No Compromise! Parashat Ha'Azinu | Sukkot 2020 | By His EVERY Word

2020 Holiday Calendar 

Yom Kippur / Day of Atonement

Erev Yom Kippur 9 Tishrei 5781 | Twilight, Sunday, 27 September — Twilight, Monday 28 September 

Sukkot / Feast of Tabernacles 

Erev Sukkot 14 Tishrei 5781 | Twilight, Friday, 2 October — Twilight, Friday, 9 October (Hoshana Raba)

Sh'mini Atzaret (Eighth Day Special Sabbath)

Shmini Atzeret 22 Tishrei 5781 | All Day Saturday, 10 October — A Special High Shabbat

Shabbat | 28 September 2020 | 7 Tishrei 5781

As we draw to a close another year's rotation of reading through the Scriptures, His Word becomes ever more precious. 

In the encroaching darkness, His glorious light is indeed our wisdom, our understanding, and our lifeline, as this week's portion says:

"Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe and to do carefully, even all the words of this law. For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life." Deuteronomy 32:46-47

 

His light reveals that there are no grey areas for His children.

 Live in His light, or perish with the world. 

The year 2020 has encompassed trials those of us in the western world have had little prior experience with. A perfect storm perhaps, of disasters, on nearly every level. As believers, the tsunami of lawlessness, palpable hatred and rage (spawned largely by gross deception), and the unceasing vulgarity permeating every sector of culture makes the heart grow sick. 

Many parts of America have been hit with unprecedented natural disasters, while a virus—manipulated by China for “gain of function” and unleashed throughout the world, continues to burn through our population.

A useful tool for China, SARS-CoV-2 is even more useful as a political weapon in America’s grievous cultural war. 

The blame for every death is laid at the feet of President Donald J. Trump. 

Why? 

First and foremost, his Administration threatens abortion on demand. 

(Surprisingly) he is the most pro-life president the U.S. has seen since Roe v. Wade. 

There are more issues: Globalism, Marxism, etc., but all on the left unite to preserve abortion “rights” with every fiber—and utilizing every tactic—especially irreconcilably polarizing America. 

In order to use the pandemic as a weapon, every treatment has heinously been denied to Americans. 

This is something one would never believe could occur in America. Early on, President Trump brought encouraging reports to the attention of the public regarding doctors using HCQ, zinc and Zpak. 

While patients were dying elsewhere with no treatment other than being put on a ventilator (which carried much risk of its own), their patients did not need hospitalization, and recovered. They had relied on peer-reviewed research done in 2005 and published by the NIH/NIAID (under Dr. Fauci) after the SARS 1 outbreak in which the malaria medication that had been in worldwide daily use for decades (for off label as well as malaria) was found to be efficacious for the SARS virus in treatment—and recommended to be used for prophylaxis. (This, the Trump Administration as well as MANY others in public life have used faithfully ever since—just as recommended, and TRIED to bring to the American people.)

In a normal world, this news would have been received with MUCH celebration! Instead, Dr. Fauci was dishonest—acted like he had never heard of it—derided it as “anecdotal,” and the mainstream media initiated a relentless campaign AGAINST A SAFE AND EFFICACIOUS TREATMENT FOR THIS DREADED DEADLY VIRUS!  Finally, a FALSE report appeared in a prestigious medical journal that said this medicine that was safe until it’s name was uttered by the President for 65 years was deadly! So the FDA put out warnings against it — But ONLY AGAINST IT BEING USED TO SAVE PEOPLE WITH COVID! 

Almost immediately, the medical journal revoked the article as it was proven to be false, but the FDA has kept the warning up in spite of a plethora of doctors, researchers and epidemiologists FIGHTING to have their successful studies published and America to start USING THIS SAFE TREATMENT!

Instead, for political reasons, the FDA KEEPS A FALSE WARNING ON HCQ, Americans keep dying and our economy teeters precipitously on the edge of the cliff ...

Churches remain closed and Christians are ARRESTED for worshiping outdoors(!) while savage anarchists are ALLOWED to commit arson and violence in our streets...

It is likely that even more trying times are ahead. 

What is to come of this? Adonai alone knows.
We need to trust in Him...in Him alone.

It is all biblical — In proportion and prophecy.

Yet His Word is replete with encouragement, and His Spirit within able to make even the meek an overcomer.

Yeshua told us that “the way is narrow that leads to life...”


The word narrow in Greek is θλίβω thlibō. 
It means “trouble, afflict, to press hard (as grapes), suffer tribulation.

Which is consistant with other promises: 

“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” 
John 16:33

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 
2 Timothy 3:5

The Festival of Sukkot reminds us of our utter dependance upon YHVH, and that this world is not our home. 

Houses built of brick and mortar give the illusion of security, but they, too, will perish with the new heavens and the new earth. 

We, like the great saints of the Hebrews 11 roll call of faith, as aliens and strangers, must hold loosely to the things of this world. 

Whether in plenty or in want, let us hold fast to that which is eternal and lift the Name of the LORD!

"Let my teaching drop as the rain, 

My speech distill as the dew, 

As the droplets on the fresh grass 

And as the showers on the green plants.

For I proclaim the name of the LORD; 

Ascribe greatness to our God!

The Rock! His work is perfect, 

For all His ways are just; 

A God of faithfulness and without injustice, 

Righteous and upright is He."

Deuteronomy 32:2-4

The Feast of Booths—Sukkot

Leviticus 23:34-44 | Zechariah 14:16-21

When I met my wife, my education in the Old Testament was sorely lacking. Sarah and I have sometimes mused over why our Lord would bring two people of such diverse backgrounds together—she being Jewish and me a Gentile. Not to wonder so much any more, however. One reason for certain is that Adonai has used this woman’s love and knowledge of the Old Covenant to fill in so much of what I did not give enough attention to in the past. And the joy of that impartation never stops as I am introduced to more and more...

As the sun sets on October 2nd, and for eight days following, Sukkot/the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths, is to be celebrated. This is an event that is recognized and honored around the world by most Jewish people. Whereas this once had no significance for me as a Gentile, it now does, and has for several years. And here in part is why.

Sarah had educated me regarding having a booth in our backyard and has now reminded me that it is once again time to get with the construction. It will be a three-sided, structure with a roof through which the stars can be seen. We will sometimes eat our meals in it and perhaps even sleep there a night or two. Sounds like a great “camp out,” but what heavenly significance  does this have for me? Well, with a little direction from this family’s Jewish sector it is time once again to review some spiritual truths.

Let’s start in Leviticus 23. There, as Moses is continuing to receive the Law, Adonai delineates seven holy convocations that the Jewish nation is to celebrate. They are called the “LORD’s appointed times” with His people. They were instituted in the wilderness and carried on through Jewish history, right up to this very time in our history. Each of these celebrations is intended to be a special time of meeting with God. 

“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, 

‘The LORD’s appointed times 

which you shall proclaim 

as holy convocations—My appointed times are these...”

v.2

• Passover (Pesach)  Commemorates the Israelites deliverance from slavery in Egypt through the blood of the Passover lamb. Yeshua came as the Passover Lamb who took away the sins of the world. vs. 4-5
• Unleavened Bread (HaMatzot)  Commemorates how the Israelites were brought out of   Egypt in a hurry. vs. 6-8
• First Fruits  Commemorates the dedication of the harvest to the Lord. vs.9-14
• Pentecost (Shavuot)  Commemorates the receiving of the Torah (the birth of the People Israel), and the receiving of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church. vs. 15-22
• Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah, Yom HaTeruah)  Signaled the beginning of the civil New Year. It prophetically looks toward the two resurrections of the righteous dead, and the final return of Yeshua to the sound of the Trumpet. vs.23-25, 1 Cor. 15:52, 1 Thess. 4:16, Matt. 24:31
• Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)  Atonement was made for all the sins of the entire congregation of Israel. vs. 26-32

• Feast of Booths or Tabernacles (Sukkot)  This is a time to remember God’s care of His people during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness.  This Feast has been seen as Messianic by the Jewish People. Psalm 118 is among the holiday liturgies: Note specifically verse 25, “Save us, we pray, O LORD!" ("Hosanna!") This would be proclaimed as water was poured from golden pitchers on the Temple steps by the priests. Yeshua came offering the gift of living water, and on the last day of this great Sukkot celebration, He cried out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" John 4:10, 7:37-39

The Feast of Booths or Tabernacles is an eight day celebration, initially established to remember the Lord’s provision in the Fall harvest (v.39) and His deliverance of Jacob’s people from Egyptian bondage (v.43). Added by those same people into this concept of God’s care was His provision for the people during their forty years of wandering, something not initially intended. This feast is so important in Adonai’s thinking that it will be re-instituted in the Millennium. Zechariah 14:16

So now one may ask, “How is this particular celebration significant for me?” 

Well first, it reminds me of God’s faithfulness to His people, and that His people are to recognize that faithfulness through substantive actions. That translates for me today in understanding that God is my faithful provider and that I in turn am to be a thankful and productive servant of His. 

Second, this celebration reminds me that disobedience to God’s Word brings consequences. Though this was to be a perpetual act (Leviticus 23:41) it fell by the wayside in the days of Joshua and was not reinstituted until Nehemiah’s return from exile. Nehemiah 8:17

Not celebrating this observance never served Israel well and indeed was just one more sin that led to her eventual downfall. 

Translation? Disobedience to God’s instruction will bring negative results.

Be Ye Joyful!

A third thing that simply has to be so self-evident is that obeying God is joyful! For the Israelite of the Old Covenant the Feast of Tabernacles meant a week’s worth of celebration and time away from the usual rigors of the agrarian life. And for the males it meant a trip to Jerusalem to present themselves to the Lord. Deuteronomy 16:16 

Adonai actually commands celebration and joyfulness—not only for the Israelite, but the Gentile as well. “...and you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter and your male and female servants and the Levite and the stranger and the orphan and the widow who are in your towns.” Deuteronomy 16:14

One really must visit Jerusalem during Sukkot to appreciate the celebrating of it today.

I’m still working on my wife for that one. Christians from around the world come together for enormous worship services and have grand processions down the thoroughfares with banners proclaiming Yeshua, as well as their solidarity with Israel and the Jewish People. And the Jewish People  themselves construct elaborate and decorative sukkot (plural for sukkah) in every available space—even apartment balconies become sukkot! 

The atmosphere is charged equally with celebration and reverence as neighbors, family and friends share meals, liturgy, and blessings during this festival of ingathering—a tiny taste of the final ingathering we can all look forward to! 

This week the Feast of Tabernacles will be celebrated around the world in different ways. With no Temple standing certainly there will be no animal sacrifices—189 animals in the Temple sacrifices for that one week. (Numbers 29:12-38) Some folks will build a sukkah (booth), or enjoy a community sukkah provided by friends or their local synagogue or congregation. Some will take most of their meals in their booth. Some may choose only to sleep a night or two in it under the stars so easily seen through the preplanned openings in the roof of palm fronds. Others may spend as much time as possible in their temporary shelter, inviting friends, and engaging in daily prayers, Bible readings, and traditional blessings. Messianic and Orthodox Jews are generally in this latter group, and their children look forward to "tabernacling with the Lord" in this unique and festive way each year.

The rhythm of these seven feasts—and two later additions not mentioned here (Purim and Chanukah, neither of which are commanded in Leviticus 23)—is a rich, enlightening, and blessed means of meeting up with our Creator, and simply enjoying who He is and what He has for us. 

Whether Jew or Gentile (or neither as Paul says—Galatians 3:28) be encouraged to partake of each of these feasts. In doing so one can’t help but grow further in the grace and the knowledge of both the God of the Old and New Covenant and be a better vessel for His service.   

May yours be a blessed and joy-filled celebration of the Feast of Booths this year! 

Shabbat Shalom!
In Messiah's Love,

His EVERY Word Ministries

Yom Teruah | The Prophetic Fall Moedim Begin! | Taking a Deeper Look at Torah and Grace

The Prophetic Fall Holy Days Begin!

Adonai’s Moedim (“Appointed Times,”) found in Leviticus 23 paint a profound prophetic picture and set the cyclical rhythm revealing the glorious Redemption Story. 

In the Spring moedim we find amazing prophetic fulfillment with the coming of Yeshua, Messiah, our Passover, the Lamb of God! 

Yeshua is also the First Fruits of Resurrection, our  forerunner in the Great Resurrection promised to all who hope in Him.

 In Shavu'ot, we find the birth of the ekklesia (“church” or “congregation”) in Jerusalem—a parallel to
the birth of the ekklesia at the foot of Mount Sinai—an event also attended by fire!

The Fall Moedim hold the expectation of Yeshua's return and the final ingathering, the restoration of all things!

Yom Truah יום תרוה —Day of Blowing Trumpets / Rosh Hashanah—Head of the Year (traditional)

1 Tishrei 5781 | Friday, September 18 at twilight—Sunday, September 20 at twilight
(The civil Hebrew calendar changes from 5780 to 5781)

This is a High Sabbath, falling on the weekly Sabbath.  (Leviticus 23:23-25)

"In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a Sabbath, a reminder with loud blasts of trumpets, a holy convocation." Lev. 23:24

The blast from the shofar is a call to wake up from your slumbers and prepare! It may be your King is soon to arrive ... it may be war. 

It may be time for the judgment of the world!

We are surely in trying times, yet most of us sleep.

Many are "at ease in Zion," self-concerned, self-absorbed, building our own kingdoms.

Yet a heavenly shofar blasts: "Remember!"

Remember what?

Watch! Pray! Live with expectation of His imminent return!

Are you ready? 

Do YOU hear the sound of the shofar?

The Prophet says:

Seek the LORD while He may be found;

Call upon Him while He is near.

Let the wicked forsake his way

And the unrighteous man his thoughts;

And let him return to the LORD,

And He will have compassion on him,

And to our God,

For He will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:6,7

As we enter the Yamim Noraim, ימים נוראים
the 10 Days of Awe from the Feast of Trumpets 

(traditionally known as Rosh Hashanah) 

to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, 

may we seek the LORD 

and turn from any ways 

that trample underfoot His glorious Name 

or the testimony of His holiness. 

Let us rejoice in His gracious forgiveness!  

Who is a God like You, 

who pardons iniquity

And passes over the rebellious act 

of the remnant of His possession?

He does not retain His anger forever,

Because He delights in unchanging love.

He will again have compassion on us;

He will tread our iniquities under foot.

Yes, You will cast all their sins

Into the depths of the sea.

You will give truth to Jacob

And unchanging love to Abraham,

Which You swore to our forefathers

From the days of old.

Micah 7:18-20

The Lord bless you!

His EVERY Word Ministries

If you are a follower of Yeshua, Jesus, you likely love the Word of God. Yet there is a nagging tension with regards to the "whole" Word, meaning THE LAW. We fight not to have the Ten Commandments plaques removed from public places, yet we are uncomfortable with the fourth—the Sabbath. Do we have the authority to redesign them to the Nine Commandments? That doesn't feel right either, does it? We celebrate holidays that are not in the Bible, that we know began with pagan religions—we have adapted them to Christianity, and we feel God is alright with that—even Halloween, which was and still is a dark, satanic observance. Yet, we are absolutely certain God rejects outright BIBLICAL observances as listed in the Old Testament and freely call people who do heretics and legalists. Hmm..

Maybe it's time to take another look at this traditional tension. Maybe God will shine new light for us through His Word, His Spirit and His overwhelming Love...

Please click here for the article and scroll up: https://spark.adobe.com/page/uX5FetSqtyG9O/

Discovering the Entire Redemptive Plan in the First Word of the Bible!

Blessings and Curses | Parashat Ki Tavo | By His EVERY Word

Parashat Ki Tavo / פרשת כי־תבוא

“When You Go In”

Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8

Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-60:22

B'rit Chadashah: Ephesians 1:3-6, Revelation 21:10-27

Shabbat | 5 September 2020 | 13 Elul 5780

Portion Ki Tavo ~ Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8

Blessings and Curses

A cursory read through this week’s portion invariably leaves a sober imprint of the verses regarding God’s promise of blessings for obedience, and especially His dire warning of curses for disobedience. 

Here we find Israel coming into Adonai’s chosen land. Through this tiny people—the “least” among nations, the Almighty would reveal Himself and work His redemption for the world. From Jerusalem, where Adonai has placed His Name forever, His glory, holiness, justice, lovingkindness, and mercy would be made manifest to the nations. All this through Israel, even in her fall. “For salvation (Yeshua in Hebrew) is from the Jews.” Deut. 7:7, 1 Kings 9:3, 2 Chron. 7:16, John 4:22 

All redemptive prophecy begins and culminates with and through Israel. 

Yeshua (Jesus) is not a new paradigm, separate from the people of His lineage. Right up to very end, throughout the book of Revelation, He is the [Passover] Lamb, “the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David.” He Himself proclaims: “I am the root and the descendant of David.” Revelation 5:5, 22:16

There is a grave misunderstanding among those who love Jesus. This week’s portion throws a spotlight on Scriptures that often compounds this misunderstanding. 

We must understand that every kingdom has a king. And every kingdom has laws, regulations, and statutes that identify it uniquely among the nations.

YHVH is God Almighty over all kings and kingdoms. His ways are beyond ours—high and lifted up—wisdom surpassing the wise—lovingkindness, grace, mercy, and justice in unfathomable measure. And He is holy, holy, holy. 

Into a barbaric world, He desires to show His attributes through Israel

“See, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it. So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?” Deuteronomy 4:5-8 

Israel was already a “redeemed” people, “chosen by God’s grace,” “set apart” for His purposes. 

The “Law,” or Torah was two-fold:

1. Torah means teaching. It taught God’s people HOW to live as a redeemed people—that the world would learn of the One True Living God and His Kingdom.
2. It contained the system for a temporary remedy for sin until Messiah, the final sacrifice, and the end of the sacrifice system. (And transition to the new priesthood.)

Consistently throughout the Scriptures, obedience to God’s commandments carried with it the issue of relationship, love, faithfulness, and earthly promises so that the nations would see His goodness. Disobedience was tantamount to infidelity (in the sight of the nations—mocking His Name—and idolatry, whoring with other Gods. This reaped earthly disaster.

God pleaded with Israel to be faithful and live under His protection and blessing. 

“This day the Lord your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have today declared the Lord to be your God, and that you would walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments and His ordinances, and listen to His voice. The Lord  has today declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, for praise, fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the Lord your God, as He has spoken.” Deuteronomy 26:16-19

“Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God; Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country…” Deuteronomy 28:1-3

Disobedience—unfaithfulness to God, was a conscious choice. Knowingly turning one’s back on the goodness of God while living in His Kingdom was folly. 

(Like living in a country illegally, taking the benefits, but not abiding by its laws. Yet far worse, considering this is God Almighty who bestowed His Kingdom and untold blessings upon us!) YHVH clearly delineated the spiritual laws of His Kingdom—as real as the physical laws of our world. If one jumps off a building, he is subject to the laws of gravity.

“But it shall come about, if you do not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country…” Deuteronomy 28:15-16

The Tenakh is replete with such warnings. And yet, we are told that the accounts in the Old Testament happened as an example and were recorded FOR US, FOR OUR INSTRUCTION. 1 Corinthians 10:11 

So where does this idea come from... that after YHVH spent the lion’s share of the Bible using Israel (and severely punishing her) TO INSTRUCT US on how important His commands are TO HIM ... and Jesus reiterated the authority of Torah in Matthew 5:17-20 ... and Paul said the Law is “holy, and just, and good,” ... the Law “is spiritual” (Romans 7:12,14) ... we “establish the Law” (Romans 3:31), etc., ...that God suddenly did away with His Torah for the life of the redeemed who carry His Name?! Where DOES this idea come from?

I propose He didn’t. We change and waver, but He is trustworthy, unchanging, immutable. “For I, the LORD, do not change…” Malachi 3:6

“The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.” Psalm 33:11

Blessed be His Holy Name, forever, amen!

Shabbat shalom!

His EVERY Word Ministries

Up on the Roof | Parashat Ki Teitzei | By His EVERY Word

Shabbat | 29 August 2020 | 9th Elul 5780

Torah: Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1-10

Brit Chadashah: Matthew 5:27-30; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5

In last week's Parashat, Shoftim (Judges), YHVH impressed the high concept of justice upon His people, Israel.  Justice is righteousness as it is an attribute of the Divine. Justice—Divine justice—will flow from His land, and be known among His people. 

"Justice, justice, shall thou pursue," (Deut. 16:20) is one of the many gifts of Israel to the world, even as it has been woven through the fabric of civilization, forming the bedrock of western judicial systems, while Israel's children have been denied that very same justice from the nations to which they were scattered. No nation has benefitted more (and until very recent times reflected more) from Israel, both spiritually and practically, than the United States.

This note from John Adams, second President of the United States expresses it well:
"I will insist that the Hebrews have done more to civilize men than any other nation. If I were an atheist, and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations. If I were an atheist of the other sect, who believe or pretend to believe that all is ordered by chance, I should believe that chance had ordered the Jews to preserve and propagate to all mankind the doctrine of a supreme, intelligent, wise, almighty sovereign of the universe, which I believe to be the great essential principle of all morality, and consequently of all civilization." Letter to François Adriaan van der Kemp, 16 February 1809

With Parashat Ki Teitzei, we see Adonai continuing to mold and shape His people to serve Him in His holy land. Many are His commandments, statutes, and judgments. Some are practical and wise (by our exalted intellectual standards!), some seem non-sensical, while others may offend our sensibilities. 

Somehow, His commandments, statutes, and judgments all express His love, justice, mercy, and grace—from His vantage point—from a place outside of time, with vision and knowing beyond anything we can comprehend. He cares about details. He loves His creation!

Consider how YHVH teaches Israel to be tender to their animals ... 

Deuteronomy 22:4: “You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fall down along the road, and hide yourself from them..."

This instills a sense of concern for the animal, not just doing a good deed in the sight of another man. God wants us to "see" what He sees, and our hard, selfish hearts to be spiritually circumcised—conformed to His own heart.

Deuteronomy 22:6-7: “If a bird’s nest happens to be before you along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, with the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall surely send the mother away..." 

We are not to take the eggs or young of a bird out of its nest without sending the mother bird away due to the stress it causes her. Adonai has formed the protective mothering instinct into each animal—He wants us to be aware of that. 

Deuteronomy 22:10: “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together."

Yoking two different animals together would be a hardship to the animals. 

Deuteronomy 25:4: “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain."

It is forbidden to prevent an animal from eating while it is working in the field.

In the barbaric ancient world, animals and people were simply worked to death. This detailed care and kindness was revolutionary! Animals are even to be given a Shabbat rest! Exodus 20:10

What Does a Parapet Have To Do With the Bible?

Another interesting commandment is found in Deuteronomy 22:8. Spending most of my life in the Southwest, I'm very familiar with traditional adobe houses with flat roofs. These are not unlike the ancient desert dwellings in Israel.

Much life takes place up on the roof—from drying grain, to sleeping on hot nights. A characteristic of nearly all flat-roofed dwellings is a small wall or facade around the perimeter—some simple, some elaborate.

This is a parapet, and they are even on roofs that are inaccessible for use—perhaps for the safety of an occasional worker—perhaps it is simply traditional design. But how did it come about?

Our loving Creator was concerned—like any parent. He gave instruction to His children, who have a tendency toward foolishness:

“When you build a new house, then you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring blood on your household if anyone falls from it." 

Incidentally, there is hint regarding the charge of manslaughter in this verse as well. Israel also defined the difference between intentional taking of life (murder) and unintentional (manslaughter) by the wisdom of her Creator.

Rules, Rules, Rules... Aren't We Freed From the Law?

“You shall not wear a material mixed of wool and linen together.”
Deuteronomy 22:11

More than once, in discussion with a pastor, I have found myself defending the place of the Mosaic Law in the life of the "church age" believer.

Frequently, when attempting to discuss the subject of whether or not Yeshua (Jesus) cancelled the Torah, I have been challenged with this question:

“Do YOU wear any clothing that contains two different fabrics? I’m sure you do. And if you do, YOU are not Torah observant yourself, are you?!” And with a goodhearted laugh, this weighty and deserving discussion is generally dismissed at that point.

However, when one actually LOOKS at the referenced texts found in Deuteronomy 22:11 and Leviticus 19:19, we find this old argument is without merit... and simply threadbare.

The Word itself—as always quite specific—is where we need to focus. The Hebrew word around which our argument centers is sha`atnez, and refers to a garment made by weaving linen and wool together.

Strong’s Concordance (Hebrew #8162) has this to say, in brief:

Mixed/material: shah·at·nāz' שַׁעַטְנֵז

  “linsey-woolsey” — cloth made by weaving linen and wool together

It is clear that the commandment found in either text is not speaking of all fabrics, but a specific mixture of wool and linen. Why does YHVH require this? While our Creator chooses not to make the answer to that question crystal clear, there are many suppositions.

In the end though, He is God Almighty. He has His reasons—even if it is as simple as calling His people to be separate and unique from a world that does not claim Him as their God. How could anyone think this too much to ask for all He has given us!

We like Matthew Henry’s commentary on this text:

“God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little, is such, that being found among the things of God's law, they are to be accounted great things. If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have respect to his will and to his glory, and not to the vain fashions of the world. Even in putting on our garments, as in eating or in drinking, all must be done with a serious regard to preserve our own and others' purity in heart and actions. Our eye should be single, our heart simple, and our behavior all of a piece.”

So, do I wear sha`atnez garments? No, not knowingly. I check the labels. I purpose to live my life, by His grace, according to His revealed Word. I do this not out out of fear of Divine punishment, or to enhance the glorious gift of salvation. No, I do this rather out of reverence and love for my Master.

As Yeshua said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” And His commandments are not for those in need of redemption. They are for the redeemed—those who love Him.

If there is a spiritual lesson to take away from this text, it is to grasp the serious error of mixing the profane with the holy—the base things of this fallen world and men’s traditions with the sacred ways of God. MIXTURE … COMPROMISE … ADULTERY …

Read the surrounding text, or context if you will, and see if you don’t agree.

God’s shepherds and teachers were to teach God’s people, “...the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

But how could they? God describes their spiritual condition vividly: “Her prophets are unprincipled; they are treacherous people. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.” Zephaniah 3:4

And again, we see this priesthood through the eyes of YHVH: “Her priests have done violence to My law and have profaned My holy things; they have made no distinction between the holy and the profane, and they have not taught the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they hide their eyes from My sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.” Ezekiel 22:26

These teachers had no regard for the Torah of Adonai, therefore, they did violence to HIS law, and profaned HIS holy things. They were not teaching God's people, “the difference between the unclean and the clean.” And by diminishing His Torah, the great “I AM” was profaned among His people.

Isn’t this exactly what Yeshua accused the pharisees of doing as well?

He didn’t correct them for obeying the Torah, but rather: “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men. ...You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.” Mark 7:8,9

Yeshua made it clear that He did not come to “to abolish the Law,” but to “fulfill.” Matthew 5:17

Strong’s Concordance explains what “fulfill” means from the original Greek: 

πληρόω plā-ro'-ō

• to carry into effect, bring to realisation, realise (sic)
• of matters of duty: to perform, execute
• to fulfil, i.e. to cause God's will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God's promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfilment

And just in case we are still vague on this point, Yeshua elaborates: “...truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:18-19

Clearly, heaven and earth have not passed away.

And it is just as clear that Yeshua does not intend His followers to diminish or disobey the Torah—or teach others to be like those pharisees who taught traditions of men rather than the commandments of God.

So this is our challenge. How do we respond when someone—perhaps even a church leader—is teaching or defending their belief in abandonment of obedience to the Torah?

First, respond in love. It was the Messiah who said, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

And this was recorded by the same apostle who later wrote, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3

Second, know your position. If you’re not sure how to answer, then don’t. Simply say you’ll get back to them later with the information—just be honest.

Then be a Berean. Study the “Law and the Prophets,” as Yeshua, Paul, and all the first century believers called the Old Testament Scriptures. Those are the ONLY Scriptures the Bereans had to test against what they had been taught by Saul, a Pharisee, now known as Paul the Apostle. Phil. 3:4-6

Third, share your position—with humility and much prayer that the Holy Spirit of God will be your teacher, and the teacher of your hearers as well. (1 John 2:27) We all have much to learn. Learn from them and may they learn from you.

Fourth, realize that the church tradition of abandonment of the Mosaic Covenant or Law is firmly entrenched in traditional Christendom. Sadly, many will never see the error in this. So, be patient, be gentle, and pray for enlightenment. Both for yourself and others.

Fifth, never forget that YHVH is sovereign, revealing Himself to those He wills, whenever and in whatever fashion He chooses. He has His plan for each and every one of us. Psalm 139:16

So be faithful to His Word. Study it, live it, proclaim it as you know best. 

And leave the rest to our magnificent God and King, Who is the same yesterday, today and forever!   

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Malachi 3:6

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness...” 2 Timothy 3:16

Oh, that we would hear His heart concerning HIS holy Word...

Shabbat shalom!
His Every Word Ministries