{"id":22571,"date":"2025-08-11T06:56:43","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T13:56:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hoshanarabbah.org\/blog\/?p=22571"},"modified":"2025-08-17T07:45:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T14:45:07","slug":"nathans-commentary-notes-on-parashat-eikev-deuteronomy-711-1125","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoshanarabbah.org\/blog\/2025\/08\/11\/nathans-commentary-notes-on-parashat-eikev-deuteronomy-711-1125\/","title":{"rendered":"Nathan’s Commentary Notes on Parashat Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12\u201311:25)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Deuteronomy 7<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deuteronomy 7:12,<\/strong> Because you listen.<\/em><\/strong> This verse shows the conditional nature of the Mosaic or Sinaitic Covenant. Blessings from heaven are conditional upon obedience to YHVH\u2019s Torah instructions in righteousness. YHVH has given each person the free choice to obey him or not. Regardless of whether a person chooses to obey or not the law of cause and effect will automatically come into play; that is, blessings will occur for obedience and curses for disobedience. The same is true with the New Covenant. If we place our faith in Yeshua the Messiah, who is the Living Torah, and love him by keeping his commandments (John 14:15, 21), then we will not only be blessed physically blessed here and now, but we will be blessed with eternal life in the future (Matt 5:19). Those who refuse to place their faith in Yeshua and obey his commandments will receive the fruit of their disobedience now, and will also perish in the lake of fire (Rev 20:11\u201315). The law of cause and effect still applies to both the Mosaic Covenant and the New Covenant, and humans will reap the consequence of their actions based on the choices they make whether good or bad. The Bible from cover to cover reveals that this law is immutable and irrevocable. It\u2019s that simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deuteronomy 7:17\u201318,<\/strong> Dispossess them\u2026not be afraid.<\/em><\/strong> Do we walk by faith or by sight (i.e., relying strictly on our human logic or intellect to figure things out instead having faith in the Word and Truth of Elohim to lead, guide and inform us)? Was it logical to think that Israel could dispossess a fortified land full of people mightier and greater in number than themselves? Fear and logic are often the enemies of faith in YHVH\u2019s Word and promises. Without faith it is impossible to please YHVH (Heb 11:6), and the just shall walk by faith (Heb 10:38). What is faith? (See Heb 11:1.) Proverbs tells us, \u201cTrust in YHVH with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths,\u201d (Prov 3:5\u20136).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By faith the physical creation came into existence (Heb 11:3); therefore, faith preceded the physical creation and is the \u201cmother\u201d of it. From the \u201cwomb\u201d of faith, if you will, came forth all that we see and know. That \u201cwomb\u201d is the very heart, character and mind of YHVH Elohim. Faith is a powerful spiritual force! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We live in a physical dimension\u2014a time space capsule called planet Earth. The new heavens and new earth, and the Jerusalem from above which is coming and for which, in faith, we look, will be of a spiritual nature and dimension. Our physical lives on the earth are a classroom, training ground for a life in the spirit realm in the future. Those who plan on living forever in that dimension after their physical lives have ended are learning to walk by faith with hearts and minds focused on the kingdom of Elohim in the next (spiritual) dimension by trusting in the Word and promises of YHVH for all of their needs. Yeshua said that his followers, although in this world, they are not of this world (John 17:11, 15). The saints are merely strangers and pilgrims who are passing through this life in faith en route to a better place (Heb 11:13; 1 Pet 1:17; 2:11). So what lessons can we learn from the Israelites in this regard? What mistakes did they make that prevented most of them from inheriting the Promised Land\u2014a biblical metaphor the kingdom of Elohim? (Check out Heb 3:7\u20134:10.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Deuteronomy <\/strong>7:18; 8:2,\u200911,<\/strong> Remember\u2026 forget not.<\/em><\/strong> An essential element of a strong faith in the promises of YHVH (e.g., \u00adprosperity, verse 13; fruitfulness of the womb, verse 14; healing, verse 15; victory over enemies, verse 16; etc.) is to remember<\/em> YHVH\u2019s past accomplishments in your life: how he has healed you, prospered you, answered your prayers, transformed your life, delivered you from your enemies and troubles, and given you meaning, hope and purpose to your life. In the last days, many people are becoming lukewarm in their faith, are turning away from Yeshua the Messiah (who is also YHVH of the Old Testament or Tanakh, see Acts 7:36\u201338; 1\u2009Cor 10:4,\u20099; and compare John 14:15 with Deut 11:1 and Exod\u202f20:6). Some people are not only becoming lukewarm in their faith, but are turning to idolatry, doubt and unbelief, secularism, materialism, hedonism, and false religions because they have forgotten what YHVH-Yeshua did for them. Have you forgotten? To forget is a slippery slope that can lead to spiritual oblivion. Take a moment to recall the wonderful things he has done for you. Write them down. Remember them. Thank and praise him for them. Humans tend to be forgetful. How many times does YHVH tell his people \u201cto forget not\u201d and \u201cremember\u201d certain things? Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beware that thou forget not<\/strong> YHVH thy Elohim, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day. (Deut 8:11)<\/p>

Remember, and forget not<\/strong>, how thou provokedst YHVH thy Elohim to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against YHVH. (Deut 9:7)<\/p>

Bless YHVH, O my soul, and forget not<\/strong> all his benefits. (Prov 3:1)<\/p>

My son, forget not<\/strong> my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:<\/p>

But to do good and to communicate forget not<\/strong>: for with such sacrifices Elohim is well pleased. (Heb 13:16)<\/p>

Remember <\/strong>the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Exod 20:8)<\/p>

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember<\/strong> all the commandments of YHVH, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring. (Num 15:39)<\/p>

And thou shalt remember<\/strong> all the way which YHVH thy Elohim led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. (Deut 8:2)<\/p>

But thou shalt remember<\/strong> YHVH thy Elohim: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. (Deut 8:18)<\/p>

And thou shalt remember<\/strong> that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and YHVH thy Elohim redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day. (Deut 15:15)<\/p>

Remember<\/strong>the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. (Deut 32:7)<\/p>

Remember<\/strong> the word which Moses the servant of YHVH commanded you, saying, YHVH your Elohim hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. (Josh 1:13)<\/p>

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of YHVH our Elohim. (Ps 20:7)<\/p>

I will remember<\/strong> the works of YHVH: surely I will remember<\/strong> thy wonders of old. (Ps 77:11)<\/p>

To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember<\/strong> his commandments to do them. (Ps 103:18)<\/p>

Remember<\/strong> his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth. (Ps 105:5)<\/p>

I remember<\/strong> the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. (Ps 143:5)<\/p>

Remember<\/strong> now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. (Eccl 12:1)<\/p>

Remember<\/strong> ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. (Mal 4:4)<\/p>

Remember<\/strong> Lot\u2019s wife. (Luke 17:32)<\/p>

Wherefore remember<\/strong>, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands. (Eph 2:11)<\/p>

Remember <\/strong>that Yeshua the Messiah of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel. (2 Tim 2:8)<\/p>

But, beloved, remember<\/strong> ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. (Jude 1:17, emphasis added on all)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Deuteronomy 7:20\u201324, YHVH will drive out.<\/em><\/strong> Do you really believe that YHVH is leading you into your<\/em> own spiritual Promised Land? What is your mission, calling, destiny and purpose in life vis-\u00e0-vis helping to advance the kingdom of Elohim on this earth and beyond? As he promised to be with the Israelites and to go before them (Deut 7:20\u201324), so his promise commandments and faithfulness are for a thousand generations (Deut 7:9), which means they are for you! If you do not have a mission, goal or purpose (the Israelites\u2019 goal and mission was to enter and to possess the Promised Land) then you may well wander aimlessly in the wilderness indefinitely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Deuteronomy 7:22, <\/strong>Beasts of the field. <\/em><\/strong>This is a Hebraism for the godless, demonic inspired and led heathen nations who act more like animals rather than humans who were made in the image of Elohim. They are the enemies of YHVH, the worst of these beasts rule the nations, and YHVH is calling his people out of this spiritual Babylonian system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deuteronomy 7:25, Carved images of their gods. <\/em><\/strong>This shows the link between the two commands contained in the ten statements or commandments relating to idolatry (Exod 20:3\u20134). The prohibition against the worshipping of false gods and making graven or carved images is actually one command with two parts. Men tend to worship idolize what they can see or make, or they worship themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deuteronomy 8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deuteronomy 8:2\u20133, 6ff, <\/strong>YHVH afflicted\/humbled [or abase, chasten, deal hardly with] you. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Higher Purpose of Trials and Afflictions in Our Lives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does the concept of YHVH afflicting his people bother you?<\/strong> Is it possible that he could afflict, chasten or humble us if and when we need it. The word afflict\/anah <\/em>literally means \u201cto become low, depressed, put down or stoop.\u201d (Note some other places where anah<\/em> is used: Pss 55:19; 88:7; 90:15; 119:71, 75.) Scripture says that Israel exited Egypt with \u201ca high hand\/upraised arm\u201d (Exod\u202f14:8 and Num 33:3). The word high\/upraised<\/em> can connote haughtiness or arrogance, or it can mean that the children left Egypt triumphantly and in jubilation waving banners (The ArtScroll Stone Edition Chumash<\/em>, p. 369). Which was it? One or the other or both? Did they leave Egypt in a spirit of contrition or arrogance? If the latter, then perhaps, in YHVH\u2019s eyes, they need some humbling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many ways, it seems that we are not unlike the ancient Israelites! Do we need not need to be humbled from time to time? Down through the ages, YHVH has allowed his servants to suffer, but it was for their spiritual growth and benefit. What did Paul say about his thorn in the flesh? (See 2\u2009Cor 12:7.) Why did Job experience what he did? (Read Job 42.) The process of humbling us, so that we might have a higher view of YHVH and a lower view of ourselves, is not a bad thing!When we become contrite and humble before YHVH and more dependent on him, the blessings, power, anointing and provision of YHVH are able to flow into our lives more readily without hindrances and blockages of sin and pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How has YHVH been trying to humble your flesh that he might bring you to a deeper level spiritually and into a more intimate relationship with him? The<\/em> ArtScroll Chumash <\/em>comments, \u201cIt is true that Elohim subjected the people to some hardships in the wilderness, but even that was for their good; just as a father may chastise his child to prepare him for the future\u201d (p. 983 cp. Heb 12:3\u201311). Consider this issue in light of the sufferings of YHVH\u2019s servants while they were faithfully awaiting their spiritual inheritance as we read about in Hebrews 11\u2014the so-called biblical Faith Chapter. (Compare this with Jas 1:12\u201317 and 1\u202fCor\u202f3:13.) Also consider the two types of judgments of YHVH as recorded in Scripture: his judgments unto repentance and his judgments unto death. What are some examples of each? If YHVH\u2019s saints stay close to him spiritually, they won\u2019t have to go through the latter type of judgment. (Examples include Noah and the flood; Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah; the Israelites in the plagues on Egypt; the saints and the tribulation, the great tribulation versus the wrath of Elohim periods at the end of the age [these are three separate time periods or events]; also see Heb 12:3\u201311). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why did YHVH have to afflict the children of Israel? This is because the Scriptures tell us that Israel left Egypt with \u201can high hand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And YHVH hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. (Eoxd 14:8)<\/p>

And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians. (Num 33:3)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAn high hand\u201d in Hebrew is the word ruhm<\/em> meaning \u201cto rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted.\u201d Human pride is anathema and an abomination to YHVH Elohim:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These six things doth YHVH hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood\u2026 (Prov 6:16\u201317)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, we read elsewhere,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, Elohim resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (Jas 4:6)<\/p>

For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith YHVH: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. (Isa 66:2)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Deuteronomy 8:2\u20133, <\/strong>Humbled you\u2026tested you\u2026allowed you to hunger. <\/em><\/strong>This verse reveals that YHVH tested, humbled and even allowed the children of Israel to suffer privation on their long trek through the wilderness. This has led some people to wonder what kind of a Being the Israelites were serving such that he would do this to his people. Was YHVH Elohim cruel or loving God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This and other similar verses, if cherry picked out of the Bible, may lead some people to the conclusion that YHVH Elohim is a harsh, mean, cruel, punishing and angry Being\u2014that he allows evil to come upon people for no good reason. After all, haven\u2019t we all heard he question raised, \u201cWhy do bad things happen to good people?\u201d This question implies that (a) people are good, and (b) that somehow the Creator had the power to stop the evil, but didn\u2019t, thus suggesting that, in some way, he is the malevolent author of evil, and, therefore, why should we trust him? So is YHVH Elohim the Source, the Creator of evil?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did Elohim Create Evil?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What or who is the source of evil on the earth?<\/strong> Is it God (YHVH Elohim), the devil or something else? This is a legitimate and honest question since so much evil exists all around us. If YHVH Elohim is the Creator of everything, then does this mean that he also created evil? If so, then how can this be, since the Bible reveals that YHVH is all good, loving, holy, righteous and sinless and perfect? If not, then who or what is the source of evil? It is important to understand the source and origin of evil, for the answer reflects either positively or negatively on the innate character of Elohim and the validity of the Bible, which promotes itself as the inspired Word of Elohim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answers to the question of who created evil seem like an unanswerable conundrums to many people. In attempt to resolve this issue, too many people have thrown up their hands in frustration only to become agnostics or even atheists. In reality, the answer is quite simple, and no one\u2019s faith needs to be shaken much less obliterated as we will discover below. Frankly, to answer this seeming perplexing question, it is necessary to stop thinking like finite humans, start thinking outside the paradigmatic box of our physical earthly existence and understand the concept of evil from a biblical, heavenly and logical perspective. It is then that the answer as to the source and origin of evil neatly reveals itself as we are about to discover below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The belief that YHVH Elohim created evil is often based on a single passage in the Bible. In Isaiah 45:7 we read, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI [YHVH speaking] form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I, YHVH, do all these things.\u201d (KJV, emphasis added)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Based on this verse, some people believe that all the evil that occurs in the world is YHVH\u2019s fault. The stickler, however, is this: If he is the creator of evil, how can everything about him and all that he does also be good?  Because of the belief that YHVH created everything including evil, some people have refused to serve and obey YHVH and questioned or even rejected his Truth as found in the Bible. After all, they reason, how can we believe much less serve a God who claims to be good, yet who is also the creator and purveyor of evil? These are valid considerations that need addressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addressing this issue, let\u2019s first ask a simple question. What does the Bible mean when YHVH says, \u201cI create evil,\u201d? For a better understanding of this seeming enigmatic phrase in Isaiah, let us look at how some other English Bibles translate this same verse. As we are about to discover, there is not a unanimous consensus among Bible translators as to the exact meaning of the biblical Hebrew word for evil<\/em>. We will soon see that the biblical definition of evil<\/em> is perhaps broader than at first thought. This alone can change one\u2019s perspective dramatically regarding one\u2019s understanding of the concept of evil<\/em>. Perhaps our perspective is limited resulting in our coming to wrong conclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity [Heb. ra<\/em>]; I, the LORD, do all these things.\u2019 (NKJV, emphasis added)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I form the light and create the darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster [Heb. ra<\/em>]; I the LORD, do all these things. (NIV, emphasis added)<\/p>

I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity [Heb. ra<\/em>], I am the LORD, who does all these things. (ESV, emphasis added)<\/p>

I form light, I create darkness; I make well-being, I create woe [Heb. ra<\/em>]; I, ADONAI, do all these things. (CJB, emphasis added)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Based on how other Bibles translate the Hebrew word for evil<\/em>, this begs an important question. What is the biblical Hebrew word for evil<\/em> and what is its definition in light of the fact that different Bibles translate the Hebrew word for evil<\/em> so differently? The Hebrew word in question is ra <\/em>or ra\u2019ah\/<\/em>[r. It is the generic Hebrew word meaning \u201cevil\u201d, but, as we see below, it can mean much more than \u201cevil\u201d (as quoted from the Online Bible Deluxe Software Program): <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  •  1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant<\/li>
  •  1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)<\/li>
  •  1c) evil, displeasing<\/li>
  •  1d) bad (of its kind – land, water, etc)<\/li>
  •  1e) bad (of value)<\/li>
  •  1f) worse than, worst (comparison)<\/li>
  •  1g) sad, unhappy<\/li>
  •  1h) evil (hurtful)<\/li>
  •  1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition)<\/li>
  •  1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically)<\/li>
  •  1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts<\/li>
  •  1j2) deeds, actions n m<\/li>
  • 2) evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity<\/li>
  •  2a) evil, distress, adversity<\/li>
  •  2b) evil, injury, wrong<\/li>
  •  2c) evil (ethical) nf<\/li>
  • 3) evil, misery, distress, injury<\/li>
  •  3a) evil, misery, distress<\/li>
  •  3b) evil, injury, wrong<\/li>
  •  3c) evil (ethical)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    As we can see, \u201cevil\u201dis only one of the many and varied definitions of the Hebrew word ra, <\/em>which can also mean \u201cdistress, adversity, unhappiness and sadness\u201d among other things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now in light of the broader meaning of the word ra<\/em>, let us ask a couple of questions and briefly explore the concept of evil. <\/em>For example, can \u201cbad\u201d things happen to people that end up being good for the person in the end? Similarly, are there things that on the surface appear to be bad, injurious and hurtful, but in reality are for our own safety and protection? Absolutely yes to both questions. Perhaps you have never thought of bad or \u201cevil\u201d in this way, but it, nevertheless, is within the definition of biblical word for evil.<\/em> Keep these points in mind as we proceed in our discussion and expand our understanding of the concept of bad <\/em>and evil <\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s continue to broaden our understanding of the Hebrew word ra. <\/em>According to The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament<\/em>, the primary definition of Hebrew word ra<\/em> is \u201cthe lack of quality or inferior quality of something or someone and is thus unable to meet standards of value or function beneficially.\u201d The word can connote \u201cmoral deficiencies\u201d and is contrasted to the Hebrew word tov <\/em>which is the generic word meaning \u201cgood\u201d. The<\/em> TWOT <\/em>goes on to note that Elohim [as the Just Judge of the universe] acts with painful punishment against evil or ra<\/em> against people who refuse to repent of their wicked, evil or sinful actions. If he failed to take such action against evil, then evil would take over the earth and universe. Do you think this is impossible or that this has never happened before? If so, go read what Scripture says about Satan and the angelic rebellion that occurred before the creation of humans (see Isa 14:12\u201317; Ezek 28). It happened once and it can happen again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s now explore another ramification concerning the concept of evil and its source and origin. Is YHVH the creator of evil in a direct sense, or <\/em>is he merely the creator of the spiritual machinery that set up the laws of cause-and-effect such that evil consequences are the result of wrong choices that people make? That is, when people break YHVH\u2019s laws, evil (in the sense of punishment) befalls them as a result of their actions and the resulting consequences that they bring on themselves. I believe that the answer to this question is yes. Even as blessings and goodness are reaped by those who follow his laws, so curses come upon those who disobey YHVH. You<\/em> reap what you<\/em> sow. One is the cause of either the evil or the blessings that comes upon them per the choices they make. As we go along in this study, we shall see that the Bible reveals that people bring evil upon themselves by their wrong choices. So yes,  YHVH created the laws and along with consequences, good or bad, that will fall on people based on their obedience or disobedience to his laws. In this sense, his Torah-laws that, in reality, or neutral. What humans do vis-\u00e0-vis these laws based on the choices they make and their subsequent actions will determine the consequences they will experience whether good or evil, blessings or curses, life or death, rewards or punishment, victory or calamity. This is akin, on the physical level to the law of gravity, which is in itself neutral. It is a blessing in that it keeps people from floating into outer space and to their ultimate death. However, at the same gravity becomes a curse if one jumps off a cliff or a tall building. Whether the law of gravity is a blessing or a curse is based on the choices that one makes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The case could even be made that the consequences of one\u2019s disobedience to YHVH\u2019s laws are actually a blessing and not a curse. How is this? Let\u2019s illustrate the point this way: When a parent disciplines their child for doing something morally wrong or harmful to their well-being, does this make the parent the purveyor of evil or the discipline itself evil? Actually, the consequences of the child\u2019s wrong action is what is evil and the parent\u2019s correction is actually an act of love to bring the wayward child back into a right path of blessing, so they will not further harm themselves. The same can be said for a court judge who pronounces a sentence upon a person for a crime that they committed. The judge is society\u2019s agent to correct bad behavior for the betterment of everyone. Similarly, when we read in Isaiah 45:7 that YHVH created evil or more correctly woe and calamity, it could be said that the calamity that befalls a person for breaking his laws neither makes YHVH the creator nor the purveyor of evil. Rather, the calamity that a person reaps because of their wrong action is an act of love on the part of our Father in heaven to bring his wayward children back to him. If a wayward sinner chooses to ignore the Father\u2019s loving disciplinary action and fails repent of their sin, they are then are wilfully cutting themselves off from YHVH and choosing to move into deeper spiritual darkness and away from the spiritual light. Eventually they will cut themselves off completely from YHVH and the evil darkness will consume them, for they have chosen to live in a place where YHVH chooses not to exist because he is pure light and perfect and will not dwell in which places. It impossible  to imagine that YHVH is the creator of this kind of evil that encompasses a totally reprobate and unrepentant sinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moreover, and to expand on the idea of blessings and curses based on the choices that we make, when humans choose to obey YHVH, they will experience good or blessings because they are in right relationship with him by obeying his laws. However and conversely, when humans choose to go against YHVH\u2019s laws or commandments, they will suffer the consequences. This is called sin, and when humans sin, they cut themselves off from the Creator, who is sinless and perfect. They choose to walk away from him, to walk away from the light of his Truth and to walk into spiritual darkness. When they walk into this spiritual vacuum that is devoid of light, Truth, goodness and love, darkness and evil rush in to fill the vacuum where YHVH does not exist. Again, does this make YHVH the Creator of evil? Not at all. Rather, people have chosen a spiritual path that leads to a place where YHVH, who is total goodness, does not and cannot exist. This is because YHVH Elohim is pure light, total love and goodness, is the quintessential definition of holiness and righteousness, which are the total opposite of evil. To say that YHVH is the Creator of evil is to imply that there is a component of his character that is evil. This pure blasphemy against a perfect and sinless Elohim!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moses Maimon known as Maimonides or the Rambam, a medieval Jewish sage and Torah scholar, discusses this issue in his classic book, The Guide to the Perplexed<\/em>. He starts from the premise that all that YHVH created was good <\/em>or tov <\/em>as stated several times in the creation account of Genesis chapter one. If all Scripture is true and cannot be broken, then Elohim is not the creator of evil or wickedness in that sense of the meaning of the Hebrew word ra. <\/em>But as we have seen, this is not the only definition of this word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To the western mindset, Rambam points out, darkness and evil are negative existence, but existence none the less, like two sides of the same coin. By contrast, to the Hebrew mind, evil is not even a part of the coin. Since no part of YHVH Elohim is evil, it is impossible for him to be the source or origin of evil, for Scripture declares in Genesis chapter one that all that he created was good. Yet at the same time, there are things that YHVH does that to the human mind appear to be \u201cevil\u201d. How is this possible if all that he created was good? And what  about those things that are truly evil that were not part of his creation? What is their source and origin? Obviously this evil exists outside of his creation. This, then begs more questions. What is the \u201cevil\u201d that is part of his creation, and what is the evil that is outside his creation? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In reality, and as we have touched on above, there are two kinds of evil: ultimate evil which is the total negation of all good, light and truth, and \u201cevil\u201d or more correctly, calamity or woe, which is good in that it produces good results in the lives of people or even protects people. What do we mean by this? Let us briefly discuss each kind of evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

     To the Hebrew way of thinking (and that was the mindset of the authors of Scripture) all that YHVH created is existence and all else is nonexistence. Therefore that which is non-positive is nonexistence and not a part of his creation, or is outside of his creation. In Genesis chapter one, we learn that Elohim created physical existence, and it was all good (that is, no part of it was evil). He created good and light (i.e., existence), and the time space continuum in which the earth and its cosmos exist as a type of bubble or spaceship in the midst of darkness and nonexistence. Humans as part of the physical creation live in that area Scripture calls good. <\/em>Theoretically and spiritually, total darkness that is outside of or apart from YHVH Elohim is non-light and is evil. <\/em>So, reasons Rambam, all evil is the absence of good; that is, all that is evil is the negation of good. For example, death is evil since it is the negation of life (which is good). Death in the ultimate or eternal sense is separation from Elohim and is, therefore, non-existence or darkness and evil. For example, Paul told the Greek philosophers on Mars Hill that in Elohim all humans live and move and have their being (Acts 17:28). Conversely, it could be reasoned that outside of Elohim there is no existence\u2014no life or beingness. Rambam goes on to reason that ignorance is evil, for it is the negation of knowledge. This type of evil is ultimate evil which YHVH did not create and where he does not exist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now let us discuss the second kind of \u201cevil\u201d which is not really evil at all in the ultimate sense, but is actually good in that end results of it are good. Again, think of a loving parent disciplining their wayward child. As already noted, a better term for this type of evil would be calamity <\/em>or woe, <\/em>which one brings on oneself due to their wrong choices and actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We experience the good kind of \u201cevil\u201d all around us every day. Physical pain is an example of this. For example, if our bodies failed to experience pain when we cut ourselves, we might inadvertently bleed to death. If we did not experience pain when eating something poisonous, we might succumb to that poison. If we failed to experience pain from a broken leg bone, we might continue to walk on that broken leg and end up becoming crippled for the rest of our lives instead of getting the bone set and letting it heal. A thousand other such examples could be given of things that appear to be bad or evil, but are actually good for us. As is obvious, this kind of \u201cevil\u201d is for our ultimate good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    On a moral or spiritual level, when we read in the Bible that YHVH \u201ccreated evil\u201d (Isa 45:7) or \u201cafflicted\u201d his people (Deut 8:3), or brought calamity upon them in one fashion or another because of their wayward actions (Pss 55:19; 88:7; 90:15; 119:71, 75), to the biblical Hebraic way of thinking this cannot be considered evil, since it was for the purpose of bettering or refining the people of YHVH, or to bring them to the higher level spiritually, or to bring them to (or reconcile them to) their loving Father in heaven. The classic biblical example of this is the suffering of Job. Scripture records that he was a blameless and upright man before Elohim (Job 1:1, 8), yet YHVH allowed him to suffer pain, loss, and extreme trials to bring him to a higher level of righteousness and into a deeper understanding of and walk with his Creator. Therefore, what Job experienced at YHYH\u2019s hand cannot be considered evil, for the outcome was good. Paul experienced something similar with his \u201cthorn in the flesh\u201d (2 Cor 12:7). Many other examples from Scripture could be given of \u201cevil\u201d that was for one\u2019s the ultimate betterment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The writer of the Epistle of Hebrews provides another example of \u201cevil\u201d resulting in good. It is the parent disciplining their child example again. Quoting several pericopes from the Tanakh (e.g., Job 5:17; Prov 3:11\u201312), the author declares that as a father YHVH chastens his children whom he loves (Heb 12:5\u201311) for the purpose of bringing forth the good fruits of holiness and righteousness (verses 10\u201311). On the other hand, those who despise the chastening of their Heavenly Father (verse 5) end up separating themselves from him spiritually and this leads to eternal death, darkness and nothingness which is ultimate evil and non-existence. Is it YHVH\u2019s fault that people choose this path? Is it his fault that people, by the choices they make and the actions they take, remove themselves from the protective umbrella of his good creation and place themselves outside of his creation where ultimate evil exists? No. YHVH is good and brings no evil upon people except as they choose to walk away from him and, as a result, they end up suffering the consequences or fruit of their own actions. The Epistle of James clear delineates this path that leads to evil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let no one say when he is tempted, \u201cI am tempted by Elohim\u201d; for Elohim cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. (Jas 1:13\u201316)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    Moreover, YHVH hates wickedness, and Scripture declares that those who align themselves with evil become workers of iniquity (Ps 5:5). By their choices, they have placed themselves outside<\/em> of YHVH\u2019s presence and outside of that which is good. They are now the personification of evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now YHVH is gracious to both the just and to the unjust. The earth which he created provides all humans with the necessities of physical life. He also gives each human the freedom to choose to obey or disobey him. If YHVH chooses to withdraw his hand of mercy and grace from an evildoer, so that they suffer the consequences of their actions is he therefore the agent or cause of evil? Not at all. Again Rambam reasons that YHVH Elohim cannot be the creator of evil. Elohim cannot be responsible for or connected to that which he did not directly cause, even though he may have set up the spiritual \u201cmechanical\u201d of reaping and sowing, cause and effect. Nevertheless, when a person chooses to commit evil (called sin), he brings upon himself the consequences of his own actions which is divine judgment against evil or sin. Furthermore, because Elohim, the Just Judge of the universe, may be temporarily staying or withholding judgment of heaven\u2019s court against the evil actions of humans does not make him the agent or creator of evil. Eventually, the heavenly gavel will fall and judgment will be pronounced on unrepentant evil people for the evil they have done and they will permanently consigned to the evil of non-existence where YHVH is not. They have reaped the consequences of their<\/em> actions, and a loving YHVH is simply cleaning house by ridding the place of evil, which in no way makes him evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now, for the biggest question of all. Was YHVH Elohim evil when he \u201csmote\u201d (which means \u201cslay\u201dor \u201cslaughter\u201d) and \u201cbruised\u201d his Son, Yeshua (Isa 53:4 and 10)? Not according to the Scriptural definition of evil, since the result of Yeshua\u2019s death on the cross paved the way for the reconciliation of man to YHVH Elohim, which is good or tov<\/em> in the ultimate sense and is the opposite of all that is evil or ra<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Thought Provoking Story to Illustrate the Point (from an unknown source)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Did God create everything that exists?<\/strong>\u202fDoes evil exist?\u202fDid God create evil? The university professor challenged his students with this question. \u201cDid God create everything that exists?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A student bravely replied, \u201cYes he did!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod created everything?\u201d The professor asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYes sir,\u201d the student replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The professor answered, \u201cIf God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The student became quiet before such an answer. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another student raised his hand and said, \u201cMay I ask you a question, professor?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cOf course,\u201d replied the professor. The student stood up and asked, \u201cProfessor, does cold exist?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWhat kind of question is this?\u202fOf course it exists.\u202fHave you never been cold?\u201d The students snickered at the young man\u2019s question. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The young man replied, \u201cIn fact\u202fsir, cold does not exist. According\u202fto the laws of physics, what we\u202fconsider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy.\u202fAbsolute zero (-459 F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist.\u202fWe have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The student continued, \u201cProfessor,\u202fdoes darkness exist?\u201d The professor responded, \u201cOf course it does.\u201d The student replied, \u201cOnce again\u202fyou are wrong, sir, darkness does not exist either.\u202fDarkness is in reality the absence of light.\u202fLight we can study, but not darkness.\u202fIn fact, we can use Newton\u2019s prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color.\u202fYou cannot measure darkness.\u202fA simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and\u202filluminate it.\u202fHow can you know how dark a certain space is?\u202fYou measure the amount of light present.\u202fIsn\u2019t this correct?\u202fDarkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Finally the young man asked the professor, \u201cSir, does evil exist?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now uncertain, the professor responded, \u201cOf course, as I have already said. We see it everyday.\u202fIt is in the daily examples of man\u2019s inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world.\u202fThese manifestations are nothing else but evil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To this the student replied, \u201cEvil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself.\u202fEvil is simply the absence of God.\u202fIt is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil.\u202fEvil is the result of what happens when man does not have God\u2019s love present in his heart.\u202fIt\u2019s like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The professor sat down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 8:3, 14, Humbled you\u2026your heart is lifted up.<\/em><\/strong> Consider these thoughts concerning the dangers of pride:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The people of Israel are compared to a vine to teach us that just as a vine has large and small clusters of grapes, the larger ones hanging lower than the smaller ones, the greater a person is (the heavier his wisdom), the profounder his humility (A Torah Commentary For Our Time, <\/em>p. 120\u2013121, UHAC Press).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    King Solomon teaches that pride causes a person to speak dishonestly. It forces a person to deviate from the truth and to make accusations that are unfounded. Elohim weeps over those who are filled with pride. (ibid. <\/em>p. 121)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 8:7\u20139, <\/strong>Bringing you into a good land.<\/em><\/strong> Do you really have the faith to go forward spiritually, even if the way is fraught with difficulties, and to trust in YHVH\u2019s leading? Or are you content to stay in the comfort zones of your religious wilderness? Have you put limits or boundaries on where you will allow YHVH take you in your spiritual growth and development? Are there certain things in YHVH\u2019s Word that you refuse to believe applies to you, even though you have been presented with truth to the contrary? Have you dug in your heels, hardened your heart and stiffened your neck telling YHVH you refuse to go where he is leading? It is this attitude that kept the older generation of Israelites out of the Promised Land (Deut 9:6\u20137; Heb 4:1\u20137). Let\u2019s carefully examine our lives in this regard and ask the Spirit of YHVH to enlighten our understanding so that with his help we can overcome these sin strongholds that are hindering our forward and upward movement toward Elohim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy <\/strong>8:15\u201316,<\/strong> Do you good in the end.<\/em><\/strong>YHVH allows us to go through the wilderness of life with its trials along with his supernatural provision as a faith test and character refinement for our ultimate benefit. Why? To do us good in the end; that is, to prepare us for the Promised Land of his eternal kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 8:20,<\/strong> Obedient unto the voice of YHVH.<\/em><\/strong>What does it mean to be obedient to the voice of YHVH? When this was written, people did not have Bibles. Nowadays most Christians believe that hearing the voice of YHVH refers strictly to reading and obeying YHVH\u2019s written Word. This is true in part. But until the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, few people had the Word of Elohim in written form. So hearing YHVH must, logically, have a broader meaning. Do you hear his voice? How does he speak to you other than by his written Word, the Bible?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"
    Marcion the Heretic <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 9:1\u201320, Moses recounts Israel\u2019s idolatry and stiffneckedness\u2026and extols the mercy of Elohim.<\/strong>The mercy and grace of Elohim toward his sinning people is clearly expressed in these verses. The corollary passage is Exodus 33:19 and 34:5\u20139. These verses offer one more proof that the NT concept of mercy and grace finds its roots in OT passages like these. The theological fantasy that the \u201cGod of the Old Testament\u201d was an angry, autocratic, vengeful and merciless being could not be further from the Biblical truth, but is blasphemous on its face. This notion that has to one degree or another permeated mainstream, antinomian or anti-Torah church doctrine has its roots with the second century Gnostic heretic named Marcion of Sinope who, because of his wealth, was able to promulgate this evil belief far and wide across much of the Roman world. Yes, the Roman church denounced him as a heretic, but not because of his false view concerning the God the Old Testament\u2014who in reality is the pre-incarnate Yeshua the Messiah\u2014 but because he denied the deity of Yeshua. Sadly, the ghost of Marcion\u2019s false teachings still hauntingly permeate mainstream Christian theology to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy <\/strong>9:4\u20135,<\/strong> Do not think.<\/em><\/strong> The lesser of two evil. <\/strong>YHVH chose the lesser of two evils when he chose the Israelites. His choice was between the more sinful pagans and the less sinful Israelites. Let\u2019s be real here. He made the same choice when he chose you and me! Yes, we can accept the fact that he chose the Israelites ultimately because he was bound to his covenant with Abraham, but let\u2019s not forget one thing. After the golden calf incident, YHVH threatened to destroy all the Israelites and fulfill his promises to the patriarchs through Moses\u2019 seed. So he could have circumvented the majority of the sinful Israelites and still fulfilled his promises to Abraham through Moses\u2019 offspring. What is the bottom line or takeaway idea here? But for the grace of Elohim none of us stands a chance. When he extended a call to you and me to receive salvation, he made a choice between the lesser of two evils!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now let\u2019s kick this ball into a different arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    When voting for elected political officials, we will never have the perfect candidate. It will always be a vote for the lesser of evils until King Yeshua returns to this earth and sets up his world-ruling government at which time voting won\u2019t even be an option. At that time, his government will forcibly be imposed on humanity and enforced with a rod of iron! Until that time, when voting, I usually have to vote between the lesser of two evils. If YHVH sometimes has to make the choice between the lesser of two evils, who am I to say that I\u2019m better than the Creator by refusing to vote, while waiting for the perfect godly candidate? Israel was not the perfect candidate, and neither am I, yet YHVH \u201cvoted\u201d for me?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 9:18\u201320, 25\u201329, <\/strong>I fell down. <\/em><\/strong>Moses fasted for 40 days (again) and prayed as an intercessor because of the sins of the children of Israel and Aaron. Because of Moses\u2019 action, YHVH had mercy on the Israelites and didn\u2019t destroy them. This is a prophetic picture of Yeshua interceding for us before Elohim in heaven as our Great High Priest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 10:11,<\/strong> Begin your journey.<\/em><\/strong> At the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land, the children of Israel had a divine encounter with Elohim. This experience that occurred at the start of their trek across the wilderness marked the beginning of a spiritual relationship with their Creator. To be sure, it was an intense, emotional experience where Elohim revealed himself to them, but as is the case with any relationship human or divine, this was a starting place for them, or a spiritual launch pad into a new way of life. This new relationship carried with it responsibilities and requirements. Paul declares, that what happened to the Israelites was for OUR learning and admonition (1 Cor 10:11; Rom 15:40). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    So what can we learn from this? Simply this. When we had our first encounter with Elohim at the beginning of our spiritual journey, this wasn\u2019t just a one time event where we experienced an emotional high and had a brief period of spiritual enlightenment occurring and then we went from there unchanged. No! YHVH Elohim revealed himself to us so that our lives would be transformed, changed and so that we could enter into a special relationship with him. For example, when one gets married, life changes. There are new responsibilities and duties to maintain the marital relationship. One\u2019s life doesn\u2019t continue as before. It changes dramatically. The same was true for the Israelites after encountering the Creator of the universe at Mount Sinai, and the same thing occurs with us when we encounter Elohim at the beginning of our spiritual journey en route to the Promised Land of our spiritual inheritance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So what does our Creator require of us from the beginning of our spiritual journey through the wilderness of this life? The exact same thing he required of the children of Israel. Moses answers this question in the next two verses. Elohim\u2019s standards of righteousness and obedience have never changed from then until now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 10:4\u20135,<\/strong> Wrote on the tablets\u2026put the tablets in the ark.<\/em><\/strong> If the two tablets are biblical symbols for the heart of man onto which YHVH Elohim writes his laws (see notes at Exod 34:1), then the ark of acacia wood which sites in the holy of holies (the earthly representation of Elohim\u2019s throne room) into which the two tablets were deposited represents the human body and life which, ideally, should abide in the presence of Elohim guided by the Torah-Word of Elohim. Aaron\u2019s rod that budded and the pot of manna, which the ark also contained, respectively represent the tree of life or tree-cross on which Yeshua gave his life as an atonement for our sin and Yeshua as the bread of life, which is a prophetic picture of the Word of Elohim that the saint must feed on in order to obtain eternal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ten Commandments\u2026down from the mountain.<\/em><\/strong> Moses received the Torah-instructions from out of the fiery presence of Elohim and brought them down from the mountain\u2014a symbol of heaven. Elohim gave his Torah-law or instructions in righteousness to man to be deposited in the ark (a symbol of the human heart and mind). In light of these facts, it is unthinkable that Christian theologians came along many centuries latter and developed a philosophical system that, to one degree or another, relegated YHVH\u2019s Torah-law\u2014his instructions in righteousness\u2014to past times and people, and subsequently declared to millions of Christians that the Torah was \u201cdone ways with,\u201d \u201cfulfilled,\u201d \u201cnailed to the cross\u201d and was \u201cagainst us,\u201d and therefore is largely irrelevant and unnecessary to obey. The pride and hubris of such a belief is, frankly, astounding and clearly demonstrates to what degree the carnal mind of man will twist the Word of Elohim to devise his own religious system to fit his own will. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This mainstream Christian belief system is totally in accordance with the lying words of the snake in the tree: \u201cHas Elohim indeed said?\u201d (Gen 3:1), and the rebellious deceitfulness and sinfulness of the unregenerate human heart (Jer 17:9; Rom 8:7).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moreover, such a theological approach is akin to the occult social or spiritual philosophy developed in the early 1900s by the occultist and Satanist Aliester Crowley\u2014dubbed at the time as \u201cThe wickedest man in the world\u201d (1875-1947). Crowely dubbed his Torah-hating religious system Thelema<\/em> where the mantra was, \u201cDo what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.\u201d Crowley taught that \u201cadherents of Thelema should seek out and follow their true path, i.e. find or determine their True Will\u201d (https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thelema). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    How is the philosophy of Thelema any different than the one that the serpent seduced Adam and Eve at the tree of knowledge into believing when he questioned the Torah-Word and sovereign authority of the Creator of the universe? Now follow the bouncing ball. Christian theology that, to one degree or another, advocates the abrogation and irrelevance of YHVH\u2019s Torah contains within it the same underlaying fundamental philosophical strains as the Satanic religious system that Crowley founded more than a century ago. In mainstream Christianity, \u201cDo what thou wilt\u201d means, in essence, that one has the freedom to pick and choose only those aspects Elohim\u2019s Torah-law that one desires or wills to follow. Sadly, this belief system simply illustrates what two biblical authors wrote long ago about the inherent sinful and rebellious nature of man:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? (Jer 17:9)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against Elohim; for it is not subject to the Torah-law of Elohim, nor indeed can be. (Rom 8:5\u20137)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 10:8\u20139<\/strong>,<\/em><\/strong> Separated the tribe of Levi\u2026their inheritance.<\/em><\/strong>The saints are now the kingdom of priests or royal priesthood of Elohim (1 Pet 2:9; Rev 1:6; 5:10) and the kingdom of Elohim is their inheritance, not this world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 10:12\u201313,<\/strong> What does YHVH your Elohim require of you?<\/em><\/strong> These two verses lay out the five fundamental things that YHVH requires of us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fear YHVH your Elohim.<\/em><\/strong> The two levels or types of fear explained. There are two aspects or levels of fearing Elohim. The higher of the two is the sense of awe and reverence we should have for YHVH simply because of he is, the Sovereign King and Ruler of the universe as well as man\u2019s Creator. Such fear or reverential awe is easy to imagine, but hard to walk out. This type of fear involves loving Elohim because of who he is; therefore, we want to obey him because it pleases him (not to mention that it will bring great blessings upon us).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The second fear, and the lesser of the two, is the fear of physical punishment because of disobedience to YHVH (The ArtScroll Kestenbaum Edition Tikkun<\/em>, p. 433). When the higher fear fails to be a significant motivating dynamic in our lives, we are likely to experience the lower type of fear birthed out the so-called \u201cschool of hard knocks\u201d or the consequences of our sinful actions. If this type of fear causes us to wake up from our spiritual stupor and we correct the error of our ways, then we can come back to the higher level of fear\u2014obeying YHVH because we love and revere him. Sadly, it seems that few humans ever figure out these fundamental spiritual principles and, thus, they fail to make it to the higher level fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If we constantly walk in a loving reverence of Elohim, we will keep his commandment because we love him (John 14:15, 21), because he is Elohim and it is our duty to serve and obey him, and, lastly, because we do not want the consequences that disobedience brings to come upon us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How can we achieve the greater level of fear and maintain it as a constant force operating in our lives that helps to keep us on the straight and narrow path of righteousness, while at the same time walking in intimacy with the Father? This can only occur through a relationship with Yeshua and the work of his Set-Apart Spirit who has written YHVH\u2019s Torah on our hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 10:16,<\/strong> Circumcise\u2026the\u2026heart. <\/em><\/strong>(q.v., Lev 26:41; Deut 30:6; Jer 4:4; Rom 2:29) Are you surprised to discover that the concept of circumcision of the heart did not originate in the New Testament with Paul? So just what does it mean to have a circumcised heart?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is interesting to note that Moses discusses a circumcised heart after<\/em> listing the requirements for serving and obey YHVH Elohim in verses 12\u201313 above. Why is this and what is the correlation between fearing YHVH, walking in his ways, loving him, keeping his commandments and having a circumcised heart? Simply this, without a circumcised heart, it is impossible to enter into a proper, loving and obedient relationship with Creator or Heavenly Father. It all starts with a transformation of the heart of man\u2014literally a spiritual heart transplant!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Does It Mean to Have a Circumcised Heart?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Circumcision Was the Sign of the Abrahamic Covenant<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why did YHVH choose the curious ritual of physical circumcision<\/strong> as the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant and as an identifying mark of an Israelite? We will explore the spiritual ramifications and implications of this seemingly archaic ritual that many modernists decry as being barbaric. But aside from the antipathy that some people have toward circumcision, more importantly, how does the Creator view it? Maybe he knows something that we don\u2019t. Moreover, the mores of man\u2019s culture, no matter the time period past or present, seldom align with the heart and mind of YHVH Elohim because, not surprisingly, the ways of sinful humans are always, to one degree or another, incongruent with if not antithetical to those of man\u2019s Creator as the Bible, the word of Elohim, chronicles from beginning to end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While the Bible teaches that physical circumcision is not a salvation requirement (see Acts chapter 15 and Acts 10:44\u201348), it is, however, by no means a pass\u00e9, irrelevant and out-of-date ritual. For example, in the future, this rite will be a requirement for people desiring to be priests in YHVH\u2019s millennial temple (Ezek 44:7, 9). Why? Because circumcision, like baptism for the remission of sins, is an act of obedience that shows one\u2019s willingness \u201cto go all the way with YHVH\u201d, to identify with the Abrahamic Covenant and the physical nation of Israel. If a man, for example, willingly subjects himself to being circumcised, this proves that he is serious about following the God of the Israelites and becoming a part of that nation. What\u2019s more, for the children of Israel, circumcision was like a passport or national identity card in a sea of heathen nations; it was a visible symbol proving that you were a citizen of the nation of Israel and not a pagan Gentile. Therefore, it was requirement that all men who desired to take Passover to be circumcised, and those who did not keep the Passover were to be cut off from Israel (Exod 12:47\u201348).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Again, in the new covenant era, the Testimony of Yeshua (the New Testament) is clear that circumcision of the heart\u2014a non-gender specific requirement for salvation\u2014and not physical circumcision is what YHVH really cares about, but it still behoves one to study the spiritual symbolism of physical circumcision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The following bullet points offer some insights as to the spiritual significance behind the interesting and ancient circumcision ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n