even in the so-called “New Testament era of grace.” YHVH struck down and killed Annaias and Sapphira because they lied to the apostles and to the Spirit of Elohim (Acts 5:1–11).

Paul confirms the truth that there is still a correlation between sin and sickness when he states that some within the body of Yeshua get sick and die because of sin. Illness is a direct punishment for sin. Paul teaches that this can occur when a believer doesn’t have the proper fear and respect for YHVH Elohim and those things which are set-apart of kadosh such as blood and body of Yeshua as symbolized in the Passover communion service by the bread and the wine.

For I have received of the Master that which also I delivered unto you, that the Master Yeshua the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Master’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Master, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Master. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Master’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Master, that we should not be condemned with the world. (1 Cor 11:23–32)

When trials of our faith fall on us including sickness and disease, Scripture instructs us to receive it with joy realizing that this is occurring for our spiritual refinement. Then we are told to ask YHVH for wisdom presumably to help us to understand why the trial is occurring, so that we can repent of sin and learn from our mistakes.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of Elohim, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (Jas 1:2–5)

Let us not forget that whom our Father in heaven loves he chastens. Sickness often is a form of loving chastisement or discipline from YHVH Elohim,

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of YHVH, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the YHVH loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, Elohim dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. (Heb 12:5–13)

 

Nathan’s Commentary on Parashat Beshalach Genesis 13:17–17:16

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Exodus13

Exodus 13:18, 21, But Elohim led the people…and YHVH went before them…to lead the way. The Bible records that YHVH speaks to his people in various ways, and still does to this day. He communicates with his people…

  • Through his written word (Ps 119:105).
  • By his Holy Spirit who leads YHVH’s people to into all truth (John 16:12).
  • Through his divinely appointed leaders (Eph 4:11–16).
  • By directing the steps (through life’s circumstances) of a righteous man (Ps 37:23–24; Prov 16:9).
  • By directing the hearts of men (Prov 21:1).
  • Through prophetic words (Num 12:6).
  • Through dreams and visions (Num 12:6).
  • Through wise counselors (Prov 24:6).
  • Through Divine Messengers from heaven (e.g., Judg 6:11–14; 13:3).

Exodus 14

Exodus 14:13–15, And Moses said. The first four statements that Moses makes in these two verses presupposes the four fear responses that the Israelites would naturally have had when trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. What were the Israelites’ reactions? Maybe we can learn something about our own responses when faced with dire situations.

To those who felt hopeless and depressed and essentially wanted to commit suicide by fleeing, which meant certain death since there was nowhere to go: fleeing meant certain death either by drowning in the sea or by Pharaoh’s army, Moses said, “Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation [Heb. Yeshua] of YHVH.” 

To who longed for the good old days of their past lives back in Egypt, Moses said, “The Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see no more.” 

To those who wanted to fight, Moses said, “YHVH will fight for you.” 

To those who wanted to just complain to Moses and YHVH about their plight, Moses said, “Hold your peace.” 

When faced with similar impossible situations, we typically have the same responses as that of the children of Israel, when all we have to do is to stand still in faith and wait on YHVH to supernaturally deliver us. But there’s more. Faith isn’t passive. It’s active. This is where the fifth statement—this one made by YHVH—comes into play. 

YHVH command the Israelites to “Go forward” in faith! YHVH expected Moses, the leader, to lead the way. YHVH told the Israelites to confront their fears including the fear of death and to step into the Red Sea. Only when the people’s leader stepped forward in faith and placed his foot into the Red Sea did the sea part and the deliverance of YHVH became evident.

Note what Moses told Israelites in this first statement: “Stand still and see the salvation [Heb. Yeshua] of YHVH.” As already noted previously, the pre-incarnate Yeshua the Messiah was the Messenger of YHVH who was with the children of Israel in the fire cloud positioned between the Israelites and the Egyptians. When Yeshua the Messiah is in your camp, there is nothing to fear! This was a lesson in faith that the Israelites had to learn—and one we have to learn as well. Let’s not forget the words of the apostle:

I can do all things through Messiah which strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through [Messiah] that loved us. (Rom 8:37)

What shall we then say to these things? If Elohim be for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31)

Exodus 14:13, Salvation. The word salvation here is the Hebrew word Yeshua. Think about this for a moment in light of the context in which this word appears in this story, and the implications for your own life when you are confronted with difficult situations. 

Exodus 14:19, Angel [or Messenger] of YHVH. This is divine entity was none other than the preincarnate Yeshua—the Messenger or Word of Elohim before he was made flesh (John 1:1, 14).

Went behind them. Fire does two things. It both destroys and purifies substances depending on the durability of their composition. It consumes that which is flammable (e.g., wood, hay and stubble) and refines or purifies that which is inflammable (e.g., gold, silver and precious stones; see 1 Cor 3:12–15). To those people whose lives are characterized by wood, hay and stubble (spiritually speaking, this refers to sin and the works off the flesh), fire is a threat and terror. On the other hand, to those whose lives are like gold, silver and precious stones (spiritually speaking, this refers to works of righteousness and the fruit of the Spirit of Elohim), fire is welcomed, since they have nothing to fear. This is because fire will only refine, not destroy them spiritually. 

Moreover, fire creates light. To those whose lives are characterized by light (i.e., truth and righteousness), fire is a positive thing, since it exposes sin and gives them light by which to go forward spiritually. To those people who live in spiritual darkness (i.e., the world, the flesh and the devil), as was the case with Pharaoh and Egypt (a symbolic picture of Satan and the world), and those who love sin and hate Elohim and his righteousness (John 3:19–20), fire and light are feared because it will not only expose their evil deeds, but will consume them through divine judgment (see Rev 20:15). 

Therefore, the fiery flame that separated the Israelites from the Egyptians was a good thing and a blessing for the former and a horrific thing, a curse and a terror for the latter. In fact, in Exodus 15:7, in poetic terms, the Egyptians (a biblical metaphor for rebellious and unrepentant sinners) are likened to stubble that YHVH destroys in his wrathful judgment. This same thing will occur again on a global scale when the earth is burned with fire and the wicked become ashes under the sole’s of the feet (Mal 4:1–3) of the righteous after the white throne judgment (Rev 20:11–15).

What is your life comprised of? Wood, hay and stubble, or gold, silver and precious stones:

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Yeshua the Messiah. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Cor 3:11–15)

Exodus 14:22, The children of Israel went. According to Jewish tradition (e.g., see The ArtScroll Stone Edition Chumash commentary on verse eight), the Red Sea crossing occurred on Nisan 21 (or the month of the Abib, which is the first month of the biblical calendar occurring in the early spring, Exod 13:4), which is the last day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, even though the Scriptures does not explicitly state this. The Jewish sages deduce this from the chronology of events leading up to the crossing. On the fifteenth day of the first month, they reason, Israel left Egypt and traveled from Rameses to Succoth. On the sixteenth day, they traveled from Succoth to Etham, and on the seventeenth from Etham to Pi-hahiroth. Then on the eighteenth it was reported to Pharaoh that Israel had been gone for three days. On the 19th and 20th Pharaoh mustered his army and pursued Israel, and on the twenty-first day of the first month Israel crossed the Red Sea, which was the last day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

The [Red] Sea. The Israelites went through the midst of the Red Sea. Like the killing of the Passover lamb and the painting of his blood on the door posts, the crossing of the Red Sea prophetically pointed forward to the message of the gospel and the steps a disciple of Yeshua must take in his spiritual journey. Paul states in his letter to the believers in Corinth,

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Messiah. (1 Cor 10:1–4)

The Israelites going through the Red Sea is a prophetic picture of baptism for the remission of sins of the new believer. Red reminds us of the blood of Yeshua that cleanses sinners of sin. Moreover, sea water is salty and salt is a biblical symbol representing cleansing, purification, preservation and eternity and all of which point to the efficaciousness of Yeshua’s atoning blood on behalf of the redeemed saint.

Now let’s look at Israel’s Red Sea passage in light of its larger gospel message context. While back in Egypt, YHVH sent Moses the evangelist to the Israelites with the message of redemption from their Egyptian slave masters. To be spared from Eloim’s judgments against sin, all the Israelites had to do was to believe the evangelist (i.e., the preacher of the gospel message), when he instructed them to kill a lamb and to put its blood on the doorposts of their houses (i.e., have faith in the shed blood of Yeshua the Messiah who died on the cross to set us free from the penalty of our sins). Those who obeyed these instructions were spared Elohim’s judgment against sin. 

Next, the Israelites were told to put leaven (i.e., a picture of sin) out of their houses (a symbol of their lives), eat unleavened bread (i.e., a picture of accepting Yeshua unconditionally and living a sin-free life from that point forward) and to leave Egypt (i.e., a picture of leaving behind the world’s ways and lifestyles). 

After that they went through the Red Sea (i.e., a picture of baptism for the remission of sins). 

These were merely the initial steps that the Israelites had to take on their journey to the “Promised Land.” 

After that, they came to Marah, then to the desert oasis of Elim, then they received manna from heaven and water from the rock. 

Through these steps, the Israelites learned about sin, redemption, the Messiah, how to have faith in Elohim, and how to overcome the triple headed enemy of the world, the flesh and the devil. 

For those readers who can discern the code, the gospel message is encrypted in the steps that the Israelites took while traversing the wilderness (a biblical metaphor for our physical life on earth) en route to our own promised land as immortalized and glorified children of Elohim in his eternal kingdom. What the Israelites went through, how they reacted and the consequences of their actions can act as a sort of spiritual road map to aid modern saints in guiding them forward in their own spiritual journey toward inclusion in the kingdom of Elohim as his glorified children. The wise saint will learn from both the mistakes and triumphs of the Israelites. So may we all study the Bible to show ourselves approved, and may YHVH help us to learn our lessons well, so that we may overcome the world, the flesh and devil and be included in YHVH’s everlasting kingdom. Amein!

Chapter 15

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Only One “Biblical Calendar” Is Based on Scripture ALONE!

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For godly people who are returning to the Hebraic roots of their Christian faith, knowing when to celebrate YHVH’s biblical feasts is vital to maturing spiritually, and coming into the unity of the faith as they learn to worship and obey YHVH in spirit and truth. But a question must be asked. How does one know WHEN to celebrate the biblical feasts without having the correct calendar as revealed in the Bible? There are several calendars that claim to be the true calendar of Bible times, but which one is the correct calendar? They can’t all be right. The fact is that there is only one calendar that can be proven solely from Scripture without relying on any non- or extra-biblical sources. This is an undeniable fact for honest Truth seeker, Berean Christians who will rightly divide the word of Elohim. None of the other calendars can make this claim! This video compares the true biblical calendar with the counterfeits. For those who do not care whether if what they do or believe is based solely on the Bible, then this video will probably not be of any value to you. For biblical Truth seekers, this is a must-watch video.

This and other videos by Nathan are available as podcasts on Spotify and Apple podcast under “Hoshana Rabbah.”

For more in depth scholarly resources on the biblical calendar and the various wannabes, go to https://hoshanarabbah.org/blog/page/2/?s=Biblical+Calendar&submit=Search.

 

Nathan’s Commentary on Parashat Bo Genesis 10:1–13:16

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Exodus 10

Exodus 10:2, Tell in the hearing of your son…the mighty things I have done in Egypt. YHVH commanded Moses to record the story of Egypt’s judgment and fall for the Israelite’s future posterity. The Israelites were then to pass this story down orally and in written form to succeeding generations. The Passover seder is the fulfillment of this Torah command in that it reenacts the exodus story. In other words, YHVH is commanding parents to pass the gospel message of redemption downward to each new generation via the seder. The Passover seder is literally a gospel tract involving a dramatic presentation where the participants act out the story of Israel’s redemption which is the basis of the message of the gospel.

Exodus 10:3, Thus says YHVH Elohim of the Hebrews. It is true that Moses did would be similar in our day to going to the president of the U.S., who is the head of the most powerful and advanced nation on earth, and saying, The Elohim of the people of El Salvador says to you do this or that. How much impact would such a demand have on the U.S. president? Little or none. However, when YHVH deputizes a person for a divine mission, YHVH, the Creator of the universe, and just one person make a majority! The size of the country of the messenger no longer means anything.

How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Pharaoh was about to learn a hard lesson at the hands of YHVH Elohim. The sovereign Creator ultimately demands that everyone submits to his will and purposes. Those who refuse to do so imperil themselves. The Scriptures record that in addition to Pharaoh YHVH also held other political leaders accountable for exalting themselves against him and for refusing to humble themselves before him. These include Nebuchanezzar (Dan 4:19ff), Belshazzar (Dan 5:22), Zedekiah (2 Chron 36:12), Lucifer (Isa 14:13ff) and Herod (Acts 12:21–23). 

Furthermore, those who put their trust in false gods will come under the judgment of the one supreme and true Elohim—the Mighty One of the Bible. Elohim uses men’s false gods or idols as a judgment against sinners to help them to see the futility of their idolatrous delusions and to bring them to repentance (e.g., Isa 66:4–5; Prov 10:24). As Elohim judged the false gods of Egypt one by one and brought that arrogant nation down, he will do the same in the end days with Babylon the Great and the idolatrous gods of this world. We see some striking parallels between the plagues YHVH brought upon Egypt and those he will bring upon the rebellious inhabitants of earth just prior to Yeshua’s second coming. For example, the seventh plague of hail (Exod 9:13ff) and the seventh vial with its 75 pound hailstones (Rev 16:17–21) is an ultimate expression of the fierceness of Elohim’s wrath upon a rebellious and still blaspheming world. When the earth is quaking and deadly hailstones are raining down from heaven, there will be no hiding place from Elohim’s wrath. Additional end-time plages that replicate those of Egypt include grievous sores to come upon men (Rev 16:2), the seawater and fresh water turning to blood (Rev 16:3–4), and darkness upon the earth (Rev 16:10). After this, Babylon the Great will fall (Rev 18:2), even as ancient Egypt fell under the severe blows of YHVH’s judgment.

Psalm chapter two summarizes the rebellious arrogance of men, and their conspiracy against the Creator in their attempt to keep control of their earthly kingdoms. Elohim will laugh at them from heaven and will then send his Son to judge them and to break their kingdoms in pieces with his rod of iron. NOW is the time “to kiss” Messiah the Son and to worship him if one desires to escape these divine judgments upon the wicked rebels (v. 12)!

What gods or idols do we have in our lives that we are holding on to? Each of the plagues against Egypt was a direct strike against one of the many gods of Egypt (Exod 12:12; Num 33:4). Elohim will destroy all pretenders and imposters who dare to challenge his sovereignty. (See notes at Exod 7:14.) The god of human pride and self will is the most powerful false god each human will ever face!

Exodus 10:8–10, We will go with our young and our old, with our sons and daughters…we must hold a feast [Heb. chag] unto YHVH. Egypt and Pharaoh (a spiritual metaphors for the world and Satan) wanted to destroy and divide families, which are the bedrock of YHVH physical and spiritual order and the center of Torah community, but Moses insisted on keeping families together when exodusing Egypt and going out to serve YHVH. In YHVH’s order of things, families must always stay together. YHVH’s feasts or chaggim (the plural of chag) along with the weekly seventh day Shabbat are the glue that helps to hold the families of YHVH’s people together. When we gather together in unity with a common purpose and focus to worship the Elohim of Israel and to celebrate his feasts, these events create strong familial, cultural and spiritual ties between families and all of YHVH’s people in general.  Besides that, they are just plain fun to do and deeply significant spiritually.

Exodus 10:19, Red Sea [Heb. Yam Soof]. Is the Yam Soof referring to the Gulf of Suez or the Gulf of Aqaba that is located between the Sinai Peninsula and the modern country of Saudi Arabia?This verse tells us that YHVH brought up a strong wind that blew the locust plage eastward out of Egypt that blew them into the Red Sea. Where is the Red Sea? The Gulf of Suez or the Gulf of Aqaba? In 2012, a record plague of locusts originated in Egypt and made its way across the Sinai and over the Negev. So it is not impossible for locusts to travel long distances, and how much more so with the help of the wind?

Without getting lost in the weeds, let’s now discuss the definition of the word soof which is apparently of Egyptian origin and means “a reed, especially the papyrus, water plant or weed. This word can also refer to seaweed that grows along seashores everywhere. The TWOT admits that Yam Soof can refer to the “Sea of Reeds”—a definition which is not limited to the marshy, papyrus laden to either the Bitter Lakes or Lake Timash areas of the Gulf of Suez, but can also take on a broader geographical area that includes the Gulf of Aqaba as per 1 Kings 9:26. This latter definition is how the LXX translators interpreted the phrase Yam Soof when they preferred the term Red Sea over Sea of Reeds.

Exodus 10:23, But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. YHVH protected the children of Israel from the most severe plagues that fell upon Egypt (Exod 8:22; 9:4, 6; 10:23; 11:7; 12:13). Similarly, YHVH spared Noah and Lot from the utter destruction that fell in their days. In the last days, YHVH promises to protect his remnant people in the great tribulation, from the wrath of Satan, and from the day of his fierce wrath (Rev 7:3; 9:4; 11:15–18; 12:13–17) either by removing them from the scene of destruction (e.g., Noah and Lot), or by placing a mark on them that distinguishes them from those targeted with destruction (see Rev 7:3–4; 9:4 cp. 22:4; Ezek 9:4). It is interesting to note that the invisible mark that the angel placed on the heads of the righteous just before the destruction of Jerusalem (Ezek 9:4) was the Paleo-Hebrew letter tav (t) that resembled our English letter “t” or “x.” Could the divine mark or a seal that will be written on the heads of the end times saints (Rev 7:3–4) be related to YHVH’s command for his people to place (literally or figuratively) on their arms and foreheads his commandments as symbolic sign of remembrance for them to be faithful to his commandments and the covenants (Deut 6:8; 11:18; Exod 13:19)? The resurrected and glorified saints who will be granted entrance into the New Jerusalem will also have YHVH’s name written on their foreheads as a divine seal, mark of ownership and as a sign that their hearts and minds are submitted to and in alignment with him and his Torah-Word (Rev 22:4). Let us not forget that the Book of Revelation identifies the end times saints as those who keep his Torah commandments and also have the faith or testimony of Yeshua the Messiah (Rev 12:17; 14:12). Only these will also have tickets to enter into the New Jerusalem and to eat of the tree of life. Why? Because they “do his commandments” (Rev 22:14)! What happens to the rest who claim to know YHVH but refuse to keep his commandments? Yeshua answers this question: 

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity [lit. lawlessness]. (Matt 7:21–23)

Exodus 11

Exodus 11:2, Silver…gold. These were the wages the Egyptians owed the Israelites for their years of servitude and  eventual enslavement to that nation. History will repeat itself in the future when the wealth of the Gentile nations will come to YHVH’s people, but unlike Pharaoh and the Egyptians, this time the people of the nations will be coming to faith in Yeshua the Messiah (Isa 60:5, 11).

Exodus 12

Exodus 12:2, Month. Month is the Hebrew word chodesh/חדש, which, according to the world’s best scholars, lexicons and Bible translators, means “the new moon, month, monthly, the first day of the month, the lunar month.” It is found in the Tanakh (Old Testament) 276 times and is translated in the King James Version as “month” 254 times, “new moon” (20 times), and “monthly” (1 time). We see that from these definitions that the terms “month” and “new moon” are synonymous. It has been understood for millennia that the ancient Israelites began their month with the new moon. Both the biblical and secular historical records are in unanimous agreement on this point. Many of the pagan nations including the Egypt and Babylon also started their months using the new moon. This, however, in not proof of the pagan originations of sighting the new month in this manner. To say it is would be the same as saying that because pagans believe the 2 + 2 = 4, the saints cannot accept this mathematical truth. Of course, it is obvious that such reasoning would illogical nonsense by intelligent and critically thinking people! Therefore, we reject the spurious notion that sighting the new moon to determine the month’s beginning is pagan.

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Psalm 36 on Divine Revelation and How to Receive It

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Psalm 36:1, An oracle [Heb. nah-oom] within my heart. Nahoom is from the verb meaning “to say or to whisper or, by implication, to utter an oracle.” The Spirit of YHVH will speak to a person from within their inner or personal spirit and give them divine revelation (see also Ps 13:2–3). This calls to mind Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am Elohim,” or the still small voice of YHVH that Elijah heard in the entrance of the cave (1 Kgs 19:12; cp. Ps 4:4; Isa 8:6).

Psalm 36:7, Shadow of your wings. This is an example of poetic imagery or a simile in the Bible. Obviously, YHVH Elohim is not a winged, bird-like creature. The Scriptures contain many such examples where metaphors and similes are employed as poetic devices to describe supernatural aspects or characteristics of Deity where human language lacks the precise verbiage to do so. Often, Bible students come up with novel and even silly interpretations of Scripture when they take biblical poetic imagery and attach a literal meaning to it. When one does this, they can almost make the Bible say anything they want.

Psalm 36:8–9, River…fountain of life…in Your light. When we are in Elohim’s river of life, it is a fountain of life to us, and when we are bathed in the light of YHHV’s divinely revealed Truth, we will see light or Truth (cp. Pss 18:28; 44:3).

Psalm 36:9, In Your light [Heb. aur] we see light [Heb. aur]. In the Bible, the Hebrew aur  or ‘or is spelled two ways: in its complete or longer form as אור or, and in its defective or shortened form as אר. The Jewish sages recognize a deep spiritual truth in this anomaly in the Hebrew text of Scripture. The longer form of the word aur signifies the spiritual light or divine revelation and Truth that emanates only from YHVH Elohim and is given to those he chooses and who have a heart and mind to receive it. The word in its shortened form signifies light, truth or knowledge at a lower level and includes human knowledge minus divine revelation. In a most terse and cryptic manner, this verse speaks volumes! Let this revelation sink in.

But this chapter has even more to offer us in this regard. Let’s move onward and upward as we uncover this vein of gold in the solid rock of YHVH’s word. This whole psalm is about the pure and undiminished light of divine revelation that heaven gives only to a select few. For example, verse one opens with the words, “an oracle within my heart….” This is referring to a declaration or utterance that comes out of the innermost part of a godly person—that is, one’s personal spirit that is connected to the Holy Spirit of Elohim. That is to say, the saints are connected to their Creator in a most unique and special way in that they have a direct  communication pipeline to heaven! This is because they trust in YHVH, and they dwell under the shadow of his (spiritual) wings (v. 7). As a result, they are the recipients of his excellent lovingkindness (v. 7) and “[t]hey shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light” (vv. 8–9). Now if this does not brighten your day, bless you and encourage you to draw closer to YHVH Elohim and to abide continually in Yeshua the Messiah (read John 15:1–17), then what will?

 

Nathan’s Commentary on Parashat Va’eira Exodus 6:2–9:35

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Exodus 6

Exodus 6:1–8, YHVH redeems Israel. 

YHVH took Moses’ weaknesses and turned them into strengths!

Of Frail Men and a Faithful Elohim—The Roots of the New Covenant Revealed

How many times have you started off on a new venture full with enthusiasm and alacrity only to have it fail immediately out of the starting gate? We all have our stories to tell. The difference between one who is successful and one who is not is that the former does not give despite initial failure. Though Moses was one the Bible’s greatest heros of faith, he experienced apparent failure in his initial efforts to free his people from Egyptian tyranny. However, thanks to overcoming faith in YHVH, he “let go and let God” and became the great liberator of the Israelite people and victor over that era’s most powerful nation—a biblical metaphor for the world, the flesh and devil. There is an inspiring lesson and an encouraging message in this story for each of us to this day.

Moses’ first brushes with defeat began the moment he exited the womb, for he was born with a death sentence on his head as he narrowly escaped being aborted. At the last moment, he was adopted into an alien, heathen family and was raised as a prince in the king of Egypt’s household estranged from his Israelite heritage. We can now look back with perfect 20-20 hindsight and see how YHVH orchestrated circumstances in Moses’ life to accomplish a divine destiny, but at the time both Moses and his Israelite family were totally oblivious to higher purpose. For them, it was a day-by-day struggle for survival much less a faith walk.

Despite an auspicious and promising future as a member of the Egyptian royal family in the region’s most power nation, Moses suddenly found himself fleeing for his life as a wanted criminal—a murderer. From riches and fame, he escapes to the backside of the desert out of the legal jurisdiction of the Egyptian authorities where he becomes a lowly peasant tending sheep for forty years. As a shepherd leading quiet, bucolic life, he end up marrying the sheep rancher’s daughter, but his life struggles do not end there.

Two sons are born to him. And they all live life happily ever after. Right? Well, not exactly. While leading a rather mundane life for decades tending sheep in the desert, he unexpectedly has a divine encounter. While tending sheep, YHVH suddenly drops into his life through the spectacle of bush that is engulfed in flames but is not consumed. At that moment Moses’ life is suddenly turned upside down. Then and there, YHVH commissions him to return to Egypt and demand that Pharaoh set the children of Israel free. This is when Moses’ troubles really begin.

A happy marriage, the father of two, a peaceful life as a shepherd—what could go wrong? Moses’ wife wanted nothing to do with Moses’ new ministry. She likely thought that he was out of his mind. Consequently, she abandons him and Moses’ marriage likely ends in divorce. Now Moses is alone and without his family. Likely a monumental depressions situation for him. 

But in faithful obedience to YHVH, Moses accepts the call to lead the enslaved Israelites out of captivity and into the wilderness in which he had spent forty years leading sheep. For all those years, YHVH had been preparing him to lead two-legged sheep. 

As Moses returned to Egypt to confront Pharaoh, YHVH literally put a sermon in Moses’ mouth to preach to Pharaoh, even though he was stricken with a speech impediment of some sort. To this point, Moses’ life is one of stumbling, failure and seemingly random and serendipitous events. What could YHVH possibly make out of this stew of disparate ingredients? A disgraced member of the Egyptian royal family, a wanted criminal, a lowly shepherd, a failed family marriage and life plus a speech impediment on top of it all. This sounds like a recipe for disaster! 

The Bible is teeming with examples like Moses of individuals, who YHVH called to accomplish great things, but who encountered seemingly insurmountable and often life threatening challenges en route to their ultimate, heaven-mandated destiny.

For example, like Moses, although YHVH gave Abraham a divine mission, but stumbled along the way in fulfilling his destiny by trying to make things happen in his own way. The same occurred with both Jacob and Joseph whose lives took a series of unexpected and seemingly disastrous and dead end turns until the seemingly random puzzle pieces fell into place and YHVH’s plan for their lives came to fruition. Similarly, David was anointed as king of Israel many years before became king. In the interim, he spent many years fleeing for his life from those who wanted to kill him. Many more examples could be given.

So Moses’ struggles did not end with his divine encounter, commissioning and empowering at the burning bush. They only begin. As mentioned earlier, shortly thereafter, his marriage likely ended in divorce. His wife of some forty years failed to catch YHVH’s vision for Moses’ life and preferred to remain in the comfort zones of her father’s house in the land of Midian. 

Moving on, YHVH had set the stage is set for Israel’s redemption in Exodus 5:22–23. After all, Moses, as either Pharaoh’s adopted grandson or his nephew (depending on whether this was the Pharaoh of Moses’ childhood or his son), had an “in” with the monarch that he could have exploited for the benefit of securing the release of Israel. Yet Moses’ first venture to Pharaoh was a disaster. The plight of the children of Israel deteriorated instead of being improved. Discouraged, Moses almost takes on an accusative tone toward YHVH (Exod 5:22–23). Graciously, YHVH doesn’t rebuke Moses, but as a loving Father encourages him to refocus on his word and the veracity and surety of his promises (Exod 6:2–5).

Despite Moses’ complaints, YHVH graciously encourages Moses upward and onward in spite of his discouraging first attempt at securing the ­children of Israel’s release from captivity. Is it possible that YHVH allowed immediate success to elude Moses to bring him “to the end of himself” with regard to any tendency he might have had to rely on himself and on his own wisdom to accomplish Elohim’s plans? Probably so, for YHVH tested the faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and David in a similar manner.

As YHVH wanted Moses to rely on him alone for Israel’s deliverance, even so YHVH is teaching is modern saints to trust him alone to accomplish his will in our lives, rather than on not relying on our own human abilities. This is how YHVH increases the faith of his servants. For faith “is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). We have to be totally emptied of ourselves before we are ready for the Master’s use. This does not mean that YHVH will not use our natural abilities, talents or what he have gained through life’s experiences, but we must learn to submit all that we have and are to his sovereign will. Moses gave up everything important in his life to serve YHVH: his wife, his family, his career as a successful shepherd, and his connections to Egyptian royalty. He learned to “trust in YHVH, and do good…Trust in YHVH, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in YHVH; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto YHVH; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass…Rest in YHVH, and wait patiently for him…The steps of a good man are ordered by YHVH: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for YHVH upholdeth him with his hand” (Ps 37:3–5, 7, 23–24).

By following this upward path of spiritual matriculation and maturation, not only is one’s faith built, but YHVH, not man, gets the glory when success occurs (Jer 9:22–23). There is no truer maxim in the Bible than this: they down is the way up. Yeshua characterized this counterintuitive spiritual path this way:

And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (Matt 10:36–39)

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (Matt 16:25)

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (John 12:25)

David summarized this spiritual journey similarly:

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca [or weeping] make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. (Ps 84:5–7)

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Ps 125:5–6)

Or to put these ideas into modern parlance, there is no gain without pain.

When one finally dies to oneself and lets Elohim have his way in his life, it is then that one steps into heaven’s river of life and into the realm of supernatural with its miraculous possibilities endless opportunities.

To this point, at age 80 Moses’ life continues to be one of ongoing struggles and failure.

Moses’ story is one to which most of us can relate. How is this? Because Moses’ road to ultimate success involved multiple setbacks and wrong turns, and he was beset with human foibles and weaknesses. Yet out of the bittersweet ingredients of Moses’ life, out of this confused potpourri and miscellany of human experiences, the Creator of the universe, who ex nihilo created the heavens and the earth, created Moses out of nothing, formed and shaped him, prepared him to prophetically prefigure Yeshua the Messiah, who was to come 1,500 years later. So what is the moral of this story? Like formless, worthless lumps of clay, if we will, in faith, trust and submit our lives into the hands of the Almighty, despite our weaknesses and failures, he can turn each of us into useful vessels that will ultimately bring glory and honor to him—and to ourselves as well.

So what was Moses’ ultimate destiny that required him to go through such a refining process? What was the real meaning and ultimate purpose his life? Here is a key takeaway regarding the life of Moses. He was the tool that YHVH would use to unfold heaven’s plan of redemption for the descendents of Abraham—a plan that would eventually expand to encompass all humans. Through Moses, YHVH brings the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant and adds to it the of righteousness as outline in the Mosaic or Sinaitic Covenant, and in the process lays the groundwork for the New Covenant.

How did YHVH encourage and empower Moses? By reminding Moses of and reaffirming his covenantal promises made to the patriarchs, Moses’ forefathers, and by standing by his word which is summarized in his name and reputation. YHVH reaffirmed his covenant promises to Moses using his covenant name YHVH, three times (Exod 6:6, 7, 8). Here are some other examples of how Scripture uses YHVH’s covenant name along with modifying adjectives to describe his promise and ability to meet all our human needs and to fulfill his lofty plans in our lives:

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Oasis Elim Online: Decluttering Our Lives & Following the Cloud

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YHVH Elohim is nudging many of us to declutter our lives spiritually and to unload the excess spiritual baggage that like a burden and spiritual weight have been dragging us down. There are many things that hinder us from hearing YHVH and following the glory cloud as well as which grieve the Holy Spirit in our lives. Lightening our loads and removing distractions will help us to be wise and not foolish virgins who will be ready to meet Yeshua, our Heavenly Bridegroom when he comes!

This and other videos by Nathan are available as podcasts on Spotify and Apple podcast under “Hoshana Rabbah.”