The Bible reveals that there is a metaphorical river of life that flows from the throne of YHVH Elohim in heaven. Yeshua/Jesus tells us that this supernatural, spiritual river can flow through us out onto others. As it does, it brings a blessing to those around us, but to us as well. How can we receive heaven’s blessing that will help us to navigate through all of life’s problems and give us victory in every situation? Watch this video to find out.
Comments are welcomed on Nathan’s Bible study blog at https://hoshanarabbah.org/blog/.
This and other videos by Nathan are available as podcasts on Spotify and Apple podcast under “Hoshana Rabbah.”
If you are interested in participating in Hoshana Rabbah’s weekly Shabbat online fellowship (Oasis Elim Online), send an email to hoshanarabbah@earthlink.net for more information.
everything in your physical life will take care of itself including all your trials and difficulties. This is because YHVH’s grace is sufficient to carry you through the flood and fires of life (2 Cor 12:9; Isa 43:2), and through the valley of the shadow of death (Ps 23:4). Also all things work together for good to them that love Elohim, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28). Why? Because YHVH Elohim is love (1 John 4:8–16), and he loves his children and wants to save them (John 3:16).
There Is a River of Life That Flows From Heaven’s Throne
Imagine this: for days you have been trekking through a vast, sun-baked desert devoid even of cactuses. Sand and rocks are everywhere. Even the snakes and scorpions have fled this wasteland. Your skin is dry and cracked, your tongue cleaves to the roof of your mouth. Will this hellscape ever end? You drag your beleaguered over another sand dune, and…! Below you is a tree-lined river with crystal clear waters. Have you died and gone to heaven? Is this a cruel joke or a desert mirage? You wipe the dust from your eyes and blink. Yes, it is real. With the last atom of energy left in your sagging body, you pull yourself up the river’s edge. What next? Are you just going to stand there starring in disbelief at this heavenly sight? But you’re no fool. So you jump in and imbibe in the life-giving waters that are before you! Thankfully, you realized that your mortal life has miraculously been spared at the last moment. However…
There is another river—a spiritual one—that flows from heaven, which offers much more than any physical river. It promises both physical and spiritual blessings.
What is this spiritual river of life that flows from heavenly high places bringing with it all manner of blessings in its life–giving waters? In a couple of places, the Bible pulls back the curtains of heaven and gives us some glimpses of this river of life.
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of Elohim and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Rev 22:1–2)
Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.…And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine. (Ezek 47:1, 12)
Rivers are often a biblical metaphor that speak of how to maintain one’s spiritual relationship with one’s Creator and the blessings that come therefrom.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of YHVH; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For YHVH knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Ps 1:1–6)
Thus saith YHVH; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from YHVH. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in YHVH, and whose hope YHVH is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jer 17:5–8)
Yeshua the Messiah spoke of this river of life that flows from heaven and revealed that this same river can flow through a person and out again as a spiritual, life-giving blessing to others.
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Yeshua stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Yeshua was not yet glorified.) (John 7:37–39)
Heaven’s river of life flows from YHVH through his Holy Spirit into man’s spirit, then into man’s soul (ones mind will and emotions) and then into his physical body. For this to occur, one has to be in a right relationship with one’s Creator. Sin, bad lifestyles and destructive habits, like kinks in a garden hose, will prevent this river from flowing into one’s life. To the degree that one loves YHVH and walks in accordance with his Word (his commandments) is the degree to which this river will flow and vice versa. Too many times people want heaven’s blessings without following heaven’s rules. There are no shortcuts or end runs around this process. To defy heaven’s ways is like defying the law of gravity. The results can be disastrous! Heaven dispenses its blessings only to those who follow thee rules. Therefore, the wise person will remove everything from one’s own personal river that is blocking YHVH’s river of life. We must get our lives in synch with the YHVH Elohim, Yeshua, the Word of Elohim and the Holy Spirit to receive heaven’s favor. There is no other way. Man has been trying other ways for thousands of years but every other way leads to misery and eventually to death. It is ludicrous, foolish and illogical to expect good results when we are not following heaven’s rules.
The third chapter of the Book of Proverbs lays out the process for man to follow if he wants heaven’s blessings. There YHVH’s Torah-law or instructions in righteousness is referred to as wisdom and is likened to the metaphorical tree of life as well as to a woman. The author talks about the blessings, riches, long life, happiness and honor that accrue to those who her (i.e., Torah-wisdom; vv. 13–18). This chapter shows that the result of Torah-obedience (v. 1) is long life and peace (v. 2), favor and high esteem among men and Elohim (v. 4) and divine guidance in life (v. 6). The author then goes on to show that such a man tithes to YHVH (i.e., he honors YHVH with the first fruits of all his possessions, v. 9) resulting in material blessing (v. 10). Such a person also accepts YHVH’s chastisements (vv. 11–12), is happy (v. 13), experiences long life (v. 16), has pleasantness and peace (v. 17), receives life to one’s soul (v. 22), is the beneficiary of safety and protection in life (v. 23), has no fear when one is asleep, so one’s sleep will be peaceful and sweet (v. 24), experiences no fear of terror from the wicked (v. 25), and has confidence in dangerous situations (v. 26). Such a man does good to others when he is able (v. 27), treats his neighbor charitably (vv. 28–29), is not pugnacious and a causer of strife (v. 30), and is not envious of others (v. 31), and is not perverse (devious or crooked, v. 32). These are the expected traits and qualities of every Christian disciple of Yeshua the Messiah.
How to Get Into and Stay In YHVH’s River of Life
Natan Lawrence
As a redeemed disciple and follower Yeshua the Messiah, how can you immerse yourself and then stay in heaven’s river of life, so that you may be the happy beneficiary of all that heaven has to offer you in this life…and in the next? Here are some suggestions:
The subject of humility is not a popular one but one that it’s imperative for every serious Christian to learn about and practice. But conquering pride—the opposite of humility—and learning humility is a major pathway to being in the kingdom of heaven/Elohim. My words? No! Yeshua’s words in Matthew chapter five:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.…Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matt 5:3, 5).
This teaching will challenge you in an area in which everyone struggles and show you practical steps to becoming more humble in the sight of YHVH Elohim.
This and other videos by Nathan are available as podcasts on Spotify and Apple podcast under “Hoshana Rabbah.”
If you are interested in participating in Hoshana Rabbah’s weekly Shabbat online fellowship (Oasis Elim Online), send an email to hoshanarabbah@earthlink.net for more information.
By J. Nathan Lawrence Hoshana Rabbah Biblical Resources (HoshanaRabbah.org)
Humility. This is a beautiful treasure box with a label on it, but what is inside? We all have a sense of what humility is and know it when we see it, but can we define it? Are we humble? Perhaps. Maybe, oxymoronically we are even proud of our humility. For sure, true humility is a noble virtue albeit a rare one. The Bible gives this character trait high praises, for it is a spiritual currency that if one possesses has extreme value with YHVH Elohim. Perhaps it is even a key that unlocks the door to the kingdom of heaven. As confirmation of its high value in the eyes of our Creator, we read in his Word,
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 18:4)
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, Elohim resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.…Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (Jas 4:6, 10)
Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for Elohim resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of Elohim, that he may exalt you in due time. (1 Pet 5:5–6)
Again, what does the Bible mean when it speaks of being humble or humility?
The Bible teaches us that humility is more than a mere theological abstraction, or simply an individualistic and introspective reality. It is an aspect of the social order and requirement of the kingdom of Elohim (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia or ISBE, vol. 2, p. 776). Humility is something that has to be learned, so that it becomes a state of one’s heart and mind and that will then radiate out into a lifestyle which determines what a person says, as well as how one thinks and acts.
The biblical truth of justification by grace through faith speaks to the central importance and reality of humility as evidenced in Yeshua’s Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee in Luke 18:9–14. The Pharisee’s lack of humility before Elohim manifested itself as arrogance toward others, resulting in rejection by Elohim. On the other hand, the publican who humbled himself before the Almighty by admitting his sinful condition was justified in the courts of heaven. The people who know that their salvation is a result of Elohim’s grace do not act presumptuously toward others (ibid. pp. 776–777). The well-known saying, “There for the grace of God, go I,” should be front and center in every Christian’s consciousness. The ISBE goes on to say, “The reign of God constitutes a realm in which all previous ideas of prestige, privilege, and protocols are transformed. To submit to God’s kingship is to participate in a new social reality. ‘Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ (Matt 18:1). The one who submits to the rule of God” (ibid.)
The obverse of humility is pride, which like a leaky, wooden ship, seeps in and out of our every pore and is so endemic to us as to be virtually unrecognizable and undetectable as it defiles us from within. As Yeshua said,
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man. (Matt 15:19–20)
Jeremiah did not speak kindly about the natural condition of man either when he declared by the Spirit of Elohim,
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer 17:9)
Though, unlike pride, humility is a rare asset in man’s spiritual bank account, yet is a vital asset in YHVH’s spiritual economy and is an essential attribute if one is to have any kind of relationship with their Creator, But again, what is humility?
Biblical Humility Succinctly Defined
Let’s now define the word humility from a biblical Hebraic perspective. Humility or humbleness is a modest or low view of one’s own importance. It is “a freedom from arrogance that grows out of the recognition that all we have and are comes from God” (Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary it its article entitled Humility). To the heathen Greek philosophers of the biblical era, “humility implied inadequacy, lack of dignity, and worthlessness….This is not the meaning of humility as defined by the Bible” (ibid.). In the secular world, pride in oneself not only is an accepted trait, but is expected of leaders and people of renown. As is the case here and in other areas of human understanding, the ways of Elohim are not only not men’s ways, but often the complete opposite.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith YHVH. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isa 55:8–9)
YHVH Set the Example
Have you ever heard a sermon or Bible teaching on the humility of YHVH Elohim? Probably not. Neither have I. The thought of it never occurred to me until one day I heard a praise song in French the lyrics of which mentioned “the humility of God.” Initially I chaffed at this concept, but the more I meditated on it, the more it became obvious that YHVH set us the ultimate example of what it is to be humble.
For the disciples of Messiah, Yeshua is the central focal point of all biblical truth including the living example of how humility is to be walked out. Think of it. Yeshua, came from heaven, and then humbled himself and became a human, and was then murdered by the very humans he had created.
Who, being in the form of Elohim, thought it not robbery to be equal with Elohim: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phil 2:5–8)
Moreover, Yeshua taught about and lived a humble lifestyle as a homeless itinerant preacher serving others. He then died a humble death as mankind’s Savior.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matt 11:29)
[Yeshua] riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. … if I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:4–5, 14–15)
Let this mind be in you, which was also in the Messiah Yeshua. (Phil 2:5)
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
When it comes to humility, Yeshua blazed a new path for the world to follow, which his true disciples have been endeavoring to emulate ever since. He set aside his divine glory and power and became a lowly human. While on this earth, he came to serve, not to be served. He hung out with the lowliest echelon of people and those the powerful, rich and elite of his day disdained such as publicans, sinners, tax collectors, common working people, Roman soldiers and even demonized prostitutes. He then suffered a brutal and demeaning death, was crucified naked on a cross by the very people that in his preincarnate state had created. Yeshua was merely mirroring and in complete accord with the humility of his Father in heaven, who so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Moreover, the all powerful YHVH Elohim still humbles himself in love to forgive the sinners for whom his Son died, and in the mean time demonstrates never-ending compassion, longsuffering patience with wicked and rebellious humanity, when it is in his power, and is his divine right to punish, if not obliterate defiant and hateful humans. To endure the calumny, blasphemy, rebellion and hateful vitriol of lowly humans without retaliating instantly is the expression of humility in the extreme!
A lot of people talk about being Torah-obedient, but up close, their talk and walk don’t match each other too well. Others claim to follow YHVH’s Torah, but then find a rationale for not doing so when it inconveniences their lives, hinders their money making capabilities, or means becoming unpopular with their friends and loved ones. Still others, in reality, are only playing spiritual games while claiming to be Torah obedient, but live up only to the bare minimal requirements of the Torah while ignoring the rest. Do you fall into any of these categories? When it comes to Torah obedience, are you a minimalist or a maximalist? Yeshua talked about those who draw near to him with their mouths, but their hearts are from him. Hmm… Selah!
This and other videos by Nathan are available as podcasts on Spotify and Apple podcast under “Hoshana Rabbah.”
If you are interested in participating in Hoshana Rabbah’s weekly Shabbat online fellowship (Oasis Elim Online), send an email to hoshanarabbah@earthlink.net.
Leviticus 6:9, Shall be on the hearth. It took many hours (also see v. 12)—all night into the morning—to burn up an animal completely. Similarly, Yeshua hung on the cross for many hours—from sometime after the third hour (9 AM) until the ninth hour (3 PM). Not only this, but from the sixth hour (12 PM) to the ninth hour (3 PM) when Yeshua died, darkness come over the earth (Matt 27:45; Luke 23:44). Both the burnt offering and Yeshua’s time on the cross encompassed hours of daylight and darkness.
Leviticus 6:17, No leaven. Why does YHVH stipulate that the bread cooked on the altar of sacrifice for the minchah offering be without leaven? The main Jewish commentaries are unable to answer this question. It is not until we understand the spiritual implications of leavening as revealed in the Testimony of Yeshua that this prohibition makes sense. Leavening is a Hebraism for false doctrines, hypocrisy and sin (Matt 16:1–5, 12; Luke 12:1; 1 Cor 5:1–5). Unleavened bread, on the other hand, is a metaphor for sincerity and truth (1 Cor 5:5, the last words of the verse). This is why unleavened bread is consumed at communion on Passover, for it is a symbol of Yeshua’s sinless life that he offered up on the cross for sinners (Matt 26:26), and it symbolizes what should be the heart of the saint.
Now is time for the righteous saints of the Holy One of Israel to rise up in a spirit of meekness and tough love and shine the light of truth on the obvious. The fact that the communion bread in many Christian churches is often leavened speaks to an sad paradox. While claiming to set-free from sin, too many Christians are in fact the slaves to sin because of the church’s many false doctrines and unbibical teachings. This is because many Christian leaders and laity are either ignorant, ambivalent or outright antagonistic about YHVH’s Torah law which defines sin (1 John 3:4). Next, since leaven is a biblical metaphor for sin, false doctrine and hypocrisy, it is not a small coincidence that Christians often include leavened bread in their communion ritual. Why? This is a subtle indictment against them that their “Jesus,” to one degree or another, is a quasi-Torahless Jesus, who, in their minds, that he not only violated the Sabbath, the biblical dietary laws and many other Torah commandments, but “fulfilled” or “did away with” many of these laws, so that his disciples would not have to “come under,” that is, to obey YHVH’s Torah law. In other words, their Jesus either (a) violated the Torah, or (b) promoted the violation of it by his disciples. Either way, their Jesus is one who approves of Torahlessness or sin; therefore, it is fitting that their communion bread often contains leavening—a biblical metaphor for sin. Make no mistake! This is an indictment against their false and somewhat blasphemous sin-approving theology. The, leavened bread as part of the Christian communion ritual can never represent the sinless, “leaven”-free life of Yeshua. The Christian “Jesus,” yes; the biblical Yeshua? Never!
Backslid Israel (Samaria) Offered Leavened Bread
Amos the prophet rebuked the apostate Northern Kingdom for offering leavened bread to YHVH as part of their sacrificial offering—a practice that the Torah forbids. As a result this and other ungodly acts, YHVH’s judgment came upon Israel. Prophetically, the Northern Kingdom or house of Israel (as opposed to the Southern Kingdom or house of Judah) is a picture of the mainstream Christian church, which often offers leavened bread as part of their communion ritual—a sinful and even blasphemous practice, since (a) it disregards Torah’s prohibition of this and (b) it implies that Yeshua was a sinner.
Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, bring, and let us drink. Adonai YHVH hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks. And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith YHVH. Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years: And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith Adonai YHVH. (Amos 4:1–5)
Ultimately YHVH will reject his people who refuse to obey his Torah-instructions (Matt 7:21–23). Sadly, Christians leaders have largely failed to instruct their people in the importance of Torah-obedience; thus, most Christians are ignorant with regard to the Torah’s proscriptions and prescriptions.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the Torah-law of your Elohim, I also will forget your children. (Hos 4:6)
Those who reject his Torah commandments will not have a right to the tree of life (Rev 22:14). In the mean time, because YHVH is merciful and gracious, he winks at our Torahlessness. But judgment is coming for those who refuse to come under the yoke of YHVH’s Torah-based covenants (Ezek 20:33–38; Matt 7:21–23).
Leviticus 6:28, Earthen vessel…shall be broken. To this day, there are piles of pottery shards of these earthen vessels in Shiloh in Israel near where the tabernacle once stood. I have several of these shards in my biblical antiquities collection.
Leviticus 7
Leviticus 7:18, 20, 21, 24 (also Lev 6:16, 18, 26, 29; ) Every male…may eat it or every person who eats of it.
The Torah Origins of the Communion Ritual and the Priesthood of All Believers
Why were the priests and the people allowed to eat some of the offerings? What is this all about? Let’s answer this question with a question. Why do believers in Yeshua eat the communion elements, and what do they represent? Is there a connection between the Levitical priests eating of the sacrifice and the saints eating the communion elements? Now let’s explore this idea.
In Leviticus 6:16, 18, 26, 29, only the male priests were allowed to eat of the sin offering; while in Leviticus 7:18, 20, 21, 24 any person may eat of the peace offering. Likewise, YHVH commanded the male priests to eat the baked unleavened bread of the minchah offering (Lev 6:16, 18). Interestingly, some 1,500 years later Yeshua himself not only continued this Levitical practice, but expanded and elevated it to a higher level when he partook of the bread and wine or communion at his last supper Passover seder.
When Yeshua initiated the communion ritual among his disciples, what in essence was he saying? Simply this. His disciples were all now his holy or set-apart priests. This is the origination of the concept of the priesthood of all believers, or the royal priesthood as Peter terms it (1 Pet 2:9), or a kingdom of priests John calls it who will rule with King Yeshua in his millennial kingdom (Rev 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).
It was YHVH’s desire that the children of Israel would become such a priesthood even before he called the Levites to be his set-apart priests (Exod 19:6). However, they failed in this mission when they chose to worship the golden calf instead of YHVH (Exod 32). At that time, YHVH chose the faithful Levites to be his priests instead of the firstborn male leaders from all the tribes of Israel (Exod 32:26, 29; Num 3:11–13, 44).
Moreover, Isaiah prophesied about the priesthood of all believers—a priesthood that would extend beyond the confines of the Aaronic priesthood (Isa 66:21 cp. Dan 7:18). This higher level priesthood would extend beyond the patriarchal male leaders, who were the original priests in Israel (Exod 19:22, 24), to include all the Israelites, both male and female (Exod 19:6), as well as Gentiles who have been grafted into Israel through Yeshua the Messiah (Gal 3:28–29; Eph 2:11–19; Rom 11:11–32), which Paul refers to as the Israel of Elohim (Gal 6:16).
Being a kingdom of priests who will teach the inhabitants of planet earth the ways of Elohim is the role and destiny of all the modern day saints of Elohim who have been washed of their sins (i.e., Torahlessness, 1 John 3:4) in the blood of Yeshua (Rev 1:6), for they will reign with Yeshua on this earth (Rev 5:10) for a thousand years as Elohim’s resurrected and glorified adopted sons and daughters (Rev 20:6; John 1:12 cp. Rom 8:14–15, 23; 9:4; 2 Cor 6:18; Gal 4:5–6; Eph 1:5; 1 John 3:1–2; Rev 21:7).
So saints of the YHVH Elohim, encourage yourself with these immutable promises from the Word of Elohim! Are you presently preparing yourselves now for auspicious and lofty role?
Leviticus 7:13, Leavened bread. The Torah prohibited the offering of leavened bread on the altar (Lev 2:11). There are only two instances where leavening in bread was permitted in the tabernacle service. In this verse, leavened bread was offered in conjunction with the peace offering (Lev 2:13), where it was eaten as part of the sacrificial meal. This was not a sin offering, but the peace offering. Therefore the bread of this offering didn’t represent the body of Yeshua. It was merely part of the fellowship meal representing a peaceful and loving relationship between the offerer and the Creator, and was similar to a family picnic, dinner or barbecue. But it wasn’t placed on the altar, nor was it a part of the sacrifice, therefore, it wasn’t a prophetic picture of the sinless Yeshua dying on the cross.
The second instance of leavened bread being offered in a tabernacle service occurred when the Torah instructs the priests to wave two loaves of leavened bread on Shavuot or Pentecost before YHVH (Lev 23:17). These two loaves are prophetic and symbolic metaphors for the two houses of Israel (the northern kingdom and southern kingdom)—a spiritual picture of Jews and Christians. In this ceremony, the gracious and merciful Creator was demonstrating his acceptance of his people despite their sin.
Leviticus 7:23, Not eat any fat. All the organ fat of the ox, sheep and goats was used as part of the sacrificial service (Lev 7:30–31).The organ fat was given to YHVH as part of the burnt offering (Lev 1:3), the peace offering (Lev 3:3–4), the sin offering (Lev 4:8–10, 19). Fat is the Hebrew word cheleb/CKJ meaning “fat of humans or animals” or metaphorically, “the choicest, best part, or abundance of the land.” Therefore, the fat as one of the choicest parts of the animal, was reserved for sacrifice to YHVH on the altar. By not eating fat, the Israelites in their minds preserved a reverence for YHVH’s altar upon which the fat or the best part was offered to YHVH. To eat the fat was to show irreverence for that best part that belonged to Elohim, which is why the one who violated this commandments was to be cut off from the nation of Israel. As living sacrifices who have been redeemed or bought with the blood of Yeshua, are we giving YHVH the best part of our lives? After all, he so loved us that he gave us Yeshua, which was the best he had to offer.
Leviticus 7:26,Not eat any blood.
The Supreme Significance of Blood
YHVH revealed in his Torah-instructions that the life of flesh is in the blood (Lev 17:11). Therefore, the blood symbolizes the whole life of the living being. This is why the blood being poured upon the altar made atonement for the souls of men (Lev 17:11–12), since it represented and pointed to the shedding of Yeshua’s blood, when he sacrificed his life on the cross in atoning for men’s sins. Respecting the blood is necessary not only because it symbolizes the sanctity of the life of man who was made in the Creator’s image (Gen 1:26 cp. 9:6), but, more importantly, because of the blood of Elohim’s Son that was shed for man’s redemption (Lev 17:11). For one to eat the blood showed disdain for what the blood typifies. In times past, this was so important to YHVH that a violation of this prohibition resulted in one’s banishment from the nation of Israel.
The blood was to be reserved for the sacrificial service, where it was used symbolically to represent Yeshua’s shedding his blood on the cross. Prior to this, the blood of a lamb was put on the door posts to protect men from YHVH’s judgment against sin (Exod 12:7, 13). A little later, Moses sprinkled the blood of oxen on the people symbolizing their coming into covenantal relationship with YHVH (Exod 24:5–8). Additionally, the blood of sacrificed animals was sprinkled throughout the tabernacle, on Aaron and his sons, and all around the altar to sanctify it. All these acts and uses of the blood were illustrative of the unrestricted cleansing power of the blood of Yeshua (Rev 1:5; 7:14; 12:11; 1 Pet 1:2, 19; Heb 9:12; 10:19–22; 12:24; 1 John 1:7; Matt 26:28), which is why YHVH expected his people to treat the blood with a reverence. Those who didn’t evidenced a heart of indifference for the set-apart or kadosh things of Elohim—an intolerable offence in the Creator’s eyes.
On the dark and satanic side, the blood of humans and animals is profaned through demonic rituals involving drinking it and even cannibalism. This is an abominable perversion of holy communion and was an aspect of ancient heathen religions (Ps 16:4; Ezek 39:17, 19 cp. Num 13:32), and is a practice in which the end time Antichrist heathens of the Babylonian whore system will engage (Rev 17:6; 18:13, 24).
Leviticus 8
Leviticus 8:2,Anointing oil … a bull…two rams…unleavened bread. Every aspect of the consecration ceremony of the priests involved the use of one of these elements each of which, in some way, pointed symbolically and prophetically to Yeshua the Messiah and his atoning death and resurrected life. This teaches that we need the work that he accomplished on our behalf both in this death and his resurrected life at every step in our lives “to make atonement for [us]” (v. 34).
Leviticus 8:1–36,The consecration of the priests. See notes at Exod 28:1–29:46.
What Is Holy and What Is Not…Who Determines It?
The Hebrew word kadash signifies “the state of something that belongs to the realm of the sacred, and which is set-apart for divine use and has been separated from the sphere of the secular, common or profane.” The Bible often uses the term holy (meaning “set-apart”) to signify this state of being. The word of Elohim designate many things as being holy orset-apart:
The ground upon which YHVH is standing (Exod 3:5; Josh 5:15)
The people of Israel (Exod 19:6; Deut 14:21; 26:19)
The Sabbath (Exod 16:23; 20:8)
The Tabernacle of Moses (Exod 26:33)
The garments worn by the high priest (Exod 28:2)
The altar of sacrifice (Exod 40:10)
The offerings made on the altar (Lev 6:18)
YHVH’s feast days (Lev 23:2)
The camp of Israel (Deut 23:14)
Heaven as the abode of Elohim (Deut 26:15)
YHVH Elohim (Job 6:10; Pss 22:3; 78:4; 99:5)
Zion and Jerusalem (Ps 2:6; Matt 27:53; Rev 22:19)
The Spirit of Elohim (Matt 1:20)
The angels (Matt 25:31)
The servants of Elohim (Mark 6:20)
The name of YHVH (Luke 1:49)
Yeshua (Acts 2:27; 3:14)
YHVH’s prophets (Acts 3:21)
The saints (1 Pet 2:9; Rev 22:11)
The Torah (2 Pet 3:21)
The people, times and items listed on this listed are holy because Elohim has designated them as such. Only Elohim has the power and authority to determine what is holy and what is not. Just because men and a religious institution designates or sanctify something as being holy or set apart to Elohim doesn’t mean that it is. The proclamations of men stating that something is holy may or may not agree with Elohim and his Word as to what is holy. If it doesn’t, then it is not holy regardless of the labels that men put on it. Examples of this would be manmade holidays and times of worship, people, places and items. Men’s attempt to elevate something that is otherwise of the world, the flesh or the devil to a state of supposed holiness is nothing more than a ruse to fool people into thinking that something is what it is not. Usually behind these efforts on the part of men to attempt to delude the unwary and unsuspecting masses is the quest for money, power and fame. As Paul notes in 2 Corinthians 11:13–15, there are many religious deceivers who appropriate to themselves religious titles, but who, in reality, are tools of Satan, the arch-deceiver who transforms himself into an angel of light. The devil and his humans agents are masters at counterfeiting Elohim’s truth and taking that which is holy and profaning or polluting it, again usually for money, power and fame.
Here is a short list of things that the Bible does not designate as holy, but some people do.
The holy cross
Holy water
Mary, the holy mother of Yeshua
Sunday
Christian holidays
The holy trinity
The holy sepulchre of Christ
The holy father (i.e., the Roman Catholic pope)
Holy relics
The Vatican (i.e., the Holy See)
Holy Week
Holy mass
Holy cities (e.g., Rome, Mecca, Medina)
The holy grail
Holy moly
Holy guacamole
Holy cow
And the list goes on of the things that humans have designated as holy but are not holy according to Elohim.
YHVH’s people must learn to make a difference between that which he designates as being kadash (holy) andthat which is profane (Lev 10:10; Ezek 44:23). In order to do this, one must know what YHVH defines as set-apart in his Written Word and then align their thinking and lifestyle with that. Again, what the Bible calls holy and what religious call holy may or may not be in agreement.
The act of consecrating someone (or something, e.g. Exod 30:26), as occurs in Leviticus 8:12, often involves the ritual of pouring olive oil on them to signify their being set-apart for a special work or service. This is called anointing (see Exod 28:41; 29:7; 1 Sam 16:12; 1 Kgs 1:34; Isa 61:1; 2 Cor 1:21).
Yeshua’s title is Messiah (Heb. Mashiach) literally meaning, “one who is anointed, smeared or consecrated with (olive) oil.” The English word Christ derives from the Greek word Christos, which is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word mashiach. In biblical thought, the Messiah would be One coming from heaven who would possess a super-anointing of the Spirit of Elohim (Isa 11:1–10; 42:1–21; 61:1–3; John 3:34) to accomplish the purposes of Elohim on earth.
Have you placed your trusting faith in Yeshua the Messiah, the Anointed One from heaven? He is the only one who can take away the shame, guilt and penalty of your sin, and the only one who defeated death and the grave and can lead you past the veil of death and into immortality.
Leviticus 8:13, Hats. Hat is the Hebrew word migba’ah meaning “turban or headgear” and from gibah meaning “hill.” From these meanings, we can surmise that these hats were rounded affairs that extended upward above the head like a turban. The TWOT explains that this turban was of a convex shape that was worn by the ordinary priest and was different from that worn by the high priest.
Leviticus 8:23, Right ear. (also Exod 29:29) According to the Jewish sages, the putting of the blood on the right ear, thumb and toe of the priest signified the priest’s covenantal agreement to conform himself to the high spiritual calling to which YHVH had appointed him. He agreed to hear and understand, achieve or act and to walk in the ways of Elohim as a spiritual leader of YHVH’s people. The Jewish sages also stress that blood of the sacrificed animal placed on the priest’s ear, thumb and toe symbolizes the death and giving up of that which is profane in the priest’s life and his spiritual rebirth or revival to the set-apart (holy) work and service of YHVH. This ceremony pictures self-surrender and giving oneself up at the altar of YHVH’s service. This is the greater issue behind the concept of sanctification. Sanctification is more than a label; rather, it is a lifestyle characterized by self-sacrifice, service and obedience to one’s spiritual master. This points forward to the purpose of the spiritually regenerated redeemed believer, who becomes a new creation in Messiah (2 Cor 5:17; Gal 2:20), and who is no longer his own, since he has been bought and paid for by Yeshua’s blood (1 Cor 6:20; 1 Pet 1:18–19). Furthermore, the blood on the ear, thumb and toe speaks to the fact that if and when we sin through hearing or doing something, or going somewhere we shouldn’t, the blood of Yeshua can cleanse us of sin, if we repent (1 John 1:9 cp. Isa 6:5–7).
Leviticus 8:30, Blood…upon his garments. Moses sprinkled blood upon the garments of Aaron. This prophetically points to Yeshua, our Great High Priest, whose garments at his second coming will be dipped in blood (Rev 19:13).
Leviticus 8:33; 9:1, Seven days…eighth day. Aaron and his sons were to camp at the door of the tabernacle for seven days and night next to the altar of sacrifice as they were going through the consecration process before going any further into it. Only after that would YHVH appear to them (v. 4). This teaches us an important lesson. One cannot simply rush into the presence of the Creator of the Universe (see Eccl 5:1–5). A consecration process must first occur. After seven days, when one has “become perfect,” then one can come closer to Elohim on the eighth day (eight is the biblical number signifying new beginning). During the seven days that Aaron and his sons were waiting to approach Elohim, they were no doubt thinking about the seriousness of their divine calling and reflecting on the fear of Elohim. This is an important for each of us to consider as we are learning to enter into a holy relationship with the Holy One of Israel.
The children of Israel fell into golden calf worship or the sin of idolatry while waiting for Moses to come down from Mount Sinai. The New Testament warns Christians against falling into the same sin while waiting for the return of Jesus/Yeshua the Messiah. What is golden calf worship, what are its manifestations within Sunday Christianity as well as in pro-Torah/Hebraic/Messianic believers? This video reveals some of the areas of golden calf idolatry that followers of Yeshua will need to recognize and flee from in order to be the virgin bride for which their the soon coming Heavenly Bridegroom is returning.
