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How to Hear the “Voice” of YHVH Elohim

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By J. Nathan Lawrence
Hoshana Rabbah Biblical Resources
www.hoshanarabbah.org

Hearing the Voice of Elohim…Really?

In our modern, ultra-secular and hyper-rationalist society, the idea of believing in the God of the Bible, much less thinking that he communicates to people, or that people can hear him “speaking” is a totally foreign concept to most people including a majority of Christians. If you think you can hear from YHVH Elohim you are probably viewed as a member of radical fringe element if not an outright religious wing nuts! Yet the Bible from cover to cover records numerous accounts of YHVH “speaking” in numerous ways to his people over the millennia. Are these merely fanciful, fabulous legends that have been passed on down through the generations from dim antiquity? Should they be taken with a grain of salt as the modern readers snicker in amusement at the ignorant and superstitious ancient who actually believed these accounts?  Or did the God of the Bible who is the same yesterday, today and forever actually speak to people then, and, more amazingly, does he still speak to people today? Do we take the Bible literally, or do we acquiesce to the atheistic and agnostic mindset of our current secular culture when it comes to hearing the voice of YHVH? Either the Bible is true and men are liars, or it is the other way around. Which is it? Is YHVH still speaking to people, and if so, can we still hear the voice of Elohim and if so how?

YHVH Wants to Commune With His People

Consider this. From the beginning of man’s time on earth starting in the Garden of Eden, Yehovah Elohim has longed to have a personal, communicative relationship with men. 

And they heard the voice [Heb. kol] of YHVH Elohim walking in the garden in the cool [Heb. ruach] of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence [Heb. panyim] of the YHVH Elohim amongst the trees of the garden. And the YHVH Elohim called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. (Gen 3:8–10)

Despite what some religionists may tell us, the Bible reveals that YHVH is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that he does not change (Heb 13:8; Mal 3:6). He is still talking to humans. The issue is this: do we desire to hear him? Do we know how to hear him? If he is “talking” are we listening? We say that we believe the Bible, but do we really believe that we can hear YHVH?

The Tabernacle of Moses on Hearing YHVH’s Voice

Now let’s enjoy a little biblical history lesson. After giving the children of Israel his Torah-instructions in righteousness, the first thing that YHVH asked the children of Israel to do was to build a tabernacle. Why?

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exod 25:8)

Imagine that! The Creator of the universe wants to hang out with his people. Pause for a moment and consider this amazing thing. In the feebleness of our thinking, can we really understand this? What’s more, YHVH Elohim has never changed from then until now. After all, he made man in his own image, gave him his instructions in righteousness—a path that leads to a blessed life on earth with the possibility of eventual eternal life and inclusion in the actual, immortal family of Elohim. Then he sent his Son not only to redeem man from the curse of death because of sin, but then to show man the way to his and our Father in heaven. Then Yeshua the Son sent his Holy Spirit to guide us, empower us and to speak to us from within further enabling us to make this incredible journey upward to YHVH Elohim and his kingdom from heaven.

The tabernacle that YHVH commanded Moses and the Israelites to build reveals to humans an upward spiritual path toward the Creator from the physical to the spiritual level. It is literally a diagram from its outer courtyard, to the holy place and then to the holy of holies representing the body, soul and spirit of man as one draws closer and closer to Elohim. The closer one gets to the holy of holies, which represents the actual throne room of Elohim, the clearer and louder the voice of YHVH becomes. Consider this. Another name for the that most holy place within the Tabernacle of Moses was the d’veer—a Hebrew word meaning “oracle.” It was there under the glory cloud that Moses would hear the actual voice of Elohim and receive much of the Torah that we now have recorded in the Bible. One could not come into the d’veer except through the blood of a sacrificed  animal, ritual cleansing, and by following specific physical and spiritual protocols pertaining to holiness and righteousness that had YHVH laid out. Once done, sweet incense representing prayer, praise and worship were offered before entering into the actual presence of the Creator. What can we learn from all of this? To commune and communicate with Elohim including hearing his voice, there are steps and protocols to follow. It is not that YHVH cannot speak to anyone anytime anywhere. But to commune with Elohim in a close, ongoing and a personal relationship certain things must be done and the relationship must be maintained, or humans will lose connection with YHVH. This is not unlike any close human relationship such as between a husband and wife, parents and children or close friends. Maintaining close relationships requires effort and purposeful intention.  

You Can Hear the Voice of YHVH

Yeshua the Messiah, a Christian’s Lord and Savior, tells us that his disciples will be able to hear his voice.

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. …My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:3–5, 27, emphasis added)

Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of YHVH’s servants hearing his voice. Here are a few examples from the Book of Acts alone of people hearing YHVH.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. (Acts 8:29)

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. (Acts 10:19)

And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house. (Acts 11:12)

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. (Acts 21:4, emphasis added on all)

It’s  All About Spiritual Activation

To enter into a relationship with YHVH Elohim, our Creator and Father in heaven, and to become his sons and daughters, we must be spiritually activated.

Man is comprised of spirit, soul and body (1 Thess 5:23). Before being spiritually regenerated or born again, our soul (our mind or intellect, will and emotions) controls what we think, say and do must learn to submit to the spirit of man. However, the typical soul dominated human overlooks the spirit part of man, yet the Bible has much to say about the importance of a person’s spirit as it relates to one’s relationship with YHVH.

Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? (Eccl 3:21)

The burden of the word of YHVH for Israel, saith YHVH, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. (Zech 12:1)

The word of YHVH is clear that YHVH speaks to his children through their personal spirit. 

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. (Job 32:8)

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of Elohim knoweth no man, but the Spirit of Elohim. (1 Cor 2:11)

Man cannot enter into a relationship with a YHVH, who is a Spirit, through his soul (i.e., his mind, will and emotions). This is because Elohim is a Spirit, and we must relate to  him through his the Spirit.

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of Elohim, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor 2:14) 

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. Elohim is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23–24)

For man to relate to Elohim, he must do so through his personal spirit or his innermost man. This means one’s spirit must be activated at the time of his new spiritual birth. When this For man to relate to Elohim, he must do so through his personal spirit or his innermost man. This means one’s spirit must be activated at the time of his new spiritual birth. When this occurs, a one receives in oneself the Spirit of Elohim, which then activates, instructs and controls one’s personal spirit, which in turn controls the soul (the mind,will and emotions), which in turn tells the body what to think, say and do.

When we are born again from above, our spirit man is activated by the Spirit of Elohim. 

The spirit of a man is the lamp of YHVH, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. (Prov 20:27) 

But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. (Job 32:8)

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of Elohim (Rom 8:16) 

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith (Eph 3:16–17)

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from Elohim, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by Elohim. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of Elohim, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor 2:12–14)

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. …But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. (1 John 2:20, 27)

And every spirit that does not confess that Yeshua the Messiah has come in the flesh is not of Elohim. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. (1 John 4:3)

Steps to Take to Hear His Voice

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Nathan’s Commentary on Parashat Va’etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11)

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Deuteronomy 3

Moses views the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 3:23, Pleaded with YHVH. YHVH forbids Moses from fulfilling his life-long dream of entering the Promised Land. What was Moses’ repsonse? Did he cry, pout and pitch a fit, or did he accept YHVH’s will for his life? We all know the answer as to what the reaction of this holy man of God was. What can we learn from this? Do you have so much love for and faith in YHVH that you would be willing to let go of your greatest dream, even to the point of laying your life on the altar of faith and obediently trusting in YHVH no matter the outcome? Though YHVH were to slay you, will you like Job still love and trust him (Job 13:15)? If your entire life was devastated, you lost all your money, the land was desolate and your life had become a desert, would you, like Habakkuk, still praise YHVH (Hab 3:17–19)? Selah (pause and reflect).

Deuteronomy 4

Deuteronomy 4:2, You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor shall you subtract/diminish from it. YHVH warns his people against adding or subtracting from his written word elsewhere as well (see Deut 12:32; Rev 22:18–19). Men seem inclined to ignore YHVH’s command in this regard. In fact, whole religions have been founded based on disregarding this prohibition. Some claim to be Bible-based (e.g., Mormonism with their Book of Mormon and rabbinic Judaism with its Talmud), and some have supplanted the entire Bible with their own book (e.g., Islam with its Quran). Other people want to add the books of Enoch and Jasher to the Bible. This doesn’t even include the numerous unbiblical traditions and man-made doctrines that many traditional churches and denominations have constructed out of whole cloth and patched into the teachings of the Bible. This cannot be pleasing to Elohim!

Do not add or subtract from the Bible, the Word of Elohim!

Who is the author of and real power behind adding to and subtracting from or twisting YHVH’s Word? It is Satan the serpent (see Gen 3:1ff and Matt 4:3ff). Make no mistake, adding or subtracting from the Word of Elohim is to fall for the lie that the devil told the first humans at the tree of knowledge that the Word of Elohim can be molded and formed to fit men’s ways of thinking instead of Elohim’s.

What did Yeshua warn the religionists of his day against in this regard? He said, “Thus have you made the commandment of Elohim of none effect by your tradition” (Matt 15:6) and, “Howbeit in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7). What are some examples of traditions and theologies in the modern-day Christian and Jewish religions where YHVH’s word has been superseded by man’s traditions? What are some traditions and doctrines of men you have turned away from in order to bring yourself into greater alignment with YHVH’s Word, Bible? How is your life better for it? What has been the reaction of those around you in response to your aligning your life more closely with the truth of YHVH?

Finally, the Bible ends with a warning to those who would add to the word of Elohim.

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, Elohim will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, Elohim shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev 22:18–19)

When this passage says “this book,” which book is it talking about? The Book of Revelation or the entire Bible? To err on the side of caution, it is prudent to assume that John is referring not only to the Book of Revelation,  but to the whole Bible as well, since Revelation is the last book of the Bible. Why do I take the position that John is referring to the whole Bible here? Simply because who in their right mind would want to experience any of Elohim’s curses? Isn’t life is already difficult enough as it is?

Deuteronomy 4:2, Observe the commandments of YHVH. The word observe (RNA/shin-mem-resh)is a common Hebrew verb meaning “to keep, guard, give heed, watch, protect, have charge of.”In its noun-form, shamar means “a watchman.” According to The TWOT, the basic meaning of shamar is “to exercise great care over something.” One of the most frequent uses of this verb in Scripture is how it is used in this verse. YHVH commands his people to shamar his Torah-commandments some 30 times in the Torah alone. What does this mean to you? Are you learning to not only “hear,” but “to do” his commands (which is the Hebrew word shema)? How has your life changed and what are the resulting blessings? Though YHVH clearly commands his people “to keep” or “to guard” his Torah-law or commandments, what is commonly and sadly taught in most Christian churches in regard to “the law” of YHVH?

Deuteronomy 4:6, Keep. Keeping Torah (i.e., YHVH’s instructions in righteousness) was the means for YHVH’s chosen people to be salt and light to the surrounding nations. Torah is literally a “witnessing tool.” What kind of righteous witness are you (via your Torah lifestyle) to those around you who are lost in spiritual darkness?

Wisdom [Heb. chokmah] and understanding [Heb. biynah]. What is the biblical definition of wisdom and understanding? Let’s explore this subject to see what we can learn from the word of Elohim in this regard.

Chokmah means “intelligence, skill (in war); wisdom (in administration); shrewdness, wisdom; prudence (in religious affairs); wisdom (ethical and religious).” It derives from the verb chakam meaning “to be wise, to be or become wise, act wisely; to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct; to show oneself wise, deceive or to show one’s wisdom.” According to The TWOT, chokmah and its root verb represents a manner of thinking and attitude concerning life’s experiences including matters of general interest and basic morality. These concerns relate to prudence in secular affairs, skills in the arts, moral sensitivity, and experience in the ways of YHVH. In the Tanakh, chokmah is used in relationship to the whole gamut of human experiences whether it be technical artisan skills, military tactics or political and administrative leadership. It is expressed in shrewdness as opposed to foolishness or silliness. Prudence is another aspect of chokmah as it relates to how one speaks, uses his time carefully and in the practical affairs of life. The Bible reveals that Elohim is the source of all wisdom, and wisdom is not to be found in human speculation. Elohim alone provides wisdom for man’s guidance, so that he can live the best possible moral and ethical life (ibid.).

Biynah means “discernment or insight” or “the ability to understand something, comprehension, the power of abstract thought, an individual’s perception or judgment of a situation.” According to The TWOT, biynah refers to knowledge that is superior to the mere gathering of data. It is necessary to know how to use the knowledge one possesses, and this is where biynah or perception and judgment comes into play. One must properly interpret the data and make wise and discerning decisions as to how to act. 

Torah is your wisdom in the sight of the nations. Consider the following:

Your life may be the only “Bible” that some people read.

Torah is light. Light quietly does, it is silent. It doesn’t talk about doing, it just does! YHVH is looking for doers, not talkers.

What kind of reputation do you have in your local community?

People may not be turning to the light of Torah as a result of your example, YET when times get tough in this country (“when you are in tribulation … in the latter days, Deut 4:30), they may well turn to you for the answers because they remembered that there was something different about you—something pure, pristine and holy. That may well be when they will be looking for answers to some of the deeper questions of life.

Torah makes us a great people. YHVH measures greatness differently than the world does. Are you great by the world’s standards or by YHVH’s standards?

How does YHVH measure greatness? Love, faith, truth, obedience, servanthood, giving, selflessness, self-sacrifice.

Comparatively speaking, how does the world measure greatness? Money, power, fame, possessions, intellect, physical appearance, good sounding words.

Which type of greatness will last into eternity?

Never forget this: The Bible reveals that Yeshua the Messiah is the spiritual light of the world (John 8:12) that came from heaven to guide men through the spiritual darkness of this world, and to lead them to his Father in heaven (John 1:7–9). He is not only the Light, but the Word of Elohim made flesh (John 1:1, 14). In other words, he is the Living Torah Word of Elohim. He was the exemplification and personification of the Written Torah. Only through him living in us via is Set-Apart Spirit can we properly obey YHVH’s Torah commandments (see 1 Cor 9:21 where  we learn that the saint is “under/in/subject to the Torah-law toward Messiah”). This we are able do by his divine power working in us through a personal and loving relationship with him (Jer 31:31–33 cp. Heb 8:10; John 14:15; 1 John 2:2–6; 3:24; 5:2–3; Rom 13:8–10). The Testimony of Yeshua (or NT) makes these truths very clear for those who have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to comprehend! The rewards and blessings are incomprehensibly awesome for those who walk according to the instructions of Elohim.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. (Rev 22:12–14)

Deuteronomy 4:10; 5:29; 6:2, 13, 24, Learn to fear me.The concept of fearing YHVH has become almost a taboo subject in many churches. Why is this? Probably because it’s a hard message for people to swallow and therefore not a popular one. The fear of YHVH is an important subject because it is the beginning of both knowledge and wisdom (Prov 1:7, 9:10). It seems that most believer’s attitudinal relationship with YHVH has become so casual and commonplace that there is no place left for a healthy fear (i.e., dread of sin and the resulting consequences before a just and set-apart or kadosh Elohim) in a one’s life. The church has emphasized the love and grace of the saint’s relationship with their Creator, while overlooking the fear aspect of it. Is this not a disastrous and foolish path? Is the church not suffering for this lack of regard for YHVH and his instructions? For sure, the Christian church is no longer a respected moral force in the society in which it finds itself. Rather, it has become the object of mockery and derision by the unchurched pagans!

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Natan’s Introduction to Deuteronomy/D’varim

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Outline of Sefer Devarim or Deuteronomy: Moses’ Farewell Address

Chapter 1:1–5, Introduction

Chapters 1:6–4:40, First Discourse

Moses gives a veiled rebuke for sin and disobedience, and gives a review of the journey from Mount Sinai to Kadesh with exhortations to obedience.

Chapters 4:44–11, Second Discourse, Part 1

The religious foundations of the covenant, the spirit in which it is to be kept and the motives to right obedience are discussed. Moses shows how the covenant defines the relationship between YHVH and Israel and emphasizes the basic spiritual demands that such a relationship imposes upon Israel.

Chapters 12–26, Second Discourse, Part 2

  • The code of law dealing with:
  • Worship, Chapters 12:1–16:17
  • Government, Chapters 16:18–18
  • Criminal Law, Chapters 19:1–21:9
  • Domestic Life, Chapters 21:10–25
  • Rituals and the Sanctuary, Chapter 26

Chapters 27–30, Third Discourse

The enforcement of the Torah-law with its blessings and curses; establishment of a fresh covenant between YHVH and Israel (i.e. the younger generation).

Chapters 31–34, The Last Days of Moses

  • Chapter 31, Committal of the law to the keeping of the priests.
  • Chapter 32, The Song of Moses (a prophecy about Israel’s future).
  • Chapter 33, Moses’ patriarchal blessing over the tribes of Israel.
  • Chapter 34, The death of Moses.

Overview of the Book of Deuteronomy or Devarim from Various Commentators

This last book of the Torah starts out with “These are the words which Moses spoke….” The Hebrew name for Deuteronomy is Devarim meaning “words,” which is the plural form of devar meaning “word, speech, a matter or thing, a commandment, a report, a message, promise.” Note the similarity in meaning between the Hebrew word devar and the Greek word logos from John 1:1 (“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim.”). Logos means “speech, word or thing.” From this connection, we see that Yeshua was the Word of both the Old Testament (OT or Tanakh) and the New Testament (NT or Testimony of Yeshuah). He is the message of the entire Bible (Spirit Filled Life Bible, from the “Word Wealth” at Deut 1:1).

Deuteronomy is written similarly to the vassal-treaties formulated between captor and captive nations prior to 1000 B.C. It contains historical information, enumerates laws, and concludes with threats and promises (Hebrew Greek Key Study Bible, from “The Introduction to Deuteronomy”). From a general survey of Deuteronomy, it is sufficiently evident that the exposition of the commandments, statutes, and rights of the law had no other object than this: to pledge the nation in the most solemn manner to an inviolable observance, in the land of Canaan, of the covenant, which YHVH had made with Israel at Horeb (Deut 28:29, Keil and Delitzsch Commentary of the Old Testament, from the introductory note to Deut).

In Deuteronomy, Moses speaks like a dying father giving a farewell song to his children, all the while he celebrates Elohim as the spiritual Rock of Israel. While the eyes of the Israelites may have fixated too much upon Moses their physical leader (instead of Elohim) for forty years, Moses now attempts to redirect their eyes, trust and allegiance heavenward and onto YHVH, their real spiritual Leader who had been behind Moses—a mere human leader—all the time.

Deuteronomy is Moses’ last word and final admonition to Israel before his death. It is a review of the main points found in the first four books of the Torah. This review is for the benefit of the younger generation who has been born and/or grown up in the wilderness and who are about to enter the Promised Land. The first few chapters of Deuteronomy includes several themes that are mentioned over and over again underscoring their importance in YHVH’s eyes. They are:

  • Teach the children YHVH’s instructions in righteousness (i.e., the Torah).
  • Teach the children about their historical and spiritual roots.
  • Fear YHVH.
  • Remember the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the supernatural occurrences surrounding that event.
  • Do not allow yourself to become involved in idolatry and the practices of the heathen nations.
  • Keep Torah and all will be well with you.
  • YHVH’s Torah commandments are eternal.
  • Don’t forget YHVH nor turn from the Torah—YHVH’s instructions in righteousness.

Consider these admonitions of YHVH to his people. Are we heeding these instructions and grounding our people in these things? What are you doing in your own life to take YHVH’s wise admonitions seriously?

The words of Deuteronomy are earnest and impressive. Moses looks back over the whole of the forty years of Israel’s wandering in the desert, reminds the people of all the blessings they had received, of the ingratitude with which they had so often repaid Elohim, and of the grace, mercy, love and judgments of Elohim. Furthermore, Moses explains the laws of Torah again and again, and adds to the Torah some 70 new laws, which were necessary to complete it. He never wearies of urging obedience to the Torah in the warmest and most emphatic words, because the very life of the nation was bound up with this; he surveys all the storms and conflicts which they passed through, and, beholding the future in the past, takes a survey also of the future history of the nation, and sees, with mingled sorrow and joy, how the three great features of the past—that is to say, apostasy, punishment, and pardon—continue to repeat themselves in the future also (Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the OT, from the introductory notes to Deuteronomy).

Deuteronomy is a unique book—distinct from the narrative and historical, the legal, prophetic, and devotional writings of the Scriptures, though it has affinities with each of them. In its literary aspect, it is an oratory; and as such it is unsurpassed in its rush of rhythmic sentences, its ebb and flow of exalted passion, its accents of appeal and denunciation: Moses’ speech shines as well as his face. And this noble language gives utterance to truths which are always and everywhere sovereign—that Elohim is one, and that man must be wholly his; that Elohim is righteous and faithful, merciful and loving. Elohim’s proclamation in Deuteronomy stands in relation to Israel and humanity not merely as Judge or Ruler, but as Friend and Father. “And thou shalt love YHVH your Elohim with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all they might.” This whole-soul love and devotion to Elohim is to be accompanied by a large-hearted benevolence towards man, and indeed towards all sentient beings; by the recognition of the retributive righteousness of El; and by the insistence on the vital importance of family life, and of religious instruction within the home. The influence of the Book of the Farewell Discourses of Moses on both domestic and personal religion in Israel throughout the millennia has never been exceeded by that of any other book in the Scriptures (Soncino Edition of the Pentateuch and Haftorahs, from the introductory note to Deut).

In this book, YHVH can also be viewed as a husband asking his bride to give her whole heart to him, to follow him and to obey him. Sadly, in the rest of the story (after Joshua), we see chronicled the sad saga of a bride having a difficult time being a good wife. In the end, Israel becomes a rebellious and adulterous wife to the point that YHVH was forced to divorce her despite his patience and mercy. Then YHVH promised to do a new thing and comes in a human form (namely, Yeshua) like Moses—so that his people would learn to relate better to him. He wanted to set his people back on the right and good path (of Torah), and to restore them as his bride. He has now betrothed himself to his people (the saints) once again (this occurred with Yeshua at the last supper), given them his Holy Spirit as their engagement ring (on the Day of Pentecost), and since then it has been a long betrothal period (2000 years), so that those saints (i.e. redeemed Israel or the one new man; Eph 2:11–19) through trials and tribulations can be spiritually refined so that she can be a good wife for him. YHVH wants to see what is actually in her (our) heart. He wants a faithful companion forever.

Moses was the first to prophesy the coming of the Messiah (Deut 18:15), and Moses is the only person to which Yeshua compared himself (John 5:46–47).

Yeshua often quoted from Deuteronomy. When asked what was the most important commandment in the Torah, he quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 and included this verse as part of his summation of the whole Torah. In his temptation in the wilderness, he quoted exclusively from Deuteronomy when resisting the devil (Deut 8:3; 6:16; 6:13; 10:20).

Deuteronomy teaches more of the heart and spirit of the Torah, and that the relationship of Elohim to his people encompasses much more than just a legalistic observance of the Torah. Israel’s covenant relationship with Elohim involves obedience and loyalty as well as love, affection and devotion, which should be the true foundation of all of our action. Success, victory, prosperity and happiness all depend upon our obedience to YHVH. The book is a must-read for an understanding of man’s obedience to Elohim based on love and fear (Deut 10:12, 13, Spirit Filled Life Bible, from the introductory note to Deut).

In a sense, Deuteronomy is not only a synopsis, but a commentary on the first four books of the Torah. This book along with the Epistle to the Hebrews contain the best comment on the nature, design, and use of the Torah (Adam Clarke’s Commentary on Deuteronomy, from the introductory note to Deut).

The book of Deuteronomy contains not so much a recapitulation of the things commanded and done as related in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, as it is a compendium and summary of the whole law and wisdom of the people of Israel, wherein those things that related to the priests and Levites are omitted, and only such things are included as the people are generally required to know. Much more than a being a repetition of what preceded it, Deuteronomy is an oratory description, explanation, and enforcement of the most essential contents of the covenant revelation and covenant laws, with emphatic prominence given to the spiritual principle of the law and its fulfilment, and with a further development of the ecclesiastical, judicial, political, and civil organization, which was intended as a permanent foundation for the life and well-being of the people of Israel in the Promised Land of Canaan. There is not the slightest trace throughout the whole book of any intention whatever to give a new or second law (Keil and Delitzsch, from the introductory note to Deut).

More Insights About the Book of Deuteronomy

In stark terms, YHVH warns the Israelites in Deuteronomy of the struggles Israel will have as it walks between two world: the lower world that attaches itself to man’s soul and attempts to pull him downward, and the upper world that pulls the spirit in man heavenward.

Deuteronomy presents Torah (as does Ps 119) as the way to be spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, materially elevated before Elohim and in the eyes of the surrounding nations (Deut 4:6). 

In Deuteronomy, YHVH lays out two extremes: blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience; curse for following the ways of this world, and blessings for following the Word of YHVH. But seldom do individuals find themselves in one extreme or the other, for few are either totally worldly or totally heavenly in the orientation of their lives. They are usually caught up somewhere in the middle ground between the two: not totally evil and not totally good. Their lives are a mixed bag of good and evil, blessings and curses, and a double-orientation toward the heaven and the world. The Bible calls this double-mindedness (Jas 1:8; 4:8), and Yeshua decries such an individual (Matt 6:24, “one can’t serve both God and mammon”). The Bible also calls this being lukewarm­—being neither hot nor cold, and YHVH hates this as well (Rev 3:15–16). Such an individual, if he isn’t careful, can find himself feeding spiritually more from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil rather than the tree of life.

YHVH lays out the highest spiritual ideal for Israel: to be wisdom in the sight of the nations (Duet 4:6), to be the head and not the tail, to be the greatest and not the least, and to be the lender and not the borrower. Such a position of status is possible thanks to following the Torah. He wants the best for his people, but achieving such is conditional on their obeying him. Many people make claim to believe in the God of the Bible, to love him and many even claim to follow and to obey him—just ask them! But in reality, do they? What are the fruits of their lives? Their true spiritual status is based on what they do, not what they profess with their mouths!

Deuteronomy affirms the sufficiency of Torah. The Torah is the Word of Elohim and nothing more needs to be added to it. It is the full revelation of YHVH when it says not to add to the Word of Elohim (Deut 4:2; 12:32). It is the bedrock of the Scriptures and the bedrock of truth. If Torah is the bedrock of YHVH’s word, then the Ten Commandments are the cornerstone in that foundation of truth, which Moses reiterates in Deuteronomy five. The rest of the Scriptures are just commentary or elucidations on Torah, or admonitions for YHVH’s people to return to Torah. The truths of the Testimony of Yeshua (the New Testament) stand firmly on the Torah and never once contradicts Torah. The Torah is the flower bud that contains the full flower, while the Testimony of Yeshua is the open flower in its full glory.

Torah keeps YHVH’s people on the straight and narrow path­ and from falling into the ditches on either side of the road. Those ditches are legalism and license, the letter and the spirit of the law (Deut 5:32).

Deuteronomy stresses man’s need to fear Elohim. Though loving, personal, merciful, and full of bountiful goodness, he is at the same time a consuming fire of jealousy, wrath and judgment against those who disobey him, and he will bring all men to account for their wickedness and sin (Deut 4:24; 6:15; 9:3). He warns his people not to tempt or to push him (Deut 6:16). He is also a consuming fire against Israel’s enemies (9:3).

The absolute preeminence of YHVH is stressed again and again in Deuteronomy. Putting him first in our lives starts with fearing him always (Deut 6:24), and doing what is right and good in his sight that you may be blessed and live victoriously (Deut 6:18). All this is based on YHVH’s love for his people and vice versa.

Deuteronomy defines and elucidates the true meaning of love. The Shema of Deuteronomy 6:5 declares that man is to love YHVH 1000 percent. Likewise, YHVH set his love unconditionally upon his people (Deut 7:7–9). That love is inviolate for 40,000 years, or 1000 generations (Deut 7:9).

Deuteronomy stresses the importance of relationship. Numerous passages in Deuteronomy enumerate the importance of relationships at all levels: between humans and between humans and Elohim. The horizontal and vertical aspects of love come together at the seven annual biblical feasts where YHVH’s people are commanded to gather together where he has placed his name and at the times he has set to celebrate and rejoice before him (Deut 12; 14:23ff; 16:1ff).

Deuteronomy constantly repeats and stresses Israel’s history and emphasizes the importance of understanding our history including both the defeats and victories of our forefathers. History is a great teacher, and many mistakes can be avoided by having a thorough understanding of and a healthy respect for history, and by learning the lessons of history.

Deuteronomy instructs men to circumcise or cut way the barriers of their hearts (Deut 10:16; 30:6; see also Lev 26:41). Deuteronomy is the first place YHVH commands his people to circumcise their hearts.

Deuteronomy emphasizes the need to teach Torah to our children. We are not only to be concerned about our past history, but to be future-minded people also by passing on our legacy (YHVH’s Torah instructions from heaven) to future generations (Deut 6:7; 11:19).

Deuteronomy is a song or poem where the Creator passionately woos his creation. It almost sometimes seems that YHVH is pleading with his people to follow him, to keep his commands, to enter into a forever love relationship with him so that they can be blessed abundantly and victorious, though he forcefully stresses their need for him, the curses that will come upon them if they turn away from him, the fact remains that the choice to follow him is still up to them (Deut 11:26; 30:15). The only thing over which man remains sovereign is his own heart; therefore, man has to choose to love and serve YHVH with his whole heart.

Comments can be left on Hoshana Rabbah’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HoshanaRabbah. I will do my best to read all of your comments and to answer any questions that you may have.

 

Natan’s Commentary on Matthew 11—John the Baptist Preachers and Easy Yokes

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Matthew 11:1, To teach and to preach. Teaching and preaching are two different, though related, evangelistic tools.

Matthew 11:2, Are you the Coming One? Doubt and questions concerning the will, plans and purposes of Elohim can besiege even the most faithful and anointed servants of YHVH like John the Baptist. Even prophets see through a glass darkly. Even though John prophesied about the coming Messiah, who was also his close cousin, the exact nature of Yeshua’s ministry evidently had eluded John. YHVH had given John the exact message he needed to fulfill his divine mission and nothing more. What John’s expectations were of the Messiah, we are not told. However, it appears that Yeshua, in some way, did not exactly meet those expectations, thus prompting John’s questioning whether he was indeed the coming Messiah or not. What was Yeshua’s response to John’s question? “Look at the fruits of my ministry! These are the evidence that the kingdom of Elohim has come to the earth and is being expanded against the kingdom of darkness.”

Matthew 11:6, Offended. Gr. skandalizo from which our English word scandal or scandalize derives..

Matthew 11:7–12, Reed shaken by the wind…A man clothed in soft garments? 

YHVH Is Raising Up John the Baptist–Type Preachers to Prepare the Way for Yeshua

John was no reed shaking in the wind—and neither are those who are now coming in that spirit to prepare the ways for Yeshua the Messiah’s second coming!

The Gospels contain many curious, arcane and cryptic statements by Yeshua that invite the reader to ponder and reflect on in order to fully understand and appreciate them. Matthew 11:7–12 is one such statement.

As they departed, Yeshua began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER BEFORE YOUR FACE, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’ “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

This statement of Yeshua is a very telling commentary how he viewed the mainstream religious leaders of his day. This was juxtaposed against his view of John the Baptist, who, though he was of priestly lineage, had left the existing religious establishment and gone into the wilderness to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. 

In his Matthew chapter eleven statement, Yeshua also predicts that a whole new genre of preachers would arise who, unlike the typical soft-spoken preachers of mainstream religion, would be violent and forceful in their demeanor and approach. This meant being violent in the sense of confronting the religious establishment as well as the lukewarmness and sin of the people as he forcefully advanced the agendas of the kingdom of heaven against the opposing forces of a reluctant and recalcitrant spiritual environment.

With regard to John, who was a spiritual pioneer and pacesetter for this new breed of preacher, and who had entered the placid, tepid and staid religious waters of his day like a typhoon, let us consider the implications of this as well as Yeshua’s view of John. John’s background is part of the context of this iconoclastic individual, which we will now view under a magnifying lens. 

To start with, John’s father, Zechariah, was of such a priestly status that he was allowed to minister in the inner portions of the temple itself. Yet John left this system to fulfil a ministry mission that was even greater than that of his father. Although John likely did not realize it at the time—for he was simply following the leading of the Spirit—he, by Yeshua’s own declaration, was to become the greatest prophet of all time up until then. To fulfil that divine mission, John had to exit the existing religious system and its status quo into which he was born, and execute that mission from outside of that system. Why? Because the Jewish religious system of the day would not, never did, and still does not recognize Yeshua as the Messiah. In fact, they viewed him as a threat to their religious tradition not to mention their secure positions of power and wealth, and on numerous occasion, they even tried to murder him. Eventually, they finally succeeded. 

YHVH called and raised up John, who was a special vessel, to stir the pot of the religious system of his day in hopes of waking up his few saints who were trapped in that system. It was John’s divine mission to put out a forceful call to those who had ears to hear to exit the Babylonian system of that day in preparation to meet Yeshua the Messiah. (YHVH is doing similar work in our day through similar type people as per the prophecy of Malachi chapter four.)

It was against this backdrop of constant religious antagonism and persecution that John executed his mission to prepare the way for Yeshua the Messiah, which involved clashing with the rich, powerful religious leaders of his day, who were concurrently in league with both the political and economic forces in control of that geographical region. The Truth and light of Messiah was literally confronting the satanic darkness of man’s religious, economic and political agendas. To use a jungle warfare term, John was the point man in this cosmic conflict, thus he took the incoming fire. To be sure, this was no place for a spiritual neophyte or a weak-kneed, limp-wristed, emasculated, pansy in the pulpit. This was a struggle to the death—a literal clash with demonic god-like Titans. Therefore, YHVH raised up a man with a powerful background for a tough assignment. John was immersed in the Spirit while still in the womb, and Scripture deems his parents to be spiritually faultless. His father was of high repute as a Levitical priest, plus John was the cousin of Yeshua the Messiah himself. This was no average family even in human terms. No. John was no spiritual lightweight in the boxing ring of religion. Out of the fiery forge and crucible of his familial background come a mighty sword of a man who YHVH raised up to lay a spiritual ax to the root of the religious tree of his day and to the man-made system that was leading people astray and making of none-effect the Word of Elohim by their traditions. John was no pansy, no weak reed shaking in the wind, no well coiffed, tailored suit wearing pastor in the pulpit speaking man-pleasing, flattering and ear-tickling words to pew warmers religious addicts sitting passively and comfortably in padded benches in neat little rows beneath stained glass windows getting their weakly religious fixes. No! YHVH called and commissioned John, who was a rugged man for a rugged job to prepare the way for the Messiah, who himself would carry this battle against the religious system to an unprecedented level in an effort to call out YHVH’s true followers, who would worship Elohim in Spirit and in Truth instead of merely playing religious games.

This now brings us to Yeshua’s cryptic, slightly arcane and even a bit sarcastically-tinged statement about John and those who followed him about a reed shaking in the wind.

What is a reed shaking in the wind anyway? It is a weak blade of grass that moves with the slightest breeze. In human terms, it is someone who puts their finger to the wind to determine its direction and then bends accordingly. Such a person follows the popular currents of thought and the prevailing and popular mores or zeitgeist (or spirit of the age) of the time and accommodates himself and his message accordingly to curry the favor and popularity of the masses. These are the kind of leaders we see in the mainstream Christian church system of our day. They are often well coiffed, well-dressed and wear soft clothing as part of their marketing strategy, and speak soft words so as not to offend “the giving units”. Few, however, preach repentance. Fewer yet preach the gold standard of biblical righteousness, which is YHVH’s Torah-Truth of which Yeshua the Messiah was the living, walking breathing personification and our example to follow.

Yes, John came to lay the ax to the status quo of a religious system of his day that was keeping people in a state of being spiritually obese, comfortable, happy, paying their dues, non-questioningly and spiritually lukewarm.

Yes, John was popular. Many if not most of the inhabitants of Judea made the long, hot and arduous trek down from the Judean mountains to the lowest spot on earth (an apt geographical representation of the current state of the religious system of that day…and ours) into the Jordan River Valley near the Dead Sea (another apt geographical description of the religious system of John’s day…and our day as well) to hear this goat-skinned clad, locust and honey-eating and wild-eyed preacher man. When they arrived, did he tickle their ears with gentle happy, happy-talk religious platitudes? Did he tell them that “Come to Jesus because he has a wonder plan for your life?” Or, “Come to Jesus and he’ll help improve your self esteem.” Or, “Say a prayer, receive forgiveness and go to church and pay your tithes, and now that you’re once saved always saved, just go and stand on the street corner, while waiting for the rapture bus to take you to heaven before all the you-know-what hits the proverbial fan.” Or “Come to Jesus and if you buy my how-to books and videos, then I’ll show you how he’ll make you healthy and wealthy here and now on demand.” No! This was not even close to John’s message. Rather it was…

[W]hile Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of Elohim came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS: ‘PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD; MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT. EVERY VALLEY SHALL BE FILLED AND EVERY MOUNTAIN AND HILL BROUGHT LOW; THE CROOKED PLACES SHALL BE MADE STRAIGHT AND THE ROUGH WAYS SMOOTH; AND ALL FLESH SHALL SEE THE SALVATION OF ELOHIM.’ “Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that Elohim is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:2–9) 

In the last days, prior to Yeshua’s second coming, if we correctly understand the end time prophetic implications of the Book of Malachi chapters three and four, YHVH will raise up John the Baptist–type preachers, who will be coming in the spirit of Elijah, and who will be preaching a hard and unpopular message. They will be warning YHVH’s people to repent of sin, and return to the ancient spiritual paths as taught by the biblical fathers of the Christian faith by getting back to YHVH’s Torah-Truth. This will be the unpopular and disturbing message of, to put it in modern vernacular, “to turn or burn” (see Mal 4:1, 3 and 6b). May those who have ears to hear, and who are children of the light, hear and understand the times and seasons in which we are living (1 Thess 5:1–10).

Matthew 11:11, He who is least. As great as John was, a glorified and immortal child of YHVH who is least in the kingdom of heaven will be greater than John—a physical man.

Matthew 11:12, Suffers violence. This phrase is better rendered as “is breaking forth,” and the “violent shall take it by force” should be “and those who are breaking out of it by means of it” according to Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus (p. 86).

Matthew 11:13, Prophesied until John. John prepared the way for Messiah to whom all the prophecies in the Torah and Prophets pointed.

Matthew 11:15, He who has ears to hear, let him hear.For a discussion on this expression that is unique to Yeshua, see The Companion Bible (appendix 142).

Matthew 11:19, Wisdom is justified. In other words, by their fruits you will know them.

Matthew 11:29, Take my yoke. This is an invitation to the marriage covenant with Yeshua; to become yoked to him in love, voluntarily through love, not compulsion or fear (see notes at Song 8:6). Here Yeshua is inviting his followers to take on themselves the yoke of the marriage covenant (the New, Renewed or Everlasting Covenant of Jer 31:31, 33 and Heb 8:8); that is, to accept him as their heavenly and everlasting spiritual Bridegroom. This is the yoke of the bondservant to which all the apostolic writers made reference when they called themselves the bond servant of Yeshua. Men have only two choices: Be a bond servant to Satan or to Yeshua. The former leads to judgment against sin which is death, while the latter leads to mercy and forgiveness, deliverance from death and sin through Yeshua resulting in eternal life. The marriage covenant or New/Renewed/Everlasting covenant isn’t one of compulsion (based on the fear of death), but is based on voluntary servitude and is a freewill choice. Love can’t exist under an atmosphere of compulsion, but only when there’s freewill choice. This freewill choice to take on oneself the yoke of Torah is evidenced in the decision of the apostles vis-à-vis the Gentiles inclusion into covenantal relationship with Yeshua and the rest of the believers in Acts 15. The Pharisee believers were compelling the Gentiles to follow the Torah as a prerequisite for salvation and inclusion into the community of believers (Acts 15:1). On the contrary, the apostles made it clear in their verdict that only certain minimum requirements be imposed on the Gentiles to be granted entrance into the community of believers. The Gentiles needed to be drawn into the Torah covenants, not by compulsion or fear, but through invitation and freewill choice based on love. The apostles go on to say in Acts 15:21 that on this basis, the Gentiles will learn to take on the yoke of Torah little-by-little out of love for Elohim and Yeshua their Bridegroom, and not out of fear and compulsion.

Matthew 11:30, My yoke is easy. The farmer of biblical times when plowing his field with a team of oxen had to ensure that the yoke was not ill-fitting, but that it fit comfortably on the necks of the animals pulling the plow so as not to rub or chafe the animal’s hide. An ill shaped and a heavy yoke would irritate the oxen making the task of plowing difficult for both the animals and the operator, while a comfortable, well-fitting yoke made the task much easier.

But there is another spiritual lesson to be learned from Yeshua’s yoke illustration. A yoke kept the oxen pulling in a straight line or the desired path of the plowman, and prevented them from wandering around directionless. Similarly, when we put on Yeshua’s yoke, his word and Spirit keep us going in the right direction thus accomplishing the divine purpose to which we were called making us productive servants in the Father’s field. When teamed up with Yeshua or other believers, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish while doing our Father’s work. 

Not only that, the Bible talks about being unequally yoked with unbelievers. A believer and unbeliever when yoked will pull unevenly and different directions making productive work almost impossible to accomplish, since they have different goals, motivations, energy levels and so on. On the other hand, when two believers are yoked together, they are united in their common faith in Yeshua, and are of one mind and purpose pulling together in unison as directed by the Word and energized by the Spirit of Elohim. 

What a beautiful illustration Yeshua has given us when he declares that when we are yoked up with him or other believers, that the tasks set before us will be easy an our burdens light.

Comments can be left on Hoshana Rabbah’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HoshanaRabbah. I will do my best to read all of your comments and to answer any questions that you may have.

 

Nathan’s Commentary on Parashat Matot-Masei (Numbers 30:2–36:13)

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Numbers 31

Numbers 30:2, Vows. A vow (Heb. neder)is literally “a pledge to do something.” It places upon oneself or others or upon objects of one’s choice a status equivalent to that of a commandment of the Torah (The ArtScroll Stone Edition Chumash, p. 900). Yeshua said it like this, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No’”, in Matthew 5:37. In other words, keep your word, and do not make promises that you cannot keep.

One’s word is one’s bond. A neder is so strong that a person violating it can suffer the court-imposed penalty of lashes (ibid.) The Set-Apart One of Israel is not a man that he should lie (Num 23:19). If we are to be set-apart or kadosh as YHVH is kadosh (1 Pet 1:16; 2:9; Heb 12:14), then we must be people of our word not only in large matters, but in the smallest matters too. Are you too casual with your words? Do you make commitments in order to sound good to others, yet you have no real intention of fulfilling your obligations? Liars will have no part in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:8).

YHVH established order in the family structure. The man, as the head of the family, holds veto power over promises made by those under him in his family. This may be politically incorrect nowadays in a society characterized by egalitarianism, and feminism and children’s “rights,” but the Word of YHVH in the Torah is clear on this matter. This is given because the husband and father holds responsibility for promises made by those in his family (Num 30:15). To what degree are you swayed by the mores of society in this regard as opposed to the Word of Elohim? What rules do you play by in your marriage and family—society’s or YHVH’s?

Numbers 31

Numbers 31:3, Take vengeance on the Midianites. YHVH is vehemently opposed to moral looseness. Midian, through its seductive women, nearly destroyed Israel. The decisive actions of a morally straight leadership prevented Israel from going the way of so many nations that have since collapsed due to moral decay. What can we learn from this ancient account?

Sexual looseness and perversion must not be allowed to gain even a momentary toehold into our lives. Do you aggressively resist and fight against the spiritual Midianites that would destroy your life, your family, your marriage and your spiritual destiny, or do you even slightly countenance the enemies of your soul in the secret or hidden areas of your life just to placate the passions of your carnal and sin-bent nature? The spirit of Midian is to be found everywhere from the magazine rack at the checkout stand to the morning newspaper advertising women’s undergarments, from bumper stickers to billboards, from television ads (not to mention the television shows themselves) to the internet, and among political, religious leaders and entertainment celebrities. How about the modern immodest and decadent clothing styles of our youth, which barely cover the body, and where little is left to the imagination? 

How does one defend oneself against this incessant onslaught of sexual immorality? Remember, the best defense is a strong offense. Resolve and settle in your heart and mind ahead of time how you will react against the darts of the enemy when you suddenly find them aimed at you, and then stick to your defense plan! Set inviolate moral boundaries for yourself that you will not cross. Pull down every mental stronghold and take every thought captive to the mind of Yeshua, and flee all lusts. (Strengthen yourself spiritually by reading the following scriptures: 1 Cor 6:18; 10:14; 2 Cor 10:3–6; 2 Tim 2:22.)

Numbers 31:4, A thousand from a tribe. All the tribes were equally represented in this fighting force to punish Midian for its culpability in causing Israel to fall into the sins of idolatry and immorality resulting in the death of 24,000 Israelites (Num 25:1–9). What can we learn from this? Each person in the spiritual body of Yeshua (or “the camp of Israel”) must take an equal role in fighting wickedness and immorality. What are you actively doing to combat these things around you? Whether you think you will make a difference or not, do you still vote, write letters to your political representatives, pray, take righteous stands against evil when and wherever possible, or support those who do so with your finances? If you are a parent, what is your responsibility to your children in this regard?

Numbers 31:17, Kill all. Was this a form of genocide on the Midianites at the hands of the Israelites on the command of Elohim? Yes. Elohim, as the Creator of all humans, and the one who gives life and can take life, and as the Just Judge of universe has the divine prerogative to determine who lives and who doesn’t. He is just, merciful and forgiving (Exod 34:6–7; Ps 86:15) and he gives people space to repent and to turn to him. If they do not, then the gavel in his heavenly court falls and just judgment is rendered. The unrepentant sinner must die for his sins. In the case of the Midianites, YHVH had given them and the rest of the Canaan’s inhabitants 400 years (Gen 15:13) to repent and turn to him, but they had refused, even though they had the righteous examples of the patriarchs and Moses and the Israelites paraded in front of them to point them to Elohim. They no doubt had heard how Elohim had destroyed Egypt and the mighty miracles he had performed on behalf of the Israelites, yet they still refused to follow Elohim. So the Creator was totally justified in ordering the Israelites to slay most of the Midianites.

Numbers 31:8, Balaam…they slew with the sword. Jude 1:11 talks about Balaam being greedy for money and indicates that there are those in the end times in the body of Yeshua who will follow after this same sin. Ina a similar vein, Yeshua talks about tares or weeds that grow in the midst of the wheat. Their ultimate fate is destruction (See Matt 13:37–40.) Had Balaam believed his own good prophecies concerning Israel and not sided with Israel’s enemies, he would no doubt have been spared the sword of YHVH’s justice. His ulterior motive for his actions was greed and materialism. This blinded him from accepting YHVH’s truth. Balaam paid a high price for his actions. Balaam was a deceiver and a hypocrite. He spoke one thing and did something else. Are we ever guilty of this? How rampant is the sin of duplicity within the body of believers in Yeshua today? There are people who claim to be prophets in the church who, like Balaam, speak soothing and ear-tickling prophetic words in order to profit from the people. How can we know the difference between true and false prophets? A true prophet is not greedy like Balaam. (Read Deut 18:20–22 and Matt 7:15–20.) Can a true prophet of Elohim prophesy out of the flesh something false, and if he repents, when he finds he was in error, be spared from the death penalty? The answer is yes as we read in Second Samuel 7:1–17 concerning Nathan the prophet.

Numbers 31:7, 17, They slew all the males…every male among the little ones…and kill every woman that has known man by lying with him. Do you suppose that every Midianite who was slain was directly culpable for causing Israel to fall into idolatry and sexual immorality? Probably not. If so, then why were they slain? We see a similar situation with Korah and his malcontents where the earth swallowed up not only Korah, Dathan and Abiram, but their families as well (Num 16:31–33). Even those who are not directly culpable for a particular sin, if they maintain company with sinners they will become morally tainted (1 Cor 5:6; 15:33; Gal 5:9). If the righteous dwell near the wicked, is it possible for YHVH’s judgments against the wicked to overlap onto the righteous? If this were not possible then why did YHVH instruct the righteous Israelites to separate themselves from the environs of Korah’s camp (Num 16:23–27), and why does YHVH call his people to come out of Babylon the Great in the end times? (Read Rev 18:4 for the answer.) How do we separate from the wicked? In the examples just cited, we see two kinds of separation from evil: physical and spiritual. We can start by separating spiritually without separating physically, but will there ever come a time when YHVH’s people will have to separate physically? Yes. (See Rev 12:14.) How will the spiritual woman of Revelation 14 know when to do this and where to go? The Good Shepherd will not abandon or lead his sheep in the day of trouble. (Note John 10:1–5.) May we always be pressed into Yeshua, our spiritual Shepherd, so that we will always hear his voice concerning what to do and where to go and when.

Numbers 31:49, Not a man of us is missing. The remarkable grace of YHVH is evidenced in the fact that only one-fiftieth of Israel’s fighting force (12,000 of 600,000 men) took part in the campaign to defeat Midian and that not a single man was lost. What promise of YHVH was this a fulfillment of if Israel would walk in Torah-obedience? (See Lev 26:8; Deut 32:30.) What principles can we learn from this when applied to spiritual warfare? When our spiritual battles against evil are just, righteous and in accordance with YHVH’s perfect will what results can we expect? (Look up Mark 16:17–18; Luke 9:1; 10:19; Rom 8:31, 37; 1 John 4:4.)

Numbers 31:50, Make atonement.

Exploring the Concept of Atonement as It Relates to the Tabernacle and Salvation

What is the big deal about the concept of vicarious atonement, that is, someone dying in another person’s place to repair a wrong or an injury? Does there really need to be the shedding of blood to pay the penalty for or to redeem a person’s from their sins? This is a concept shared only by Christianity and no other major religions in the world including Judaism. For example, it’s not uncommon to hear Christians talking about “the cross” and “Jesus dying for our sins,” or “Jesus paying for our sins.” Is this a biblical concept or just some idea of man to put people under religious bondage to an irrational, man-made and superstitious tradition? Knowing the answer to this question is literally a matter of life and death. 

To begin answering this question, let’s look at Numbers 31:50 where we read, “We have therefore brought an oblation for YHVH, what every man has gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before YHVH.” In a similar passage in Exodus 30:15–16, we read, “The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto YHVH, to make an atonement for your souls. And you shall take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before YHVH, to make an atonement for your souls” (emphasis added on both). The question before us is this: Do these verses in the Bible imply that YHVH grants man absolution from sin based something other than the shedding of blood, and by logical extension, does this call into question our redemption from sin through our faith in Yeshua the Messiah’s blood atonement death on the cross?

The concept of atonement can be a confusing one. Some rabbinic Jewish scholars teach that the Torah (i.e., the first five books of the Bible) does not require the shedding of blood for atonement of one’s sin to occur. Taken only by themselves, the above scripture could appear to be confirming this supposition. Before briefly discussing the subject of atonement, let us not forget the stern warnings of the Peter the apostle when he warned the end-time saints against false teachers who would lure people away from the simple truth of the gospel:

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not….But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceiving while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children, which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Yeshua Messiah, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2)

In the Testimony of Yeshua (or New Testament), there is no question that when the concept of atonement (i.e., to make ransom for or to cover over man’s sins) is presented, it is related to the blood of Yeshua, the Lamb of YHVH, being shed for the remission of man’s sins, which is the means through which reconciliation between Elohim and man occurs. In the Hebrew Scriptures or Tanakh (or Old Testament), however, the idea of atonement is somewhat broader and at times more generalized in scope. Herein lies the confusion and the misconceived disparity between the Former (Old) and Latter (New) Testaments or Covenants. Are they in opposition to one another, or is the latter the logical outgrowth of the former and, therefore, compliments or ­elucidates the former?

The Hebrew word for atonement is kapar/RPF. A verb, it means “to make an atonement, make reconciliation, purge. In its noun form, kapar means a ransom, gift, to secure favor”(see Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament [or TWOT]). Kapar also means “to cover over”and is the same Hebrew word meaning “to cover or smear with pitch”as in caulking the seams of a wooden ship so that it becomes waterproof (see Brown-Driver-Briggs H3722). Our English words cap (as well as the Hebrew kipah, which is a small hemispherical hat that many religious Jewish men wear)and cover are related etymologically to kapar (see The Word—The Dictionary That Reveals the Hebrew Source of Our English, by Isaac E. Mozeson). 

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Important Hoshana Rabbah Blog Update

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Nathan here with some exciting news!!!

A couple of years ago, someone hacked this blog, so that the ability for readers to post comments was eliminated. To this date, we have been unable to rectify this issue. We are still working to resolve the problem, but so far unsuccessfully.

In the mean time, we have found a work-around. It’s called the Hoshana Rabbah Facebook page. Honestly, we should have thought of this earlier, but technology is not my forté! Anyway, from now on I’m going to start posting my videos and written articles on our Facebook page, and YOU CAN ONCE AGAIN BEGIN POSTING YOUR COMMENTS.

At one time, everything that we posted on this blog automatically uploaded to our Facebook page, but along the way, that went away too. Who knows why. As you know, stuff is always changing on the technological side of things, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with these changes, much less figure out how to fix problems that arise. Companies and affluent ministries hire people full-time to manage such things. My wife and I work alone with no outside help, and, as senior citizens in our mid to late 60s, this can prove a bit challenging sometimes, as I’m sure that many of our readers can well relate to.

Hoshana Rabbah’s Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/HoshanaRabbah. I will do my best to read all of your comments and to answer any questions that you may have.

We are looking forward to once again begin engaging with our readers and hopefully commence a new chapter in this pro-Torah, pro-Yeshua and gospel loving community!

One more thing, our online Shabbat community is still flourishing after nearly four years! We meet via Zoom three Sabbaths a month and on all the biblical feasts. We call it Congregation Elim Online. I teach regularly as do a few other anointed teachers. We pray for each other, we allow everyone to ask questions, to share biblical insights and personal testimonies and much more. Currently, we have regular participants who join us from across the US and from around the globe. If you are interested in being part of this community, please send me an email request and we will go from there. You can contact me at natanl@earthlink.net or hoshanarabbah@earthlink.net.

Love, blessings and shalom to everyone!

 

The Sun (Yeshua), the Moon (the Saints): Light to the World Via YHVH’s Feasts

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In Genesis chapter one when Elohim created the sun and moon, he called the former “the greater light” and the latter “the lesser light” (Gen 1:14–18). The former rules the day and the lesser rules the night. 

Then Elohim said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons [Heb. moedim], and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. Then Elohim made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. Elohim set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And Elohim saw that it was good.

When these verses are viewed from the drash or third level of biblical interpretation, we soon discover a surprising prophetic and allegorical revelation about the divinely intended role of Yeshua and the saints in the world. 

Let us first understand the spiritual significances of the key figures in our Genesis chapter one passage. The sun in Genesis 1:16 symbolically and prophetically represents Yeshua the Messiah, who the Bible later reveals is the Light of the world (John 1:6–9; 8:12; 9:5) or the Sun of Righteousness (Mal 4:2). That is to say, spiritually speaking, he is Greater Light of Genesis 1:16 to show man the path of spiritual light in the darkness of this world. As the sun was created in the fourth day, so Yeshua the Messiah came into this world in the fourth millennia of man’s existence on earth. 

The moon or lesser light (Gen 1:16), on the other hand, represents the saints, who are like the moon or the lesser light, and whose divine mission it is to reflect the light of the sun or the Greater Light of Yeshua the Messiah into the darkness of this world. In other words, Yeshua shines his spiritual light onto his disciples who then take that light and evangelize those people who are lost in spiritual darkness of this world with the message of the gospel. This is the great commission (Matt 28:18–20; Mark 16:15–18)!

Now let us go to the next level in this discussion. In Genesis 1:14 we find an oblique reference to the YHVH’s Leviticus 23 biblical feasts in the word “season,” which is the Hebrew word moedim meaning “appointed times.” This same word is used in Leviticus 23:2 where it is translated as “feasts.” According to the Bible, together the sun and moon interact to determine the biblical calendar. The sun determines the length of the year, while the moon determines months. This is the case with our modern calendar. The solar year is 365.25 days while months are approximately 30 days. Both of these calculations are based on the solar and lunar cycles. In the Bible, the biblical feasts are calculated based on the lunations of the moon. The greater light and lesser lights of Genesis 1:16 as astral timepieces determine the length of the year and month respectively, and this in turn determines the timing of YHVH’s biblical feasts. 

Moreover, YHVH’s seven Leviticus 23 biblical holidays chronologically lay out YHVH’s seven step plan of salvation to show man the way to Yeshua who is the Greater Spiritual Light as represented by the sun. The feasts are like a gospel tract or sermon which outline the step-by-step gospel message of salvation. The saints have been tasked as the lesser light to reflect the message of salvation through Yeshua the Greater Light into the darkness of this world through their adherence to the biblical feasts. This is one reason why the moon—the lesser light—is so pivotal to YHVH’s calendar and feasts. 

Currently, many false Torah and Hebrew roots teachers have recently risen up who are promoting so-called alternative, non-biblical calendars (e.g., the vernal equinox calendar, the rabbinic or Hillel II calendar, the Zadok/Enoch calendar and the like) that relegate the moon to irrelevance when determining the timing of YHVH’s biblical feasts. These false teachers have jumped the rails by ignoring biblical spiritual and prophetic patterns as they lead YHVH’s people, to their shame and ultimate judgment, down aberrant spiritual path. YHVH will hold them accountable for perverting his truth and leading his people astray!

For example, the traditional calendar currently used by the non-believing, rabbinic Jews, while claiming to be lunar based, is off; it is not in accordance with the moon though the Jews erroneously purport it to be. At the same time, these same rabbinic Jews are not bringing the gospel message of Yeshua to the world; rather, they are promoting the doctrines of men and men’s traditions. Error always begets more error. Their whole message is askew and fails to reflect the Greater Light of Yeshua the Messiah.

Similarly, while the mainstream church attempts to preach the gospel, without an understanding of the moon, YHVH’s feasts and his biblical calendar, the gospel message they preach is only a partial one and is also off spiritually. Therefore, they are not transmitting the full light of Yeshua into the darkness of this world.

It is time for both Jewish and Christian leaders along with their more Hebraic or Messianic and pro-Torah minded counterparts to return to the rails of biblical truth by observing why, how and when YHVH intended his feasts to be observed as outlined in Genesis chapter one, Leviticus chapter 23 and elsewhere from one end of the Bible to the other. May YHVH bless the Bible teachers who have not jumped the rails of biblical truth but are leading the saints down the right track. On the other hand, YHVH Elohim will judge those who are teaching doctrines of men by which his Word has been made of none effect!