THE REASONS AND MEANINGS OF THE SACRIFICES IN THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS

This short study will examine the meaning of the five sacrifices in the Book of Leviticus. They all pointed to Yeshua and have deep spiritual meaning. It is good for each of us to understand these sacrifices and how they apply to our walk with Yeshua in this day.

 

 

THE TRESPASS OR INTENTIONAL BREAKING OF THE LAW: MAH-AHL

 

 

In Leviticus 6.1-7 it reads:Lev. 6:2 If a soul sins, and commits a trespass against Yahveh, and lies to his neighbor in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or has deceived his neighbor;

Lev. 6:3 Or found that which was lost, and lies concerning it, and swears falsely; in any of all these that a man does, sinning therein:

Lev. 6:4 Then it shall be, because he has sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he has deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,

Lev. 6:5 Or all that about which he has sworn falsely. He shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it pertains, in the day of his trespass offering.

Lev. 6:6 And he shall bring his Trespass Offering unto Yahveh, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with your estimation, for a Trespass Offering, unto the priest:

Lev. 6:7 And the priest shall make an atonement for him before Yahveh: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he has done in trespassing therein.

Verse 2: This concept of trespass (mah-ahl), is one of intentional fraud. The literal meaning is, “to defraud, to deceive, to lie, to rob.” This is premeditated, the person knows if he does this it is sin. He is being unfaithful to God first, then to the one he/she is defrauding.

Verse 5: The person committing this sin is told to restore what he took, plus 20%. He is then instructed to get right with Yeshua by confessing his sin and providing the sacrifice. Jesus said, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matt 5.23-24

This instructs us to restore what one has taken and then ask God for forgiveness in Yeshua’s name.

Verses 6 and 7: The offender brings a ram without blemish (only the best for Yehovah). The sinner is covered by restoring what was taken and the blood of the sacrifice.

The sinner is forgiven as only God can neutralize the sin through a blood sacrifice. It costs the sinner the very valuable life of the animal sacrificed--and 20% restoration. The sinner is cleansed by the blood, the priest forgives the act in the name of Yehovah, the parties are reconciled, and the guilt is removed.

This priciple of coming to God, through the blood of Yeshua, and confessing our sin to Him, is how we process this today. In 1 John 1.5 thru 2.2 we see how intentional and unintentional sins are dealt with:

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 
 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

 

Tomorrow: The Whole Burnt Offering or Holocaust Sacrifice

　

　

THE REASONS AND MEANINGS OF THE SACRIFICES IN THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS

This short study will examine the meaning of the five sacrifices in the Book of Leviticus. They all pointed to Yeshua and have deep spiritual meaning. It is good for each of us to understand these sacrifices and how they apply to our walk with Yeshua in this day.

 

THE SIN SACRIFICE: HAH-TAH

Hah-tah means unintentional sin, sin committed in ignorance. It means to “miss the mark” like an archer shooting at and missing the bull’s eye target. In the middle ages the person monitoring the target would call out, “sin” when the arrow missed the bull’s eye!

In Leviticus 4.27-31 it reads:27 ‘If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally by doing something against any of the commandments of the Lord in anything which ought not to be done, and is guilty,

28 or if his sin which he has committed comes to his knowledge, then he shall bring as his offering a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he has committed.

29 And he shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering, and kill the sin offering at the place of the burnt offering.

30 Then the priest shall take some of its blood with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour all the remaining blood at the base of the altar.

31 He shall remove all its fat, as fat is removed from the sacrifice of the peace offering; and the priest shall burn it on the altar for a sweet aroma to the Lord. So the priest shall make atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.

Verse 27: the concept here is unintentional sin, missing the mark.

Verse 28: The animal is a female goat. Wild animals are never sacrificed. The animals are more domesticated and symbolize the willingness of Yeshua to lay down his life for us as the Lamb of God.

Verse 29: The person bringing and offering the sacrifice must slay the animal. God requires the person who brings it to slay it, not the priest. The person bringing the sacrifice should/must have a pure heart and a desire to turn from their sin. Killing a living animal is not an easy thing for most people to do. This is a serious act and should make this act of repentance very real for the sinner.

The animal is innocent which reflects the innocence of Yeshua the sinless one. It becomes our substitute just as Yeshua has become our substitute for our sins.

Verse 30: The life is in the blood and the blood of the sacrifice is given for our life. The horns of the altar on which the blood is put with the priest’s finger represent Yeshua’s ability to save anyone who seeks him.

Verse 31: The fat is removed and burnt as a sweet aroma to the Lord. This represents the oil of the Holy Spirit. We must die to ourselves and the Holy Spirit helps us to become transformed into Yeshua’s image. When surrendered to God we become a sweet aroma to Him.

The blood poured out at the base of the altar brings to mind the saints who have given up their lives for Yeshua down through the ages: When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. Revelation 6.9


Tomorrow: The Trespass or Intentional Sin Offering




　

　

A Very Short Message on the End of the Age

It is very difficult to speak about the end of the age briefly, but I’ll give it a try with some very few scriptural references.

If you understand the three fall feasts of the Lord, Trumpets (Yom Teruah), Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur, and Tabernacles (sukkot) then you will begin to understand and accept that the pre-trib rapture is false teaching. Without this foundational understanding you will not want to read or understand the rest of what I am writing. Here is a good place to learn about the fall feasts:
http://www.elshaddaiministries.us/feasts/feasts_of_the_lord.html

Once you understand this then an understanding of the message of the Old Testament prophets is next. The prophets were sent to warn the two kingdoms, Judah and Israel, about their apostasy and following of idolatry. They were to be a light to the nations but had chased after the gods of the pagans. The prophets warned of coming destruction and judgment for these grievous sins.

The nation did not listen. They were taken captive. God in his mercy brought them back and they rebuilt the temple. Then they got back to following God’s laws. But after much suffering. So why all the books of the prophets? How do they apply today? We will soon see.

Sadly, by the time of Yeshua they had fallen into a legalistic fence around the Torah religion. Heavy on minute oral laws but far from the spirit of the Torah. Yeshua came to fulfill the Torah, “every jot and tittle” not to annul or destroy it. He too was rejected by the nation--his very own people. But he kept all of God’s law.

The message of the ancient prophets is the message for this day to God’s present church. Ref: Rev 2 and 3. We too have become apostate like ancient Israel. God is going to begin judgment on the house of God first and then the nations--that includes apostate America. When you read the prophets they are speaking historically of their time, but in many places it says, “…and in that day” which refers to the future end of the age. That is the time we live in now.

Their word is to the nations today--it hasn’t changed.

When we say that the coming of the Lord is imminent that is true. It has been true for more than 2000 years now. If a day is as a thousand years than a mere two days have passed by. We are currently in the 3^rd day. Ref: Hosea 6.2. We are then in the very first hours of the 3^rd day. We may have a long way to go till the end.

God is merciful and he gave the ancient Israelites hundreds of years before the judgment came--read for yourself in Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah. God does not want to destroy the world--he would that all men be saved. He is not in a hurry to come! Now having said that, let me say, that we are to watch and pray. He is coming soon in His time; but in our sense of time many things must still play out on the world scene prior to His glorious return. In a moment we will address that.

A careful reading of the entire Bible will show us many truths. I just want to address a couple here. God did not choose Israel to be his people because they were special Deut 7.6-8. They were chosen to be a light to the world--Deut 7 to be a light to the nations. Nations were supposed to look at Israel and see God’s law in action. They failed miserably at that as they whored after idols and the Lord sent the Prophets to bring them back. Then they rejected the Messiah who came to restore and set things in the right in the maligned Torah. That’s why Jesus preached the “Kingdom of God.” Matt 4.23; Luke 4.43; Luke 8.1. This is God’s Kingdom or government.

The church was called out of legalistic Judaism to be a light to the world and to the Jewish people. The church rejected Torah and became the chief persecutor of the Jewish people. The Church was to be a light to the Jewish people but instead persecuted them and drove them away from Yeshua the Messiah.

The Jewish people rejected Yeshua and his Kingdom. The church rejected the Torah. Yeshua came to teach us how to walk according to the Torah in spirit and truth. Sadly, both Judaism and the Church have fallen short of their calling. The Jewish people have faithfully kept the sacred scriptures for all mankind and the Church has proclaimed Messiah’s salvation. Those are two good things.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 2.19-21: So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.

Our foundation is built on the apostles, prophets, and Jesus Christ--all followed Torah in a non legalistic way. If God has a Kingdom or Government then there must be law. That is why Jesus said he was proclaiming the Kingdom of God is come. It is government and government has law.

This is all playing out on the world scene in our day. Man has chosen to do things his way. The laws of God do not count anymore. I won’t go into same sex marriage, abortion, etc. They were all practiced in some form in ancient days in the sexual rites of paganism which Israel fell into. Today the world is in apostasy. Man is going to be judged by the Almighty at the chosen time. In our modern world we are worshipping at the altar of idolatry--you just have to look around to see it.

God’s judgment is to allow man to come to the brink of self destruction. It is all laid out in scripture, but I’m trying to keep this brief. Read the book of Revelation. It is man destroying himself--that is how God judges man (Zech 14.12-13 sounds like nuclear war). He judges us through the chastisement of wicked nations. That is exactly what happened to Judah and Israel. They were judged by pagan nations because they wanted to follow their idols rather than the living God. Has anything changed?

Is America walking in God’s law? Look at the music industry, porn, movies, abortions, and same sex marriage. Does God’s law, the Torah, say that this is good? Of course not--and the ancient Israelites were doing all of them in the context of the pagan religions around them--so they were judged by those same nations. This is how God works through man and nations. This is how he is going to work in our time. It’s all laid out in the prophets, part of our foundation.

America, along with the nations, will be judged. We are already slaves to the Chinese. Chinese goods, Chinese purchase of our US Treasury Bonds. The debtor is slave to the creditor (Prov 22.7). We are already in the process of judgment. Russia, China, and Islam are raising their voice--America is backing away from world involvement because we would rather be partying, watching sports, porn, stupid movies, protesting for same sex marriage--and we export it all to the world!

Israel will also be judged because of their sins. They are promoting Tel Aviv as the “gay capital of the world”, many rabbi’s live in sin, Israel is trading land that God gave them for peace, and many other things. Their sin is as great as ours.

This is all slowly playing itself out on the world stage as I write. It is increasing in speed but it is still going to take some time to play out. It is going to be a most difficult time for America and for those who follow Yeshua. The following are but a few things that will have to play out:

1. The power of the United States will be broken (Deut 28.47-58).

2. The US dollar will no longer be the reserve currency of world trade. This will collapse our economy. Just Google “currency wars” and you will begin to understand. Our currency is under attack. Our system of financing government programs will soon end because the nations will stop buying our US Treasury Bonds. The US Federal Reserve is currently purchasing 70% of them as I write. This cannot continue for much longer. WE are bankrupt!

3. The loss of world reserve currency status for the US will cause our economy to crash and the dollar will be devalued. Russia, China, and the BRICS nations, along with the EU will establish a new world trading currency. America, due to it’s incalculable debt will no longer be the lead nation in trade and commerce.

4. Israel will become isolated on the world scene and we are going to see anti-Semitism that rivals that of Hitler and the Nazi’s. They may win a soon to be future war--but it will weaken them and they will be giving up half of Jerusalem. Zechariah 12, 13, 14. Two thirds of them will die…Zech 13.7-9 as they are tested by fire. Jerusalem will be divided by the nations…Zech 14.1-2...then the Lord will return and save Israel…Zech 14.3-9...this lines up with Rev 19.11-20 when the Lord returns.

5. The Lord only returns once. There is no secret “rapture” anywhere in scripture. John 6.39-40; 44. When is the resurrection of the dead? On the last day as Yeshua just said three times--he must mean it. This aligns with the apostle Paul in 1 Thess 4.13-18. Notice it is at the “last trump”. What happens then? The dead are raised. When did Yeshua say that was? In John 6.39-40, 44. When does Revelation say he comes? In chapter 19.11-20. This is why it is important to understand the feasts of the Lord and the meaning of the feast of Trumpets.

6. There will be a great war between the king of the north and the king of the south (Dan 11.40-43). This may be a war between the United States of Europe, the EU and Islam. After this war Jerusalem will be divided. Not sure if America is involved as our economic collapse will limit us.

7. During this time the true believers will be persecuted by the false apostate harlot church. Rev 12.13-17, Matt 24.21-24...can only deceive the elect if they are still here…Matt 24.9-14...Yeshua is talking to us! Matt 24.29-31...notice that after the tribulation the great trumpet sounds and Yeshua returns. The sinful apostate church will not be partying in heaven while everything else happens to the Jews! WE are in this together!

There is much more…but this was supposed to be brief…there is much to study and consider. So let us watch and pray. Let us watch His-story play out before our eyes. Many things must happen before the end comes…it will not come until the 7 year tribulation begins…and it doesn’t appear it has begun until the “abomination of desolation occurs in Matt 24.15 then the end is near.

There is a place of safety for God’s people in that day (Rev 12.14) a place of safety and captivity but I don’t have the space to speak of this. The important thing is to get close and personal with Yeshua while the time is available. Don’t be caught in the national chaos and difficulties which are coming without knowing Jesus intimately--very intimately.

Now is the time to get into the Bible and seek the Lord--to pour over its pages and cry out for understanding. To know the Word of God like never in your life before! Ask him to reveal it to you--don’t rely on man.

Running to and fro is not going to cut it. There is no place to run but into the sacred scriptures that explain it all! Get to know HIM! Amen.

Blessings, bro Neil

　

　

　

NUMBERS 22 THROUGH 31 - REQUIREMENTS AND PREPARATIONS FOR GOING INTO BATTLE

 

PART THREE

 

 

 

Numbers 28 and 29 - The Lord’s Calendar and Feasts Revisited - These chapters revisit the Lord’s Shabbat, new moon, and festival calendar found in Lev 23. It describes the various meat and meal offerings presented to the Lord on those days prior to the Israelites entering the land.

Lesson: As hard as it may be we see that the Lord’s calendar is different from the one that Christianity has designed. Unfortunately, the church mixed with pagan customs when Emperor Constantine decreed Christianity to be the religion of the Empire. In order to make the new religion attractive to pagans, feast days were created that coincided with pagan holidays.

Note: The seventy bulls sacrificed during Tabernacles/Sukkot in Num 29.12-40 were a sacrifice for the nations! Sukkot represents the wedding feast of the Lamb and all nations are to celebrate. When the temple was destroyed in 70 AD the sacrifice for the welfare of the nations ceased.

Sadly, Easter and Christmas are not feasts of the Lord. The true feasts are Passover, Pentecost or Weeks, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles. This may be difficult to accept but once you study the meaning of the Lord’s Feasts it is easy to understand. You will see each feast had tremendous prophetical implications and is a dress rehearsal of things to come.

The Lord is patient and will allow you time to decide if this is offensive to you now. In order to move on it is necessary to understand and observe the Lord’s feasts. Begin by asking Him to show you the truth and study the meaning of each feast from a Hebraic roots perspective. It is part of “counting the cost” to follow Yeshua.

Numbers 30 - Annulling women’s vows and oaths - This chapter focuses on the annulling of vows and oaths which were connected to the votive and freewill offerings in ch 29.39. A vow is conditional. It binds a person only after God fulfills the requested blessing. An oath must be carried out after it is made--it is our promise to God to do something.

This section deals with men making vows and oaths and then on women who are married, widowed, or single. The husband or father can annul a vow he does not think is proper--but he must do it within a short period of hearing the vow or oath. A widow or divorcee responsible for their vows or oaths.

Lesson: Yeshua told us to let our yes be yes and our no be no. It is better to not make vows or oaths that will complicate our lives. Sometimes we may regret having made a vow or oath. In Psalm 15.4 it says, “but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not.”

Let our yes be yes, our no be no, and lets say what we mean and mean what we say. Once we give our word we need to do our best to honor it. The Lord will help us and bless us in this pursuit. Let’s try to keep things simple.

Numbers 31 - War of Attrition Against the Midianites - The divine command to defeat the Midianites in retaliation for their seduction of the Israelites is the focus of this chapter. The Israelites go out and defeat the Midianites. They come back with much spoil and women and children. In verse 8 we see that Balaam is slain by the sword and in verse 16 we see Balaam conspired with Balak in order to get his reward. He told Balak how to deceive and seduce the Israelites through idolatry with the Midianite women.

When Moses sees the women captives he becomes very angry. These are the same women who seduced them earlier! Moses is furious and tells them to kill every woman who has known a man carnally and only spare the virgins. Then those who have shed blood must stay outside the camp for cleansing for seven days. The booty is shared among the tribes with a levy on all received that went to the service of the Lord.

Lesson: We see how difficult it is to refrain from mixture in our lives! The Israelites brought back alive the very women that had seduced them into pagan rituals. This is a difficult lesson for us to learn! Mixture is an abomination to the Lord. We have to always be diligent to keep from falling into these things. The only way is to understand the Word.

Ref: Deut 4.16-24; Deut 7.1-6; Deut 9.4-6; Deut 12.29-32; Deut 18.9-12; Isaiah 47.13 just to name a few. Ask for discernment as to what is pagan in our day and age. It is so easy to be deceived--deception is very smooth and looks good. Beware!

 

 

 

 





NUMBERS 22 THROUGH 31 - REQUIREMENTS AND PREPARATIONS FOR GOING INTO BATTLE

 

PART TWO

 

Numbers 25 - Worship of Baal-peor and its aftermath - Right after this event Israel profaned themselves by whoring with the Moabite/Midianite women. This word “whoring” in the Hebrew means whoring in a sexual cultish manner with these pagans. Ref: Acts 15.20-21. It was part of the worship of idols to perform sexual rituals with cultic prostitutes.

When the Lord sees this He tells Moses to publicly impale the ringleaders so that the wrath of the Lord will turn away from all Israel. Just then Zimri, a chief of the tribe of Simeon, with a Midianite woman named Cozbi, brazenly come into the camp!

Phineas, a priest of the Aaronic line takes a spear and stabs them in the belly checking the plague that had started due do this whoring. The name of the Midianite woman Cozbi is translated = “deception, liar.”

Phineas is honored by the Lord for displaying his passion with a pact of priesthood for all time. The Lord then tells Moses to wage war with the Midianites.

Lesson: Once again we are warned about mixture in the assembly. There is so much paganism in the church today. A simple example is to just examine many of the customs in the Roman Church (Protestant churches are not exempt) today. Statues, pillars, obelisks, sun symbols, Sunday worship, Gregorian calendar, and on and on. We are to worship God in spirit and truth--no images! Cozbi means deception. We see the Lord speaking clearing to us in this incident. Our churches are deceived!

New Age and Kabbalah have crept into both Judaism and Christianity. What about the feast days? We are to observe the feasts of the Lord (Lev 23.1). There are many areas that the Lord would want us to examine and change. Are we ready to respond?

The Lord would have us all examine ourselves and seek His truth. He wants a people who are free from pagan mixture, New Age, deception, etc. This will take time as we seek Him for the truth and make the changes in our lives which God requires.

Numbers 26 - The Second Census Prior to Entering the Promise Land - Now that the plague is over and Israel has been cleansed of rebellion and mixture Moses is instructed to conduct a census. This census is to determine the amount of land each tribe is to inherit according to their population. The area will be determined by lot, but the size of the area by each tribe’s population. All those who refused to enter the land after the spies report have died and all paganism and mixture has also been eliminated.

Lesson: We all talk about doing great things for the Lord and fulfilling any words we have received. What we forget about is being “prepared” for this work. We all want to “do” something but first we must “become” transformed into His image.

The Israelites were not ready when they entered the wilderness--this was their time of testing. First the generation that refused to enter had to “die to themselves”, then the next generation had to be cleansed from idolatry and mixture. They too had to die. Before we can enter and possess the land that God has promised us we must become what He desires us to be. It is very easy to do things--but becoming is painful. God is preparing a people for these end times but we aren’t quite ready for action. Let us yield to the Spirit and become!

Numbers 27 - The Case of Zelophad’s Daughters - Transfer of Leadership to Joshua - This specific case is used here to introduce a revision to the laws of inheritance in the Torah. In Numbers 26.33 we see this in the record of this clan. The father of these women died without having any son to inherit the land portion. The five daughters appeal to Moses and he asks the Lord for direction on this problem. The Lord instructs Moses to create a revision in the Torah/Law so that these daughters can receive their father’s inheritance. The only stipulation is that they must marry within their tribe because tribal inheritance cannot transfer from tribe to tribe.

Later in the chapter Moses goes to Mt. Nebo to view the promised land where he is instructed to separate Joshua in front of the entire assembly and invest him with his authority. Moses lays his hands on Joshua and commissions him.

Lesson: The Lord is fair and He hears the appeal of the Zelophad’s daughters. He even allowed Moses to make a revision in the Law without breaking the spirit of the law. When we have concerns we should speak up and seek resolution. It is good to deal with problems before they fester and create division. Speak up and reason together to find the truth!

In the case of Joshua, “A man’s gift makes room for him” is found in Proverbs 18.16. When we are at the proper place of “becoming” God will promote us.

 

Tomorrow: Part 3



 



 

 

NUMBERS 22 THROUGH 31 - REQUIREMENTS AND PREPARATIONS FOR GOING INTO BATTLE

 

 

This will be a three part series in the Torah that explains what the Lord requires of us and how He prepares us prior to going into battle against His enemies.

Numbers 22 - Balak Hires Balaam to Curse Israel - Balaam is a seer/prophet who has a reputation as a diviner who can effectuate curses. He does this for hire. He is in it for the money. He is symbolic of false prophets today who preach the word for personal gain and notoriety. He knows the Lord but also follows pagan gods. He has mixture in his life and agenda.

When Balak send a delegation of seers (v7) to hire Balaam to curse Israel they offer him a handsome reward. When Balaam asks the Lord, the Lord tells him don’t go and curse Israel because they are blessed (v12). Balak does not take no for an answer and sends another delegation to hire Balaam.

God now tests Balaam and tells him he can go but will only be able to speak what the Lord commands. Balaam has already been told Israel is blessed and now he is told he will only be able to do as the Lord commands, which is bless Israel. He goes anyway because he is only in it for the money. He is not hearing what the Lord is telling him--he doesn’t want to hear.

He rides there on his donkey and the donkey sees angels with swords blocking the way. Balaam, the seer, cannot see them because the seer is blinded by his greed. He is furious with the donkey for not wanting to proceed. Once again God was warning him not to go. He pushes on.

When Balaam meets Balak he tells him he will only be able to speak what El tells him. Of course Balak thinks this is just Balaam’s sales pitch. Balaam prepares to curse Israel.

The Lesson: Deception is very smooth and appears to be of the Lord. Sometimes it is really hard to discern. Many claim to be prophets and go from church to church “selling” their words and goods. Many are in it for the money and recognition. Their words and testimony are shallow. They really don’t say anything specific. They very seldom mention the cost of following Yeshua and how we need to lay down our lives to receive that for which we are called.

Balaam is the perfect example. He should not have gone in the first place knowing what the Lord told him. He was determined to get his reward. God told him he could go to test his sincerity. Both he an Balak were hoping to find a loop hole. Eventually they would. His life was not yielded to God. He was going to do it in the name of God--but his way!

This is a perfect example of why we should be careful who we invite to our assemblies. There is much false teaching out there and we need to know the word of God to be able to properly discern. Deception is very close to the real thing--it mixes in the truth but twists it. We need to be in the word daily to hear and see the truth.

Numbers 23 and 24 - Balaam’s Four Oracles - Much to Balak’s displeasure Balaam proceeds to bless Israel. Each time Balak insists they move to another location for Balaam to curse Israel. Notice in 24.1in the KJV that on the third try, “Balaam…went not, as at other times, to seek enchantments.” This means to search for omens by divining, implying this is what he had done the first two times.

After blessing Israel three times Balak has had enough. Balaam sheepishly says, “I told you even if you gave me gold and silver I could only do what the Lord commands.” He had hoped to find a way to give what Balak wanted but the spirit of the Lord was too powerful.

Now Balaam tells Balak he will tell him what is going to befall his people in the days to come. Not only is this a historical prophecy against Moab for that time, it is an end time word to the nations. It speaks of a scepter coming out of Jacob (Israel). After this they both go to their respective homes.

The Lesson: Balaam was a false prophet who used divination. Think of all the mixture in our assemblies in our day. How much New Age, Gaia, and Asian paganism is mixed into our churches--and that is only naming a few. Balaam knew the “truth” but did his best to pervert it to his own advantage. In the end God would not allow it. The message here is to get the mixture out of our assemblies and our personal lives.

In order to move on in God we must have a holiness and purity through knowing the Word of God and following it. We are reading the Torah here, and God is teaching us through His Law, what we should be aware of. He does not want pagan rooted mixture in our lives or assemblies.


Tomorrow: Part Two
 

MILLENNIAL KINGDOM

 



The Nations Worship the King
It shall be one day Which is known to the Lord—Neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen That it will be light. And in that day it shall be That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, Half of them toward the eastern sea And half of them toward the western sea; In both summer and winter it shall occur. And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be—“The Lord is one,” And His name one. Zech 14.7-9

Then speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying: “Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!
From His place He shall branch out, And He shall build the temple of the Lord; Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on His throne; so He shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” Zechariah 6.12-13


Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion the law shall go forth, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Micah 4.1-2


And it will come to pass in that day That the mountains shall drip with new wine, The hills shall flow with milk, And all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water; A fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord And water the Valley of Acacias. “Egypt shall be a desolation, And Edom a desolate wilderness, Because of violence against the people of Judah, For they have shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah shall abide forever, And Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will acquit them of the guilt of bloodshed, whom I had not acquitted; For the Lord dwells in Zion.” Joel 3.18-21

“But when the people of the land come before the Lord on the appointed feast days, whoever enters by way of the north gate to worship shall go out by way of the south gate; and whoever enters by way of the south gate shall go out by way of the north gate. He shall not return by way of the gate through which he came, but shall go out through the opposite gate. The prince shall then be in their midst. When they go in, he shall go in; and when they go out, he shall go out.” Ezek 46.9-10


The Gentiles shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity; because they were unfaithful to Me, therefore I hid My face from them. I gave them into the hand of their enemies, and they all fell by the sword. According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I have dealt with them, and hidden My face from them. Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name— after they have borne their shame, and all their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, when they dwelt safely in their own land and no one made them afraid. When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and I am hallowed in them in the sight of many nations, then they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer. And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord God.” Ezek 39.23-29


I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. Ezek 36.26-28


“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, And her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, And joy in My people; The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, Nor the voice of crying. “No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old, But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit;

They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them. “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox, And dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,”
Says the Lord. Isaiah 65.17-25


“O you afflicted one, Tossed with tempest, and not comforted, Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, And lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, Your gates of crystal, And all your walls of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be the peace of your children.


In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake. “Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; And I have created the spoiler to destroy. No weapon formed against you shall prosper,And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. Isaiah 54.11-17


“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise. Isaiah 43.18-21


“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea. “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.” Isaiah 11.6-10


CELEBRATING THE FEASTS
Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22.15-19


Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts; Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet home, A tabernacle that will not be taken down; Not one of its stakes will ever be removed, Nor will any of its cords be broken. But there the majestic Lord will be for us A place of broad rivers and streams, In which no galley with oars will sail, Nor majestic ships pass by (For the Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Lawgiver, The Lord is our King; He will save us);  Isaiah 33.20-21


And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. Zech 14.16-17

 
GOD’S GOVERNMENT
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever…. Isaiah 9.6-7


And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations--‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father; Revelation 2.26-27


She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. Rev 12.5


Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. Rev 19.15


Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Psalm 9.8-9


In mercy the throne will be established; and One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness.” Isaiah 16.5

When the Lord returns and rules during the millennial kingdom He is going to rule with a rod of iron. He is, in reality, going to “lay down the law” for all the nations. There will be no misunderstanding of what He desires of us. All will be taught clearly. There will be no deviation from the Biblical pattern like we have in our current age.


We will all be celebrating the feasts of the Lord during the millennium. The feast of Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles will all be observed. There will be no Lent, Easter, or Christmas. These are all feasts of men. We will celebrate the Lord’s feasts. Those who rule and reign with Him will be teaching the nations the meaning of these feasts as they relate to what God has done for us through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. Isaiah 33.20-21; Luke 22.15-19; Zech 14.16-17

Those who have overcome will teach the nations about the Lord and His ways.

EZEKIEL’S TEMPLE AND DAVID’S TABERNACLE

It shall be that you will divide it by lot as an inheritance for yourselves, and for the strangers who dwell among you and who bear children among you. They shall be to you as native-born among the children of Israel; they shall have an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. And it shall be that in whatever tribe the stranger dwells, there you shall give him his inheritance,” says the Lord God. Ezekiel 47.22-23


In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. And the land shall mourn, every family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of Shimei by itself, and their wives by themselves; all the families that remain, every family by itself, and their wives by themselves. Zech 12.11-14


Nowhere does it say the Jews who are saved (all Israel is saved at the end) have glorified bodies. These mourning Jews are the survivors of Armageddon. They are going home to mourn. They do not know their Messiah Yeshua because they rejected Him. These Jews (only 1/3 are saved and survive) are going to be taught about Yeshua by those who have received glorified bodies. In addition to the 1/3 saved will be the survivors from the nations. Together all are going to be taught during Yeshua’s Millennial Kingdom. We will be the teachers, ruling and reigning in various capacities with Yeshua. Isaiah 65.17-25 shows Israel living in peace as normal people.


Ezekiel’s Millennial Temple (Ezek 40-48) and the restoration of the sacrificial system will be to teach both the nations and Israel about Yeshua’s sacrifice for all mankind. The Jews desire to return to the sacrificial system today and Yeshua is going to give it to them. Some of them, many Levites, may be performing the actual sacrificial slaughter of and presentation of the sacrifices at this temple. They have never understood Messiah’s sacrifice and now the L-rd will lovingly teach them (and the nations) what it means. This temple is a teaching tool.


There is no other need for the animal sacrifice system. Yeshua is our sacrifice, the blood of bulls and goats is not needed but the nations must understand it, so the temple is restored for the millennium only. Ps 40.6-8; Ps 107.22


David in his day showed us why this is so:

So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it. Then they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. Then he distributed to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins. 1 Chron 16.1-3


David brought the ark up to Jerusalem and pitched a tent for it. He was moving in a prophetic realm. He offered sacrifices to consecrate this tent, but that was the only animal sacrifice presented at this site. The sacrificial system of sacrifices continued to take place in Gibeon (1Chr 16.39-40). David set up a system of praise and worship around the ark (the place G-d dwells). We see this in the rest of chapter 16. God had prophetically shown him that the sacrifice of praise and the incense of prayer in the Almighty’s presence was true worship. As Yeshua said, “God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4.23


We see in Amos 9.11 that the Tabernacle of David will be restored. This is the new way of worship that Yeshua truly desires. The glorified saints will be teaching the nations about sacrifice so they will understand what Yeshua has done and to learn the true spiritual worship. This was also addressed by the Apostles at the Jerusalem conference in Acts 15.12-20 in a minor way.


Even though Israel are G-d’s chosen, because they rejected their Messiah and have little knowledge of Him they will spend the millennium greatly blessed, but also being taught the true meaning of the Torah as it relates to Yeshua.


When the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven in Rev 21, there will be no more need of the temple sacrificial system. Yeshua will be the temple and all peoples will understand and worship at the ark as in the Tabernacle of David.



　

　

GOD AND GOVERNMENT

As we go forward in these end time crises things are going to get worse in the world and in governments around the world. Controversy, financial shaking, and confrontation are going to increase everywhere around us. We are going to have to live and function within this frame work as a church and community.

The more oppressive world government becomes the more we will be tempted to rebel and react in an ungodly manner. Everything we do in the future should be directed by godly desires and righteousness worked in us by the Lord. The Lord does not want us to falter due to the lawlessness that will surround us.

God’s interpretation of government is shown to us as an eternal pattern. Isaiah 9:6-7 God’s purpose in His government is to uphold His standards of justice and righteousness in society. In Eccl 10:2 we see God’s thoughts on the politics of the right and the left! Ha!


In reality often times leftist thinkers tend to lead toward unrighteous communistic, socialistic government that enslaves the population by doing away with personal property and civil rights. Often times a government built on conservative values have platforms that are more respectful of the people’s rights. We are not highly political, however, because we are citizens of God’s Kingdom. Jesus in not a republican or a democrat, He is a high priest, Torah observant Jew!


GOD’S THREE FOLD STANDARD OF GOVERNMENT
God’s standards are always righteous and just:

1. Imputed righteousness--God’s salvation always was through blood sacrifice. Salvation even in ancient days was not achieved thru the law, but by the blood sacrifice for sin when the law was transgressed. Imputed righteousness is through the blood of Yeshua. Saved by grace through faith in Jesus. The sacrifices prior to Jesus were to point us to the coming way that He would be making. Lev 4:20,26,31,35 sacrifices. Romans 3:21-26 complete salvation in Yeshua. 1 Peter 1:22-23 Born again.


2. Behavioral righteousness--How are we to live after receiving salvation? We are held accountable 1 John 3:7. The righteous practice righteousness. To walk in righteousness we must have the Torah written on our hearts.


All scripture is good for instruction in righteousness. 2 Tim 3:16-17 The commandments of God reveal His righteousness. There are standards of behavior. Ps 119:172 The character and nature of God is revealed in the Torah. Ps119:123 God is calling us to a holy lifestyle, His judgments are righteous. Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life. The life of God saves and the just live by faith. Habakkuk 2:4


3. Community righteousness--Our walk has a affect on our relationships. If we are walking righteously we should have good relationships within our community/church. This requires accountability on everyone who is part of God’s community. This also means we are accountable to governmental authority within the church. We must show/live justice among ourselves. We need a justice system to function properly.


THREE ASPECTS OF GOD’S DIVINE NATURE
Three aspects of God’s divine nature oversee community righteousness, accountability, and judgment. Everything that goes on in heaven and earth are in these three. The Lord is Judge, Lawgiver, and King. Isaiah 33:22


These three also represent our form of government in the United States which is a Constitutional Republic. They are the Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branches. Our founders where seeking God when they set up this government. The Constitution was designed to be the spirit behind any laws that would be written. Men were guaranteed basic “natural laws” which were considered to be foundational laws of the Creator.


The Tabernacle/Temple design also showed God’s form of government:

1. Ark of the Covenant--Held the laws of God and was inside the Holy of Holies.


2. Altar--House of the King was the altar--we receive salvation at the altar, learn how to minister to God and to one another. The Ten Commandments: 1-4 ministering to God and 5-10 to one another.


3. House of Justice (Beit Din) The House of Justice was a rabbinical court made up of three rabbis who resolve business disputes under Jewish law and determine whether a prospective convert is ready for conversion. They made judgments and administered justice within the community.

To keep society civil we need to have courts and judges. Ex 18:13-27 We must walk according to the Torah and behave righteously to be blessed. Deut 6:18-20


POOR CHOICES


When Adam ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil he literally moved out of God’s house. He transgressed the commandment of God and received judgment for doing so. Gen 3

Israel wanted a King in order to be like all the other nations. 1 Sam 8:4-6 They did not want to obey God and be special as God desired. Men want Kings to rule them not God. God gave them what they desired. They were no longer a pure Theocracy when Saul became king. Saul did things the way he thought was right and disobeyed God.


Later in the history men developed the doctrine of Divine Right of Kings--they ruled and acted as though they were divine. They were above the law. This was, and is not, God’s form of government. God will often allow us to do things our way in order to teach us His way. His patience endures forever!


God’s outline of government is found in Ex 21 and 23. These chapters outline the formal structure, general guidelines for judges, fair and equitable justice, need for investigation and reliable witnesses.


THE TORAH SETS THE STANDARD


God’s judicial process is outlined clearly in the Torah. Most western nations have laws and a judicial structure that is based on the Torah. Most kings and governments write laws that reflect the law written in the Bible. Everything goes back to the Bible. In ancient times civilizations had kings and laws pertaining to the kingdom. The Torah was the first set of laws that were for a nation that had no king but God. A careful reading of the Torah introduces us to an incredibly just and righteous set of laws. These laws forbid charging interest, provided food for the poor, treated strangers with respect, preserved inheritance, and insisted on treating your neighbor as you would yourself.


How laws are interpreted and punishment is meted out is also clear in the Torah. Some punishments required death because in those times an adulterer or idol worshipper could cause a whole community to lapse into rebellion. Idolatry in most cases, for instance, included sexual practices which could cause disease and death. Therefore punishment by death could keep disease from breaking out and killing hundreds of people. These harsh laws at that time were in reality protection for the community.


CIVIL LAW TODAY
One of the main controversies in the church today revolves around which civil laws should or should not be obeyed and how far the authority of the church should go. According to the Bible God works through civil law to achieve His will and accomplish His plans. Romans 13:1-8 We are also told to pay our taxes, even when this is difficult or possibly unfair. Matt 22:15-22


When Israel decided to reject God and desired a king like all the other nations (even though God had told them they were to be a separate and special people) God allowed them to set up a civil government. He told them that now they would have to live with it and obey it. 1 Sam 8:4-20


Civil authority is set up to punish unrighteousness and keep society orderly. If we are to be righteous then we need to walk righteously and obey. In order to have a functioning civil government we must have taxes. If we understand this we will know how to pray for our government and our leaders during the difficult times ahead.


In Jesus’ time tax collectors were hated because they took extra for themselves. Luke 3:12-14 In this short passage Jesus tells individuals to obey the law and do their jobs righteously. Even Jesus paid the temple tax. Matt 17:24-27


If we submit to God He will provide the money we need. As believers we need to benefit the society we live in. We also want to keep things going well as long as possible in difficult times.

 
CHURCH GOVERNMENT
The church also has governmental issues and we need to deal with these things in house. Matt 18:15-20 This is the Beit Din or House of Judgment in the Hebraic model. Anything that concerns the church should be dealt with in the church and not in civil court. If someone in the church committed murder that, of course, would be handled within the civil court. Matt 18:15-20 deals with disagreements between those in the church. The Lord told Peter He would give Peter the keys of the kingdom. Matt 16:16-19 This is government in the church. In the Beit Din (House of Judgment) binding and loosing means to permit or forbid. This refers to church government.

A couple of examples:

A man or woman in an adulteress affair must be disciplined within the church, even though in the civil world it may not be an offense. If we allow it then the “gates of hell” are prevailing against us.

Same sex marriage may be OK in the world but not in the church. 1 Corinthians 5 and 6

Changes are occurring in the world today that will have profound effects on the church. We will be hard pressed to obey God’s laws. These two examples are areas where we will have to obey God and not man.

In summary: God has a government and that government has laws (Torah). We are to learn how to function in God's kingdom and learn his laws of love in this present age. In the MK we will be teaching and learning God's Law or Torah and we will be functioning in the Government God has established for all eternity.

SHEEP AND GOAT NATIONS

 

 

 



Armies of the Beast Defeated - Rev 19.19-21Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

This appears to be the Beast and the kings of the earth’s armies being defeated by the Lord. There should be many people in all the nations who have been locked up in camps, etc who are not involved physically in this battle. Only the armies of nations have been fighting. The nations are now ushered into the millennial kingdom and given a chance to be learn to love Yeshua during the millennium.


Our jobs as kings and priests are to teach the nations about Yeshua. Ezekiel’s millennial temple is one of the teaching “tools” used to show the nations the great sacrifice Yeshua paid for them. After a thousand year period when Ha-Satan is released many of them are deceived, rebel and are cast into the lake of fire. The dead are then judged at the Great White Throne.


Ha-Satan Locked Up - Rev 20.3He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.

Ha-Satan is locked up in the Abyss so that he can no longer deceive the nations. Now God will show the nations that even without Ha-Satan they will in the end rebel against God. In the meantime those who have been resurrected at the Lord's return in Rev 19 are teaching and governing the nations about God's law and government.


The Judgment of Ha-Satan - Rev 20.7-15 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth —Gog and Magog —and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves (Jerusalem). But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.


The Judgment of the DeadThen I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Nation Scriptures in Revelation: 2.26-29; 5.9; 7.9; 11.9; 11.18; 12.5; 13.7; 14.6; 14.8; 15.4; 16.19; 17.15; 18.3; 18.23; 19.15; 20.3; 20.8; 21.24; 21;26; 22.2 Numerous in the OT not here.


Nations ruled with a rod of iron indicate rebellious nations. Those people who survive, but did not fight in the Armageddon battle, are the nations taught in the millennial kingdom. All true believers in Jesus for the past two thousand years qualify as priests who rule and reign with Christ in the millennium. Many past believers were truly dedicated to and loved Yeshua as much, if not more, than we do. Many were martyred as missionaries, as proclaiming the truth, printing Bibles in common languages, etc. We cannot, at this point in our walk, hold a candle to them. We are not special in the light of the past, only in the revelation of the present time in which we live.


Think of Rees Howells and his obedience to the Lord or William Tyndale, martyred for printing Bibles, or all those who immigrated to America to freely worship. There is a great host of witnesses who never knew much of Hebrew roots but have served the Lord. He is not against us is for us. They are going to receive great rewards.


Common sense tells us there will be people surviving the end time who did not participate in the final battle. The world is too large. The people of the nations that survive will receive and opportunity to learn of Yeshua in the Millennial Kingdom. The saints or believers of past ages will all be priests teaching in the millennium. They will be teaching the nations along with us for a thousand years.

We do not go to heaven and live in bliss. We are resurrected at the end of the age and participate in the thousand year millennial reign of Yeshua! Paul said, "those who are asleep in Christ will arise first." We are dead in the grave waiting for the Savior's return. Then the millennial kingdom (MK) begins and we rule and reign with Him.

I am listing only as a simple means of making my points clear--I know you understand things and am not trying to be cute.

1. The scriptures in 1 Cor 15 are talking about bodies, not minds. An exchange is an exchange. We are exchanging one type of body for another. The Holy Spirit used the right word. Key: mystery, all be changed, not all sleep. 1 Thess 4.13-18 are a second witness.

2. These believers are asking about those who have died because they think they will be alive when the Lord comes. Paul is telling them not to worry we are all going through the same exchange together. It makes no sense that those alive will be taught by those who just passed away. The word is eternal to each generation and means the same to each generation. 1 Thess 4.13

3. Romans 6.4-11 are pretty clear--we are dead in Christ. Spiritualize it if you will. It still allows for G-d not to be a liar--we are already dead. So we get the new glorified body in a twinkling. Col 3.3; 2 Tim 2.11 G-d has not lied...all die once.

4. The armies of the beast are the armies of the beast Rev 19.19-21. As in any conflict all the world will not be present at Armageddon--but those who are are wiped out, or should I say "smoked"! The people left in the world will be the nations true believers will be teaching in the millennium. We destroyed Germany and Japan in WW2 but people remained.

5. The O.T. referrences to nations mean Gentile unbelieving nations. They are coming to bow down, bring their wealth, and learn about the L-rd. All true believers throughout history will be teaching the nations. We are one new man, Hebrew roots, mainline true believers, DNA real Jew believers--we will reign and rule in various capacities based on the King's criteria. We are not teaching each other. Ezekiel's temple is a teaching tool for the nations to understand all Yeshua did for them. We are teaching and learning about God's Eternal Government in the MK.

6. After the 1000 years these nations will show their rebellious side and many of them will turn away. G-d will be showing man that even without Satan they rebel--their hearts are wicked. Then after the White Throne judgment the New Jerusalem comes down and is eastablished.

7. Then we see in Rev 21 the saved nations that did not rebel come to the New Jerusalem. vv 21-27. There is no unclean at this point, all rebellion has been crushed, and the L-rd is the temple.

8. Rev 22.2 shows the trees for the healing of the nations. We have come full tree circle. The universe is next to be restored by Yeshua's servants. That is another story!



　

　

THE RESURRECTION AND THE ASCENSION OF THE KING

1. Significance to Messiah:
 

A. It proved Him to be the Son of God (Rom 1.4). B. It confirmed the truth of all he said (Matt 28.6). C. It means he is the 1^st fruits of the resurrection. The 1^st type of resurrection is to be brought back to life and then die again later as in the gospels. The 2^nd type is to immortality and incorruption (1 Cor 15.20-3). D. It was a declaration of the Father that the Messiah met all the requirements of the Mosaic Law (Phil 2.9).

2. Significance to People in General: A. It makes certain the resurrection of all men, both believers and unbelievers--but not to the same destiny (1 Cor 15.20-23). B. Guarantees judgment of all unbelievers (Act 10.40-42; 17.30-31).

3. Significance to the Old Testament Saints: A. It included the fulfillment of the O.T. promise of their salvation, the removal of sin, and the guarantee of their future resurrection (Acts 13.32-33). B. Guarantees unfilled promises.

4. The Significance to Believers: A. It proves our justification (Romans 4.24-25). B. It guarantees resurrection power for believers service (Eph 1.17-20). C. It guarantees the believer’s individual resurrection (Rom 8.11; 1 Cor 6.14; 2 Cor 4.14). D. It means the forgiveness of the believer’s sins (1 Cor 15.7). E. It designates the Messiah as the head of the Church (Eph 1.20-22). F. It means that the Messiah now has the keys of death as far as believes are concerned (Heb 2.9-18; 1 Thess 4.13-15). G. It means that there is now a sympathetic High Priest in Heaven (Heb 4.14-16).

The Ascension of the King - Mark 16.19-20, Luke 24.5-53; Acts 1.9-12

The final appearance. On Olivet between Jerusalem and Bethany:

Theological Significances of His Ascension:

1. It proved the truth of what Yeshua said--I will go to the Father (John 14.28).

2. It means Jesus is preparing a place for us (John 14.2).

3. Marks the culmination of His Exaltation (Eph 1.20-23).He is on the right hand of the Father.

4. Marks His headship over the Church (Col 1.18).

5. Means that there is a Man-God seated at the right of God the Father (Acts 2.32-35).

6. It began the high priestly ministry of Yeshua (Heb 4.14-16).

7.It marks the coming of the Holy Spirit (Eph 4.8-10).

8. It makes the Messiah a forerunner (we are to come later. Heb 6.20)

9.It marks the believer’s new position as being seated in the heavenlies (Eph 1.20-21).

10. By means of the Ascension the gifts of the Holy Spirit could be given (Eph 4.7-11).

11. It provides the manner, not the place of His return (Acts 1.9-11).

12. It means the O.T. saint’s prophecies are true (Eph 4.8-9).

THE THIRD SIGN OF JONAH

Zechariah 4.1-10 - Given in a vision. Sees 7 olive trees. Between the olive trees is a bowl. The trees empty their oil into the bowl. The bowl has 7 pipes that feed the 7 lamps of the menorah. The common symbol is olive oil = the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah is seeing Israel filled with the Holy Spirit to be a light unto the Gentiles (Ex 19)--the source of the oil is the trees.

He does not understand what the two trees represent. Verse 11-13 he is told they are the two anointed ones. Now go to Rev 11.3-13 which describe the events that occur mid-point of the tribulation. The two witnesses are limited to activities in Jerusalem for 1260 days. The 144 K in Rev 7 witness worldwide. We learn the two witnesses are the two olive trees.

After 1260 days the two witnesses are killed and the whole world celebrates. Their bodies are on the ground for 3.5 days and are then resurrected to heaven. Right after there is an earthquake that destroys 1/10 of the city, 7,000 people die, and the rest of the people are awestruck and give glory to the God of Heaven.

The resurrection and ascension of the two witnesses will lead to the salvation of Jews in Jerusalem at the mid-point of the tribulation just before they flee the city to exit the land.

That begins the process of 3.5 years later when all Israel is saved. Hosea 5.15-6.3 they return to the Lord. Isaiah 66.8 a nation is born in a day. Zech 3.9 is the healing of the iniquity of the land. Romans 11.25-27 all Israel saved.

They rejected the 1^st two signs of Jonah but will accept the 3^rd. Selah!

Notes from: The Life of Messiah from a Jewish Perspective by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum

　

The Crucifixion - From 9 AM until Noon, 15 Nisan.

The first three hours on the cross he suffers the wrath of men--stages 6-17.

1. The First Three Hours: The Wrath of Men - Mark 15.24-32; Matt 27.35-44; Luke 23.33-43; John 19.18-276. Actual crucifixion begins at 9 AM on the 1^st day of Passover. Jerusalem has two mounts--the temple mount where the Passover lamb is being offered up and the crucifixion mount--where the true Passover lamb is being offered up. Not many people understand crucifixion today, but in the time of the gospels it was well understood. There were four types of crosses used in that time: A. Telephone Pole type. B. Capital X type. Both of these usually not used outside of Italy. C. Capital T type. D. small t type. Jesus was most likely crucified on the small t type because the accusation document was put above the head while the capital T type put it below the feet. The cross was laid on the ground and the person was nailed to it. Nails go through the wrist--the palm would not hold it without tearing. Feet placed atop one another and nailed to wood. A small ledge was placed under the feet (discussed later). The cross was picked up and dropped into a hole in the ground--this would jar the bones out of joint (Ps 22).

7. Father forgive them….Jesus prays for those who are crucifying him, not those who do it purposefully--but those who do it ignorantly--for they know not what they do.

8. The parting of garments. Four soldiers attend and they split the garments evenly between themselves. A man is stripped and crucified naked. Jews of the time wore five garments: A. Upper garment B. Inner garment or tunic C. Head covering D. Sandals E. Robe. The robe was usually torn into four parts and divided. This robe was like the ones wealthy people wore and was woven from top to bottom. How did Jesus get this robe? Most likely from one of the wealthy women who supported him (Luke 8.13).

9. Erection of the superscription above Jesus’ head. This would spell out the accusation of the crime committed. This one does not sound like an accusation, but rather a statement: This is the King of the Jews. The leaders understood it sounded like a statement and ask Pilate to change it. He refuses--a small piece of revenge on them for pressuring him to crucify Jesus.

10. The co-crucifixion of the two rebel criminals who participated with Bar Abba (Is 53.12).

11. 5^th Mockery committed by passer-bys coming in and out of the city.

12. 6^th Mockery by the Jewish leaders.

13. 7^th Mockery by the soldiers attending. Both Jews and Gentiles mock him.

14. 8^th Mockery by those crucified with him. All these mockeries had two common elements: Mocked Messianic claims and challenge him to prove his claims by coming down off the cross. If Jesus would have come down he would have been a false Messiah as this was the way the scriptures said it would be--but Satan was trying to tempt him. His refusal to come down is evidence Jesus is who he says he is.

15. Conversion of the rebel on the cross. He tells Jesus he is a sinner, Jesus is innocent, Jesus can save him, and he recognizes the coming Kingdom.

16. I tell you today, you shall be with me in paradise….The point is Jesus will remember him as of this day.

17. Jesus gives his mother into John’s care.

The Second Three Hours: The Wrath of God - Mark 15.33-37; Matt 27.45-50; Luke 23.44-46Covers the hours of Noon until 3 PM. Luke mentions a thick darkness coming over the whole land. Stages 18-25.

18. Archeology and ancient writers mention three events: 1. Greek historian Dionysius recalls seeing darkness in the Greek city of Heliopolis (city of the sun). 2. Greek historian Diogenes was a pagan writer who said he saw such darkness over the land that the Deity must have suffered or been in sympathy with someone who did. 3. A Roman, Phlegon in Turkey saw a great eclipse of the sun and experienced an earthquake at this time.

19. The Theological ramification--marks the point of spiritual death and separation from the Father = Wrath of God.

20.Why hast thou forsaken Me? In Jewish tradition when you quote the 1^st verse of a psalm you apply the entire psalm. It is a cry for help after experiencing three hours of the wrath of God. The only time he address the Father as “My God, My God” is here. This was not a father/son relationship at this point in time and judgment.

21.Those standing by thought he was calling out to Elijah (Eloi), the Jewish ear thinks that is what he is doing--calling to Elijah for rescue.

22.Partakes of vinegar--moistens the tongue and lips so he can speak his final words.

23.It is finished--tetelesti = finished in a unique way--being paid in full. Animal sacrifice is an installment payment.

24. Father into Your hands….Now again addresses the Father--the eternal relationship. He chooses the moment of his death and hands his spirit into the safe keeping of his father (body, soul, and spirit.). The Father will safe-keep his spirit until resurrection.

25. Actual physical death. Gave up his spirit and lowered his head. When you die it drops forward--Jesus lowered his head and chose the moment of his death.

　

The Accompanying Signs - Mark 15.38-41; Matt 27.51-56; Luke 23.45, 47-49The moment he dies several things happen in quick succession. A tremendous earthquake hits, the tombs (cave tombs) open and many dead saints were resurrected. Notice the wording: They who had fallen asleep were raised and came out of the tombs after his resurrection and came into the city and appeared unto many.

Since this was not the resurrection of the second coming it must have been some who had recently died and were raised up at his death, to appear at his resurrection. It was Lazarus resurrection and they would have died again later. Nothing else is reported. The resurrection of all dead saints is at the second coming (Dan 12.2).

The renting of the temple veil was from top to bottom. If a man had ripped it he would have started at the bottom up--the veil was 60ft long, 20 ft wide, and 4” thick. This signified God’s doing. Top to bottom!

The significant meaning was that now all have access to forgiveness of sin. The High Priest would go into the Holy of Holies once a year--one man for the entire nation--to atone for the sins of the nation. Now one man, Jesus Christ, has made atonement available to all--once and for all. If the veil had been physically torn it could have been kept quiet as this is not mentioned in any other Jewish writings--only in the gospels.

In Jewish writings there are many legends of things happening at the temple after the death of Jesus. Here are four:

1. Josephus: The middle light in the temple menorah kept going out. 2. Josephus and the Talmud: The heavy temple doors kept swinging open (it took several men to open) by themselves. 3. The lentil of the doorway cracked and fell the year Jesus died. 4. On the Day of Atonement for the next 40 years the goat released into the wilderness with the red ribbon kept returning and the ribbon did not turn white as it was supposed to.

The rabbi’s who recorded these things could not find a reason for these happenings. It was Tetelesti = “It is finished” as in Hebrews 10.18--once there is remission for sins there is no more sacrifice for sin. Two other things of importance happened: Fear among Jewish leaders as they observe these things and belief of the Roman Centurion ushering the Gentiles into the Commonwealth of Israel (Eph 2.10-13).

Source: The Life of Messiah from a Jewish Perspective by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum

　

The First Trial Before Pilate - Mark 15.1-5; Matt 27.2, 11-14; Luke 23.1-5; John 18.28-28

　

Pilate was a Roman citizen born in Spain. He was Roman procurator from 26-36 AD. In contemporary Jewish writings he was characterized as being a cruel man who was fair in his rulings. He was dressed early this morning expecting a trial as he had sent a cohort along with Judas to apprehend Yeshua.

The scripture says it was early and that the chef priests had not yet eaten the Passover. What that was referring to was the meal the priests would eat before performing the Passover sacrifice at the temple compound. If they became “unclean” they would not be able to perform their duties.

Pilate begins by asking, “What accusation do you make against this man?” This is where Judas would have come forth to testify. Since Judas is dead the chief priests say that they “found this man trying to pervert the nation.” Pilate wants none of this type of trial. “Take him yourself and judge him according to your law,” he says.

They respond that they cannot put a man to death under Jewish law. If they did kill him under Jewish law, Yeshua would have been stoned--not crucified as the scripture says. According to the Talmud, shortly after this event the Romans changed the law to allow Jews to stone a convicted Jew to death, rather than having them crucified.

Once they realize Pilate wants a witness they all start accusing Yeshua of perverting the nation, forbidding to give Caesar tribute, and saying that he is a King.

Now that Pilate has heard specific charges he continues by taking Yeshua aside and asking him if he is King of the Jews (not if he is Messiah). Jesus asks him on what basis he is asking this--to clarify the issue--is this what you think or did someone tell you this? Was he asking as a Jew or Roman. Pilate says, “I am not a Jew--your nation has delivered you up--what have you done?”

The issue is clear--this is a Jewish issue. Yeshua says:

1. My kingdom is not of this world, meaning it will not be of the nature of this world. His kingdom is in this world, but not of it, and will be in the future.

2. The Kingdom is future--not now. If it were my disciples would take up arms and fight.

Pilate asks if Yeshua is a king? Yeshua says, “You said it.” Then he tells Pilate he has come to bear witness to the truth. Pilate asks, “What is truth?” Sad to say, Pilate was looking at the truth and did not recognize him. Pilate did not hear the voice of truth. He sees no threat to Rome here.

They begin to accuse Yeshua more strongly. Someone mentions Yeshua is from Galilee. Pilate sees an opportunity to rid himself of the problem. Herod is the ruler in Galilee. Pilate sends Jesus to Herod who is in Jerusalem for the Passover feast.

2. The Trial Before Herod - Luke 23.6-12Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great who had killed all the babies under two years of age when Jesus was born. A year earlier Antipas had John the Baptist beheaded. Antipas now has an opportunity to see Jesus. He is hoping to be entertained by some miracle. Jesus refuses to speak. Antipas is disappointed but finds no reason to have Jesus executed. This is the 2^nd time Jesus is found not worthy of death. Antipas sends Jesus back to Pilate dressed in gorgeous apparel.

Herod and Pilate became friends that day. The story behind their enmity went back to when Pilate became procurator. Pilate had his legions hang Roman shields on the outside of the wall surrounding the temple. The Jews revolted because the shields were adorned with pagan images. Pilate refused to take the shields down and many Jews and Roman soldiers were killed in rioting.

Antipas asked Pilate to take down the shields but Pilate would not recognize Herod’s authority and understanding. Antipas wrote a letter to Caesar in Roman who notified Pilate to remove the shields from the wall. This day, at Jesus’ expense they finally recognized each other’s authority.

Nine years later Herod’s wife, who wanted to be recognized as Queen, talked Herod into going to Rome to request of Caligula that he be made “King” of Palestine as his father had been recognized. Caligula had them both exiled to what is now France and they died in abject poverty.

The Second Trial Before Pilate - Mark 15.6-15; Matt 27.15-26Pilate, slowly and reluctantly, and in fear, will surrender to the demand of the Sanhedrin for the crucifixion of Yeshua. Pilate will now attempt in subtle ways to release Jesus--but he will be unable to appease the mob. He falls back on a custom of releasing a political prisoner during the feast.

Barabbas was a robber, insurrectionist, and murderer. He hated the Romans and was involved in harassing them in order to get them out of Palestine. Barabbas is his Hellenized name. The writers of the gospels did not want to confuse the readers. Bar = Son of, and Abba = Father. His first name was Yeshua = Salvation, son of the Father is the meaning of the name. He had the title--but not the reality. He was the one guilty of serious crimes--not Jesus.

This procedure is interrupted briefly when Pilate gets a note from his wife pleading for him to release “this righteous man” of which she had dreams about that very night. This gives the chief priests plenty of time to incite the crowd to demand the release of Bar Abba.

The next attempt to release Jesus was to have him scourged. There were two types of scourging: Jewish and Roman.

Jewish was 40, save one (39). The Mosaic law forbade more than forty lashes. The Jews would count 39 and stop in order to not err and give too many lashes. Jewish lashes were short leather that only hurt the person’s back. Painful but not deadly. The Apostle Paul survived five Jewish scourges.

Roman scourging had no limits on the amount of lashings. The lashes were long leather with a piece of glass or bone on the ends to inflict severe bodily harm. The long leather lashes would wrap around the entire body or face inflicting great harm. Many did not survive--Jesus would have been disfigured by this scourging. This fulfilled Isaiah 52.13-53.12 in that he was maimed and disfigured. He suffered greatly--and had already been pummeled twice before this.

Pilate hopes this will satisfy the mob and for the third time says he finds no reason to execute Jesus. He then tries to turn Jesus over the chief priests. They then change the sedition charge into Jesus proclaiming he is the Son of God.

Pilate speaks to Jesus in private urging him to speak because he can have Jesus executed. Jesus tells Pilate, “All power is delegated from above.” Jesus also tells him those who brought him here will be guilty of greater sin than Pilate.

Pilate makes a 5^th attempt to release Jesus. He is told if he releases this man that he is no “friend of Caesar.” Pilate responds by moving to the judgment seat in order to pass sentence. Why has this comment caused him to do this?

Pilate was in a difficult position because his good friend, Janus, who was captain of Caesar’s guard had got him this position. Later Janus was involved in a conspiracy to oust Caesar and proclaim himself as emperor. Pilate would have been under close scrutiny because he was Janus’ friend--he did not want to be accused of treason by releasing a man proclaiming to be a king.

He makes a final attempt to clear Jesus by bringing him out and proclaiming, “Behold your King!” The crowd responds by saying, “We have no king but Caesar.” Pilate makes no further attempt to release Jesus. He washes his hands in front of the mob saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood!” The crowd responds, “His blood be on us and our children!”

Only Matt mentions this in his gospel--he is the writer focused on the unpardonable sin. Notice they said, “Us and our children.” There is no mention of the 3^rd and 4^th generation. They will receive their wish in 70 AD when the temple and Jerusalem are destroyed.

Pilate and the gentiles are not absolved either. Only Pilate could have Jesus executed--he gave into the mob out of fear. Acts 3 points out his guilt--and the Apostle’s Creed. In 36 AD Pilate was disposed and banished to Gaul--he would later commit suicide--he paid his price.

Jesus is given the death sentence and Yeshua Bar Abba is released. A symbolic substitution takes place--an innocent will die in place of the guilty!


Notes from: The Life of Messiah from a Jewish Perspective by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum


 

THE TRIAL AND DEATH OF THE MESSIAH

15 Nisan after midnight, Friday morning

 

A. The Arrest - Mark 14.43-52; Matt 26.47-56; Luke 22.47-53; John 18.2-12
The foundational reason for Jesus’ rejection by the leaders was his rejection of oral law (Mishnah) and Pharisaic authority. In arresting and trying Jesus the leadership will break at least 22 of their own laws on how a trial should be conducted:

Laws of the Sanhedrin Regarding Trials

 
1. There was to be no arrest by religious authorities that was effected by a bribe. Exodus 23:8
2. There were to be no steps of criminal proceedings after sunset. - To prevent conspiracy. Sunset is official when you can see three stars.

3. Judges or Sanhedrin members were not allowed to participate in the arrest. - To keep them neutral, if they participated in the arrest they were taking sides.

4. There were to be no trials before the morning sacrifice. - All rituals must be completed.

5. There were to be no secret trials, only public. - Secret trials forbidden.

6. Sanhedrin trials could only be conducted in the Hall of Judgment of the Temple Compound.

7. The procedure was to be first the defense and then the accusation. Judges who argued for innocence were to speak before those who argued for guilt. Character witnesses were to come first.

8. All may argue in favor of acquittal, but all may not argue in favor of conviction. The accused should have at least one defender.

9. There were to be two or three witnesses and their testimony had to agree in every detail. Deuteronomy 19:15

10. There was to be no allowance for the accused to testify against himself. - To avoid suicide by a defendant who was innocent. Or the defendant might be trying to protect the person who did commit the crime.

11. The High Priest was forbidden to rent his garments. Leviticus 21:10 - The renting of clothes is a sign of emotions. The trial must be based on facts.

12. Charges could not originate with the judges, they could only investigate charges brought to them. - To keep them neutral.

13. The accusation of blasphemy was only valid if the name of God itself was pronounced.

14. A person could not be condemned on the basis of his own words alone. - Must be witnesses.

15. The verdict could not be announced at night, only in the daytime. - To avoid a rush to judgment after a long hearing.

16. In cases of capital punishment, the trial and guilty verdict could not occur at the same time but must be separated by at least 24 hours. - More info may come in.

17. Voting for the death penalty had to be done by individual count beginning with the youngest so the young would not be influenced by the elders.

18. A unanimous decision for guilt shows innocence since it is impossible for 23-71 men to agree without plotting. A minimum of 23 must be present--can 23 Jews arrive at the same opinion? Ha!

19. The sentence could only be pronounced three days after the guilty verdict. More time for info to come in.

20. Judges were to be humane and kind.

21. A person condemned to death was not to be scourged or beaten beforehand.

22. No trials are allowed on the eve of the Sabbath or on a feast day.
The arrest immediately violates the 1^st and 2^nd laws of arrest and trial. There was a bribe and it was evening. Judas knew Jesus often went to Gethsemane when in Jerusalem so he arrives with a large group including a cohort of Roman soldiers (400-600 men) and officers of the cheif priests and Pharisees. The high priest could not come as it was Passover eve and he must stay in the Temple compound or become unclean.
Jesus asks who they are looking for. They said Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus will reply twice that, “I am he.” They fell backwards first time. This falling backwards was because Jesus 1^st “I am He” meant he was Jehovah God. Falling backwards is a sign of judgment--not blessing. The 2^nd time Jesus answered “I am he” was for his humanity.

Judas’ kissing him had special meaning. A disciple kisses his rabbi several times on the cheek when he decides to accept the rabbi’s teachings and follow him. Judas was violating this teacher disciple unity in a most despicable way.

Peter draws a long knife (or sword) out and strikes off the ear of the High Priest’s servant. Only Luke points out that the ear was healed. Perhaps the disciples who wrote the other three gospels just were not impressed because they had seen so many other great miracles--but to Doctor Luke it was a great healing! This healing saved Peter’s life.

Now Jesus teaches Peter and us three things:

1. All who live by the sword die by the sword--the sword is not for defense of, or establishing the faith. It can be used for self defense or defense of the state--but we turn the cheek for the faith--and some become martyrs if necessary.

2. Jesus has legions (3000-6000) of angels at his disposal--he does not need the sword of man to defend him. We are only to use the sword of the word of God for spiritual warfare.

3. This arrest, trial, and death are essential for the fulfillment of scripture--he will do no more to defend himself.

Mark adds an incident of a young man fleeing naked from the scene. The person was most likely Mark. This was a form of writing that identified the writer of the story--they would insert themselves in and say, “a certain person” did so and so. See, John in his gospel.

Notes from: The Life of Messiah from a Jewish Perspective by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum