Our identity in Messiah informs our actions. When our actions contradict our identity they are not cause for changing our identity, rather they are a sign that we have forgotten who we are. The misuse of something does not define it. Our actions do not define us, we define our actions. In Messiah we have become children of God. Our identity is firmly established in eternal blood. Introduction:
Psalm 51 is perhaps the most commonly known of the Tehillim (Psalms) of repentance is widely used, and forms a blueprint for the order of approach of a truly repentant believer. It is however, therefore, often decontextualised. It’s use as an order of repentance is admirable and should be encouraged, but without disregard for its context. Certain phrases from Psalm 51 have become popular mantras among believers, and for the most part are employed to godly effect. However, the decontextualization of these phrases has in some cases led to false or at very least misleading theological conclusions. One such phrase “Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me” has been sorely abused by some Christian theologians who wrongly conclude that this phrase conveys the possibility that one can lose one’s salvation. Something Scripture utterly refutes. God our Deliverer, saves and makes eternally secure all who come to Him through Yeshua the King Messiah. “27 My sheep hear, listen to, receive My voice (sound), and I know them intimately, and they follow Me; 28 and I give to them life without end, and they will never be destroyed into the unbroken age; and no one will seize them out of My hand. 29 The Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to seize out of the hand of the Father. 30 I and My Father we are one, a complex unity.” - John 10:27-30 (Author’s translation) Those whom He has made secure He fills with His Spirit as a guarantee of their eternal security (Eph. 1:13-14). “13 And you also were included in Messiah when you heard the message of truth, the good news of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is deposited as a guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” -Ephesians 1:13-14 (Author’s translation) Therefore a contextual Hebraic understanding of this Psalm is much needed in order to clear up the misunderstandings which have resulted from the presumptive interpretation of certain mainstream Christian theologians. Tehillim (Psalms) 51: Author’s Translation (1) For the preeminent director. A Psalm, melody of David, (2) when came Natan the prophet to him, after he had gone in to Bat-sheva. 1 (3) Be gracious, pity, show favour to me, Elohim Judge, according to Your faithfulness, kindness, goodness; According to the greatness, abundance, multitude of Your womb (compassion); wipe out, obliterate, exterminate my rebellion (transgression). 2 (4) Wash (by treading) me numerous times (thoroughly) from my perversity (depravity), and from my habitual sinful condition (missing the mark) cleanse, purify me. 3 (5) For my rebellion I acknowledge, and my habitual sin is before me continually. 4 (6) Against You, You only, I have missed the mark, habitually sinned and what is evil in Your sight I have done, so that You are justified when You speak, blameless, pure, translucent when You judge. 5 (7) Behold, in perversity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me. 6 (8) Behold, truth You desire in the innermost being, and in the secret (close to the chest) place, wisdom You make known to me. 7 (9) Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash (tread) me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 (10) Make me hear, listen, obey joy, and transcendent gladness; may the bones, self, substance You have broken rejoice. 9 (11) Hide, conceal Your face (gaze) from my habitual sins, missing the mark and all my depraved deeds, wipe out, exterminate, obliterate. 10 (12) A heart, core being, centre of purity create (from scratch) in me, Elohim, Judge, and renew a right, willing, free, steadfast spirit within me. 11 (13) Not, Never (won’t) cast me away from Your face (a position of intimacy face to face), and the Spirit of Your holiness not, never (won’t) snatch from me. 12 (14) The turning of me is the joy of Your salvation, and a spirit willing, noble and generous uphold in me. 13 (15) I will teach rebels (wrongdoers) Your way, and sinners (those who miss the mark set by Your holiness) toward You will turn. 14 (16) Deliver (snatch away) me from the guilt of bloodshed, Elohiym, Judge, Eloheiy, God, Judge of my salvation; My tongue will overcome with a cry, proclaiming the joy found in Your righteousness. 15 (17) Adonay, open my lips, and my mouth will make known Your praise. 16 (18) For You don’t take pleasure in a sacrifice, and the giving of a whole burnt offering You do not take pleasure in. 17 (19) The sacrifices of Elohiym, Judge, are a broken spirit; a heart broken and contrite, Elohiym, Judge, You will not despise. 18 (20) Do good in Your favour to the Tziyon; build the walls of Yerushalayim. 19 (21) Then You will delight in sacrifices of righteousness, burnt offering and whole burnt offering; they will ascend, offering upon Your altar, calves. A Summation of Tehillim (Psalms) 51:
Tehillim (Psalms) 51 Line Upon Line (1) (Lamnatzeiach) For the preeminent director. (Mizmor) A Psalm, melody (ledavid) of David [beloved], (2) when came (Natan) Nathan [giver] (Hanaviy) the prophet to him, after he had (ba el) gone in to (Bat-sheva) Bathsheba (daughter of seven, blessing, covenant). (1) For the preeminent director. A Psalm, melody of David, (2) when came Natan the prophet to him, after he had gone in to Bat-sheva. It's unfortunate that the Christian tradition of numbering of the Psalms and the positioning of the introductory phrases prior to the main text (making them preamble, or a sort of supplementary title as is the case in many English translations) often detracts from the importance of the introduction. The introductory phrasing of the Psalms has a unique role as part of the whole and is deserving of its own numbering. While the Holy Spirit is the author of Scripture, the writers and their stories also inform the text and give it context. We should not brush over the introductory verses. The Jewish publications of English translations rightly number the introductory verses, giving them position within the Psalm’s whole and thus emphasising their unique role and importance. Therefore, I’ve added the Jewish numbering in brackets, knowing that the majority of our community are English speakers who are more familiar with the Gentile Christian system of numbering. “For the preeminent director” That is, the director over the priests assigned to the music worship service. This intimate Psalm of desperate repentance concerning David’s private sin was intended for use in public worship as both an individual and corporate cry of penitence. In repentance David exposes his sin and the grief he feels over his sinful state before the entire nation of Israel. A person of noble character is not only proved in right action but also in the way he repents of wrong action. For the disciple of Messiah there is no such thing as secret sin. Our identity in Messiah informs our actions. When our actions contradict our identity they are not cause for changing our identity, rather they are a sign that we have forgotten who we are. The misuse of something does not define it. Our actions do not define us, we define our actions. In Messiah we have become children of God. Our identity is firmly established in eternal blood. “A Psalm, melody of David” This Psalm was composed by David. “when came Nathan the prophet to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.” David composed this Psalm following the rebuke of God through Nathan the prophet concerning David’s adulterous act in going in to (having illicit sexual intercourse with) Bathsheba and his subsequent role in the murder of Uriyah [My light is YAH] Bathsheba’s husband, in an attempt to cover up his initial sexual sin (2 Samuel 12:1-25). We note that by his adulterous and murderous actions David sinned against God (v.4 [6]), the nation of Israel over whom he ruled as king (v.18 [20]), his own soul (1 Cor. 6:18-20), Bat-sheva (daughter of blessing), and therefore, against the blessing of God over his life, and against Uri-yah (my light is YAH), and therefore, David blinded himself to God’s light. Thus, for some time following the act of adultery, David was numb to the conviction of God’s Spirit. As evidenced in his need to receive the rebuke for his sin directly from Nathan the prophet, who spoke by the Holy Spirit. The composing of this Psalm is likely to have taken place while David besought the LORD regarding the life of the child that had been seeded by his adultery. A child that remains nameless in the text but is nonetheless a child of the daughter of blessing [Bat-sheva] (2 Samuel 12:16). 1 (3) (Choneiniy) Be gracious, pity, show favour to me, (Elohim) God, Judge, (kechasdekha) according to Your faithfulness, kindness, goodness; (kerov) According to the greatness, abundance, multitude of (rachameykha) Your womb, compassion, (mecheih) wipe [blot] out, obliterate, exterminate (fesha’ay) my rebellion, transgression. 1 (3) Be gracious, pity, show favour to me, Elohim Judge, according to Your faithfulness, kindness, goodness; According to the greatness, abundance, multitude of Your womb (compassion); wipe out, obliterate, exterminate my rebellion (transgression). Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning*): *Hebrew poetry uses repetition rather than rhyme. Synonyms are used to emphasize key points.
“Be gracious, pity, show favour to me, (Elohim) God, Judge” David, being convicted of sin does not run from God but toward Him. David is familiar with God’s character and appeals to His grace and favour. It’s important to note that David does not call on God using the Holy unpronounceable Name YHVH, which denotes mercy, rather he calls on God as Elohim the Judge of all. This is because David has become aware of the injustice of his actions and the rightful punishment he deserves in accordance with the moral standard set by God’s holiness. When on trial a repentant criminal asks the Judge (Elohim) for Mercy (YHVH). The repetition of Elohim (x5) in this Psalm points to the just nature of the Creator and inspires the necessary awe that must accompany repentance. The proper noun YHVH is not used even once in the entirety of this Psalm, while Adonay, the generic title meaning Lord, or Master, is used only once. “according to Your faithfulness, kindness, goodness” Knowing that God is faithful, good, and kind, David does not appeal only to the common grace of God which allows “the rain to fall upon the wicked and righteous alike”, he also appeals to the saving grace of God for the eternal forgiveness of sin. This is evidenced in the specificity of the confession of David (it is also pointed to by the introduction which places the context firmly in the aftermath of a particularly heinous sin act). “According to the greatness, abundance, multitude of Your womb, compassion,” In Hebrew this line is powerful. It’s a tragedy that English translations fail to convey it. The Hebrew “racham”, womb, is used metaphorically to denote mercy. Thus, both God’s womb (figuratively) and the mercy that it conveys, are the intended meaning. The use of the word “racham”, womb, is of great importance because in relationship to God it is the counterpoint to the womb of the human mother which exists in a sin affected world (v.5[7]). “wipe [blot] out, obliterate, exterminate my rebellion, transgression.” By the Spirit of God David shows that he has come to understand that all sin is the result of the idolatrous root “pasha”, rebellion. Further, David does not only request “kaparah” covering alone, but seeks “machah”, a complete and everlasting blotting out of his rebellion. Rebellion here is seen as the foundation for “chata”, missing the mark set by God’s holiness. Therefore, David is seeking salvation from his sin nature (a tendency toward the yetzer hara [evil inclination]), and not just forgiveness of the specific sin of adultery and the related sins that followed. 2 (4) (Herev kabeseiniy) Wash [by treading] me numerous times [thoroughly] (mei’avoniy) from my perversity, depravity (umechatatiy) and from my habitual sinful condition [missing the mark] (tahareniy) cleanse, purify me. 3 (5) For (fesha’ay) my rebellion (aniy eida) I acknowledge, (vechatatiy) and my habitual sin (negdiy tamiyd) is before me continually. 2 (4) Wash (by treading) me numerous times (thoroughly) from my perversity (depravity), and from my habitual sinful condition (missing the mark) cleanse, purify me. 3 (5) For my rebellion I acknowledge, and my habitual sin is before me continually. Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning):
“Wash [by treading] me numerous times [thoroughly] from my perversity, depravity and from my habitual sinful condition [missing the mark] cleanse, purify me.” “Wash me” acknowledges that David cannot wash himself clean of his sin. “Treading” means that the process of cleansing is violent and “Numerous times” acknowledges the need for the purification process to be ongoing within time and space. Three different Hebrew words are used to describe sin in these verses: a. avon (depravity) b. chata (habitual sin, missing the mark set by God’s holiness) c. pasha (rebellion). The former two are fruit of the sin of rebellion which is the progeny of idolatry. “For my rebellion I acknowledge,” Idolatry is the root of all sin (1 Tim. 6:10) and is manifest in rebellion. This is why in spite of the use of three different Hebrew words for sin within the first few verses, “pasha” meaning rebellion is mentioned as the primary cause and the root that must be acknowledged in order for it to be rooted out. Rebellion informs the habitual sin nature “yetzer hara”. “and my habitual sin is before me continually.” Those whose hearts are soft toward God cannot continue to function in peace while carrying the weight of unrepented sin. The Spirit of God plagues the mind and heart of the believer unto repentance and freedom. The grief of the Holy Spirit purposes sanctification in the believer. David is seeking freedom from what he knows to be fallen human nature, a tendency toward evil in spite of God’s goodness. He realises that as much as he loves God and desires right relationship in Him, he is unable to achieve reconciliation with God in his own strength. 4 (6) (Lecha) Against You, (levadecha) You only, (chatatiy) I have missed the mark, habitually sinned (vehara) and what is evil (be’eiyneycha) in Your sight (asiytiy) I have done, so that (titzdak) You are justified (bedavrecha) when You speak, (tizkeh) blameless, pure, translucent (ve’shafetecha) when You judge. 4 (6) Against You, You only, I have missed the mark, habitually sinned and what is evil in Your sight I have done, so that You are justified when You speak, blameless, pure, translucent when You judge. Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning):
“Against You, You only, I have missed the mark, habitually sinned” In God all things exist and have their being, therefore, all sin is ultimately against God alone. This does not negate David’s obligation to make restitution to the specific human beings affected by his sin, and to the nation he rules over, rather it addresses sin at its root as a systemic problem within fallen creation. “and what is evil in Your sight I have done,” In the same way that all sin is ultimately sin against God, all sin is seen by God. There is nowhere to hide from God’s just judgement. “You are justified when You speak, blameless, pure, translucent when You judge.” God’s nature qualifies Him as Judge over His creation. His judgement is pure, blameless, so much so that in terms of comparison to the seen created things it is described as being translucent, so pure as to be clear, see through, undefiled (Rom. 3:4; 3:25). 5 (7) (Hein) Behold, (beavon) in perversity (cholaltiy) I was brought forth, (uvecheitiy) and in sin (imiy) my mother (yachematniy) conceived me. 6 (8) (Hein) Behold, (emet) truth (chafatzta) You desire (vatuchot) in the innermost being, (uvesatum) and in the secret [close to the chest] place, (chochmah) wisdom (todiyeniy) You make known to me. 5 (7) Behold, in perversity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me. 6 (8) Behold, truth You desire in the innermost being, and in the secret (close to the chest) place, wisdom You make known to me. Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning):
“Behold, in perversity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me.” We note that both this verse and the following verse begin with the Hebrew “Hein”, pay attention, now, listen up! None of the many and varied attempts to impugn the character of David’s parents hold up to critique, nor do any of the suppositions regarding practical reasons for any perceived prenatal sin of David. David was born of legitimately married parents and in accordance with pure sexual conduct. We note that elsewhere David acknowledges “I sinned” (4 [6]), but here he speaks of being conceived and brought forth from the womb in a general environment of depravity (avon) and habitual sin (chata). Therefore, this verse speaks of the sin affected creation, the world in which David was conceived and birthed. It is an acknowledgement that not only has “sin entered the world… and death through it” (Rom. 5:12) but also that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”(Rom. 3:23). In short, David was not conceived in a sinful sex act, nor did his pre-conscious inception sin, but he was conceived and born into a sin affected world. Thus, “in perversity (a society prone to sin) I was brought forth, and in sin (a world where the habitual missing of the mark set by God’s holiness is the norm) my mother conceived me.” “Behold, truth You desire in the innermost being, and in the secret [close to the chest] place, wisdom You make known to me.” Where the former verse says “Behold, all have sinned”, this verse says “Behold, God desires to reconcile all to himself”, making Himself known through the redeeming work of His son our King Messiah Yeshua. “The secret place close to the chest” denotes divine intimacy. 7 (9) (Techate’einiy) Purge me (ve’eizot) with hyssop, (ve’ethar) and I will be clean; (techabeseiniy) wash [tread] me, (umisheleg albiyn) and I will be whiter than snow. 8 (10) (Tashmiyeiniy) Make me hear, listen, obey (sason) joy (vesimshah) and transcendent gladness; (tageilenah atzamot dikita) may the bones, self, substance You have broken rejoice. 7 (9) Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash (tread) me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 (10) Make me hear, listen, obey joy, and transcendent gladness; may the bones, self, substance You have broken rejoice. Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning):
“Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean” Ancient tribes of the Levant are thought to have used Hyssop as a cure for digestive and intestinal problems, infection of the airways, poor circulation, skin problems, and other conditions. While its use in the healing of these conditions is not supported by empirical scientific data, it nonetheless gives context regarding the symbolism being employed by Scripture. The Torah refers to hyssop three times in relation to cleansing:
In all three instances Messiah Yeshua and His substitutionary atoning blood sacrifice as Lamb of God is prefigured. Messiah the Pesach Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7): Exodus 12 details the redemption of life of the first born sons of Israel purchased by the blood of the Pesach lamb, which is painted on the door frames of Israel’s homes using a branch of hyssop. The meaning is clear, the blood of the lamb redeems the lives of Israel’s first born. Messiah the Reconciler of Community (2 Cor. 5:18): Leviticus 14 details the process of the ritual cleansing of a leper. The Torah infers that sin as a present entity which causes all disease, suffering and death, and is therefore, ultimately the cause of leprosy, though this does not mean that an individual’s personal sin is necessarily the cause of his leprosy, or any other disease for that matter. We note that the inclusion of hyssop in these purification rites for leprosy, is just one aspect of the process. In addition to the hyssop, two birds are used, one sacrificed and one set free. After the rites are performed and the leper has shaved and washed, he may enter the camp of Israel but must remain outside his family tent for seven days, at which point a lamb is offered as a trespass offering and its blood placed on the right ear (hearing, understanding), the right thumb (actions, strength) and the big toe of the right foot (balance, direction, the way we walk). This is done as a symbolic gesture showing the desired restoration of the entire soul of the leper who has been cleansed. The ultimate goal of these rites is to reconcile the leper, who has been an outcast (having been outside the camp of Israel), to the community of Israel and to the Mishkan (Tent of meeting) where Israel worships God. Therefore, the goal is to reconcile the leper to God Himself (both symbolically and literally). Messiah the Resurrection and the Life [Who Separates the Redeemed unto God] (John 11:25): Numbers 19 details the cleansing rites of the ashes of the Red Heifer and the water of separation and purification. The combined ashes and water are used for the ritual separation and purification of one who has touched a dead body. Death is the result of sin and the touching of the dead body a reminder of the fruit of all sin. Therefore the sacrificial ashes of the Red Heifer and the water of separation are symbolic of cleansing the living of the touch of death, a living metaphor of resurrection and eternal life. In summation, David is calling on every cleansing, redemptive and life giving aspect of these three instances of the use of the hyssop and the atoning blood it carries, which is painted upon Israel, as a symbol of atonement (both individual Israelites and Israel as a community). “wash [tread] me, and I will be whiter than snow” These words of David used in personal repentance and given for use in corporate repentance (v.0 [1]) are later employed by Isaiah as an admonishment to the people of Israel. ‘“Come now, and let us debate your case,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They shall become as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool.”’ -Yishayahu (Isaiah) 1:18 NASB “Make me hear, listen, obey joy and transcendent gladness” As a result of God’s redemptive work in Messiah Yeshua and through His substitutionary blood, David’s ears are opened to the transcendent joy of God. A joy and practice of gladness in God’s spirit that is applied through obedience through Salvation (Yeshua). “may the bones, self, substance You have broken rejoice” In context the plain meaning here is that of transformation of the broken sin affected human soul into the transcendent rejoicing, redeemed person of eternity. God has brought David to a point of brokenness and repentance in order to redeem him and bring him into life everlasting, an outcome of great rejoicing. “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: a good report makes the bones healthy.” -Mishlei (Proverbs) 15:30 9 (11) (Hasteir) Hide, conceal (Paneycha) Your face [gaze] (mechata’ay) from my habitual sins, missing the mark (vechol-avontay) and all my depraved deeds (mecheh) wipe [blot] out, exterminate, obliterate. 10 (12) (Leiv tahor) A heart, core being, centre of purity (bera-liy) create [from scratch] in me, (Elohim) God, Judge, (veruach nachon chadeish) and a new, right, willing, free, steadfast spirit (bekirbiy) within me. 9 (11) Hide, conceal Your face (gaze) from my habitual sins, missing the mark and all my depraved deeds, wipe out, exterminate, obliterate. 10 (12) A heart, core being, centre of purity create (from scratch) in me, Elohim, Judge, and renew a right, willing, free, steadfast spirit within me. Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning):
“Hide, conceal Your face [gaze] from my habitual sins, missing the mark” How is it possible for any deeds to be hidden from the all-knowing, all-seeing God of creation? The answer is in the following clause… “all my depraved deeds wipe [blot] out, exterminate, obliterate.” God alone has the ability to blot out sin. He created the possibility of sin knowing that love could not exist without freewill. However, In Himself He manifested the obliteration of sin and death before the creation of the worlds. “The Lamb slain before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:19-20; Revelation 13:8). We note that in addition to the metanarrative of redemption, these verses also convey David’s desire for intimate connection with His Creator. David is aptly named “beloved”, a man after God’s own heart. God’s desire being to reconcile humanity to Himself. “A heart, core being, centre of purity” The Hebrew “Lev”, Heart, is the convergent centre of being rather than the seat of emotion. The seat of emotion in Hebrew thought is the gut or lower abdomen. It is not pure emotions David is asking for but a state of being that can only be received from God. Purity of the entire being, a purity created by God alone, at its convergent centre of human existence. “create [from scratch] in me, Elohim, God, Judge,” The Hebrew “bera-liy” from the root “bara” refers to a type of creation that only God can enact. Ex Nihilo (from nothing). In this case it refers to a transforming work that changes the stony heart of sin affected man into the soft heart of an eternally redeemed new creation through Messiah Yeshua the King. David is requesting the saving work of Messiah 1000 years before Yeshua’s birth into time and space. “Therefore, if anyone is in Messiah that one is a new creation; the old has gone; behold, the new has come.” -2 Corinthians 5:27 “and a new, right, willing, free, steadfast spirit within me.” While the Hebrew can be rendered “renew”, and in one sense the believer is constantly being renewed of spirit, the better and more literal translation is “and a new spirit within me”. Once again David, speaking by the Spirit prophecies the work of Yeshua which will give every believer, past, present and future, unbroken access to the present filling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit being the “new Spirit” that transforms the fallen spirit of the sin affected human being. 11 (13) (Al-tashliycheiy) Not, never (won’t) cast me away (milefaneycha) from Your face (position of intimacy face to face), (veruach kadshecha) and the Spirit of Your holiness (al-tikach) not, never (won’t) snatch from me. 12 (14) (Hashivah) The turning (liy) of me is (seson) the joy (yishecha) of Your salvation, (v’ruach) and a spirit (nediyvah) willing, noble and generous (tismecheniy) uphold in me. 11 (13) Not, Never (won’t) cast me away from Your face (a position of intimacy face to face), and the Spirit of Your holiness not, never (won’t) snatch from me. 12 (14) The turning of me is the joy of Your salvation, and a spirit willing, noble and generous uphold in me. Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning):
“Not, Never (won’t) cast me away from Your face (position of intimacy face to face), and the Spirit of Your holiness not, never (won’t) snatch from me.” The Hebrew can be translated “Don’t cast me away…” and “don’t take Your Holy Spirit”. However, it is just as accurate to render it “Won’t cast me away” and “won’t take Your Spirit of holiness”. The latter being more consistent with the context and goal of the Psalm. David is describing what will happen following the transformation of his soul and not as some wrongly interpret, inferring that somehow the salvation established by God’s blood could ever be reversed by human weakness. A curse on that lie! David is once again affirming prophetically that God our Deliverer, saves and makes eternally secure all who come to Him through Yeshua the King Messiah (John 10:27-30). Those whom He has made secure He fills with His Spirit as a guarantee of their eternal security (Eph. 1:13-14). “The turning of me is the joy of Your salvation,” This is the literal reading of the Hebrew text and conveys the meaning that the receipt of God’s offer of salvation by a repentant human being is the joy of God’s Salvation (Yeshua). In short, the transcendent joy of salvation is the convergence of the joy of God and the joy of the soul transformed in God through Messiah Yeshua. “a spirit willing, noble and generous uphold in me.” The continued security of David’s salvation and the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit is upheld by God. God upholds the redeemed. The redeemed do not uphold themselves. 13 (15) (Alamedah) I will teach (foshe’iym) rebels [wrongdoers] (Deracheycha) Your way, (vechataiym) and sinners [those who miss the mark] (eilecha) toward You (yashuvu) will turn. 14 (16) (Hatziyleiniy) Deliver [snatch away] me (midamiym) from the guilt of bloodshed, (Elohiym) God, [Judge] (Eloheiy) God [Judge] (teshuatiy) of my salvation; (teranein leshoniy) My tongue will overcome with a cry, proclaiming the joy found (tzidkatecha) in Your righteousness. 13 (15) I will teach rebels (wrongdoers) Your way, and sinners (those who miss the mark set by Your holiness) toward You will turn. 14 (16) Deliver (snatch away) me from the guilt of bloodshed, Elohiym, Judge, Eloheiy, God, Judge of my salvation; My tongue will overcome with a cry, proclaiming the joy found in Your righteousness. Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning):
“I will teach rebels [wrongdoers] Your way, and sinners [those who miss the mark] toward You will turn.” Because You have saved me, says David, I will share the Good News of how you offer salvation to all those willing to repent. As a result many will turn to God and enter eternal life through the King Messiah Yeshua. “Deliver [snatch away] me from the guilt of bloodshed, Elohim, God, [Judge] Eloheiy God [Judge] of my salvation;” David acknowledges that his rightful punishment for the murder of Uriyah is death. Therefore, he asks of a repentant heart to be delivered from the temporal death that should be meted out in punishment (something God has already established for him in mercy). David has now also been delivered from eternal death through his acceptance of God’s redemptive work in Messiah (the resurrected and transcendent Messiah unbound by time and space). David makes his request to Elohim the Judge and God of Yeshua (Salvation), Who is God with us. “ My tongue will overcome with a cry, proclaiming the joy found in Your righteousness.” The mourning of David’s repentant mouth will overcome in God’s redemptive provision and proclaim the joy found in God’s righteousness. 15 (17) (Adonay) Lord, (sefatay tiftach) open my lips, (upiy) and my mouth (yagid) will make known (tehilatecha) Your praise. 16 (18) For (lo-tachpotz) You don’t take pleasure in (zevach) a sacrifice, (ve’eteinah) and the giving (olah) of a whole burnt offering You (lo) do not (tirtzah) take pleasure in. 15 (17) Adonay, open my lips, and my mouth will make known Your praise. 16 (18) For You don’t take pleasure in a sacrifice, and the giving of a whole burnt offering You do not take pleasure in. Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning):
“Adonay, open my lips, and my mouth will make known Your praise.” The more intimate title “Adonay” is used only here in Psalm 51. It follows David’s confession, genuine repentance, receipt of God’s judgement and mercy, and his commitment to being upheld in God’s Spirit. Having been transformed from a child of humanity (ben adam) into a child of God (ben Elohim) through Messiah, David now uses the intimate title “Lord”. God accepts and takes pleasure in the praises of a truly repentant mouth. “For You don’t take pleasure in a sacrifice, and the giving of a whole burnt offering You do not take pleasure in.” This must be understood contextually and weighed against the pleasure that God clearly takes in the sacrifices and offerings of verse 19 (21). Some time had passed between David’s adulterous act with Bathsheba, his plotting to kill Uriyah, the death of Uriyah and the receipt of the prophet Nathan’s rebuke from God. In the interim David likely offered sacrifices and whole burnt offerings in accordance with his custom of keeping Torah. However, they were the sacrifices and offerings of a man who was attempting to hide his sin and at one point even plotting to commit greater sin (Uriyah’s murder). Thus, they were the sacrifices and offerings of a hypocrite, sacrifices that God takes no pleasure in, nor do the unrepentant find merit in them. 17 (19) (Zevacheiy) The sacrifices of (Elohiym) God, Judge, (ruach nishbarah) are a broken spirit; (leiv) a heart (nishbar) broken (venidkeh) and contrite (Elohiym) God, Judge, (lo tivzeh) You will not despise. 18 (20) (Heiytiyvah) Do good (virtzoncha) in Your favor (et Tziyon) to the Zion [parched land]; (tivneh) build (chomot) the walls (yerushalayim) of Jerusalem. 17 (19) The sacrifices of Elohiym, Judge, are a broken spirit; a heart broken and contrite, Elohiym, Judge, You will not despise. 18 (20) Do good in Your favour to the Tziyon; build the walls of Yerushalayim. Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning):
“The sacrifices of Elohim, God, Judge, are a broken spirit; a heart broken and contrite Elohim, God, Judge, You will not despise.” David returns here to using Elohim (Judge) because in showing the difference between vain sacrifices and true sacrifices David is recalling his heinous sin in offering sacrifices while planning murder. However, the Merciful (YHVH) Judge (Elohim) has shown David that He accepts the sacrifices of a broken (repentant) spirit, a broken (repentant) and contrite (mournfully grieved) heart (core being). These sacrifices offered by David have been accepted by God, Elohim has not despised them but has instead welcomed David as a son through the blood of His own Son the King Messiah Yeshua. “Do good in Your favor to the Zion [parched land]; build the walls of Jerusalem.” David, as King over Israel, realises that his sin has not only affected him, Bathsheba, Uriyah, their households and neighbours, but also all of Israel, both in the hearing of it and by way of the practical and spiritual ramifications (repentance does not always negate the practical outcomes of sin in this temporary world). As head of the people David carries authority over the nation. Therefore, by defiling his own head (authority over his body) he has defiled the entire nation. Thus, David asks God’s favour upon Israel, her land and her people (Tziyon denotes both), and asks that God build walls (both physical and spiritual) of Flooding Peace (Jerusalem). We note that through God’s grace and mercy Tziyon, parched land, receives Yerushalayim, floods of peace. 19 (21) Then (tachpotz) You will delight (zivcheiy-tzedek) in sacrifices of righteousness, (olah) burnt offering (vecholiyl) and whole burnt offering; (Ya’alu al mizbachacha) They will ascend, offering upon Your altar (pariym) calves. 19 (21) Then You will delight in sacrifices of righteousness, burnt offering and whole burnt offering; they will ascend, offering upon Your altar, calves. Hebrew Poetic Groupings (emphasising meaning):
“Then You will delight in sacrifices of righteousness, burnt offering and whole burnt offering” A truly repentant people are able to offer sacrifices prescribed by Torah in righteousness. Sacrifices that will be accepted. Iben Ezra and Kimkhi suggest that the “olah” sacrifice, burnt offering, refers to the daily sacrifice and the additional ones of various beasts and birds (Lev. 1), while the “choliyl”, whole burnt offering refers specifically to the meat offering of the priests which was to be completely consumed (Lev. 6:22). Therefore, both the people of Israel who in repentance brought their sacrifices to the priests, and the repentant priests who received their portion from the people as representatives of the people, and subsequently offered them before God, are represented here together in a corporate repentant practice of sacrifice and offering before HaShem (YHVH). “They will ascend, offering upon Your altar calves.” 150 years after this psalm was composed this same imagery is employed by Hosea the prophet 14:2 (750-722 BCE) “Take with you words, and turn to the YHVH (Mercy): say unto Him, ‘Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the (pariym) calves (sacrifices) of our lips.” Therefore, Hosea connects the imagery of the Torah prescribed sacrificing of calves to the figurative application used by David in this Psalm, as being “the sacrifices of repentant lips”. All of this points to the heavenly Mishkan (Tent of meeting) and the transcendent altar of God upon which no earthly animal may be sacrificed. The altar which has been sprinkled with Messiah’s eternal blood for the redemption of all who repent (Hebrews 13), always firstly and continually for the Jewish people and also continually for the nations (Rom. 1:16). Applying the Principles of the Summation of Tehillim (Psalms) 51:
From the summation of this Psalm we can glean an order of repentance and reconciliation, and employ it in practice for working out our faith in Yeshua with fear, awe and trembling before God, Who has made us immutably secure.
“5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that Elohim the Judge is Light, and in Him there is no darkness. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Yeshua His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” -1 Yochanan (John) 1:5-10 (Author’s translation) Copyright 2022 Yaakov Brown Questions regarding godly discernment
1. Why is godly discernment so important today? 2. What does the Bible teach about godly discernment? 3. What does Yeshua (Jesus) the King Messiah teach about godly discernment? 4. How does the discernment of God's Spirit differ from human discernment which relies on human intellect alone? 5. What practical things can I put in place in order to be more discerning both spiritually and intellectually? Godly Discernment Sadly, the Holy Spirit gift of godly discernment is observably the least exercised spiritual gift in the modern community of faith. Those who do exercise this gift are often accused of being divisive, critical, unspiritual. Nothing could be further from the truth. Because we have quenched the fire of the gift of discernment among us we are reaping delusion in the body of faith on both a local and global scale. We have an individual and corporate moral obligation in Messiah to repent of our sin in disarming those among us who have attempted to warn us through godly discernment, and a Biblical moral imperative to begin to encourage and elevate the practice of the gift of godly discernment within both the local and wider body of the King Messiah Yeshua. 1. Why is godly discernment so important today? First let’s make a discernment, and distinguish between discernment and godly discernment. Distinction, distinguish, judge, taste, insight, perception, awareness and wisdom are synonyms of discernment, each of which inform our understanding of discernment. Discernment is defined as "the ability to judge well". Godly Discernment is defined as "Making a right judgement according to God's Spirit" Intellect and human sight alone cannot be relied on to discern spiritual matters. Yeshua (Jesus) says: "Do not judge by mere appearances, but make a right judgment." -John 7:24 Godly discernment is the practice of godly judgement and is available to every believer through Yeshua according to the indwelling of God's Spirit and a disciplined knowledge of His written Word (Bible). In the present chaos of this world believers are finding themselves in a position where they must make life changing decisions concerning issues for which an abundance of information exists but have no clear direction in which to head based on that information. In such circumstances intellectual rational is of little help on its own. We require spiritual help from the One Who sees the unseen and knows the hearts, minds and hidden agendas of humanity as well as the workings of the spiritual forces that influence us. Practically speaking, in many cases we are offered two opposing options, while God reveals a third option that exposes both "rational" choices and proves them to be counterfeit. We see in part, He is all seeing, we know in part, He is all knowing. Therefore, we are foolish to base our decisions on human vision and intellect alone. Instead we are challenged to employ our sight and intellect in submission to God's Spirit and the gift of discernment that He imparts, rather than relying on our own, often flawed human discernment. In matters of discernment information and the source of it is of primary importance. Information is not synonymous with truth. It must be interpreted and discerned. We live in an age of an overabundance of information from mainstream and alternative sources, but the majority of these sources are of fallen human origin or are gleaned from the airways (media) and influenced by the spirit of the air (Satan) rather than being from God. Ultimately the only reliable source of information comes from God Himself through Yeshua and is found in His Word both living and written, illuminated by the present help of His Spirit. Today far too many believers are making emotional decisions based on fleshly thoughts and desires, often seeded by ungodly fears. Our failure to effectively abide in Messiah, in God, in His Word (Bible) is resulting in mass delusion and an inability to comprehend the spiritual forces at work in our midst. False choices are being presented by spiritual leaders who are often well meaning but sadly are guilty of unnecessarily dividing the body of believers. Many of these false choices seem godly but are in fact born of the fallen nature and merely disguised as godliness. Thus, the desperate need for godly discernment among believers. One such example is the present debate concerning vaccines, another is the debate regarding political freedom. These two examples alone have become distractions that have taken the eyes of believers off Yeshua and away from the important work of the Kingdom of God. At present two satanic emissaries are fighting for the hearts and minds of Messiah followers. The deity of False Freedom is battling the deity of Socialist Fascism and the prize they seek is the deluding of the minds of weak and undiscerning believers. When we make "Freedom" our god we show our disregard for the God of freedom. Anarchists masquerading as Libertarians herding gullible Conservatives, ultimately seek freedom devoid of accountability, built on vain conspiracy. They are sirens of moral decay trading one form of tyranny for another. Counterfeit freedom is the brother of bondage. In practice, "the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness" is a pursuit of three false deities, Temporal Life, False Liberty, and Fading Emotionalism. But the freedom gifted of God in the King Messiah Yeshua transcends all temporal chains. The Good News is this, if we return to God's Word, both written (Bible) and Living (the King Messiah Yeshua), and turn away from the voices of the air (satanic), we will be found among those whose homes are filled with light when the coming darkness descends. 2. What does the Bible teach about godly discernment? Deuteronomy 4:1-10 teaches that: Godly discernment is found in God's Instruction (Bible) and keeps us safe. Failure to consistently abide in His Word results in a lack of godly discernment. Hebrews 4:12 teaches that: Godly discernment relies on God’s Word both written and living, and is able to divide indivisible things. 1 Kings 3:7-12 teaches that: Godly discernment helps us to govern (ourselves and others). Ezra 8:16 teaches that: Godly discernment is a collective responsibility. We are reliant on both God and each other in matters of discernment. Psalm 53:1-4 teaches that: Those who disbelieve God lack godly discernment, are corrupt and seek to harm God's people. Proverbs 3:21-26 teaches that: Godly discernment must be observed and acted on. Proverbs 10:13 teaches that: God disciplines those who lack discernment. Daniel 5:14 teaches that: Divine discernment is available only to the chosen of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 & 1 Corinthians 11:31 teach that: Godly discernment is of God's Spirit and not of the human nature. A believer who relies on God's Spirit to judge him is not swayed by the false judgements he makes of himself nor the false judgements others make. Therefore, the one who relies on God’s Spirit at work in him is able to discern seemingly undiscernible things. 1 Corinthians 14:29 teaches that: Godly discernment is required in order to judge the words of prophets. 1 Corinthians 12:10 teaches that: The Holy Spirit gift of discernment distinguishes between spiritual forces and sees unseen things. Colossians 1:8 explains that: We are admonished to be discerning so as not to be lead astray. 1 John 4:1 teaches that: Godly discernment tests spirits. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 teaches that: Godly discernment tests everything and holds on to what is good. 1 Corinthians 12:13 teaches that: Godly discernment affirms the authority and deity of Yeshua (YHVH with us) the King Messiah (Imanu – with us, El – God). 3. What does Yeshua (Jesus) teach about godly discernment? In John 5:30 Yeshua teaches that godly discernment listens to and hears from God and does not seek self as the source of distinguishing between truth and error. In John 8:15 Yeshua teaches that godly discernment does not judge according to the fallen nature. In Mathew 11:25-30 Yeshua teaches that godly discernment is revealed to infants while intellectual giants fail to comprehend it. In Matthew 7:13-20 Yeshua teaches that godly people can be discerned based on their fruit, both its type and its condition. 4. How does the discernment of God's Spirit differ from human discernment, which relies on human intellect alone? We have already been given the answer to this question in the preceding Scriptures: Godly discernment does not rely on human intellect. Godly discernment requires the discerner to be a child of God in Yeshua the King Messiah. Godly discernment requires the discerner to be familiar with God’s Word, written and living. Godly discernment requires the discerner to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Spirit of the Father and the Son). Godly discernment requires humility (revealed in children [innocent of heart and mind, teachable and inquisitive], kept from those in a state of intellectual pride). Godly discernment can distinguish between spirits and sees unseen things because it is a gift of the Holy Spirit rather than a human artform. Godly discernment is completely reliant on God both in its use of spiritual knowledge and its application in guiding human intellect. Godly discernment often seems counterintuitive because it is propelled by the Word of God Yeshua, Who divides between indivisible things (Heb. 4:12). These are just a few of the many ways godly discernment differs from the discernment of human intellect and rational philosophy. 5. What practical things can I put in place in order to be more discerning both spiritually and intellectually? The acronym R.I.T.E.S is a good start: R - Repent of intellectual arrogance and Rely on God I - be Intentional about daily Scripture reading and prayer T -Turn away from unreliable sources of information E - Enter into dialogue with godly people S - Submit all decisions to God through Messiah Yeshua in the power of His Holy Spirit Admit before God and to myself that without His help I am unable to discern correctly. Repent of reliance on my own intellect in discerning. Repent of any part I have played in quenching the use of the Holy Spirit given gift of discernment among the body of believers. Choose to be completely reliant on God in Yeshua the King Messiah. Be intentional about reading God’s Word (the Bible) daily. Be intentional in praying for the revelation of God’s Spirit when deciding matters great and small. Turn away from information sources that I’ve known to be unreliable, including those which claim to be vetted by believers but bear the rotten fruit of apostasy and proving that they’re not walking in step with God’s Spirit in Messiah Yeshua. When asked to discern between things, seek counsel from godly family and friends who are genuine disciples of Yeshua the King Messiah. Choose to be teachable when asking for advice from godly people rather than coming with an emotional agenda. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6 Copyright 2021 Yaakov Brown “for the Torah[H] made nothing perfect” Because the purpose of Torah is to point to the perfector Yeshua the King Messiah. The Torah indicts against sin, Messiah delivers from sin. The Torah continues to serve its purpose until the end of the age, and Messiah continues to purpose salvation unto everlasting life. The Torah is not eternal, how could it be? There will be no need for an indictment against sin in the sinless Olam Haba (world to come). Only the knowledge of good will remain, we will therefore, have no need of instruction against evil. If there is an eternal Torah, it is devoid of the confines of mitzvot (commands). Freedom has no need of fences. One who knows only to do good need not be told to do it, everything he does is good. Introduction:
Before continuing to study the writer’s exposition of Psalms 110, and the comparative teaching concerning the priesthood of Melkiy Tzedek as it reflects the type of priesthood ordered by the Messiah, which is over all peoples regardless of ethnicity, we first need to understand that many of the Jewish Messiah followers of the latter first century still found the idea that Gentiles could be collectively saved or atoned for before the God of Israel, untenable. While they held that the righteous among the nations could be part of the Olam Haba (world to come), they did not necessarily believe that the redemptive purposes of God for the nations were equivalent to His purposes for Israel, and in part they were correct, but only in part. The writer of the Book to the Hebrews knows that many of those who would receive his Holy Spirit inspired words still considered Messiah Yeshua relevant predominantly and or only to Jews (descendants of Jacob). Therefore, he is writing (inspired by the Holy Spirit) in such a way as to shake them loose from their spiritual bigotry. He is most certainly not writing in order to rob them of their unique ethno-religious identity as Jews chosen by God. Nor is he at any point suggesting that because Messiah Yeshua’s priesthood is in the order or type of that of Melkiy Tzedek (the mortal priest and king of Salem), that the priesthood of Aaron is redundant (this is clearly not the case given that the very acts of Messiah’s life and sacrificial practice, along with the function of intercession before God in the heavenly holy of holies as Kohen Gadol, reflect the Levitical priesthood which unlike Melkiy Tzedek’s priesthood, had the Mishkan [Tent of Meeting] and the Temple as shadows of the heavenlies, in which to approach God according to the order of the universe as He has set it in place). Therefore, Messiah’s Priesthood is reflected in both the priesthood of Melkiy Tzedek and the priesthood of Aaron (Levitical), and, without the sacrificial death of Messiah, foreshadowed in the Pesach of Israel and the Yom Kippur sacrifice of the Aaronic priesthood, there would be no possibility of another priest like Melkiy Tzedek arising. Additionally, Messiah’s Priesthood, which is like Melkiy Tzedek’s priesthood, is not Melkiy Tzedek’s priesthood. It is Yeshua’s priesthood. It is of fundamental importance that this is understood. The writer makes this clear but the interpretation of numerous theologians through the centuries has muddied the waters for many. As is the case with all Scripture (scrolls of the original texts), there are no chapter breaks or verse markers (or punctuation for that matter) in the scroll of the Book to the Hebrews. It’s important to see the text of this chapter as a continuation of the previous chapter, the last verses of chapter 6 being: 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both certain, loyal and forceful, reliable and one which enters into the house (Temple), the inner veil parochet[H] [the veil hung before the holy of holies], 20 where Yeshua has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the word, order, type, style, arrangement of Melkiy Tzedek. BOOK TO THE HEBREWS Chapter 7 (Author’s translation) 1For this Melkiy Tzedek[H], king of Shalem[H], priest of El Elyon[H] God Most High, who met Avraham[H] (Father of many peoples) as he was returning from the slaughter, cutting to pieces of the kings and blessed [spoke blessing over] him, [Gen. 14:18-20] 2 to whom also Avraham[H] apportioned a tenth of all, was first of all, by interpretation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Shalem[H], which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but was a copy, a model passed off as, a facsimile, a foreshadow of the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. 4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Avraham[H], the patriarch, founder of the tribe, progenitor, head of the fathers gave a tenth of the spoils, off the top of the heap. 5 And indeed those of the sons of Leviy[H] (joined to) who receive the office of priest have a commandment, precept to collect a tenth from the people according to the Torah[H] (Instruction), that is, from their brothers/people, although they come from the loins Avraham[H]. 6 But he whose genealogy, family is not counted from them, collected a tenth from Avraham[H] and spoke a blessing over him who has been given the promises. 7 And beyond all dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but there he of whom it is recorded that he lives. 9 And, so I could say, through Avraham[H] even Leviy[H], who received tithes, has paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his forefather when Melkiy Tzedek[H] met him. 11 If therefore, perfecting, completing, fulfilling was through the Levitical priesthood, [for on the basis of it the people received the Torah[H]], what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order, arrangement, type, style of Melkiy Tzedek[H], and not be designated according to the order, arrangement, type, style of Aharon[H]? 12 For when the priesthood is translated, it is necessary that there takes place a translation of Torah[H] also. 13 For the one about whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord is descended from Yehudah[H], a tribe with reference to which Moshe[H] said nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melkiy Tzedek[H], 16 who has become a priest not on the basis of a law of physical (ethnic) requirement, but according to the miraculous power of an indestructible, endless, insoluble life. 17 For it is attested of Him, “You are a priest forever According to the order, arrangement, fashion, style of Melkiy-tzedek[H].” [Ps. 110:4 (109:4 LXX)] 18 For, on the one hand, there is putting away of a former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness 19 (for the Torah[H] made nothing perfect); but the introducing of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 20 And accordingly not without an oath 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “HaShem (YHVH: Mercy) has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”; 22 by the same extent Yeshua[H] also has become the guarantee of a better covenant. 23 The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing; 24 Yeshua[H], on the other hand, because He continues, abides, dwells, remains forever, has an immutable, unchanging priesthood. 25 Therefore, He is also able to save to the full end, perfectly, forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need to offer sacrifices daily, like those high priests, first for His own sins [missing the mark set by God’s holiness] and then for the sins of the people, because He did this once for all when He offered up His soul. 28 For the Torah[H] appoints men as high priests who are infirm, weak, but the word, essence, substance of the oath, which came after the Torah[H], appoints a Son, who has been made consecrated forever. HEBREWS 7 (line upon line) 1For this Melkiy Tzedek[H] (My king of Righteousness), king of Shalem[H] (Peace, wholeness, well-being), priest of El Elyon[H] God Most High, who met Avraham[H] (Father of many peoples) as he was returning from the slaughter, cutting to pieces (kopē[G]) of the kings, (basileus[G], hamelakhiym[H]) and blessed [spoke blessing over] (eulogeō[G], yivar’cheihu[H]) him, [Gen. 14:18-20] 2 to whom also Avraham[H] apportioned a tenth (dekatē[G]) of all, was first (prōton[G]) of all, by interpretation (hermēneuō[G]), king of righteousness (basileus dikaiosunē[G]), and then also king of Shalem[H], which is king of peace (basileus eirēnē[G], melekh hashalom[H]). 1For this Melkiy Tzedek[H], king of Shalem[H], priest of El Elyon[H] God Most High, who met Avraham[H] (Father of many peoples) as he was returning from the slaughter, cutting to pieces of the kings, and blessed [spoke blessing over] him, [Gen. 14:18-20] This is a paraphrase of the historical narrative recorded in Genesis 14. The writer of the Book to the Hebrews touches on the elements of the story that best convey his drash (comparative teaching). He is by no means expounding the finer details of the historical narrative. This is a drash on, and not a literal interpretation of Genesis 14. We note that Melkiy Tzedek was both a king and a priest, roles that were distinct and separate in Israelite history, and that he did not know God as YHVH but as El Elyon (God above all Gods, Supreme God). Additionally Melkiy Tzedek approached Avraham, and not the other way around. All of this is a picture or foreshadow, a prefigure of Messiah and His ministry, but does not mean Melkiy Tzedek the mortal king-priest was Yeshua. To the contrary, it means that he was not. Shalem (Jerusalem), from which Melkiy Tzedek had come was most likely named for the Canaanite deity Shalim. Shalim (evening star deity) and Shahar (morning star deity) were Canaanite mountain gods of dusk and dawn. This is one of the reasons it is important that Melkiy Tzedek is clearly identified as worshipping El Elyon (God most high), Whom the Canaanites would have understood as the Supreme God of their pantheon. Once again, with these things in mind, it is blasphemous to say that Melkiy Tzedek and Yeshua are one in the same. The nature of Melkiy Tzedek’s religious environment make the idea abhorrent. Melkiy Tzedek is a mortal type, used as a foreshadow, nothing more. NB: Regarding the Genesis 14 account, it’s worth noting for the purpose of context, that the plunder of the five defeated kings and the plunder of the four previously defeated kings made up a total spoil gleaned from nine kings, Avraham being the tenth king/ruler. We note that Avraham (then Avram) returned the captive people of Sodom and took nothing of the spoils of Sodom except that which was rightfully owed to his men for the work they had performed on behalf of the defeated king of Sodom. Avraham, as the tenth king (king of fullness) then offered a tithe (10) of fullness to the then priestly representative of El Elyon (God most high). A tenth of his personal wealth. 2 to whom also Avraham[H] apportioned a tenth of all, was first of all, by interpretation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Shalem[H], which is king of peace. The writer explains the interpretation of the Hebrew name of the ancient kingly priest Melkiy Tzedek as part of the midrashic process and not in order to explain the Hebrew language to the believing Jewish recipients or because he is addressing non-Jews who lack Hebrew understanding. Given that the recipients of the work are believing Jews, we should understand the pretext to these words as being “You know this story, you know Melkiy Tzedek’s name means ‘King of Righteousness’ and that Shalem is an old name for Jerusalem the city where peace is outpoured”. The writer is using the meaning of Melkiy Tzedek’s name to teach a remez (hint) at an allegory/comparison. This was common rabbinical practice from prior to the first century C.E. and beyond, Yeshua Himself employed this type of teaching method, known as PaRDeS (p’shat [plain], remez [hint], drash [comparative], sod [mystery]). Knowing this (alongside numerous other textual and historical indicators) puts death to the foolish idea that the writer of the Book to the Hebrews is saying that Melkiy Tzedek and Yeshua are one in the same. They are not. It saddens me greatly that this has to be emphasised so emphatically due to the proliferation of false interpretation at the present time. An explanation of Yeshua’s use of the teaching method PaRDeS: Is there any implicit support for the rabbinical method PaRDeS within the texts of the Bible? The P’shat or plain meaning is self-explanatory. There is no need to explain to a reader that the book means what it says. Therefore, there is no need to show evidence from the Bible that God intends for us to take it at face value relative to context: linguistic, cultural, historical, geographical, figurative, poetic and metaphorical. The first mention of the practice of examining the Scriptures in an exegetical way is in the book of Ezra the scribe. “For Ezra had set his heart to l’drosh inquire of the Torah of Adonai, to observe and to teach its statues and ordinances in Israel.” –Ezra 7:10 The root “darash (drash)” is used specifically in relation to the Torah and therefore describes a practice of interpretation and an intention to walk according to that interpretation and teach it to others. This is the perfect example of what it means to make a drash, or comparative teaching. As Jews who follow Yeshua, we should look to Him and His disciples for evidence of the use of rabbinical interpretive method. If He doesn’t teach using the PaRDeS method, then why would we? Let’s take a look at just a few of the many Brit HaChadashah (New Testament) examples of PaRDeS found in the book of Matthew. As stated earlier, every part of Scripture has a plain meaning, therefore P’shat (the plain interpretation) is the basis for the subsequent methods of interpretation. Remez (Hint) Matthew 2:15 - "Out of Egypt I called my son." This is a quote from Hosea 11:1 and is being applied to Yeshua by Matthew. If we read it to refer to the p’shat (plain meaning) of Hosea 11:1, we must interpret it to refer to Israel (collectively). However, Matthew, the disciple of Yeshua, divinely inspired by God, interprets it as a remez (hint) which is alluding to the Messiah King as God’s Son. This is just one of many examples of Matthew’s use of remez. D'rash (Inquire) Matthew 18:18 - "... Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This verse taken literally and out of context is often used by Christians to demand that spiritual powers submit to them. However, within the context of Matthew 18:14-18 the p’shat (plain meaning) refers to the practical application of principals concerning those who are sinning within the body of believers. Thus the plain meaning indicates a d'rash (comparative teaching) concerning the binding and loosing of our own actions according to Halakhah the way we walk (Yet another rabbinical method of teaching practice that Yeshua and His disciples applied to daily life). Sod (Mystery) Matthew 26:28 - "Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, ‘Drink from it all of you, This is my blood’ ..." If the figurative language here were taken literally it would not only violate the Torah commandment against consuming blood, but along with other verses concerning the eating of Yeshua's flesh (John 6:51-56), could be understood as teaching cannibalism. Yeshua explains to His disciples that it is the Spirit that produces the deeper understanding (John 6:63), and that His words are spirit and life. This is evidence of a sod (mystery) that cannot be gleaned from the p’shat (plain meaning) of the text. A concept that is illuminated through spiritual revelation alone and by no other means. This particular sod (Mystery) would be fully revealed following His death and resurrection. So what can we conclude? a. There is no explicit schematic for Bible interpretation within Scripture. b. PaRDeS is implicit in Scripture. Both Messiah and His disciples employ it. c. It is arrogant and even misleading to use Greco-Roman techniques and post enlightenment textual criticism as tools for Scriptural interpretation while excluding the rabbinical interpretive tradition based on the hypocritical assumption that it is not divinely appointed. Therefore, with regard to Hebrews 7, the point of the writer’s drash is not to show how mystical and awesome Melkiy Tzedek is but how Superior and all existing Yeshua is. Focussing on Melkiy Tzedek (the mortal) misses the point entirely and worse, becomes soil for a seed of idolatry. 3 Without father (apator[G], belo-av[H]), without mother (ametor[G], belo-eim[H]), without genealogy, having neither beginning (archē[G]) of days nor end (telos[G]) of life (zoe[G], hachayiym[H]), but was a copy, a model passed off as, a facsimile, a foreshadow (aphomoioō[G]) of the Son of God (uihos Theos[G], Le-ven ha-Elohiym[H]), he remains (menō[G]) a priest perpetually (diēnekes[G], kohen leolam[H]). 4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Avraham[H] (Father of many peoples), the patriarch, founder of the tribe, progenitor, head of the fathers (patriarchēs[G], rosh ha’avot[H]) gave (didōmi[G], natan[H]) a tenth (dekatē[G]) of the spoils, off the top of the heap (akrothinion[G]). 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but was a copy, a model passed off as, a facsimile, a foreshadow of the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. “Without father…” His father is not recorded in the genealogies because the genealogies concern the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the focus of the Torah being to point to God’s redemptive work through the choosing of a certain people set apart unto Himself (the descendants of Jacob/Israel, the Jews). Melkiy Tzedek had a human father, his father is simply not recorded. Jews of the first century understood this to be a fact. At no time were they confused over the identity of Melkiy Tzedek. Nor did they believe that Melkiy Tzedek was in any way an eternal being. This is affirmed by the qualifying phrase “without genealogy” which is understood by those who received this work as “his genealogy is not recorded” and not to mean “he had no genealogy”. We know this because verse 6 of this same chapter says “But he whose genealogy, family is not counted from them...” Meaning, he had a genealogy but it’s neither counted according to Leviy nor recorded in the Torah. The Syriac version of the New Testament Book to the Hebrews reads "whose father and mother are not written in the genealogies". “he remains a priest perpetually” In the mind of the reader of the Torah, the man Melkiy Tzedek remains a priest because his genealogy is not recorded, nor is his appointment or any record of succession to his priesthood. This does not mean he wasn’t appointed or that there was not another priest of El Elyon who succeeded Melkiy Tzedek as priest in the then predominantly pagan city of Shalem, rather it simply means that the Torah was not concerned with keeping genealogical records of Gentiles. NB: Jewish tradition teaches that Melkiy Tzedek and Shem the son of Noach (Noah) are one in the same [Nedarim 32b]. However, this is not tenable given the generational gap between Abraham and Shem, and that Abraham himself is a descendant of Shem and of Ur of Chaldee, which bears no geographical correlation to Salem (Jerusalem). “Rabbi Zekharya said in the name of Rabbi Yishmael: The Holy One, Blessed be He, wanted the priesthood to emerge from Shem, so that his children would be priests, as it is stated: “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine; and he was priest of God the Most High” (Gen. 14:18). Once Melchizedek, traditionally identified as Shem, placed the blessing of Abraham before the blessing of the Omnipresent, He had the priesthood emerge from Abraham in particular, and not from any other descendant of Shem.” -Nedarim 32b In later rabbinic literature Melkiy Tzedek bestows the priesthood on Avraham, who then becomes priest forever (Talmud Bavliy Ned. 32b; Lev. Rab. 25:6). This seems most likely to be a polemic written against the teaching of the Book to the Hebrews. The point being that both pre and post Messianic rabbinic thought understood Melkiy Tzedek to be a mortal king and not a transcendent being. The apocryphal book (mythos) 2 Chanoch (Enoch) 71-72 (71.29, 32), which claims that Melkiy Tzedek was miraculously born of his dead mother Nir, the wife of Noah’s brother and was kept safe through the flood (contrary to what the Torah teaches), in order to be a priest in the post flood generation, may well be one of many reasons for the increasing misteaching among pseudo learned Christians, that he is Yeshua preincarnate. It is sickening to think that non-inspired books full of occult ideology and syncretised Hellenistic mythos such as the books of Enoch, are being used as source material for the spread of pseudo Christian lies throughout the modern Christian community. Rav Shaul warns against Jewish mythos and vain genealogical arguments. We do well to heed his warning: “3 As I urged you, when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay in Ephesus to direct certain people not to pass on different instruction, 4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These give rise to useless speculations rather than God’s training which is in faithfulness. 5 Now the goal of this command is love from of a pure heart and a clear conscience and a genuine faith. 6 Some, having missed the mark, have turned away to fruitless discussion— 7 wanting to be teachers of Torah, even though they do not understand what they keep saying or what they so dogmatically assert. 8 But we know that the Torah is good if one uses it legitimately, 9 knowing that the Torah is not given for a tzaddik but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and worldly, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, homosexuals, slave-traders, liars, perjurers, and for anything else that opposes sound teaching— 11 in keeping with what was entrusted to me, the glorious Good News of the blessed God.” -1 Timothy 1:3-11 TLV 4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Avraham[H], the patriarch, founder of the tribe, progenitor, head of the fathers gave a tenth of the spoils, off the top of the heap. The writer is using Melkiy Tzedek’s greatness as an example of the Superiority of Yeshua’s priesthood over that of Aaron (Levitical). The Superiority of Yeshua being one of the primary themes of the Book to the Hebrews. Hebrews 7:4-11 allude to five ways that Melkiy Tzedek is great: 1. He received a tithe of the plunder of battle from Avraham, even though Avraham was the Progenitor, father of all the Jews and what’s more, is the father of faith to all who believe. Nor did Melkiy Tzedek have a family connection to Avraham (despite the false assertions of certain Jewish traditions), and therefore, did not have the right that the Levitical priests had to receive tithes from their own brothers. In fact Melkiy Tzedek is not recorded by the Torah as being entitled to receive tithes from anyone, whereas the Levitical priests are commanded recieve a tenth of the income of the people of Israel (Heb. 7:4-6). 2. Melkiy Tzedek blessed Avraham, implying that Melkiy Tzedek was greater than Avraham (Heb. 7:6-7). 3. The Levitical priests receive tithes even though they die, whereas Melkiy Tzedek is recorded without genealogy and from a Midrashic view considered to be living, because the Tanakh doesn’t record his death (Heb. 7:8). 4. In order of greatness Melkiy Tzedek is placed above Avraham from whom he received a tenth and Avraham above Leviy, his progeny, who received a tenth from the people of Israel through the Levitical priesthood. This order seen as being subject to the fact that Avraham presented his tenth to Melkiy Tzedek while Leviy was still in his seed as a great grandson (Heb. 7:9-10). 5. The Jewish people were given the Torah in which contained a sacrificial system that required mediation via the priesthood of Leviy. But this system was temporary and could not facilitate eternal atonement. This indicates the need for another, different kind of priest, who is compared with Melkiy Tzedek, a priest, who according to the writer’s drash (comparative teaching) is superior to the greatest of the Levitical high priests, Aharon. The Tenth, Tithe, and Godly Giving (A Supplementary Teaching) Many within the community of faith see the giving of a tenth of their income as an obligation. Or worse, are encouraged to give money they don’t have to fund building projects and programmes that have little eternal value. This is an unfortunate consequence of a theological view point that seeks to utilize the financial elements of Israel’s priesthood to generate income for extra-biblical projects, while ignoring the far greater obligations of Israel’s commonwealth and her Temple centric worship system. It seems ludicrous that a community which so fervently professes the faith of Avraham through Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) [that is the Body of Believers, Church, Ecclesia of Messiah], should completely neglect the actions of Avraham in the matter of tithing/giving. The first person to present a tenth to HaShem is Avram that is Avraham before he became Avraham. This tenth is of great figurative significance to us as Jews. It is not merely an obligation, it is a symbol of all that is complete in us. To separate our financial wealth from our spirituality is as alien a concept to the observant Jew as the idea of separating soul and spirit. We cannot separate the inseparable. We are not spirits in a material world, we are souls (Nefesh), physical, mental, spiritual, emotional: we are complex and unified beings. We are Souls living in God. It is Hashem in Whom we dwell, He Who has made us echad (one). Therefore, if we are obligated to give a tenth we are also obligated to practise all of the instructions of the priesthood. However, if we are free to give, we have a High Priest Yeshua, Who, devoid of sin, is able to complete and perfect in us the fullness of all that His priesthood requires. Even ten (fullness) by ten (fullness) by ten (fullness) l’olam va’ed (for worlds eternal). Gen. 14:18 And Melkiy Tzedek (My King of righteousness) king of Shalem (Peace, wholeness, well-being) brought forth bread (lechem) and wine (yayin); and he was priest of El-Elyon (God the most high). Gen. 14:19 And He blessed him (Avram), and said: “Blessed be Avram (Father of a people) of El-Elyon (God the most high), Maker of heaven and earth; Gen. 14:20 and blessed be El-Elyon (God the most high), Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he (Avram) gave him (Melkiy Tzedek) a tenth of all (Hebrews 7:4). –Berieshit (Genesis) 14:18-20 Figuratively speaking, the King of righteousness, Who is also the King of peace and the Great High Priest on behalf of all peoples brought bread and wine to the father of trust, which is faith. As High Priest of the Highest God, He spoke the blessing of God over the father of trust saying, “All blessing has come to you from God, father of a nation: the God above all gods has delivered your enemies and their wealth into your hands.” After the King had spoken these words the father of a nation responded to the King of righteousness, the King of Peace and Wholeness, the Great High Priest, by giving to him a tenth of all that he possessed, both that which had always been his and that which he had plundered from the nations. This tenth symbolized everything that the father of a nation was, and everything that belonged to him. Ten is a symbol of wholeness and completion, of a promise fulfilled and sustained. Therefore, Avram, father of a great people, prior to becoming Avraham, the father of many peoples, offered a symbol of all that he was and was to become, all that he possessed and was to possess. He offered this from the riches of his own household and from the households of the nations he had plundered. Therefore, it is a practice that can be entered into by both Israel and the nations. He offered the tenth freely to a Priest Who held position before the priesthood of Aaron, and Who was a type, a facsimile, a foreshadow for the Messiah, Who is the Kohen Ha-Gadol Rabah (Great High Priest). Therefore, this free-will tithe holds authority over the obligatory tithe of the temple service and the priesthood of Aaron. All the tithes and offerings of Israel are presented to God through the mediation of the priesthood of Aaron. Thus, the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) becomes the symbolic head of that priesthood. These tithes and offerings are intended to feed and clothe the priests of God and provide for the service of worship which is to be perpetuated generationally. Messiah did not cancel out the less effective priesthood of Aaron, rather He perfected it, translated it (as the Greek text of Hebrews renders) because He was before it. The Great High Priest Yeshua is now the mediator of the tithes and offerings of HaShem, only rather than making them an obligation He has turned them into an opportunity to respond to the freedom He has purchased on our behalf. This is why Melkiy Tzedek brings bread and wine to Avram. They’re symbols of both provision and redemption. Redemption through the sacrificial blood of Messiah’s death and provision through the life giving blood of His resurrection. Therefore, our tithing and giving are to be offered as a response to this freedom, in the same way that Avram offered his tenth in order to acknowledge the freedom and provision of God. The giving of our tenth, like Avram’s tenth, is a symbolic gesture which acknowledges that everything we are and all that we have belongs to God through Messiah Yeshua. Mark 12:41 He (Yeshua) sat down opposite the treasury and began watching how the people were putting money into the offering box. Many rich people were putting in a lot. Mark 12:42 Then a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth less than a 50 cents. Mark 12:43 Calling His disciples over, He said to them, “Amen, it is certain, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those contributing to the box! Mark 12:44 For they all put in from their surplus; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had, her whole living.” –Mark 12:41-44 In this historical account, Yeshua observes a poor widow and illuminates her actions as being the actions of someone who has decided to offer all to God in the practice of worshipping Him. Avram’s tenth was also a foreshadowing of the widow’s offering. He did not give it to cover a debt or as an obligatory tithe but as a symbolic gesture which said, “All that I have and am belong to you HaShem”. This teaches us that the value of that which we give is measured by the intention of the heart of the giver. A believer may never tithe to an organized community of faith, instead, he may open his home to strangers, spending more than a tenth on providing for them and caring for their wellbeing. He may be in the practice of giving to fellow believers when they’re in need or lending his possessions to be used by others in the community. By doing this he shows that all that he has belongs to HaShem. Thus, he gives to God in all circumstances, surpassing the requirement of the Torah. The number ten is a symbol of all that we are and all that we have. “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.” -2 Corinthians 9:6 When we look at tithing and giving as loosing, or sacrificing something we are missing the point. A wise farmer keeps aside a portion of the grain in order to seed the soil for the next season’s crop. He doesn’t consider this to be a loss or a sacrifice, rather he considers it a necessary part of the process of sowing and reaping. If he fails to plant enough seed he will also fail to reap a good crop. However, when he practices effective sowing he also reaps the benefit. The giving Rav Shaul is describing in 2 Corinthians is one or reciprocity. God owns all, therefore, He supplies us with all things and allows us to manage that supply. Additionally, rather than keeping the harvest for Himself and hoarding its benefits like a human land owner would do, God gives the fruit of the harvest back to the grower and leaves the grower to decide what he will offer as a token of his gratefulness to God. Today, there are those who misuse the principal of sowing and reaping to illicit funds from people who have nothing more to give. They encourage believers to mortgage houses and take out loans in order to, “reap” a greater reward. In doing so they bring poverty to the community of believers while they build worthless icons in memory of their so called ministries. This is a grievous sin against the body of Messiah that should not be tolerated. God does not ask us to give from what we don’t have but from what we have. The Scripture says, “My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches and glory” not, “I shall supply God’s needs according to my loans and lack of finances.” Those wolves among us, who steal from the poor in order to prosper themselves, may well have turned to the widow whom Yeshua spoke of and said, “If you’ve got a house you should mortgage it, two little coins will not reap the harvest God desires for your life, if you keep sowing so sparingly you’ll become even more accursed by God.” These liars, despicable leeches, false teachers, are condemned men. “2 Co. 9:7 Let each one give as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion—for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Co. 9:8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that by always having enough of everything, you may overflow in every good work. 2 Co. 9:9 As it is written, “He scattered widely, He gave to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” 2Co 9:10 Now the One who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” -2 Corinthians 9:7-10 Rav Shaul (Paul) explains that it is the heart (leiv) intention (the intention of the core being, not the intention of the emotion) that determines the value of the gift. Remember, it already belongs to God. He is a debtor to no one. If we give grudgingly it is as if we hadn’t given at all. Of course, due to the nature of sowing and reaping, we will also fail to benefit from an abundant crop. This is not a punitive action on God’s part, rather it is the natural result of our own actions. “2 Co. 9:11 You will be enriched in everything for all generosity, which through us brings about thanksgiving to God. 2 Co. 9:12 For this service of giving is not only supplying the needs of the kedoshiym (holy, set apart ones), but is also overflowing with many thanksgivings to God.” -2 Corinthians 9:11-12 When we give from an understanding of God’s goodness toward us we see God’s provision in all things and are grateful. This in turn inspires us to give to others from the overflow of our own spiritual and physical wealth. Rav Shaul calls this act a “service”, meaning an act of temple worship, a service of the priesthood of all believers. Thus, in Messiah, the Great High Priest, we act as priests under His authority. The result is not only blessing and thanks giving among the holy ones (believers), but also an overflow to those around us. This overflow draws people to Messiah, Who reconciles them to God. Thus giving is one of the ways that the Gospel is perpetuated. “Because of the evidence of this service, they praise God for the obedience of your affirmation of the Good News of Messiah and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to everyone.” -2 Corinthians 9:13 As a result of our giving other believers praise God and give Him the glory due His Name. Our giving affirms our certain hope in the Gospel of the Messiah. “2 Co. 9:14 And in their prayer for you, they long for you because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 2 Co. 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” -2 Corinthians 9:14-15 TLV Our giving is the fruit of the surpassing chesed (practical love) of God which is upon us. It is an act of worship that gives voice to the eternal truth that God’s greatest gift, the gift of His Son, has produced a great harvest of souls. Thus, we praise Him and give thanks to Him. Conclusion: 1. The number ten (Tithe) reminds us that all that we are and all that we have, belong to God in Messiah Yeshua. 2. The free-will tithe of Avram holds authority over the obligatory tithe of the temple service and the priesthood of Aaron. 3. God asks us to give of what we have, not from what we don’t have. Anyone who suggests that the widow in the story of the widow’s offering should mortgage her home because she didn’t give enough in order to reap abundantly, is misunderstanding the principal of sowing and reaping and worse, is committing a grievous sin against the body of Yeshua 4. We are not obligated to give, nor are we free not to give. Like trust and action (faith and works) freedom and giving go hand in hand, they are intrinsically linked, a complex unity 5. The purpose of our giving is to facilitate the perpetuation of the worship of God in our generation and to seed the Gospel work of God's people, so that others will be redeemed into His kingdom and enjoy the prosperity of God, which is both within and beyond the material world 6. Godly giving transforms the seed of temporary wealth into the fruit of eternal peace. 5 And indeed (amein[H]) those of the sons (uihos[G], b’naiy[H]) of Leviy[H] (joined to) who receive (lambanō[G]) the office of priest (hierateia[G], hakehunah[H]) have a commandment, precept (entolē[G]) to collect a tenth (apodekatoō[G], ma’aseir[H]) from the people according to the Torah[H] (Instruction), that is, from their brothers/people (adelphos[G], ha’am[H]), although they come from the loins (osphus[G]) of Avraham[H]. 6 But he whose genealogy, family (genealogeō[G], lemishpechotam[H]) is not counted from them, collected a tenth (apodekatoō[G], ma’aseir[H]) from Avraham[H] and spoke a blessing (eulogeō[G], beirakh[H]) over him who has been given (echō[G], netunah[H]) the promises (ho epaggelia[G], hahavtachah[H]). 5 And indeed those of the sons of Leviy[H] (joined to) who receive the office of priest have a commandment, precept to collect a tenth from the people according to the Torah[H] (Instruction), that is, from their brothers/people, although they come from the loins of Avraham[H]. “The office of priest” refers specifically to the office of High Priest. Although all Levites are considered priests, different subgroups played different roles. There was one priesthood but many facets. “But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord GOD:” -Ezekiel 44:15 KJV “have a commandment, precept to collect a tenth from the people according to the Torah…” “20 The Lord said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites. 21 “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting… 26 “Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.” -Numbers 18:20-21, 26 NIV 6 But he whose genealogy, family is not counted from them, collected a tenth from Avraham[H] and spoke a blessing over him who has been given the promises. “He whose genealogy is not counted from them collected the tenth” Shows clearly that the one being spoken of has a genealogy, albeit unrecorded in the Torah. Avraham is the one who has been given the promises, and Melkiy Tzedek spoke a blessing over Avraham. All blessing having its origin in God. 7 And beyond all dispute (antilogia[G], vedavar yadua[H]) the lesser (katan[H]) is blessed (eulogeō[G], yevorakh[H]) by the greater (hagadol[H]). 8 In this case mortal men (anthrōpos[G], anashiym b’naiy temutah[H]) receive tithes (dekatē[G], ma’aseir[H]), but there (ekei[G]) he of whom it is recorded (martureō[G]) that he lives (zaō[G]). 9 And, so I could say (hos epos epos[G]), through Avraham[H] even Leviy[H], who received tithes (dekatē[G], ma’aseir[H]), has paid tithes (dekatē[G], ma’aseir[H]), 10 for he was still in the loins (osphus[G]) of his forefather (patēr[G], aviyo[H]) when Melkiy Tzedek[H] met him. 7 And beyond all dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. It’s not true as some Jewish commentators suggest, that the greater does not always bless the lesser. Their reasoning is that Melkiy Tzedek blessed God, but at the same time, those who make this claim understand that all blessing comes from God and that as Jews when we say “Barukh Atah Adonay” We understand “All blessing is of You Adonay”. Therefore, Melkiy Tzedek “blessed God” (acknowledged that all blessing) comes from God. This is an example of God (the Greater) bestowing the ability to bless on Melkiy Tzedek (the lesser), and Melkiy Tzedek offering that blessing back to God so that it might be imparted to Avraham. This is “beyond all dispute” because all blessing comes from God, Who is the Creator of all and in Whom all things exist and have their being. Therefore, the idea that any created thing could bless anyone without that blessing being first supplied by God is ludicrous. 8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but there he of whom it is recorded that he lives. The priests of Leviy all die, but through the remez hinted at in the historical record of Melkiy Tzedek we see that the Greatest High Priest Yeshua continues forever (Psalms 110:4; Heb. 7:24). 9 And, so I could say, through Avraham[H] even Leviy[H], who received tithes, has paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his forefather when Melkiy Tzedek[H] met him. “So I could say” follows the style of Midrashic rabbinical rhetoric. It indicates an allegorical or comparative use of the plain meaning of the text but does not seek to make a claim that the comparison is the literal meaning. Therefore, the fact that Melkiy Tzedek’s genealogy is not recorded is used as a figure foreshadowing a living priesthood that doesn’t die, is not mortal. The writer is not saying that Melkiy Tzedek is immortal. This teaching is based on a historical figure but is literary, not literal. 11 If therefore, perfecting, completing, fulfilling (teleiōsis[G]) was through the Levitical (Leuitikos[G], bikunat b’naiy leviy[H]) priesthood (hierōsunē[G]), [for on (epi[G]) the basis of it the people received the Torah[H] (nomotheteō[G])], what further (eti[G]) need was there for another priest (hiereus[G], kohen[H]) to arise according to the order, arrangement, type (taxis[G]) of Melkiy Tzedek[H], and not be designated according to the order, arrangement, type (taxis[G]) of Aharon[H]? 12 For when the priesthood (hierōsunē[G], hakehunah[H]) is translated (metatithēmi[G]), it is necessary that there takes place a translation (metatithēmi[G]) of Torah[H] also. 11 If therefore, perfecting, completing, fulfilling was through the Levitical priesthood, [for on the basis of it the people received the Torah[H]], what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order, arrangement, type of Melkiy Tzedek[H], and not be designated according to the order, arrangement, type of Aharon[H]? “If therefore, perfecting, completing, fulfilling was through the Levitical priesthood, [for on the basis of it the people received the Torah[H]]…” The priesthood which the Torah instructs as mediator of temporal sacrificial symbols offered in the blood of animals, could not perfect sin affected people because the indictment of Torah served to point out humanity’s inability to keep its instruction. Therefore, neither the Torah nor the Levitical priesthood it commanded could bring humanity into a perfect relationship with our Creator, Whom we have sinned against. Our sin separating us from Him. “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” -Isaiah 59:2 NKJV “what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order, arrangement, type of Melkiy Tzedek?” This indicates that Yeshua is not Melkiy Tzedek, rather He is “another priest to arise according to the type of Melkiy Tzedek”. Where the Torah was made weak in application by our sinfulness, Messiah Yeshua overcame in sinless perfection, arising as the perfector and finisher of faith. The Superior High Priest. 12 For when the priesthood is translated, it is necessary that there takes place a translation of Torah[H] also. “When the priesthood is translated, it is necessary that there takes place a translation of the Torah also.” The immutable aspects of Torah never change, while the aspects of Torah governing indictment against sin will pass away in the Olam Haba (world to come) where there will be no sin and therefore, no need for indictment. Thus, the priesthood of Messiah Yeshua which is like the priesthood of Melkiy Tzedek, translates the Torah into the language of eternity, making an end to temporal things and imparting everlasting things. As I explained in my commentary on chapter 5 the Aaronic priesthood was conferred onto Yeshua by Yochanan the Immerser. Another way of saying this is that through the immersion of Yeshua the priesthood of Aaron is translated into the priesthood of Yeshua, which is like that of Melkiy Tzedek. We note that there is a convergent nature to the priesthood of Yeshua. He unifies the two priesthoods of Melkiy Tzedek and Aaron, which are both in fact everlasting in Him. Given that Pinchas the grandson of Aaron was promised an everlasting priesthood: “And he (Pinchas) shall have it (the priesthood), and his seed after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.” -Numbers 25:13 KJV This is why we must understand “change” metatithēmi[G] in the sense of translation from one form to another rather than an end to the one by the other. 13 For the one about whom these things are said belongs (metechō[G]) to another tribe (phulē[G]), from which no one has officiated at the altar (thusiastērion[G], hamizbeakh[H]). 14 For it is evident that our Lord (kurios[G], Adoneiynu[H]) is descended from Yehudah[H] (praise), a tribe with reference to which Moshe[H] (drawn our one) said nothing concerning priesthood (hierōsunē[G], hakehunah[H]). 13 For the one about whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord is descended from Yehudah[H], a tribe with reference to which Moshe[H] said nothing concerning priesthood. “The one about whom these things are said” refers to Yeshua, Who is the One that the writer’s drash (comparative teaching) is pointing to. The nearest subject in relation to perpetual priesthood is “another priest to arise” (v.11), a reference to Yeshua. “Belongs to another tribe” Is not a Levite. Yeshua is descended of Judah, of David (Gen. 49:10). There is nothing explicitly commanded by Moses concerning anyone from Judah serving as a priest. However, as explained in my commentary on Hebrews 5, Yochanan the Immerser does confer the priesthood of Aaron upon Yeshua at His immersion (baptism). 15 And this is clearer still (katadēlos[G]), if another priest (hiereus[G] kohen[H]) arises according to the likeness (homoiotēs[G]) of Melkiy Tzedek[H], 16 who has become a priest not on the basis of a law (nomos[G]) of physical (ethnic) requirement (sarkikos[G]), but according to the miraculous power (dunamis[G]) of an indestructible, endless, insoluble life (akatalutos zoe[G], lechayeiy eiyn sof[H]). 17 For it is attested of Him, “You are a priest (hiereus[G], Kohen[H]) forever (eis aion [G], leolam[H]) According (kata[G]) to the order, arrangement, fashion, style (taxis[G]) of Melkiy-tzedek[H] (My king of righteousness).” [Ps. 110:4 (109:4 LXX)] 15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melkiy Tzedek[H], 16 who has become a priest not on the basis of a law of physical (ethnic) requirement, but according to the miraculous power of an indestructible, endless, insoluble life. 17 For it is attested of Him, “You are a priest forever According to the order, arrangement, fashion, style of Melkiy-tzedek[H].” [Ps. 110:4 (109:4 LXX)] The subject is Yeshua, Who is “another priest” (like but not Melkiy Tzedek). Yeshua has become priest not on the basis of the Torah requirement of Levitical lineage but based on the fact that He is all existing, of God, affirmed by oath (and His miraculous indestructible life as the Father with us). Thus, “a Priest forever”. 18 For, on the one hand, there is putting away (athetēsis[G]) of a former commandment (entolē[G]) because of its weakness (asthenēs[G]) and unprofitableness (anōpheles[G]) 19 (for the Torah[H] [namusa[A]: instruction] made nothing perfect [teleioō[G]]); but the introducing of a better (kreittōn[G]) hope, Good news (elpis[G], tikvah[H], sebar[A]), through which we draw near (eggizō[G]) to God. (Theos[G], HaElohiym[H]) 20 And accordingly not without an oath 18 For, on the one hand, there is putting away of a former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness 19 (for the Torah[H] made nothing perfect); but the introducing of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 20 And accordingly not without an oath “there is putting away of a former commandment because of its weakness…” The commandment concerning the mortal priesthood and its symbolic sacrificial system is made weak by the evil inclination of humanity. In short, our inability to perfect it makes it weak. The commandment itself serves its purpose by exposing our sinful weakness. “for the Torah[H] made nothing perfect” Because the purpose of Torah is to point to the perfector Yeshua the King Messiah. The Torah indicts against sin, Messiah delivers from sin. The Torah continues to serve its purpose until the end of the age, and Messiah continues to purpose salvation unto everlasting life. The Torah is not eternal, how could it be? There will be no need for an indictment against sin in the sinless Olam Haba (world to come). Only the knowledge of good will remain, we will therefore, have no need of instruction against evil. If there is an eternal Torah, it is devoid of the confines of mitzvot (commands). Freedom has no need of fences. One who knows only to do good need not be told to do it, everything he does is good. “For what the Torah was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,” -Romans 8:3 It’s important to affirm the goodness and holiness of Torah. The Brit HaChadashah (New Testament) writers honour the place of Torah as that which is (not was) holy and good and points to the King Messiah, its goal. “So then, the Torah is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” -Romans 7:12 TLV “For Messiah is the goal of the Torah, the means of righteousness for all who believe.” -Romans 10:4 (YBYP) Ultimately, it is a mistake to focus on Torah observance. Torah is a sign pointing to Messiah, Who authored it, and is the goal of it [Rom. 10:4]. If Messiah lives in you, then His work is manifest in your actions by the power of God's Spirit. One who lives by the Spirit need not debate the keeping of Torah, because “the Torah of the Spirit of life has set you free in Messiah Yeshua from the Torah of sin and death.” [Rav Shaul's letter to the Roman Believers 8:2] 21 for they indeed became priests (hiereus[G], lekoheniym[H]) without an oath (horkōmosia[G]), but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “HaShem (YHVH: Mercy) has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest (Kohen[H]) forever (leolam[H])’”; 22 by the same extent Yeshua[H] also has become the guarantee (egguos[G]) of a better covenant (diathēkē[G], labrit hatovah[H]), . 23 The former priests (hiereus[G], koheniym[H]), on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death (thanatos[G], hamavet[H]) from continuing; 24 Yeshua[H], on the other hand, because He continues, abides, dwells, remains (menō[G]) forever, has an immutable, unchanging (aparabatos[G]) priesthood (hierōsunē[G], kehunato[H]). 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “HaShem (YHVH: Mercy) has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”); The priesthood of Aaron was instructed whereas the priesthood of Yeshua is bound by an everlasting oath which God made by His Own Soul. “Will not change His mind” translates as “will not turn His mind” in another direction. This must be understood in accordance with the best commentary that can be made on Biblical text, that being Biblical text: “15 Brothers and sisters, I speak after the manner of human beings; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man voids it, or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed the promises were made. He does not say, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Messiah. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Messiah, was four hundred and thirty years after the Torah, which cannot void it, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the Torah, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” -Galatians 3:15-18 “13 For when God made a promise to Avraham, since He could swear an oath by no one greater, He swore by Himself, on His own soul, 14 saying, “indeed, for blessing I will bless you and multiplying I will multiply you [your seed/progeny].” [ Gen. 22:17] 15 And so, having patiently waited in his spirit, he obtained the promise. 16 For indeed people swear an oath by one greater, and taking an oath serves as confirmation to them, an end of all strife, dispute, contradiction between them. 17 In the same way God, desiring more abundantly to demonstrate to the heirs of the promise the fact that His purpose is immutable, unchangeable, confirmed it with an oath, 18 so that by two immutable, unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong comfort who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both certain, loyal and forceful, reliable and one which enters into the house the parochet inner veil [the veil hung before the holy of holies], 20 where Yeshua has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the word, order, type, style, arrangement of Melkiy Tzedek.” -Hebrews 6:13-20 (Author’s translation) 22 by the same extent Yeshua[H] also has become the guarantee of a better covenant. “better covenant” The Brit HaChadashah, New Covenant in Yeshua is better because it atones forever, saving unto eternal life those who enter into it, unlike the temporary blood of animals which cannot fully purge sin from the human soul. We note that the better covenant is made with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, the ethnic religious descendants of Jacob and is accessible to the nations through the Jew Yeshua Who is also God with us. Failing to understand the Brit HaChadashah, New Covenant in these terms leads to the satanic teaching of Replacement Theologies which the modern Christian Church continues to proliferate under various pseudonyms such as “Supersessionism, Continuationism, Successionism” etc. “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.’” -Jeremiah 31:31 NIV This covenant promised by God through Jeremiah does not do away with the former covenant but fully fills it. Just as it is wrong to say Torah observance is obligatory for the Messiah follower, it is also wrong to say that Torah is now obsolete. Torah remains to indict against sin until the end of the age. 23 The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing; 24 Yeshua[H], on the other hand, because He continues, abides, dwells, remains forever, has an immutable, unchanging priesthood. Notice that this all concerns Yeshua’s priesthood which has always existed in God. And that His priesthood, while likened to that of the mortal Melkiy Tzedek, is nonetheless distinguished from it as being superior to it. Immutable, unchanging. 25 Therefore, He is also able (dunamai[G]) to save to the full end, perfectly, forever (pantelēs[G], lehushiya teshuat[H]) those who come to God (Theos[G], Elohiym[H]) through Him, since He always lives (zao[G], chay[H]) to make intercession (entugchanō[G]) for them. 26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest (archiereus[G], Kohen Gadol[H]), holy (hosios[G], kadosh[H]), innocent (akakos[G]), undefiled (amiantos[G]), separated (chōrizō[G]) from sinners (hamartōlos[G]), and made (ginomai[G]) higher (hupsēlos[G]) than the heavens (Ouranos[G], hashamayim[H]); 25 Therefore, He is also able to save to the full end, perfectly, forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. “Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He has poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” -Isaiah 53:12 26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; “He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.” -Ephesians 4:10 NIV “For what the Torah could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” -Romans 8:3 27 who does not need to offer sacrifices daily (kata hēmera[G], yom yom[H]), like those high priests (archiereus[G], koheniym gedoliym[H]), first for His own sins [missing the mark set by God’s holiness] (hamartia[G]) and then for the sins of the people (laos[G], ha’am[H]), because He did this once for all (ephapax[G]) when He offered up (anapherō[G]) His soul (nafsho[H]). 28 For the Torah[H] appoints men as high priests (archiereus[G], koheniym gedoliym[H]) who are infirm, weak (astheneia[G]), but the word, essence, substance (logos[G], devar[H]) of the oath (horkōmosia[G]), which came after the Torah[H], appoints a Son (uihos[G], haben[H]), who has been made consecrated (teleioō[G], na’aleh[H]) forever (eis aion[G], bishleimot netzakh[H]). 27 who does not need to offer sacrifices daily, like those high priests, first for His own sins [missing the mark set by God’s holiness] and then for the sins of the people, because He did this once for all when He offered up His soul. “15 For we do not have a high priest Who is unable to sympathize, have compassion with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted, tried, examined, proved in all things just as we are, yet without sin [missing the mark set by God’s holiness].” -Hebrews 4:15 (Author’s translation) 28 For the Torah[H] appoints men as high priests who are infirm, weak, but the word, essence, substance of the oath, which came after the Torah[H], appoints a Son, who has been made consecrated forever. The oath in Psalms 110:4 was spoken by David in the Holy Spirit centuries after the giving of the Torah at Sinay, and appoints a Son who has been consecrated as an everlasting Priest. The Word (logos[G]/Davar[H]) of the oath and the Son appointed are one and the same. The Word Who came after the Torah in chronology (time and space) is also the Author of the Torah. He is all existing. NB: For an explanation of the order of Melkiy Tzedek’s priesthood and why Melkiy Tzedek is not Yeshua, please read my commentary on Hebrews 5. Copyright 2021 Yaakov Brown “Because you are children, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our core being (heart), from where He is perpetually crying, “Abba! Father!”” -Galatians 4:6 (Author’s paraphrase) Introduction:
As in the case of the former chapters, this chapter continues the discourse that was begun in chapter 13 and follows the words of Yeshua, “and you will testify, bear witness also, because you have been with Me from the beginning, origin, head.” Meaning that the disciples will bear witness as a result of the receipt of the Holy Spirit Who is coming to empower them and that they are qualified to bear witness of the factual events of Yeshua’s ministry because they have literally been with Him from the beginning of His three year ministry throughout the land of (Roman occupied) first century C.E Israel. It is worth considering that the disciples are qualified by their relationship in Yeshua and not by the works they have done. They qualify based on their willingness to follow and their belief in Yeshua, and ultimately because He first chose them. 1“These utterances (laleo[G]) I have spoken to you so that there is not the least stumbling block (skandalizo[G]) before you. 2You will be made to be excluded from sacred assemblies (aposunagogos[G]), nevertheless coming is a certain definite season, hour (hora[G]) when everyone who kills you will think, be convinced (dokeo[G]) that he is doing a service in worship (latreia[G]) to the God (ho Theos[G], ha Elohiym[H]). What utterances? The utterances of the previous chapters, all of the things: the warning of their coming denial of Yeshua, His coming death, the fact that one from among them will betray Him, the need to honour one another as priests and the washing of feet, the cost of obedience and the guarding of the miztvot (commandments) of both the Father and the Son, the need to entirely love one another just as Yeshua has loved them, the need to abide in Yeshua Who is the Vine and receive the living spiritual waters that flow from Him, the knowledge that when the Vinedresser (the Father) cleans/prunes He does so for the purpose of increasing fruit, the promise that those who have hated Yeshua will also pursue the disciples with hatred but those who have honoured Yeshua will also honour the disciples, and the promise of a Helper like Yeshua (the Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit) Who will come along side and remind them of the things of Yeshua bearing witness to and testifying of Yeshua for the purpose of giving glory to the Father God as His Kingdom is outworked through the disciples. We notice that Yeshua has imparted these words to the disciples so that they might not stumble in delusion, disbelief or become convinced of conspiracy theories and misdirection. Sadly many ancient first century Jews were lied to by their religious leaders concerning Yeshua’s resurrection, being told that His body was stolen from the tomb etc. The Talmud Bavliy goes to great lengths to discredit Yeshua, but in spite of this hundreds of thousands of Jews from the land and throughout the known world came to faith in Yeshua following His resurrection as a result of the outpouring of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) and the testimony of the disciples. The Greek text does not use the specific noun “Synagogue” but rather the Greek for public or sacred corporate assembly “aposunagogos”. It is therefore technically incorrect to translate “Synagogue” because it is understood in the modern world to refer to a building used for localized Jewish worship. This exclusion from sacred assembly is an escalation in the weight or degree of excommunication from the religious Jewish community of first century Israel. Earlier in John’s Gospel the parents of the man born blind are afraid of a lesser form of separation from the religious community [Niduiy](9:22; 12:42), but here the very real threat of being disallowed access to the Aliyot or Regalim (going up festivals of God)[Cherem, Shamata], which are specifically commanded to Israel, is the intended meaning. This would be received as horrific news to the observant disciples of Yeshua who saw how Yeshua also had venerated the Torah and the festival practices of Israel’s religious community, even to the extent of keeping many of the customs of the Mishnah (Oral Law). “nevertheless coming is a certain definite season, hour when everyone who kills you will think, be convinced that he is doing a service in worship to the God.” Stephen the first Messianic Jewish martyr was killed by men believing they were honouring God through their actions (Acts 7). Rav Shaul (Paul) prior to meeting Yeshua in a vision and repenting, made it his life’s work to seek out and put to death the Messianic Jewish “Heretics” (so called) [Acts 22:3-5]. 3 And these things they will do because they have not known, come to know (ginosko[G], loyodau[H]) the Father (ho Pater[G], ha Av[H]) or Me. 4 Nevertheless these utterances (laleo[G]) I have spoken to you, so that when their certain definite season, hour (hora[G]) comes, you may remember, call to mind, be mindful (mnemoneuo[G]) that I told you of them. I didn’t say these things to you from the beginning, origin, head (arche[G], umeirosh[H]), because I was with you. Yeshua has given all this knowledge to the disciples in order to properly prepare them for what is ahead. Like a truthful diagnosis regarding the results of testing in the case of a terminal illness, the words of the doctor who is both forthright and hopeful are the most effective in giving the patient the best hope of recovery. Yeshua’s words afford the disciples the opportunity to practice a hopeful realism that finds its foundation in the love of God through Yeshua. They have been promised a Helper, and will not be abandoned in the struggle that is to come. Yeshua did not tell them all these outcomes at the beginning because He was present to comfort them as His ministry unfolded. Now because He is going to the Father and there will be an interim period before the Ruach HaKodesh is poured out, He gives them full knowledge of what is to take place so as to tide them over. When the events take place the disciples will remember that Yeshua had imparted them knowledge of what was to take place and that they could trust that He spoke as One who speaks the end from the beginning and that therefore, the promises of fullness of Joy and everlasting life could also be trusted. Thus they would be comforted in the midst of their suffering. “The certain definite hour” is both the hour of their opponents’ rising against them (Luke 22:53) and the hour of apparent defeat (Yeshua’s crucifixion), which is in fact an hour of victory. 5 “Now moreover I am leading under, withdrawing, going (hupago[G]) to the advantage of, toward, near to (pros[G]) Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have spoken these utterances (laleo[G]) to you, sorrow (lupe[G]) has filled your heart, inner being (kardia[G], levav’chem[H]). The disciples, having a very real sense of Yeshua’s coming death are afraid to ask where He is going because they presume the answer is “Sheol”. Therefore, they are filled with sorrow at the prospect of loosing their beloved Rabbi and friend. 7 Nonetheless I tell you the immutable truth (ho aletheia[G], ha emet[H]), it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper, One Who comes along side, Who pleads another’s cause, intercedes (parakletos[G]) would not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 And He, when He comes, will convict, refute, bring to light (elegcho[G]) the world (ho kosmos[G], ha olam[H]) concerning sin, missing the mark of God’s holiness, rebellion (hamartia[G], hacheit’[H]) and righteousness, acceptable condition before God (dikaiosune[G], v’hatzedek[H]) and concerning a separating, trial, selection, judgment (krisis[G], v’hamishpat[H]); The Ruach HaKodesh cannot come unless Yeshua goes away for at least two clear reasons. First, without Yeshua’s vicarious sacrifice the Ruach HaKodesh cannot dwell in the believer because uncovered sin is abhorrent to God and the manifestation of His holiness in the human being within the fallen world would mean instant death (as is the case with Ananias and Saphira [NT] and many others [OT]) and second, the Ruach HaKodesh is the Spirit of the father and the Son present within the believer. Thus the Father and the Son pour out the Spirit and He is received by the believer who has been purchased by the blood of the King Messiah. Therefore, the Son must be present with the Father in order to impart the Spirit to redeemed human beings. The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin and reveal righteousness, pointing out the coming judgement against sin. This is why Yeshua said “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven human beings, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man (Yeshua) will be forgiven, but whoever speaks continually against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven either in this world or in the world to come.” (Matt. 12:31-32) Why? Because once Yeshua has ascended to the Father it will be the Ruach HaKodesh that ministers and convicts of sin as the Gospel is preached throughout the world and those who perpetually refuse Him (Holy Spirit) have no other means of redemption. Therefore, the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the perpetual choice to refuse God’s redemptive offer of love through Yeshua the King Messiah as presented to the human heart (core being) by the Holy Spirit of the Father and the Son. 9 concerning sin, missing the mark of God’s holiness, rebellion (hamartia[G], hacheit’[H]), because they do not believe, trust, have faith (pisteuo[G], he’emiynu[H]) in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, acceptable condition before God (dikaiosune[G], hatzedek[H]), because I go to the Father (ho Pater[G], ha Av[H]) and you will no longer be able to observe, see (theoreo[G]) Me; 11 and concerning a separating, trial, selection, judgment (krisis[G], hamishpat[H]), because the ruler, prince of this world (sar haolam[G]) has been separated, judged (krino[G]). The Ruach HaKodesh will expose our disbelief in Yeshua. He will expose our lack of righteousness because the Righteous One will no longer be walking the earth but will be seated at the right hand of the Father. He will expose the defeat of Satan and the judgement of God concerning the eternal destiny of the Devil and his minions through the death, resurrection, and the glorious victory of Yeshua’s life giving Spirit. “Concerning sin, because they (fallen human beings) do not believe in Me” The mind of fallen humanity seeks to reduce sin to an excusable process of trial and error meant to train the life path of a human being. This lie is perpetuated in many esoteric eastern religions and new age western spiritual theosophy. Wilfully proud humanity hates the idea that we are guilty, wrong, self-harming in our actions and have therefore alienated ourselves from the Holy God. Of course, we have excelled in the belief that there is no God in spite of the evidence all around us. Thus we have rejected Yeshua, Who came to establish God’s loving redemptive plan for all who would receive Him. This is why the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) has come, to expose the foolish delusion of the prideful human consciousness. “concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me” Meaning that the Holy Spirit will reveal the means of redemption and accessibility to righteousness through Yeshua Who will then be unseen in terms of His earthly ministry, being seated at the right hand of the Father where He intercedes on behalf of the redeemed (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25;1 John 2:1) “concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” The Holy Spirit will reveal the fact that Satan has already been judged and found wanting and that his just punishment is imminent. This also means that because Satan is defeated as temporal ruler of the fallen world, the Holy Spirit has access to the very hearts of humanity in order to give everyone past, present and future (because the Spirit of God transcends time and space) the opportunity to either receive or reject God’s redemptive offer through Yeshua the King Messiah and Son of God. 12 “Still I (eti[G]) have much more (polus[G]) for you to hold (echo[G]), nevertheless you do not have the ability (power) to take it up with your hands, carry (bastazo[G]) it now. 13 But when He, the Spirit (ho pneuma[G], haRuach[H]) of the immutable truth (ho aletheia[G], ha emet[H]), comes, He will guide you into all the truth (ho aletheia[G], ha emet[H]); for He will not utter (laleo[G]) on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will announce, make known (anaggello[G]) to you what is to come. We note that Yeshua speaks to His disciples only so much as they can receive and comprehend at this point in their faith journey. There is a lesson here for every believer. Messiah in us brings us step by step through the journey of repentance and sanctification as He reveals to us daily the purposes of God in us. We are informed of yet another aspect of the Spirit’s nature and practice in relationship to us. He is the Spirit of Truth, just as Yeshua is the Truth. The Spirit speaks of the Father and the Son that which He hears from them and imparts the truth of God to the disciple (believer). What He discloses to the disciple concerns what is to come. This is exactly what an effective comforter and guide does in order to pre-empt panic that results from a lack of knowledge, the Spirit imparts spiritual knowledge and practical advice that will enable the disciple (believer) to cope with the hardships ahead. By explaining that the Ruach HaKodesh is the Spirit of Truth and thus intrinsically linking both Himself and the Father to the Spirit, and further asserting that the Spirit will guide the disciples in all truth and utter the very words which He hears from the Father and the Son, Yeshua is validating the then yet to be penned HaBrit HaChadashah (NT) which would be written by those to whom the Spirit of Truth would announced the word of the Living Word of God. Notice that the Holy Spirit does not “initiate” but that He conveys that which He hears. Just as the wind from a person’s mouth does not initiate the blowing out of a flame, so too the Holy Spirit does not initiate but rather proceeds from the mouth of God. Our rabbis have this to say concerning the guidance of the Ruach HaKodesh: "Rav Phinehas says, the Holy Spirit rested upon Joseph from his youth to the day of his death, and "guided him into all wisdom", as a shepherd leads his flock, according to Psalm 80:1” -Pirke Eliezer, c. 39. 14 He will glorify, cause to think, be of the opinion of (doxazo[G]) Me, for He will carry (lambano[G]) of Mine and will announce it, make it known (anaggello[G]) to you. 15 All individual and collective things (pas) as far as they extend (hosos[G]) and are held (echo[G]) by the Father (ho Pater[G], ha Av[H]) are Mine; therefore I said that He carries (lambano[G]) of Mine and will announce it, make it known (anaggello[G]) to you. The “He” in question is the Ruach HaKodesh. We now learn that the Holy Spirit’s role is to glorify Yeshua and to take from that which belongs to Yeshua and reveal it to the disciple (believer). Further, all that belongs to Yeshua He has received from the Father. Therefore, that which the Spirit conveys from Yeshua has also come from the Father. Thus, God is echad, HaAv, HaBen v’Ruach HaKodesh. The Father sends the Son and the Father and the Son send the Spirit and the Spirit cries out from within the believer back to the Father saying “Abba, Daddy, Av sheliy, My Father”. “Because you are children, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our core being (heart), from where He is perpetually crying, “Abba! Father!”” -Galatians 4:6 (Author’s paraphrase) Copyright 2020 Yaakov Brown If we sing “Come Holy Spirit” we have already missed the point, it is the Holy Spirit in us Who sings “Welcome Yeshua, Glory to YHVH!” To promote the Holy Spirit at the expense of the Father and the Son is to blaspheme the entire Godhead. Introduction:
This chapter continues the discourse of the previous two chapters and follows Yeshua’s words “rise let us go from here.” Based on these words numerous modern scholars claim that a documentary or a redactive method was applied to compile John’s Gospel. However, later scribal manipulation is not the only explanation for why Yeshua says “rise let us go from here” and then continues His discourse through to Chapter 18 of John’s Gospel where Yeshua and His disciples are said to have gone forth over the brook of the Kidron to Gan Shemanim (Gethsemane) [John 18:1]. The most likely explanation for the two allusions to “going” is that Yeshua following His calling of the disciples to rise and go, rose with His disciples, left the place where they had shared the meal, and then had begun to walk slowly through the narrow winding streets and alleyways of the city of Jerusalem, a rabbit warren today and certainly even more so in the first century. Therefore, as they walked through the city Yeshua continued to speak. Thus, as they neared the edge of the city Yeshua’s speech concludes, and we read in John 18:1 “When Yeshua had spoken these words He went with His disciples over the brook of the Kidron…” This quite literally means that the words spoken between chapters 14 and 18 were said on the west side of the Kidron. This does not mean that all of Yeshua’s words spanning chapters 14 to 18 were said in the home where the meal was eaten. Yeshua’s going over the Kidron is not the same as Yeshua’s leaving the home where He shared the meal with His disciples. Therefore, Yeshua called His disciples to rise and go with Him (John 14:31), walked and talked with them as they made their way to the edge of Jerusalem and then down to where they would cross the brook of the Kidron valley, at which point Yeshua ended this section of speech and both He and the disciples “went over the brook of the Kidron to Gan Shemanim (Gethsemane)…” What follows picks up again on the themes of Yeshua’s submission to the Father, His unity with the Father and the Spirit, the intrinsic connection between Himself and His disciples, His disciples’ relationship to each other, the disciple’s relationship to the world and a further illumination of the role and work of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). 1“I Am, I exist (ego eimi[G], Anochiy[H]) the vine (ampelos[G], hagefen[H]) of the immutable truth (alethinos[G], haamitiyt[H]), and My Father (ho Pater[G], Aviy[H]) is the Husbandman, Tiller of the soil, Vinedresser (georegos[G], Hakoreim[H]). In the same way that the “Servant” Messiah of Yishayahu (Isaiah 49, 52, 53 etc.) is intrinsically linked to the “Servant” Israel (Isaiah 41, 44, 48 etc.) the Vine Messiah is intrinsically linked to the vine of Israel. Throughout the Tanakh (OT) Israel is called both the vine and the vineyard of God (Isaiah 5:1-7, 27:2-6; Jeremiah 2:21, 12:10; Ezekiel 17:5-6; Hosea 10:1; Joel 1:7; Psalm 80:8-16). Yeshua also describes the land and people of Israel as a vineyard (Matthew 21:33-43; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19). However, it is as the living manifestation of truth that the Vine Yeshua nourishes the people of God. Therefore, just as the Servant King Messiah of Isaiah comes out of and stands out as a sign to the servant people of Israel, so too the Vine Messiah comes out of and stands as a sign to the vine of Israel (ethnic, religious, chosen, empirical). A clear and precise understanding of both the ancient vine-dressing method and the distinct language describing the process is essential to understanding this text. First, Yeshua once again makes an inference to His present deity by saying “Anochiy” (ego eimi) I AM, thus the Vine (as a figure) is intrinsically linked to the Father God while also being distinct in its representation of Yeshua. The Father’s role in this mashal (parable, metaphor, allegory) is that of Vinedresser, an art known in old English as vine husbandry (an appropriate title given God’s relationship to Israel). We note that the Father as Vinedresser, tills the soil and acts as a Husband to the Vine (Both Messiah & Israel). He addresses the needs of the Vine and its branches which grow from the Vine. In this allegory Yeshua is conveying the spiritual reality that those who come to God through Him grow out of Him rather than toward Him. This affirms what He has taught concerning mitzvot (outworked commands) being the fruit of His Salvation and not the means of it. Does a branch attach itself to the Vine? Of course not! The branch is feed by and grows from the Vine. It is the same with the disciple of Yeshua redeemed by grace through faith. The disciple grows from God through Messiah. We are as incapable of attaching ourselves to the Messiah (Vine) as a branch is of attaching itself to a vine, only the Vinedresser (God) can make the graft, and once grafted we feed from the source of the Vine and bear fruit, not of ourselves but of God (the Vinedresser) through Yeshua (the Vine). We note that Yeshua as represented by the vine is not a counterfeit vine but the true Vine or Vine of truth, of God. There are different types of vines, some look appealing but bear bitter fruit. In the case of the true Vine the fruit is sweet and robust, good for the body and soul. On the other hand the fruit of the bitter vine is like a lie, it appears to be of value but when received into the body it sickens the belly and destroys the soul. Many false Messiah’s had come and would come to Israel. Therefore, Yeshua makes it clear that He alone is the true source of life and sustenance for His people. The mashal (parable/metaphor/allegory) of the Vine and the Vinedresser concerns the ancient first century practice of tending to the grape vine. Modern methods of vine dressing notwithstanding, there are still vinedressers throughout the world who use these same ancient methods today (in particular certain Zinfandel growers in California). The rabbis of the Kabbalah say that the Shekinah (manifest feminine glory of God) is called Gefen (a vine) [Zohar in Exod. fol. 70. 2. & Kabbalah denudata, par. 1. p. 241.] In addition they understand Genesis 49:11 to be using “vine” to refer to the King Messiah [Zohar in Gen fol. 127. 3.]. “The sceptre shall not depart from Yehudah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloach (the sent One) comes, And to Him shall be the obedience of the tribes. 11 He binds his foal to the gefen (vine), And his donkey’s colt to the sorekah (choice species of vine, “true Vine”); He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes. 12 “His eyes are made white from wine, And his teeth are made white from milk.” -Yishayahu (Isaiah) 49:10-12 (Author’s Translation) The Mishnah (Oral Law) notes that there was a golden vine that stood over the gate of the temple, propped up with a specially designed structure; and whoever offered a leaf, or a grape, or a cluster, (a piece of gold offered to the temple, in the shape of a leaf, grape or cluster of grapes) would bring it as a freewill offering and attach it to the golden vine. [Mishnah. Middot, c. 3. sect. 8. Talmud Bavliy Chullin, fol. 90. 2. & Tamid, fol. 29. 1, 2. ] Josephus the Roman Jewish historian also notes the existence of such a golden vine in Herod’s temple [Antiquities of the Jews. l. 15. c. 11. sect. 3.] Suffice to say the imagery was well known to first century Jews. 2 Every individual (pas[G], kol[H]) tender, flexible branch (klema[G], sariyg[H]) in Me (biy[H]) that does not bear, carry (phero[G]) fruit (karpos[G], p’riy[H]), He lifts up, elevates, raises from the ground (airo[G]); and every individual (pas[G], kol[H]) that bears, carries (phero[G]) fruit (karpos[G], p’riy[H]), He prunes, cleans, purifies (kathairo[G]) that one, so that it may bear, carry (phero[G]) more fruit (karpos[G], p’riy[H]). We note two very important things in the opening clause of verse 2. First, every single, flexible branch refers to the new seasonal growth on the vine and not to established vine stock or dead branches. Second, the new growth (green branches) being referred to are all “in” Yeshua. Therefore, even before we read on we already understand that the Messiah is speaking of those who are in Him and therefore already eternally secure. It is essential at this point to understand that when vines branches are green, flexible and growing in season they are NOT cut! The cutting of branches only occurs when the vine is dormant. Therefore, what is being alluded to here are the growing branches in season and not the dormant plant. Next we see that the flexible green branches being spoken of are not yet bearing fruit. Therefore, the Vinedresser “lifts them up” or “carries them” or “raises them from the ground” (airo[G]). No ancient Vinedresser worth his salt would cut off a new branch that had been hidden under old growth and was struggling for lack of sunlight. Rather, he lifts up the branch, which has been struggling on the ground beneath the canopy of the leaves and ties it to an established branch nearer the top of the vine wear it can receive the sunlight it requires to be strengthened and produce fruit. This image denotes the strengthening of a fruitless branch by tying it to a mature branch (a lesson of discipling). The author of the Greek text is careful to provide us with two very different Greek words to describe what happens to the vine branches. The new growth branch is airo, “lifted from the ground” while the strong fruiting stock is pruned, cleaned (kathairo) to provoke new growth, better quality fruit and more of it. The “pruning” or “cleaning” described here is not a cutting off but the removal of dead leaves and the cleaning away of moulds and compromising abrasions. As I have said, it is important to understand that the pruning is done when the vine is dormant during the winter months at the end of the season so as not to do harm to the branches, while the “lifting up” and “cleaning” (pruning) is done during the season in order to promote fruiting. The Vinedresser does not “cut off” (a misleading English translation) the non-fruiting branches, rather He encourages them to fruit by “lifting” or “carrying” them up into the light. It is therefore, utter nonsense to say as some do, that this analogy points to the possibility that believers can lose their salvation. No one, having received Yeshua and who remains “in” Him, can ever be “cut off” from Him. Regarding fruiting in general, newly planted fruit trees and vines take time to establish themselves in the earth. Most fruit vines will abort or fail to fruit for up to three years from planting (Leviticus 19:23). In the fourth year they will generally present their first successful harvest of fruit. Therefore, the gardener/vinedresser does not place unreasonable expectations on the plant, knowing that it requires time to establish itself. This is another important lesson for those discipling new believers. Yeshua is speaking here of both physical and spiritual fruit. Spiritual fruit inevitably overflows into physical action (Galatians 5:22-23 fruit of the Ruach HaKodesh; Matthew 13:1-23 fruit of faith in Yeshua; Romans 6:21-22 fruit of righteousness). 3 Now already you are pruned, clean (kathairo[G]) through the word, essence, substance (ho logos[G], hadavar[H]) which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide, remain (meno[G]) in Me, and I in you. Just as the tender, flexible branch (klema[G]) cannot bear, carry (phero[G]) fruit (karpos[G], p’riy[H]) of itself unless it abides, remains (meno[G]) in the vine (ampelos[G], hagefen[H]), so neither can you unless you remain (meno[G]) in Me. Yeshua explains to His disciples that through Himself, the Davar (Word), and by His word God has already pruned and cleansed them. Therefore, He admonishes them to rest and abide in Him as the source of the fruit that they will inevitably bear in His Name. It is possible that by saying “Now already you are pruned, clean through the word, essence, substance which I have spoken to you.” Yeshua is making a connection to the Torah as it applies to fruiting trees and vines in the promised land: “And when you come into the land, and have planted numerous varieties of trees for food, then you should consider their fruit as being uncircumcised (unclean): for three years it is to be considered uncircumcised (unclean) to you: it shall not be eaten of.” -Leviticus 19:23 Therefore, the comparison is to the three years of Yeshua’s ministry which the disciples have participated in. Figuratively they were a freshly planted vine in Him at the beginning of His ministry and had been considered uncircumcised (unclean) fruit up to the point that His cleansing word had made their fruit circumcised (clean) for harvesting. That is, at the end of the three years according to the Torah allusion. Of course in counter distinction to this Yehudah (Judas Iscariot) had not stayed the course unto completion and therefore his fruit remained uncircumcised (unclean). 5 I Am, I exist (ego eimi[G], Anochiy[H]) the Vine (ampelos[G], hagefen[H]), you are the tender, flexible branches (klema[G]); the one who abides, remains (meno[G]) in Me and I in him, he bears (phero[G]) much fruit (karpos[G], p’riy[H]), for separated (choris[G]) from Me you don’t have the power (dunamai[G]) to do anything. 6 If anyone does not abide, remain (meno[G]) in Me, that one is thrown away, dropped, discarded (ballo[G]) outside (exo[G]) as a tender branch (klema[G]) that is indeed dried up (xeraino[G]); and they gather them, and into the fire (pur[G], eiysh[H]) they cast, throw away, drop, discard (ballo[G]) them and they are burned. The branch is entirely reliant on the vine and its root system to supply all the nutrients it needs to grow strong and bear fruit. Therefore, if the branch is not connected to the vine it cannot bear fruit. We note that the branch that is thrown into the fire is not one that has been cut off by the Vinedresser but one that has become detached and is gathered up from the ground where it has dried out and become good for nothing other than the fire. This is consistent with the fact that one has to wilfully refuse God’s offer of redemption and sustenance through Yeshua in order to be burned in the spiritual fires of eternal torment. God doesn’t send people to eternal punishment, rather they choose to go there. Once again Yehudah (Judas Iscariot) is alluded to as the branch that did not remain in the Vine and is therefore, fallen off the Vine and will be collected and thrown into the fire. 7 If you abide, remain (meno[G]) in Me, and My spoken words (rhema[G]) abide, remain (meno[G]) in you, ask whatever you desire (thelo[G]), and it will be done for you. 8 My Father (Ho Pater[G], Aviy[H]) is glorified (doxazo[G]) by this, that you bear, carry (phero[G]) much fruit (karpos[G], p’riy[H]), and become, are seen to be (ginomai[G]) My Talmidim[H] (disciples, devoted students). This is the qualification for John 14:13, “Whatever you ask in My Name” means “If you abide, remain in Me, and My spoken words abide, remain in you, ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.” The result is the same as is described in John 14:13, “that the Father may be glorified, extoled, celebrated, praised in the Son…” How is the Father glorified in the Son through the disciples? It is by their fruit, seen by the fallen world. The same is true of all who believe. 9 Just as the Father (Ho Pater[G], Ha Av[H]) has entirely loved (agapao[G], aheivaniy[H]) Me, I have also entirely loved (agapao[G], ahavtiy[H]) you; abide, remain (meno[G]) in My all-encompassing love (agapao[G], ahavtiy[H]). 10 If you keep, guard (tishmeru[H]) My mitzvot[H] (commandments), you will abide, remain (meno[G]) in My all-encompassing love (agapao[G], ahavtiy[H]); just as I have kept (shamartiy[H]) My Father’s (Ho Pater[G], Ha Aviy[H]) mitzvot[H] (commandments) and abide, remain (meno[G]) in His all-encompassing love (agape[G], ahavato[H]). The mitzvot of Yeshua are the continuation and illumination of the Torah as expressed through Yeshua’s words and ministry, and the mitzvot of the Father which Yeshua has guarded and practiced are both the Torah and the direct instruction of the Father concerning Yeshua’s redemptive purpose. Therefore, for the disciples the miztvot of Yeshua transform their understanding of punitive law into an understanding of the law of freedom in Messiah (Yaakov[James] 1:25). Yeshua’s instruction is simple, “Hear, listen, receive and comprehend Israel, YHVH our God YHVH is echad (One). Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength and all your mind; and love your neighbour as you love yourself… Love one another as I have loved you…” There is perfect continuity in Yeshua’s words. The Torah has pointed to Yeshua (its Author) and He has in turn revealed Instruction where Law was once seen. He has revealed the Father, Shepherd of Shepherds, with His crook and staff, come to lead and guide, discipline and nurture His sheep. All this is born of the fact that the Holy God has entirely loved the Son and the Son has entirely loved us, and now we are tasked to choose to remain in Him and entirely love one another. We are reminded that love produces obedience and that obedience is our response to love and not the means by which we earn it. 11 These utterances (laleo[G]) I have spoken (dibartiy[H]) to you so that My joy (chara[G], simchatiy[H]) may be in you, and that your joy (chara[G], simchatechem[H]) may be made full (pleroo[G]). 12 “This is My mitzvatiy[H] (commandment), that you entirely love (agapao[G], tehehavun[H]) one another, just as I have entirely loved (agapao[G], ahavtiychem[H]) you. Yeshua makes a clear distinction between the Torah[H], mitzvot[H], rhema[G], and the intimate spoken utterances (laleo[G]) that He has spoken directly to His disciples. This discourse spanning five chapters of John’s Gospel is an intimate relational pep talk intended for His trusted few close friends. While it is accessible to all who believe it is first and foremost spoken for the edification of the twelve (-1). The purpose of Yeshua’s utterances to the disciples is so that His transcendent joy might be in them and that they, having understood why He has told them these things in advance would live to see the fullness of that same joy manifest within time and space. To His mitzvot (plural) Yeshua confirms His mitzvah “Mitzvatiy” (singular): “Entirely love one another just as I have entirely loved you.” 13 Greater (mega[G], rabah[H]) love (agape[G], ahavah[H]) has no one than this, that a certain one (tis[G]) lay down, gift (hanotein[H]) his life breath, soul (psuche[G], nafsho[H]) in behalf (huper[G]) for his beloved friends (philos[G], yediydayn[H]). 14 You are My beloved friends (philos[G], yediyday[H]) if you do what I command (entellomai[G], mitzaveh[H]) you. Most English translations are misleading here. They make this phrase sound like a universal idiom or general life coach. It is not. The Greek text in particular is very precise, saying “a certain one” and not “one”. Furthermore, the certain individual in question lays down his life for his friends (plural), often mistakenly rendered in the singular by English translations presuming an idiomatic application rather than a phrase pertaining to a specific individual. Therefore, we correctly read “Greater love has no one than this, that a certain one lay down, gift his life, breath, soul for his friends.” Yeshua is not teaching a general principal but is speaking specifically about His coming sacrificial death. His friends are defined as those who obey Him. This is why He goes on to say: 15 No longer do I call you bond servants (doulos[G], avadiym[H]), for the bond servant (doulos[G], haeved[H]) does not see, perceive (eido[G]yodeia[H]) what his lord (kurios[G], Adonayu[H]) is doing; but I have called each of (pas[G]) you a beloved friend (philos[G], yediyday[H]), for all things that I have heard, received, applied (akouo[G]shama’tiy[H]) from My Father (Ho Pater[G], Ha Aviy[H]) I have made known (gnorizo[G], hoda’tiy[H]) to you. While the disciples may have heeded Yeshua’s call to service three years prior, they had now been cleansed by His word and had become dearly loved friends. Following His death, resurrection and ascension the disciples will become Yeshua’s brothers and sons of God (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:27-4:8). Thus the progression from servants to friends to brothers. From within time and space the adoption as children of God and therefore brothers and sisters to Messiah could not happen until after His death and resurrection. This is why at this point Yeshua calls them friends rather than brothers and sisters. We note that Yeshua had made known to the disciples all that He had received from the Father up to that point. As we would expect of our perfect Redeemer, Yeshua was a transparent Leader of impeccable integrity. The Greek says “known” (gnorizo) rather than “seen” (eido) because the knowledge has been revealed, received and become all-encompassing as a result of the disciples having seen (eido) the living Messiah. 16 You did not choose Me but I chose you, and set you in place (tithemi[G]) so that you would go and bear fruit (karpos[G], p’riy[H]), and that your fruit (karpos[G], p’riy[H]) would abide, remain (meno[G]), so that whatever you ask of the Father (Ho Pater[G], Ha Av[H]) in My name (bishmiy[H]) He may give (yitein[H]) to you. “You did not choose Me” does not mean the disciples had no choice in the matter but that they did not initiate the choosing. In other words, He chose them and they had to choose to accept Him. Having being chosen they chose to be predestined. This does not teach predestination over freewill but predestination and freewill. “I chose you” means both “I physically searched you out and chose you, asking you to follow me in person” and “I chose you before the creation of the world”. To deny either is to be devoid of the revelation of the Ruach HaKodesh. Yeshua chose them for a purpose, “so that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would abide, remain so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” Yeshua’s choosing of His disciples was contrary to the rabbinical custom where disciples would seek out a rabbi and not the other way around. “If you wish to make yourself a Rav (great rabbi/ great one), choose yourself a lord and become his pupil (companion)” -R. Yoshuah ben Perachiah, (said to be the master of Yeshua of Natzeret), Pirke Avot (Wisdom of the Fathers), c. 1. sect. 6. [Ganz Tzemach David, fol. 24. 2.] "He has chosen me, and I have chosen Him:'' -Song of Songs 2:16 Praphrase Zohar in Exod. fol. 9. 1. 17 This I command (entellomai[G], mitzaveh[H]) you, that you entirely love (agapao[G], tehehavun[H]) one another. 18 “If this world (ho kosmos[G], haolam[H]) pursues you with hatred (miseo[G]), you know, have learned (ginosko[G]deu[H]) that it has pursued Me with hatred (miseo[G]) before you. The disciples had witnessed the way the world had treated Yeshua and were to see yet greater proof of the world’s hatred toward Him. Therefore, Yeshua warned them to expect trouble. A true follower of Yeshua will be pursued by the hatred of those bound to the fallen world. There is a certain comfort in understanding this. Rather than presuming a life devoid of hatred and harm we are admonished to expect it and understand why it’s happening. 19 If you were of this world (ho kosmos[G], haolam[H]), this world (ho kosmos[G], haolam[H]) would have filial love for (phileo[G]) you as its own; but because you are not of this world (ho kosmos[G], haolam[H]), but I chose you out of this world (ho kosmos[G], haolam[H]), because of this, the present world (ho kosmos[G], haolam[H]) pursues you with hatred (miseo[G]). We see that the disciples and indeed all who follow Yeshua are no longer of the fallen world. The evidence is in the fact that the fallen world sees no filial (family) connection to them. Therefore, because Yeshua has chosen His followers and lifted them out of filial connection to the sin affected world, the sin affected world detests them as being aliens living among the inhabitants of the fallen creation. Thus, following Yeshua’s resurrection, the Father will recognize the followers of Yeshua as sons and daughters of God. Therefore, our filial (family) connection is no longer to the first Adam but through the last Adam (Yeshua). The Talmud teaches something similar in its distinguishing of the wise men as set apart from anashiym l’olam “men of the world” (Talmud. Bavliy. Kiddushin, fol. 80. 2.). 20 Remember this word, essence, substance (logos[G], davar[H]) that I said to you, ‘A bond servant (doulos[G], haeved[H]) is not greater than his lord (kurios[G], Adonayu[H]) [John 13:16].’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept, guarded, attended to (tereo[G]) My word, substance, essence (kurios[G], Adonayu[H]) they will keep, guard, attend to (tereo[G]) yours also. Part of what it means to recognize that a servant is never greater than his lord is to understand that to whatever degree the lord was persecuted the servant will also suffer persecution, and in turn, those not a part of the servant’s group who none the less honoured the teaching of the servant’s lord, will also honour the teaching of the servant. This means that the disciples can expect both persecution and honour. They will be the sweet fragrance of salvation to those being saved and the stench of death to those being lost (2 Corinthians 2:15). 21 But all these things they will do to you through (dia[G]) the Name (onoma[G]) of Me, because they do not see, perceive (eido[G]) the One who sent Me. Most English translations read “these things they will do because of My Name” meaning, because the people of the world hate Yeshua’s Name and teaching they will show the same hatred toward His disciples. This is qualified by the last clause which says “because they do not see the One Who sent Me.” However, the Greek literally says “these things they will do through the Name of Me, because they do not see the One Who sent Me.” Meaning, people claiming to act in Yeshua’s Name will persecute the true followers of Yeshua. This is exactly what happen by the turn of the first century CE when the then predominantly Gentile Christian Church began to make it difficult for Jewish believers to maintain Jewish identity within the body of believers. Subsequently the same kind of persecution has been a mainstay of the political Christian Church throughout the centuries and is at present manifest in the mainstream evangelical, charismatic and orthodox Church (as well as the Roman Catholic, Eastern and Greek Orthodox Church) in the form of Continuationism (the latest version of Replacement Theology). Communities like our own (Beth Melekh) are disliked equally by Orthodox Jews and Continuationist Christians. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have retained their sin, missing the mark of God’s holiness (hamartia[G]), but now they have no sacrifice upon the face of their sin (elta al apay chtiythuvn[A]). This concerns those who were a part of the generation who witnessed Yeshua’s ministry in person and rejected Him. As a result they are without means of covering for sin because of their disbelief. Of course sin is always without excuse, which is why the Aramaic text reads “now they have no sacrifice upon the face of their sin” rather than “they are without excuse…” 23 He who pursues Me with hatred (miseo[G]), hates My Father (Aviy[H]) also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have retained their sin, missing the mark of God’s holiness (hamartia[G]); but now they have both seen and pursued Me with hatred (miseo[G]) and have hated My Father (Aviy[H]) also. This is extremely significant for Jewish people. One of the central prayers of our Rosh Hashanah service acknowledges God as Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King). Yeshua is saying, “Those who hate Me hate YHVH!” 25 But to fulfil the word, essence, substance (logos[G], davar[H]) in the Tanakh (Torah)[H] (nomos[G], Law) that belongs to them (autos[H]), ‘They hated Me without a cause.’ [Psa. 35:19; 69:5(4)] Numerous English versions needlessly infer separation between the Tanakh and Yeshua by translating this verse as “So is fulfilled the word written in their Scripture”. While this is technically correct it is none the less extremely misleading. Yeshua intends to convey the fact that the Scripture belongs to the Jewish people both believing and unbelieving because God has given them the Scriptures as a gift to be shared with the nations. This is why Rav shaul Hashaliach says “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29). Therefore, we better translate “But to fulfil the word, essence, substance in the Tanakh that belongs to them.” Note that “the Word (Davar) in the Tanakh belongs to them.” Yeshua is the Davar (Word, Essence, Substance). The quote is from Psalms 35:19 and 69:5(4). Therefore, as is the case today, Torah (nomos[G]) is sometimes used to denote the wider body of inspired Hebrew Scripture. To “hate without cause” is the ultimate indictment in that every opportunity had been given for those disbelievers to believe and turn in love to God through Yeshua. 26 “As soon as the Helper, One Who stands alongside (parakletos[G]) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father (Ho Pater[G], HaAv[H]), that is the Spirit, Breath, Wind (Ha Ruach[H]) of truth (Emet[H]) Who proceeds from the Father (Ho Pater[G], HaAv[H]), He will testify, bear witness (martureo[H]) about Me, 27 and you will testify, bear witness (martureo[H]) also, because you have been with Me from the beginning, origin, head (arche[G], rosh[H]). The Ruach HaKodesh will be sent by Yeshua from the Father. It is important to note that the Ruach HaKodesh has a specific role as the Spirit of the Father and the Son with us. He is the Helper Who comes alongside in support of us and dwells within us through Yeshua. He proceeds from the Father to testify to and bear witness of the Son. The Ruach HaKodesh does not seek glory for Himself any more than the Son sought glory for Himself. Rather the Ruach HaKodesh seeks to bring glory to and testify about the Son. This challenges the theology of many modern Christian denominations who insist on making a mantra out of chanting or calling on the Name of the Holy Spirit. The only place in Scripture where God instructs us to invoke the Name of the Holy Spirit is in the tevilah (immersion) of believers, immersed into the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Note the order and role of each distinct and unified person of the Godhead. King David speaks to the Father of the Holy Spirit in Psalm 51:11 but does not call on the Holy Spirit. Isaiah speaks of the Holy Spirit but does not call on the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 57:15; 63:10-11). John the Immerser speaks of the Messiah immersing (baptising) with the Holy Spirit but does not call on the Holy spirit (Matthew 3:11). Yeshua warns against blaspheming the Holy Spirit (not the same as invoking the Spirit’s Name or praying to Him Matthew 12:32; Luke 12:10).The Holy Spirit is said to give the persecuted believer words to speak (Mark 13:11). Ananias is accused of lying to the manifestly present Holy Spirit of God (Acts 5:3). So we see that the Holy Spirit is present among believers both corporately and individually and that His role is to point us to the Father and the Son. When asked how they should pray Yeshua responded to the disciples by saying “When you pray, pray this way, ‘Avinu shabashamayim (Our Father Who Dwells in the heavens…)” Yeshua also says “Whatever you ask in My Name” meaning that He expects we will invoke His Name in prayer. However, He never teaches us to pray in the Name of the Holy Spirit or to invoke the Spirit’s Name. Here Yeshua is very clear about the role of the Spirit. He explains that the role of the Spirit is to testify to and bring one’s focus upon the Son unto the Father. Previously Yeshua has said that the Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance the things of Him (Yeshua). Tragically, those who invoke the Holy Spirit and promote His Name in repeated worship phrases are acting in direct contradiction to the role of the Holy Spirit Himself. Put simply, the Holy Spirit wants you to testify to the Name of Yeshua and give glory to the Father. When you know that you are tasked with promoting someone else and are doing everything you can to celebrate and honour that person but those listening ignore that person and instead praise you, how do you respond? If we sing “Come Holy Spirit” we have already missed the point, it is the Holy Spirit in us Who sings “Welcome Yeshua, Glory to YHVH!” To promote the Holy Spirit at the expense of the Father and the Son is to blaspheme the entire Godhead. If a helper has come into your home and dwells in your living room and has lived with you and helped you for many years, never leaving or forsaking you, would it not be rude to act as if He weren't already sitting beside you as a member of your family? Would it not be the height of rudeness to scream out loud "I invite You to enter" when He is right there having already long since entered? This is what we are doing when we pretend to invite the Holy Spirit to attend our worship gatherings. If you need to invite Him He is not in attendance. And yet many who do so claim that He dwells in them and see no contradiction. We notice that in receiving the Holy Spirit we are reminded of Yeshua’s teaching and have the affirmation of His identity and Truth. As a result we do as the Spirit in us has done, testifying to others. In the context of this passage it is the disciples who are specifically tasked with the work of testimony as a result of the presence of God’s Spirit in order that those who hear might receive the truth of the Gospel from those who were present and witnessed the life and ministry of Yeshua on earth. They had been chosen to be with Him from the beginning of His ministry for this very purpose. © Yaakov Brown 2020 “Don’t let yourselves be anxious” does not mean “You must not be anxious” or “You will not be anxious” but “Don’t continue to be anxious”. Yeshua was anxious at times (John 13:21) and yet remained sinless (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, it’s not a sin to be anxious, rather it is a sin to make anxiety your god. In those times when we are anxious we are afforded an opportunity to place our trust in God. When we do this we come to understand that the transcendent victorious Messiah suffers with us and will overcome in us. Introduction:
This chapter continues the discourse of the previous chapter and follows the troubling revelation that Yeshua will soon be denied by Kefa, and indeed by all His disciples, perhaps with the exception of Yochanan (John) the Gospel writer, who was known to the priestly court and therefore, was not challenged as to his allegiance while he sought to observe the illegal trial of Yeshua among the priests. Yehudah the betrayer has left, and while the disciples do not understand completely they do have a good general idea of what is about to take place. Therefore, they are distraught, anxious, afraid. Yeshua understands their emotional response because He has also experienced anxiety and turmoil regarding what lies before Him. The same Greek word tarasso used to describe Yeshua’s anxious emotional response in previous chapters is used here in Yeshua’s comforting of His disciples. He speaks as one who has experienced the full gambit of human emotion and ministers comfort as only the Comforter can. This is of great importance given that part of this chapter concerns the impartation of “another Comforter”, Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit). John 14 contains some of the most misquoted, mis-taught, misused and misapplied Scripture of the Brit HaChadashah (New Testament). Read carefully, dispense with hubris, recall the words already spoken by Yeshua, and receive Him as He is, Lord, Master, Teacher, the manifest Father, Imanu (With us) El (God). His message is offered universally but His salvation is exclusive. Only those who receive Him are reconciled to the Father. A bride cannot be married unless she accepts the proposal and says “I will”! 1“Don’t let yourselves be troubled, anxious, agitated (tarasso[G]) of the heart, core being (kardia[G], leiv[H]); believe, be persuaded, place confidence, trust (pisteuo[G], ha’amiynu[H]) in the midst of (eis[G]) the God (Ho Theos[G], BEilohim[H]), believe, be persuaded, place confidence, trust (pisteuo[G]) also in Me. “Don’t let yourselves be anxious” does not mean “You must not be anxious” or “You will not be anxious” but “Don’t continue to be anxious”. Yeshua was anxious at times (John 13:21) and yet remained sinless (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, it’s not a sin to be anxious, rather it is a sin to make anxiety your god. In those times when we are anxious we are afforded an opportunity to place our trust in God. When we do this we come to understand that the transcendent victorious Messiah suffers with us and will overcome in us. Perhaps one of the most misused Scriptures of the New Testament with regard to anxiety is Philippians 4:6. The context of Philippians 4 regards ongoing rejoicing in the Lord (Philippians 4:4) and the importance of moderation over lust and gluttony. “Let your moderation be known among all people, the Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5). Thus, the anxiety, or over thinking (merimnao[G]) of Philippians 4:6 is that which results from covetousness or lust for more, rather than that which results as a genuine emotional response to difficult circumstances. Therefore, we should read: “Don’t continue to be anxious for anything; but in everything through prayer (conversation with God) and seeking with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” -Philippians 4:6 We note that “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard the core being and mental wellbeing” of those who practice trusting God in their anxious state “through Messiah Yeshua!” (Philippians 4:7) We further note that the anxiety the disciples are experiencing in John 14:1 is of the core being (heart). Meaning that the very foundation of their belief system is being shaken. We can surmise that the disciples may still have held out hope for the reign of the King Messiah in their time, a mighty Warrior King come to destroy the Roman Empire and set Israel free from physical oppression. The idea that Yeshua might be betrayed and subsequently killed was one that shook their worldview to the core. Yeshua, knowing the turmoil His disciples were experiencing sought to reassure them that the stability of their core being was to be found in God the Father and the Son, and not in temporal physical redemption. Their trust was to be in the midst of God and in Yeshua even while they were experiencing anxiety and fear. 2 In the House (oikia[G], b’veiyt[H]) of My Father (Pater[G], Aviy[H]) are many (rabiym[H]) rooms, dwelling places (mone[G], m’dorot[H]); if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a specific place (topos[G], makom[H]) for you (lachem[H] Pl.). For the Jew the House of God is none other than the Temple on Mt Moriah in Jerusalem, also known as Har Beit (Mountain House), and yes, the heavenly Temple from which the earthly Temple receives its design as a shadow of its heavenly counterpart. In addition to this the house of one’s father was that place where a first century Jewish groom would go and, with his father’s help build an extension on to the family home, a room or rooms where he would bring is wife to live following the wedding celebration. In first century Jewish tradition the groom would seal his betrothal to a bride with a bride price and then depart to his father’s home to make preparations for the coming wedding. The betrothal period usually spanned one year and once the room was added to the father’s house and all had been prepared with regard to income and ongoing provision the groom would return to the bride’s village at an unannounced time, usually at night, with lamps and music and rejoicing in order to receive his bride and return with her household to the father’s home for the wedding celebration and subsequent feasting. Therefore, the disciples understood “The House of My Father” to represent both the Temple of HaShem and a mashal (figure) concerning the common dwelling of an earthly Jewish father. When they heard Yeshua speak this way it must have invoked thoughts of the betrothal custom and thoughts of belonging in the Temple of God as priests, something that they had been cleansed for in the previous chapter (washing of the feet). Yeshua was assuring them of the priesthood He had conferred upon them and of their relationship to God as His bride. Something that Israel had understood from ancient times. It is important to understand that Yeshua says these words to the disciples. These words apply to all who believe only as an outworking of the fact that those who receive the disciple of Messiah receive Messiah. First and foremost these words intend something very specific. Yeshua has a particular dwelling and role in mind when He speaks of preparing a place for His disciples. The Disciples of Yeshua will one day judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; 29 and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” -Luke 22:28-30 NASB By extension these words apply to all who believe and bring comfort to those who place their trust in God and His Messiah Yeshua. We note that Yeshua has gone to prepare a specific place, room, for each one of us and has also gone to prepare a collective room which He and the Father have built to house all who believe as the culmination and perpetual outworking of Yeshua’s betrothal to the community of believers both Jew and Gentile. This does not negate God’s marriage to the ethnic religious Jewish people but rather fully fills it in that through Yeshua the entire remnant of Israel (ethnic religious, empirical, chosen) will be joined to Him after the fullness of the nations (Gentiles/non-Jews) have come to faith (Romans 11:25-29). Our rabbis share in common with Yeshua the belief in mansions/rooms prepared for the righteous in the Olam Haba (World to come): "says R. Isaack, how many מדורין על מדורין, "mansions upon mansions", are there for the righteous in that world? and the uppermost mansion of them all is the love of their Lord.'' -Zohar in Deut. fol. 113. 1. "in the world to come every righteous man shall have מדור, "a mansion", to himself.'' -Praefat ad Sepher Raziel, fol. 2. 1. Nishmat Chayim, fol. 26. 2. & 27. 1. 3 And provided (ean[G]) I transfer, carry over, lead over, depart (poreuomai[G]) and prepare a specific place (topos[G], makom[H]) for you, I will come again and join you (paralambano[G]) to Myself, in order that where I am, exist, am present, manifest (eimi ego[G]), you also will be. 4 And where I bring under, lead under, depart to (hupago[G]) you see, perceive (eido[G]) the way (ha-derek[H]).” “I will come again and join you to myself” This is the language of marriage, the uniting of groom and bride. Therefore, unless the groom goes and prepares the dwelling in the father’s house, there will be no room in which the marriage can be consummated, no promise of security for the bride. In terms of first century Jewish custom this would make the marriage a farce (which would have been considered abhorrent). Every marriage is consummated by the shedding of blood (the hymen of the bride), and is therefore a covenant entered into by the groom, which is received by the bride. Thus, Yeshua is joined to His bride by paying the bride price in His own blood and breaking the blood barrier (hymen) of death so that the womb of His wife might bear life. With regard to the ancient Jewish betrothal rite a Ketubah (marriage document) is given by the groom to the bride as a promise of His commitment to provide for her in every way, through food, housing, clothing, emotional, mental and physical security etc. It is worth noting that in the ancient rite the bride gives the groom no such document, her role is simply one of acceptance of the ketubah. This means that the responsibility for maintaining security for the bride is entirely that of the groom. In this we see the Gospel manifest. Salvation is reliant on Yeshua Himself in God alone, we receive this salvation through faith, acceptance, trust, not by our promising to provide security for Yeshua but in His promising to provide security for us. NB: For more information on how the ancient Jewish betrothal and marriage rites figuratively convey the Gospel please read my article on the subject: https://www.bethmelekh.com/yaakovs-commentary---15081497151214931513-1497150615111489/eternal-security-in-the-ancient-jewish-art-of-betrothal-marriage “And where I bring under, lead under, depart to, you see and perceive of the way.” The disciples do not yet fully understand or know (ginosko[G]) the way but they quite literally see and are beginning to perceive (eido[G]) Ha Derek (The Way). Yeshua is going toward the fulness of all things and ultimately toward the marriage between God and redeemed humanity. By dying on the cross, resurrecting and ascending and by returning, He is become the Way. 5 Toma[H] (Thomas, twin) said to Him, “Lord (Kurios[G], Adonay[H]), we do not see, perceive (eido[G]) where You are going, how are we able (dunamai[G]) to see, perceive (eido[G]) the way (ha-derek[H])?” 6 Yeshua[H A] (YHVH Saves, Joshua) said to him, “I am, I exist (ego eimi[G], Anochiy[H]) the way (ho hodos[G], ha-derek[H]), and the absolute truth (ho aletheia[G], ha-Emet[H]), and the life, living, perpetual existence (ho zoe[G], ha-chayiym[H]); no one comes to the Father (ho Pater[G], ha-Av[H]) except through Me. “Yeshua said to him, “I am, I exist, the way, and the absolute, truth, and the life, living, perpetual existence; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”” This is perhaps the most difficult declaration for unbelievers and universalists to accept. I have heard many who claim to be followers of Yeshua say that Messianic/Christian faith is one of inclusivity. They are tragically wrong. Our faith is the most exclusive faith in the world and as a true faith is the most despised. The Gospel welcomes all but the outworking of the same Gospel is exclusive. We believe with absolute faith that no one can be reconciled to right relationship with God except through Yeshua and we believe it based on Yeshua’s testimony. Anyone who denies this fact does so by the spirit of anti-Messiah (antichrist). There is but One Way to God and He is that One sent from God, Yeshua the King Messiah, Ha Derek. This is one of the reasons that the early Jewish followers of Yeshua were called by the Jewish sectarian name of Ha Derek (Acts 9:2) “Aniy haderek v’haemet v’hachayiym…” “Derek” the Hebrew word for “way” is used for the first time in Torah in Bereishit (Genesis) 3:24 to refer to “the way” that enables access to Eitz hachayiym (the Tree of Living). “So HaShem drove out the man (by extension humanity) and He placed at the east of the garden (of Eden) Kerubiym (Mighty Approachers of Blessing) and a flaming sword that turned in every direction to guard ha derek (the way) to Eitz hachayiym (the Tree of Living).” -Bereishit (Genesis) 3:24 [Authors translation] Note that following humanity’s choice to sin the Way (to sinless existence in the presence of God) is guarded by Mighty Approachers of Blessing, and a flaming sword. The Sword is a symbol of God’s Word and the Flame is a symbol of His Spirit. In the text of John 14 the Mightiest of all Approachers of Blessing (Yeshua) has come to give His disciples, Israel, and by extension all humanity, access to the Sword (Living Word/Yeshua) and the Flame (Holy Spirit) so that we might t’shuva return to God and dwell with Him forever. Thus, the Guardian of the Way has become the Way. Put simply in our decision to sin we lost access to perpetual living, the way to life was kept from us because the blood of animals was insufficient to atone for us perpetually, an all existing blood was required to atone for the sin and death that had been allowed to enter the creation. Therefore, Yeshua is saying that He is the Way and that by His eternal blood He will atone for us so that we might enter into perpetual living through Him. Throughout the Tanakh (OT) “Ha Derek” The Way of YHVH is presented as a path of righteousness lived out of love for God, a path that bears the fruit of obedience to His Torah. This is in part why Yeshua alludes to the fruit of keeping His commands (mitzvot) later in this chapter. “Emet” Truth is first mentioned in the Torah when Avraham’s servant Eliezer worships YHVH due to His Mercy and Truth. By walking in the way of YHVH Eliezer was Divinely led to his lord’s family and a bride for Itzchaak (Genesis 24:27). Truth and Mercy are intrinsically linked as attributes of God. "Moses and his law are the truth"; - Talmud Bavliy Bava Bathra. fol. 74. 1. Bemidbar Rabba, fol. 223. 2. If the rabbis truly believe this then they must accept Yeshua Whom God announces to Moses, and Moses in turn records the words in the Torah (Devarim/Deut. 18:15-18). “Chayiym” Living (Life perpetual) is in the intense plural form and means “perpetual living” rather than life (singular) finite. Yeshua is not just saying He gives life but that He is the living essence of all things. He is life everlasting. Those who receive Him do not receive a life but living perpetual and eternal. The Hebrew chayah (life) is first used in the Torah in Genesis 1:20 where it is used in conjunction with the Hebrew nefesh (soul, person, creature, passion, mind, being). Therefore, there is an intrinsic connection between life and person, soul life in this world and perpetual life through relationship in the Olam Haba (world to come). Ultimately Yeshua is referring to a metaphysical (not non-physical but physical in a transcendent sense convergent with spirit) spiritual life described by the Tanakh (OT) as “the Spirit of YHVH”, “the Spirit of Wisdom”, “the Spirit of Understanding”, “the Spirit of Counsel”, “the Spirit of Might”, “the Spirit of Knowledge”, “the Spirit of the fear (awe) of YHVH” (Isaiah 11:2).That is, found in the attributes of the sevenfold Spirit of God (Rev. 1:4; 3:1). Subsequently the life lived in the Spirit of Yeshua is a life that produces the fruit of obedience and of love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). 7 If you (plural) had known (ginosko[G], y’da’tem[H]) Me, you would have known My Father (Pater mou [G], Aviy[H]) also; from now on you know (ginosko[G], y’da’tem[H]) Him, and have seen, become acquainted with, experienced (horao[G]) Him.” In one sense Yeshua seems to be saying that if the disciples had properly accepted the guidance of the physical signs present in Yeshua, that they would have easily recognized that He was Imanu El (God with them), the Father. Now, Yeshua is empowering them to see in a transcendent way that He and the Father are echad (a complex unity). In this context the Greek “ginosko” infers relational knowledge learned through experience, acquaintance and seeing beyond a person’s physical being and into the heart (core being). In this case the person is Yeshua, Who is the Father God manifest with the disciples as the Son. 8 Philippos (friend of horses) said to Him (Yeshua), “Lord (Kurios[G], Adonay[H]), show us the Father (ho Pater[G], ha-Av[H]), and it will give us unfailing strength (arkeo[G]).” It’s clear from Philip’s response that he (and probably the disciples’ as a whole) was still not quite comprehending Yeshua. We note that Philip seeks a proof that will result in “unfailing strength”. Many of us seek irrefutable empirical proof of God even while God manifests His person right in front of us, and if God by His grace gives us an immutable evidence we none the less have a propensity for quickly forgetting it when our circumstances change. Yeshua has and will give His disciples irrefutable proof of His divinity and the redemptive purposes of God. However, doubt must remain while the fallen world remains because without doubt there is no faith. This is why Rav Shaul says “These three remain: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) Faith is needed only so long as we await the Olam Haba (world to come), and hope is needed only so long as we are looking forward to Messiah’s return and life in the Olam Haba. But Love is eternal, defined by God Himself, and therefore, in the Olam Haba we will love but we will no longer have need of faith and hope because we will be experiencing the fullness of all that we hoped for and placed our trust in. 9 Yeshua[H A] (YHVH Saves, Joshua) said to him, “I have been with you all this time, and yet you have not come to intimately know (ginosko[G]) Me, Philippos (friend of horses)? He who has seen, become acquainted with, experienced (horao[G]) Me has seen, become acquainted with, experienced (horao[G]) the Father (ho Pater[G], ha-Av[H]); how can you say, ‘Show us the Father (ho Pater[G], ha-Av[H])’? Essentially, while this may sound like a rebuke, it is in fact the equivalent of saying, “Philip, you disciples have been with Me and have observed My actions, witnessed My character, heard My words, and seen My signs. You already know that I and the Father are one. So why ask to see Him Whom you already see?” Speaking of Yeshua, Rav Shaul says: “For all the fullness of Deity lives bodily in Him, and in Him you have been filled to fullness. He is the head over every ruler and authority.” -Colossians 2:9-10 TLV 10 Do you not believe, trust (pisteuo[G], ma’amiyn[H]) that I am (Ego[G], Anochiy[H]) in the Father (ho Pater[G], v’Aviy[H]), and the Father (ho Pater[G], v’Aviy[H]) is in Me? The spoken words (rhema[G]) that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father (ho Pater[G], v’Aviy[H]) abiding in Me outworks His occupation, business (ergon[G]). Once again Yeshua explains that He speaks of the Father as One submitted to the Father. In short, anything asked in Yeshua’s Name is asked of the Father. Yeshua is God with us and thus, being that God cannot be outside of Himself, Yeshua submits Himself to the Father. 11 Believe, trust, be persuaded of (pisteuo[G], ha’amiynu[H]) Me that I am in the Father (ho Pater[G], v’Aviy[H]) and the Father (ho Pater[G], v’Aviy[H]) is in Me; otherwise believe, trust, be persuaded (pisteuo[G], ha’amiynu[H]) because of the outworking of the occupation, business (ho ergon[G]) itself. While it is true to say that the signs Yeshua performed point to His redemptive work, that is not entirely what He means when He says “otherwise believe, trust, be persuaded because of the outworking of the occupation, business itself.” For the full outworking regards the death, resurrection, and ascension which is yet to come (from the disciples’ perspective). It is not individual signs and wonders that Yeshua is exhorting them to be persuaded by but “the outworking of the occupation” of God Himself. 12 Amen[H] [G]Amen[H] [G] (B’emet[H], B’emet[H]), In truth, In truth, It’s certain, it’s certain, I (Aniy[H]) say to you, he who believes, trusts, is persuaded (pisteuo[G], ha’ma’amiyn[H]) in Me, the outworking of the occupation, business (ho ergon[G]) that I enact, he will enact also; and something greater (megas[G]) than these he will do; because I go to the Father (ho Pater[G], Aviy[H]). Far too many foolish Christian theologians and Bible teachers use this verse to support the claim that believers can do greater miraculous signs than Yeshua. Not only does this misrepresent the text and its context, it is also the height of hubris and is tantamount to blasphemy of the most vile kind. First of all, “No servant is greater than his Lord” (John 13:16; 15:20). Second, the text does NOT say that “the one who trusts in Me will do the works I do and will do works greater than these”, but “the one who trusts in Me will emulate My works and will do something greater than these works, because I go to the Father.” Note that the “something greater” is greater than works, miracles, signs, wonders. It is also qualified by the fact that Yeshua must first go to the Father. Before Yeshua ascended to the Father He gave His disciples this command: “go and make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” -Matthew 28:19-20 (Author’s translation) Note that He did NOT say, “go and do greater miraculous signs than I have done…” To the contrary, the “something greater” Yeshua is referring to in John 14:12 is that which the miraculous signs He performed pointed to, that is, that He is the Way, the Truth and the Perpetual Living. Therefore, the “something greater” which the one who believes in Yeshua will do is to spread the Gospel to all nations. It is NOT to perform greater miracles. What good are miracles devoid of Salvation and discipleship? More importantly, temporal healing and signs will never be greater than eternal wholeness. The purpose of miracles is to point to Someone greater, and not to manifest something greater by our own hand. Our foolish modern Christian teachers have taught us that we are superheroes, while neglecting to remind us that superheroes are the progeny of Greek gods and are a modern reflection of ancient idolatry. Neither we nor the world have need of heroes. Our greatest need is a Saviour, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Righteous Ruler. If you want to participate in the “greater” thing, remind yourself that a servant is never greater than his Lord, and that the greatest gift of God is Yeshua the Miracle Maker, and not miracles themselves. 13 Whatever you ask in My Name (bishmiy[H]), that will I do, so that the Father (ho Pater[G], Ha-Av[H]) may be glorified, extoled, celebrated, praised (doxazo[G]) in the Son (ho uihos[G], bub’no[H]). 14 If you ask Me anything in My Name (bishmiy[H]), I will do it. Once again, this verse has been widely mis-taught and misused to validate ungodly prayer demands in place of godly prayer requests. The key to understanding this verse is to read and comprehend the first clause, “Whatever you ask IN MY NAME”. “In My Name” means “In My Character”, “In My Will”, “In My Identity”, “In My Purposes”, “In My eternal perspective” and so on. The prerequisite to receiving anything asked for in Yeshua’s Name is that the thing asked for is “In His will”, “According to His purposes” etc. Therefore, the foolish modern Christian practice of praying prayers like “We claim the healing over this brother in Jesus Name”, or “We demand a breakthrough for the finances of this Church in Jesus Name” and the affirmations that follow prayers such as these, “We have agreed in Jesus Name brother, He will do it according to His promise in John 14:13-14”, and so on, are often nothing more than sinful and presumptuous Pride! What is the purpose of asking things in His Name? “so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” What if it is not to God’s glory to heal in certain circumstances? What if it is not God’s will to prosper a Church financially? What if suffering is sometimes the will of God? When we pray presumptuously in Yeshua’s Name we are committing blasphemy. When we demand that God heal we are not showing our faith but rather our pride, fear, and our temporal perspective. So what does it mean to “ask anything… in His Name”? It means, to ask His will, purpose, direction, and to pray accordingly together. And for what purpose? For temporal healing? For financial gain? For a show of faith? No! “so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” I am NOT saying we should not pray for miraculous healing or for manifest signs that point people to salvation. To the contrary, I am saying we should pray for those miraculous healings and signs that are according to God’s will and for the purpose of glorifying the Father and the Son so that salvation might come to the lost and make way for the reconciliation of the children of God. Next time you pray, rather than making demands, try asking in humility; rather than presuming what God wants, try seeking His direction; rather than looking only to resolve the problems faced in temporal circumstances, try receiving God’s eternal perspective and walking in it. 15 “If you entirely love (agapao[G], ahav’tem[H]) Me, you will keep, guard (tishmoru[H]) My commandments (entole[G], mitzvotiy[H]). Some commentators attribute as many as 1,050 commands of the Brit HaChadashah (NT) to Yeshua (Dake’s ref. Bible). While some may be considered contextually as being specifically for Jewish believers, most are consistent with the moral law of the Torah which applies to all human beings. Therefore, believers are not saved through Yeshua in order to break the commandments (mitzvot) but are empowered by the Spirit of God to live out righteousness from within as those who are born of the goal of the Torah, that is Yeshua Himself. This is one of the many reasons that Yeshua refers to Himself as “the Way”. Put simply as an example, we are free but we are not free to murder. In Messiah Yeshua we are free to do anything except that which returns us to bondage. 16 And I (v’Aniy[H]) will ask the Father (ho Pater[G], Ha-Av[H]), and He will give you another Helper, Comforter, Consoler, one to stand alongside (Parakletos[G]), that He may abide, dwell, remain (meno[G]) with you forever, into the unending age (aion[G]); Note that God will give “another” Comforter. Meaning Yeshua is a Comforter (Menachem). Also, the Comforter that will stand alongside every believer will be with us forever. Interestingly the Pirke Avot says: פרקליט אחד, ενα παρακλητον,"one advocate", or "comforter"; and he that transgresses one command, gets for himself one accuser.'' -Pirke Abot, c. 4. sect. 11. 17 that is the Spirit, Breath, Wind (Ruach[H]) of absolute truth (aletheia[G], emet[H]), Whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see (theoreo[G]) Him or know (ginosko[G]) Him, but you know (ginosko[G]) Him because He abides, dwells, remains (meno[G]) with you and will be in you. The Spirit of God is at this time present with them in Yeshua but does not yet dwell within them. Therefore, “you know Him because He abides, dwells, remains with you and will be in you.” Only those who receive Yeshua can receive the Spirit of the Father and the Son. It’s worth noting that one of the names that our rabbis attribute to the King Messiah is Menachem (Comforter): “What is his (Messiah) name?... :His name is Menachem the son of Hezekiah, since it is written, ‘Because Menachem (a comforter) that could receive my soul, is far from me’ (Lamentations 1:16).” - Talmud Bavliy Sanhedrin, fol. 98. 2. Echa Rabbati, fol. 50. 2. 18 “I will not leave you fatherless, orphans, alone (orphanos[G]); I will come to you. It was customary among our rabbis to speak of the passing of righteous spiritual leaders as being like a father leaving orphans in his wake. Concerning Rabbi Simeon ben Yochai, Rav Aba and others have said: "woe to the world when thou shall go out of it, woe to the generation that shall be in the world when thou shall remove from them, וישתארון יתמין, "and they shall be left fatherless by thee".'' -Zohar in Num fol. 96. 3. & in Lev. fol. 42. 3. & in Exod. fol. 10. 3. & 28. 3. יתום, "fatherless by thee".'' -Midrash Hannealam in Zohar in Gen. fol. 65. 4. 19 After a short time the world (kosmos[G], haolam[H]) will no longer see (theoreo[G]) Me, but you will see (theoreo[G]) Me; because I live (zao[G], chay[H]), you will live (tichyun[H]) also. 20 In that day (hemera[G], bayom[H]) you will know (ginosko[G]) that I am in My Father (Aviy[H]), and that you are in Me, and I in you. Yeshua will leave them to die and rise again and thereafter to ascend to the right hand of the Father. However, He will not leave His followers as orphans devoid of a Father. To the contrary, while in His metaphysical resurrected body He will physically ascend to the Father and no longer be seen by those who do not know Him, however in the Spirit He will never leave or forsake His disciples because He and the Father will pour out the Spirit of the Father and the Son into the disciples (Acts 2). Therefore, those who receive Yeshua will always see Him in a spiritual sense, while those who reject Him will not see Him and will therefore despise His existence and identity. 21 He who has My commandments (entole[G], mitzvotay[H]) and guards, keeps (shomeir[H]) them is the one who entirely loves (agapao[G], ye’ehavaniy[H]) Me; and the one who entirely loves (agapao[G], v’ohaviy[H]) Me will be entirely loved (agapao[G], ahuv[H]) by My Father (Aviy[H]), and I will entirely love (agapao[G], ohaveihu[H]) that one and will appear to, declare, show, manifest (emphanizo[G]) Myself to that person.” The keeping of commandments that results from relationship with God in Yeshua is the evidence of love for Yeshua. We must be careful to note that Yeshua does not say “You must keep My commands in order to prove you love Me…” Rather, He says “He who has My commandments and guards, keeps them is the one who entirely loves Me.” The keeping of Yeshua’s commands is the evidence of love and not the purchase price. The former is faith that bears the fruit of works, whereas the latter is bondage through law keeping and vain religion. Righteous acts are the evidence of right relationship in God. They are not the means of attaining it. 22 Yehudah (praise: not Iscariot) said to Him, “My Lord (kurios[G], Adoniy[H]), what then has happened that You are going to appear to, declare, show, manifest (emphanizo[G]) Yourself to us and not to the world (ho kosmos[G], haolam[H])?” There were two disciples named Yehudah (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13). The answer that follows declares what will happen in order for Yeshua to show Himself to the disciples and not to the world. Of course Yehudah’s question is worded correctly, though He could not possibly know it, for from the perspective of God what will happen has already happened. 23 Yeshua[H A] (YHVH Saves, Joshua) answered and said to him, “If anyone entirely loves (agapao[G], ye’ehavaniy[H]) Me, he will guard, keep (shomeir[H]) My word, essence, substance (logos[G], davar[H]); and My Father (Aviy[H]) will love (agapao[G], ye’ehav[H]) him, and We will come to him and make Our abode, dwelling (mone[G]) with him. Yeshua affirms that it is through right love relationship to Him that the fruit of keeping Yeshua’s substance (davar) will give evidence of revelation. Thus, the Father revealed in the Son will come with the Son and dwell, abide, tabernacle in the believer. “I will send you (the Ruach HaKodesh) from the Father” -Yeshua (John 15:26). 24 He who does not entirely love (agapao[G], ye’ehavaniy[H]) Me does not guard, keep (shomeir[H]) My words, essence, substance (logos[G], davar[H]); and the word essence, substance (logos[G], davar[H]) which you hear, receive, understand, act on (shematem[H]) is not Mine, but the Father’s Who sent Me. 25 “These things, words (dibartiy[H]) I have spoken to you while dwelling (meno[G]) with you. Once again it is love relationship that is key. To deny Yeshua’s offer of relationship will result in a failure to walk as Yeshua walked. Furthermore, to fail to receive right relationship in Yeshua is to fail to receive right relationship with God the Father because “the word essence, substance which you hear, receive, understand, act on is not Mine, but the Father’s Who sent Me.” 26 But the Helper, Comforter, Consoler, One who comes alongside (Parakletos[G]) Ruach HaKodesh[H] (the Holy [set apart] Spirit, Wind, Breath), Whom the Father (ho Pater[G], Ha-Av[H]) will send in My Name [character, identity, attributes etc.] (onoma[G], bishmiy[H]), He will teach (didasko[G]) you all (pas[G], kol[H]), and quietly bring to your remembrance (hupomimnēskō[G]) all that I said to you. We note that the role of the Ruach HaKodesh is to bring to remembrance the words of Yeshua. Therefore, while there is not a hierarchy in the Godhead in any earthly sense, there is an order to the Godhead. The Father sends the Son, the Father and the Son send the Spirit, the Spirit reveals the Son, the Son reveals the Father. 27 Peace, wholeness, wellbeing (eirene[G], shalom[H]) I leave with you; My peace, wholeness, wellbeing (eirene[G], shalom[H]) I give to you; I don’t give to you as the world (ho kosmos[G], haolam[H]) gives. Do not let your heart, inner being (leiv[H]) be troubled, anxious, agitated (tarasso[G]) nor let it be fearful, timid, afraid (deiliao[G]). Yeshua leaves Himself with them (the Spirit). His peace is given perpetually, therefore, He does not give temporarily as the fallen world gives. Yeshua’s gift of peace, wholeness and wellbeing is sinless and transcendent. All giving of the fallen world is temporary, decaying, doomed to die. Our rabbis teach that peace given must be returned: ליתן לו שלום, "to give him peace"; he shall prevent him with peace (i.e. salute him first), as it is said, "seek peace and pursue it"; but if he "gives" it to him, and he does not return it, he shall be called a robber.'' -Talmud Bavliy Beracot, fol. 6. 2. 28 You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will return (shuv[H]) to you.’ If you loved (ahavtem[H]) Me, you would have rejoiced (s’meichiym[H]) because I go to the Father (ho Pater[G], Ha-Av[H]), for the Father (ho Pater[G], Ha-Av[H]) is greater, larger (meizon[G], gadol[H]) than I. “If you loved Me” can be understood to refer to the fact that the love of the disciples for Him is yet to find its fullness in His death, resurrection, ascendance and the outpouring of the Spirit. “The Father is greater” in the sense that Yeshua as a human being and as God with us is within the Father. However, as I have said previously in another way, God is not divisible or subordinate. He is echad, One, Unique, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 29 And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe, have faith, trust, be persuaded (pisteuo[G], ta’amiynu[H]). 30 I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler, prince of this world (sar haolam[H]) is coming, and he has, holds, possesses nothing (echo[G]) in Me; Yeshua has privileged His disciples with the knowledge of the outcome of His death, resurrection and ascension prior to these events taking place in order that when they do take place the disciples might come to understand the meaning and purpose of them and bear witness to them. We note that while the disciples have been told that they will receive the Son and in doing so will receive the Father and the Spirit, the “prince of the fallen world” on the other hand neither has nor is able to possess anything in Yeshua. In other words, Satan is a footnote serving God’s purposes and has so wilfully rejected God as to have purchased for himself eternal damnation by his own choosing. This affirms the fact that those who don’t receive Yeshua are children of the prince of the fallen world. 31 but so that the world (ho kosmos[G], haolam[H]) may know, be aware of, understand (ginosko[G]) that I entirely love (agapao[G], oheiv[H]) the Father (ho Pater[G], Ha-Av[H]), I do exactly as the Father charged, commanded (entellomai[G]) Me. Get up, waken, rise (egeiro[G]) let us go from here. The last clause connects the Gospel of John with the other Gospels and their account of the Passover Seder and subsequent journey to Gethsemane. It is interesting to note that Yeshua continues to reveal Himself to the disciples over the next few chapters and that it is not until 18:1 that He is said to have gone with His disciples over the Kidron to the garden of Gethsemane. © Yaakov Brown 2020 Unless we understand the origin of the Shavuot festival (approx. 1300 BCE), we will never properly understand the beginning of its fullness in the first century CE (Acts 2). Remember that the Goal of Shavuot, like the Goal of the Torah is Yeshua. And Yeshua’s Goal is to do the Father’s will reconciling the repentant to HaShem (God). Sefer Yochanan (Gospel According to John) Chapter 4 Pt.1 Shomroniyt Woman at the Well (John 4:1-26)7/2/2020
Yeshua proves Himself a prophet in her eyes, not because He foretold the future but because He revealed the present. 1Since (hos[G]) therefore, it had come to pass (ou [G], vayhiy[H]) the Lord (ho kurios[G], la-Adon[H]) knew (ginosko[G], noda[H]) that the Pharisees (Pharisaios[G], Perushiym[H], chaste, abstinent ones) had heard that Yeshua[H, A] (Iesous[G], YHVH Saves, Jesus, Joshua) was making, forming, fashioning, preparing, authoring (poieo[G]) and immersing, facilitating tevilah [baptizing] (Baptizo[G], Tebiyl[H]) gaining a great number more (pleion[G], harbeih[H]) disciples (mathetes[G] [pupils], talmidim[H] [religious students, followers]) than (or “from” alt. Heb. m’yochanan) Yochanan[H] (Ioannes [G], YHVH is gracious, John) 2 {although Yeshua Himself (autos[G], hu[H]) was not immersing, facilitating tevilah [baptizing] (Baptizo[G], Tebiyl[H]), but His disciples (mathetes[G] [pupils], talmidim[H] [religious students, followers]) were}, [alt. Heb. kiy iym-talmiydayv: because the immersions were with the disciples]
We note that it is because of Yeshua’s foreknowledge and His spiritual discernment that He was aware of the dislike that many of the Pharisees already had for John, and for Yeshua Himself, largely in part due to the number of disciples that John and Yeshua were amassing. Both the Greek ginosko and the Hebrew noda (from yodata) can denote intimate knowledge, in other words, Yeshua knew the intimate thoughts of the Pharisees, and knew that, at this stage the majority were against His ministry. His knowledge of their thoughts in spite of the fact that they were not present to witness His actions is evidence of His Divine nature. We also see that Yeshua is called “Ho Kurios” meaning “The Lord” (Heb. La-Adon). The writer of John’s Gospel is further illuminating his Spirit given understanding concerning the Messiah’s deity (John 1). To call Yeshua “the Lord of…” would have been an acceptable usage in reference to any Jewish religious leader of the time, but to call Him “The Lord” would have been considered blasphemy by the majority of religious leaders and even by many of His disciples, until such a time as they had come to understand as John the disciple had, that Yeshua is the Imanu-El of Whom Isaiah the prophet spoke: that is, God with us, the Servant King Messiah (Isa. 7:14; 8:8). We note that the Pharisees had “heard” of what was happening, meaning that the majority had not witnessed the immersions associated with Yeshua’s ministry. Although they had witnessed the immersion ministry of John the Immerser (Baptist) [see John 1-3]. With regard to the increase in disciples who had decided to follow Yeshua it is interesting to consider the Greek word “poieo” meaning, “forming, fashioning, preparing, authoring”. Yeshua’s disciples were being formed by His ministry, they were not yet fully formed. They were being prepared for something yet future. They were being authored into a new story by the Author of all things and fashioned by the Creator Himself. At this point the Ruach Ha-Kodesh (Holy Spirit) had not yet been poured out on the disciples. Therefore, the immersion being performed was one of teshuva, returning and devotion to God and to His promised King Messiah (Though some, if not all were yet to understand what “Mashiach” truly meant). It is poignant therefore that the author of John’s Gospel makes it clear that Yeshua did not facilitate tevilah (immersion) but that it was performed and facilitated by His disciples. Yeshua would facilitate the immersion of all who believe once He was seated at the right hand of HaShem the Father after Yeshua’s death and resurrection. Thus, He instructed His disciples to “Go therefore (because all authority has been given to you…), making talmidim of all nations, immersing them in the Name of Ha Av (The Father) and of Ha-Ben (The Son), and of Ruach Ha-Kodesh (The Holy Spirit)” [Matt. 28:19]. 3 And He left, turned away (aphiemi[G], va-yeitzei[H], v’shavkah[A]) from the territory, the land (mei-eretz[H]) of Yehudah[H] (Judea, ho Ioudaia[G][Praise]) and went away again, anew (palin[G]) into, toward, for, among (eis[G]) the region of the (Galilee, Galilaia[G] ha-Galiylah[H] [Circuit, perpetual turning, going round] or Ha-Kinneret[H] [Harp]). 4 And it was necessary that (dei[G]) He Himself (autos[G]) pass through, go toward (la’avor[H]) make way (dierchomai[G], derek[H]) in the land/territory (eretz[H]) of Shomron[H] ([place of guardians, watch mountain, watch tower] Samaria, ho-Samareia[G] [guardianship]). The Samaritans (Shomroniym) are mixed race descendants of the remnant of the ten tribes of northern Israel who were left in the land when the northern kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BCE, and colonists from Babylonia and Media brought by the Assyrian conquerors of Shomron (Samaria) [2 Kings 17:24-41]. Technically speaking their descendants are not idolaters, however, they see their version of the Torah (Pentateuch), written in an ancient Hebrew script (popularly referred to as “Paleo Hebrew”), as the only inspired word of God. Their version of the Torah differs slightly in some places but is generally equivalent to the Hebrew and Greek versions of the Torah/Pentateuch. Therefore, the Samaritans do not accept the writings of the prophets of the TaNaKH (OT) as inspired Scripture. In this respect they shared some beliefs and practices in common with the Sadducees of the first century CE. While the root of the divide between the Jews (Yehudah and Benyamin) and the Samaritans/(10 tribes) began during the division of Israel into two kingdoms following the death of king Solomon (931 BCE; 1 Kings 11-12), it was solidified following the intermarriage between the remnant of the 10 tribes left in the land and the Babylonian and Median colonists of 722 BCE. The 10 tribes (of Israel, not Samaritans) had practiced apostate worship in the north, while the Jews (Yehudah and Benyamin) had worshipped according to the Torah in Jerusalem at the Temple Mount. However, upon the return of the Jews (Yehudah, Benyamin, and the integrated exiled 10 tribes of Israel) from the Babylonian exile, the Samaritan sect fiercely opposed the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem (539 BCE; Ezra 4:6-24). They had established their own apostate form of worship associated to Mt Gerizim and therefore resisted the reestablishment of the Jerusalem Temple and its rites (even though the Samaritan Pentateuch reads as the Torah does concerning the placing of God’s Name on Mt Moriah, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem). I consider it important to note that “It was necessary for Yeshua Himself to pass through Shomron.” The witness of His disciples alone was insufficient. The people of Shomron, the Samaritans (Shomronym), who practiced an apostate derivative of the Jewish religion and were a diluted bloodline attached to the Jewish people, needed to meet the Messiah in person in order to be reconciled to Israel’s greater purpose and indeed, to God through the Messiah Yeshua. In one sense Yeshua was offering the Samaritan sect an opportunity to re-join Israel (ethnic, religious, empirical, chosen) in accordance with the Torah and Prophets and put away their apostate worship which centred its sacrificial system around Mt Gerizim rather than the Torah commanded Mt Moriah (Temple Mount). It is interesting to note that the rabbinic Judaism of the modern state of Israel has in the last few decades made serious attempts to bring the Samaritan sect back into the fold of greater Judaism. In some rare cases rabbinical Jews have married into the Samaritan sect and vice versa. Although, devout adherents on both sides continue to detest the idea of merging the two groups. Shomron (Samaria) is derived from the Hebrew “shomer” meaning to keep, guard, protect etc. The Aramaic “shavkah” is similar to the Hebrew “shuv” meaning to turn. Therefore I’ve added the possible translation “turned away”. The Greek “dierchomai” seems to be an example of transliteration converging with a composite Greek word and representing the Hebrew “derek” meaning “way, path, direction” etc. This is yet another, albeit subtle indication of the possibility of an original Hebrew manuscript of Yochanan’s Gospel. At very least it is another indication of the writer’s initial audience, that being Judeans, Jews (The collected tribes post exile), Samaritans, Israelis of the first century CE. 5 So He came to (va’yavo[H]), into, toward, for, among (eis[G]) a city (polis[G]) of the land/territory of Shomron[H] ([place of guardians, watch mountain, watch tower] Samaria, ho-Samareia[G] [guardianship]) called Suchar[H] (Sychar, Suchar[G] [drunken]), neighbouring (plesion[G]) the field (chorion[G]) that Yaakov[H] (Iakob[G], Jacob [grasps the heel, follower]) gave (natan[H]) to his son Yosef[H] (Joseph, Ioseph[G] [YHVH adds, double blessing]); 6 and Yaakov’s spring, well (pege[G], be’eir[H]) was there. Therefore (oun[G]) [because Yaakov’s well was there] Yeshua[H, A] (Iesous[G], YHVH Saves, Jesus, Joshua), being wearied from the way, journey (min-ha-derek [H]) sat by, on, before, at (epi[G], al[H]) the spring, well (pege[G] be’eir[H]). It was about 12pm midday (the sixth hour of the Jewish day, counted from sunrise [approx. 6am]). The walk from Jerusalem (Judea region) to the Galilee (Capernaum) is approximately 40 hours (4 days of 10 hours walking per day) 209 km. Jacob’s well is about a third of the way between Jerusalem and Galilee (Capernaum). Some have suggested that “the sixth hour” refers to the Roman method of time keeping and should be interpreted as referring to 6pm in the evening. In support of this supposition they refer to the singular instance of Genesis 24:11 and the fact that the women came out to draw water in the evening. However, there are a number of reasons why this cannot be the case in the context of John 4:6. I do not believe this meeting took place at 6pm. The author is a Jew telling Jewish time to a Jewish audience using the Greek language, and is therefore using the Jewish method of time keeping. Furthermore, if we accept the argument that women drew water in the evening or late afternoon, we must also admit that the women (plural) of the entire village or community did so together. Therefore, in the present instance Yeshua would have been speaking to a group of women, whereas the text indicates a solitary woman and a conversation that would have been considered too intimate to be had in the hearing of others. The text does not tell us when Yeshua left Judea, nor does it tell us how long it took Him to reach Jacob’s well. At most it would have been a one and a half day walk consisting of eight to ten hours travel per day during the cool parts of the day and breaking to camp in between (at noon when the day was hottest). If Yeshua had arrived along with His disciples at 6pm in the evening they would not have had time to purchase goods at the market, which would have been near closing, nor would there have been time for all the other events associated to this meeting to have taken place prior to nightfall (v.27-54). Finally, the writer of John’s Gospel clearly uses the hours of the Jewish day elsewhere in his Gospel, (John 1:39 “tenth hour referring to 4pm”; John 11:9 “twelve hours in a day” referring to the 12 daylight hours of the Jewish day; John 19:14 “sixth hour” midday during Pilate’s declaration concerning Yeshua prior to His crucifixion). It would be inconsistent of him to swing from one method of time recording to another. Nor is it even remotely likely that he would do this for a single event while maintaining a Jewish time recording method for all other instances in his Gospel. Therefore, it seems extremely unlikely that the writer of John is referring to the sixth hour according to Roman time. This meeting took place at 12pm according to Jewish time counted from the first hour following sunrise (approx. 6am). This means that the woman had made a solo journey to the well at an unusual time. One of the reasons for this may have been her adulterous lifestyle which was as abhorrent to the first century Samaritan religion and culture as it was to the Jews. Thus, she was collecting her water at midday in order to avoid verbal and physical abuse levelled at her by the other women of her village (region), some of whom may well have been victims of her promiscuous lifestyle. Biblical Sychar is thought to have been situated in the vicinity of modern Nablus in the Israeli territory of Shomron. We note that the Greek for Sychar is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew Suchar. Once again, Jewish audience, Hebrew place names. Interestingly the modern Hebrew sucar (sugar) is spelled the same way. We note that Jacob’s well is situated not far from the base of Mt Gerizim and close to modern day Nablus. This is important given the dialogue that follows regarding which of the two mountains, Mt Gerizim or Mt Moriah (Temple Mount), is the correct place upon which to offer sacrifices and worship before Hashem (YHVH). The references to Shechem and Yaakov’s well are found in Gen. 33:19; 48:22; Josh. 24:32. We note that Yeshua was physically weary and thirsty, although He is God with us He took on the frailty of human existence for our sake (Phil. 2:6-11; Heb. 4:15). There is a beautiful irony here, Yeshua (God with us) allows Himself to become physically thirsty in order to satiate the spiritual thirst of the human soul. The physical thirst of Yeshua is mentioned only once more in the Gospel of John, at the same time of day (12pm, sixth hour) during His crucifixion (19:28). 7 There came a woman (ishah [wife]), a shomroniyt {of the land/territory of Shomron[H] ([place of guardians, watch mountain, watch tower] a Samaritan)} to draw (antleo[G], lishav[H]) water (hudor[G], mayim[H]). The (ho[G]) Yeshua[H, A] (Iesous[G], YHVH Saves, Jesus, Joshua) said to her, “Give (didomi[G], taniy-na[H]) Me (moi[G], liy[H]) a drink.” 8 For His disciples (mathetes[G] [pupils], talmidim[H] [religious students, followers]) had gone away into the city to buy food (ochel[H]) in the market (agorazo[G], shuk[H]). We see that both the Greek “gune” and the Hebrew “ishah” meaning woman, can also mean wife. This is an intentional ambiguity as pretext to the conversation that follows regarding the woman’s many sexual partners. The departure of Yeshua’s disciples may be intended to explain the lack of anyone else to serve Him water. It also emphasises the solitude of the situation. The text infers that there were no other people present at the well. 9 Therefore the Samaritan (ha-shomroniyt: of the land/territory of Shomron[H] [place of guardians, watch mountain, watch tower]) woman (ha-ishah [the wife]) said to Him, “How is it that You, being Yehudiy[H] (a Jew [of Israel], a religious Jew, an ethnic Jew, a Judean, Ioudaios[G]), ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For ha-Yehudiym [the Judeans, Jews] have no dealings, do not associate with, participate with [sugchraomai[G]do things jointly or in unison] with Ha-Shomroniym Samaritans.) In the context of this meeting the Greek Ioudaios is qualified by the Samaritan woman’s view. The Samaritan sect used the term Yehudiym, Ioudaios to refer not only to the religious and region specific Judeans but also to all the tribes of ethnic, religious Israel. Therefore, it is correct to translate Ioudaios in the more general form “Jews” in this instance. NB: It is important to keep in mind that the Jews of the first century CE were the collected body of the returned tribes of Israel gathered together following the exile in the region of Judea and were therefore collectively called Yehudiym. By the first century CE this title was not used exclusively to describe the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (Southern Kingdom). The popular theory of the so called “Lost Tribes” is untenable when tested against the history of the Jewish people. This myth has been used by many to develop such anti-Semitic teachings as “Replacement Theology”, “British Israel” etc. It is also used by some modern Christian scholars to support the lie that the modern Jewish people are not related to the Biblical Jewish people. There is an important pretext here in the use of the Greek sugchraomai, meaning “use jointly”. The religious Jews of the first century CE did not share in the apostate practises of the Samaritans. Nor did they dine with Samaritans or Gentiles except in rare circumstances. Primarily this was in order to keep themselves set apart unto God. It may have become a practise of hubris, but it had started from a pure motive. After all, to participate in the sacrifice of an animal on Mt Gerizim for example, to share its meat etc. would have been in direct violation of the Torah. From the perspective of the Samaritan woman (a sinful woman who clearly did not keep even the laws of her own Samaritan sect) Yeshua’s request is an opportunity to debate what she may see as the arrogant religious position of Jews such as Yeshua. Her reference to the Jewish practise of setting themselves apart may be an attempt to deny water to Yeshua. After all, we must remember that historically, culturally and contextually, Yeshua is an enemy from the Samaritan woman’s point of view. Those religious Jews who travelled through Samaria at this time in history did so primarily because it was the most direct route to the Galilee, enabling them to avoid the Gentile cities of the Decapolis. They travelled through Samaria but generally avoided contact with the villages and people of Samaria. However, the Jewish sages had varied views concerning the Samaritans, who the rabbinical rabbis called “Cuthites”, a name derived from one of the locations in Babylon that the non Jewish forebears of the Samaritans had come from (2 Kings 17:24). "a roasted egg of the Cuthites (or Samaritans), lo, this is lawful: says R. Jacob bar Acha, in the name of R. Lazar, the boiled victuals of the Cuthites (Samaritans), lo, these are free; this he says concerning boiled food, because it is not their custom to put wine and vinegar into it,'' - T. Hieros. Avoda Zara, fol. 44. 4. "the unleavened bread of the Cuthites (or Samaritans), is lawful, and that a man is allowed the use of it at the passover.'' - T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 10. 1. & Cholin, fol. 4. 1. & Kiddushin, fol. 76. 1. "he that buys wine of the Cuthites (Samaritans), says, the two logs that I shall separate, lo, they are first fruits, &c.'' - Misn. Demai, c. 7. sect. 4. Vid. Bartenora in ib. "that, he that eats the bread of the Cuthites (or Samaritans), is as if he eat flesh; to when (who reported this) says (R. Akiba) be silent, I will not tell you what R. Eliezer thinks concerning it.'' - Misna Sheviith, c. 8. sect. 10. Pirke Eliezer, c. 38. "because the Cuthites (or Samaritans) ate at his table, it was the reason why his children went into captivity-and further add, that whoever invites a Cuthite (or Samaritan) into his house, and ministers to him, is the cause of captivity to his children.'' -T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 104. 1. "three days before the feasts of idolaters (for such they reckoned the Samaritans, as well as others), it is forbidden to have any commerce with them, to borrow of them, or lend to them - T. Bab. Becorot, fol. 7. 2. Piske Toseph. ib. art. 4. & in Megilla, art 102. Misna Avoda Zara, c. 1. sect. 1. Yeshua’s view concerning the Samaritans seems to have been one of reconciliation and inclusion in the greater body of the Jewish people (Luke 9:52), and their spiritual redemption through Him. However, it would require their repentance. FYI: Today Jews who live in Shomron and Judea need not fear the Samaritans (descendants of the Shomroniym of the first century) but are constantly under attack from Palestinian extremists and are regularly taunted and verbally abused by so called Christian organisations such as the EAPPI (Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel) who are funded by the WCC (World Council of Churches), whose 350 members include denominations such as Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Mennonite, Pentecostal, Eastern Orthodox, Quakers, Lutheran and many more. Circa 2020 10 Yeshua[H, A] answered and said to her, “If you perceived, (eido, yada’at[H]) knew the gift (ho-dorea, et-matan[H]) of the God (ho-Theos[G], ha-Elohim[H]), and Who it is Who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water (mayim chayim[H], hudor-zao[G]).” Note that the unity of God is alluded to in the person of Yeshua and in His insistence that the woman needs to ask the question of God in order to receive the gift which is manifest in the woman’s presence. Therefore, Messiah is both the gift of God and God with us Who gives the gift of eternal living, represented here using the figure of living water: water that comes from an untouched spring of the earth rather than from a manmade cistern (Num. 19:17). It is also known for its refreshing application (Jer. 2:14; 17:13). Living water is moving water that is undefiled and finds its origin and flow in God alone. In short, living water comes from above and renews the sin affected earth. 11“Has a nation changed gods When they were not gods? But My people have changed their glory For that which does not profit. 12 “Be appalled, O heavens, at this, And shudder, be very desolate,” declares the Lord. 13 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, The fountain of living waters, To hew for themselves cisterns, Broken cisterns That can hold no water. -Jeremiah 2:11-13 (NASB) 11 She said to Him, “My Lord, Master (kurios[G], adoniy[H]), You have nothing to draw with and the well, pit, abyss (phrear[G]) is deep; from what place (pothen[G]) then do You hold, wear, possess (echo[G]) the (ho[G]) living water (mayim chayim[H], hudor-zao[G])? 12 You are not greater (meizon[G]ha-gadol[H]) than our father (ho-pater[G], aviynu[H]) Yaakov[H], are You, who gave (didomi[G], natan-lanu[H]) us the well (ho-phrear[G], et ha-beir[H]), and for himself drew out to drink of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” We note that like Nakdimon (Nicodemus) the Samaritan woman fails to understand the full spiritual meaning of Yeshua’s figurative speech. Therefore, she answers in response to what she understands as a literal offer of water from the well of Jacob. Another beautiful irony, in that the water Yeshua offers does come through Jacob from God in the form of the descendant of Jacob and Person of God’s only begotten Son. Yeshua’s words and countenance had clearly sparked a fire of transformation in the woman, who now calls Him “My Lord (Master)” rather than referring to Him as part of the collective of the Jewish people as she had before. The use of the Greek “phrear” can refer to the abyss or netherworld and infers at least in part that the woman had begun to sense that this was a spiritual conversation. “Phrear” is a word that denotes bottomless depth and is probably employed here to indicate that the well of Jacob is in fact quite literally a well from a natural underground spring of flowing water and is therefore a physical representation of the figurative application of the Hebrew mayim-chayim (living waters). 13 Yeshua[H, A] answered and said to her, “Everyone, all who drink (pino[G], kol-hashoteh[H]) of, from this water (hudor[G], min-ha-mayim[H]) will suffer thirst, return to thirst (dipsao[G], yashuv veyitzma[H]) again; 14 but whoever drinks (pino[G], yishteh[H]) of, from the water (hudor[G], min-ha-mayim yishteh[H) that I will give (notein[H]) him shall never suffer thirst (dipsao[G], yitzma[H]) into the unbroken age, eternity, the world (eis ho aion[G], le’olam[H]); because (kiy[H]) the water (hudor[G], ha-mayim[H]) that I am giving (didomi[G], eten-lo[H]) him will become, arise, close to the source (ginomai[G], vekirbo lim’kor[H]) in him a well, spring (pege[G]) of water (hudatos[G], mayim[H]) springing, leaping, gushing up (hallomai[G]) into, toward, among life, living (zoe[G], lechayeiy[H], L’chaye[A]Pl.) without end, in the eternal world (aionios[G], ha-olam[H]).” This living water is the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is poured out on every believer beginning at Shavuot (Pentecost) approx. 33 CE (Acts 2), as a result of Yeshua’s death, resurrection, ascension and authority at God’s right hand. Rain, water, living water, are all symbolic of the moving and life giving Spirit of the Living God. The context of this passage denotes spiritual renewal and points to a relationship of worship that can only be participated in by those who dwell in the Spirit of God and the Truth of His Son (v.24). We know that the water Yeshua is speaking of is the Ruach Ha-Kodesh (Holy Spirit) because Yeshua Himself says so: “37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast (Sukkot), Yeshua stood and cried out, saying, “[g]If anyone is thirsty, [h]let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From [i]his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Yeshua was not yet glorified.” -Yochanan (John) 7:37-39 “‘For I will pour out water on [a]the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants;” -Isaiah 43:3 (NASB) ““Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no [a]money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost.” -Isaiah 55:1 (NASB) “And the Lord will continually guide you, And satisfy your [a]desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not [b]fail.” -Isaiah 58:11 (NASB) 15 Speaking (lego[G]) to Him the woman (gune[G], ha-ishah[H] [wife]) said, “Lord, Master (kurios[G], adoniy[H]), give (didomi[G], tenah[H]) me this (touto[G]) the (ho[G]) water (hudor[G], ha-mayim[H]), so I will never suffer thirst (dipsao[G], lo etzma[H]) nor walk (dierchomai[G]) here [Heb. Alt. od velo osiyf labo “continually adding by coming”] to draw water over and over again (antleo[G]).” 16 Yeshua[H, A] said to her, “Go, and call (phoneo[G], vekiriy[H]) your husband (aner[G], leiysheich[H]) and come here.” The request of the Samaritan woman comes from her sin seeded brokenness and her desire to find a life that has meaning beyond that of sensual pleasure, temporary physical gratification and empty promises. However, she still interprets Yeshua’s words literally, referring to the well’s location and her desire to no longer have to revisit it. Note that Yeshua did not give her the water He had spoken of straight away in response to her request. Rather He began by pointing out her sin with the view to lead her to repentance so that she might receive the water He had spoken of following His resurrection. The unrepentant cannot receive the water of living (the promised Holy Spirit) because without turning toward God, no one can engage in relationship with Him, nor be sustained by His Spirit. To deny sin and its fruit is to deny a self-inflicted wound. 17 The woman (gune[G], ha-ishah[H] [wife]) answered and said, “I have no husband (aner[G], iysh[H][man]).” Yeshua[H, A] said to her, “Yes (ken[H]) you spoke correctly when you (kalos[G],) said, ‘I have no husband (aner[G , iysh[H][man])’; 18 In fact you have had five (chamishah[H]) husbands (aner[G], bealiym[H][husbands, masters, rulers]), and at the present time (nun[G]) the one whom you now have is not your husband (aner[G], ba’leikh[H][your husband, master, ruler]); this you have said truly (alethes[G], emet[H]).” The woman intended to hide her sin with her answer but Yeshua exposed that which she had attempted to hide by illuminating the truth of her situation. Something only those who knew the woman could have known. Thus, He proves Himself a prophet in her eyes, not because He foretold the future but because He revealed the present. The prophets of Israel were primarily tasked with exposing sin and calling Israel to repentance. Yeshua plays the same role in this encounter. The Hebrew text better conveys the nuance of Yeshua’s response. When Yeshua repeats the woman’s answer back to her He uses her words “I have no man/husband (iysh)”, but when He exposes her half-truth (a lie) He says “In fact you have had five husbands/masters (bealiym)” using the Hebrew “ba’al” which refers specifically to a husband rather than the generic term “iysh” which can mean husband or man. Ba’aliym was the title used to describe the false gods worshipped by Israel’s forebears, thus, Yeshua makes a drash of this idolatry in order to expose the woman’s true spiritual state. Not only is Yeshua exposing the woman’s words and spiritual condition, He is also clearly defining for her the nature and extent of her sin. Put simply, “You spoke well saying that you have no husband, in fact you have had five sexual partners and married four of them officially, while the one you are with at present you have not married officially.” The historical, religious context here is of paramount importance. It explains the depth of sin of the woman, the sin of the male leaders in her village, the reason she was at the well at an unusual time of day and it partly qualifies the religious Jewish avoidance of the Samaritan region and people. The religious Samaritan’s of the first century CE adhered to their slightly corrupted version of the Torah with great devotion. They would have frowned upon adultery and the defiling of the marriage bed through premarital sexual relations. However, it seems from Yeshua’s words that the woman had been married by religious ceremony four times. This means that either all three of her first husbands had died or committed adultery against her leaving her free to marry under Torah law, or that the religious leaders of her village had allowed her marriages to take place outside of the requirements of the Torah. Based on the text it appears that the latter is the more likely. The fifth man is not her husband, meaning that she is either cheating on her fourth husband or is in an illicit premarital affair, or is in an illicit sexual relationship with another woman’s husband. In any case she would have been a woman despised by the other woman of her village (many of whom had been victims of her sin), a woman with few friends and many male admirers. It is likely that she survived because the men of her village enjoyed her and advocated for her promiscuous lifestyle. The hypocrisy of the religious was not limited to certain Jewish religious leaders, it was also clearly prevalent in the Samaritan sect. 19 The woman (gune[G], ha-ishah[H] [wife]) said to Him, “Lord, Master (kurios[G], adoniy[H]), I perceive, see (theoreo[G], roah[H]) that You are a prophet (prophetes[G], naviy[H]). 20 Our fathers (avoteiynu[H]) worshiped, bowed down, kissed (proskuneo[G], hishtachau[H], saghed[A]) in/on this mountain (bahar[H]), and you (ve’atem[H]) say (omriym[H][Pl]) Jerusalem (Yerushalayim[H] [Flood of Peace]) she (hiy[H]) is the place (ha-makum[H]) where men ought to worship, bow down (proskuneo[G], lehishtachot[H], saghed[A]).” As stated previously, she perceived that Yeshua was a prophet not because He foretold the future but because He exposed the present. The use of the Hebrew “Ha-Makum” in the woman’s response is significant. Ha-makum is a name for the Temple Mount and literally means “The Place”. It is used in reference to the place where Jacob lay his head and saw the dream of Jacob’s ladder (Gen.28:10-19). This story was of great importance to both Jews and Samaritans and as a result the location of “The Place” was contested. The Samaritans believed (incorrectly) that Mt Gerizim (near modern Nablus [Biblical Shechem/Sychar] in the Shomron region) was Ha-Makum (the Place) while the Jews correctly understood that Mt Moriah (The Temple Mount in Jerusalem) is Ha-Makum (The Place). Something that Yeshua affirms in the following verses. NB: Gerizim means “cuttings” a plural of garaz “cut off”. Moriah translates literally as “from the sight of YHVH” meaning “YHVH has seen and chosen” (me-ra’ah-YHVH). Eyval (Ebal) means “Stone” or “Bare Mountain”. Both mountains are mentioned in the proclaiming blessing and curse over Israel as they approached the promised land (Deut. 11:29; 27, 28). We note that the woman recognises Yeshua as a prophet and includes Him in her general reference to the Jewish people as a whole. Notice that the name Jerusalem means “Flood or Downpour of Peace” and refers to the Spirit of God and the Son being poured out over the inhabitants of the city, something which took place at Shavuot (Pentecost approx.. 33 CE) and will take place again at the reconciliation of all Israel (ethnic, religious, empirical, chosen). 21 Yeshua[H, A] said to her, “Dear woman (gune[G], ishah[H] [wife]), believe, trust in, have the faith in Me (ha’amiyniy[H]), because (kiy[H]) a certain definite time, an hour (hora[G], sha’ah[H]) is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you (all) worship (proskuneo[G], tishtachau[H], saghed[A]) the Father (ho pater[G], la’Av[H]). 22 You all (humeis[G], atem [H]) worship (proskuneo[G], mishtachaviym[H],saghed[A]) what you can’t see, do not know (eido[G], yedatem[H]); we worship (proskuneo[G], mishtachaviym[H]) Who (ho[G]) we see, know (eido[G], yadednu[H]), because (hoti[G], kiy[H]) the (ho[G]) salvation (ha-yeshuah[H]), deliverance, preservation, safety (soteria[G]) is out of, by, from (ex[G], min[H]) the Jewish people (Ioudaios[G], ha-yehudiym hiy[H]) [Aramaic alt. d’chaye men yihudaye, “living is from the Jews”]. Notice that the woman had placed emphasis on the location of worship whereas Yeshua places the emphasis on The Father. Therefore, it is not upon mountains that we are to rely but upon the Creator of mountains. “We know Who we worship” is an allusion to the fact that God had revealed Himself to the people of Israel (ethnic, religious, empirical, chosen) from Abraham and through the generations of Isaac, Jacob and their children’s children. God chose Israel to receive His Torah and His prophets and had appointed her to be a light of His redemptive purpose to all humanity. Although Israel had failed in this task corporately, she none the less had always had among her those who were devout toward God and knew Whom they worshipped. Therefore, Yeshua is not ashamed to include Himself in the collective voice of Israel (ethnic, religious, chosen, empirical), saying “We know Who we worship…” Salvation (Himself: Yeshua) comes from the Jews (plural), that is, from the Jewish bloodline. Yeshua has essentially challenged the woman to examine her sinful state and consider repentance, then accept that the promised Messiah is of the Jewish people and accept His saving work in order to receive the water He has spoken of. This will also result in her re-inclusion back into the tribal body of Israel (The Jews of the first century). The Aramaic text is interesting because it makes “chaye” (Aramaic plural meaning living) synonymous with “yeshuah” (Hebrew feminine form for Salvation). 23 A certain definite time, an hour (hora[G], sha’ah[H]) is coming, [Heb. Alt. Olam tavo sha’ah “A world is coming in time”] and now is, when the true (alethinos[G], ha-amitiym[H]) worshipers (proskunetes[G], yishtachau[H]) will worship (proskuneo[G]) the Father (ho pater[G], la’Av[H]) in spirit (pneuma[G], beruach[H]) and in truth (aletheia[G], uve’emet[H]); for such people the Father seeks (zeteo[G]) to be His worshipers (proskuneo[G]). [Heb. Alt. kiy bemishtachaviym koeileh chapeitz ha-Av “Because it is in worshippers who worship as a whole that the Father reveals the objective”] This revelation connects the individual to the collective and emphasises corporate worship. The text does not say, “The true worshipper” but “the true worshippers”. Yeshua points the woman to her inclusion in Israel and away from individual and tribal rivalries. 24 God is (Theos[G], Elohim[H]) spirit (pneuma[G], ruach[H]), and those who worship (proskuneo[G], vehamishtachaviym[H]) Him must (tzeriychiym[H] [Pl]) worship in spirit (pneuma[G], beruach[H]) and in truth (aletheia[G], uve’emet[H]).” In the Spirit of God Who is the nearest subject of “Spirit”, and in the Truth of His Living Word (Yeshua) Who is the speaker. Again the language is plural, “those” not “the one”. In one sense our personal experience of God’s Spirit and Truth is reliant on the corporate experience of God’s Spirit and Truth. One cannot exist without the other. 25 The woman (gune[G], ha-ishah[H] [wife]) said to Him, “I know, see, perceive (eido[G], yadatiy[G]) that Messiah (Messias[G], Mashiach[H]) is coming, (He who is called Christos[G] [Anointed One]); when He comes, He will announce, make known, declare, tell (anaggello[G], veyagiyd[H]) all things to us (hapas[G], et kol[H]).” 26 Yeshua[H, A] said to her, “I (Ani[H]) who speak (ha-medabeir ) to you I am He (Ani Hu[H]).” [Heb. Lit. “I Am the One speaking to you, I Am He”]. The woman professes her belief that the promised Messiah is coming. Her confession is no different from many Jews and most Samaritans today, who believe in the coming of a Messiah but do not accept that the Messiah has already come or that Yeshua is the promised Messiah. Although the woman has concluded that Yeshua is a prophet and therefore a man of God, she has not put two and two together. Therefore, Yeshua speaks plainly to her, “I AM the One (Messiah) speaking to you”. The Hebrew text reads “Ani Ha-medabeir eilayikh Ani hu”, “I Am the One speaking to you, I Am He.” This statement reflects the Self-existent proclamation of HaShem [YHVH] (Exodus 3:14). Yeshua uses this “I AM” identifier nine times in the Gospel according to Yochanan (John) [4:26; 6:20; 8:24, 28, 58; 13:9; 18:5, 6, 8)[cf. Mark 14:61-62]. By His use of this statement of Self-revelation Yeshua implies that He is more than just a man, He is the promised Imanu-El (God with us), the manifestly present God, come to redeem His chosen people and all among humanity who will receive Him. Even if one could disassociate Yeshua’s use of “I Am” from the Self-existing statement of YHVH (Exodus 3:14) in eight out of its nine uses within John’s Gospel, none can refute its clear meaning in John 8:58: “Yeshua said to them, “In Truth, in truth, be’emet, be’emet, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM.” In His response to the Samaritan woman at the well, Yeshua is quite literally quoting Isaiah 52:6 “Therefore My people shall know My name; therefore in that day I am the one who is speaking, ‘Here I am.” NB: Isaiah 52:6 is pretext to the latter part of Isaiah 52 and the entire chapter of Isaiah 53 which explains the coming Messiah’s sacrificial death. Yeshua is either the Messiah and God with us or He is an apostate heretic, a liar and a fraud. There is absolutely no room for the foolish notion that Yeshua was simply a good Rabbi but not the Messiah, nor for the false doctrine that He is the Messiah but is not God with us. The Scripture demands that we make a choice. Face to face with the King Messiah the Samaritan woman at the well was presented with that same choice. She chose well, will you? Copyright 2020 Yaakov Brown Therefore, the true tikun olam is impossible without the redeeming work of the King Messiah at His first coming and the renewing work of the King Messiah upon His return. Introduction:
It’s not uncommon to hear Nicodemus being slighted by preachers, who claim he was a sneaky and cowardly Pharisee, ashamed to admit publicly that he believed in Yeshua. This is almost solely based on the present passage and the fact that Nicodemus came at night. Those same preachers, neglect to recognize the other instances in Scripture where Nicodemus proves himself to be more than willing to act on his faith in Yeshua (Yochanan/John 7:50-51, 19:49) As we examine the text of Yochanan (John) 3 and in particular 3:1-21, we must put aside any bigoted view we may have of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were the sect of Judaism that most identified with Yeshua’s teaching. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, in angels, demons, healing, signs and wonders. They hoped for a Great One—Rabbi, a Mashiyach—Messiah and King to redeem the people of Israel. It is far too easy (and anti-Semitic) to disregard all Pharisees as anti-Christs. With regard to their theological position, they were by far the closest of all the sects of first century Judaism to the teaching and actions of Messiah. So why did some of them oppose Him? Why does one preacher oppose another, though they both share the same message? It is because they sought glory for themselves rather than for the message. Nicodemus and his like-minded friends (Pharisees) sought the glory of God and found Messiah Yeshua. Next time you’re tempted to disparage the Pharisees, remember that you share their beliefs and take care. Joh 3:1 There was a man of the (Ho[G]) Pharisees (Pharisaios[G], Perushiym[H], chaste, abstinent ones), named Nakdiymon[H] (Nikodemos[G], nikos: vanquish, victory; demos: the people, assembled mass of people) a ruler, officer (archon[G], ketziyn[H]) of the (Ho[G]) Judeans (Ioudaios[G], Ha-Yehudiym[H]): “Nakdiymon” The Pharisee with a Greek name meaning “Conqueror of the assembly”. The Talmudic etymology for his name is derived from a Hebrew root that suggests the meaning “One who holds back the sun”. Others see Nakdimon as a compound of two Hebrew words joined to mean “Innocent blood”. He was one of the ruling class of the Judean religious community, a Pharisee, and a member of the Sanhedrin (John 7:50), and as such a teacher of Israel (ethnic, religious, chosen, empirical). As a leader of Israel—that is part of the Sanhedrin (70 members, 70 being the Hebrew number for the nations)—he sought victory for his people from their physical and spiritual oppression. As a Jew he was a man of innocent blood. Thus there is a correlation to Yeshua’s description of Nathaniel, “a man in who there is no guile.” It is likely that the Nikodemos mentioned here (John 3:1) is the same Nakdimon ben Gurion who was brother to Josephus ben Gurion the first century Jewish historian and writer of the Wars and Antiquities of the Jews (Ganz Tzemach David, par. 1. fol. 25. 1. Shalshalet Hakabala, fol. 19. 1). Josephus writes in the first century CE (AD) of the historical events taking place in the Roman provinces of the middle east and in particular Roman occupied Israel, name Philistia by the Romans as a means of psychological warfare against and subjugation of the Jewish people. Nakdimon ben Gurion is also mentioned in the Talmud (a codified oral tradition of the Jewish religion). The Talmud, albeit codified much later in history, non the less offers its readers many viable historic accounts from the first century passed on as oral traditions, and later codified. Nakdimon ben Gurion was a contemporary of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zaccai of the Talmud, who also lived in first century Roman occupied Israel, right up until the destruction of the temple by the Romans in 70 CE (AD); both men are recorded as having been at a first century feast together, a celebration of the brit milah (circumcision) of the son of a common friend [Pirke Eliezer, c. 2. & Juchasin, fol. 23. 2]. Nakdimon was known to be exceedingly rich: the Babylonian Talmud names him as one of the three richest men in Jerusalem (T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 56. 1), a man who was able to sustain and maintain a city for a period of ten years (Midrash Kohelet, fol. 75. 4). The Brit Ha-Chadashah (NT) confirms that Nakdimon was very rich, recording that at the burial of the King Messiah, Nikodemos brought a great weight in costly myrrh and aloes to consecrate Yeshua’s body (John 19:39). As well as being rich he was also known as a righteous man. The Talmud tells an account of Nakdimon who, “On his way to the temple (House of Study) in Jerusalem to pray, had carpets laid out on the path before him which were to be left behind and given to the poor” (Ket. 66.b). Nakdimon ben Gurion, is said by historical Jewish tradition to have been an advisor/a counsellor in Jerusalem (Echa Rabbati, fol. 46. 3. Midrash Kohelet, fol. 75. 1). Which is clearly the case in John’s Gospel (John 7:32-50). Therefore, the Talmud is effectively confirming Nakdimon’s role as a member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish religious government). He was also known by the name Boni (T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 43. 1; Ta’an 20.a). Jewish tradition records that Boni was one of the talmidim (disciples) of Yeshua (Echa Rabbati, fol. 49. 3). This is consistent with his actions following Yeshua’s death where he openly identified with Joseph of Arimathea, another of Yeshua’s disciples from the rich ruling class. It seems that as a result of Nakdimon’s open profession of faith in Yeshua following the resurrection, that poverty came upon him and his family. The Babylonian Talmud records that Rav Yochanan ben Zaccai saw the daughter of Nakdimon, having been reduced to extreme poverty, gleaning barley kernels from under the hooves of horses in the northern coastal city of Akko (T. Bab. Cetubot, fol. 66. 2). The name Boni may be related to the Greek Boanerges “Sons of Thunder”, or may simply mean “My son” or “The coming of me”, “My coming”. Based on Jewish legend, the Hebrew meaning of Nakdimon’s name is derived from nakdah meaning to shine forth. The legend tells of an occasion (T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 20. 1.) when Nakdimon, needing water for pilgrims for the purpose of ritual cleansing prior to a feast, made an agreement with a certain man to use the water from twelve wells and replace it by a certain day, or pay 297 kilos of silver for the water used. When the day came, the man demanded he be compensated either with the water, or the money. Therefore, Nakdimon went and prayed, and there was a torrential rain fall that filled the wells with water. However, the owner of the wells insisted that by the time the rain had ended the sun had set, and the appointed day was passed, and therefore, the money was still owed him. Nakdimon went and prayed again in the temple, and as a result of his prayer the sun turned back from setting, meaning that the appointed day had not ended and that the money was no longer owed to the lender. The Babylonian Talmud concludes the matter by saying: “His name was not Nakdimon but Boni, and he was called Nakdimon because on his account the sun was held back. The rabbis taught: ‘For the sake of each of only three men the sun nakdimah (nkdmh) was prevented/held back, and they are Moses, Joshua (T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 25. 1), and Nakdimon ben Gurion.’” -Talmud Babylonia Ta’anith 3 Joh 3:2 The same (man) came to Yeshua[H, A] (Iesous[G], Jesus, Joshua) by night (noox[G], laylah[H]) and said to Him (Yeshua), “Rabbi (Rhabbi[G], Rabiy[H]: my great one) we know that you are a teacher (didaskalos[G], moreh[H]) come from God (Theos[G], Elohim[H]): for no man can do these signs, miracles (semeion[G], ha-otot[H]) that you do, unless the (Ho[G]) God (Theos[G], Ha-Elohim[H]) is with him.” “The same (man) came to Yeshua by night” Much has been made of these few simple words, almost all of it demeaning to Nakdimon. There are many possible answers as to why Nakdimon sought out Yeshua at night: • He may have wanted to converse with Yeshua on a deeper level than was possible among the crowds of Passover • Perhaps he wanted to keep his position in the Sanhedrin secure so that he could advocate for Yeshua along with the other Pharisees who believed in Him • It is possible that he had Yeshua’s safety in mind • Or that it was simply the coolest and most convenient time of the day in the Israeli spring The least convincing possibility is that he was a coward and cared only for his own betterment in the Sanhedrin and the ruling class of Israel. As I’ve explained, some have suggested that Nakdimon came by night so as not to be seen. While this is a possibility (John 12:42) but highly unlikely, it is equally possible and far more likely that Nakdimon had commitments during the day which included adjudicating disputes, teaching Torah and other practical tasks related to the rule of the Jewish community in Roman occupied Israel during the first century. Therefore, just as members of our own community must often arrange to meet after work hours in the evening, so too Nakdimon arranged to meet Yeshua at the end of the work day. When we assume the worst of righteous men, we prove ourselves unrighteous. It was also traditional for Jewish religious teachers to study Torah at night and in particular on the nights of the festivals of the Torah: "Rav Aba (Rabbi Abba) rose in the middle of the night, as did the rest of the companions, in order to study in the Torah (Instruction).” -Zohar in Exod. fol. 84. 1. “And it is often said of Rav Simeon ben Yoechal, and Ele’etzer his son, that they sat in the night and laboured in the Torah (Instruction); and it was reckoned very commendable so to do, and highly pleasing to God…” - Ib. fol. 8S. 2. in Lev. fol. 5. 3, 4. & 10. 1. & passim. “Whoever studies in the Torah (Instruction) in the night, the holy blessed God draws a thread of mercy upon him in the day:'' - T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 12. 2. Avoda Zara, fol. 3. 2. Maimon. Hilch. Talmud Tora, c. 3. sect. 13. "Everyone that studies in the Torah (Instruction) in the night, the Shekinah (manifest glory of God) is over and with him.'' - T. Bab. Tamid. foi. 32. 2. For two reasons we know that Nakdimon didn’t come to Yeshua alone:
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these signs, that you do, unless the God is with him.” Nakdimon begins his conversation with Yeshua by stating that he and his compatriots believe Yeshua is from God. This amounts to an open admission of Yeshua’s Messianic status. Nakdimon believes and is seeking the mechanism for his belief. As evidence for their belief, Nakdimon calls to attention the signs (miracles) of Yeshua. He calls them signs because they are clear signs of the specific miraculous actions that the coming Messiah must perform as proof of His identity. Yeshua is about to preach to the choir here, only it’s a choir that has the sheet music but doesn’t know how to read it. “And he shall send them a saviour, and a Great One—Rabbi, and he shall deliver them.” Yeshayahu/Isaiah 19:20 Nakdimon calls Yeshua “My Great One”, while some may employ this title in flattery, it is clearly not the case with Nakdimon. Rather than come publicly with other Jewish religious leaders and taunt Yeshua, Nakdimon has come at night to dialogue with Him in a more intimate setting, proving his righteous character. Thus, when he uses the title Rabbi he shows respect for Yeshua. This is quickly backed up by Nakdimon’s acknowledgement of the evidence that Yeshua is a man of God, Who has shown this in a manifest and powerful way. None of this denotes doubt or disrespect. Although Nakdimon is a religious ruler who carries great authority, he non the less approaches Yeshua with humility and genuine questioning. Nakdimon’s questions are from the good inclination (yetzer ha-tov) showing that he seeks the truth with a teachable heart. The previous chapter concludes with mention of the many signs Yeshua did in Jerusalem during Passover (2:23). Some of the specific signs (miracles) He performed are recorded in the other Gospels, some are not. Regardless, it is to a wealth of signs in addition to the sign of water to wine and the destruction of the trading tables, that Nikodemos is referring. “you are a teacher come from God” One of the first century Jewish expectations of the Messiah was that He would be a teacher like Moses. “‘The teacher’, he is the King Messiah.'' - Maimon. Hilch. Melacim, c. 11. sect. 3. "O you children of Tziyon (Zion), rejoice and be glad in the word of the Lord your God, for He will return ‘your teacher’ to you.’'' -Targum Yonatan Joel 2:23 “No man can do these signs, that you do, unless the God is with him.” Even more prominent in the first century Messianic expectations of the Jewish people was the belief that the King Messiah would perform miraculous signs like those of Moses and Elijah. Joh 3:3 Yeshua[H, A] (Iesous[G], Jesus, Joshua) answered and said to him (Nikodemos), “Amen[H] [G]Amen[H] [G] (B’emet[H], B’emet[H]), In truth, In truth, It’s certain, it’s certain, I say to you, if (ean[G]) one (tis[G]) is not (me[G], lo[H]) fathered, born (gennao[G]) from above (anothen[G], milmalah[H]), he cannot (ou[G]) have power, permission, ability to (dunamai[G]) see (eido[G], lirot[H]) the (Ho[G]) kingdom, dominion, rule, royal power, kingship (basileia[G], et-malchut[H]) of the (Ho[G]) God (Theos[G], Ha-Elohim[H]).” The repetition of the Amen is according to the Jewish literary devise an affirmation of that which has preceded and an assurance of that which is about to be revealed as something firmly established by God. Notice that Yeshua agrees with the assessment of Nakdimon and his fellow Pharisees. “Amen—of course true! You got that right!” Nakdimon had rightly assessed the divine origin of Messiah, he knew that Yeshua was from above. What he didn’t realize was that Yeshua had come so that Nakdimon and his friends could also be born anew through Yeshua, from above. “fathered, born from above” We note that the text is best translated “born from above” or “born anew”. The translation “born again” is misleading and can be easily misunderstood. The concept of one being spiritually born is not foreign to Judaism: “Shimon ben Lakish said, ‘…a proselyte (convert to Judaism) is like a newborn infant.’” - Talmud Babylonia. Yevamot 62 a. [Rabbi Yosi of the Talmud said the same (Yevamot 48 b.)] “If one is not fathered, born from above, he cannot have power, permission, ability to see the kingdom, dominion, rule, royal power, kingship of the God.” There are many facets to this teaching. Yeshua is in essence saying that the Kingdom of God cannot be attained through Torah observance. He is also saying that being born physically into the sin affected world is a death sentence unless one is born anew from above. In addition, He is alluding to the power (Spirit) of God required for one to walk perpetually in righteousness and thus into the Olam Haba (World to come). The “sight” Yeshua refers to is spiritual sight that can only be received from God by His Spirit and through His Son the King Messiah. All of this teaching is a direct affront to the teaching that says that repentance, Torah observance, mitzvot, petitioning and prayer can earn one entry into the Olam Haba. Therefore, unlike the rabbis of the Talmud, Yeshua does not teach that conversion to Judaism will birth one anew, but rather, that only salvation through the redemptive work of God will bring newness of life to the repentant. “Kingdom of the God” The equivalent Hebrew term is Malkut Shamayim “Kingdom of the Heavens” (Dan. 4:3; 1 Chr. 29:10-12), and implies God’s divine reign over the present world made new (rid of sin, evil etc). This is a more correct understanding than the traditional and (extra Biblical) Christian concept of a heaven in the clouds. To the contrary, by the tikun olam (repairing of the world) of God through the atoning blood of His Son Yeshua, the present world will be cleansed, restored, and renewed, and will transition to become the Olam Haba (world to come). This is well supported by both the Tanakh (OT) and the Brit Ha-Chadashah (NT). Joh 3:4 Nakdiymon[H] (Nikodemos[G], nikos: vanquish, victory; demos: the people, assembled mass of people) said to Him (Yeshua), “How, in what way (pos[G]) can a man (adam[H]) have power, permission, ability to (dunamai[G]) be fathered, born (gennao[G]) when he is old? He does not have power, permission, ability to (dunamai[G]) enter, return to (lashuv[H]) the womb (koilia[G], el-beten[H]) of his mother (meter[G], Imo[H]) of himself (autos[G]) a second (deuteros[G]) time, and be fathered, born (gennao[G], yivaleid[H])?” What surprises me most about this response from Nakdimon is that he hears a parable--mashal—from Yeshua, but instead of interpreting it as a parable he takes it literally. As “The teacher of Israel,” Nakdimon was familiar with using, listening to and interpreting metaphorical and allegorical parables and sayings. Why then did he jump straight passed the obvious metaphor and go with a literal interpretation of The Rabbi’s answer? I know in myself that I only do this when I am unable to absorb the consequences or perceived impossibility of what I know the answer to be. Perhaps Nakdimon could just not see how God might impart life renewal to Israel. By his question Nakdimon shows a limited understanding of the coming Kingdom of the Heavens (something he himself teaches others). His understanding sees the Kingdom of the heavens only in physical terms. Therefore, rather than consider the spiritual implications he instead asks how it is possible for a man to be made righteous through a renewed birth from a human mother. This is certainly in keeping with the miraculous nature of the signs of God through the Messiah, however, it misses the point entirely. We may see these things in retrospect, but be assured, had we been in the position of Nakdimon we too would have entirely missed the point. He asked his question in order to understand what might be possible and not in order to refute Yeshua’s teaching. Joh 3:5 Yeshua[H, A] (Iesous[G], Jesus, Joshua) answered, “Amen[H] [G]Amen[H] [G] (B’emet[H], B’emet[H]), In truth, In truth, It’s certain, it’s certain, I say to you, if (ean[G]) one (tis[G]) is not (me[G], lo[H]) fathered, born (gennao[G]) out of (ek[G]) water (hudor[G], mayim[H]) and of the Spirit, breath, wind (Pneuma[G], Ruach[H]), he cannot have power, permission, ability to (dunamai[G]) enter, return to (lashuv[H]) the (Ho[G]) kingdom, dominion, rule, royal power, kingship (basileia[G], et-malchut[H]) of the (Ho[G]) God (Theos[G], Ha-Elohim[H]). Again, Yeshua doesn’t tell Nakdimon that he’s got it all wrong. He simply points to the first instance, being physical birth and affirms that both it and a spiritual renewal are necessary. All are born through the breaking water of the mother but something more is needed if we are to enter God’s Kingdom. We must be born of God’s Spirit, born anew, from above. We can also find in the words “water” and “Spirit” the tevilot immersions (baptisms) of both Yochanan (John) the Immerser (Baptist) and Yeshua. Water represents the tevilah (baptism) of repentance and The Spirit the tevilah (baptism) of Spirit and Fire from above. Without Yeshua’s tevilah (baptism) of death and His resurrection we are unable to receive the Spirit. In Him we have access to the mechanism for our Salvation, His very own Spirit, and the Spirit of the Father in us. God’s Spirit births in us the desire to repent--tishuvah—turn around, turn back to God. Then only through Messiah are we able to receive the fullness of the gift of the Holy Spirit who births us anew from above into a life reconciled to God. “Born out of water” As per the context denoted by the previous verse, born of water refers to the breaking of a mother’s waters at physical birth. It speaks of being born into this world (the sin affected creation). “And of the Spirit” Refers to being born anew, fathered by God through His Spirit. In the same way that physical birth breaks water and through blood brings new life into the present world, so too spiritual birth breaks the living waters of Messiah and through His blood atonement births anew the soul of a human being into the Olam Haba (world to come). Meaning that one’s entry into the Olam Haba (world to come) begins at the moment of being born anew in the Spirit through Messiah and continues through physical death into everlasting living. This is why Yeshua says: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live: And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” -Yeshua [Yochanan (John) 11:15-16] Joh 3:6 That which is fathered, born (gennao[G]) out of (ek[G]) the flesh, meat, body, sensuous nature (sarx[G], basar[H]) is flesh (sarx[G], basar[H]); and that which is fathered, born (gennao[G]) out of (ek[G]) the Spirit, breath, wind (Ho-Pneuma[G], Ha-Ruach[H]), is spirit (pneuma[G], ruach[H]). Nakdimon has an earthly understanding. Messiah wants to impart to him and his fellows an understanding from above. “But the natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” -1 Corinthians 2:14 Joh 3:7 Don’t marvel, be in wonder (thaumazo[G]) that I said to you, you must, it is necessary (dei[G]) you (humas[G]) be fathered, born (gennao[G]) from above (anothen[G], milmalah[H]). Joh 3:8 The Spirit, wind, breath (Ho-Pneuma[G], Ha-Ruach[H]) blows where He (Hu[H]) intends, determines, desires, takes delight, sits (thelo[G], nosheiv[H]), Alt. Heb. [Yachepotz sham hu novsheiv[H], where the Spirit wants to blow there He sits], and you hear (akouo[G], tish’ma[H]) the sound, voice, language, of Him (phone[G], et-kolo[H]) of it, but cannot see, perceive, know, examine (eido[G], teida[H]) the place (pothen[G]) where (anah[H]) it He came from (ba[H]), and where it He (hu[H]) leads, goes (hupago[G], holeikh[H]): so it is with every individual (pas[G]) those the (ho[G]) fathered, born (gennao[G]) out of, from (ek[G], min[H]) the Spirit (Ho-Pneuma[G], Ha-Ruach[H]).” “You must be born anew from above” One born of the race of Ha-Adam the first man are born into the sin affected world due to the inherent nature of the sin choice of the first human beings. Therefore, to be born from above means to be delivered from the just consequences of the sin we commit as heirs to the sin affected world of the first man (Adam) and this redemption comes through the last Adam, that is, the King Messiah Yeshua: “For as in Adam all die, so in Messiah all will be made alive.” -1 Corinthians 15:22 “So it is written: ‘The first human Adam became a living being’; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.” -1 Corinthians 15:45 Being born anew from above is the work of God, it is not achieved through human labour—as is the case in the physical effort of birthing a child. We are not able to work our way toward or earn new birth by our own efforts. We are born anew through the mechanism of Messiah’s death and resurrection in the Spirit of God. In Greek the determiners regarding the Spirit are neuter but in Hebrew the Spirit is referred to as He. The metaphor of the wind (spirit, breathe) shows how the Holy Spirit, Who comes from above, moves in such a way as to be unrecognised by the spiritually blind. He comes from a place unknown to human understanding and goes to that place where He intends to abide, rest, sit; that is, within the believer through the redemptive work of Yeshua. The unbeliever comprehends the Holy Spirit in the same way that human beings consider the wind. That is, the wind comes up at times we least expect and often blows from a place we cannot determine, coming to rest on a land we may not have considered. Therefore, the origin, destination, and movements of the Holy Spirit are ordered from above and transcend human understanding until such a time as Yeshua, through His death, resurrection, and ascension, together with the Father, pours out the Holy Spirit without measure or restriction. Joh 3:9 Nakdiymon[H] (Nikodemos[G], nikos: vanquish, victory; demos: the people, assembled mass of people) answered and said to Him (Yeshua), “How, in what way (pos[G]) are these things (kazot[H]) possible, able to be (dunamai[G]), come to pass, come into existence (ginomai[G])?” Nakdimon genuinely wants to know how these things can be made possible. As a righteous teacher of Israel he has desired her redemption and looked with great anticipation for the coming Kingdom of the Heavens. Once again, this is a question asked with a genuine desire to learn. As a teacher of such high standing, authority, and reputation, Nakdimon shows great humility in asking this of Yeshua. Joh 3:10 Yeshua[H, A] (Iesous[G], Jesus, Joshua) answered and said to him (Nikodemos), “You, (su[G]) you are (ei[G]) the (ho[G]) teacher (didaskalos[G]) of the (Ho[G]) Yisrael[H] (Israel), Alt. Heb. [Rav be’Yisrael[H], Great one in Israel], and these things (tauta[G], zot[H]) you haven’t learned, don’t know, are not intimately familiar with (ginosko[G], yodata[H])? Nakdimon still doesn’t understand and if we’re honest, neither do we. Fortunately it is not our own understanding that we are relying on, but rather, God’s understanding. Yeshua calls Nakdimon, “The teacher of Israel.” This indicates that Nakdimon had a very high position among the Rabbis of Israel. His coming to faith was strategic to the move of God through the leaders who later believed. “You are the teacher, Great one of Israel” From Yeshua’s words we can deduce that Nikodemos must have been one of the highest authorities among the Torah teachers of Israel at that time. He was afforded this position through his association with the Judean religious leaders and the ruling body of the Sanhedrin and was therefore a powerful figure in the ruling religious class of first century Israelites under the Roman occupation. His position is likely the reason that he had come to see Yeshua at night when he would be less likely to be noticed by the other members of the religious ruling class. Joh 3:11 Amen[H] [G]Amen[H] [G] (B’emet[H], B’emet[H]), In truth, In truth, It’s certain, it’s certain, I say to you (lakh[H] f.), We (hemon[G]) speak of that which we do know, see, perceive (eido[G]), and testify (martureo[G]) to that which we have seen with our eyes (horao[G]); and you won’t receive (lambano[G]) our testimony, witness (maturia[G]) Alt. Heb. [Kiy et asher-yodanu nedabeir ve’et asher-raiynu naiyd ve’atem lo tekabelu eiduteinu[H], For that which we know intimately we have spoken and that which we see we testify to, and you (plural) don’t accept us or that which we present]. “I say to you” Not just to Nikodemos but to all Israel: the Greek (you) is plural, and the Hebrew lakh (you) while singular is non the less feminine and infers the people of Israel rather than Nikodemos (who is male) alone. For this reason and because the plural “atem” (all of you) is used in the latter part of the verse, it seems likely that the disciples of Yeshua are included in this admonition. Therefore, “We” refers to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After all, Yeshua speaks of things seen with the eyes that can only have been perceived by Him at this point in time. Those things being the things of the Spirit of God and not yet made known to human beings (including the disciples of Yeshua). Yeshua’s teaching (testimony, witness) concerning the need to be fathered from above acknowledges the Father God. His explanation of the need for this new birth to be accomplished by the Spirit, reveals the Holy Spirit of God. Finally, this teaching is being given to Israel (and humanity) by the King Messiah and true Teacher of Israel, the Son, Yeshua. The teaching of Yeshua in verse 3 through 10 expounds knowledge and personal experience that the disciples of Yeshua have not had, nor have they yet understood or seen these things. “We speak of that which we know and that which our eyes have seen” Some believe the “we” Yeshua is referring to is the unity of the God-head—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Some think He is referring to Himself and His disciples, still others believe He is referring to the patriarchs and prophets of Israel. However, He cannot be speaking of the disciples, whose eyes have not yet seen the new birth of the Spirit, nor do they yet know the fullness of God’s redemptive work through Yeshua, the means by which a human being can be fathered by God, born of His Spirit. Nor do the patriarchs and prophets of Israel qualify, given that they only prophesied in part and placed their hope in what is unseen. Therefore, Yeshua says “We” referring to the Godhead, or the Godhead and the malakhim (Angelic Messengers) of God. Joh 3:12 If I have told you the (Ho[G]) earthly, terrestrial (epigeios[G], Ha-aretz[H]) things, and you don’t believe, trust, think them true (pisteuo[G], ma’amiyniym[H]), how will you believe, if I tell you of the (Ho[G]) things that exist in the heavens, that are of heavenly origin (epouranios[G], Ha-shamayim[H])? Yeshua is simply saying, “I’ve spoken to you in earthly metaphors and you people don’t get it. How do you hope to understand the literal reality of the heavenly things I tell you about?” The “earthly things” are explained in the previous verses and concern the progression from physical birth, through spiritual renewal and into the Olam Haba. Therefore, Yeshua does not make a separation between the physical and the spiritual as some suppose, rather the “earthly things” include spiritual things and are the explanation of a convergence between the present physical birth and the subsequent spiritual birth from above which Yeshua has spoken of. The teaching of Yeshua reveals the ultimate form of tikun olam (repairing of the world). The Scriptures clearly teach a renewed heavens and earth and a descending New Jerusalem at the end of the age. Thus, through Yeshua, God empowers His children to begin the work that will be filled in the return of the Messiah and the dwelling of God with humanity. We are admonished to remember that without the perpetual indwelling of the Holy Spirit we are incapable of participating in the true tikun olam. The religion that teaches we can repair the world by our own efforts is a religion of anti-Christ. Therefore, the true tikun olam is impossible without the redeeming work of the King Messiah at His first coming and the renewing work of the King Messiah upon His return. The Bible clearly teaches that we will spend eternity with God on the renewed earth under a renewed heavens and not in some Greco-Roman gnostic inspired heavenly kingdom in the sky. Joh 3:13 And no one, nothing, no man (oudeis[G], ve’iysh[H]) has ascended, gone up (anabaino[G], alah[H]) into (eis[G]) the (Ho[G]) heavens (ouranos[G], Ha-shamayim[H]), but He that descended (katabaino[G]) from the heavens (ouranos[G], Ha-shamayim[H]), the (Ho) Son (uihos[G], ben[H]) of the man, human being, humanity (Ho-anthropos[G], Ha-adam[H]) which came out from (ek[G]), is in the heavens (ba’shamayim[H]). Wait a minute, didn’t Enoch and Elijah ascend into the heavens? In fact they ascended only into the second heaven, and now await their return and subsequent death, for “it is appointed unto human beings to die once, and then the judgement”. The Messiah has come with revelation of God Himself, from the third heaven outside of time and space, whereas Elijah and Enoch were born first of water—natural birth. Messiah has always been God and has come down to be united in flesh, fully God and fully man. Regardless of the possible solutions to this conundrum, the point is that Yeshua is the only begotten, singular in kind Son of God and His is a unique and all-encompassing revelation of God with us (Immanuel). There is a correlation here between Yeshua’s words and the Torah. In fact it is likely that Yeshua is making a drash using the Torah: 11 “For this mitzvah that I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it far off. 12 It is not in the heavens, that you should say, ‘Who will go up for us to the heavens and get it for us, and have us hear it so we may do it?’ 13 Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross over for us to the other side of the sea and get it for us, and have us hear it so we may do it?’ 14 No, the word is very near to you—in your mouth and in your heart, to do it.[a] 15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, and death and evil. 16 What I am commanding you today is to love Adonai your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His mitzvot, statutes and ordinances. Then you will live and multiply, and Adonai your God will bless you in the land you are going in to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you do not listen, but are drawn away and bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I tell you today that you will certainly perish! You will not prolong your days on the land, where you are about to cross over the Jordan to go in to possess.” -Deuteronomy 30:11-18 TLV This is consistent with what follows regarding both the redemption of the believer and the judgement and condemnation of those who refuse to believe. “The words of Agur son of Jakeh-- an oracle this man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal: “Surely I am more stupid than any man and do not have a man’s understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Who has gone up into heaven, and come down?[a] Who has gathered the wind in the palm of His hand? Who has wrapped the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name and what is the name of His son—if you know?” -Proverbs 30:1-4 TLV Joh 3:14 And according to (kathosas[G]) Moses (Moshe[H]: drawn out one) lifting up the serpent (Ho-ophis[G], Ha-nachash[H]) in the wilderness, solitary, desolate place (eremos[G], bamidbar[H]: ba [in the] mi [from] dabar [word, essence]), in this same manner (houto[G]) it is necessary (dei[G]) that the Son (Ho-uihos[G], Ha-ben[H]) of the man, human being, humanity (Ho-anthropos[G], Ha-adam[H]) be lifted up: The snake (Ha-Satan) was the one who enticed humanity and Israel into disobedience and is also the constant accuser and tormentor of Israel and humanity. By looking to this symbol of sin, disobedience, fear and offence each Israelite was admitting their sin and recognizing that only God could save them from destruction. In the same way we must look upon Him who became sin for us (that is, took on the punishment we rightly deserve), in this simple action of turning--tishuvah—our heads to gaze upon the execution tree of the Messiah, upon His tortured body and unfathomable sacrifice, we are born anew in His Spirit, poured out without measure upon those who will simply acknowledge His Kingship. It is here, that in a very real sense, we are living both within and outside of time and space. There is a parallel universe, but it is not the sum of science fiction and quantum physics. “Look to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the land: for I am God, and there is none other.” -Isaiah 45:22 The Targum Yonatan translation of Numbers 21:8 is incredible: "and Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a high place; and it was, when a serpent had bitten any man, and he looked to the serpent of brass, and directed his heart, to the name of the word of the Lord, he lived.'' Jewish tradition attributes healing of both the body and spirit, the entire soul, to those who looked upon the seraph (serpent): "as soon as they said, ‘we have sinned’, immediately their iniquity was expiated; and they had the good news brought them ‘of the healing of the soul’, as it is written, ‘make thee a seraph’; and he does not say a serpent; and this is it: ‘and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looked upon it, shall live’, ‘through the healing of the soul:'' - Tzeror Hammor, fol. 123. 2. The Targum also likens the King Messiah to a flying serpent: "the Messiah shall come forth from Jesse's children's children; and his works shall be among you as a "flying serpent.'' -Isaiah 14:29 (Targum) As does the Zohar: "other serpent of life" - Zohar in Gen fol. 36. 2. "holy serpent" - Tikkun Zohar in Jetzira, p. 134. Joh 3:15 That whosoever, any individual who (pas[G], kol[H]) believes, trusts in, is convinced of (pisteuo[G], hama’amiyn[H]) Him should not perish (appolumi[G], lo yovad[H]), but have everlasting living (zoe aionios[G], chayeiy olam[H]).” The belief that receives Messiah has by receipt, already entered everlasting living and is assured of eternal security and redemption from the just destruction that awaits those who refuse God’s loving offer. The Greek appolumi translated “perish, die” etc. means “be ruined, destroyed, lost” in perpetuity. Therefore, to continue to be ruined, to continue to be lost, to continue to be destroyed. It does not allow for the false teaching of Annihilationism, which is contradicted by a wealth of other Scripture including but not limited to: “Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Go away from Me, you cursed ones, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.” -Matthew 25:41 TLV “Sinners in Zion are afraid. Trembling has seized the godless: “Who among us can live with the consuming fire?” “Who among us can live with everlasting burnings?” -Isaiah 33:14 TLV “13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Sheol gave up the dead in them. Then they were each judged, each one of them, according to their deeds.14 Then death and Sheol were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” -Revelation 20:13-15 TLV Joh 3:16 In this way (houto[G]) because (gar[G], kiy[H]) the God (Ho Theos[G], Ha Elohim[H]) so morally, intimately and truly loved (agape[G], Ahavah[H]) the world (Ha-kosmos[G], et Ha-olam[H]), Alt. Heb. [Kiy-ahavah rabah ahav ha-Elohim et Ha-olam[H], because with love that is great, all surpassing, the God loved the world], insomuch that (hoste[G]) He gave (didomi[G], natan[H]) His One (Ekhadaya[A]) only begotten (Monogenes[G] Singular in kind, Yachiyd[H]) the Son (Ho-uihos[G], Ha-ben), that whosoever, any individual who (pas[G], kol[H]) believes, trusts in, is convinced of (pisteuo[G], hama’amiyn[H]) Him should not perish (apollumi[G], lo yovad[H]), but have, hold onto (echo[G]) everlasting living (zoe aionios[G], chayeiy olam[H]). Clearly God desires that every human being come into right relationship with Him. He is holy, loving, merciful, compassionate, self-sacrificing (literally sacrificing Himself in Messiah), and just. Elsewhere we read, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 The Gospel message is presented in a concise form within this verse and its subsequent counterpart:
Joh 3:17 For the God (Ho Theos[G], Ha Elohim[H]) did not order, appoint, send (apostello[G], shalach[H]) His the Son (Ho-uihos[G], Ha-ben[H]) into the world (Ha-kosmos[G], et Ha-olam[H]) in order to (hinah[G]) separate, condemn, put asunder (krino[G]) the world (Ha-kosmos[G], et Ha-olam[H]); but that the world through, by, in, with Him (the Son, Yeshua) might be saved, kept safe, rescued from destruction (sozo[G], yivasha[H]). Through His redemptive plan God sought to reconcile Creation to Himself. He did not send the Messiah Yeshua in an attempt to punish His creation with punitive aforethought, rather, as a loving Father He sent Yeshua to save. Perpetual condemnation must result against those who refuse salvation as a logical outworking of the consequences of sin. God does not send people to everlasting torment, to the contrary, they choose to go there. Joh 3:18 The believer (pisteuo[G], Ha-ma’amiyn[H]) in, on, toward, for (eis[G]) Him is not separated, condemned, put asunder (krino[G]): but the disbeliever, one who has chosen disbelief (me pisteuo[G], lo-ya’amiyn[H]) is separated, condemned, put asunder (krino[G]) already, because he has not believed, trusted in, become convinced of (pisteuo[G], hama’amiyn[H]) the name (Ho onoma[G], Be’sheim[H]) of the One (Ekhadaya[A]) only begotten (Monogenes[G] Singular in kind, Ha-Yachiyd[H]) the Son (Ho-uihos[G], Ha-ben[H]) of the God (Ho Theos[G], Ha Elohim[H]). This means our belief in Him has put condemnation behind us, as it is written elsewhere: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Messiah Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 “Those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” The statement “condemned already,” is qualified by, “because they have chosen not to believe in the name of the only Son of God.” Because God is just, all must be presented with the opportunity to receive redemption through the One True Son of God and His saving work, and must then wilfully choose to reject Him, only then does anyone stand condemned. Joh 3:19 And this is the condemnation, separation, judgement, just decision (krisis[G]) Alt. Heb. [Ve’zeh hu hadiyn[H], And this is His judgement], it is because (hoti[G]) the light (Ho-phos[G], Ha-Or[H]) is come into the world (Ha-kosmos[G], el Ha-olam[H]), and people, the children of Adam (agapao[G], uv’neiy ha-adam[H]) preferred, loved (mallon[G], Ahavu[H]) the darkness (Ho-skotos[G], ha-choshekh[H]) over the light (Ho-phos[G], Ha-Or[H]), because of their evil, (poneros[G], raiym[H]) actions, business, art, accomplishments (ergon[G], ma’asheiyhem[H]). The judgment of God is just, because He has offered light to those living in darkness. Many, having seen the true light of God, Yeshua, have chosen to remain in darkness. Those who are determined to do what is wicked are unwilling to have their deeds exposed, though they are aware of their need the thought of dwelling in perpetual light is abhorrent to them, they have truly become sons and daughters of the evil one, children of darkness. Joh 3:20 For every one, whosoever, any individual who (pas[G], kol[H]) does, practices (prasso[G]) what is evil, bad, wicked, mean, easy (phaulos[G]) hates, detests (miseo[G]) the light (Ho-phos[G], Ha-Or[H]), nor do they come near to the light, so that they won’t be convicted (elegcho[G]) for their actions. Those who act wickedly often do so in darkness and are ashamed for their deeds to be brought into the light. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” -Ephesians 5:11 It is interesting to note that the Greek phaulos which refers to wicked deeds can also be translated as easy deeds. It is easier to give in to the dark inclination than it is to repair the world. Therefore, God sent the King Messiah Yeshua so that we might be afforded the strength of His Spirit in order to do what is hard, and to live in the Light. All that is hidden will be brought into the Light. Joh 3:21 But he that does the truth (altheia[G], ha-emet[H]) comes to the light (Ho-phos[G], Ha-Or[H]), so that his actions, business, art, accomplishments (ergon[G], ma’asheiyhem[H]) may be made manifest, visible (phaneroo[G]), because they are performed (ergazomai[G]) in God (en Theos[G], Bei-Elohim[H]). Those who see their need for light have already been motivated by the Spirit of God to begin to do what is true, thus they welcome the opportunity to dwell in that light perpetually. Thus their deeds have been done in God. That is, their salvation comes, not by their works but through the work of the Spirit and the sacrifice of Messiah. We are saved by grace through faith (Eph.2:8). God chose us and in response, we have received Him. Condemnation is found in the simple act of refusing to be chosen. Joh 3:22 After these things Yeshua[H] and His disciples (Talmidim[H]) came into the land of Judaea (Yehudah[H]); and there he remained with them, and immersed (baptizo[G], yitbol [H] [tevilah[H]]). We known from John 4:2 that it was not Yeshua but His disciples who performed the immersions. The immersion attributed to Yeshua is the immersion he makes possible. Simply put, His immersion teaching was manifest in practical terms via the participation of His talmidim. Joh 3:23 And Yochanan[H] (John the Baptist, YHVH gracious giver) was also immersing (baptizo[G], yitbol [H] [tevilah[H]]) in Aeiynon[H] (Ayin[H]eye, spring; Yonah[H], dove; Ain-Yon[A] “Spring/Eye of a Dove”) near to the Salim, because there was much (polus[G], le’rav[H]) water (hudor[G], mayim[H]) there: and they came, and were immersed (baptizo[G], yitaveilu[H] [tevilah[H]]). “Aeiynon” The proposed location of Aenon is on the west side of the Jordan river close to a natural spring and near the ancient town of Salim (Not to be confused with Salem, a synonym for Jerusalem). Aenon is approximately 95 km north east of Jerusalem (20 hrs. walk). Being located near a natural spring meant an abundance of water and large pools suitable for ritual immersion known as tevilah. As explained in a previous article, the gathered waters used for immersion are known as mikveh. This location is on the opposite side of the Jordan river from where Yochanan had been immersing. Both the Hebrew and Aramaic names for this location mean “Spring/Eye of a Dove”. This of course correlates to Yochanan identifying Yeshua as the One upon Whom the Spirit will descend like a dove (John.1:32-33). It is significant that there is a physical spring near to the location and that a spring is a source of mayim chayim (living waters from a pure source). Thus, the eye of the earth bears witness to the King Messiah and reveals Him and His living waters to the eye of the believer. “and they came, and were immersed” The “they” consisted of Jews from many sects and regions, including those from the ruling Judean religious class, as alluded to in the following verse. Joh 3:24 For Yochanan[H] (John the Baptist) had not yet been cast into prison (Beit ha-sohar[H]). The author’s initial Jewish audience would have been aware of the chronology of events and the imprisonment of Yochanan the Immerser, thus Yochanan the Gospel writer clarifies the chronology for the reader by showing that these events took place prior to Yochanan the Immerser’s imprisonment. This is an illuminating portion because John’s Gospel is the only Gospel that shows Yeshua and Yochanan the Immerser’s ministries overlapping. Joh 3:25 Then a debate (zetesis[G]) arose between some of Yochanan’s[H] (John the Baptist) disciples (mathetes[G] , talmidim[H]) and some Judeans Alt. Aram. [a Judean[A]] (Ioudaios[G], Yehudiym[H], Yihudaya[A]) about purifying, ritual cleansing (katharismos[H], ha-taharah[H]). “Some Judeans/A Judean” While other English translations misrepresent both the Greek and Hebrew text, I have chosen not to render “the Jews” or “the Judeans” because neither the Greek or Hebrew texts use the definite article “The”. Therefore, “a debate arose between some of Yochanan’s disciples and some Judeans” or, as the Aramaic text renders, “a question had arisen between one of Yochanan’s disciples and a Judean”. There were differences in the ritual washing practices of various sects of first century Judaism. Added to this was the focus that Yochanan placed on immersion as an act of repentance and the further teaching of Yeshua that would eventually identify immersion with death and resurrection in addition to its many other facets. The debate that arose in this case must have initially related to the emphasis Yochanan had placed on repentance, and then progressed to a dialogue over the aspects of Yeshua’s immersion teaching that seemed to add to the teaching of Yochanan (The Immerser) [v.26]. The fact that this debate was concerning “ritual purification”, a concept that has its roots in Torah observance (Lev.14:8), tells us that the immersion of Yeshua given to the disciples (Matt. 28:19) is firmly rooted in a Torah instructed practice. The immersion of Yeshua is a reframing of that immersion which already existed within Biblical Judaism and not an entirely new immersion (Christian Baptism). Therefore, so called “Christian Baptism” is the progeny of the marriage between Torah and Living Word (Yeshua). Joh 3:26 And they came to Yochanan[H] (John the Baptist), and said to him, “Rabbi (Rav, great one, teacher) He (Yeshua) that was with you beyond the Yarden (Jordan, descender), the one you bore witness to, behold, the same man immerses, performs tevilah[H], and all come to him (Yeshua).” “Rabbi” This is the one exception in the New Testament where someone other than Yeshua is called Rabbi. In all other places the title is used of Yeshua or is explained by Yeshua. I misspoke in a former article where I failed to state this exception. The disciples of Yochanan, perhaps along with those debating immersion, came to Yochanan the Immerser concerned that Yeshua might be taking followers from Yochanan the Immerser. Joh 3:27 Yochanan[H] (John the Baptist) answered and said, “A man can receive nothing, Alt. Heb. [lo-yuchol iysh lachat davar[H], none among all men can take anything], except it be given (didomi[G], nitan[H]) him from the heavens (Ho-ouranos[G], Ha-shamayim[H]). Sadly, in modern religious practice (both in Christianity and Judaism), many religious leaders are intent on making a name for themselves and their respective theologies and practices. Yochanan the Immerser seeks no glory for himself but instead explains to his disciples the simple truth that all things are given by God for a purpose and in keeping with a person’s identity and calling in life. Therefore, there is no need for jealousy concerning the success of others when one’s focus is entirely on pointing to and acknowledging God and His redemptive purpose. Yochanan’s practice stood in opposition to that of the rabbis, who said: "It is not lawful for a disciple to teach the constitutions, or sentences of the law, before his master; but must be twelve miles distant from him, as the camp of Israel… a disciple that teaches before, or in the presence of his master, is guilty of death” - T. Hieros. Sheviith, fol. 37. 3. Joh 3:28 You yourselves bear me witness (martureo[G]), that I said, I am not the Christ, Anointed One (Ho-Christos[G], Ha-Mashiach[H]), but that I am sent, ordered, appointed (apostello[G], shaluach[H]) before Him. Yochanan reminds his listeners that he has been very clear to point them beyond himself to the King Messiah. He reiterates his proclamation that “I am not the Christ!” Yochanan is not the Messiah but he has been appointed by God as a shaliach sent one who is to come before the Messiah and point Israel to Him. Yochanan is the epitome of humility, in many ways he is the Brit Chadashah’s (NT) Moses. Oh that the leaders of our religious communities would take a leaf from Yochanan’s book and chose to point to Yeshua rather than to themselves (I include myself in this admonishment). Joh 3:29 He that has, holds (echo[G]) the bride, betrothed (numphe[G], Ha-Kalah[H]) is the bridegroom (numphios[G], Ha-Chatan[H]): but the friend (philos[G]) of the bridegroom (numphios[G]), which stands and hears (akouo[G], shomeia[H]) Him, rejoices (chara[G], samoach[H]) greatly (chairo[G], yismach[H]) because of the voice (phone[G], kol[H]) of the bridegroom: this my joy (chara[G], simchatiy[H]) therefore is filled up, brimming with peace, wholeness, wellbeing, perfected, made secure (pleroo[G], sheleimah[H], from shalem, related to shalom). The bridegroom imagery is firmly established in the writings of Israel’s prophets and is a prophetic vision of one who celebrates and rejoices over his bride. God Himself is likened to the bridegroom: “As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.” -Isaiah 62:5 NIV This bridegroom imagery is connected to the recently celebrated wedding in Cana and to the Jewish idea of an eschatological banquet at the end of the age, when joy and abundance will be manifest in the promised Messianic age, the Olam Haba (world to come)[Isa. 25:6-8; Exek. 34:17-30]. Allusions to the Messianic Banquet also occur in later rabbinic literature (Babylonian Talmud Sanh. 96-99). Joh 3:30 He must increase, grow larger and larger (auxano[G], gadeil[H]), but I must decrease, subtracting and subtracting (elattoo[G], chasor[H]). No greater statement of humility has ever been spoken by a prophet of Hashem. Thus Yeshua says elsewhere, “Amen, I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than Yochanan the Immerser…” (Matt.11:11a). Yochanan could only point to the One Who would open the way to the Olam Haba. Whereas Yeshua was and is the Creator, the means of entry, and the One Who sustains the Olam Haba (world to come). Joh 3:31 He that comes (Ha-ba[H]) from above, from the beginning (anothen[G]) is above (epano[G]) every individual (pas[G]): he that is of the earth (meieretz[H]) is earthly, and speaks (dabeir[H]) of the earth (meieretz[H]): He that comes from the heavens (Ho-ouranos[G], mi-shamayim[H]) is above (epano[G], na’aleh[H]) every individual (pas[G], col[H]). Yochanan’s testimony of the person of Yeshua is impeccable. Yeshua is from above, from the beginning of all things, and is above every created thing while being submissive toward God the Father. On the other hand, Yochanan speaks from an earthly (albeit God inspired) perspective and therefore sees himself as subordinate to the One Who is from above. Joh 3:32 And what He (Who is from above) has seen with His eyes, perceived (horao[G], ra’ah[H]) and heard (akouo[G], shama[H]) that He testifies (martureo[G], yaiyd[H]); and no one receives (lambano[G]) His testimony (maturia[G], eiduto[H]). “What He has seen” recalls the words of Yeshua, “We testify” (v.11), and is further proof that Yeshua was speaking of the Godhead. “and no one receives His testimony” Yochanan prophecies the rejection that Yeshua will face from those who refuse the testimony He brings from above. On the other hand the text says “no one receives His testimony” in the present tense, meaning it is yet to be received by some. Joh 3:33 He that has received (lambano[G]) His testimony (maturia[G], eiduto[H]) has secured His seal, double sealed (sphragizo[G], chatom chatam[H]) showing that the God (Ho-Theos[G], Ha-Elohim[H]) is true (alethes[G], emet[H]). The one who receives the testimony of Yeshua has been double sealed in that because he has believed Yeshua (God with us) he has also shown his belief in God and is therefore safe in Messiah, in God (John 14:20). A double seal is a figure for that which is unbreakable. "the seal of the blessed God is truth" - T. Hieros. Sanhedrin, fol. 18. 1. & T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 64. 1. & Yoma, fol. 69. 2. Joh 3:34 For He Whom the God (Ho-Theos[G], Elohim[H]) has sent, appointed, ordered (apostello[G], shelachu[H]) speaks (yadabeir[H]) the utterances, words (rhema[G], divreiy[H]) of the God (Ho-Theos[G], Ha-Elohim[H]): Who (God) does not give out a limited measure of the Spirit (Ho-pneuma[G], Ha-Ruach[H]). Judaism had understood up to this point that the Holy Spirit was only ever given in measure: "Says R. Joden bar R. Simeon, even the waters which descend from above are not given, but, "in measure".--Says R. Acha, even the Holy Spirit, which dwells upon the prophets, does not dwell, but "in weight".'' - Vajikra Rabba, sect. 15. fol. 157. 3. The sent Word speaks the Word of the God. It is the Word (Yeshua) Who is given authority in the Father to pour out the Spirit without measure, something that has never happened in Israel before. This is prophetic of the outpouring of the Spirit at Shavuot (Pentecost) 50 days after the resurrection of Yeshua (Isa.44:3; Joel 2:28; Acts 2). Joh 3:35 The Father (Ho-pater[G], Ha-Av[H]) loves (ohev[H]) His Son (et-beno[H]), and the all, everything, every individual (pas[G], ve’et-kol[H]) has been given (didomi[G], natan[H]) into His hand (be’yado[H]). Having revealed the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Yochanan now speaks of the Father having given all creation into the hands of the Son. Thus the Godhead is revealed in complex unity. Yeshua has been given authority because it is through Him (a man, Who is also God) that humanity and creation are to be redeemed. Yeshua in turn will submit both Himself and all of the renewed creation to the Father. “When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son will also make Himself subject to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” -1 Corinthians 15:28 Joh 3:36 He (all) that believes, trusts, is persuaded of, places his confidence (pisteuo[G], kol-hama’amiyn[H]) in, on, with, for the Son (Ho-uihos[G], Ha-ben[H]) has, holds (echo[G]) everlasting living (zoe aionios[G], chayeiy olam[H]): and he that does not believe, is apathetic toward (apeitheo[G]) the Son (Ho-uihos[G], Ha-ben[H]) shall not see, or be seen by (optanomai[G]) life, living (zoe[G], chayim[H]); because (kiy[H]) the wrath, anger (orge[G]) of the God (Ho-Theos[G], Ha-Elohim[H]) abides, remains, sits (meno[G], yishkon[H]) on, by, before, against, over (epi[G], alayv[H]) him. A Midrash speaks of the King Messiah, the Latter Redeemer: “whosoever believes in him shall live; but he that believes not in him shall go to the nations of the world, and they shall kill him.'' - Midrash Ruth, fol. 33. 2. “The one that believes, in the Son holds everlasting living” We note that the one who believes in the Son Yeshua “holds” present tense, “everlasting living”. The one who believes has already entered everlasting living, a form of living that death has no hold over. “The one that does not believe, who is apathetic toward the Son shall not see, or be seen by living because the wrath of the God remains on that one.” Many today are happy to talk about redemption but are unwilling to speak of consequences for those who refuse redemption. The Gospel is clear in its affirmation of the just judgement of God. His wrath is (present tense) on all who have had the opportunity to receive His Son but have rejected Him and refused God’s loving offer of sacrificial atonement. As long as one resists God that one stands condemned, judged. However, in the moment that that same one choses to receive the Son and return to God, that one enters everlasting living. Thus, as I stated previously, God does not send people to eternal punishment, to the contrary, those who go to that place have chosen it through a perpetual refusal of Gods love, grace and mercy. This kind of persistent refusal of God’s mercy is elsewhere called the blaspheming of the Holy Spirit (Matt.12:30-32). Copyright 2019 Yaakov Brown When we fail to wait on the Lord, we're like children charging lions: finding ourselves bloodied we begin to doubt God. Introduction:
Following the prediction of the Babylonian captivity prophesied in the previous chapter, the prophet speaks as from the mouth of God, a message of comfort and relief to the people of Israel (ethnic, religious). This chapter of Isaiah emphasises the omnipotence and omniscience of God and His attributes of mercy and judgement. While its principles may be applied to every believer it is none the less written specifically and always firstly to the ethnic religious chosen people Israel (Jews). Any attempt to make it retrospectively symbolic of the Church is ludicrous. The theme of this chapter is comfort born of the Comforter, it begins, continues and concludes as a message of comfort for Israel (ethnic, religious). Isa 40:1 You, Nachamu Comfort, console, turn toward, suffer with, grieve with, offer relief to: you, nachamu comfort, console, turn toward, suffer with, grieve with, offer relief to ami My people, yomar says (continues to say) Eloheichem your God (Judge). The opening verse is the premise for the 30 remaining verses. HaShem has neither forgotten nor rejected His people Israel (ethnic, religious). The Lord (YHVH) God (Elohim, Judge) is seen throughout this section of Isaiah’s work as the Omnipotent, Omnipresent Comforter of Israel. Both YHVH and Elohim are employed eight times in chapter 40, giving a sense of new birth from that which has already been made complete outside of time and space. The Comforter speaks in Mercy (YHVH) and Judgement (Elohim), His mercy is shown to Israel and His judgement is revealed against the nations. The Hebrew “Nachamu” is an admonition to Israel’s prophets, in particular in this context, to Yeshayahu (Isaiah), to constantly and perpetually remind Israel that Hashem is always ready to offer comfort to His chosen people Israel (ethnic, religious, empirical). The Targum reads “O you prophets, prophesy comforts to My people…” While the Septuagint (Greek OT) refers to “Priests”. Both alternatives have strong implications for all who believe, first and always among the Jews and also for the nations. The Hebrew “Nacham” carries a great wealth of meaning. It includes, but is not limited to: comfort, grief, turning, repentance, suffering, consolation etc. In a literal sense it is born of a primitive root meaning to sigh or breathe heavily, thus, relief is also inferred. The Jewish commentator Kimchi observes that the comfort alluded to will be made manifest in the times of the Messiah. This is consistent with one of the rabbinical names for the Messiah “Menachim” (Comforter), a title Yeshua applies to Himself by implication when He says, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever;” (John 14:16). “Another Comforter” infers that the disciples had been in the presence of the Comforter Yeshua and will receive another Comforter when Yeshua ascends to the right hand of the Father. Thus, Yeshua refers to two Comforters: The Messiah Menachim (Himself) and the Ruach Ha-Kodesh (Holy Spirit). With this in mind we see one of the reasons for the repetition of the Hebrew “Nachamu” at the beginning of this chapter. God is sending two Comforters and is affirming the immutable nature of His comfort toward Israel (ethnic, religious). We note that in spite of Israel’s disobedience HaShem continues to call her “My people” Isa 40:2 You Daberu speak to, convey essence, words, things upon lev the heart, core being of Yerushalayim (Yeru-flood shalayim-Peace, wholeness: Jerusalem), and cry out to her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her avonah perversity is pardoned: for she has received from the hand of Hashem (YHVH: Mercy) double for all her sinful missing the mark. “Speak and continue to speak kindly to Jerusalem.” The words of kindness come forth from the Davar Word, and are spoken through the prophet to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, which Iben Ezra interprets to be the congregation of Israel, though it is probably spoken specifically to the tribe of Judah, in her role as the Kingly tribe. It is most certainly not meant to be understood of the Church as some retrospectively dishonest Christian commentators claim. These words of kindness are spoken to the lev, the very core of the peoples’ existence and identity, at the heart of the city which is named for a flood of peace (Jerusalem). Thus, comfort, comfort (v.1) kindness, and a flood of peace (v.2). “Her warfare is accomplished” or as the Targum Yonatan puts it “her captivity by the people (nations) is filled up.” Iben Ezra, Kimchi, and Ben Melekh read, "her set or appointed time", by comparing the present text with the Hebrew text of Job 7:1. It is understood to refer either to the time of deliverance from captivity or of the age of the Messiah's coming. “Her perversity is pardoned” bears no mention of Jerusalem’s repentance or atoning worship but alludes to the pardon born of God’s grace through His provision of substitutionary sacrifice (Messiah). “She has received of the Lord’s hand…” Meaning she has received her just punishment. “Double for all her missing the mark.” This does not mean that she received twice the fair punishment for a single act, to the contrary, Israel received double because her sins were double, and ongoing. God is just, He does not punish inequitably. Note that the double received for her sin is mitigated by the double comfort that is offered to her at the beginning of the chapter. Thus, once again, mercy precedes judgement. Isa 40:3 Kol A voice crying out bamid’bar (ba-in mi-from dabar-the word, essence) in the wilderness, “Prepare you derek a way of (for) Hashem (YHVH: Mercy), make straight ba-aravah in the desert (In the evening: from erev) mesillah a highway (exalted, lifted up) leiloheiynu to (for) our God (Judge).” “A voice crying out…” Yarchi interprets the voice of the Holy Spirit, and the writers of the Brit Ha-Chadashah (NT) quote Yochanan (John) saying, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, according to what the prophet Isaiah said.”(John 1:23). Both are true: Yochanan the Immerser spoke by the Holy Spirit. “For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’” -Mattitiyahu (Matthew) 3:3 “In the desert (wilderness).” Specifically in the desert of Judea (Matt. 3:1). We note that the contraction “Bamidbar”, translated as “In the desert”, is made up of the three Hebrew words “Ba” (in the), “Mi” (from the), and “Davar” (essence, word, thing). Thus, we can also read “A voice crying out in and from the Word (Essence)”: the Word being Messiah Yeshua (Yochanan [John] 1). “In the past, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us through His Son, Whom He appointed the heir of all things, through Whom also He created the world.” -Hebrews 1:1-2 “Prepare you a way of HaShem, make straight in the desert a lifted up path to our God.” Notice the preparation is made both “for” and “of” HaShem, “for” and “to” our God. The way in the desert is of Hashem and the lifted up path is to Him. It is also made for Him (as King Messiah). Therefore, the ambiguity of the Hebrew determiners allows for us to understand that the way is both from God and for Yeshua (God with us). Therefore, by identifying Yochanan the Immerser as “A voice crying out”, the Gospel writers point to The Lord Who has come to lead Israel into everlasting freedom. That Lord being Imanu (with us) El (God), Yeshua the King Messiah. The figurative language also connects us to the historical journey of Israel’s escape from Egyptian captivity, when she was led by God in cloud and flame through the desert toward the promised land (Ha-Aretz). Thus, this prophecy points to a future redemption that will involve God Himself leading Israel from bondage to freedom. The contraction “Ba-aravah” in the desert is from the root erev and hints at these events occurring in the evening of Israel’s historical journey, that is the latter days (as seen from Isaiah’s perspective in the seventh century BCE). Isa 40:4 Ve’col and every valley yinase will be exalted, lifted up ve’col and every mountain and hill yishpalu will be made low, sink, be humbled: ve’hayah and it has come to pass that the crooked will lemishor be made straight, upright, level, ve’harechasim and the rough, impassable places of binding le’vikah made a plain (wide level valley): The picture language of verse 4 conveys a central truth of God’s redemptive work. That which is lowly (valley) will be exalted (lifted up) and that which is deceitful (crocked) will be brought into the light (made straight). The contrite and humble heart will receive mercy, while the prideful and self-exalting person will be humbled. “The rough impassable places of bondage will be made plain,” (a way will be opened up). The latter clause of verse 4 relates back to the imagery of Israel being freed from bondage and led through the impassable Red Sea into a plain road to the promised land. Likewise, God Himself will come to Israel to deliver her from spiritual bondage and through His self-sacrifice, He will make the impassable passable. Isa 40:5 Ve’niglah And revealed, uncovered will be kevod the glory of Hashem (YHVH: Mercy), and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of Hashem (YHVH: Mercy) dibeir speaks (conveys essence, thing). All the works of God reveal His glory, however, this verse refers to a time when the glory of God will be uncovered and revealed, not only to the Jews but to all flesh. This happened in part at the first coming of the Messiah Yeshua, and will be made complete at His return. The prophet emphasizes the certainty of the future fulfilment of these words with the phrase “The mouth of HaShem speaks!” Isa 40:6 Kol A voice said, “Cry out.” And He said, “What shall I cry?” “All flesh is grass, and its goodness as the flower of the field:” It appears that a voice from God cries out for a second time to the prophet Isaiah and he answers “What shall I cry (proclaim)?” The proclamation is against the temporary fallen nature of humanity and begins by comparing humanity to the plants of the field that grow and die off according to the seasons, soil and climate conditions. Isa 40:7 The grass withers, the flower fades: because ruach a spirit of Hashem (YHVH: Mercy) blows upon it: surely ha-am the people is grass. While the Hebrew “Am” can refer to all people, it is qualified here by the determiner “Ha”: thus, “Ha-am” refers specifically to the people of Israel, who are also the subject of the double comfort offered in verse 1. While the principles present can be applied to all believers, they are first and always specifically (contextually) spoken to the people of Israel (ethnic, religious, empirical). Isa 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades: ve’devar and the word (essence) of Eloheiynu our God (Judge) will yakum stand (arise) le’olam for ever (to worlds perpetual). Quite simply, Sinful humanity withers and fades, and the Word (Messiah) of our Judge will arise to condemn or reward forever. If the grass that withers, withers in the Word, it will by the nature of the Word within it, remain. This is why Yeshua says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die…” (John 11:25-26). Isa 40:9 All of you, go up to the high mountain; you who bring good news, Tziyon (Zion: Parched land) lift up with strength your voice; you who bring good news to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem: Yeru-flood of Shalayim-Peace) rise up, be not afraid; say to the cities of Yehudah (Praise: Judah), “Hineih Look, now, behold Eloheiychem your God (Judge)!” “All of you” refers to Israel (ethnic, religious). “The high mountain” is Mt Zion, the Temple mount, Mt Moriah, in Jerusalem. “You who bring good news” must refer to those in Israel who receive the Lord and His redemptive act, and carry it first and perpetually to their own people and subsequently to the nations. This is an allusion to Israel’s calling to be “A light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). This refers to Israel being those who have received the Torah and through the Torah, the goal of the Torah, the King Messiah Yeshua (Romans 10:4). Where are they to carry this message? To the high mountain of Zion where God has placed His Name. It is with the strength of God through His Spirit that they are to lift up their voices to proclaim the Redeemer of Israel. They bring this good news to the city where peace will be poured out (Jerusalem). “Say to the cities of Judah…” “For the law will go forth from Zion, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” -Isaiah 2:1 From Zion and Jerusalem the good news is to be proclaimed to all the cities of Judah and subsequently to all Israel and all nations. “Look, now, behold Your God!” Look, God is with us (Immanuel). Isa 40:10 Hineih Look, now, behold, the Adonai (Lord) Hashem (YHVH: Mercy) be’chazak in strength will come, and His arm will rule for Him: Hineih Look, now, behold, His reward, wages are with Him, and His work before Him. Hineih means “Pay attention!” The Lord YHVH is coming in strength, pay attention, His reward is with Him. He is bringing the rightful wages of the righteous with Him and the work of forgiveness, redemption, and right action is before Him. These are words of encouragement to those made righteous through the straightway of Messiah. Isa 40:11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd: He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them enclosing them in His bosom, and those with young He will gently lead. HaShem is first spoken of in fierce strength, as Ruler, coming with just reward and work (v.10). Now He is seen as the Shepherd, gathering His lambs in that same mighty arm, carrying them and drawing them to His breast like a doting father, and leading the developing young ones gently onward. We are reminded of Psalm 23, and of the Good Shepherd of John 10:11. Isa 40:12 Who has measured the mayim waters in the hollow of His hand, and estimated the span of shamayim the heavens, and comprehended ba-shalish in (musical instrument, a third) volume the dust of the earth, and weighed the mountains and hills in scales? HaShem is omnipotent (all powerful). This series of rhetorical questions set HaShem apart as unique, omnipotent, omniscient, incomparable, and Ruler over all of creation. God alone is capable of these things. There is a sense in the Hebrew ba-shalish of a Divine and triune comprehension of a music that holds all things together. This music essence also falls under the greater meaning of Ha-Davar (The Word), Yeshua. Isa 40:13 Who has directed et Ruach the Spirit of Hashem (YHVH: Mercy), or which man by giving advice has taught Him? Isa 40:14 With whom has He taken counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of judgment, and taught Him knowledge, and showed to Him the way of understanding? HaShem is omniscient (all knowing). None can introduce Him to counsel or knowledge because He is the source and Ruler of all knowledge. Isa 40:15 Hein Behold, Goyim nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the scales: Hein behold, the small islands He bears up. Israel had undergone attack after attack from seemingly unbeatable foreign powers. Jerusalem was always under threat from both waning and rising Empires. It is fair to say that Israel was weary and afraid of the potential for other nations to destroy her. It is to this that God speaks. He imparts to Israel His view of things. “These nations that you’re so afraid of are nothing to Me, they barely touch the scales, they weigh next to nothing at all.” Note that it is great nations that God calls the “small dust of the scales” whereas the small Islands he “bears up”. This is yet another allusion to the Gospel and the use of weak things to shame the strong (proud ones) of this sin affected world. Isa 40:16 And Levanon (witness) is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts there sufficient for a burnt offering. “The trees of Lebanon”, as the Targum Yonatan says, are not sufficient to burn on the altar, nor does she have any animals without blemish for a sacrifice suitable to honour the Torah requirements. Thus, Lebanon in the north is left without the means for making atonement according to the requirements of Torah. Isa 40:17 Col All ha-Goyim the nations are ke’ayin nothing, before Him; and they are counted to Him less than nothing, ve’tohu and formless, empty, confused. The Hebrew “tohu” links the state of the nations to the formless state of the earth in the beginning (Genesis 1:2). The nations are formless and confused as a result of their idolatry. God is bringing into view a new creation. Isa 40:18 To whom then will you liken El God (The Judge)? or what likeness will you compare to Him? Nothing and no one in all creation can compare to YHVH the God of Israel. Isa 40:19 The workman melts a graven image, and the goldsmith beats out gold over it, and casts silver chains. The idolatry of the nations is exposed for the farce that it is. Human beings worshipping the work of their own hands. Isa 40:20 Hamesukan The self-harmer’s terumah offering is a tree not rotting; he chooses a skilful craftsman seeking him to prepare a pesel graven image (idol), not to be moved. Note that the Hebrew “Ha-me’sukan” from the root “sakan” literally means “self-endangerment. This is a description of an idolater from among the nations. Simply put, idolatry is self-harm. Isa 40:21 Have you not known? have you not heard? has it not been told to you merosh from the beginning (head)? Have you not understood from the foundations of Ha-Aretz the land (the earth)? This can be understood to refer specifically to the understanding gained when Israel entered the land (Ha-Aretz). Meaning “Haven’t you seen how I brought you into the land as I promised?” Alternatively it could be a more general admonition challenging the people in a similar way to that of Romans 1:18-21. “18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. In unrighteousness they suppress the truth, 19 because what can be known about God is plain to them—for God has shown it to them. 20 His invisible attributes—His eternal power and His divine nature—have been clearly seen ever since the creation of the world, being understood through the things that have been made.[a] So people are without excuse-- 21 for even though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. Instead, their thinking became futile, and their senseless hearts were made dark.” -Romans 1:18-21 TLV Isa 40:22 He sits upon the circle of Ha-Aretz the land (earth), and the inhabitants there are like grasshoppers; that stretches out the heavens as a curtain, and spreads them out ca-ohel as a tent lashavet to dwell in: This is a poetic way of conveying the fact that God is El-elyon (God above gods), and that comparatively speaking human beings are like grasshoppers viewed from the outer atmosphere. God is great and we are miniscule (But loved by God). Isa 40:23 That brings the rulers to nothing; He makes the judges of Ha-Aretz the land (earth) to become ca-tohu emptiness, formless, confused. The judges/rulers of the land of Israel who have mislead the people are made formless, confused, incapable. Isa 40:24 Scarcely are they planted; yes, scarcely are they sown: yes, before they can take root in the land (earth): when He blows upon them, and they wither, and the whirlwind will take them away as stubble. The same judges/rulers of Israel spoken of in the previous verse scarcely gain power and are removed. Isa 40:25 To whom then will you liken Me, or will I be like? says Kadosh the Holy One. Once again, there is none like YHVH the God of Israel. Isa 40:26 Lift up on high your eyes, and behold who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number: He calls them all by name by the meirov multiplication of oniym His generative power, for He is strong in vigour; iysh a man lo not nedar failing. This rhetorical question alludes to God as Creator, Master, and as a continued Participant in His creation. Isa 40:27 Why do you say, O Yaakov (Follower, Jacob), and speak, O Yisrael (Overcome in God, Israel), “My way is hidden from Hashem (YHVH: Mercy), umei’eolohay and from my God (Judge), my judgment is alienated? This complaint of Israel is made either under the oppression of a foreign army or from exile. It is a disillusioned cry of abandonment. Isa 40:28 Have you not known? have you not heard, Eloheiy God (Judge) olam eternal, Hashem (YHVH: Mercy), the Creator of the ends of Ha-aretz the land (earth), doesn’t pass out, neither is He weary? His understanding is beyond searching. HaShem reminds Israel that He is omnipotent. That He never grows weary. Why does He remind her of this? It is because He is always working out the redemption of His chosen people. He is reminding her that He has loved and chosen her and is always able to deliver her. Isa 40:29 He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. Once again HaShem empowers the faint and strengthens the weak. Perpetually offering twofold comfort to His children. Isa 40:30 Even the youths will pass out and be weary, and the young men will utterly fall: All will eventually tire regardless of youthfulness or physical prowess. Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon Hashem (YHVH: Mercy) will renew their strength; they will ya’alu ascend with wings like eagles; they will run, and not grow weary; they will walk, and not pass out. We note that it is those who wait on YHVH (Mercy) that receive renewed strength. This is an admonition against striving. Where the idolaters of the nations worked to create deity and connect with it through vain delusion, the servant of Hashem is challenged to simply wait on Him. God does not say “Those who recite prayers constantly will renew their strength”, nor does he say “Those who keep my commandments will renew their strength”. To the contrary, the strength of God is received and not earned. When we fail to wait on the Lord, we're like children charging lions: finding ourselves bloodied we begin to doubt God. By waiting on the Lord the servant of HaShem receives renewed strength which in turn produces the fruit of a resurrected life. The actions born of waiting on God are of an everlasting nature: running without growing weary, walking in the mid-day sun without growing faint. Therefore, acting with eternal stamina is the result of waiting on God and not the other way round. “The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.” (Exodus 14:14) “Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Yeshua answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.’” (John 6:28-29) The voice crying in the wilderness (Isaiah 4:3; John 1:23; Matt. 3:3) proclaims the “One Whom God will send”, thus, waiting on Messiah’s coming is evidence of belief in the One Who is to come. Therefore, waiting is an act of faith that receives the strength to act. Comfort immutable is offered, that we might learn to wait on the Lord and not grow weary. © 2018 Yaakov Brown |
Yaakov BrownFounder of the Beth Melekh International Messiah Following Jewish Community, Archives
February 2024
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