Christian Churches of God

[256]

律法和第四诫 [256]

(版本2.0 19981007-20050717)
第四诫讲的是关于安息日和休息的。它包括一周中的第七天、月朔、圣日、七年一次的土地安息日和五十年节。所有的这些节日都是和阴历天文历法相联系的,应该为了全人类的利益而遵守它们(马太福音2:27)。他们将被一起保留或者一切消失(歌罗西书2:16-17)。
Christian Churches of God
PO Box 369, WODEN ACT 2606, AUSTRALIA

(著作权 © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005 James Dailley )

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律法和第四诫 [256]

法命的梗概

存在着这样一些节日:每一周的安息日,每一个月的月朔,每一年的圣日,第七年的土地日,和五十年节恢复的安息日。所有这些节日都是受到指派的,应当遵守。

申命记5:12-15 12当照耶和华你神所吩咐的守安息日为圣日。13六日要劳碌作你一切的工 ,14但第七日是向耶和华你神当守的安息日。这一日,你和你的儿女,仆婢,牛,驴,牲畜,并在你城里寄居的客旅,无论何工都不可作,使你的仆婢可以和你一样安息。15你也要记念你在埃及地作过奴仆。耶和华你神用大能的手和伸出来的膀臂将你从那里领出来。因此,耶和华你的神吩咐你守安息日。(GLT)

出埃及记2:8-11当记念安息日,守为圣日。9六日要劳碌作你一切的工,10但第七日是向 耶和华你神当守的安息日。这一日你和你的儿女,仆婢,牲畜,并你城里寄居的客旅,无论何工都不可作,11因为六日之内,耶和华造天,地,海,和其中的万物,第七日便安息,所以耶和华赐福与安息日,定为圣日。(GLT)

安息日词义

安息日(犹太大辞典7676)这个词是停止或者休息的意思。它是指祈祷日(利未记23:2),休息和恢复的日子(出埃及记23:12)。这是上帝所创造的标记,它是第一个有记录的节日,是圣化的,有别于亚当的创造(创世纪2:2-3)。它是被为人类而设的(马可福音2:27 ),遵守它需要信仰。,被赐予真理(创世纪24;27)并引领其他人(创世纪24:48)的亚伯拉罕遵守了它(创世纪26:5)。以色列人通过对它的遵守证明他们是悔过的民族,是执行上帝律法的人。

通过这种休息我们展示了对上帝的信仰。遵守安息日这样的节日被视为是一种祝福(以赛亚书56:2-4;58:13;66;23;以斯拉记44:24;45:17;46:1,3-4,12)。以色列人因为 对这个节日的忽视而遭到谴责(以色亚书1:13;希伯来书17:21-27;以斯拉记20:12-24 ;阿摩司记8:5)。犹太人巴比伦之囚的时间长度是由对安息年和土地轮休的滥用而决定的。

作为符号和印记的安息日

安息日是第四诫中的内容,可在出埃及记20:8-11和申命记5:12-15中找到。按照第四 诫,安息日对我主上帝(耶和华神)来说是神圣的。在出埃及记一书中20:8我们读到:

出埃及记20:8-118当记念安息日,守为圣日。9六日要劳碌作你一切的工,10但第七日 是向耶和华你神当守的安息日。这一日你和你的儿女,仆婢,牲畜,并你城里寄居的客旅,无论何工都不可作,11因为六日之内,耶和华造天,地,海,和其中的万物,第七日便安息,所以耶和华赐福与安息日,定为圣日。(RSV)

这意味着每一个人,乃至家畜都要休息(申命记5;14)。

在每一周六天的时间里我们应该工作(申命记5:13),为了创造而忙碌、费心(创世记2:15),我们不该懒惰(2箴言3:6-11)。你用双手去做的一切,都应当尽你的全力(传道书9:10)。,有播种必有收获(加拉太书6:7)。

第七天是安息日。从亚当创造它的时候起,它就被算作礼拜六。所有的国家都将它规定为安息日,而安息日就是当今历法中的礼拜六。第七天始终处在不间断的循环中,不论在阳历还是在阴历中它都不能被改换到另一天。

新世界历法和它的变种是对律法核心的一种严重违反。世界历法是一种十二个月的、四季不断的历法,被分成相等的季度。它是四季不断的,因为它每一年都是如此。

如今我们的历法不是四季不断的,而是年度性的。它每年都在改变。这是因为通常365天是不能被一周中的天数所整除。同样它也不能被天文学阴历月份中的29.5天所整除。

这余下的一天便导致每一年通常都开始或结束于同一个周日。因此下一年必须开始于下一个周日。这样就要求每一年都需要一个新的日历。

从技术上说,我们的格里高里历法是一种周期顺序不同的十四日历法。从星期天这一天开始的日历和从星期一这一天开始的日历是不同的,对于所有七个周日来说均是如此。由于闰年的发生会改变这七个日历的任何一个,这样就增加了总数。

如果我们从日历中除去那一天,新年通常将开始于与前一年相同的那一个周日。这样我们便可以有一个四季不断的历法。

我们可以将一天从日历中除去而不偏离太阳的约365.24天的周期,只需将这一天看做是在日历续继之前的二十四小时的等待期。这些日历以外的天数也被称作“空白天数”或“插在中间的天数”,它们是不算作周日的。看上去最合理的做法是将它们作为节日,而这正是世界历法背后暗藏的基本原理的一部分。它和另外一些建议改变了亚当所创造的一周七天这种历法的顺序。这种七天的周期不符合阴历的月份,也不符合阳历的年份。

利未记23:32中写到,每一天的开始和结束是在晚上,而不是在半夜或早上。

利未记23:32你们要守这日为圣安息日,并要刻苦己心。从这月初九日晚上到次日晚上,要守为安息日。

第七天开始于一周中第六天的结束,即傍晚海上微光结束时,黑暗时的星期五〔参见文章月和天的开始(No.203)

这一点由保罗在使徒行记27:27中和米史拿所证实,米史拿是一部在公元2世纪完成的著作,追述了公元前二世纪的事情。参见第二章节,莫得,安息日 1:3,15:3。

在安息日上不可以买卖或工作以赚取盈利。这并不是说不能有任何活动。尼希米记录了在安息日的工作。

尼希米记10:28-31其余的民,祭司,利未人,守门的,歌唱的,尼提宁,和一切离绝邻邦 居民归服神律法的,并他们的妻子,儿女,凡有知识能明白的。29都随从他们贵胄的弟兄,发咒起誓,必遵行神借他仆人摩西所传的律法,谨守遵行耶和华我们主的一切诫命,典章,律例。30 并不将我们的女儿嫁给这地的居民,也不为我们的儿子娶他们的女儿。31 这地的居民若在安息日,或什么圣日,带了货物或粮食来卖给我们,我们必不买。每逢第七年必不耕种,凡欠我们债的必不追讨。

安息日制度必须被理解为代表着一种制度,这种制度对上帝的子民来说是特殊的。

主的律法和他救赎以色列之标志和印记很多,通过基督的供奉,伸展至所有在基督之内者(罗马书9:6;11:25-26).这些律法的标志和印记本作为主的选民之印记,保护以色列免于过度像崇拜(启示录 7:3).这在我们的活动和思想中是明显的(申命记6:8).

标记owth或ot是一个特殊的记号或图腾,用来提醒一个人的职责。安息日被列为上帝子民的标记。它是我们和使我们变得神圣的上帝之间的一个标记。

出埃及记31:12-14 12 耶和华晓谕摩西说,13 你要吩咐以色列人说,你们务要守我的安息 日,因为这是你我之间世世代代的证据,使你们知道我耶和华是叫你们成为圣的。14所以你们要守安息日,以为圣日。凡干犯这日的,必要把他治死,凡在这日作工的,必从民中剪除。

人们经常错误地认为:这里所指的安息日只是单个的每周中的安息日的复数形式。这是不正确的。安息日的含义被扩展至对所有月朔、圣日和整个50年节制度的带有经济意指的礼拜。“被处死”同时也指精神上的处死,它不断地使信守契约的人们免于陷入邪神崇拜。

安息日并不是上帝教会的专有标记,它也是那些已立约但尚未加入教会的人们的标记。如果它是那些被选出的人的标记,那么犹太教和遵守安息日的比尼教信徒和三位一体教信徒将是第一批获得重生的人中的一部分。但他们并不会获得重生。

第二个标记是逾越节和无酵饼节。

出埃及记13:9-10 这要在你手上作记号,在你额上作纪念,使耶和华的律法常在你口 中,因为耶和华曾用大能的手将你从埃及领出来。10 所以你每年要按着日期守这例。

赎罪日是立约的人们的另一个标记(利末记16:29-34)。对不能赎罪者的惩罚是从上帝的子民中将他除名;也就是说,将他从教会以色列的立约体中除名(利未记23:29;罗马人书9:6-8)。

利未记23:26-32 26耶和华晓谕摩西说,27七月初十是赎罪日,你们要守为圣会,并要 刻苦己心,也要将火祭献给耶和华。28当这日,什么工都不可作,因为是赎罪日,要在耶和华你们的神面前赎罪。29当这日,凡不刻苦己心的,必从民中剪除。30凡这日作什么工的,我必将他从民中除灭。31你们什么工都不可作。这在你们一切的住处作为世世代代永远的定例。32你们要守这日为圣安息日,并要刻苦己心。从这月初九日晚上到次日晚上,要守为安息日。(RSV)

赎罪日也被用来宣布禧年,因为禧年是上帝控制人们在地球上的行为的体系基础。这是守安息日礼的安息日,强调的是它的神圣性。后面我们还将讲述关于禧年在精神上的重要性。

利未记25:8-12 8 你要计算七个安息年,就是七七年。这便为你成了七个安息年,共是 四十九年。9 当年七月初十日,你要大发角声,这日就是赎罪日,要在遍地发出角声。10 第五十年,你们要当作圣年,在遍地给一切的居民宣告自由。这年必为你们的禧年,各人要归自己的产业,各归本家。11第五十年要作为你们的禧年。这年不可耕种,地中自长的,不可收割,没有修理的葡萄树也不可摘取葡萄。12因为这是禧年,你们要当作圣年,吃地中自出的土产。

赎罪日被明确地排除在与施舍和个人祝福相关的供奉范畴之外。结矛节也是如此。这是因为这些节日与人类活动和努力无关。神圣的赎罪日特指的是人口财产调查日,在这一天将进行征税。

出埃及记30:11-16 主对摩西说,12 你要按以色列人被数的,计算总数,你数的时候 ,他们各人要为自己的生命把赎价奉给耶和华,免得数的时候在他们中间有灾殃。13凡过去归那些被数之人的,每人要按圣所的平,拿银子半舍客勒,这半舍客勒是奉给耶和华的礼物,一舍客勒是二十季拉。14凡过去归那些被数的人,从二十岁以外的,要将这礼物奉给耶和华。15他们为赎生命将礼物奉给耶和华,富足的不可多出,贫穷的也不可少出,各人要出半舍客勒。16你要从以色列人收这赎罪银,作为会幕的使用,可以在耶和华面前为以色列人作纪念,赎生命。

税费的收取是为了登记那些被选出的以色列人。税金的制定是对一切人都相同的,不取决于个人的条件。上帝在创造世界的时候就对以色列人进行了计算(启示录17:8)。并且耶稣基督一次性地缴纳了规定的税金(罗马人书6:10)。所规定的税金表明人类的被拯救不是按照个人的身体情况,而是通过基督的献身而一次性地支付的(希伯来书7:27;9:26;10:10;彼得前书3:18)。在赎罪日征收税金是对耶稣基督的牺牲的不崇敬。

正因为如此只存在三种杂税;这在出埃及记23:14-18;34:24中做了叙述,在申命记16:16 ;列王记下9:25中也有说明,并且它们应该在每个节日的第一天早晨之前征收。

出埃及记23:14-18 14 一年三次,你要向我守节。15 你要守除酵节,照我所吩咐你的 ,在亚笔月内所定的日期,吃无酵饼七天。谁也不可空手朝见我,因为你是这月出了埃及。16又要守收割节,所收的是你田间所种,劳碌得来初熟之物。并在年底收藏,要守收藏节。17一切的男丁要一年三次朝见主耶和华。18不可将我祭牲的血和有酵的饼一同献上,也不可将我节上祭牲的脂油留到早晨。(RSV)

第18节中“我节日中的脂油”是指我们在这时候所作的财政节日祭品。我们不可吃任何动物的脂油。

利末记3: 在你们一切的住处、脂油和血、都不可吃、这要成为你们世世代代永远的定例。

在创世记9:12中第一次利用了标记。彩虹是上帝许诺和契约的图腾标记,它意味着上帝不会第二次用水破坏地球。上帝总是运用那些和它有特殊关系的符号。

立约的人们的最初的和最重要的标记就是割礼(创世记17:10-14)。这是一种肉体上的烙 印。现在这种标记已经成为精神上的了,甚至对妇女也一样,从她们受洗礼开始(参见文章忏悔和洗礼(No。052))。一开始这只是一种意图(申命记10:15-17),但是需要上帝的参与。

申命记30:6 耶和华你神必将你心里和你后裔心里的污秽除掉,好叫你尽心尽性爱耶和 华你的神,使你可以存活。

洗礼和接受圣灵对于被选出的人是第一个标记,通过耶稣的血,进入人类的肉体(马太福音28:29;使徒行传1:5;11:16;罗马人书6:3;哥林多前书12-13;希伯来书)。这些律法 的标记,如安息日,欧洲复活节,是专门为了反对偶像崇拜而制定的(申命记11:6)。这两个标记是上帝在被选出的人们手上和额头留下的烙印。

和圣灵一起它们组成了最后的日子里的启示录7:3中的篇章。这样被选出的人的标记都被集中在第一诫中。基督说:“你们应该对你们的上帝忏悔,并且只能对它忏悔”(马太福音4:10;路加福音4:8)。按照圣经中的概念崇拜是我们的职责。

安息日是上帝教会的标记,但不仅仅是标记。最主要的标记是圣父。圣经的结构是以只有一个上帝为基础(哥罗西书8:4)。我们知道只有一个上帝(何西阿书8:2;13:4)。我们应该知道它(加拉太书4:8-9),和它的意志(使徒行传22:14)。

我们被命令区分上帝和它的基督(约伯记17:3),如果我们没有或没能做到这一点,我们将很惭愧(哥林多前书15:34)。理解耶和华,上帝的天使,是唯一的真正上帝是信仰的基础。

洗礼是第二个标记,是对圣灵的接受,是内在的印记。安息日是外在的标记,复活节的晚餐和逾越节也是上帝律法的标记。月朔和圣日也是这样。由于偶像崇拜的原因,人类拒绝接受安息日。

以西结书20:16-20 16 因为他们厌弃我的典章,不顺从我的律例,干犯我的安息日,他们 的心随从自己的偶像。17虽然如此,我眼仍顾惜他们,不毁灭他们,不在旷野将他们灭绝净尽。18我在旷野对他们的儿女说,不要遵行你们父亲的律例,不要谨守他们的恶规,也不要因他们的偶像玷污自己。19我是耶和华你们的神,你们要顺从我的律例,谨守遵行我的典章,20且以我的安息日为圣。这日在我与你们中间为证据,使你们知道我是耶和华你们的神。

由于偶像崇拜而导致安息日不被遵守。安息日包括在日历中规定的所有为上帝祈祷的日子,这些日子基于对月朔的正确遵守而制定出来的。上帝惩罚那些不服从他和不遵守他的律法的人们。

以西结书20:21-24 只是他们的儿女悖逆我,不顺从我的律例,也不谨守遵行我的典章(人 若遵行就必因此活着),干犯我的安息日。我就说,要将我的忿怒倾在他们身上,在旷野向他们成就我怒中所定的。22虽然如此,我却为我名的缘故缩手没有这样行,免得我的名在我领他们出埃及的列国人眼前被亵渎。23并且我在旷野向他们起誓,必将他们分散在列国,四散在列邦。24因为他们不遵行我的典章,竟厌弃我的律例,干犯我的安息日,眼目仰望他们父亲的偶像。(KJV)

安息日体系与第一诫和律法是不可分离的。那些不遵守上帝律法的人将受到上帝的惩罚(撒迦利亚书14:16-19)。

安息日系统是我们的忠诚的标记。放弃安息日意味着放弃上帝的希望。这就是我们今天遵守上帝的安息日而受到迫害的原因。

任何玷污安息日体系的人都将死亡(出埃及记31:14;民数记32:36)。安息日永远是上帝和以色列人的标志(出埃及记31:17)。这个单词一直是从犹太大辞典05769页翻译出来的,奥拉姆(Olam)是一个带有类似于永恒“容忍很久”的意义,一段长久的时间,永恒或者永远等等。

我们是新约的拥护者,保护律法的人,我们是以色列教会的成员(罗马书9:4)。

所有的安息日的准备工作都应在它到来的前一天进行完(出埃及记16:5)。要准备食物和吗哪。每个人都应严守自己的位置(出埃及记16:29-30)。在安息日那天他们应该休息, 不管他们是在耕地还是在收获庄稼(出埃及记34:21).主在安息日采摘穗的行动,被那些加入许多错误口头传统而使安息日成为一项负担者所谴责。

我们不可在安息日点上工业炉火煤作。这从出埃及记35:1 36:2清楚可见。第三节中所指的点火是与在第六个工作天日的重大筑工作有关,这在这息日是被禁止的。

出埃及记35:1 摩西招聚以色列全会众、对他们说、这是耶和华所吩咐的话、叫你们照着行。2 六日要作工、第七日乃为圣日、当向耶和华守为安息圣日、凡这日之内作工的、必把他治死。3 当安息日、不可在你们一切的住处生火。摩西对以色列全会众说、耶和华所吩咐的是这样.

我们必须在家中点火并喂养它,因为这在北部或极南的气候中是需要以取暖的。我们应为病痛或年老或那些有幼儿者点烯这些火。保持温暖并享受安息日。这是神的意思,而他的诫命不是一个负担(约翰一书 5:3; 以赛亚书43:23),但若错误运用以及我们的罪过(以赛亚书43:24)将会造成这样(路加福音11:46)

5你们中间要拿礼物献给耶和华、凡乐意献的、可以拿耶和华的礼物来、就是金银铜、;6蓝色紫色朱红色线、细麻、山羊毛、,7染红的公羊皮、海狗皮、皂荚木,8点灯的油、并作膏油、和香的香料9红玛瑙、与别样的宝石、可以镶嵌在以弗得和胸牌上。10“「你们中间凡心里有技能的都要来、作永恒主一切所吩咐的,11就是帐幕、帐幕的罩棚、帐幕的盖、钩子、框子、横木、柱子、带卯的座、;12柜和柜的杠、施恩座、和遮掩柜的幔子;13桌子、和桌子的杠、与桌子的一切器具、并陈设饼,14灯台、和灯台的器具、灯盏、并点灯的油;15香坛、和坛的杠、膏油、和馨香的香料、并帐幕门口的帘子; 16 燔祭坛、和它的铜格子、它的杠、和它的一切器具、洗濯盆、和盆座、; 17 院子的帷子、和帷子的柱子、带卯的座、和院子的门帘、;  18 帐幕的橛子、和院子的橛子、跟它们的绳子、; 19 编褶的衣服、在圣所供职用的、祭司亚伦的圣衣、和他儿子们供祭司职分的衣服.”20以色列全会众从摩西面前退去。21凡心里起意的、凡心灵自愿的、都来,把准备奉给永恒主的提献物带来、好做会棚工程的用处、做其中一切的使用,也可以作圣衣.22所以他们都来,有男人也有女人;凡心里自愿的、凡摇献金的金的摇献物给永恒主的人、都把饰针、耳环(或译∶鼻环)、打印戒指、手钏、各样金器、带来。23凡有蓝色紫色朱红色线、细麻、山羊毛、染红的公羊皮、海狗皮的、都拿了来。24凡献银子和铜、给耶和华为礼物的、都拿了来.凡有皂荚木可作甚么使用的、也拿了来。 25 凡有匠心之才的妇女也亲手纺线,把所纺的蓝紫色紫红色朱红色线和麻丝都带了来; 26凡有智慧心里受感的妇女、就纺山羊毛。 27 众官长把红玛瑙、和别样的宝石、可以镶嵌在以弗得与胸牌上的、都拿了来., 28 又拿香料作香、拿油点灯、作膏油。29 以色列人无论男女、凡心里自愿要带物品来供给永恒主由摩西经手所吩咐作的巧工的、都带了来、做自愿献的礼物奉给永恒主。 30 摩西对以色列人说、犹大支派中、户珥的孙子、乌利的儿子比撒列、耶和华已经提他的名召他、 31 又以 神的灵充满了他、使他有智慧、聪明、知识、能作各样的工.32 能想出巧工、用金、银、铜、制造各物. 33 又能刻宝石、可以镶嵌、能雕刻木头、能作各样的巧工。 34 耶和华又使他和但支派中、亚希撒抹的儿子亚何利亚伯、心里灵明、能教导人。 35 耶和华使他们的心、满有智慧、能作各样的工、无论是雕刻的工、巧匠的工、用蓝色紫色朱红色线、和细麻绣花的工、并机匠的工、他们都能作、也能想出奇巧的工。

出埃及记36:1 比撒列和亚何利亚伯、并一切心里有智慧的、就是蒙耶和华赐智慧聪明、叫他知道作圣所各样使用之工的、都要照耶和华所吩咐的作工。 2凡耶和华赐他心里有智慧、而且受感前来作这工的、摩西把他们和比撒列、并亚何利亚伯、一同召来。(RSV)

第35:6 至36:2解释所提的广泛工作,而火不可在安息日为它们而点燃。

上帝证明了他是安息日的上帝,不是通过指出安息日必须要遵守,而是通过指责安息日被遵守的方式。准备足够的食物在安息日吃是符合律法的(马太福音12:1-12)。

马太福音12:1-12 1 那时,耶稣在安息日,从麦地经过。他的门徒饿了,就掐起麦穗来吃。2 法利赛人看见,就对耶稣说,看哪,你的门徒作安息日不可作的事了。3 耶稣对他们说,经上记着大卫和跟从他的人饥饿之时所作的事,你们没有念过吗?4 他怎么进了神的殿,吃了陈设饼,这饼不是他和跟从他的人可以吃得,惟独祭司才可以吃。5 再者,律法上所记的,当安息日,祭司在殿里犯了安息日,还是没有罪,你们没有念过吗?6 但我告诉你们,在这里有一人比殿更大。7 我喜爱怜恤,不喜爱祭祀。你们若明白这话的意思,就不将无罪的,当作有罪的了。8 因为人子是安息日的主。9 耶稣离开那地方,进了一个会堂。10 那里有一个人,枯干了一只手。有人问耶稣说,安息日治病,可以不可以。意思是要控告他。11 耶稣说,你们中间谁有一只羊,当安息日掉在坑里,不把他抓住拉上来呢?12 人比羊何等贵重呢。所以在安息日作善事是可以的(圣经标准修订版)。

以上所列举的三段诗文是关于撒母耳一书21:6的,在这本书中写了大卫吃了一块禁止吃的面包(出埃及记25:30;利未记 11:1-8)。尤其是,教堂中的牧师们亵渎或使安息日庸俗化,而他们却并没有受到责备(马太福音12:5;民数记28:9-10;尼西米记13:7;以斯拉记24:21;约伯记7:22-23)。

 我们作为上帝挑选的人在安息日的工作是清白的。事实上在安息日人们所作的献身任何其它的日子都多。我们参加的某些活动可能会使我们受到谴责,并不是因为我们的积极。

基督也指示过关于医治病人。这应该在安息日进行。医治和养活病人和残疾人依着律法应在安息日进行(路加福音6:8-10;13:14-16;14:3;马太福音12:10-13)。

约翰福音7:23人若在安息日受割礼,免得违背摩西的律法。我在安息日叫一个人全然好了,你们就向我生气吗?

路加福音14:5 中提到在安息日处理紧急事务是很重要的。

这在事实上与在安息日进行治疗的概念有关。在安息日适当地照料病人和极贫困的人是一个很严肃的问题。那种在安息日单独吃饭的人是可耻的和不名誉的。人们应该在安息日尽可能地做一些有益于他们的兄弟姐妹的事。

马可福音3:1-5 耶稣又进了会堂。在那里有一个人枯干了一只手。2 众人窥探耶稣,在安息日医治不医治,意思是要控告耶稣。3 耶稣对那枯干一只手的人说,起来,站在当中。4 又问众人说,在安息日行善行恶,救命害命,那样是可以的呢?他们都不作声。5 耶稣怒目周围看他们,忧愁他们的心刚硬,就对那人说,伸出手来。他把手一伸,手就复了原。

在沟里的阉牛是一种没有预见到的情况,但我们应该提前做出一切事的计划。不应该让驴子负载过多(尼希米记13:15),大门也应该关上(尼希米记13:19)。这意味着我们应该回避甚至是工作的机会。我们不应该给自己过重的负担(希伯来书17:21),也不应将棍子收拾在一起(民数记15:32-35)。我们甚至不应该采葡萄,也不应把它榨成葡萄酒(尼希米记13:15)。所有的日常工作都应暂时停止一下。

在有所准备下,这些所有的日常工作在安息日可以及必须停止。我们甚至必须从思想中排除这些(歌林多后书10:5).

蓝色的衣服边和带子应该挂在我们的衣角处以此来提醒我们律法的存在。

民数记15:37-41 耶和华晓谕摩西说,38 你吩咐以色列人,叫他们世世代代在衣服边上作??子,又在底边的??子上钉一根蓝细带子。9 你们佩带这??子,好叫你们看见就记念遵行耶和华一切的命令,不随从自己的心意,眼目行邪淫,象你们素常一样。40 使你们记念遵行我一切的命令,成为圣洁,归与你们的神。41 我是耶和华你们的神,曾把你们从埃及地领出来,要作你们的神。我是耶和华你们的神。

这是你和你的耶和华神之间的私事。对它的忽视并不会像其它违反律法的行为那样会受到惩罚。它是一种要求,而不是用来做样子(马太福音23:5)。

也不可以买卖食物和陶器(尼希米 10:31和尼希米 13:15)。同时任何买卖的活动都是禁止的。

赎罪是安息日体系的目的之所指,生命将得到拯救(马克福音3:4;路迦福音6:9),并且拯救应该在任何可能的情况下进行(马太福音 12:11)。

我们学习掌握和遵守整个安息日体系,不是因为我们惧怕惩罚,而是因为我们热爱我们的唯一的真神。

约翰一书5:3我们遵守神的诫命,这就是爱他了。并且他的诫命不是难守的。

遵守安息日并不麻烦,但是应当在内心深处遵守它(以赛亚书56:2;4-7)。

以赛亚书56:2 谨守安息日而不干犯,禁止己手而不作恶。如此行,如此持守的人,便为有福。(KJV)

以赛亚书56:4-7 4因为耶和华如此说,那些谨守我的安息日,拣选我所喜悦的事,持守我约的太监。5 我必使他们在我殿中,在我墙内,有记念,有名号,比有儿女的更美。我必赐他们永远的名,不能剪除。6 还有那些与耶和华联合的外邦人,要事奉他,要爱耶和华的名,要作他的仆人,就是凡守安息日不干犯,又持守他(原文作我)约的人。7 我必领他们到我的圣山,使他们在祷告我的殿中喜乐。他们的燔祭,和平安祭,在我坛上必蒙悦纳。因我的殿必称为万民祷告的殿。(KJV)

安息日是令人愉快的,而不是悲伤的(以赛亚书58:13-14)。当所有的人都在上帝面前礼拜时,它就已得到遵守:从一个月朔到另一个月朔,从一个安息日到另一个安息日(以赛亚书66:23)。

在安息日不应带有任何沉重,也应将其带到耶路撒冷(希伯来书17:21)。在安息日尽情的欢乐吧,并把它带回上帝的家。在安息日不要从自己的家带出任何沉重的负担(希伯来书17:22)。任何私人的工作都禁止进行。安息日应该是神圣的,应与所有其它的日子区分开。

基督比教堂更伟大,因为我们比物质的教堂更伟大,因为我们即教堂(哥林多后书6:16),教堂是为我们建的(马可福音2:27)。因此我们应该遵守第七天安息日,我们应该为上帝这样做。这是关系到全人类的,是作为一种对以色列的考验(出埃及记16:18)。

 安息日是继承以色列国的前提条件,如果没有负担从城市的城门被带进来。在大卫的宝座上坐的应该是国王和王后。如果这种警告未被注意到,那么城市就会被烧毁.

(耶利米书17:27  但你们若不听从我,不以安息之日为圣日,仍在安息之日挑担子,进耶路撒冷的城门,那么我就必在它的城门中点起火来;这火必烧毁耶路撒冷的宫堡,总不熄灭。』」

)。多神教的教徒在苦恼时将嘲笑安息日(耶利米哀歌1:7)。因此,安息日就是那些与上帝在一起的人们不怕灾难的源泉和标志。玷污安息日就会带来国王和神甫的愤怒和惩罚(耶利米哀歌2:6)。

耶利米哀歌 2:6  他强取自己的帐幕、好像是园中的窝棚、毁坏他的聚会之处、耶和华使圣节和安息日、在锡安都被忘记、又在怒气的愤恨中、藐视君王和祭司。(RSV)

 安息日是为了快乐和高兴而被制定的。但是作为一种惩罚,安息日的欢乐被取消了(何西阿书2:11)。在安息日应保持正确的态度。人们必须等到它在黑暗结束时才进行生意。这将带入诚实、牺牲、贡献的态度(阿摩经书8:5)。常记得要做善事,要改掉所有人的缺点(路加福音13:10-16)。

在安息日进行割礼是合法的,让自己的心灵除去邪念,充满恩赐和圣灵也是合法的。在安息日我们以善良的公正心,相互批评指正缺点(约翰福音 7:12-24)。

以赛亚书56:2 谨守安息日而不干犯,禁止己手而不作恶。如此行,如此持守的人,便为有福。

我们认为那些遵守安息日的人,和信仰安息日的人是受上帝保佑的。我们读道:

耶利米书10:21 1 因为牧人都成为畜类,没有求问耶和华,所以不得顺利。他们的羊群也都分散。

那些没有仔细学习和认真服从这些话语的精神上的以色列牧羊人将会受到审判并且他们的羊也会被分散!对牧羊人亵渎律法行为的判决有可能是死刑。

在救世主以后的时期里,我们需要接受成年洗礼以让圣灵进入我们的体内及修复圣经。但安息日义务仍然存在。

希伯来书4:9-11 这样看来,必另有一安息日的安息,为神的子民存留。10 因为那进入安息的,乃是歇了自己的工,正如神歇了他的工一样。11 所以我们务必竭力进入那安息,免得有人学那不信从的样子跌倒了。

在第七天安息日应当休息仍然存在!我们这些被以色列教所洗礼并更新了与我们的上帝之间的立约的人将遵守它,停止我们的工作。

出埃及记31:12-18 耶和华晓谕摩西说,13 你要吩咐以色列人说,你们务要守我的安息日,因为这是你我之间世世代代的证据,使你们知道我耶和华是叫你们成为圣的。14 所以你们要守安息日,以为圣日。凡干犯这日的,必要把他治死,凡在这日作工的,必从民中剪除。15 六日要作工,但第七日是安息圣日,是向耶和华守为圣的。凡在安息日作工的,必要把他治死。16 故此,以色列人要世世代代守安息日为永远的约。17 这是我和以色列人永远的证据,因为六日之内耶和华造天地,第七日便安息舒畅18 耶和华在西乃山和摩西说完了话,就把两块法版交给他,是神用指头写的石版。

在未来,在上帝决定的时刻来临时,上帝将从这个国家中挑选人来成为神甫和利末人。他们及每一个人都要在安息日崇拜上帝。

 以赛亚书66:18-23 我知道他们的行为和他们的意念。时候将到,我必将万民万族(族原文作舌)聚来。看见我的荣耀。19 我要显神迹(或作记号)在他们中间,逃脱的我要差到列国去,就是到他施,普勒,拉弓的路德,和土巴,雅完,并素来没有听见我名声,没有看见我荣耀辽远的海岛。他们必将我的荣耀传扬在列国中。20 他们必将你们的弟兄从列国中送回,使他们或骑马,或坐车,坐轿,骑骡子,骑独峰驼,到我的圣山耶路撒冷,作为供物献给耶和华,好像以色列人用洁净的器皿盛供物奉到耶和华的殿中;这是耶和华说的。21 耶和华说,我也必从他们中间取人为祭司,为利未人。22 耶和华说,我所要造的新天新地,怎样在我面前长存,你们的后裔和你们的名字,也必照样长存。23 每逢月朔,安息日,凡有血气的必来在我面前下拜。这是耶和华说的。(RSV)

实际应用

应该将第七天安息日作为上帝的一个明确的诫命和十诫之一来遵守(出埃及记20:8-11;申命记5:12-25)。它们永远是所有的人不可违反的法令。安息日是神圣的,每一个玷污它的人,都将死去并被从上帝的子民中除名(出埃及记31:14-15)。第七天安息日被保留下来给那些圣经的拥护者们(希伯来书4:9,歌罗西书2:16-17)。第七天在每一周的第六天末开始,即从第六天的黄昏开始。它是从日落到日落(利未记23:29)。

EENT时期在http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.html中有所发表,或你可缠上红和蓝线或丝带,黄昏深时拿它对向西方;当你不能分辨颜色时,那将是黑暗了。以我们的眼力为定,这将很接近EENT的分布本地时间。

它是以色列人民永久的遗训,是他们和上帝之间永远的标记,认他为创造者(以斯帖记31:15-16)。所有真正的基督徒在精神上都是属于以色列的,所有的非犹太人最终也将来到以色列国。对玷污安息日的人的惩罚是死刑,并剥夺其圣灵,使其有待于第二次重生(启示录20:5)。

安息日是愉快的,被视为圣日。这一天并不是什么事也不做的懒散的快乐,而是神圣的集会(以赛亚书58:13-14)。这一天不应该进行任何工作(希伯来书17:21-22)。也不允许进行任何买卖活动(尼希米记10:31)(尼希米书13:15)。

月朔

以赛亚书66:22-23 耶和华说,我所要造的新天新地,怎样在我面前长存,你们的后裔和你们的名字,也必照样长存。23 每逢月朔,安息日,凡有血气的必来在我面前下拜。这是耶和华说的。

所有人类受指令出席内庭,并在安息日第七天以及安息日的月朔作敬拜。

以西结书 46:1-10 “主耶和华如此说、内院朝东的门、在办理事务的六日内、必须关闭、惟有安息日、和月朔、必须敞开。 王要从这门的廊进入站在门框旁边.祭司要为他预备燔祭、和平安祭、他就要在门槛那里敬拜.然后出去.这门直到晚上、不可关闭。  国中的人民呢、也要在这门口、在永恒主面前、当安息日和月初一来敬拜。4 安息日王所献与耶和华的燔祭、要用无残疾的羊羔六只、无残疾的公绵羊一只.5 同献的素祭要为公绵羊献一伊法细面、为羊羔照他的力量而献、一伊法细面加油一欣。 同献的素祭要为公绵羊献一伊法细面、为羊羔照他的力量而献、一伊法细面加油一欣。他要供备素祭,一伊法细面配合一只公牛,一伊法细面配合一只公绵羊;配合羊羔呢、要看人手头所能彀得着的,一伊法细面要加一欣的油。 王进入的时候、必由这门的廊而入、也必由此而出。 「在各制定节期上、国中的人民来朝见永恒主时候,那取道北门进来敬拜的、要从道南门而出;那从道南门进来的、要取道北门而出∶不可取道进入的门而返回;要一直向前走出去。 10 民进入、王也要在民中进入.民出去、王也要一同出去。(RSV)

上帝命令人们在第七天安息日和月朔日行礼拜(以斯拉记46:6,9-10)。

以西结书46:1-3 主耶和华如此说,内院朝东的门,在办理事务的六日内必须关闭。惟有安息日和月朔必须敞开。2 王要从这门的廊进入,站在门框旁边。祭司要为他预备燔祭和平安祭,他就要在门槛那里敬拜,然后出去。这门直到晚上不可关闭。3 在安息日和月朔,国内的居民要在这门口,耶和华面前敬拜。(KJV)

月朔的祭品甚至比安息日的祭品还多(以斯拉记46:4,6)。在它们之间没有区别。这两个日子都是神圣的,在它们到来时都不能进行贸易。

阿摩司书8:5 你们说,月朔几时过去,我们好卖粮。安息日几时过去,我们好摆开麦子,卖出用小升斗,收银用大戥子,用诡诈的天平欺哄人。(KJV)

和月朔相关的祭品对教会和以色列立法会来说有很重要的关系。如果不守月朔,就不可能明白上帝的日历(见上帝的历法(No。156))。现代的犹太人日历不正确并阻碍了恢复。在上帝的日历没有恢复以前,节日和月朔不可能被正确地遵守,因而恢复被耽搁了。只有恢复月朔,日历和节日才能被正确地遵守和理解。

在民数记10:10中,月朔是上帝的纪念物之一。

民数记10:10 在你们快乐的日子和节期,并月朔,献燔祭和平安祭,也要吹号,这都要在你们的神面前作为纪念。我是耶和华你们的神。

我们的上帝这是耶和华你的神。供奉在教堂中被完成。安息日,月朔和规定的节日没有被消除。我们不可附和那些在遵守月朔方面将我们带入负面判断者。

歌罗西书2:16-17  所以别在吃喝上、或年节月初一安息日的方面上、让人论断你们了。17 这些原是后事的影儿.那形体却是基督。

月朔节被视作撒巴特圣城或神圣的安息日。祭品被作为纪念物送来了,正如我们在上面所看到的。

民数记28:11-15 每月朔,你们要将两只公牛犊,一只公绵羊,七只没有残疾,一岁的公羊羔,献给耶和华为燔祭。12 每只公牛要用调油的细面伊法十分之三作为素祭。那只公羊也用调油的细面伊法十分之二作为素祭。13 每只羊羔要用调油的细面伊法十分之一作为素祭和馨香的燔祭,是献给耶和华的火祭。14 一只公牛要奠酒半欣,一只公羊要奠酒一欣三分之一,一只羊羔也奠酒一欣四分之一。这是每月的燔祭,一年之中要月月如此。15 又要将一只公山羊为赎罪祭,献给耶和华。要献在常献的燔祭和同献的奠祭以外(钦定英文圣经)。

我们从该段经文中知道,月朔应为每个月一次。对月朔节日的要求与对其他节日和安息日的要求一样。

历代志上23:31 又在安息日,月朔,并节期,按数照例,将燔祭常常献给耶和华(钦定英文圣经)。

月朔在安息日和其他节日之间。

历代志下31:33 王又从自己的产业中定出分来为燔祭,就是早晚的燔祭和安息日,月朔,并节期的燔祭,都是按耶和华律法上所载的。

在以斯拉记3:5中也记有:月朔被恢复了,两个主要的恢复当中包括月朔的恢复。

以斯拉记3:5 其后献常献的燔祭,并在月朔与耶和华的一切圣节献祭,又向耶和华献各人的甘心祭。

月朔是每个月的第一天或开始(民数记10:10;28:11)。阴历是圣民的标志。在出埃及记12:2中记载:其它民族是以太阳计算历法,而以色列则是以月亮计算历法(诗篇104:19)。在安息日和月朔我们应该休息,就象在阿摩斯书8:5中记载的一样。这是欢乐的日子。以前在圣日,月朔和安息日中存在的欢乐被除去了。

何西阿书2:11 我也必使她的宴乐,节期,月朔,安息日,并她的一切大会,都止息了。

这是由于不诚实和偶像崇拜导致的。上帝将惩罚他的子民,因为他们不守上帝的律法。最终上帝将剥夺这个国家的一切财富。

何西阿书2:12我也必毁坏她的葡萄树,和无花果树,就是她说,这是我所爱的给我为赏赐的,我必使这些树变为荒林,为田野的走兽所吃。

创世纪1:14中讲上帝在天堂中点亮了灯,规定了白天和黑夜,并以此作为季度的标记。月朔确定了节日的时期和顺序,从逻辑上说月朔在安息日之前(安息日是代表第七天行为的完成),而月亮则是从第四天开始。灯光被用来从黑暗中分出光 (创世纪1:18)。月亮给了世界光明。而太阳被用来描述基督。

玛拉基书4:2-4 但向你们敬畏我名的人,必有公义的日头出现。其光线有医治之能(光线原文作翅膀)。你们必出来跳跃,如圈里的肥犊。3 你们必践踏恶人。在我所定的日子,他们必如灰尘在你们脚掌之下。这是万军之耶和华说的。4 你们当记念我仆人摩西的律法,就是我在何烈山,为以色列众人所吩咐他的律例典章。

对耶稣的恐惧是对上帝律法的记忆。安息日和月朔商业活动中以同样的方式被对待。在月朔时也不许进行贸易活动,和安息日时一样。

阿摩斯书4:4-6 以色列人哪,任你们往伯特利去犯罪,到吉甲加增罪过。每日早晨献上你们的祭物,每三日奉上你们的十分之一。5 任你们献有酵的感谢祭,把甘心祭宣传报告给众人,因为是你们所喜爱的。这是主耶和华说的。6 我使你们在一切城中牙齿干净,在你们各处粮食缺乏,你们仍不归向我。这是耶和华说的。

每年有十二个月,或有十三个月,在每十九年中共有七次有十三个月的情况,就是出埃及记12:1中所要求的。日历的顺序在上帝的创造中是按天体来确定的。天体的运动和位置是确定日历的决定性因素。这种观点在圣经中被发展,并且是律法的中心问题。

诗篇104:19 你定了界限,使水不能过去,不再转回遮盖地面。

因此,决定性的因素是月亮而不是太阳。太阳只是用在计算每一天和每一年春分秋分的开始,这一点记录在出埃及记34:22中,它的意思是:

   1(a)经过的圆周,一段时间成宇宙,转折。

    1(b)在圆周上(作为一个副词)

对于以色列人和所有的北半球的人们来说,冬至点在十二月份,此时太阳到达最南边的纬度。在这个时候白天最短,一般出现在十二月二十一号或二十二号。夏至点出现在六月份,当太阳到达最北的纬度时。此时白天最长,一般出现在六月二十一日或者是二十二日。

回归年由365.24219天组成,朔望月由29.53059天组成。十九个回归年和朔望月的总数相近。事实上每一年的实际长度可能会因其他星球的引力而有几分钟的改变。同样在两个新月之间由于一系列的原因(包括来自太阳和月亮轨道交角的改变)也可能有几小时的改变。

整个周期有十九年。这个时期直接由月球确定,因为它们按季改变位置。所以周期由十九年组成。

一个月的开始从看至首个新月而定。这是极其不定的,它使到我们不可能发布一个包含确定圣日的日历。 请研读(月与日的开始(no. 203))一文作参考. http://www.ccg.org/english/s/p203.html

年在春天开始,第一个月的第一天在耶路撒冷时代从日月会合时建立。这个月是第一个月,有第十五天、被分类为满月的逾越节,跟随着春分。月朔可至昼夜平分点的十三天前。

逾越节若落在春分 [metaisemerian earinen] ,当太阳立在白羊座之后,得在尼散月(尼散十四日)满月时庆祝。这项解释在Eusebius Hist eccl. vii 32. 16-19有关犹太历法历史确定重要性的片段中被安拿多利斯例为是犹太当局一致的意见.菲罗和约瑟夫的声明也同意这点。若一个人在接近年终时发现逾越节将在落在春分前,在尼散月前置闰的行动将得重新分类。(Schurer, 犹太人在耶稣基督时期的历史First Divison, Volume II, Appendix III).

这重要的规则在经文中找不到。

这规则在1800年后仍被罗马天主教徒所遵守,用以确定他们的复活节。今年2005年,它在三月廿七日星期日与真正的摇捆日落在同一天。它们未有冲突,因为犹太人是迟了一个月,如在1997年一样。 (见‘为何逾越节在1997年这么迟?’ (No. 239)

那时,它迟了,是要容纳西伯来所指定,但在天文学上毫无意义的太阳的祝福。这是一个导致所有犹太人犯罪的现代传统。

在了解新年的开始方面,月在日月会合的开始,是关键性的。

年的开始在现代以色列中不依赖大麦的成熟。这在任可一年可有很多周的差异,并使到发布 一个包含有确定圣日的日历变得不可能.

这寻找迹象的行动,落入“寻找”新月或“寻找”满月来作为这些重要循环和日子的根据之的类别。目前,人民所用的大麦成熟的速度不同,并与古时的大麦极不一样。一些人实际上在受保护的环境中种植,以接近他们所设想的情况。即使是这些,一些情况也可改变他们所想要看到的效果。

挪亚进入而言关闭 (创世纪7:16) 但当水患结束时,他知道年的开始是何时,然后他将遮盖物打开 (创世纪 8:13). 这新年的开始之知识非根据看得到的迹象,而且肯定不是根据水患过后接近耶路撒冷的大麦收成。

今年(2005) 是循环中的第七年,而且是一个安息年;在这年,我们不种一年生植物。在千年,没有人将种植一年生谷类如大麦。故此,没有人将可在第七或五十年节的三月或四月看到看到青穗的状态。我们不需要这知识来监定年的开始,然后监定随即的节日和圣日。

至下一个五十年节的圣日日历在此发布:http://www.ccg.org/english/s/c3.html

实际应用

律法要求遵守月朔(民数记10:10;28:11-15;列王记上23:31;列王记下2:4,8:13,31:3)。在这时候,就象在安息日时一样禁止贸易活动(阿摩斯书8:5)。以色列遵守了月朔(以赛亚书1:13-14;以斯拉记3:5;尼希米记10:33;诗篇 81:3;何西阿书 2:11),正如教会数世纪以来所做的那样。教会将月朔与安息日和圣日一起加以遵守(歌罗西书 2:16)。救世主将月朔作为一个安息日来遵守,而现在守月朔对我们来说则是一种义务(以赛亚书。66:23。以斯拉记45:17, 46:1, 3,6)。

圣日和节期

每年的圣日在利未记23:1-44,民数记28:16-29:35和申命记16:1-6中有记载。在每年的这些圣日里必须进行敬神的集会(利未记,23:4)。它们是纪念的日子(利未记23:43),体现了上帝的拯救计划。

每年的圣日是:

逾越节(利未记23:7;民数记28:25);

无酵饼节最后一日(利未记23:21,民数记28:26);

圣灵降临节(利未日23:23;民数记2921);

号角节(利未日23:26;民数记29:7);

赎罪日(利未记23:35;民数记29:12);

结芦日(利未记23:35;民数记29:12)

最后的圣日(利未记23:36;民数记29:35)。

有三个每年都有的节日(出埃及记23:14),这些节日的时间都是设定的固定的(以斯拉记3:5;尼希米记10:33)。“设定的”这个词出自“mow`ed”,这个单词的意思是“规定的时间”,这个时间是不可以延误的。

第一个节日是无酵饼节,它有两个圣日组成:一月或尼撒月第十五天的逾越节和第二十一天的无酵饼节最后一日。逾越节的第三十六个钟点,包括主的晚宴以及第十五个餐不可在家里或你的大门之内进用。

申命记16:5-7在耶和华你 神所赐的各城中、你不可献逾越节的祭、6只当在耶和华你 神所选择要立为他名的居所、晚上日落的时候、乃是你出埃及的时候、献逾越节的祭。7当在耶和华你 神所选择的地方、把肉烤了吃.〔烤或作煮〕次日早晨就回到你的帐棚去。

这一餐是精神宣言的实质代表,即我们的父,伊罗亚,将与他的所有创物和解并救赎他们。

第二个节日是收获节或圣灵降临节(出埃及记23:16),是无酵饼节所在的那一周的第一天后的第五十天。

第三个节日是住棚节或收割节(出埃及记23:16;民数记29:12-40),是七月的第十五。

什一税体系与这些节日有关,并与整个50年节制度相配合。

申命记14:22-29 你要把你撒种所产的,就是你田地每年所出的,十分取一分。23 又要把你的五谷,新酒,和油的十分之一,并牛群羊群中头生的,吃在耶和华你神面前,就是他所选择要立为他名的居所。这样,你可以学习时常敬畏耶和华你的神。24 当耶和华你神赐福与你的时候,耶和华你神所选择要立为他名的地方若离你太远,那路也太长,使你不能把这物带到那里去,25 你就可以换成银子,将银子包起来,拿在手中,往耶和华你神所要选择的地方去。26 你用这银子,随心所欲,或买牛羊,或买清酒浓酒,凡你心所想的都可以买。你和你的家属在耶和华你神的面前吃喝快乐。27 住在你城里的利未人,你不可丢弃他,因为他在你们中间无分无业。28 每逢三年的末一年,你要将本年的土产十分之一都取出来,积存在你的城中。29 在你城里无分无业的利未人,和你城里寄居的,并孤儿寡妇,都可以来,吃得饱足。这样,耶和华你的神必在你手里所办的一切事上赐福与你。

第二项十一税的交付应该用于参加节日的人们。节日集会不应在家中或者村镇大门以内举行,除非距离很远,但逾越节除外(启示录16:5-7)

启示录12:21耶和华你神所选择要立他名的地方若离你太远,就可以照我所吩咐的,将耶和华赐给你的牛羊取些宰了,可以随心所欲在你城里吃。

那些没有准备过逾越节的人或那些在外旅游的人应该在第二个月过这个节(民数记9:6-12;列王记下30:2-4)。

民数记9:1-23 以色列人出埃及地以后,第二年正月,耶和华在西乃的旷野吩咐摩西说,2 以色列人应当在所定的日期守逾越节,3 就是本月十四日黄昏的时候,你们要在所定的日期守这节,要按这节的律例典章而守。4 于是摩西吩咐以色列人守逾越节。5 他们就在西乃的旷野,正月十四日黄昏的时候,守逾越节。凡耶和华所吩咐摩西的,以色列人都照样行了。6 有几个人因死尸而不洁净,不能在那日守逾越节。当日他们到摩西,亚伦面前,7 说,我们虽因死尸而不洁净,为何被阻止,不得同以色列人在所定的日期献耶和华的供物呢?8 摩西对他们说,你们暂且等候,我可以去听耶和华指着你们是怎样吩咐的。9 耶和华对摩西说,10 你晓谕以色列人说,你们和你们后代中,若有人因死尸而不洁净,或在远方行路,还要向耶和华守逾越节。11 他们要在二月十四日黄昏的时候,守逾越节。要用无酵饼与苦菜,和逾越节的羊羔同吃。12 一点不可留到早晨。羊羔的骨头一根也不可折断。他们要照逾越节的一切律例而守。13 那洁净而不行路的人若推辞不守逾越节,那人要从民中剪除。因为他在所定的日期不献耶和华的供物,应该担当他的罪。14 若有外人寄居在你们中间,愿意向耶和华守逾越节,他要照逾越节的律例典章行,不管是寄居的是本地人,同归一例。15 立起帐幕的那日,有云彩遮盖帐幕,就是法柜的帐幕。从晚上到早晨,云彩在其上,形状如火。16 常是这样,云彩遮盖帐幕,夜间形状如火。17 云彩几时从帐幕收上去,以色列人就几时起行。云彩在哪里停住,以色列人就在那里安营。18 以色列人遵耶和华的吩咐起行,也遵耶和华的吩咐安营。云彩在帐幕上停住几时,他们就住营几时。19 云彩在帐幕上停留许多日子,以色列人就守耶和华所吩咐的不起行。20 有时云彩在帐幕上几天,他们就照耶和华的吩咐住营,也照耶和华的吩咐起行。21 有时从晚上到早晨,有这云彩在帐幕上。早晨云彩收上去,他们就起行。有时昼夜云彩停在帐幕上,收上去的时候,他们就起行。22 云彩停留在帐幕上,无论是两天,是一月,是一年,以色列人就住营不起行。但云彩收上去,他们就起行。23 他们遵耶和华的吩咐安营,也遵耶和华的吩咐起行。他们守耶和华所吩咐的,都是凭耶和华吩咐摩西的。(RSV)

每一个人都应遵守逾越节,甚至那些在以色列住的外国人也应该庆祝逾越节(出埃及记12:48,49;民数记9:14)。

出埃及记12:29-51 到了半夜,耶和华把埃及地所有的长子,就是从坐宝座的法老,直到被掳囚在监里之人的长子,以及一切头生的牲畜,尽都杀了。30 法老和一切臣仆,并埃及众人,夜间都起来了。在埃及有大哀号,无一家不死一个人的。31 夜间,法老召了摩西,亚伦来,说,起来,连你们带以色列人,从我民中出去,依你们所说的,去事奉耶和华吧。32 也依你们所说的,连羊群牛群带着走吧,并要为我祝福。33 埃及人催促百姓,打发他们快快出离那地,因为埃及人说,我们都要死了。34 百姓就拿着没有酵的生面,把抟面盆包在衣服中,扛在肩头上。35 以色列人照着摩西的话行,向埃及人要金器,银器,和衣裳。36 耶和华叫百姓在埃及人眼前蒙恩,以致埃及人给他们所要的。他们就把埃及人的财物夺去了。37 以色列人从兰塞起行,往疏割去,除了妇人孩子,步行的男人约有六十万。38 又有许多闲杂人,并有羊群牛群,和他们一同上去。39 他们用埃及带出来的生面烤成无酵饼。这生面原没有发起,因为他们被催逼离开埃及,不能耽延,也没有为自己预备什么食物。40 以色列人住在埃及共有四百三十年。41 正满了四百三十年的那一天,耶和华的军队都从埃及地出来了。42 这夜是耶和华的夜,因耶和华领他们出了埃及地,所以当向耶和华谨守,是以色列众人世世代代该谨守的。43 耶和华对摩西,亚伦说,逾越节的例是这样,外邦人都不可吃这羊羔。44 但各人用银子买的奴仆,既受了割礼就可以吃。45 寄居的和雇工人都不可吃。46 应当在一个房子里吃,不可把一点肉从房子里带到外头去。羊羔的骨头一根也不可折断。47 以色列全会众都要守这礼。48 若有外人寄居在你们中间,愿向耶和华守逾越节,他所有的男子务要受割礼,然后才容他前来遵守,他也就像本地人一样,但未受割礼的,都不可吃这羊羔。49 本地人和寄居在你们中间的外人同归一例。50 耶和华怎样吩咐摩西,亚伦,以色列众人就怎样行了。51 正当那日,耶和华将以色列人按着他们的军队,从埃及地领出来。

他们的拯救包括非犹太人的拯救,或者说全人类。如果你受过洗礼并接受了圣灵,那么你就是洁净的。若我们洗礼并接爱圣灵,那我们就已净心及净洁。这包括所有妇女,他们不因自然的月经循环而被排除在主的晚宴或逾越节餐、安息日餐之外。

节日应该在上帝指定的地点庆祝(通过神甫)(申命记16:5-7)。应该吃无酵饼(出埃及记12:8;15-20;12:3,6;23:15,利未记23:6;民数记9:11;28:17;申命记16:3,4;马可福音14:12;路加福音22:7;使徒行传12:3;哥林多前书5:8)。对于忽视节日的惩罚是将人们从上帝的子民或集会中除名(民数记9:14),但不洁的人和在旅途上的人除外。有一个对于外国人和旅居在外的人均适用的法令是,不可以在家守节。

申命记16:5-7 在耶和华你神所赐的各城中,你不可献逾越节的祭。6 只当在耶和华你神所选择要立为他名的居所,晚上日落的时候,乃是你出埃及的时候,献逾越节的祭。7 当在耶和华你神所选择的地方把肉烤了吃(烤或作煮),次日早晨就回到你的帐棚去。

申命记16:5中所述的律法是基督让他的信徒寻找马太福音26中所描述的房间的原因。

马太福音26:17-19 除酵节的第一天,门徒来问耶稣说,你吃逾越节的筵席,要我们在哪里给你预备?:18 耶稣说,你们进城去,到某人那里,对他说,夫子说,我的时候快到了。我与门徒要在你家里守逾越节。19 门徒遵着耶稣所吩咐的就去预备了逾越节的筵席。

约拿书要求在祭祀时需要完成其所有的阶段。第一个阶段是基督要在坟墓中过三天三夜,不能多也不能少。另外基督必须在安息日所在的那一周中的第一天之前复活,因为他即祭祀用的庄稼,是所有收获中的第一批果实(出埃及记29:24-27;利未记7:30,34;8:27,29;9:21;10:14,15;14:12,24;23:11-20;民数记5:25;6:20;18:11,18)。

出埃及记29:24-27 都放在亚伦的手上和他儿子的手上,作为摇祭,在耶和华面前摇一摇。25 要从他们手中接过来,烧在耶和华面前坛上的燔祭上,是献给耶和华为馨香的火祭。26 你要取亚伦承接圣职所献公羊的胸,作为摇祭,在耶和华面前摇一摇,这就可以作你的分。27 那摇祭的胸和举祭的腿,就是承接圣职所摇的,所举的,是归亚伦和他儿子的。这些你都要成为圣,

第一批庄稼按习俗于上午九点或送来。他正等着升天,而这就是他对玛丽亚说:“别耽误我”的原因。

约翰20:1,15-17 1七日的第一日清早,天还黑的时候,抹大拉的马利亚来到坟墓那里,看见石头从坟墓挪开了。15 耶稣问她说,妇人,为什么哭?你找谁呢?马利亚以为是看园的,就对他说,先生,若是你把他移了去,请告诉我,你把他放在哪里,我便去取他。16 耶稣说,马利亚。马利亚就转过来,用希伯来话对他说,拉波尼。(拉波尼就是夫子的意思)17 耶稣说,不要摸我。因我还没有升上去见我的父。你往我弟兄那里去,告诉他们说,我要升上去,见我的父,也是你们的父。见我的神,也是你们的神。

只有在他接受了供奉并获得了重生之后他才允许人们触摸他(约翰福音20:27)。

礼拜一或是提供头批庄稼的礼拜天不是圣日,但应该遵守,因为由此开始五旬收获节。这2005罗马年,天主教利用同样的历法规则来开始他们已达1800年之外的年份,并在与我们同样的一天遵守圣灵降临日。他们不视这为冲突,因为犹太历法差了一个月。

号角日和赎罪日都不是教会捐祭节日的一部分。

在一年中有三个节日

出埃及记23:14每年三次的节日你应该为我遵守一次。

它们被写在:

申命记16:16 你一切的男丁要在除酵节,七七节,住棚节,一年三次,在耶和华你神所选择的地方朝见他,却不可空手朝见。

那些参加守节的人不应该空手出现在上帝耶和华面前:

申命记16:17 各人要按自己的力量,照耶和华你神所赐的福分,奉献礼物。

在一年中有三个供奉祭品的时间,祭品应该在每个节日的第一天的早上之前被送到。

出埃及记23:18 不可将我祭牲的血和有酵的饼一同献上,也不可将我节上祭牲的脂油留到早晨

基督教不要求每一个圣日或在每周的聚会上都供奉祭品。自愿的供奉可以在任何时间进行,但不是必须的。祭餐是在数星期前进行,包括了牲畜、谷类及水果的选择。这样,适当的祭品将可在节日中使用。现金及支票在当时,以及现在仍被接受为自愿献祭以及这些受指令的节日祭献和什一税。

以斯拉记 8:25将王、和谋士、军长、并在那里的以色列众人、为我们 神殿所献的金银、和器皿、都秤了交给他们。  26我秤了交在他们手中的银子、有六百五十他连得、银器重一百他连得、金子一百他连得、 27金碗二十个、重一千达利克、上等光铜的器皿两个、宝贵如金。 28我对他们说、你们归耶和华为圣、器皿也为圣、金银是甘心献给耶和华你们列祖之 神的.

29 “你们当儆醒看守、直到你们在耶路撒冷耶和华殿的库内、在祭司长和利未族长、并以色列的各族长面前过了秤。 30于是祭司和利未人将秤好了的金银和器皿接过去,要带到耶路撒冷我们的上帝的殿里。

民数记 31:50  如今我们将奉给永恒主的供物、都带了来,各人带他所得的金器、脚链子(或译∶脚环)、镯子、打印戒指、耳环、手钏,好在永恒主面前为我们自己除罪。」 51摩西和祭司以利亚撒、就收了他们的金子、都是打成的器皿。 52千夫长、百夫长、所献给耶和华为举祭的金子、共有一万六千七百五十舍客勒。 53各兵丁都为自己夺了财物。 54摩西和祭司以利亚撒、收了千夫长、百夫长的金子、就带进会幕、在耶和华面前作为以色列人的记念。. (RSV)

民数记 3:44耶和华晓谕摩西说、 45 “你拣选利未人代替以色列人所有头生的、也取利未人的牲畜代替以色列人的牲畜.利未人要归我.我是耶和华。 46 “以色列人中头生的男子、比利未人多二百七十三个、必当将他们赎出来。 47你要按人丁、照圣所的平、每人取赎银五舍客勒(一舍客勒是二十季拉)、 48把那多余之人的赎银、交给亚伦和他的儿子。 49于是摩西从那被利未人所赎以外的人取了赎银。 50从头胎的以色列人取了银子、一千三百六十五舍客勒,按圣所的舍客勒。 51摩西照耶和华的话、把这赎银给亚伦和他的儿子、正如耶和华所吩咐的。(NASV)

这些现款来源被祭司用来雇佣神殿服务中所需要的工人、唱诗班及其他方面。他们取得现金支付,而他们接受现金什一税(列王记下 12:1-19;以斯拉记6:8; 耶利米书22;13; 雅各书5:4).

出 埃 及 记25:1  耶和华晓谕摩西说、2 “你告诉以色列人当为我送礼物来、凡甘心乐意的、你们就可以收下归我。 3所要收的礼物、就是金、银、铜、 (RSV)

那是金、银、铜硬币。它们较易携带而且有碗、器具等所没有的既定价值. (申命记14:24-25).

号角日是圣安息日和圣会的纪念(利未记23:24;民数记29:1-6)。赎罪日圣化的安息日,是一次神圣的集会(利未记23:27-31; 民数记29:7-11)。这两天都叫圣日,而不叫节日。

在民数记10:10中举例说明了什么时候吹角。在所有的月朔和所有的圣日和安息日,当进行火祭和供奉祭品时都要吹角。

在利未记23中我们可以找到所有圣经中规定的节日,也可以找到所有这些节日的解释,它们是出埃及记的补充。在出埃及记23中继续讲了20首诗,而利未记中的15,28和29补充了出埃及记和利未记中关于月朔的文章。在申命记5,和14中以进行了重复和补充。

基督的力量是在圣灵中遵守律法和善良的体现。基督遵守了所有的安息日,新月和节日。圣徒的教会也遵守了安息日,新月和节日(歌罗西书2:16),教会在二千多年来都是这样做的。处于太平盛世的国家也要遵守安息日,新月和节日(以赛亚书66:23;撒迦利亚书14:16-19)。

节日和祭品之间的关系以及在申命记12:8-14中所讲的每周的安息日与祭品之间的关系一起被排除了。在将历法、节日和祭祀的律法联系在一起时,人们必须将相同的概念运用于所有其他的律法,包括安息日。所有的上帝管理体系被从祭祀的体系中解脱出来,包括安息日和圣日体系。,在西乃山上给出律法之前,逾越节就已经被介绍给人们了。基督在逾越节时被火祭,但现在不能通过火祭任何一个生命来掩盖我们的罪恶。

整个拣选的过程都是按照圣灵的要求,在复活节之前进行的。在最后的伟大日子没有完成这部分计划之前圣日不能被取消。每一个节日都是上帝计划的一部分,都将得到体现。按照收获日系统的定义,它们仍然还是存在的和完整的。律法是一切将要到来的事物的迹象(希伯来书10:1)。迹象反映了事实;它不会歪曲事实。

这种迹象是和祭祀有关的(希伯来书10:1-10)而不是和节日有关的。圣经中讲,是那些拒绝为了报酬而闯进巴兰的人们和拒绝在可拉那种反叛言谈中消失的人们预言了所有的节日(犹大书11-12)。换句话说,他们为了报酬而破坏了节日,错误的理解了律法和圣书。当人们以训诲和法度为标准;他们所说的,若不与此相符,必一得见晨光(以赛亚书8:20)。他们不会再三地牺牲。这些人是离间人的,像牲畜一样,没有灵性(犹大书19)。可拉的反抗行动是反对上帝过程的一部分。

被拣选出的人们由唯一公正的上帝审判,这样,对上帝的认识和对律法的理解由人的智慧和心灵来巩固(希伯来书9:24)。

问题不是守契约中的安息日,月朔,节日或律法,而在于圣父是唯一的公正的上帝,他是唯一永恒的这一事实(约伯记17:3;约伯记5:20)(提摩太前书6:16)。

作为异教徒也可以遵守安息日。如果您不认同这个真理,您将被驱逐出上帝所选择的人们,将处于错觉之中。他们将不能再自己帮助自己,他们不能明白自己的错误,虽然他们想理解。上帝的计划和目的体现在相应的节日中,这些节日是按照圣经的指示安排的。

现代的基督教不赞成这些节日,因此就不能理解圣经的计划,现代的教会忽视了宣扬通过家族体系来保护社会。中央政府是不能代替家庭和具有保护土地作用的五十年节体制(弥迦书 4:3-4)。

关于节日的律法在相连续的四部书中都有描写,从出埃及记到申命记。第一次谈到这一点的内容我们可以在出埃及记中的许多篇章中找到。出埃及记20讲述了十诫,这十诫在申命记5中也有描述。出埃及记21中讲述了关于婚姻和家庭,还有家庭的责任,这拓宽了戒律在所有形式的社会中的作用体系。出埃及记22讲述了个人的权力和律法所规定的义务。出埃及记23讲述了伪证和对人的尊敬。出埃及记23-10揭示了第四诫的意义和应用。它并不只和礼拜有关系,还包括纪念日和撒巴特体系。出埃及记12讲了关于逾越节。

这是上帝的节日,他将其称作“我的节日”(利未记23:2)。在利未记23中和第二部史事记录2:4中也讲了上帝的节日。在民数记15:3和29:39中也利用了“你们的节日”这个术语。在以赛亚书1:14和5:12中“他们的节日”被用在否定的意义中。节日没有长期的和俗世上的起源。它们不可能被改变或废除,除非它们所代表的拯救计划被改变或废除。

利未记23:2-44 你晓谕以色列人说,耶和华的节期,你们要宣告为圣会的节期。3 六日要作工,第七日是圣安息日,当有圣会,你们什么工都不可作。这是在你们一切的住处向耶和华守的安息日。4 耶和华的节期,就是你们到了日期要宣告为圣会的,乃是这些。5 正月十四日,黄昏的时候,是耶和华的逾越节。6 这月十五日是向耶和华守的无酵节,你们要吃无酵饼七日。7 第一日当有圣会,什么劳碌的工都不可作。8 要将火祭献给耶和华七日。第七日是圣会,什么劳碌的工都不可作。9 耶和华对摩西说,10 你晓谕以色列人说,你们到了我赐给你们的地,收割庄稼的时候,要将初熟的庄稼一捆带给祭司。11 他要把这一捆在耶和华面前摇一摇,使你们得蒙悦纳。祭司要在安息日的次日把这捆摇一摇。12 摇这捆的日子,你们要把一岁没有残疾的公绵羊羔献给耶和华为燔祭。13 同献的素祭,就是调油的细面伊法十分之二,作为馨香的火祭,献给耶和华。同献的奠祭,要酒一欣四分之一。14 无论是饼,是烘的子粒,是新穗子,你们都不可吃,直等到把你们献给神的供物带来的那一天才可以吃。这在你们一切的住处作为世世代代永远的定例。15 你们要从安息日的次日,献禾捆为摇祭的那日算起,要满了七个安息日。16 到第七个安息日的次日,共计五十天,又要将新素祭献给耶和华。17 要从你们的住处取出细面伊法十分之二,加酵,烤成两个摇祭的饼,当作初熟之物献给耶和华。18 又要将一岁,没有残疾的羊羔七只,公牛犊一只,公绵羊两只,和饼一同奉上。这些与同献的素祭和奠祭要作为燔祭献给耶和华,就是作馨香的火祭献给耶和华。19 你们要献一只公山羊为赎罪祭,两只一岁的公绵羊羔为平安祭。20 祭司要把这些和初熟麦子作的饼一同作摇祭,在耶和华面前摇一摇,这是献与耶和华为圣物归给祭司的。21 当这日,你们要宣告圣会,什么劳碌的工都不可作。这在你们一切的住处作为世世代代永远的定例。22 在你们的地收割庄稼,不可割尽田角,也不可拾取所遗落的,要留给穷人和寄居的。我是耶和华你们的神。23 耶和华对摩西说,24 你晓谕以色列人说,七月初一,你们要守为圣安息日,要吹角作纪念,当有圣会。25 什么劳碌的工都不可作,要将火祭献给耶和华。26 耶和华晓谕摩西说,27 七月初十是赎罪日,你们要守为圣会,并要刻苦己心,也要将火祭献给耶和华。28 当这日,什么工都不可作,因为是赎罪日,要在耶和华你们的神面前赎罪。29 当这日,凡不刻苦己心的,必从民中剪除。30 凡这日作什么工的,我必将他从民中除灭。31 你们什么工都不可作。这在你们一切的住处作为世世代代永远的定例。32 你们要守这日为圣安息日,并要刻苦己心。从这月初九日晚上到次日晚上,要守为安息日。33 耶和华对摩西说,34 你晓谕以色列人说,这七月十五日是住棚节,要在耶和华面前守这节七日。35 第一日当有圣会,什么劳碌的工都不可作。36 七日内要将火祭献给耶和华。第八日当守圣会,要将火祭献给耶和华。这是严肃会,什么劳碌的工都不可作。37 这是耶和华的节期,就是你们要宣告为圣会的节期,要将火祭,燔祭,素祭,祭物,并奠祭,各归各日,献给耶和华。38 这是在耶和华的安息日以外,又在你们的供物和所许的愿,并甘心献给耶和华的以外。39 你们收藏了地的出产,就从七月十五日起,要守耶和华的节七日。第一日为圣安息,第八日也为圣安息。40 第一日要拿美好树上的果子和棕树上的枝子,与茂密树的枝条并河旁的柳枝,在耶和华你们的神面前欢乐七日。41 每年七月间,要向耶和华守这节七日。这为你们世世代代永远的定例。42 你们要住在棚里七日,凡以色列家的人都要住在棚里,43 好叫你们世世代代知道,我领以色列人出埃及地的时候曾使他们住在棚里。我是耶和华你们的神。44 于是,摩西将耶和华的节期传给以色列人。

毫无疑问,救世主是上帝的收获中最重要的部分,就象逾越节所象征的那样,但他有一个前身作为以色列神。正是他给了摩西律法,和摩西面对面的谈话。

摩西没有和上帝(作为艾老阿和瑟瓮的圣父)谈话。约翰指出,没有人在任何时候见过上帝(约翰福音1:18)。这是耶拉济姆,叫做“伟大的天使”(诗篇9:6 LXX)。

节日是上帝赐给基督的,基督把这些节日体系给予他所拣选的人们并最终通过国家而确立了千年这种结构体系。民数记28,29中记载完整的节日列表。它包括每天的、每周的、每月的和每年的祭祀和捐祭。

基督在昨天,今天和明天都是一样的(希伯来书13:8)。上帝也不会改变(马拉基书3:6;雅各书1:17)。因此,律法所授予人类的圣日也不会改变。

圣日、节日、新月和安息日被故意受到怀疑。上帝通过预言家给出了这个预言。上帝通过自己的预言家阿摩司将最后日子里的以色列比作一筐成熟的果子(阿摩司书 8:1)。不服从上帝是关键问题。对此的惩罚是安息日和节日中充满悲伤。

紧随而来的是从耶和华那里听到的饥荒(阿摩司书8:11-14),这是不能理解真正的唯一上帝的本质的后果(约翰福音17:3;5:20),因此而使人类受到惩罚(阿西阿书8:5-9)。甚至魔鬼都知道上帝是唯一的,万能的(雅各书2:19)。伟大的上帝律法是写给以色列人的。他们认为外国人由于违反他们的第一条诫命而使罪恶很快增加(何西阿书8:11-14)。

整个约翰福音第六章写的都是关于象征主义,讲的是关于复活节的准备活动和如何庆祝。这一章中的每一句话都有专门的意思,讲述了每一个人应如何完成他的使命,他们在被拣选的人中的位置和他们在作为144000人中的一部分的部族中的位置,以及在十二圣徒领导之下的大众。

约翰福音6:53-54 耶稣说,我实实在在地告诉你们,你们若不吃人子的肉,不喝人子的血,就没有生命在你们里面。54 吃我肉,喝我血的人就有永生。在末日我要叫他复活。(RSV)

永生有三个条件。它们和圣餐无关。前两个条件在约翰福音17:3中谈到过。

一个条件:“认识你独一的真神,并且认识你所差来的耶稣基督,这就是永生。”

二个条件是对耶稣基督的信仰和对唯一一个真正上帝的学说的信仰(哥林多前书15:34)。

三个永生的条件是参加复活节和准备食品(约翰福音6:53-54)。

这就是你要获得永生的三个条件。所有这些条件还要加上服从。服从唯一的真正的上帝并遵守他的诫命。圣者是那些遵守诫命的人(启示录3:10;12:17;14:12 诗篇119:115 玛太福音19:17)。违反律法将被诅咒。

罗马人书2:27 而且那本来未受割礼的,若能全守律法,岂不是要审判你这有仪文和割礼竟犯律法的人吗?

遵守戒律是保持圣灵的必须的前提条件。没有圣灵,您将不能进入天国,也不会有永恒的生命,对于每一个上面所讲的条件都是必须的。您应该表现出服从。遵守这个节日包括遵守律法和规章制度,这是基督为复活节制定的。如果您不参加这个仪式,您就不是耶稣基督的一部分(约翰福音13:8)。

上帝的圣餐的第一个仪式是洗足。进行洗足是主人表现对客人到来的热情。一般人们洗过澡,但又走在街上,洗足会让他们觉得舒适。有专门任命的人来执行洗足。客人们会分到毛巾和盛水的罐子。这个仪式在他们来到后马上进行,或者在吃饭之当人们在放置桌子时进行。不接受上面所讲的仪式意味着没有人愿意为他人做仆人的工作。

约翰福音13:6-8 挨到西门彼得,彼得对他说,主阿,你洗我的脚吗?7 耶稣回答说,我所作的,你如今不知道,后来必明白。8 彼得说,你永不可洗我的脚。耶稣说,我若不洗你,你就与我无分了。

也许我们全身心地理解这些话。彼得不想让他来洗足,因为他想让弥赛王来做。他不明白为什么大祭司第一次穿了亚麻布的衣服来赎罪和祭祀。救世主应该降临两次。第一次是穿着普通的亚麻布衣服,第二次是穿着国王的法衣。他想让耶稣基督坐上凯撒的宝座,并像那个从耶路撒冷来的凯撒一样不公正的管理着这个世界。

彼得说:“你不用洗我的足!”我们应该允许洗自己的足,允许象征着我们的基督生活的濯洗,如果我们想进入他的王国的话。如果我们完成这个仪式,我们将有权进入王国,彼得只了解了洗足的必要性,但没有理解它的意义。

约翰福音13:9-11 9 西门彼得说,主阿,不但我的脚,连手和头也要洗。10 耶稣说,凡洗过澡的人,只要把脚一洗,全身就干净了。你们是干净的,然而不都是干净的。11 耶稣原知道要卖他的是谁,所以说,你们不都是干净的。

我们只需洗足,因为在洗礼的时候已经沐浴过了,因此是永远洁净的。我们只有在圣餐时才需洗足。

 一年又一年,讲着宗教方面的问题时,我们有了许多罪恶,但没有发现。因此按照我们在生活中的情况,我们需要在洗礼中充实自己。我们需要用清洗来振作自己。象征性地,我们可以用洗足来实现这一目的。在约翰的福音书13:12-17中,我们还要碰到这个问题。

约翰福音13:12-17 12 耶稣洗完了他们的脚,就穿上衣服,又坐下,对他们说,我向你们所作的,你们明白吗?13 你们称呼我夫子,称呼我主,你们说的不错。我本来是。14 我是你们的主,你们的夫子,尚且洗你们的脚,你们也当彼此洗脚。15 我给你们作了榜样,叫你们照着我向你们所作的去作。16 我实实在在地告诉你们,仆人不能大于主人。差人也不能大于差他的人。17 你们既知道这事,若是去行就有福了。

这些话使我们懂得存在一种他们和我们都必须知道的象征主义。

上帝和导师的足是他们的信徒们洗的,你们还应该遵照基督的命令相互洗足。我们应该在每年第一个月的十四号做这件事。这一天不是圣日,但是必须在耶稣被出卖的那个夜晚做,为了能永生,我们应该吃面包,喝葡萄酒。

约翰福音6:53-56 耶稣说,我实实在在地告诉你们,你们若不吃人子的肉,不喝人子的血,就没有生命在你们里面。54 吃我肉,喝我血的人就有永生。在末日我要叫他复活。55 我的肉真是可吃的,我的血真是可喝的。56 吃我肉喝我血的人,常在我里面,我也常在他里面。

歌林多前书11:23-28 23 我当日传给你们的,原是从主领受的,就是主耶稣被卖的那一夜,拿起饼来,24 祝谢了,就掰开,说,这是我的身体,为你们舍的(舍有古卷作掰开)。你们应当如此行,为的是记念我。25 饭后,也照样拿起杯来,说,这杯是用我的血所立的新约。你们每逢喝的时候,要如此行,为的是记念我。26 你们每逢吃这饼,喝这杯,是表明主的死,直等到他来。27 所以无论何人,不按理吃主的饼,喝主的杯,就是干犯主的身主的血了。28 人应当自己省察,然后吃这饼,喝这杯。

第一个月的第十四天的夜晚,我们应该辨别并且分享他的圣体。我们应该因由于疏忽而导致的错误而审判自己。

饼不能用于这样的目的(出埃及记23:18)。出埃及记34:25表明无酵饼节还未开始,只能在这样的供奉中食用无酵饼。

出埃及记34:25 你不可将我祭物的血和有酵的饼一同献上。逾越节的祭物也不可留到早晨。

作为奉献体系的一部分无酵饼每天都要奉献。过去弥赛亚是可接受的供奉,而现在我们作为契约的遵守者也是供奉。

这样便到了复活节和无酵饼节。从收获节我们开始计算圣灵降临节。这样我们共有七七四十九天,在第五十天将有一个节日和圣日。圣灵降临节的意思是“数到五十”。 圣灵降临节是第一批庄稼收获和精神上收获的日子。

然后便是七个年度土地安息日周期的开始,将其乘以七倍便到了50年节。这种经过七七四十九天或完整的安息日到达圣灵降临节以及经过七七四十九年到达50年节的周期是很重要的。

实际应用

在利未记23:1-44,申命记16:1-16和民数记28、29中讲述了关于每年的圣日。这些圣日反映发了上帝的拯救计划。它们是必须的,并且作为上帝和他的子民之间的标记他们载有特殊的要求。圣日被视作安息日。在出埃及记23:14中记有三个每年一次的节日。捐献祭品应该在每个节日的第一天早上之前完成,关于这些我们在出埃及记23:18,申命记16:16-17和历代记下8:13中已经读过了。

上帝的晚餐不是圣日,在无酵饼节之前。遵守它是为了在第一次重生中得到永恒的生命(约伯记6:53-54)。圣灵降临节应作为节日来遵守(出埃及记34:22;申命记16:10、16)。结茅节应该遵守,并允许人们听从教诲(利未记23:34;申命记16:13、16;31:21)。吹角日和净化日叫做圣日,而不叫节日(利未记23:24、27)。

 在任何可能的时候, 我们将在本地时间的第三个钟头或上午九点以及第九个钟头或下午三点进行圣日祷告,以容纳上午及下午献祭的时间。

第七年的土地轮休年

包括:

1)奴隶在第七年被解放(出埃及记21:2-6;申命记15:12-18)。

2) 欠债的豁免(申命记15:1-6)

3)土地的安息年(出埃及记23:10-11;利未记25:1-7;19-24)

这些律法把经济问题,环境问题和道德联系起来。

当这个七年一次的周期到来时,我们应该在结茅节里读上帝的律法。

申命记31:10 摩西吩咐他们说,每逢七年的末一年,就在豁免年的定期住棚节的时候,11 以色列众人来到耶和华你神所选择的地方朝见他。那时,你要在以色列众人面前将这律法念给他们听。12 要招聚他们男,女,孩子,并城里寄居的,使他们听,使他们学习,好敬畏耶和华你们的神,谨守,遵行这律法的一切话,13 也使他们未曾晓得这律法的儿女得以听见,学习敬畏耶和华你们的神,在你们过约旦河要得为业之地,存活的日子,常常这样行。

整个上帝的律法体系是为了保护所有的民族、家庭和每一个人。50年节和它的什一税系统,它的安息日,征收债务是受到严重忽视的方面。

我们诵读律法,为的是让那些不懂它的人可以听见它。

所有的土地都属于上帝,我们坚信这一点。

利未记25:23 地不可永卖,因为地是我的,你们在我面前是客旅,是寄居的。

这并不意味着它只包括“圣士”。所有的土地属于上帝,纪念日体系属于全人类,它在所有地方都存在(申命记28:32)。

我们不应该宣布土地和河流是属于我们自己的。

以西结书29:9 埃及地必荒废凄凉,他们就知道我是耶和华。因为法老说,这河是我的,是我所造的,

土地是属于上帝的,如果我们在每个第七年不让它休息,上帝就会让我们付出代价。

利未记26:34-35 你们在仇敌之地居住的时候,你们的地荒凉要享受众安息,正在那时候,地要歇息,享受安息。35 地多时为荒场,就要多时歇息,地这样歇息,是你们住在其上的安息年所不能得的。

我们没有给予其休息的土地将由于我们的迁移和隔离而得到休息。这是完整的安息日体系的一部分,就像第七天安息日那样,不能改变或忽视。这种极端措施的原因是什么呢?

利未记 26:14 你们若不听从我,不遵行我的诫命,15 厌弃我的律例,厌恶我的典章,不遵行我一切的诫命,背弃我的约

我们的个人行为以及我们不正确的利用土地和环境可能会使我们被从土地中吐出。

利未记18:25-30 连地也玷污了,所以我追讨那地的罪孽,那地也吐出它的居民。26 故此,你们要守我的律例典章。这一切可憎恶的事,无论是本地人,是寄居在你们中间的外人,都不可行,27 (在你们以先居住那地的人行了这一切可憎恶的事,地就玷污了,)28 免得你们玷污那地的时候,地就把你们吐出,像吐出在你们以先的国民一样。29 无论什么人,行了其中可憎的一件事,必从民中剪除。30 所以,你们要守我所吩咐的,免得你们随从那些可憎的恶俗,就是在你们以先的人所常行的,以致玷污了自己。我是耶和华你们的神。

违反圣经并不只是违反十诫,这种行为将受到惩罚。

利未记26:34 他们离开这地,地在荒废无人的时候就要享受安息。并且他们要服罪孽的刑罚,因为他们厌弃了我的典章,心中厌恶了我的律例。

违反圣经并不只是违反十诫,它将受到惩罚(利未记26:43)。违反整个圣经,是我们的前辈在西奈山上所反对的,将受惩罚。我们再一次证实,在我们的洗礼和愿望中将遵守它,因为我们爱唯一的真神。

乔治在“古犹太人”一书第X,XI章中记载了这些:

“他们请求亚历山大的儿子,使他们能不再献贡品。乔治在“犹太人的历史”第五集中,第四章,写了塔奇特抱怨在第七年犹太人变懒了。”在整体上,他们计划在第七天休息,因为这一天给他们带来了劳动后的休息。除此之外,每一个第七年他们都变成懒惰的人,他们从懒惰的生活中找到了满足。“

我们被告之,这个利未记26:3,4(参见 历代志下36:21)中的古老律法由于不被利用而被忽略。上帝将让自己的土地休息,如果我们不这样做的话。

历代志下36:20-21 凡脱离刀剑的,迦勒底王都掳到巴比伦去,作他和他子孙的仆婢,直到波斯国兴起来。21 这就应验耶和华借耶利米口所说的话,地享受安息。因为地土荒凉便守安息,直满了七十年。

耶利米书29:10 我要为山岭哭泣悲哀,为旷野的草场扬声哀号。因为都已干焦,甚至无人经过。人也听不见牲畜鸣叫,空中的飞鸟和地上的野兽都已逃去。

当土地得到休息之后,那些人将回到他们的土地。上帝的许多许诺取决于我们对律法的遵守。我们不能基于推想或任何口头传统来改变任何事物

在乔治的作品中我们看到,在某种形式上正是犹太人开始遵守第七年安息日体系,但它没有正确地计算出年代。虽然犹太人都遵守了每周的安息日,但是他们没遵守律法。

加拉太书6:13 他们那些受割礼的,连自己也不守律法。他们愿意你们受割礼,不过要借着你们的肉体夸口。

上帝总是及时地做一切,

出埃及记12:41 正满了四百三十年的那一天,耶和华的军队都从埃及地出来了。

最好我们去做和上帝的计划相一致的事情来代替我们自己的体系,我们自己的体系是和上帝的律法相对立的。

上帝的社会经济律法讲的是每一个人都应得到自己家庭的私有财产,这种财产的所有权是永久的。为此不需要交费用。它的分配是无偿的。

土地永远不能进行买卖(利未记25:23),它将在五十年节被收回。当土地估价后被分成许多部分。

约书亚书18:1-9 以色列的全会众都聚集在示罗,把会幕设立在那里,那地已经被他们制伏了。2 以色列人中其余的七个支派还没有分给他们地业。3 约书亚对以色列人说,耶和华你们列祖的神所赐给你们的地,你们耽延不去得,要到几时呢?4 你们每支派当选举三个人,我要打发他们去,他们就要起身走遍那地,按着各支派应得的地业写明(或作画图),就回到我这里来。5 他们要将地分作七分。犹大仍在南方,住在他的境内。约瑟家仍在北方,住在他的境内。6 你们要将地分作七分,写明了拿到我这里来。我要在耶和华我们神面前,为你们拈阄。7 利未人在你们中间没有分,因为供耶和华祭司的职任就是他们的产业。迦得支派,流便支派,和玛拿西半支派已经在约旦河东得了地业,就是耶和华仆人摩西所给他们的。8 划地势的人起身去的时候,约书亚嘱咐他们说,你们去走遍那地,划明地势,就回到我这里来。我要在示罗这里,耶和华面前,为你们拈阄。9 他们就去了,走遍那地,按着城邑分作七分,写在册子上,回到示罗营中见约书亚。

关于分土地的意义的记叙在下面又有继续:

约书亚书19:51 这就是祭司以利亚撒和嫩的儿子约书亚,并以色列各支派的族长,在示罗会幕门口,耶和华面前,拈阄所分的地业。这样,他们把地分完了。

避难的城市包括在这种种族遗产的分配中。

约书亚书20:2-9你吩咐以色列人说,你们要照着我借摩西所晓谕你们的,为自己设立逃城3 使那无心而误杀人的,可以逃到那里。这些城可以作你们逃避报血仇人的地方。4 那杀人的要逃到这些城中的一座城,站在城门口,将他的事情说给城内的长老们听。他们就把他收进城里,给他地方,使他住在他们中间。5 若是报血仇的追了他来,长老不可将他交在报血仇的手里。因为他是素无仇恨,无心杀了人的。6 他要住在那城里,站在会众面前听审判,等到那时的大祭司死了,杀人的才可以回到本城本家,就是他所逃出来的那城。7 于是,以色列人在拿弗他利山地分定加利利的基低斯。在以法莲山地分定示剑。在犹大山地分定基列亚巴(基列亚巴就是希伯仑)8 又在约旦河外耶利哥东,从流便支派中,在旷野的平原,设立比悉。从迦得支派中设立基列的拉末。从玛拿西支派中设立巴珊的哥9 这都是为以色列众人和在他们中间寄居的外人所分定的地邑,使误杀人的都可以逃到那里,不死在报血仇人的手中,等他站在会众面前听审判。

利未人就这样得到了他们在城市中的房子和教民(约书亚书21:1-45)。

土地的生产,除家庭所食用之外得付税/什一税。土地本身免於产业税、遗产税及我们现今税务系统中的各种税。这不外是逐步的征收。偷劫。金融借贷机构的长期和组合利率收费也是同样的(出埃及记 22:25;利末记 25:36-37;申命记23:19-20; 尼希米记 5:7, 10;诗篇15:5; 箴言 28:8;以赛亚书 24:2;耶利米书 15:10; 以西结书 18:8, 13, 17; 22:12; 马太福音 25:27; 路加福音19:23)

出埃及记22:25  「我的人民中有贫困的人在你附近;你若把银钱借给他,不可在那上头加利息。

利末记 35:36-你不可向他取利息,也不可向他要物品利息;只要敬畏你的上帝,让你的族弟兄在你那里生活。 37你借钱给他、不可向他取利.借粮给他、也不可向他多要。

申命记 23:19 “你借给你弟兄的、或是钱财、或是粮食、无论甚么可生利的物、都不可取利。

谁在第一次的复活中将住在神的屋里?

诗篇15: 1〔大卫的诗。〕耶和华阿、谁能寄居你的帐幕.谁能住在你的圣山. 2就是行为正直、作事公义、心里说实话的人. 3他不以舌头谗谤人、不恶待朋友、也不随伙毁谤邻里. 4他眼中藐视匪类、却尊重那敬畏耶和华的人.他发了誓、虽然自己吃亏、也不更改. 5他不将银钱放债取利,也不受贿赂以害无辜。行这些事的人必永不动摇。(RSV)

耶和华弥赛亚未推翻他的父亲的保护法律。以上旧约圣文的引述皆谴责征收利息/高利的活动。利息是不劳而获、先定、契约式的偷窃行为。

高利/利息在希腊文新约, 马太福音25:27以及路加福音19:223 SGD 5110 tokos在天才的寓言中用了两次

5110 to,koj tokos {tok’-os}

意思: 1) 出生 1a)带来的行动1b) 所被带来的,后代 2)金钱的利息、高利(因它繁殖金钱,如它被”繁殖”)

起源: 5088本文;; n m

用法AV “高利 2; 2

这是来自字根tikto 5088,指的是能产的利息,需要工作的,而非被分配的需偿还的附加值。

5088 ti,ktw tikto {tik’-to}

意思1) 带来,负担,生产(来自种子的果实) 1a)妇女生产1b)土地带来果实 1c) 隐喻负担,带来。

根源原有teko的加强形态{tek’-o} (只在一些语法时态方面用作替代);;

用法AV “带来9, 交付 5, 出生3, 辛苦 1,承受 1; 19

在 Marvin R. Vincent的新约字眼研究, 纽约出生版数据字典,Charles Scribner的儿子1911中,我们在第134页看到有关tikto的注解:

一个属图解的字,意思是第一个孩子-出生然后后裔。因此有利息,即资本的产物。原本它只是使用金钱所付的;因此是高利;但它成为与过高利息同义。犹太律区别利息和增加….. 摩西的律法谴责希伯来人与希伯来人之间交易中的高利,但在与陌生人的交易中则受允许 (申命记23:19,20;诗篇 15:5).

马太福音 25:27 27那你就该把我的银子投在钱商那里,我来的时候、可以把属我的钱连利息都收回来呀。(高利贷 KJV) <5110>. (RSV)

马太福音25:27就当把我的银子放给兑换银钱的人、到我来的时候、可以连本带利收回。(JPD)

路加福音 19:23  那你为什么不把我的银子交给钱庄,我来的时候可以把它连利息都取回来呢?』(RSV)

路加福音19:23为甚么不把我的银子交给银行、等我来的时候、连本带利都可以要回来呢。(JPD)

现代的利息是我们对神所要求的,而非在他提供自由及其经济安全的奇妙律法下生活。

撒母耳记上8:4-20以色列的长老都聚集、来到拉玛见撒母耳、, 5对他说、你年纪老迈了、你儿子不行你的道.现在求你为我们立一个王治理我们、像列国一样。 6撒母耳不喜悦他们说、立一个王治理我们.他就祷告耶和华。 7耶和华对撒母耳说、百姓向你说的一切话、你只管依从、因为他们不是厌弃你、乃是厌弃我、不要我作他们的王。

我们通过拒绝神管制我们的律法结构拒绝神。我们已收到我们所要求的,即:

8自从我领他们出埃及到如今、他们常常离弃我、事奉别神、现在他们向你所行的、是照他们素来所行的。. 9故此你要依从他们的话、只是当警戒他们、告诉他们将来那王怎样管辖他们。 10撒母耳将耶和华的话、都传给求他立王的百姓、说、11管辖你们的王必这样行.他必派你们的儿子为他赶车、跟马、奔走在车前. 12又派他们作千夫长、五十夫长、为他耕种田地、收割庄稼.打造军器和车上的器械。 13必取你们的女儿为他制造香膏、作饭烤饼。 14也必取你们最好的田地、葡萄园、橄榄园、赐给他的臣仆。 15你们的粮食、和葡萄园所出的、他必取十分之一、给他的太监和臣仆。. 16又必取你们的仆人婢女、健壮的少年人、和你们的驴、供他的差役。17你们的羊群他必取十分之一、你们也必作他的仆人。 18那时你们必因所选的王哀求耶和华、耶和华却不应允你们。 19人民竟不肯听撒母耳的话;他们说∶「不,我们要有一个王来管理我们, 20使我们像列国一样.有王治理我们、统领我们、为我们争战。

这是因为过度的政府税务和欠负政府金融专利者的累积债务。虽然是金融,但这是真正的奴役,很少人在此获得自由。

上帝的税收仅仅是针对每年产品的收入,而不是针对个人财产和生存必须品。它并不是积累在消费者身上的税收。这是由买卖商品、服务而得的税收,它们都不能支持现今的管理体系。今天存在的税收体系。

这是预言。

债务的豁免

几乎每个个人都在生活中遇到了钱财方面的债务问题,这是由于不信任而导致的。上帝的社会经济合同不允许长期的债务,它通过立法来规定没有利息的资本。

申命记15:1-16 1每逢七年末一年,你要施行豁免。2 豁免的定例乃是这样,凡债主要把所借给邻舍的豁免了。不可向邻舍和弟兄追讨,因为耶和华的豁免年已经宣告了。

现在所有被拣选的人的债务应该在第七年的时候被豁免,豁免的是应付的剩余本金。

3 若借给外邦人,你可以向他追讨。但借给你弟兄,无论是什么,你要松手豁免了。4 你若留意听从耶和华你神的话,谨守遵行我今日所吩咐你这一切的命令,就必在你们中间没有穷人了(在耶和华你神所赐你为业的地上,耶和华必大大赐福与你)。

如果我们能遵守这一律法,我们之中就不会有穷人

6 因为耶和华你的神必照他所应许你的赐福与你。你必借给许多国民,却不至向他们借贷。你必管辖许多国民,他们却不能管辖你

我们服从这一社会经济体系将会给我们带来福利和保障。

7 在耶和华你神所赐你的地上,无论哪一座城里,你弟兄中若有一个穷人,你不可忍着心,??着手不帮补你穷乏的弟兄。8 总要向他松开手,照他所缺乏的借给他,补他的不足。

我们所讨论的律法禁止长期的债务,这是唯一的信贷源泉。这种信贷为了需求,而不是为了愿望。

9 你要谨慎,不可心里起恶念,说,第七年的豁免年快到了,你便恶眼看你穷乏的弟兄,什么都不给他,以致他因你求告耶和华,罪便归于你了。10 你总要给他,给他的时候心里不可愁烦。因耶和华你的神必在你这一切所行的,并你手里所办的事上,赐福与你。

在第七年快到时,可以偿还债务,但这不是必须的。因为可能没有实际的能力这样做,但这是应该进行的。

如果第三项什一税被适当地制定,社团作为一个团体将在这种信贷活动中扮演一个角色,并在偿还债务活动中也扮演一个角色。

不管怎样,经文中警告对金钱的热爱是人类的罪恶之泉。

11原来那地上的穷人永不断绝。所以我吩咐你说,总要向你地上困苦穷乏的弟兄松开手。

在第11句诗文“贫穷的人们”中指出谁需要这种援助:

1)受灾的,极穷的人们

2)受压迫的人们

3)需要援助的人们

我们的义务是在第七年接近的时候及时地借给他们钱。这是指我们借给那些能在第七年偿还的人们。我们应该借给他们钱,如果我们有这种能力,这是必须的。我们还应该豁免债务,如果人们没有能力还钱的话,这不取决于他们的状况、地位。

12 你弟兄中,若有一个希伯来男人或希伯来女人被卖给你,服事你六年,到第七年就要任他自由出去。

也许某些人的经济状况不允许他们这样做。在有些时候他们会丢失自己的土地和所有的生存资料。这样就会成为奴隶,但应该在第七年的时候解放他们,这并不是指一般的普通概念的奴隶制度,而是对受雇者进行一段时间的指导,受雇用者的劳动必须得到报酬。

13 你任他自由的时候,不可使他空手而去,14 要从你羊群,禾场,酒榨之中多多地给他。耶和华你的神怎样赐福与你,你也要照样给他。15 要记念你在埃及地作过奴仆,耶和华你的神将你救赎。因此,我今日吩咐你这件事。

在快到纪念日和家庭土地补偿日的时候,个人可以请求将雇用关系一直待续到永远。

16,他若对你说,我不愿意离开你,是因他爱你和你的家,且因在你那里很好,12你就要拿锥子将他的耳朵在门上刺透,他便永为你的奴仆了。你待婢女也要这样。

很明显,“耳朵上的洞”对个人来说是一种耻辱的标记,这些人自己不能保障自己的生活。

除了在第七年禁止播种和收获外,还有另外一些律法和农业种植与耕作有关。

利未记19:23-25 23 你们到了迦南地,栽种各样结果子的树木,就要以所结的果子如未受割礼的一样。三年之久,你们要以这些果子,如未受割礼的,是不可吃的。24 但第四年所结的果子全要成为圣,用以赞美耶和华。25 第五年,你们要吃那树上的果子,好叫树给你们结果子更多。我是耶和华你们的神。

在移植果树的三年内,不能采收这些树上的果实。这是为了使小果树能集中力量长大。在第四年的时候,所有的果实都要给作为管理者的神甫献上。

民数记5:9以色列人一切的圣物中,所奉给祭司的举祭都要归与祭司。

放宽债务的做法使所有的人都受益,人们应该改变今天的债务体系。

尼希米记5:1-5 1 百姓和他们的妻大大呼号,埋怨他们的弟兄犹大人。2 有的说,我们和儿女人口众多,要去得粮食度命。3 有的说,我们典了田地,葡萄园,房屋,要得粮食充饥。4 有的说,我们已经指着田地,葡萄园,借了钱给王纳税。5 我们的身体与我们弟兄的身体一样。我们的儿女与他们的儿女一般。现在我们将要使儿女作人的仆婢,我们的女儿已有为婢的。我们并无力拯救,因为我们的田地,葡萄园已经归了别人。

实际应用

土地是上帝的,不可出售(利未记25:23)。土地在家族中按照抽签分配(约书亚书19:51)。在第七年土地应该轮休(出埃及记23:10-11;利未记25:1-7,19-24)。

我们在第六年收获现两份庄稼,这样可以把第七年的食物准备好(利未记25:21-22)。我们不应该每年都播种。多年生长的作物不可以收割,但可以暂时地利用它们(出埃及记23:10-11;利未记25:1-7,19-22)。在第七年什一税免收,因为没有收获庄稼。修整葡萄园或果树也是不允许的(利未记25:3-6)。在这一年的年末所有在以色列人中的金钱上的债务一律被豁免(申命记15:1-16,)但是对外国人的债权还保留(申命记15:3)。那些为了偿还债务而做奴隶的人们,应该被解放,因为在六年中,他们已经两倍偿还了自己的债务(申命记15:18)。借贷是律法的经济部分(申命记15:9-10),但是它只是对那些需要的人才有意义(申命记15:8)。它不应该包括利息(出埃及记22:25;利未记25:36-37;申命记23:19;尼希米记5:7,10;以斯拉记18:8,17). 这必须是免利的(出埃及记 22:25;利末记 25:36-37; 申命记 23:19-20;诗篇15;尼希米记5:7, 10; 箴言 20:8;以西结书 18: 8,13,17, 22:12; 马太福音25:27;路加福音19:23)。我们的财政策划是应以七年循环而非一年至一年为准的。

五十年节

按照新约及我们和上帝之间的关系,我们应该遵守整个纪念日体系。它是整个人类的经济、社会、伦理、道德方面的律法体系。既然我们应当遵守该律法,就会出现一个问题,它是什么时候起源的,在这个律法中我们有什么义务?

从上面讲述的我们可以看到第七年的安息日是为了让土地得到安息。因为这一年人们没有收获农作物,所以不能征收他们的什一税。在这一年结束的时候,我们所有的债务被取消,所有的奴隶得到自由。多年生长的植物可以利用,但没有收获这一程序,什么时候需要,什么时候摘取。

五十年节与第七个周期中的第七年重叠,在这一年它要求使土地继续安息,甚至连多年农作物的果实也不能收获。

第七个月的第十天为五十年节的宣布。这是指在最后一个七年周期或四十九年中的第七年,在所有的土地上都可以听到公羊号角的声音,这宣布了全体居住在土地上的人们获得了自由。

使五十年节在第七月的第十天结束的作用是使到种植、播种和修枝可预备给即将来到的下一个安息循环第一年的春收。

纪念日体系是为了保护每一个家庭每一个人,是针对全人类的。它保护地救上的每一种形式的生命,它要求人们遵守整个的安息日制度,并避免偶像崇拜主义。上帝是独特的,并在自己的创造中有最高权力。

纪念日体系从净化日开始,即在四十九年周期中每一年的第七个月。这一年叫纪念周年。这构成了两个土地安息日,它们应该是重叠的。因为在土地安息日不允许收获农作物,在这一年春天和上一年秋天(利未记25:20)就不需要播种作物。在安息年结束的秋天可以播种作物,为的是下一年秋天的收获。由于五十年节在北方秋天结束,作物将在这时播种以便在接着的北方春天收成;这仍包含五十年节的第四十九及第五十年两年循环。.

万物是神的,在“全地中“

出埃及记 19:5如今你们若实在听从我的话、遵守我的约、就要在万民中作属我的子民、因为全地都是我的.(参见利末记11:2,11 21).

鱼类及野生动物和树木可被收成以供我们食用,因此被征税。但它们不可在安息年及五十年节食用。这也是自然环境的收成休息期。

万物和“整个地球”都属于上帝,并且五十年节制度有利于全人类,是为了全人类而存在的(申命记28:32)。

土地是上帝的,但是我们若不给予土地以一定的休息,那么上帝是会让我们为此付出代价的。

利未记26:34-35 34你们在仇敌之地居住的时候,你们的地荒凉要享受众安息,正在那时候,地要歇息,享受安息。35地多时为荒场,就要多时歇息,地这样歇息,是你们住在其上的安息年所不能得的。

七七土地安息年在五十年节时达到了顶点,并且它是与家庭遗产相一致的。

美国的百科全书中这样写着:

作为整个体系的五十年节法令是明显的神权;他全力维护着耶和华的权威;这意味着犹太人他的仆人,是不会永远作为他们同类的奴隶的;土地属于我们的耶和华,它只是被借给了犹太部落和他们的家族,他们在任何时候都不能由任何人安排把土地分出

以色列人认为保留自己祖辈留下的不动产是自己神圣的义务。如果我们接触了列王记上就会理解这一点,在这本书中那瓦特拒绝出卖自己的葡萄园给阿哈国王,这个葡萄园是属于他的父母的(列王记上21:3)。

出埃及记14:31以色列人看见耶和华向埃及人所行的大事,就敬畏耶和华,又信服他和他的仆人摩西。

以色列人中的一部分人始终信仰耶和华,并遵守了摩西制定的律法。

经文中还讲了关于吹号角,用它来通知纪念日的到来。

在耶和华书中的第六章讲了公羊角在耶利乔附近为七个神甫所用的故事。

利未记25:9-10当年七月初十日,你要大发角声,这日就是赎罪日,要在遍地发出角声。10 第五十年,你们要当作圣年,在遍地给一切的居民宣告自由。这年必为你们的禧年,各人要归自己的产业,各归本家。(RSV)

律法是每个家庭和上帝之间的约定,它保护了我们和我们的星球。上帝才是地球的主宰者(利未记25:23)。

在五十周年时地球重新属于自己的主人和他的各个民族(利未记25:10)。

利未部落在此范畴之外。

申命记18:1-8祭司利未人和利未全支派必在以色列中无分无业。他们所吃用的就是献给耶和华的火祭和一切所捐的。2 他们在弟兄中必没有产业。耶和华是他们的产业,正如耶和华所应许他们的。3 祭司从百姓所当得的分乃是这样,凡献牛或羊为祭的,要把前腿和两腮并脾胃给祭司。4 初收的五谷,新酒和油,并初剪的羊毛,也要给他。5 因为耶和华你的神从你各支派中将他拣选出来,使他和他子孙永远奉耶和华的名侍立,事奉。6 利未人无论寄居在以色列中的哪一座城,若从那里出来,一心愿意到耶和华所选择的地方,7 就要奉耶和华他神的名事奉,像他众弟兄利未人侍立在耶和华面前事奉一样。8 除了他卖祖父产业所得的以外,还要得一分祭物与他们同吃。

但在以色列又出现了继续家庭财产的问题。

民数记27:1-11属约瑟的儿子玛拿西的各族,有玛拿西的玄孙,玛吉的曾孙,基列的孙子,希弗的儿子西罗非哈的女儿,名叫玛拉,挪阿,曷拉,密迦,得撒。她们前来,2 站在会幕门口,在摩西和祭司以利亚撒,并众首领与全会众面前,说,3 我们的父亲死在旷野。他不与可拉同党聚集攻击耶和华,是在自己罪中死的。他也没有儿子。4 为什么因我们的父亲没有儿子就把他的名从他族中除掉呢?求你们在我们父亲的弟兄中分给我们产业。5 于是,摩西将她们的案件呈到耶和华面前。6 耶和华晓谕摩西说,7 西罗非哈的女儿说得有理。你定要在她们父亲的弟兄中,把地分给她们为业。要将她们父亲的产业归给她们。8 你也要晓谕以色列人说,人若死了没有儿子,就要把他的产业归给他的女儿。9 他若没有女儿,就要把他的产业给他的弟兄。10 他若没有弟兄,就要把他的产业给他父亲的弟兄。11 他父亲若没有弟兄,就要把他的产业给他族中最近的亲属,他便要得为业。这要作以色列人的律例典章,是照耶和华吩咐摩西的。

法令上要求土地的继承应该是由父亲传给女儿。他们嫁给谁谁就得用女方的姓。这遗传是根据家庭世系。如果没有后代,土地应该通过兄弟继承下去,如果没有兄弟就传给其他有血缘关系的亲人。

如果有子女,土地就由母亲传下去而不由父亲。

出埃及记13:2以色列中凡头生的,无论是人是牲畜,都是我的,要分别为圣归我。

第一个孩子应被赎罪。

出埃及记13:13-22凡头生的驴,你要用羊羔代赎,若不代赎,就要打折它的颈项。凡你儿子中头生的都要赎出来。14 日后,你的儿子问你说,这是什么意思?你就说,耶和华用大能的手将我们从埃及为奴之家领出来。15 那时法老几乎不容我们去,耶和华就把埃及地所有头生的,无论是人是牲畜,都杀了。因此,我把一切头生的公牲畜献给耶和华为祭,但将头生的儿子都赎出来。16 这要在你手上作记号,在你额上作经文,因为耶和华用大能的手将我们从埃及领出来。17 法老容百姓去的时候,非利士地的道路虽近,神却不领他们从那里走,因为神说,恐怕百姓遇见打仗后悔,就回埃及去。18 所以神领百姓绕道而行,走红海旷野的路。以色列人出埃及地,都带着兵器上去。19 摩西把约瑟的骸骨一同带去,因为约瑟曾叫以色列人严严地起誓,对他们说,神必眷顾你们,你们要把我的骸骨从这里一同带上去。20 他们从疏割起行,在旷野边的以倘安营。21 日间,耶和华在云柱中领他们的路,夜间,在火柱中光照他们,使他们日夜都可以行走。22 日间云柱,夜间火柱,总不离开百姓的面前。

第一个男孩应继承双份的家产。

申命记21:17却要认所恶之妻生的儿子为长子,将产业多加一分给他。因这儿子是他力量强壮的时候生的,长子的名分本当归他。

律法要求正确地遵守家谱。

以西结书46:16-18 16 主耶和华如此说,王若将产业赐给他的儿子,就成了他儿子的产业,那是他们承受为业的。17 倘若王将一分产业赐给他的臣仆,就成了他臣仆的产业。到自由之年仍要归与王。至于王的产业,必归与他的儿子。18 王不可夺取民的产业,以致驱逐他们离开所承受的。他要从自己的地业中,将产业赐给他儿子,免得我的民分散,各人离开所承受的。

土地可以转给仆人,但在纪念周年到来的时候土地要归还给主人,谁也不能改变这一规定,忽视五十年节会导致严厉的惩罚。

耶利米哀歌34:17所以耶和华如此说,你们没有听从我,各人向弟兄邻舍宣告自由。看哪。我向你们宣告一样自由,就是使你们自由于刀剑,饥荒,瘟疫之下,并且使你们在天下万国中抛来抛去。这是耶和华说的。

民数记36:1-12 1 约瑟的后裔,玛拿西的孙子,玛吉的儿子基列,他子孙中的诸族长来到摩西和作首领的以色列人族长面前,2 说,耶和华曾吩咐我主拈阄分地给以色列人为业,我主也受了耶和华的吩咐将我们兄弟西罗非哈的产业分给他的众女儿。3 她们若嫁以色列别支派的人,就必将我们祖宗所遗留的产业加在她们丈夫支派的产业中。这样,我们拈阄所得的产业就要减少了。4 到了以色列人的禧年,这女儿的产业就必加在她们丈夫支派的产业上。这样,我们祖宗支派的产业就减少了。

继承制度是建立在五十年节的基础之上的,它可以保护未来的后代们。土地可以按照生产的效率分成几份。在民数记27:6中提到了差拉夫阿德的女儿们,她们嫁给了异族人,在出稼后土地被转给了另外一个种族。

上接民数记36

5 摩西照耶和华的话吩咐以色列人说,约瑟支派的人说得有理。6 论到西罗非哈的众女儿,耶和华这样吩咐说,她们可以随意嫁人,只是要嫁同宗支派的人。7 这样,以色列人的产业就不从这支派归到那支派,因为以色列人要各守各祖宗支派的产业。8 凡在以色列支派中得了产业的女子必作同宗支派人的妻,好叫以色列人各自承受他祖宗的产业。9 这样,他们的产业就不从这支派归到那支派,因为以色列支派的人要各守各的产业。

所有的遗产应按家族中的直线传承关系进行继承。差拉夫阿德的女儿也遵守这个律法。

10 耶和华怎样吩咐摩西,西罗非哈的众女儿就怎样行11 西罗非哈的女儿玛拉,得撒,曷拉,密迦,挪阿都嫁了他们伯叔的儿子。12 她们嫁入约瑟儿子,玛拿西子孙的族中。她们的产业仍留在同宗支派中。

服从上帝的律法会我们带来了很多我们所不能预见的好处,。

耶利米哀歌35:19所以万军之耶和华以色列的神如此说,利甲的儿子约拿达必永不缺人侍立在我面前。

这是准确的许诺。在家庭中总有一个代表要准备面对上帝。罗哈滨将留下,为什么?

耶利米哀歌35:16-18 16 利甲的儿子约拿达的子孙能遵守先人所吩咐他们的命,这百姓却没有听从我。17 因此,耶和华万军之神,以色列的神如此说,我要使我所说的一切灾祸临到犹大人和耶路撒冷的一切居民。因为我对他们说话,他们没有听从。我呼唤他们,他们没有答应。18 耶利米对利甲族的人说,万军之耶和华以色列的神如此说,因你们听从你们先祖约拿达的吩咐,谨守他的一切诫命,照他所吩咐你们的去行,

这个民族保留了下来,因为他们遵守了父辈的指示。我们应该尽力做上帝指示的一切,不能忘记任何一点。

马太福音5:18你们是世上的盐。盐若失了味,怎能叫他再咸呢?以后无用,不过丢在外面,被人践踏了。

救世主可接受的献身开始了计划的下一阶段,给非犹太人许可接受圣灵,并接受以色列的精神。计划还没有被全部完成,而律法仍然完整。律法,或它的一部分,并没有因为基督的牺牲而被取消,它使我们摆脱惩罚。

我们的顺从的长期好处将留给我们的孩子们。列卡巴西的后代做了些什么呢?

耶利米哀歌35:12-15 12耶和华的话临到耶利米说,13 万军之耶和华以色列的神如此说,你去对犹大人和耶路撒冷的居民说,耶和华说,你们不受教训,不听从我的话吗?14 利甲的儿子约拿达所吩咐他子孙不可喝酒的话,他们已经遵守,直到今日也不喝酒,因为他们听从先祖的吩咐。我从早起来警戒你们,你们却不听从我。15 我从早起来,差遣我的仆人众先知去,说,你们各人当回头,离开恶道,改正行为,不随从事奉别神,就必住在我所赐给你们和你们列祖的地上。只是你们没有听从我,也没有侧耳而听。

事实上全人类都想知道,我们应当崇拜谁,在哪里,在什么时候。

          我们应该崇拜,这关系到唯一真正的上帝,他的诫命和承诺。

          我们何时崇拜,这关系到历法。

          我们如何崇拜,这关系到政府和律法。

所有这些问题的答案都在五十年节制度的运用中,这将由救世主复活时重新建立起来。

利未记27:14-22 14 人将房屋分别为圣,归给耶和华,祭司就要估定价值。房屋是好是坏,祭司怎样估定,就要以怎样为定。15 将房屋分别为圣的人,若要赎回房屋,就必在你所估定的价值以外加上五分之一,房屋仍旧归他。16 人若将承受为业的几分地分别为圣,归给耶和华,你要按这地撒种多少估定价值,若撒大麦一贺梅珥,要估价五十舍客勒。17 他若从禧年将地分别为圣,就要以你所估定的价为定。18 倘若他在禧年以后将地分别为圣,祭司就要按着未到禧年所剩的年数推算价值,也要从你所估的减去价值。19 将地分别为圣的人若定要把地赎回,他便要在你所估的价值以外加上五分之一,地就准定归他。20 他若不赎回那地,或是将地卖给别人,就再不能赎了。21 但到了禧年,那地从买主手下出来的时候,就要归耶和华为圣,和永献的地一样,要归祭司为业。22 他若将所买的一块地,不是承受为业的,分别为圣归给耶和华,

被墙包围起来的城市中的房子不是家庭的私有财产,不受五十年节律法的约束。

利未记25:29-30 29 人若卖城内的住宅,卖了以后,一年之内可以赎回,在一整年,必有赎回的权柄。30 若在一整年之内不赎回,这城内的房屋就定准永归买主,世世代代为业,在禧年也不得出买主的手。

但乡村的住所要受五十年节律法的约束。

利未记25:31但房屋在无城墙的村庄里,要看如乡下的田地一样,可以赎回,到了禧年,都要出买主的手。

捐献给耶和华的房子,如果要赎回,应加百分之二十的附加费。房子由神甫们估价。

利未记27:14-15 14 人将房屋分别为圣,归给耶和华,祭司就要估定价值。房屋是好是坏,祭司怎样估定,就要以怎样为定。15 将房屋分别为圣的人,若要赎回房屋,就必在你所估定的价值以外加上五分之一,房屋仍旧归他。

 五十年节的律法

利未记25:9-55 9 当年七月初十日,你要大发角声,这日就是赎罪日,要在遍地发出角声。10 第五十年,你们要当作圣年,在遍地给一切的居民宣告自由。这年必为你们的禧年,各人要归自己的产业,各归本家。11 第五十年要作为你们的禧年。这年不可耕种,地中自长的,不可收割,没有修理的葡萄树也不可摘取葡萄。12 因为这是禧年,你们要当作圣年,吃地中自出的土产。13 这禧年,你们各人要归自己的地业。14 你若卖什么给邻舍,或是从邻舍的手中买什么,彼此不可亏负。15 你要按禧年以后的年数向邻舍买,他也要按年数的收成卖给你。16 年岁若多,要照数加添价值,年岁若少,要照数减去价值,因为他照收成的数目卖给你。17 你们彼此不可亏负,只要敬畏你们的神,因为我是耶和华你们的神。18 我的律例,你们要遵行,我的典章,你们要谨守,就可以在那地上安然居住。19 地必出土产,你们就要吃饱,在那地上安然居住。20 你们若说,这第七年我们不耕种,也不收藏土产,吃什么呢?21 我必在第六年将我所命的福赐给你们,地便生三年的土产。22 第八年,你们要耕种,也要吃陈粮,等到第九年出产收来的时候,你们还吃陈粮23 地不可永卖,因为地是我的,你们在我面前是客旅,是寄居的。24 在你们所得为业的全地,也要准人将地赎回。25 你的弟兄(弟兄指本国人说下同)若渐渐穷乏,卖了几分地业,他至近的亲属就要来把弟兄所卖的赎回。26 若没有能给他赎回的,他自己渐渐富足,能够赎回27 就要算出卖地的年数,把余剩年数的价值还那买主,自己便归回自己的地业。28 倘若不能为自己得回所卖的,仍要存在买主的手里直到禧年,到了禧年,地业要出买主的手,自己便归回自己的地业。29 人若卖城内的住宅,卖了以后,一年之内可以赎回,在一整年,必有赎回的权柄30 若在一整年之内不赎回,这城内的房屋就定准永归买主,世世代代为业,在禧年也不得出买主的手。31 但房屋在无城墙的村庄里,要看如乡下的田地一样,可以赎回,到了禧年,都要出买主的手。32 然而利未人所得为业的城邑,其中的房屋,利未人可以随时赎回。33 若是一个利未人不将所卖的房屋赎回,是在所得为业的城内,到了禧年就要出买主的手,因为利未人城邑的房屋是他们在以色列人中的产业。34 只是他们各城郊野之地不可卖,因为是他们永远的产业。35 你的弟兄在你那里若渐渐贫穷,手中缺乏,你就要帮补他,使他与你同住,像外人和寄居的一样。36 不可向他取利,也不可向他多要,只要敬畏你的神,使你的弟兄与你同住。37 你借钱给他,不可向他取利,借粮给他,也不可向他多要。38 我是耶和华你们的神,曾领你们从埃及地出来,为要把迦南地赐给你们,要作你们的神。39 你的弟兄若在你那里渐渐穷乏,将自己卖给你,不可叫他像奴仆服事你。40 他要在你那里像雇工人和寄居的一样,要服事你直到禧年。41 到了禧年,他和他儿女要离开你,一同出去归回本家,到他祖宗的地业那里去。42 因为他们是我的仆人,是我从埃及地领出来的,不可卖为奴仆。43 不可严严地辖管他,只要敬畏你的神。44 至于你的奴仆,婢女,可以从你四围的国中买。45 并且那寄居在你们中间的外人和他们的家属,在你们地上所生的,你们也可以从其中买人,他们要作你们的产业。46 你们要将他们遗留给你们的子孙为产业,要永远从他们中间拣出奴仆,只是你们的弟兄以色列人,你们不可严严地辖管。47 住在你那里的外人,或是寄居的,若渐渐富足,你的弟兄却渐渐穷乏,将自己卖给那外人,或是寄居的,或是外人的宗族,48 卖了以后,可以将他赎回。无论是他的弟兄,49 或伯叔,伯叔的儿子,本家的近支,都可以赎他。他自己若渐渐富足,也可以自赎。50 他要和买主计算,从卖自己的那年起,算到禧年,所卖的价值照着年数多少,好像工人每年的工价。51 若缺少的年数多,就要按着年数从买价中偿还他的赎价。52 若到禧年只缺少几年,就要按着年数和买主计算,偿还他的赎价。53 他和买主同住,要像每年雇的工人,买主不可严严地辖管他。54 他若不这样被赎,到了禧年,要和他的儿女一同出去。55 因为以色列人都是我的仆人,是我从埃及地领出来的。我是耶和华你们的神。

 美国自由钟

自由钟是革命的圣物,它第一次挂出是在1753年,挂在当时刚刚建成的宾夕法尼亚议会大厦,它后来成为了独立大厅。钟上面标记着这样的话:“宣布自由来到全世界。”

利未记25:10第五十年,你们要当作圣年,在遍地给一切的居民宣告自由。这年必为你们的禧年,各人要归自己的产业,各归本家。

在1776年七月宣布独立宣言的时候,这个钟曾被敲响,从而开创了庆祝独立日的传统。以后每一年都庆祝这个节日一直到1846年(但1777年和1778年除外,当时为了躲避英国的侵略者,独立钟被摘下来,藏到了别处)。在那一年,钟上的一个裂缝扩大了,导致这个独立钟再不能敲响了。在那时没有建立起一套完整的五十年节制度,这真令人羞愧。如果他们当时这么做了,那么律法在其中被宣读的这个国家的历史就会与今天有很大的不同。

新约的确立

约翰在底维尔第十五年开始传教(路加福音3:1),即从五十年节的第七个月开始(参见文章受难日和(基督)复活的时间计算(No。159))。从这个时间开始救世主被圣灵从拿撒勒带出并受了洗礼。赎罪之后,他在27/28这个五十年节回到了拿撒勒,并拿撒勒的犹太人集会上进行传教。在路加福音4:16中讲述了关于基督进入拿撒勒,人们给他一本写有以赛亚预言的册子,他打开了它,并读完了它。

在读过以赛亚书61:1-2后,他宣告了上帝的可接受年,这是对五十年节制度的直接指示。上帝的可接受年和利未记25:10中对自由宣告即是五十年节。

以赛亚书61:1-2 1 主耶和华的灵在我身上。因为耶和华用膏膏我,叫我传好信息给谦卑的人,(或作传福音给贫穷的人)差遣我医好伤心的人,报告被掳的得释放,被囚的出监牢。2 报告耶和华的恩年,和我们神报仇的日子。安慰一切悲哀的人。

救世主的这个行为直接宣告了五十年节制度。他以此证明了五十年节制度并把它和自己的计划联系在一起。他是在公元28年尼撒月之前做的这一切。五十年节制度在新世纪27-28年就应该存在,这已经在伊齐基尔的预言中得到证实。如果这不是纪念日,他的预言就是假的,他也就不是救世主,因为描写的不正确,应该丢掉。伊齐基尔所提到的三十年是五十年节周期中的第三十年或公元前594。这就引出了公元前594年的五十年节,并在公元374年再一次引出了恢复以斯拉记和尼希米记律法的五十年节。

这不会给我们圣餐,而圣餐被认为是以色列的第七天安息日的象征,是他们出埃及的日子。上帝许诺在第六年给那些守周期的人两倍的收成。这些证据在 与以斯拉和尼希米读律法 (No. 250)中作了探讨.

救世主以肉身来到世间,他为了我们的罪恶而死去,在公元30年又再生。在歌罗西书2:16中保罗讲了节日、新月、安息日都是即将出现的事物的预兆。语法的理解是为了我们遵守节日、新月、安息日,不是为了得到拯救,而是为了预见上帝的计划中的事物。

遵守律法的义务将一直继续下去,它不会改变,就像我们所见到的那样(马太福音5:18;路加福音16:17)。在基督的时代,犹太人没有认真的遵守律法(约伯记7:19)。律法被风俗习惯改变了(马太福音15:2-3,6;马可福音7:3,5,8-9,13),在评判基督的时候犹太教师将其变成了一种负担(使徒行传15:10)。

实际应用

五十年节从赎罪日所在的那年的秋天开始(利未记25:9)。各人要归还自己的产业,各归本家。如果我们不遵守它,我们就会被惩罚(希伯来书34:17)。土地属于每一个家庭和部落,并分成若干部分(民数记36:1-12;以斯拉记46:16-19)。年长的儿子得双倍的土地(申命记21:17)。到纪念日的时候可以将栽培的农作物出卖,这些农作物应被估价(利未记27:18);并加上百分之二十的赎金(利未记27:19)。但是土地本身不可以出卖(利未记25:23)。因此不应该对土地征收任何税,只对它们的利润收税。禁止剥夺土地(弥迦书4:4)。

根据什一税制度,所有这此在上文中读过和研究过的律法都适用。存在着第一种和第二种什一税。第一种什一税是交给祭司们的(尼希米记10:36-38)。

根据旧约,第一种什一税开始时由利末人交,这些人将什一税交给了教堂中的祭司们。第二种什一税是指当家庭参加节日时在特定的地方所交纳的(申命记14:22-23)。较贫困的和利末人(申命记14:27)也将分享它。第二种什一税在第三年末被全部分给穷人。此即第三种什一税。在实际实行中它可以转换成现金,因此与社会经济生活有直接的关系。它是安息日周期的物质基础。通过拾田间角落的落穗还可以对这种税收进行补充(利未记19:9)。 见 什一税(No. 161)一文.

律法需要完全遵守,否则人类将受惩罚。

祝福还是诅咒?

申命记30:19我今日呼天唤地向你作见证。我将生死祸福陈明在你面前,所以你要拣选生命,使你和你的后裔都得存活。

因服从而得到的佑福

申命记28:1-14 1 你若留意听从耶和华你神的话,谨守遵行他的一切诫命,就是我今日所吩咐你的,他必使你超乎天下万民之上。2 你若听从耶和华你神的话,这以下的福必追随你,临到你身上,3 你在城里必蒙福,在田间也必蒙福。4 你身所生的,地所产的,牲畜所下的,以及牛犊,羊羔,都必蒙福。5 你的筐子和你的抟面盆都必蒙福。6 你出也蒙福,入也蒙福。7 仇敌起来攻击你,耶和华必使他们在你面前被你杀败。他们从一条路来攻击你,必从七条路逃跑。8 在你仓房里,并你手所办的一切事上,耶和华所命的福必临到你。耶和华你神也要在所给你的地上赐福与你。9 你若谨守耶和华你神的诫命,遵行他的道,他必照着向你所起的誓立你作为自己的圣民。10 天下万民见你归在耶和华的名下,就要惧怕你。11 你在耶和华向你列祖起誓应许赐你的地上,他必使你身所生的,牲畜所下的,地所产的,都绰绰有余。12 耶和华必为你开天上的府库,按时降雨在你的地上。在你手里所办的一切事上赐福与你。你必借给许多国民,却不至向他们借贷。13 你若听从耶和华你神的诫命,就是我今日所吩咐你的,谨守遵行,不偏左右,也不随从事奉别神,耶和华就必使你作首不作尾,但居上不居下。

如果我们服从唯一真正的上帝,并在它给予的生命中生活,一切祝福就会随之而来。亚伯拉罕许诺我们一定会得到这些祝福。

不服从的人将受到诅咒

犯罪和惩罚:

申命记28:15-36你若不听从耶和华你神的话,不谨守遵行他的一切诫命律例,就是我今日所吩咐你的,这以下的咒诅都必追随你,临到你身上,

忽视上帝和不服从他的诫命,就是违法行为。当人们超越了一切规章制度以后,耶和华就会审判他们。

16你在城里必受咒诅,在田间也必受咒诅。17 你的筐子和你的抟面盆都必受咒诅。18 你身所生的,地所产的,以及牛犊,羊羔,都必受咒诅。19 你出也受咒诅,入也受咒诅。20 耶和华因你行恶离弃他,必在你手里所办的一切事上,使咒诅,扰乱,责罚临到你,直到你被毁灭,速速地灭亡。

当我们抛弃上帝的时候,我们将会建立自己的社会体制,这样我们就是不服从上帝。对于这种行为总要给予惩罚。对不服从上帝的人可给予惩罚。上帝管理人民和家庭。也就是说整个民族可能和不正确地引导他们的天使一样会被判有罪。需要遵守上帝的所有律法和诫命,对不服从者要处以惩罚,这种惩罚可能反映在他们的土地是否丰收。上帝可以惩罚整个民族,就像惩罚一个人一样。他可以使人们受到饥饿的惩罚。

上帝可以使人们受到诅咒、混乱和挫折的惩罚。这种混乱是自上而来的。当今掌权者展示的是愚蠢的政策,采取的是糊涂的决定,和人民的丰衣足食相违背。在他们的决定中没有采用圣书和任何上帝的律法,把人们引向黑暗。

21 耶和华必使瘟疫贴在你身上,直到他将你从所进去得为业的地上灭绝。22 耶和华要用痨病,热病,火症,疟疾,刀剑,旱风(或作干旱),霉烂攻击你。这都要追赶你,直到你灭亡。23 你头上的天要变为铜,脚下的地要变为铁。24 耶和华要使那降在你地上的雨变为尘沙,从天临在你身上,直到你灭亡。25 耶和华必使你败在仇敌面前,你从一条路去攻击他们,必从七条路逃跑。你必在天下万国中抛来抛去。26 你的尸首必给空中的飞鸟和地上的走兽作食物,并无人哄赶。27 耶和华必用埃及人的疮并痔疮,牛皮癣与疥攻击你,使你不能医治。28 耶和华必用癫狂,眼瞎,心惊攻击你。29 你必在午间摸索,好像瞎子在暗中摸索一样。你所行的必不亨通,时常遭遇欺压,抢夺,无人搭救。

今天在世界上传播的疾病越来越可怕。在罗马人书1:25-27中谈到了关于爱滋病。不断增加的染病人数是违反上帝律法而受到惩罚的证明。不遵守律法的人们将丧失理智。它可以使整个社会陷于绝望之中,使人们受到化学污染的威胁。罗马人的错误导致许多人心理变态,吸毒的原因是人类社会存在的心理疾病。

30 你聘定了妻,别人必与她同房。你建造房屋,不得住在其内。你栽种葡萄园,也不得用其中的果子。31 你的牛在你眼前宰了,你必不得吃它的肉。你的驴在你眼前被抢夺,不得归还。你的羊归了仇敌,无人搭救。32 你的儿女必归与别国的民。你的眼目终日切望,甚至失明,你手中无力拯救33 你的土产和你劳碌得来的,必被你所不认识的国民吃尽。你时常被欺负,受压制,34 甚至你因眼中所看见的,必致疯狂。35 耶和华必攻击你,使你膝上腿上,从脚掌到头顶,长毒疮无法医治。36 耶和华必将你和你所立的王领到你和你列祖素不认识的国去。在那里你必事奉木头石头的神。

这种罪恶的东西是我们不知道的外国人带给我们的。他们用外语和石头一样的心肠和我们交往。另外我们的方法是不正当的,它表明我们所说的即是宗教,是与我们所崇拜的唯一真神以及来自于对唯一真神的信仰所带来的成功相背离的。直到今天,人们保持并将继续保护自己的生育权,因为约瑟夫通过自己的儿子埃弗拉依姆和马那竭科给予了这种许诺。

救世主天使耶和华是挽救以色列。祝福是通过约瑟夫而给予以色列的。埃弗拉依姆成为了接受这些祝福的代表。犹太人得到了帝王的权杖,而救世主是由这个权杖被创立的。乔治有生育权,这种权力将是属于他的。但是得到祝福的前提条件是顺从。

申命记28:1-68 1 你若留意听从耶和华你神的话,谨守遵行他的一切诫命,就是我今日所吩咐你的,他必使你超乎天下万民之上。2 你若听从耶和华你神的话,这以下的福必追随你,临到你身上。

如果我们顺从;如果你们顺从。

如果我们不顺从,那么我们将会成为:

37 你在耶和华领你到的各国中,要令人惊骇,笑谈,讥诮。38 你带到田间的种子虽多,收进来的却少,因为被蝗虫吃了。39 你栽种,修理葡萄园,却不得收葡萄,也不得喝葡萄酒,因为被虫子吃了。40 你全境有橄榄树,却不得其油抹身,因为树上的橄榄不熟自落了。41 你生儿养女,却不算是你的,因为必被掳去。42 你所有的树木和你地里的出产必被蝗虫所吃。43 在你中间寄居的,必渐渐上升,比你高而又高。你必渐渐下降,低而又低。44 他必借给你,你却不能借给他。他必作首,你必作尾。45 这一切咒诅必追随你,赶上你,直到你灭亡。因为你不听从耶和华你神的话,不遵守他所吩咐的诫命律例。

这个民族的儿女将成为奴隶。这个民族不会受到保护。而且,被选的人也是这个民族的一部分。如果我们认为当诅咒降临到这片土地上可以保持默而仍然会受到保护,那我们就错了。他们只被保障有水和面包来生存,只有这些,没有别的。如果我们沉默,当狡猾的人统治的时候,耶和华将不会听到你们的声音,一直到你们忏悔,立场坚定。

46 这些咒诅必在你和你后裔的身上成为异迹奇事,直到永远。

他们永远是以色列的标志和奇迹。以色列也是一个精神上的民族。他们是那些永远忠于耶稣基督的人,因而会受到审判。

47 因为你富有的时候,不欢心乐意地事奉耶和华你的神,48 所以你必在饥饿,干渴,赤露,缺乏之中事奉耶和华所打发来攻击你的仇敌。他必把铁轭加在你的颈项上,直到将你灭绝。49 耶和华要从远方,地极带一国的民,如鹰飞来攻击你。这民的言语,你不懂得。50 这民的面貌凶恶,不顾恤年老的,也不恩待年少的。51 他们必吃你牲畜所下的和你地土所产的,直到你灭亡。你的五谷,新酒,和油,以及牛犊,羊羔,都不给你留下,直到将你灭绝。52 他们必将你困在你各城里,直到你所倚靠,高大坚固的城墙都被攻塌。他们必将你困在耶和华你神所赐你遍地的各城里。

这种许诺的诅咒与发生在我们的领土上的战争有关。有时我们不得不被迫看着自己的民众被毁灭。我们将不能逃离以色列的所有城市,直到圣子到达(马太福音10:23)。

53 你在仇敌围困窘迫之中,必吃你本身所生的,就是耶和华你神所赐给你的儿女之肉。54 你们中间,柔弱娇嫩的人必恶眼看他弟兄和他怀中的妻,并他余剩的儿女。55 甚至在你受仇敌围困窘迫的城中,他要吃儿女的肉,不肯分一点给他的亲人,因为他一无所剩。56 你们中间,柔弱娇嫩的妇人,是因娇嫩柔弱不肯把脚踏地的,必恶眼看她怀中的丈夫和她的儿女。57 她两腿中间出来的婴孩与她所要生的儿女,她因缺乏一切就要在你受仇敌围困窘迫的城中将他们暗暗地吃了

这在以前曾经发生过,但没有像最后的毁灭那么严重。

58 这书上所写律法的一切话是叫你敬畏耶和华你神可荣可畏的名。你若不谨守遵行,耶和华就必将奇灾,就是至大至长的灾,至重至久的病,加在你和你后裔的身上,60 也必使你所惧怕,埃及人的病都临到你,贴在你身上,61 又必将没有写在这律法书上的各样疾病,灾殃降在你身上,直到你灭亡。62 你们先前虽然像天上的星那样多,却因不听从耶和华你神的话,所剩的人数就稀少了。63 先前耶和华怎样喜悦善待你们,使你们众多,也要照样喜悦毁灭你们,使你们灭亡。并且你们从所要进去得的地上必被拔除。64 耶和华必使你们分散在万民中,从地这边到地那边,你必在那里事奉你和你列祖素不认识,木头石头的神。

外国人在此建立了外来的偶像并将其称作多元文化。我们的民众崇拜它们。魔鬼的学说在所有的地方滋长着。素食主义被吹捧为是善良的和有道德的。叛教者愚蠢的思想过程变成公开的胡言乱语和魔鬼的咒语。

当最后日子的毁灭来到以色列时,是那些被选的人们将要遭到迫害。首先被那些寻求通过背叛他们的兄弟来拯救自己的兄弟所迫害。

如果你现在不能站在正义的一边而试图拯救那十个迷失的、违约的部落,你是出于利益的考虑而在出卖自己的兄弟姐妹。最后日子的瘟役将降临那些体弱者和那些惧怕其成为现实的人。

65 在那些国中,你必不得安逸,也不得落脚之地。耶和华却使你在那里心中跳动,眼目失明,精神消耗。66 你的性命必悬悬无定。你昼夜恐惧,自料性命难保。67 你因心里所恐惧的,眼中所看见的,早晨必说,巴不得到晚上才好。晚上必说,巴不得到早晨才好。68 耶和华必使你坐船回埃及去,走我曾告诉你不得再见的路。在那里你必卖己身与仇敌作奴婢,却无人买。

耶和华许诺说,我们不再回到埃及,也就是说一个将用来对付这个民族叛教问题的体系即将被建立起来了。在这个体系中我们不会被收买,因为他们不能给我们饭吃,并且对我们来说疾病已成为负担。如果我们尚未悔改,那么就悔改吧。

我们作为圣灵的以色列和肉体的约瑟夫以及所有将被召唤者必须遵守这个完整的社会制度。律法将保护这个星球和所有居住在这个星球上的人们。我们已被授予了曾被我们忽视的责任来遵守、处理或管理和保持这个制度。

不去遵守上帝家庭保护体系的结果是明显的。自洗礼始我们已更新了立约,这是与律法相同的第二个立约,它应在精神上得到遵守。

申命记29:1-13 1 这是耶和华在摩押地吩咐摩西与以色列人立约的话,是在他和他们于何烈山所立的约之外。2 摩西召了以色列众人来,对他们说,耶和华在埃及地,在你们眼前向法老和他众臣仆,并他全地所行的一切事,你们都看见了,3 就是你亲眼看见的大试验和神迹,并那些大奇事。4 但耶和华到今日没有使你们心能明白,眼能看见,耳能听见。5 我领你们在旷野四十年,你们身上的衣服并没有穿破,脚上的鞋也没有穿坏。6 你们没有吃饼,也没有喝清酒浓酒。这要使你们知道,耶和华是你们的神。7 你们来到这地方,希实本王西宏,巴珊王噩都出来与我们交战,我们就击杀了他们,8 取了他们的地给流便支派,迦得支派,和玛拿西半支派为业。9 所以你们要谨守遵行这约的话,好叫你们在一切所行的事上亨通。10 今日你们的首领,族长(原文作支派),长老,官长,以色列的男丁,你们的妻子,儿女和营中寄居的,以及为你们劈柴挑水的人,都站在耶和华你们的神面前,12 为要你顺从耶和华你神今日与你所立的约,向你所起的誓。13 这样,他要照他向你所应许的话,又向你列祖亚伯拉罕,以撒,雅各所起的誓,今日立你作他的子民,他作你的神。

这种生活方式的全部内容在第二大诫命中得到概括:

申命记6:4-5 4以色列阿,你要听。耶和华我们神是独一的主。5 你要尽心,尽性,尽力爱耶和华你的神。

利未记19:18不可报仇,也不可埋怨你本国的子民,却要爱人如己。我是耶和华。

整个五十年节和什一税制度将会有效的保护人们免受利息和债务问题的破坏以及缺乏土地生产力的持续困扰,而正是利息和债务使得我们成为了金融的奴隶。

万能的耶和华我们的神很快就派遣他的弥赛亚回来创立了对我们有利的律法。

我们充满感激地遵守着律法,因为我们爱我们的上帝。

阿门

Contents

One True God:

God exist-Why is God eternal-Many names for God-Which name, which entity-Elohim/Eloah-Elohim plural-How many elohim-Jehovah/Jehovah of Hosts-SHD 3068/3069-Two different beings-God look on sin-God and His Law

Spiritual Creation:

Angel of YHVHIs Christ YHVH-Worship the son-Great Angel OT-Who spoke to Abraham-Who did Moses see-Who talked to Moses and Aaron

Sons of GodHow many sons of God-Difference in heavenly beings-24 Thrones/Elders-4 living creatures-4 rivers/4 Cherubim-Lion headed systems-Who are the host-Cause of rebellion-Cherub rebel-Rebellion-Fallen host repent-Angels male or female Lucifer: Meaning of Lucifer-Satan still has access to God-Satan not always evil- Abaddon/Apollyon Angels: Function of angels-Can we recognise angels-Pray to angels

Physical Creation:

Nephilim: Humans before Adam-Pre/post Adam DNA-Nephilim not resurrected Adam and Eve: Why create man-Mankind’s destiny-Adam rebuke Eve-Life before Adam-Children’s stories-Apple forbidden fruit-Different races-Vegetables or meat first-Physical condition early people Noah: Origin or faces from Noah-Flood worldwide-Noah’s faith Abraham: Blessings for Hagar/Ishmael

The Law:

Two tablets of stone-6 and 4 or 5 and 5-First Commandment-Sabbath-Reading the law Society: Uncleanness until sundown-Not coming near wives-Childbirth-Garments etc-Swearing-Violence on innocent-Death penalty-Tattoos-Owe no man-Gambling Food Laws: Mushrooms-Supplements-Pork and fish-Eating meat-Food and ten commandments Tithes and Offerings: 3 or 7 offerings-Atonement tax-Stealing from God

Israel:

12 Judges-Kings-Numbering of tribes-Order of tribes-Moses: Broken tablets-Wife and children-Hosts of Pharaoh-Red sea-Seven-day march-Fall of Jericho- Red cords-Blood on doorposts-Idols and Images: Golden idol-Why a calf-Worship of images-Golden calf/golden cross-Divisions of Israel

Joshua…Joshua’s life-12 rocks/12 apostles-2 spies

JudgesJudges 9:7-21;Judges 19-Gideon 70 sons-Samson’s hair-Riddle to 30

RuthRuth’s kinsman

1Samuel1Samuel 1:6-17:40-David

1Kings…1Kings chapter 6

2Kings…2Kings chapter 2

EstherEsther 9:13 Nuremburg Trials

Job7 sons 3 daughters-Job of Genesis 46:13

PsalmsPsalm 82-Psalm 187

Proverbs…Proverbs 8 and 9-Proverbs 31

EcclesiastesEcclesiastes 7:1-Birthdays

Prophets:

IsaiahIsaiah 19:23-Isaiah 65:1-6-Isaiah 1:29

Jeremiah…Jeremiah 4:15ff

EzekielEzekiel 46:20;-26:21;-Exekiel’s Temple-Ezekiel 20:37-38

DanielDaniel 12:1-2;-2:43;-7:9-10;-Daniel and 3 in oven-Lion’s den
Hosea…Hosea 2:15

JoelJoel 2:23

MicahMicah 6:4;-5:5

Zechariah…Zecariah 14:16-19

God’s Calendar:

Full moon-Time lost-Number 7-Jubilees: What is a Jubilee-How to count-Blown on Atonement-5 months in 50th or 1st year-End of Jubilee Feasts: Where does he place his name-Assemblies of God-Fat of the Feast-Pentecost: Shavuot-Trumpets: Trumpets blown-Feast of Shofar-New Year-Atonement: Meaning-Tribute tax-Half Shekel

***********************************

FAQ Old Testament

One True God

Why do you believe that God exists? 

A: It is written only a fool says in his heart that there is no God. The entire structure of the creation demands that God exist: From the Laws of Thermodynamics to the phase space volume selection of the universe and Quantum Mechanical theory. The philosophical basis of Causation is singularist and not supervenient. Why would you think that there is no God?

Why do you think God is eternal? The fact that God created us should not mean that God never dies. Maybe your God just had special power to create the whole world and maybe His life has just been very long, of years old.

A: God stands outside of time and space. The Bible is very clear that there is only One True God, whom no man has ever seen or ever can see (John 1:18), and who dwells in unapproachable light and who alone is immortal (1Tim. 6:16).

We know this to be true as the phrase “space volume selection of the universe” is held to be a factor of ten to the tenth, to the 123rd power. It cannot be written in normal denary notation, even if the entire substructure of matter in the universe were to be used. In other words, there is a point of origin, and only one for the entire universe.

We now know from the general theory of relativity and subsequent quantum mechanical theory and its adaptations that a substructure, which we call “quarks”, underpins the basis of matter.

We know from the decay of “K Mesons” that there is directionality to time. We know that the structure of matter in the universe is a directional structure in which Space, Time Mass, Energy and Gravity are equivalent expressions of a single fundamental essence, and that essence we call spirit. The Bible is understood to teach us that God creates it “ex nihilo” or “out of nothing”. This was also the doctrine of the Shepherd of Hermas, the earliest of the writings not now included in the New Testament.

God created the entire spiritual realm, and then he created the physical. This is examined in the papers How God Became a Family (No. 187) and The Purpose of the Creation and the Sacrifice of Christ (No. 160). The structure of the creation and the logical necessity of Singularist Causation and the impossibility of Absolute Creation in the work is shown in Creation: From Anthropomorphic Theology to Theomorphic Anthropology (No. B5). 

I see in my concordance that there are multiple words in Hebrew that are translated as “God.” Do they all mean the same thing? Why do the Hebrews have so many words for God? 

A: No, they don’t all mean the same thing. The various names for God are a function of His activity in the creation. Also, beings carry the name “God” and “Yahovah” when they act for the one true God. The name of God in the singular is “Eloah.” “Elohim” is a plural name, which can be used of singular beings.

In the same way “Yahovah” is used of multiple beings of the angelic host including Christ, but “Yahovih” is not so used. “Yahovih” is “Yahovah of Hosts” who is the “Most High” or the “Elyon.” The term “I am that I am” is a corruption of this idea. The text is “ ‘eyeh ‘asher ‘eyeh” or “I will be what I will become.” The term, “Yahovah” is “He causes to be” as a third person form (see fn. to Exodus 3:14 in the Oxford Annotated RSV). The names of God in the various forms are covered in the texts The Names of God (No. 116) and The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243).

I am confused as to the different names given in the Bible for God. I have read your papers and all makes sense, but it does not tell which name is for which entity. For example, how do you know in Genesis 1:1 that this Elohim is the One True God in the Spirit? In verse 26 it states, “Let us make man in our own image…” That sounds like the plural Elohim and not the One True God. Then I look at 2:4 and on and it states, “YHVH Elohim.” Who is the Elohim in 1:1 and who is YHVH Elohim in 2:4 and how do you know how to distinguish between them? It does say in 2:4 that YHVH Elohim created the Heavens and the Earth. Were they created by YHVH Elohim through His Elohim(s)?

A: Yes, this is a very important question. We have this basic rule. No man has ever seen God, neither heard His voice, nor seen His form (Jn. 1:18). We have this from the mouth of Christ and reinforced by John and Paul. Thus, the beings that are referred to in the Bible as Elohim who were seen or touched were sons of God and not the One True God. This One True God dwells in unapproachable light and no man has seen Him or ever can see Him. All that was experienced by man was delivered by the Great Angel of the Old Testament, who gave the Law to Moses and who became Jesus Christ, or those other sons of God who worked with him and who also bore the name of God. Look at the papers The Names of God (No. 116) and The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243). The One True God, Eloah has created all things by His will and all beings act under His will.

Am I to conclude that we do not know which elohim it is referring to in Genesis 1:1 and it really does not matter because all the Elohim are acting under the direction of Eloah? Do you think it is the sons of Eloah it is referring to because of the plural used in verse 26? So everything was created through the Elohim for Eloah?

A: The word God in Genesis 1:1 refers to Eloah and the first act of creation already completed, which was the extension of Himself as Elohim. Thus, the extended being is Elohim and He creates as Elohim because it involves multiple beings.

Job 38:4-7 shows the concept. He created and the sons of God were gathered together and the Morning Stars sang for joy at the creation of the earth. Thus, all were elohim under the One True God (cf. Jn. 17:3). It is irrelevant who was allocated tasks from the primary creation, which was the generation of the elohim from Eloah. Look at the papers How God Became a Family (No. 187) and The Government of God (No. 174).

Could you explain and define the Hebrew word for God, “Elohim”? Isn’t this a plural word? Are we to understand that it encompasses the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

A: The Hebrew word “Elohim” is a plural word meaning both “God;” and “Gods” plural, depending on its use. The singular word for God is “Eloah.” This is “Elahh” in Chaldean. The plural word for God in Chaldean is “Elahhin’” which is the same meaning as Elohim. “The God” is referred to as “Ha Elohim.” The Arabic came from the eastern Aramaic or Chaldean and that is why the Arabic word for God in the singular is “Allah’.” Elohim extends to cover all the sons of God as a council of elohim and a body of spirit beings. The Bible refers to the elohim as a plurality and elohim is rendered as “aggelos” in Greek and “angels” in English. For example, Psalm 8:5 says of Messiah that “Thou hast made him a little lower than the elohim.” This is translated in the English of the KJV as “angels” from the rendering in the Septuagint (LXX) as “aggelos”. The same is true in the Vulgate, and the Syriac. Thus, it was generally understood for three hundred years before and after Christ that the “elohim” were the “sons of God” who were termed “messengers” or “angels.” This text is also rendered “angels” in Hebrews 2:7. The Angel of the Old Testament is also an elohim. Psalm 97:7 also refers to the elohim as a wider council of elohim. It is a very important and interesting point, which is obscured by the Trinitarian system (see the paper Psalm 8 (No. 14)). The Trinity is a pagan system of the Triune God, which was introduced from Rome in the fourth century. Look also at the papers The Elect as Elohim (No. 1); The Angel of YHVH (No. 24); The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243); Creation: From Anthropomorphic Theology to Theomorphic Anthropology (No. B5) and The Soctratic Doctrine of the Soul (No. B6).

In Genesis 1:26 it says man was created in the image of Elohim. In 2:7 it says that YHVH Elohim formed man of the dust. In Revelation 21:17 it refers to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. It seems to me that it is talking about two different men and maybe two different Gods. Are the words in the ancient text for man in all the places that I referenced the same word? Are we talking about the same beings?

A: The Bible does speak of various elohim. The elohim are a council, as we know from the Psalms and elsewhere. The text in Revelation speaks of the measure of a man as the measure of an angel, and that tells you that we are all brethren and made in the image of God. This aspect also has ramifications about the angelic host. We are all to become brothers and part of the City of God where God is all in all. Look at the paper The City of God (No. 180).

Are Jehovah and Jehovah of Hosts one and the same, or are we talking about different beings? 

A: We are talking about different beings. Yahovah or Jehovah in English (there is no J in Hebrew) was allotted Israel as his possession by the Most High (Deut. 32:8 esp. RSV). The Most High or “Elyon” is Yahovah of Hosts. All beings who act for Yahovah of Hosts have the title, “Yahovah.” Christ was the key figure in the Old Testament as the Great Angel of Yahovah who had this title, but there were others. In Genesis, chapters 18 and 19, we see three Yahovahs who came to see Abraham. The senior remained with Abraham and the other two went on to Lot at Sodom.

They destroyed Sodom by calling down fire from Yahovah in Heaven. Thus there were four there and the One in Heaven who sent the fire down on Sodom. That One is Yahovah of Hosts. He sent Messiah to the world as the giver of the Law and as the protector of Israel. Look also at the papers The Names of God (No. 116); The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243); The Angel of YHVH (No. 24) and Early Theology of the Godhead (No. 127)The creation had a purpose and Christ had a role in the creation given to him by “Yahovah of Hosts” who is “Yahovih” (cf. The Purpose of the Creation and the Sacrifice of Christ (No. 160)).

In your writings you make a distinction between Yahovah (SHD 3068) and Yahovih (SHD 3069). You state that Yahovih (3069) is superior to Yahovah (3068). It is my understanding that the original script is just the Tetragrammaton that is translated YHVH with no vowels. If I am correct, how did the translators come up with 2 different versions of the word and make one superior to the other when they both were YHVH?

A: The Hebrew Text has preserved these distinctions. The alteration by the Sopherim of “Yahovah” to “Adonai” is a basis for the vowel point argument from Adonai. Look at the comments in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary for 3068 and 3069. You will see there the distinctions. 3068 is read as “Adonai” and 3069 is read as “elohim.”

I was reading the paper Law and the Second Commandment (No. 254) and in Deuteronomy 11:17 ‘Lord’ is referenced both ways in the same verse. Is this a misprint or are we talking about 2 different beings? If so please explain the difference. Also explain 2Corinthians 6:17-18. 

A: The word translated “Lord” in the text is “Yahovah” (SHD 3068) (cf. Green’s Interlinear Bible). The Septuagint makes no distinction in the use of “Kurios,” and it is also translated the same way.

In 2Corinthians 6:17-18, it is speaking of the “Lord Almighty” and there is no distinction. There is a distinction between the entities, as in Zechariah 2:8-11. The “Yahovah” sent to save Israel and Jerusalem is sent by “Yahovah of Hosts.” This is the distinction in Psalm 45:6-7 and seen in Hebrews 1:8-9 as “Messiah.”

Can God look on sin? I heard a sermon where the minister said “God can’t look on sin, that’s why Christ said ‘my God, my God, why have you forsaken me’ as he bore the sins of the world.” Is this true?

A: Yes, God can look on sin but we ask Him not to (Ps. 51:9ff.; Isa. 59:2).

That statement is a myth spread by people who have never read the Psalms properly. The text spoken by Christ was an Aramaic form of the Hebrew in Psalm 22:1. In Psalm 22:24 we read that God did not hide his face from him.

The events in Psalm 22 all refer to Christ and his actual crucifixion. Verse 24 says:

“For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Neither has He hid His face from him; But when he cried unto Him, He heard.”

This fiction is designed to deal with the concept of the reparation for sin without real understanding or acknowledging the Wave Sheaf offering and the true concepts of the Passover. Because they do not obey God’s laws and kept pagan systems, they do not understand Scripture and the Laws of God. The matter of the crucifixion and the aspects of Psalm 22 are examined in the papers on the web at http://www.ccg.org and http://www.logon.org

Ezra 9:15 refers to God being righteous, and Psalm 119:172 refers to God’s Law being righteous. Is there a connection between God and His Law? 

A: God is holy (Ps. 145:17), perfect (Mat. 5:48), righteous (Ps. 145:17), good (Ps. 25:8) and true (Deut. 32:4) and His Law is holy (Rom. 7:12), perfect (Ps. 19:7), righteous (Ps. 119:172), good (Rom. 7:12), and true (Ps. 119:142). This is because the Law proceeds from the nature of God and not from His whim. This is analysed in the papers Distinction in the Law (No. 96) and Love and the Structure of the Law (No. 200).

Spiritual Creation

Angel of YHVH

It was my understanding that “YHVH of Hosts” is the Father and the King is Christ (Zech. 9:9), but in Zechariah 14:16 we are told “all shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts.” Does Christ also have this title “YHVH of Hosts” or is this speaking of “worshipping” both the King and YHVH of Hosts?

A: Christ is given the names he is by the Father and acts for the Father under His delegation. God is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and yet we see Christ coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords strapped, as a title, to his thigh (Rev. 19:15-16). Only Yahovah of Hosts is worshipped and as such He is King. The title is given to Christ as it is also given to the elect.

Christ is also given a new name in this process, which will also be written on the elect (Rev. 3:12). We have all been redeemed to be a nation of kings and priests (cf. Rev. chs. 4 and 5 for the council and their statements about the saints and the Messiah).

Because some of these titles given to Christ overlap with titles ascribed to Almighty God, many have misconstrued the intent and believed that Christ is somehow God as God is God, being part of a Trinitarian, Binitarian or Ditheistic Godhead.

This is not the case. These titles given to Christ all convey the concept of delegated authority, even as the Mal’ak of YHVH was termed YHVH and Elohim because he represented YHVH of Hosts (Eloah). See the papers Isaiah 9:6 (No. 224) and The Names of God (No. 116))

In Daniel 2:45 we read about the Stone that was cut out of the Mountain and then in Daniel 7:13-14 we read about the coronation of the Son before the Ancient of Days. It appears the Son came from the Father differently than all the other creation. It almost seems like a type of cloning the Father did on Himself. Could you comment on this? If this is different from the creation of angels and the physical creation, then it would be quite acceptable to “worship” the Son in addition to the Father. He really would be in the Father and the Father in Him.

A: Christ was generated by God in the same way all the sons of God were generated by God. Christ was sent to earth in a different way and was the “only born god,” the “monogenes Theos” of John 1:18. The vision of Daniel 2 is covered in the papers on the nature of God series of the Bible Study Program (No. B1). Look especially at the paper How God Became a Family (No. 187).

No, it would not be acceptable to worship the Son as the Father. The Bible is clear that he who sanctifies and they who are sanctified are of one origin (Heb. 2:11). The doctrine that Father and Son were one God, and the son was worshipped and came to be sacrificed is the doctrine of Attis, and entered Christianity in the Council of the fourth century. “Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us?”(Mal. 2:10)

Who was the great Angel who was with Israel in the Old Testament? 

A: The belief of the Church in the first and second centuries was that this was Christ. He gave the Law of God to Moses. Justin Martyr, in writing to the Roman Emperor (ca. 150) in his “First Apology,” states categorically that it was the belief of the Christian Church that the Great Angel of the Old Testament who gave the Law to Moses was Christ. That is the teaching of the Original Catholic Church. See also www.originalcatholicchurch.org. Look at the papers The Angel of YHVH (No. 24)The Early Theology of the Godhead (No. 127) and The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243).

Who was it who spoke to Abraham? Was it Jesus? Who destroyed the cities?

A: It was the angel of Yahovah who became Jesus Christ. He was termed Yahovah, as were the other two angels who came with him to meet Abraham, and then the other two Yahovahs went on to Lot at Sodom and Gomorrah. They (Yahovah) then called fire down on the cities from Yahovah out of Heaven (Gen. 19:24). This Yahovah in Heaven was Yahovah of Hosts or Yahovih. These matters are explained in the papers: The Elect as Elohim (No. 1); The Angel of YHVH (No. 24); The Names of God (No. 116) and The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243).

If no man has seen God as John states, then who was it that Moses saw? Didn’t he see God? 

A: No, Moses did not see the One True God. Christ said no man has seen his form or heard his voice at any time so also repeated by John and Paul (Jn. 1:18; 1Jn. 5:20; 1Tim. 6:16). The belief of the early Church was that the Angel of the Old Testament that gave the Law to Moses was Christ. See the papers The Angel of YHVH (No. 24); The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243) and Early Theology of the Godhead (No. 127).

In Exodus (referring to the 10 plagues) who was giving Aaron and Moses instructions for the pharaoh?

A: The being that was with Israel in the wilderness was the rock that was Christ. He was the Angel of the Old Testament who gave the Law to Moses at Sinai. This was the teaching of the original Church and it is the teaching of the Church today (cf. Justin Martyr, First Apology). Look at the papers: The Angel of YHVH (No. 24); Early Theology of the Godhead (No. 127) and The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243).

Sons of God

How many sons of God does the Bible say there are? 

A: The sons of God are mentioned in the texts in the Old Testament, but no number is given. Deuteronomy 32:8 shows the nations were allocated to the sons of God according to their number (this was altered later in the Masoretic Text but the RSV has the text correct). So we have 70 by tradition for this, but we know it was much more than that from the vision in Elijah. Job 1:6; 2:1; and 38:4-7 just mentions the sons of God and the Morning Stars.

Job 33:23 indicates there are a thousand in the structure capable of ransoming men. We get the term “myriads” used of them and the term “armies” is also applied to them (Rev. 19:14). The book of Revelation gives a number of 200 million horsemen which are marshalled by the four angels bound at the Euphrates for the time appointed to slay a third of mankind (Rev. 9:16). These may well be men and not of the heavenly host.

We have no way of knowing if this reference is an exhaustive number or not. Thus, the number of the sons of God, sometimes termed Messengers, in the texts is perhaps 200 Million, but certainly numbered as armies. Perhaps they are as many as people have been since Adam. We will know when we get to The City of God (No. 180) and are joined with them as a living Temple and residence for God and the Lamb.

Could you explain the differences between all the heavenly beings – sons of God, Angels, Cherubim, Nephilim? Are all sons of God Angels, and all Angels sons of God?

A: All the heavenly host are sons of God. The ones sent to mankind are messengers, termed angels. These are in ranks and positions: Cherubim, Seraphim, and Morning Stars. All are sons of God. Christ is one of them.

The Nephilim are the product of the fallen host. See the paper The Nephilim (No. 154). They have no resurrection. The demons are the sons of God who fell from grace. We will all be Sons of God. Look at the papers How God Became a Family (No. 187); The Government of God (No. 174) and The Elect as Elohim (No. 1).

Can you explain in a nutshell about the 24 thrones and 24 elders?

A: The inner council of the elohim has thirty beings. These thirty are comprised of the twenty-four elders under the High Priest, who is Messiah. The four Living Creatures are the cherubim around the throne of God. They have the elders allocated to them on the basis of two to a system, with three systems making six to a division. God is in the centre at the throne. This makes thirty.

There are others who then make up the council of the seventy. This structure was reflected in the system in Israel, and at the Tabernacle and the Temple. The twenty-four division high priests and the High priest reflected the council of the elders. The seventy plus two reflected the outer council. Israel was divided into four divisions of twelve tribes, three tribes to a division, and with the priesthood of Levi at the tabernacle or throne (see Numbers 10). The divisions of the priesthood were allotted to the division of the tribes. The structure is also covered in the paper The Government of God (No. 174)Look also at How God Became a Family (No. 187).

What are the 4 living creatures and of what importance are they?

A: The Four Living Creatures are the anointed covering Cherubs that stand before the throne of God. The Ark carries two on the Lapporah or cover and another two stand over them. Look at the papers The Ark of the Covenant (No. 196) and The Meaning of Ezekiel’s Vision (No. 108). The paper The Government of God (No. 174) explains their function.

The four living creatures and the Council discharge function within the Host related to administration and judgment. They are in effect quadrant commanders of the universe and cover the throne of God.

The living creatures represent the four stages of the history of the priesthood and Israel. The first stage was the tabernacle of the wilderness and the Judges. The second stage or cherub was as the first Temple from Solomon to the captivity. The third stage was from the reestablishment after the return to the destruction in 70 CE and the fourth stage was as the era of the seven churches until the return of the Messiah.

Each stage is as a covering cherub that protects the throne of God and by human hands (under the wings) accomplishes His purpose on earth. The living creatures have been described elsewhere in the Bible but the symbolism of the form has a much deeper meaning than that of a created oddity with four different faces. In Revelation 4:6-8 we see the same faces but separate as four living creatures each with one of the faces but with six wings.

Do the four rivers flowing from Eden have anything symbolically to do with the four Cherubim around the throne of God? 

A: Yes, symbolically the rivers represent the four divisions of the creation. The creation and the role of the cherubim have been examined in a number of works. These are The Government of God (No. 174); The Purpose of the Creation and the Sacrifice of Christ (No. 160)The Doctrine of Original Sin Part I The Garden of Eden (No. 246) and How God Became a Family (No. 187).

You referred to the man and lion-headed systems; what are the roles or duties of these positions?

A: They are the quadrant commanders of God’s system. They are anointed covering cherubs, and they also appear as such in the Temple in Ezekiel. Revelation shows that they are at the throne of God. They occupy the position senior to the 24 elders, and they are seen in Ezekiel chapter 1 et seq where they are identified as the Cherubim. They have set areas of responsibility as we see from the fact that they do not change their orientation no matter where the throne is headed. Look at the papers: The Meaning of Ezekiel’s Vision (No. 108); How God Became a Family (No. 187); The Government of God (No. 174) and The City of God (No. 180).

Please give me as much information about the Hosts as you can. Who exactly are they, how many, their function and roll? Was Jesus part of the Host?

A: The Host are the sons of God. They are called messengers only from the fact of their mission to man. Angel is a derivation of the Greek word for messenger. “Malak” in the Hebrew has become “Malaikat” in the Arabic, and on into the Indonesian etc.

The Host are centred on the throne of God and serve Him. Christ was one of those sons of God in the beginning. The process is explained in the papers How God Became a Family (No. 187); The Government of God (No. 174) and The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243).

We are to become sons of God and elohim and that is covered in the paper The Elect as Elohim (No. 1). The Meaning of Ezekiel’s Vision (No. 108) also has information of interest regarding the Cherubim. How we all fit together is covered in the paper The City of God (No. 180).

What was the cause of the rebellion of the host?

A: It was always understood as being their objection to our creation. The Koran gives this as the specific reason. That is why Satan is the accuser of the brethren. They accuse us night and day to God. Look at the papers How God Became a Family (No. 187) and The Government of God (No. 174)Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son (No. 199) is also of interest in this matter as is The Judgment of the Demons (No. 80).

Could a cherub rebel and lose his position? If so what does the future hold for him? 

A: Yes one, Satan, and perhaps two did rebel. They can repent like all of God’s sons. Look at the paper The Judgment of the Demons (No. 80) and also Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son (No. 199)God’s mercy endures forever.

If one third of the host rebelled and there are 30 in the inner council one could speculate 10 rebelled. Is that why there are 10 components; 7 church eras, 2 witnesses, and Messiah needed to repair the problem/breach created by the hosts rebellion?

A: One might speculate that way and it would seem logical; however, the figures used by the Satanist cells are of the order of twelve/twelve. It seems they actually might have got more from the inner council than a third. However, over all they got a third as it says. Perhaps it was two cherubs and the ten. We will know when we get to Jerusalem and Christ gives us new information.

The ten components of the Temple are not related to individuals, save in the Messiah and the two witnesses. The seven are churches unless we identify the seven angels of the seven churches as potential replacements in the host, and the human elements as the new section. 

If the fallen angelic host (the demons) can repent and still become sons of God, then maybe you believe that the unrepentant demons will be killed forever? What is the difference then, between us and them? Are people just another more creative way of doing the same thing that is done with angels?

A: Yes, that is the answer. The human creation with the family system was another way of giving the angels similar responsibilities of the human family, but with greater oversight. When Satan objected to our creation and the third of the host objected and rebelled with him, they were then given responsibility for us. They became our accusers instead of our spiritual parents. They became an obstruction to the plan and our salvation. After the final rebellion at the end of the Millennium, the demons will be reduced to physical form and die. This is the sense of being brought down to the side of the Pit and to die like any man, as we see in Ezekiel 28 and also the same sense in Isaiah 14. This aspect has been examined in the paper The Fall of Egypt The Prophecy of Pharaoh’s Broken Arms (No 36) and Lucifer: Light Bearer and Morning Star (No. 223). They will then be placed within the physical resurrection at the Second or General Resurrection of the Dead. One can imagine the difficulties they will face when dealt with, in examining their roles over the last 6000 years and the havoc they caused even by simply failing to prevent false action, let alone actually inducing it in the human host.

It was probably to escape this accounting that they developed the theory and doctrine among the mystery cults, especially the Orphic, of the daemon among the humans which was a fallen theos or god, and which had to be purged in order to return to heaven. The inducement of humans in the endeavour was probably a reaction and a desire to be returned to their former estate without enduring the process of the second and physical resurrection under the human elect of the First Resurrection.

The soul doctrine is an invention of Socrates of the “psuche” in reaction to the Orphic doctrines, and from which we get the immortal soul and which later went to the heaven of the Gnostics. The eternal soul is another lie, on the same vein as demons cannot die and they cannot repent. Christ was reduced from one of the elohim to the form of a man and he died on the cross, was resurrected and ascended into heaven. If he could do that, then so can any one of the demons. God has no limitations in the creation. Look at the papers The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243); The Judgment of the Demons (No. 80); The Resurrection of the Dead (No. 143); The Soul (No. 92); Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son (No. 199)and The Socratic Doctrine of the Soul (No. B6).

I have read up on the paper entitled The Nephilim (No. 154). The angels involved in this sin to create Nephilim were clearly male in origin. So, does that mean that all the spiritual creation is closer to a male type as we understand male and female, or are there also spirit beings that would be closer to the female species? 

A: The sons of God have the capacity to materialise in whatever form. If they can appear as a man, they can also appear as a woman and do appear as women often, hence Fatima etc. They appeared as Balaam’s donkey in one instance. Satan is termed the serpent and may well have literally appeared to Eve in that guise. We make the mistake of thinking that the Spirit world is just another copy of this one. We see through a glass darkly.

The Spirit world has the capacity to move through time and space without the limitations we understand or think within. Mass, space, time, gravity and energy are equivalent expressions of the single fundamental essence we understand as spirit. Some of our scientists have made the error of assuming an immanent God from this basis.

The sons of God were all gathered together here when the world was created. Their leaders, the Morning Stars, sang for joy. Satan was among them as a Morning Star and the anointed Covering Cherub. The function of woman was the capacity by which God would produce more sons of God.

Demons appeared as men to interfere with the creation. They may well have become women but then they would have been tied to the creation and the upbringing of the cuckoos they laid. They were probably emotionally immature for that responsibility without the Holy Spirit of God. Also, the woman was the one they influenced. They lost the Holy Spirit when they finally rebelled and were cast from heaven. They then had to produce the pseudo logon. Thus, they are no longer consubstantial. Look at the paper Consubstantial with the Father (No. 81).

We will all be asexual in the resurrection. The second physical resurrection also seems to demand that asexuality. Look at the paper The Resurrection of the Dead (No. 143) and Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272).

Are you aware of any scriptures besides Psalm 8:5 that refer to spirit beings (other than the Father and the One that became Christ) as elohim?

A: Yes, there are a few texts. Moses is referred to as an elohim in Exodus 7:1. Abraham is referred to as an elohim in the original Hebrew text in Genesis 23:6, which is termed Mighty Prince in the English.

Satan is referred to as an elohim or theoi in various texts. Paul says there are many theoi (theoi polloi) or elohim in the New Testament. Zechariah 12:8 said that the household of David will become elohim with the Angel of Yahovah (Jehovah) at our head. It is written: “I said ye are gods and Scripture cannot be broken” (Jn. 10:34-35). Look at the paper The Elect as Elohim (No. 1).

Psalm 45:6-7 says that Christ, our elohim, was anointed with the oil of gladness above his partners. Thus, there is a council. Psalm 82 deals with this aspect. The other references are covered in that paper. Also look at the The Angel of YHVH (No. 24).

Are the 1000 sacrifices offered by Solomon in the Tabernacle referring to the council of the 1000 sons of God? Just as Job 33:23-24 talks of one of 1000 and redemption through Messiah; or Genesis 20:16 mentions the 1000 pieces of silver to Abraham for the vindication of Sarah but the entire council needed the appeasement for the offence; or Song of Songs with 1000 shields (Eph. 6:16 shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.) Bottom line, do all these scriptures tie to God’s administrative council of a 1000?

A: Yes, the reference in Genesis 20:16 is in fact an appeasement along the lines we see in Job, where the redemption was from one of the 1000. And the irony of Abimelech, in using the term brother, is because of the sin and damage he suffered.

The notion of being protected by the host is evident as well, as being redeemed by one of the 1000. This is fairly esoteric ground now. Nothing turns on it, other than the view that sin was an offence against God. That was why thirty pieces of silver was paid for Christ. Because it was an offence against the council and it was also deemed the price of a slave

Lucifer

What does the name Lucifer mean?

A: Lucifer means Light bearer. The name comes from his function as the Morning Star of this planet. It is an educative and controlling role which is taken up by Christ and the elect at the end of the age, in the not too distant future, for the millennial reign. The terms are covered in the paper Lucifer: Light Bearer and Morning Star (No. 223).

In remembering that Satan came before God with the angels as told in Job, I am wondering if he still has this access to God and does he still have influence on the angels?

A: Yes, he is the accuser of our brethren and he still has one third of the host under him. Some are held to have repented from the activities of the early Church. He is cast down and knows his time is short. Christ said He saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Thus, he must be cast down. Revelation speaks of the short time and his fury against the Church because of that short time. We are in that time. In fact, we are past the 1260 years of the woman in the wilderness. The Fifth Seal is still continuing and the woman that rides the beast, who is drunk on the blood of the saints, is about to be destroyed. Look at the paper Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272) and also The Role of the Fourth Commandment in the Historical Sabbath-keeping Churches of God (No. 170).

I believe that Lucifer and Satan are one and the same being. This presents a bit of a problem though for this would mean that Satan was not always evil wouldn’t it? This is looking more like it may be true as Ezekiel 28:15 shows him being perfect from the day he was created. So how better can one be than perfection?

A: Lucifer was the anointed covering Cherub of the Throne of God and he was perfect among the sons of God. Lucifer means, “light bearer” and thus he was the educator of the host and Morning Star of the planet. See the paper Lucifer: Light Bearer and Morning Star (No. 223).

He and the fallen host became iniquitous. They sinned and tried to grasp equality with God. They failed in the test of faith. They became accusers of the brethren at the creation of Adam. Christ was not, and did not seek co-equality with God and did not try to grasp what was not His. He preferred to be given and earn the gift of power by obedience, and so He became a man and He humbled himself unto death, even death on the stake (Phil. 2:5-7). See the paper The Purpose of the Creation and the Sacrifice of Christ (No. 160).

He became a son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead (Rom. 1:4). See the paper The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243). All of God’s creation is perfect, but we have the choice to mess it up, and we have done so. The Plan is perfect and includes a safety net, so we will all attain to perfection in God’s time. Look at the paper Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272).

Some of my friends believe the earth is the place of restraint for the angels that sinned. In Luke 8:31 I read where the demons begged not to be cast into the deep or the Abyss. Also Revelation 9:11, 11:7,17:8, IPeter 3:19, IIPeter 2:4 and Jude 6 leads me to believe there is more to this than just the earth in general. Is Abaddon/Apollyon a king restrained also for a future release or is he the same as Satan? Where might this place be? The ocean possibly?

A: The New Testament term is also “Tartaros” which is reserved specifically for the fallen host. Abbadon or Appollyon is the destroyer and, as such, it is another term for Satan and the system he commands. The fallen host or demons have power over the earth and over mankind for 6000 years. At the return of the Messiah, Satan and the demons are restrained for the thousand years of the Millennium.

The pit is death and the texts indicate that the demons are made to die like any man. They are then dealt with in the Second Resurrection like anyone else. This matter has been examined in the papers The Judgment of the Demons (No. 80) and in Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son (No. 199)The timing of the activities is seen from the paper Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272).

Angels

When asked what is the function of angels or what are they, the most common answer heard is that they are simply messengers indicating that they are basically footmen or errand boys. This does not exactly add up. For instance, the 38th chapter of Job is an explanation to Job as to how everything was created. At verse 7, it says that the sons of God, shouted for joy at the creation. I believe sons of God here refers to the angels, so if they were already around at the creation of the earth, and before the creation of man, then what were they doing up to this point?

A: Yes, that is the point. Angel is from the Greek “aggellos” meaning “messenger” which was applied to the heavenly beings. In the Septuagint the word “aggellos” was used to translate various concepts. It was used to translate “Sons of God” in Deuteronomy 32:8. During the post-Temple period, Jewish scribes changed that to read “Sons of Israel” to get away from the concept of there being sons of God in charge of Israel, as Christ was associated with the Angel of Yahovah as a son of God.

The LXX of Isaiah 9:6 says, “Angel of Great Counsel” for the Messiah who was son of God. Job 1:6 and 2:1 use the term “Aggeloi”, “Angels of God” for the “sons of God.” The same is also in Job 38:4-7 where “angels” were used for “sons of God”. The understanding of the meaning of the Hebrew texts is starting to slip by this time. And the concept of the Hebrew Morning Stars is not well understood by the translators in the LXX translation. Nehemiah says they had to explain the Hebrew to the populace during his time because they no longer understood it, speaking only Aramaic.

Basically, an Angel was a messenger. Before the creation there was no one to carry messages to, and so they were simply all sons of God. When men were created they were sent to men as messengers, and so all of them who were in that capacity were angels. Look at the papers The Angel of YHVH (No. 24)The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243) and How God Became a Family (No. 187)For the long-term plan look at the paper The City of God (No. 180).

Were some people able to recognise angels as soon as they saw them and yet others did not? If they appear as humans are we supposed to know they are angels? 

A: The Patriarchs recognised them, as we see by what they did and said in the Bible. It’s the “duck test.” If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. Sometimes they are with us and we are not informed. We entertain angels unawares (Heb. 13:2). God makes His wishes known through His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).

These people speak for God. So too, the sons of God in the heavenly Host speak for God, and are sent to men as “angels” or messengers. Look at the papers on the sons of God for example The Angel of YHVH (No. 24) and How God Became a Family (No. 187).

I have been presented with Genesis 48:16 as a supporting scripture to pray to angels. What is the correct understanding of this text?

A: This text, and the comment by Stephen, is the only text in the Bible where Christ is addressed in prayer. Moses spoke to him face to face, and stood between him and Israel, as did David. David addresses him is Psalm 45:6-7. When he says: “Therefore God thy God has anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy partners.” In each of the cases concerned, it is a direct request to Christ in his role as protector of Israel. Look at the paper The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243).

In each case they are used as teaching comments. How would we know that the Angel of Redemption was the elohim of Israel (Zech. 12:8; Heb. 1:8-9), appointed by his God, unless we had the direct testimony of the Patriarchs in the Scriptures to demonstrate this fact? They reflect the direct relationship of the prophets with Christ. We pray to and worship only the One True God.

Physical Creation

Nephilim

Were there human beings alive on this planet before Adam, and when was Adam created? 

A: According to Bishop Ussher’s chronology, Adam was created in 4004 BCE. We know from archaeology that there were beings created on this planet before Homo Sapiens existed.

Thus, there was another creation prior to Adam. The discussion on what the Bible has to say about this is carried on in the works The Nephilim (No. 154) and Doctrine of Original Sin Part 2 The Generations of Adam (No. 248).

The interpretation of Genesis to confine the creation to the sons of Seth and the sons of Cain was an invention by Augustine of Hippo in the early fifth century. It denied the understanding of the ancients and left Christianity entirely unprepared to cope with the modern scientific finds of the last two hundred years. This one single false doctrine of Augustine has made the destruction of Creation theory with the false doctrine of evolution possible.

Are you aware of any information in the comparison of pre-Adam humanoid DNA and post-Adam DNA? Do you see any conflict with Bible scripture and archaeology finds?

A: Yes, recent tests made on the Neanderthals have isolated their DNA structure and it is a 27-strand system whereas a human is an 8-strand. We are trying to isolate the Cro-Magnon to see the exact divergence between it and modern humans. There seems to be a reluctance to discuss this issue of release of any results, if tests have in fact been done. What we have so far is indicative that modern primates are of a totally unrelated creation to the Neanderthals. The humanoids we have so far from Australia, such as the Arunka and Kowe Swamp people, have marked divergences from modern humans. Their mitochondrial DNA differs from modern humans. The Lake Nitchie Male was a giant. These aspects have been covered in the paper The Nephilim (No. 154).

I understand that the pre-Adamic creation was inferior and as stated in Isaiah has no resurrection. The Nephilim are not resurrected because they are not fit physical receptacles able to be acted upon by the Holy Spirit. Is this correct? After 6000 years of misrule of this planet multiple vectors such as viruses, transposons, etc that are able to insert foreign genetic material into our DNA could cause man to become nearly as corrupt as the Nephilim. If the fallen host were given a much longer time period than 6000 years, they could achieve what they tried to achieve with the Nephilim. Do you agree with this?

A: The solution is that the Creation was made in the image of God so that the Holy Spirit could be implanted or superimposed over it. The degradation of the species is certainly happening. It is probable that the limitation of the creation to 6000 years was to limit the degradation of the species by its genetic isolation and other problems. The lessening of the life spans indicates a problem. Also, it appears that there has been a deliberate attempt to interfere with the DNA makeup of humans by the Host through the pre-flood structure of the Nephilim.

There is no doubt that the Neanderthals were of a completely different system but the later structure was not. Neanderthals reportedly have a 27-strand system and the current primates have an 8-strand system. We have more in common with chimpanzee DNA than with the Neanderthals. Our capacity to survive may well be limited if it went any longer than 6000 years unchecked.

I’ve read several responses on resurrection and you state that the Nephilim have no resurrection, but Satan and his demons will have a chance to repent. Can you explain why?

A: The fallen host were all part of God’s Creation and were made in his image and through His will. They can repent and can be used. The Nephilim were not part of God’s Creation. They were made by the fallen host specifically to frustrate the Plan of God, and they are not in the image of God. Thus, they cannot function with the Holy Spirit as the demons are able to do.

God is obliged logically and morally to extend repentance to His Creation, but not to things created by the demons contrary to His Will. Thus, He will extend that capacity to the demons and they will be judged by us according to Scripture (1Cor. 6:3). In like manner, He has said that capacity will not be extended to the Nephilim. They have no resurrection (Isa. 26:14). Look at the papers The Judgment of the Demons (No. 80); The Resurrection of the Dead (No. 143) and Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son (No. 199).

Noah was chosen to be saved in the Ark because his lineage was perfect. I understand that to mean that his lineage was not corrupted by the Nephilim. All these humans that were corrupted by the Nephilim and died in the flood would be resurrected wouldn’t they? If all of the Nephilim did not perish in the flood, are their descendants subject to resurrection or not?

A: No, the Nephilim/Rephaim have no resurrection as we know from Isaiah 26:13. The whole matter of who they were and what happened before and after the flood is covered in the paper The Nephilim (No. 154).

Adam and Eve

Why would God desire a physical human creation when He had already created spirit angelic beings to be sons of God? Why not just create more angels? What is the difference in the roles of entering His family?

A: This question is perhaps the most fundamental question to the plan of salvation. God could have made spiritual sons as many as He needed or wanted. Why then did he create a weaker physical creation that was then placed under the spiritual creation?

The same question then applies to the physical creation. Why did God create humans in a sequence of breeding animals that would suffer and perhaps die in the process? Why did they eventually die anyway? Why did He not create them all at once and simply educate them?

The answer is both simple and complex. In this way He would have to be obeyed and the entire creation would have to walk by faith. The angelic host would have to see the physical creation destined for some event as sons of God and would have to walk by faith and nurture them as ministering spirits as parents nurture children. The human creation could see even less and that is why faith exhibited in them is greater.

Satan used the creation to bring one third of the host to rebellion. These rebellious sons were then placed in charge of the creation to test both and to judge both.

The church is a group called out to test and judge the demons as they are measured against the standard we set. In the Millennium we will do the job they were set to do now under God’s laws. The demons decided to create another system with another structure of worship that does not work. So we see that the structure was made to ensure that the elect walked by faith and only those who exercise faith and obedience are made sons of God in power from the resurrection of the dead.

The sons of God had to be tested by faith and tested by their duties. Thus the spiritual creation was tested by the physical creation and both come to salvation together. Look at the papers How God Became a Family (No. 187); The Judgment of the Demons (No. 80); The Purpose of the Creation and the Sacrifice of Christ (No. 160) and The City of God (No. 180).

What is mankind’s ultimate destiny?

A: The purpose of the creation of man is to rule as God (Zech. 12:8). The name Israel means literally “he shall rule as God.” We were created to raise ourselves and the sons of God of the Angelic host in a sense of mutual interaction and shared responsibility. We are to get ourselves, and the Host, through the Resurrections to the City of God. Look at the papers The Purpose of the Creation and the Sacrifice of Christ (No. 160) and The City of God (No. 180). We will rule the heavens and we can only guess, at present, at what God has in store for us and the rest of the Host (1Cor. 2:9; Deut. 4:19).

In the Garden of Eden, why didn’t Adam rebuke Eve for eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, instead of following along with her?

  1. It was his responsibility to rebuke her. He did not and the way we are dealt with was changed. However, God knew that he would do it and that it would also become necessary to send Christ to become leader as the slain lamb. We were written in the Book of the Lamb, The Book of Life and of the Resurrection from the foundation of the world.

Thus, God understood the events and they were provided for in the system of Salvation. Look at the papers The Doctrine of Original Sin Part I The Garden of Eden (No. 246) and Doctrine of Original Sin Part 2 The Generations of Adam (No. 248).

The Old Testament says that Adam was created about 5000 years before Jesus Christ, but actually there have been several civilisations like the Pharaohs in year 4200 BCE and the Chinese before that. Scientifically, they found some human bones dated millions of years back. How can we justify this contradiction? 

A: According to Ussher’s chronology, which follows the Bible, Adam was created in 4005/4 BCE. The explanation of the pre-Adamic creation is contained in the paper The Nephilim (No. 154)Look also at the papers The Doctrine of Original Sin Part 1 The Garden of Eden (No. 246) and Doctrine of Original Sin Part 2 The Generations of Adam (No. 248).

Do you have any idea why so many of the children’s stories only represent Adam and Eve sinning and making themselves loin coverings of fig leaves (Gen. 3:7)? Most accounts stop the story there and do not explain the time frame, how Adam and Eve were being taught by God, or how even after their sin God made them garments of skin and clothed Adam and his wife (Gen.3:21).

A: The stopping of the text here is based on a number of false premises. Firstly, the efforts by them were man-made efforts and in contrast to the God-made clothing of animal skins. The emphasis is thus on the human effort and not on God’s effort (cf. Rom. 8:3).

The popular presentations are for a number of reasons. The Gnostics and their doctrines were ascetic vegetarians and wished to conceal the fact of the killing of animals and the consumption of meat. Look at the paper Vegetarianism and the Bible (No. 183).

The leaves also have symbolism among the mystery cults. Thus, they were portrayed more readily. The oak leaves are clearly condemned in the Bible. The priests of Attis in Rome also tattooed themselves with ivy leaves, which were sacred to their god. Thus, the leaf is often used in their symbols, as was the phallus or Asherah, and the kid.

Was the forbidden fruit really an apple? I don’t see that in my Bible, could you tell me where it says that Eve ate an apple? 

A: The notion that Eve gave Adam an apple is not biblical. It comes from the myths and mysteries and is associated with the golden fruit of discord. The full story is contained in the paper The Doctrine of Original Sin Part 1 The Garden of Eden (No. 246).

I believe in God but one thing I have difficulty understanding is if “Adam and Eve” were supposedly the first humans on earth, then where did all the distinct races of man come from? 

A: There is only one race, the human race. We are all brothers. The tongues were confused at Babel. It is a bit like the breeding of animals. The darker skinned people were basically developed, in terms of skin pigmentation, over many years. The fairer ones were in countries where they wore more clothing. However, they are still the same people with the same basic structure. The blood types or categories vary from east to west but they still have the same basic varieties.

In animal terms, we can say that the German Shepherd and the Sheepdog both come from the wolf, and not so long ago. Even though they look different they are both dogs. The creation is dealt with at The Doctrine of Original Sin Part 1 The Garden of Eden (No. 246) and the Doctrine of Original Sin Part 2 The Generations of Adam (No. 248). The pre-Adamic creation destroyed with the flood is covered in the paper The Nephilim (No. 154).

All variations of the human species are explicable in the variations we see occurring from pigmentation and family/tribal likenesses. The finds in the Choukoutien Cave in China indicate the coexistence of families with what we consider vast racial differences within what appears to be the one family group.

These findings by anthropologists are examined in the light of a series of humanoids that existed before modern man but which have no link to them. This matter is examined in the paper The Nephilim (No. 154). The matters have also been examined in the paper The Fall of Egypt (No. 36)This complex matter is too large to be explained here in detail.

God’s word teaches that it is incest to marry a brother or sister, yet how else could the family of Adam and Eve grow? Is it possible He made wives for the sons as He made one for Adam? 

A: This matter is explained in the papers Rachel and the Law (No. 281) and Doctrine of Original Sin Part 2 The Generations of Adam (No. 248)It is also forbidden in other aspects, but Lot produced Ammon and Moab through his daughters contrary to Law. They perceived it as necessity knowing that the world would end by fire and they believed they were in that position then.

‘And Cain knew his wife’. Was she his sister? Why could she live alone before marriage, without being afraid of wild animals?

A: She may have been his sister or she may have been one of the Nephilim. It is likely that she was his sister as that was the only explanation for the sons of Adam keeping their generations pure. Look at the paper The Doctrine of Original Sin Part 1 The Garden of Eden (No. 246)Doctrine of Original Sin Part 2 The Generations of Adam (248) and The Nephilim (No. 154).

Did man eat vegetables or meat first? I say vegetables since they were easier to get than hunting meat.

A: It is believed man had a balanced diet from the beginning (Gen. 1:28-30). The Adamic species has a delineated process from the Bible record. This is covered in the papers The Doctrine of Original Sin Part I The Garden of Eden (No. 246) and Doctrine of Original Sin Part 2 The Generations of Adam (No. 248) and also Vegetarianism and the Bible (No. 183)The paper, The Nephilim (No. 154) might give you some other views of interest regarding the last 140,000 years.

There are divisions to this question. In the case of pre-Adamic man, the answer is both. Man was omnivorous and ate both fruits and also grubs and insects on them and in the trees. The body structure of vegetarians make for significant guts, and this is evidenced by Australopithecines skeletal reconstructions such as Lucy.

What was the physical condition of the early biblical people? Did they exercise? What do you know of their diet? What did they do when struck with an illness? Why were so many struck with leprosy and blindness? Didn’t they have a lot of knowledge of medicinal plants, oils and such?

A: Well, if the ages of the patriarchs are any indication, they were of a vastly superior diet and genetic structure than we are. It appears we have seen a degeneration in the age of man as we have gone from a longevity of 120 years to 70 years, and we are varying downwards on that due to other problems. The diet of the ancients can be seen from the paper The Food Laws (No. 15).

Also they had superior forms of grain then which had the necessary vitamins and minerals. We have developed superior yields, which have in many cases decreased benefit. They did get a lot of exercise because they walked everywhere, or rode horses and camels and donkeys. Their knowledge of drugs was reasonably high. We now have direct evidence that they imported tobacco and cocaine into the Middle East from America at the time of King David (ca. 1000 BCE). They had extensive use of herbs and medicines.

Our evidence also shows advanced surgery such as trepanning in early times. The failure to keep the quarantine laws resulted in the transmission of leprosy. Blindness often resulted from infections carried from birth through immorality, as it does to this day. They had a great capacity for navigation, and there was a sea and trading empire from Israel and Phoenicia from 1000 BCE onwards. There was degeneration in world conditions from the fourth century. In the sixth century there was a series of cataclysms, along with the attitude of the Church, which contributed to the Dark Ages. From this time, the world lost vast levels of knowledge and we are only now putting together what was actually lost.

Noah

In the past some ministers have said one of Noah’s sons was married to a black woman, one married an oriental woman and one married a white woman. This, they explain (or speculate), was to keep the 3 races alive. After the flood they separated by migrating. I have a hard time believing this and wonder if the true reason we have people of different colours is due to the environment and that we are all really the same “race”, the human race, with the same parents Adam and Eve. After all we see a type of evolution within the various “kinds” of animals depending on what part of the world they are from, etc. What do you think about the origin of the various “races”?

A: This view postpones the issue back to Adam (meaning the one who was ruddy or red). Another variation was that Noah had the capacity to throw hybrids, being pure in his generations. This is the real basis of the explanations. Every variety of dog on the planet came from two forms based on the wolf. The capacity to be in various forms was inherent in the early peoples.

Our finds in the Choukoutien Upper Cave in China (discovered 1930 excavated by Pei (1939, 1940) in 1933 show a peculiar group. This one group comprised of two adult males, two adult females, one adolescent, one child, and one baby showed a surprising spread of racial characteristics. The female skulls were a Melanesoid and an Eskimoid. Of the two adult males, one was elderly (estimated at 60), and was relative to the Obercassel skull but was defined as being primitive Mongoloid. Weidenreich (1939) defined these as being of three different racial types, primitive Mongoloid, Melanesoid and Eskimoid type (R.M. and C.H. Berndt, Aboriginal Man in Australia, 1965, p. 30).

Professor Berndt was of the view that current Australians are related to the ancient Egyptians and the Indian Dravidians.  Egyptian relics have allegedly been found in some parts of Australia (cf. notes to I.L. Idriess’ Drums of Mer first edition re the ancient artefacts in the caves of the Zogo Le). There are also numerous boomerangs from the tomb of Tutankhamen now in the Egyptian museum.

The Choukoutien finds were in the one cave in the same strata, all living together so it seems. This indicates that the family groups, who resettled China, all had the diverse genetic capacity to encompass at least three racial groups in the one family system. This matter has not been fully examined from this point of view for obvious reasons.

The Epic of Gilgamesh states that Noah also took the artisans on board with their families as well. If looked at in this light, then the eight people were the heads of families and the women were not counted among the eight. This raises other matters as well. The eruption of the Nephilim is placed in the Midrash at the foot of Og, who allegedly stowed away on the top of the ark and Noah allowed him to remain. Look at the paper The Nephilim (No. 154).

The question of the diversity of current racial types is simply explained as one of pigmentation and localised breeding patterns. For example, one can tell someone from Manx as they have a peculiar line to their ears in relation to the jaw, which is not seen elsewhere in Britain. Pigmentation is simply resistance to the sun’s rays. Modern mapping of the genome and DNA shows we are all from the same ancestors, and not all that far back. The discussion is now merely where and how far.

Was Noah’s flood a worldwide catastrophe or was it limited to the Mediterranean area? If it was worldwide, how was it possible for Noah to gather all the species of plants and animals into the ark? 

A: The Bible indicates it was worldwide. A localised flood scenario has been mooted to resolve the problems seen by geologists and archaeologists working to the current accepted theories of planet age. The Ark was basically a box that God told Noah to build, which Noah did, over a period of one hundred years.

The animals of the earth were the responsibility of God to collect, and he did so collect them. The genetic diversity of the animals was contained in the mother species, and they had the capacity over the following millennia to diversify. Plants did not need to be gathered as they were seed driven and simply germinated when conditions were ready, as they do now. The same is true with spores and others.

Many seeds were taken into the ark as well in the form of food supplies. With, for example, the desert plants and eucalyptus, fire is needed to germinate the seeds. Wood is preserved underwater for a long time, so all the forests were either swept to certain areas, as appears to be the case in the North Pole area with the trees and mammoths etc., or left in areas to generate, first through grass to start the next series off.

We are finding out more and more about the species of the planet. In fact, the procedures for mapping the human genome have shown that the entire creation is based on a similar model. All humans are 99.99 percent exactly the same, and so it is with other species. There is no race other than the human race, and most animals are of the one common species. Mammals are all based on a similar blue print.

We know that this is not so with the DNA of the Neanderthals for example as they are an entirely different structure to our DNA and even chimpanzees, with which we have more in common than the Neanderthals. Look at the paper The Nephilim (No. 154).

During a sermon, our pastor was preaching on faith. He made the statement, “Look at the faith of Noah. God told Noah to build the ark before he even had a family (a wife, three sons, and daughters-in-law).” He said if you will read this chronologically you will see that this is true. Can you explain this to me?

A: The Bible says at Genesis 6:10: “And Noah begat three sons Shem, Ham and Japeth.” He then proceeds to tell Noah (V. 14) that the earth is corrupt and orders him to build the ark. The sons helped to build the ark. Other versions of this flood account all agree in this aspect (cf. The Epic of Gilgamesh).

The genealogies, up to the flood, are covered in the paper Doctrine of Original Sin Part 2 The Generations of Adam (No. 248)The genealogy of Shem, the youngest son of Noah, is covered in the paper Melchisedek (No. 128).

 

Tower of Babel

What in your opinion was God’s purpose at the Tower of Babel? What do you think He was trying to accomplish? 

A: The dispersion at Babel was to ensure that mankind did not become as elohim of their own accord and destroy the planet under Satan before time.

Satan had been given 6000 years as Morning Star of the planet. As it is Christ is going to have to return so that we are saved. If he did not there would be no flesh left alive. The plan of Salvation can be seen from the papers. Look at the papers Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272)Lucifer: Light Bearer and Morning Star (No. 223) and The Millennium and the Rapture (No. 95)There are also many other papers dealing with prophecy.

What exactly was happening at the tower of Babel, and why was God so worried about it? Seems to me there must have been a bit more going on there than just building a church with a tall steeple that would reach the heavens. 

A: Yes, there was a lot more to it. The false system at Babel was destroyed and the languages confused so that man would not progress at a rate that was so fast as to endanger the existence of the planet too early within the time frame given to Satan.

They would become as elohim but without the Holy Spirit and thus destroy this planet and hence, the Plan of God. The system you see unfolding now might have happened two or more thousand years ago. The planet would not exist now.

Abraham

Did Hagar or Ishmael receive any blessings for their relationship to Abram? 

A: Indeed, they did receive a blessing. Christ himself said, at the direction of God, He would bless Ishmael and make a mighty nation from him (Gen. 21:17-18).

Look at the various papers that deal with Abraham: Why was Abraham called “the Friend of God” (No. 35); The Angel and Abraham’s Sacrifice (No. 71); Abraham and Sodom (No. 91) and also look at Genesis 22, Judaism, Islam and the Sacrifice of Isaac (No. 244).

The Law

Is there a reason why the commandments were given on two tables of stone? 

A: Yes, there is a reason. The two tablets were small and they were carried by Moses. They appear to have been written on both sides. The tablets appear to be duplicates as a double witness. The tablets of the law were placed within the Ark of the Covenant (See the papers The Ark of the Covenant (No. 196) and Distinction in the Law (No. 96).)

The Law is explained in the series The Law of God (No. L1). The concept of being written on stone was one of God, who is the rock (Ps. 17:31) from which we, and Christ, are all cut (Isa 51:1) and who engraves his Law in our hearts through his power. He becomes all in all.

In Deuteronomy 10 it talks about the covenant (Ex. 34:28) being the Ten Commandments that were written on the 2 tablets. In verse 5 it says he put the tablets IN THE ARK. Is this the LAW that is the New Covenant that is written in the minds and hearts of the elect? Is there more significance to this that you could expound on?

A: Yes, that is the significance both of the Ark and of the tablets being placed inside it. The Law of God was to be placed in the hearts and minds of the elect. This aspect is examined in the papers: Distinction in the Law (No. 96); The Ark of the Covenant (No. 196)The Oracles of God (No. 184) and The Law of God (No. L1).

Are the commandments in two lots of 4 and 6 or 5 and 5? 

A: Assuming you refer to the divisions based on the two great Commandments of the Law; the First Great Commandment is “You shall love the Lord your God with all your mind and with all your heart and with all your strength.” The second is like unto it. “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” The Commandments fall into two natural divisions of the first four dealing with the love of God and the last six dealing with the love of man. Thus the Fourth Commandment, dealing with the Sabbath day, covers the aspects of the Law and the testimony concerning God’s Calendar and His worship and is the technical end of the First Great Commandment proper.

The Fifth Commandment, concerning the love of father and mother, is the first with a promise. It relates to life on this earth and the formation of the family, which is the building block on which God has chosen to build society. This extends into the heavenly family of the Church and the sons of God. Thus, this Commandment forms a link between the first four and the last six so that, in a sense, both answers are correct.

The Law is divided into two great commandments the first four and the last six linked by the fifth, which joins both the First and the Second Great Commandments. Look at the papers in the series on The Law of God (No. L1) and the associated reference papers as well.

Could you please define and interpret the first commandment?

A: It is written (Ex. 20:2-3):

“I am the Lord thy God Which has brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the House of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

Roman Catholics join the second commandment to this commandment and split the tenth commandment into two, which is impossible, based on the text in Deuteronomy 5.

The words for “Lord thy God” here is not simply “Yahovah.” It is “Yahovah Elohim” meaning God in His extended and creative sense. If it were Yahovah, as Bullinger says, it might be argued that the Law was limited to Israel, which it is not.

The first two Commandments are in the first person. The remainder are in the third person. Deuteronomy has the same structure for the first two Commandments. The section in Deuteronomy is argued to be a repeat and definite explanation by Moses of the original ten, which were in Exodus (cf. Soncino Commentary, Chumash p. 458).

“Thou shalt have no other elohim before me” means that no other elohim is to be placed before, or worshipped as, or in place of the One True God, who in the singular is “Eloah” the God of the Temple who placed His name at Jerusalem. See the text in Ezra 4:24-7:26 for the use of Eloah in relation to the Temple and the Law. It is the Law of Eloah.

Eloah has a son from Proverbs 30:4-5. Thus, the Son is not the One True God, Eloah. The First Commandment and the application of the Law and the Prophets have been outlined in the text Law and the First Commandment (No. 253) which was prepared for the Reading of the Law in the Sabbath Year of 1998.

Knowledge of the One True God, and Jesus Christ whom He sent, is eternal life (John 17:3). Explanation of the names of God and of the position of Jesus Christ are contained in the papers The Names of God (No. 116)God Revealed Chapter 1 – Ancient Monotheism (No. G1) and The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243).

 

Exodus 16 (before the 10 commandments were given) vs. 23 “…then he said to them, This is what the Lord meant: Tomorrow is a Sabbath Rest (how did they know it was the Sabbath since it wasn’t given at Sinai? It must have been through oral transmission from Adam to Moses) a Holy Sabbath to the Lord.” Vs. 28 “Then the Lord said to Moses ‘How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my instruction? Vs. 29 “The Lord has (past tense) given you the Sabbath…”. When did God give them the Sabbath?

A: The law was given to Adam at the creation. Not only was the Sabbath established then but also the sacrifices and the Calendar were established. Abel’s sacrifice was more acceptable to God than Cain’s because it was a blood sacrifice and he was more righteous.

The SDA doctrine of preflood vegetarianism is quite wrong, as is the notion that the law was not given until Sinai. Look at the paper Vegetarianism and the Bible (No. 183) and also Rachel and the Law (No. 281). The Passover also preceded Sinai and the New Moons, and the sequence of the Calendar was set in place from the first week of the creation. Look also at the paper God’s Calendar (No. 156)Look also at the papers The Doctrine of Original Sin Part I The Garden of Eden (No. 246) and Doctrine of Original Sin Part 2 The Generations of Adam (No. 248)The preflood system was destroyed because it broke the laws of God. See the paper The Nephilim (No. 154).

The commandments were in place and known when Abraham went into Egypt. See the paper Abraham and Sodom (No. 91). Look also at the paper The Doctrine of Balaam and Balaam’s Prophecy (No. 204). Abraham tithed to Melchisedek over four hundred years before Sinai. See the paper Melchisedek (No. 128).

The Fourth Commandment covers a system of God’s order and the system will be enforced when Christ returns. Look at the paper Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256). The Sabbaths will be kept with the New Moons (Isa. 66:23). The feasts will be kept and the nations will send their representatives to Jerusalem each year, or they will get no rain in due season and the plagues of Egypt will be brought down on them. This is Scripture and Scripture cannot be broken.

Reading the Law

We are seeing instruction at Deuteronomy 31:9-12 to read the Law every Sabbath year at the Feast of Tabernacles. On which day at the Feast is this to be done? The idea that the law is to be read on one day is a Jewish idea and they do it on the Last Great Day.

A: The Law was read over the entire feast in the seventh year. To read the Law and the testimony correctly, utilising the Law and the Prophets and explaining it correctly as Ezra and Nehemiah did at Jerusalem, takes the entire feast of Tabernacles.

That is why God demands it be done every seventh year, and that it is set aside for the purposes of the reading so that Israel does not forget the Laws of God. Look at the papers Reading the Law with Ezra and Nehemiah (No. 250) and the Law series listed under The Law of God (No. L1) which were read at the commanded Reading of the Law in 1998.

Society

How does the uncleanness until sundown relate to us today as being sanctified? Is there a time now, or a time in the future that He does not want us to sleep with our wives? If so, when and why would this be do you think?

A: The whole process of sanctification for the Seventh of the First month and the Tenth of the Seventh month logically requires fasting from all aspects, including our partners.

The separation from our partners in total will come at the Advent. The High Priests always regarded themselves as being separate when they went into the Temple on the sacred days. They disqualified themselves when ritually unclean. We have to prepare ourselves to enter into a relationship with Christ.

Could you please explain these passages about the days and what is meant about not coming near your wives? I believe this has to do with the second coming of Jesus, but I am not really sure.

  1. The process involves the sanctification of the elect. Under the law a man was ritually unclean if he had an issue of semen until sundown and the aim here was to ensure the host of Israel was sanctified in the day that the Lord was to come to them.

The process of the sanctification of Israel is examined and explained in the papers The Sanctification of the Temple of God (No. 241) and The Sanctification of the Simple and the Erroneous (No. 291)See also Ezekiel 45:18-20.

The entire process of the calendar and the sanctification that takes place in the structure of the plan of God as explained in the calendar and its Sabbaths new Moons and Holy Days all point to Messiah and the restoration of the planet. Look at the papers God’s Calendar (No. 156) and Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256).

 

We are the Temple of God and the Law of God will live in our hearts. We will go from the church to the nations to the world as the Temple of God and will become the City of God. Look at the papers The Oracles of God (No. 184)Measuring the Temple (No. 137) and The City of God (No. 180).

Why was a woman considered unclean for forty days after giving birth to a male child, and eighty days after giving birth to a female child?

A: There are some very difficult issues arising from the laws of female purification (cf. Purification and Circumcision (No. 251)). Science has studied food in many of its aspects, especially its physiology and nutritional value. As a result, we can now understand why certain foods are “clean” and others are not and have been forbidden to us (see the paper The Food Laws (No. 15)). However, for generations we have been following those food laws simply because God told us to. We understand that God gave us His laws in order for us to be able to lead healthy, well balanced, well ordered lives. The laws relating to women have not been studied in the same way; therefore, we must do as we have always done. Rely on the fact that if God has said so, then it is in our best interests to do so. These matters are also qualified in and by their spiritual aspects, as they relate to Messiah.

The term “unclean woman” might bother many people. It seems to be offensive, but it is not. It is simply a time of separation because the woman requires rest and understanding. The term “unclean” is not the equivalent of “sinner.” The purification is scientifically a time of cleansing for seven days. It is a natural and physical act, where the lining of the womb, in not receiving a fertile ovum for the process of impregnation, is rejected during menstruation. Normally, it is a period of seven days in every 28. This process of cleaning permits the continuation of human kind for which this law, in the same manner as all the others, is a blessing from God (Gen. 1:28). The fulfilling of the laws are tied to the daily life of the human being. The Law of God is in force in its totality both physically and spiritually (2Cor. 7:1).

In the text in Leviticus 12:4 we see the term “to touch not what is holy.” In these terms we see the parallel symbolism that goes to setting apart the elect in purification. This distinction was made until Christ. The theory was that the woman in her condition would defile that which was holy. However, that which was holy would also sanctify that which was in a state of purification. For this reason, the woman who was in a state of discharge and in need of cure was made clean by touching Christ’s garment. This did not make Christ unclean but rather the Holy Spirit flowed from Him to her making her clean.

Matthew 9:20-22  And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. (KJV)

This action pointed towards two things. One was that Christ was the new High Priest whose hem was set apart from Exodus 28:33-34; 39:25-26 and whose headband was also Holiness to the Lord (Ex. 28:36; 39:30). The second lesson was that by faith through the Holy Spirit cleanliness and purification are extended to the sick and the infirm. This is repeated again in Matthew, that we might see the importance of the presence of Christ to the impact of the Law and the prophets and the restoration of the sick and the infirm and the unclean.

Thus, from the Law, that which was unholy could not touch that which was holy. This was asked of the priests and the answer was given. Yet from God’s own law and prophecy the same situation pointed towards a time when God would pour out his Spirit on all flesh and make it Holy within His law and He would write it on their hearts. This action was accomplished through Messiah.

Thus all flesh was made holy in the Spirit and was cleansed through Messiah in the Holy Spirit. The Purification legislation pointed towards the cleansing of the human mother as Israel the Church, and Bride of Christ, and mother of the new nation. From this position we see that the mother is cleansed and may partake of the Lord’s Supper and Passover as one of the elect, being cleansed in the Holy Spirit.

If Christians are supposed to keep the Old Testament food laws, what about other Old Testament laws such as not wearing garments mingled of wool and linen? What about the quarantine legislation, and when a woman has an issue of blood? Are Christians to observe these also?

A: Yes, they are supposed to keep those laws. Some matters are covered in the paper Purification and Circumcision (No. 251)Quarantine legislation is very important and badly neglected. TB was eradicated in Australia by concerted effort forty years ago and now, through failure to observe strict quarantine, it is back and some of it is resistant.

When one is asked to testify in a court of law, one is asked to “swear.” But I believe scripture indicates not to swear.

Do you have any suggestions of how to handle the situation?

A: Israel swore oaths before God. The Law says thou “shalt not swear by my name falsely, nor profane the name of thy God. I am the Lord” (Lev. 19:12). There are many references to Israel swearing to truth. David swore an oath to Jonathan (1Sam. 20:12). Israel was made to swear (Ezra 10:5). Isaiah 65:16 prophecies that the earth shall swear by the God of truth and Scripture cannot be broken.

The idea of not swearing in Christianity comes from Matthew 5:34-36 when Christ said: “Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is His footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.”

This was interpreted as meaning you shall not swear an oath at all. For that reason, affirmations were permitted in a court of law. The text by Christ is “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” The sense of this was that pagans were swearing by their mother’s graves, and by all sorts of other strange ideas. The oath is: “Do you swear by almighty God to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” This is in accord with the sentiment of the text in Isaiah. The word “swear” has been changed to “affirm” and the term “Almighty God” has been removed. Pressure for the change came from Atheists and Pagans, but it also assisted the truly devout to avoid the possibility that they were in contravention of the dictum of Christ here in Matthew 5:34-37. Thus, he produced a hedge around the sentiment of swearing using the texts in Exodus 20:7; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21. Thus, we can deduce that Judah had introduced practices regarding swearing under the Law which contravened the Law and the Spirit of God. Look at the papers Law and the Ninth Commandment (No. 262)Law and the Third Commandment (No. 255)  and Swearing By God (No. 32)).

What is your view on what the punishment should be for violence on the innocent?

A: The implementation of punishment is contained in the papers on The Law of God (No. L1). Look at the papers: Law and the Sixth Commandment (No. 259); Law and the Seventh Commandment (No. 260); Law and the Eighth Commandment (No. 261) and Law and the Ninth Commandment (No. 262).

In the second resurrection, violence to the innocent is made good by God. All are resurrected and all are retrained in the Holy Spirit. Look at the logic of the release of Satan. At the end of the Millennium, God orders the release of Satan in order to deal with the planet. He also has allowed him to remain in power on this planet for six thousand years when he has the power to restrain him, and does so restrain him for the Millennium.

In this sense God is complicit in the evils of this world and responsible for allowing the evils to take place. Do we then judge God: By no means. This whole creation is a teaching exercise and at the end of it we will lose no one. We will keep the laws of God and love one another because it is clear to us all what will happen when we do not do so. The purpose of all punishment is the rehabilitation and protection of all people concerned.

What is your position on the death penalty? Is it biblical? If so, how should it be accomplished?

A: Yes, every one of the Ten Commandments is backed by the death penalty. The application of the death penalty is covered in the paper Law and the Sixth Commandment (No. 259) and Law and the Fifth Commandment (No. 258).

Leviticus 19:28 and Deuteronomy 14:2 teaches a Bible student what in relation to tattoos?

A: Tattooing and marking or carapacing is an ancient practice that is forbidden under the laws of God. The origins of the system are found in most ancient societies. The word (tat) actually comes from Polynesia and means, “to strike repeatedly.” The history and ancient times in both Egypt and Mesopotamia are in the paper Tattooing (No. 5)The earliest tattoos in ancient Egypt had the form of a fly (associated perhaps or seemingly with the god of Ekron) and also a form of cross like a swastika.

I appreciate the Biblical direction to “Owe no man.” I have been reading how the 7th year of a 7-year cycle should work. It would appear to me that there is provision to “owe” others at least for a time, otherwise why would debt that lingered past the 6th year need to be forgiven in the 7th year? In this day and age there seems no way to purchase land or houses within 6 years. How can we live in current economic conditions and obey this law?

A: The Bible is quite clear that it is improper to charge interest on any loan. Our world system makes slaves of our children and our poor. No debt can be carried on past the Sabbath year. We should owe no man anything. We should pay our debts. This is very difficult in modern society. Our people have virtually been sold into slavery by the system we have. We are all trying to get out of debt and simplify our lifestyles. We all find this very hard, and we have made it harder for our children than it was for us. The Jews get around this by saying that only applies to the Jews but they are only one of twelve tribes. Our houses are over priced. Our people are destroyed for lack of knowledge and those who obey God’s Laws make themselves prey. Look at the papers on The Law of God (No. L1), and especially Law and the Eighth Commandment (No. 261).

 

Is it okay to gamble? Surely it is simply spending hard-earned money to make more?

A: The Law works on productive increase. The making of money off the losses of another is contrary to the spirit of the Law of God. The Roman Catholic Church condones and in fact uses gambling. That is almost unique in the English speaking system. Gambling in America and Australia has been allowed to increase and the poker machine system has intruded virtually everywhere, such that the results are catastrophic. Gambling can become compulsive addictive behaviour for some as is the case with alcoholics and other drugs users. Compulsive gamblers lie, cheat and even steal to maintain and support their habit. At this point it destroys relationships, marriages and families. Many resort to suicide when things are out of control.

Problem gamblers have a specific mind-set in which the brain operates differently to that of other people. The prospect of gain makes the brain cross transfer impulses and produces larger than normal activity. They can’t help what they do. The pleasure is in the rush of actually risking all and losing. It is only the loss that is the true and full release. The social costs of gambling are horrendous and it will be stamped out in a just society

Food Laws

We are careful to obey Gods food laws. A friend of ours does not eat mushrooms because they have spores to reproduce and he does not consider a spore to be a seed. Have I been wrong in eating mushrooms?

A: No, Mushrooms can be eaten. This idea came from the concept that as we were given seeds to eat and clean animals and spore driven items were not specifically mentioned then anything that grows from spores is unclean in that they are not mentioned among the foods to be eaten or not eaten.

If spore borne items were not to be eaten as unclean then we would be in real trouble. We could not eat Leavened Bread at all as yeast is a spore product. The offerings at Pentecost would be a bizarre contradiction as the two loaves at Pentecost are leavened. God would be ordering us to contradict his own laws.

Beer is leavened by yeast. Wine is yeast fermented. Wild spores are in the air and we eat them all the time. All food has been exposed to some spore activity. Yet God tells us that only for seven days are we not to eat leaven. This is a case of excess zeal not according to knowledge. The people who said this no doubt are trying to be faithful to what they know but have picked up this error from some of the more way out groups keeping the food laws.

One of the academics in the Oxford/Cambridge system published a book a few years ago now about Christ and the mushroom cult. That sort of reasoning is the result of an overactive imagination. The Church of God should be able to see through this error.

We know the food laws are in effect, but if someone needs supplements, i.e. calcium, should it be from a clean animal or plant-based or because it is not being consumed for food, it does not matter? 

A: This is an interesting point. Most food supplements that are required are necessitated by vegetarianism, which is a perversion of Bible laws. If the food laws are obeyed and clean animals are consumed, the necessity for food supplements is considerably reduced. If quality vegetables are consumed in proportion, then the likelihood is reduced. If vitamins were needed, then the manufacturing process would not normally involve unclean animals. In the case of insulin, there are types available from clean animals. The Food laws protect the planet and its environment as well. Look at the papers The Food Laws (No. 15); Vegetarianism and the Bible (No. 183); Wine in the Bible (No. 188) and Balance (No. 209).

Some people I know refuse to eat pork and certain fish. Are they just being fanatical or could there be a valid reason for this in this century with refrigeration available?

A: There is a valid reason for it. The food laws were given in the Bible. God does nothing without good reason. The food laws were dismissed by anthropologists such as Mary Douglas on taboo grounds. Drs. Nanji and French had demonstrated in 1986 that pork was a cause of cirrhosis of the liver. There are a host of other scientific reasons that are covered in the paper The Food Laws (No. 15).

 

There are sound reasons for not eating all the unclean varieties prohibited in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 and the handling legislation. The Foodlaws were not eliminated in the New Testament and Acts 10 concerns the conversion of the Gentiles, and not Peter eating unclean food. Look also at the papers Balance (No. 209)Vegetarianism and the Bible (No. 183) and Wine in the Bible (No. 188).

Do biblical food laws prohibit eating meat? Or just certain meats like pork?

A: The food laws prohibit the eating of certain types of meat such as pork. All animals that chew the cud and have cloven hooves are clean to eat. Thus, one can eat a giraffe but not a pig. The pig, among other things, has been demonstrated to cause cirrhosis of the liver due to a chemical in the soft tissue of its flesh that cannot be removed. There are sound scientific reasons for all the food laws.

Fish that can be eaten must have fins and scales. The reason for this is that fish without scales lack the capacity to isolate heavy metals and toxins making them unavailable for human consumption. For example, one can eat tuna but not shark. The reason is that a tuna has scales and that seems to be indicative of a process whereby the mercury levels, while similar to a shark, are bound up with selenium to make it unavailable for human digestion. The selenium is again bound up with arsenates, which are too small to effect human digestion. Prawns and similar seafood have heavy metals in distributed forms throughout their bodies. Oysters cause various entero-viruses and are reinfective agents. Look at the paper The Food Laws (No. 15).

Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 seem to indicate we are to eat certain types of food and avoid other types of food. Do these food laws tie to the ten commandments?

A: All of the law and the prophets are subtended from the Two Great Commandments. These are:

  1. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength.
  2. You shall love your neighbour as yourself.

The Ten Commandments are directly under these. The first four Commandments hang from the First Great and the last six hang from the Second Great Commandment. The Fifth Commandment ties the two together. The responsibility to “make alive” covers a series of aspects both of the environment and of the individual. The well being of the planet depends in part on the food laws. These are explained at the paper The Food Laws (No. 15).

The relationship to the Law is found in the Law series Law of God (No. L1) and particularly Law and the Fifth Commandment (No. 258) and Law and the Sixth Commandment (No. 259).

All of the Laws of God tie into the Ten Commandments and the prophets explain them all. The New Testament is simply commentary on them. That is why it is so absurd to suggest that Messiah would have eliminated them in any way. That is why we are commanded to read the Law every Sabbath year so that we understand how the Law works and interacts. All of the Law proceeds from the nature of God and reflects that nature.

Tithes and Offerings

I once belonged to a church, which had special offerings that were taken up on the Feast day, seven times during the year. I’ve also read in Deuteronomy 16 and in Exodus 23 that there are three feasts to attend and that offerings were made here. Wouldn’t God be more pleased with seven annual offerings than with only three? 

A: If God had wanted seven offerings in a year, He would have said seven and not three times a year. If He had wanted a weekly offering, He would have said that. Instead, He instituted the tithe system and three offerings a year at the three feast seasons. The issue of tithing and offerings is examined in the papers Tithing (No. 161) and Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256).

I was studying your paper Tithing (No. 161), when I saw that offerings are to be 3 times a year not 7. I do agree. You also mentioned Atonement is strictly forbidden as an offering. Could you please tell me where I could find the Atonement offering forbidden in these scriptures?

A: The law regarding the Atonement tax is at Exodus 30:15: “The rich shall not give more the poor shall not give less than half a shekel when they give and offering unto the Lord to make an atonement for your souls.” Originally it was a tax without exception in Israel. Now it is a tax without distinction paid for us by Christ, and salvation is open to the Gentiles and they enter Israel by grace and adoption as sons of God.

This concept is developed in Acts 10:34 and Romans 3:22,23; 10:12. The offering is a heave offering. Bullinger also understands this point in his notes to the Companion Bible at Exodus 30:15. When an offering is taken up on Atonement, it is a direct violation of the Law and a rejection of the all-embracing power of the redemption of Christ and the extension of Salvation to the Gentiles.

My pastor says that if a believer does not tithe he is stealing from God and therefore is a thief, and that thieves do not go to heaven. Is he scripturally correct? 

A: Your pastor is referring to the text in Malachi 3:7-12. If you do not tithe, you rob God. This is covered in the paper Tithing (No. 161). It is a sign of the return of the individual to God. However, it is only one sign and your pastor cannot have it both ways. The Law of God has to be kept and so do the commandments regarding the festivals. The Tithes and Offerings are tied up with the Feasts of the Lord. Look at the paper Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256). It is all too common for ministers to appeal to the law regarding tithing, and yet ignore it on all the other important aspects. You may find it interesting to look at the series on The Law of God (No. L1).

No one goes to heaven. It was the test of a true Christian in the early church. If anyone said that they were a Christian and that when they died they went to heaven, they were not to be believed. That was the test of a Christian and a Gnostic. Anyone who said that when they died they went to heaven, showed by that statement they were a Gnostic and not a Christian (see Justin Martyr, Second Apology). This is covered in the papers The Soul (No. 92) and The Resurrection of the Dead (No. 143).

ISRAEL

Weren’t there 12 judges in Israel? Does this have anything to do with there being twelve tribes? 

A: The twelve judges of Israel have a relationship to the twelve tribes and were drawn from them. The apostles also head the twelve tribes and the 144,000 are also allocated to them. The twelve apostles and the twelve judges all represent the twenty-four elders of the inner council, and the twenty-four high priests of the division of the Temple also have this symbolism. Look at the papers The City of God (No. 180) and Samson and the Judges (No. 73).

Do you know how many kings there were in Israel from Saul until the deportation by the Assyrians? 

A: There is a list of the kings in the Companion Bible at Appendix 50 but the chronology is completely erroneous. The Kings of the combined kingdom of Israel and Judah were Saul, David and Solomon.

Jeroboam reigned over Israel from the Division, and Rehoboam reigned over Judah. From then on the kings of Israel were: Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri (7days), Omri, Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jeroboam II, Zechariah, Shallum (1 month), Menahem, Pekahiah s. of Menahem, Pekah s. of Remaliah, and Hoshea. In 722 BCE, the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians occurred and Israel was taken into captivity. Total: 22 kings of Israel.

This question involves one of the tribes of Israel. The tribes are numbered as thirteen when the two half-tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh are counted separately but when they are counted as one single tribe they are numbered as twelve. In Genesis 49 Ephraim and Manasseh are counted as one tribe. In Ezekiel 48 the two half-tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh are treated as two separate tribes, making the number of the tribes thirteen. Regardless of how one counts the tribes, the fact is Dan has been left out here. Why has Dan been left out of the 144,000?

A: The birthright is with Joseph because Reuben lost it through fornication with one of the wives. Levi was the priesthood and so became the thirteenth tribe, but not taking part in the physical blessings of Israel directly but through the tithe, which was given to it as the priesthood. Joseph, as the birthright holder, had a double portion under the law. This went to Ephraim firstly and Manasseh secondly. Look at the papers Law and the Fifth Commandment (No. 258) and The Law of God (No. L1) and the Law series generally.

In Numbers 10 we see the battle order of the tribes of Israel. These are East: Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun; South: Reuben, Simeon, and Gad; West: Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin; North: Dan, Asher, and Napthali. These differ from Ezekiel 48, which is a prophetic or millennial system. In that system, Joseph goes back to one allocation and Dan resumes their order. Reuben goes to the North with Judah as firstborn, and this is now the reverse of the order of battle of the original tribes. There is also an allocation of the lands according to the tribes as well, which is not being examined here. The lands of Israel will stretch to the Euphrates.

The text in Revelation 7 refers to the priesthood for the inner priests of Christ comprising the 144,000. These were drawn out as living sacrifices comprising a council of 72 per year for the forty Jubilees of the church in the wilderness. 72 x 2000 equals 144,000. This is explained in the paper The Harvests of God, the New Moon Sacrifices, and the 144,000 (No. 120). Levi’s major function is as a priest tribe therefore they resume their normal duties and take a share in the priesthood of the 144,000.

To achieve this Dan who has another major birthright promise to take up yields part of its inheritance as does Ephraim and they share in the 12,000 of Joseph who is always a combined tribe. Manasseh takes 12,000 in its own right, which is very interesting. Dan then takes its birthright and becomes judge in Israel as promised in Genesis 49:16. This is the reason for the verse: “I have waited for thy salvation O Lord.” Only on the return does Dan take up his inheritance as Judge in Israel. This is Scripture and cannot be broken.

Dan then takes its position at the East gate in Ezekiel’s system with Joseph and Benjamin, the children of Rachel. This is the place of entry of the Messiah and hence the seat of Judgment. There is another point also in the birthright promises that has not been taken up as yet, and that is the calling of the people to Jerusalem. That birthright is taken up by Issachar and Zebulun (Deut. 33:18-19). Look at the paper Calling the Peoples to Jerusalem (No. 238). None of these three tribes has exercised these birthright promises as yet and Scripture cannot be broken. God’s word does not come back void or empty.

Does God give any indication as to the criterion for the order of the tribes for battle (as referenced in your answer citing Numbers 10) and for the order of the tribes at the gates (cited in Ezekiel 48)? Levi is not in the battle order (with Ephraim and Manasseh counted as sons of Israel) but Levi is in the gate order (with Ephraim and Manasseh represented by Joseph)?

A: Levi is in the battle order in Numbers 10 carrying the Ark of the Covenant and the Temple, but is broken up for these purposes. Look at the paper The Ark of the Covenant (No. 196). They carried the physical structure and thus, were an order of priests set apart for that purpose.

We are the Temple of God now and we are the Oracles of God. We are the Ark of the Covenant and that is why Jeremiah was told to hide it where he did. If they found it again where it is hidden, we would have to send a team to re-bury it. There is a new order of priests after the order of Melchisedek, and which comprises Levi who paid tithes in the loins of Abraham to Melchisedek and is thus a lesser priesthood. Hence, Levi is one of the priesthood for the millennial system and thus appears in the gate order as the apostles of the twelve tribes are over each one. Look also at the papers Melchisedek (No. 128) and The Oracles of God (No. 184). This gate order in Ezekiel tells you the gate order of the City of God. Thus, we can also be given an indication of the foundations of the apostles over the tribes from their placement and dispersion. This is another matter. Look at the paper The City of God (No. 180).

It is also our view that the order of the tribes in the Gates is indicative of the order of March. As you are aware, Messiah enters always via the east gate and that is why it is bricked up at the moment in the wall at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The witnesses will probably shatter that gate when they arrive, in preparation for or at the arrival of Messiah, when the Mount of Olives cleaves and the First Resurrection occurs. Look at the paper The Witnesses (including the Two Witnesses) (No. 135). As Dan is judge, it is also in the East gate with the birthright tribes, but Dan leads the sons of Rachel, the birthright tribe of Joseph (i.e. Ephraim, Manasseh and the son of the promise, Benjamin). Dan thus becomes first and not last. Judah is the rearguard, instead of Dan, as Messiah is our rearward or rearguard protection. This will take place during the Millennium also. It is written: Manasseh shall feed off Ephraim then Ephraim shall feed off Manasseh (which is where we are now) and then both shall feed off Judah. Again, Scripture cannot be broken. Look also at the paper Rachel and the Law (No. 281). This may also give an indication of the birthright shift from west to east.

Three tribes were also given an inheritance over Jordan, these were half Manasseh, Reuben and Gad and some Ephraim and Dan also joined them in Gilead. Dan split into two as well in the occupation. Israel and Assyria will come out of Europe in the north, hand in hand, to reoccupy the Middle East also. We moved into Europe in the second century CE when the Parthian Empire fell and joined the rest of the Israelite-Hittite-Phoenician alliance in Britain and West Europe in the fourth century. The Bar Kochba rebels of Judah had gone on to America after the failure of the revolt in the second century. Look at the paper The Unitarian/Trinitarian Wars (No. 268).

Allen’s work of Judah’s Sceptre and Joseph’s Birthright misidentified the tribal movements and trivialised the issue. The US and BC in Prophecy, published by the  Worldwide Church of God, merely reinforced the historical errors by plagiarising Allen’s work. The movement from Europe will be after the wars of the Fifth and Sixth trumpets. The last wars of the kings of the North and South are about to begin. Look also at The Seven Seals (No. 140) and The Seven Trumpets (No. 141). The movement will commence with the flooding of the Netherlands and the low countries in the not too distant future (See the paper Global Warming and Bible Prophecy (No. 218).

 

This is in reference to the allocation of the 24 elders. I realise there are 4 cherubim around God’s throne. I thought this would make 4 quadrants or areas of responsibility; therefore I would divide 24 by 4 and get 6 elders given responsibility under each cherub. The division might continue with the 12 judges and 12 apostles each also being allocated responsibility under a cherub, with 3 judges and 3 apostles to each quadrant. Would this be correct?

A: Yes, your idea is correct. Israel was divided as two divisions to a tribe. There were three tribes to a quadrant. The zodiac is a corruption of the divisions of the government which the tribes represent.

The East, and first, quadrant under the Lion which is of Judah is: Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. They are first in the order of march. Second is the South, or man system, of Reuben Simeon and Gad. Third is the Western, or Bull-headed system, which is Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin. Fourth, or last, is the Northern or Eagle system, which is also represented by a Scorpion and balances in judgment. These tribes are Dan, Asher and Napthali.

These are the rearguard of Israel, hence the sting in the tail and also the symbol of the serpents path. The Tabernacles and the priesthood move between the First and Second Quadrants. The position of the Ark is examined in the paper The Ark of the Covenant (No. 196). Look also at the papers The Meaning of Ezekiel’s Vision (No. 108) and The Government of God (No. 174). This structure will become the City of God. Look at the paper The City of God (No. 180).

Moses

In this verse (Ex. 32:19) it states that Moses broke the 2 tablets. Then he had to go back up to get them written again. Does this have any significant meaning? Is there more to this than Moses just getting mad?

A: Yes, this has great significance. The symbolism was that Israel would break the law and be unable to keep it in a state of sin, being divorced from God. The second time represented the new Moses who was to come as Jesus Christ, who would ascend to the Mountain of God and return with the Holy Spirit, which would lock the law of God in all our hearts.

That is why, when Christ ascended to the throne of God on the Wave Sheaf at 9 a.m. following his resurrection, he returned that day and breathed the Holy Spirit on the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn. 20:22).

Would you please explain if Moses’ wife and 2 children went with Moses when he returned to Egypt to lead God’s people to freedom? Exodus 4:20 seems to indicate they were along on part of the trip; yet, Exodus 18:1-5 indicates that Jethro brought Moses’ wife and children.

A: Zipporah went down to Egypt with Moses and the two boys as we see in Exodus 4. She appears to have tried to prevent the circumcision of Eliezar and nearly had him killed because of that fact. She then did it herself to save his life and accused Moses because of it. The language in the texts is accusative. She was herself a descendent of Abraham, through the sons of Keturah, and should have known better.

Exodus 18:2 says that Moses sent her back. It was probably at this point in Ex. 4:26 that he sent her back to her father Jethro from the inn, thus she did not make it to Egypt. The meeting of Aaron and Moses in the next verse (Ex. 4:27) makes no mention of her or the boys. Nothing short of wholehearted spiritual strength would bring Israel out of this Exodus with their minds set on God.

In Exodus 14 it speaks of the hosts of Pharaoh. Who were these and do they have symbolic meaning? 

A: The entire story of Moses and the Exodus is dealing with the nation, and also the fallen host that it worshipped and by which it was governed. The significance of this is covered in a paper on the Exodus called Moses and the Gods of Egypt (No. 105).

The entire structure of the Bible is allegory and parables dealing with the structure of the Plan of Salvation. You will also enjoy the paper Pentecost at Sinai (No. 115), which takes the Exodus on to Sinai and the giving of the Law. The next paper in that aspect is The Golden Calf (No. 222). Thus, we have both a physical host and spiritual host, which God dealt with through Christ. Look also at the paper The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243).

I need some information on the Red Sea parting. I once saw something about a scientific reason for this. Any biblical reference will be of great importance for what I am looking for.

A: For a long time scientists and people in general have been trying to explain away the miracle of Israel and the Exodus in the crossing of the Red Sea. Some linguists try to make it read the Reed Sea and place it as a marsh in the area of the canal. The Israelites allegedly marched over the marsh of the reed sea and the Egyptian chariots sank. However, that is not what the Bible says happened.

There is another version which places Pi ha Hiroth on the Gulf of Aqaba. It is asserted that the gaps in the mountains either side allowed the deluge to wash down massive amounts of soil and that there is a bridge under the water, some few hundred feet down. Thus, the sea was piled up on the sides of the underwater bridge and the Israelites crossed into Midian near Jebel el Laws in Saudi Arabia. The name means, “The Mountain of the Law” in Arabic. There is a video purporting to have been made at this site. We have no evidence of its authenticity. When we can send a team there, we will look for the crossing.

Which day of the First month did Israel start the seven-day march around the walls of Jericho?

A: Israel, under Joshua, crossed into the Promised Land on the tenth day of the First month, and was set aside to the Lord in circumcision on that day. They abode four days and on the Fourteenth day of the First month, they killed the Passover and ate of the old corn of Canaan on the First Holy Day of Unleavened Bread (Josh. 5:11). This act enabled Rahab to be counted by the scarlet thread on her lintels, and salvation was again extended to the Gentiles as part of Israel.

Joshua 5:13 says that “it came to pass that when Joshua was by Jericho that he lifted his eyes and there stood a man against him with a drawn sword.”

This is held to be between the 15th and 21st of the First month. We can assume that they kept the 15th as a holy day as commanded. We can make one of two deductions. The command of Christ as the Captain of the Host of God came to him when he was near Jericho. We might assume that the story is conjoint and that he spoke with Christ on the 14th day, and that the activities of the host took place from 15th Nisan and went for seven days. The Seventh Days were the Holy Days, and the walls went flat and the children of Israel entered on the last Holy Day of Unleavened Bread. This has merit in that the symbolism of the feast of Unleavened Bread is to remove sin, as malice and wickedness, from among us. The fall of Jericho is symbolised by this activity. The difficulty with this is that the major activity of the battle took place on a Holy Day.

We might conclude that this was done to show the victory of the host was enabled by the right conduct of Israel as the Church keeping the feasts of God. In this light, the case has merit. In the other view, we might say that the story is continuing; that the events took place over the Feast and the Last day’s activities took place on the day after the Holy Day. In which case, we overcome the objection but we lose the full power of the symbolism of the Battle and the purpose of the feast of Unleavened Bread.

The story is covered in the paper The Fall of Jericho (No. 142) but this aspect is not properly developed there. The seven days were most probably the seven days of Unleavened Bread from 15 to 21 Abib. The battle and victory took place at the end of the Feast. The end result is that the first day was 15 Abib, but it may possibly have been 16 Abib. It is discounted as being after the 21st, as the full symbolism of Abib is lost.

Christ probably appeared to Joshua as the prototype on 14 Abib.

The fall of Jericho sounds a little like the book of Revelation with the marching around the city for seven days, and going around seven times on the seventh day. Is this coincidence, or is there a link here? 

A: The actions of the Old Testament were a reflection of the New Testament and the Church. The entire story of the forty years in the wilderness and the taking of the Promised Land were a reflection of the forty Jubilees in the wilderness of the church.

Christ met Joshua, son of Nun of Ephraim, at the plain of Jericho as the captain of the Army of God, and he will come again to Israel to save them and place them again in their inheritance. The paper The Fall of Jericho (No. 142) deals with the similarities of which you speak.

Was there any significance to the red cords that Rahab was told to put in the window of her house so that the Israelite army would not kill anyone in her house? 

A: The red cords were a symbol of the blood of the lamb that was on the doorposts and lintels of Israel in Egypt. Rahab had made a deliberate decision to affix herself to the body of Israel. She was the symbol of the salvation of the Gentiles. There was a mixed multitude that also joined Israel when they went out of Egypt.

The Lamb was her protection here, as it was in Egypt. Here he came as the captain of the Army of the Lord. He also gave the Law to Moses. The same thing was said to Joshua as was said to Moses: “Take off your shoes for the place where you are standing is Holy Ground.” Look at the paper The Fall of Jericho (No. 142).

Rahab was told to put red cords in the window of her house so that the Israelite army would not kill her or her family. Is this the same concept as the blood put on the doorposts of the Israelites’ houses on the first Passover?

A: Yes, but not many people make that connection. If Judah understood that, then they would all be converted. This is why we have to keep the Lord’s Supper on 14 Abib and the Night of Watchings on 15 Abib. That is why the first thing the pagans eliminated from the Church was the Passover, and substituted Easter using the bishops in Rome from Anicetus in 152 to Victor in 190-192. Once they did that, the Church in Rome was cut off from Christ and the rest was easy. Look at the paper The Quartodeciman Disputes (No. 277) and also the papers The Lord’s Supper (No. 103)The Passover (No. 98) and Sanctification of the Temple of God (No. 241).

Idols and Images

There seems to be a contradiction in the story of the golden idol or idols that Aaron either made or allowed to be made while Moses was upon the Mount. After the completion of the molten calf or calves, he said at Exodus 32:4 “These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” Then Nehemiah 9:18 says they had made for themselves a molten calf, indicating a singular idolCould you please clarify the difference?

A: Yes, this is another contradiction in the Bible, which serves to illustrate a lesson. Aaron is recorded as saying: “These be thy gods, O Israel” and Nehemiah says Aaron said, “This is thy god, O Israel.” Aaron is speaking of the earrings that were used in the construction, which were themselves amulets which were collected, and from which the calf was made.

Nehemiah’s reference is in the singular to illustrate it was only one idol made up from many individual amulets. The calf was allowed because it served as a teaching lesson and cleaned idolaters out of the priesthood. The nation was also cleaned of the amulets. The idolatrous purpose behind these protections for the orifices of the head is explained in the paper The Origin of the Wearing of Earrings and Jewellery in Ancient Times (No. 197)The story of the Calf and the theology behind it is found in the paper The Golden Calf (No. 222).

In reading further about the account of Israel making an idol while Moses was away, I am wondering why they chose to make a calf instead of say a lion or a bear or some other creature. Was there some particular reason why they chose to make a calf?

A: The calf was a symbol of the moon god, Sin. The horns, symbolised by the crescent moon, were also associated with the finger of Ashirat, which was another name for the deity associated with the feminine aspects, as Istar. The horns in Egypt were also associated with Hathor who was a symbol of fertility as a pregnant horned female. As the mother goddess she was associated with Isis and also Nut. Isis was the consort of Osiris and the mother lover of Horus, as was Easter (or Istar or Ashtoreth) of the Baal-Easter system. They are all part of the mystery sun cults.

The Trinity stems from this system as the Triune God and appears in Egypt as Osiris, Isis and Horus; in Palestine as Baal, Ashtoreth and the Morning star as the third element; and in Rome it was as Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva who was the virgin of the Immaculate Conception. These elements were transferred into Christianity in total by the fifth and sixth centuries. The term “Easter” comes from “Istar,” as does “Ostar” or “Ostara.”

The Minotaur of the Cretans is the same as the god Chemosh and Milcom (hence Malcolm) of the Moabites and Ammonites. The human sacrifices were offered to the god and sometimes cooked alive inside it. This is the origin of passing your children through the fire to Moloch. This Golden Calf was worshipped among the Irish Celts until the 5th century and cannibalism is noted among the Scots in France during the same century. The details are found in the papers The Golden Calf (No. 222) and The Origins of Christmas and Easter (No. 235).

I heard that images were authorized based on John 3:14 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” The reasoning was that Christ approved the making and exalting of the brazen serpent, by which the Israelites were healed in the desert. I know Christ would never support worshipping an image but what is the correct understanding of the text?

A: Moses used the brazen serpent as a symbol to Israel that they had power over the serpents and it acted as a psychological prop for people who were bitten (cf. Num. 21:9). No one prayed to it or worshipped it. Moses was dealing with the problem of getting an uneducated people to a point where God could work with them. It was also a prophecy that referred back to the position in Genesis where the heel of the seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent and he would bruise his heel. This referred to the battle between Christ, as head of Israel and the Church, and Satan. It looked forward to the redemption of man by the elevated Christ who was to die for our sins. These papers are relevant: Moses and the God’s of Egypt (No. 105); Pentecost at Sinai (No. 115) and The Cross: Its Origin and Significance (No. 39).

Joshua

I am doing a report on the man Joshua in the Bible. I have several questions, but a lack of resources. I need a basic bibliography of Joshua’s life and how he did things. Can you help?

A: You can get an idea of the life of Joshua, and the symbolism of what he did and his environment, from looking at five papers for the background to the Exodus and the significance of what he did: The Passover (No. 98); Moses and the Gods of Egypt (No. 105); Pentecost at Sinai (No. 115); The Golden Calf (No. 222) and The Fall of Jericho (No. 142).

He was the son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim. The concept of his name here means, “the Salvation of God (Yahoshua) comes through Endurance (Nun).” These were names of the Messiah. “Jesus” is a rendering in English of the Greek form of writing “Joshua.” It is correctly translated Joshua in English (see the paper Joshua, the Messiah, the Son of God (No. 134)).

He was a young man in Egypt who came out with Moses. He was one of the twelve spies and the only one of the twelve, along with Caleb of Judah, to enter the Promised Land. He rose to war leader of Israel and was chosen as Judge of Israel to enter the Promised Land. He took Jericho and then the cities mentioned in the Bible text in progression. He lived to 110 years of age. He was buried in his inheritance on the North side of the hill of Gaash on the border of his inheritance, which was the city of Timnath Serah in Mount Ephraim. The Septuagint adds to Joshua 24:30 that they buried the knives of stone with him that he used to circumcise Israel at Gilgal.

Look at the Book of Joshua for the details of the conquest and his life, as that is the most comprehensive account. You will find sketches of his life in the Bible dictionaries at your library. Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible is a good one and so too is ISBE.

I was reading the book of Joshua and saw a few things that were of interest. One was that when he was to take the people over the Jordan to the land God had promised them, he had a priest step into the Jordan and it was divided just like the red sea and the people went across on dry land. Does this prefigure baptism? Also they had to circumcise all the males again because they had wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Why weren’t they circumcised 8 days after birth? Joshua was instructed to take 12 rocks and make a memorial. Do the 12 rocks represent the 12 apostles?

A: Joshua is a very interesting text. The symbolism of entering the Promised Land was like that of Israel in the Exodus. The Passover brought them out of Egypt. This was a type of Christ, who was the Passover Lamb. They could have gone into the Promised Land when the twelve were sent to spy out the land but only two, Joshua and Caleb, were dedicated enough. These two symbolised Israel and Judah.

They then had to spend forty years in the wilderness before they were allowed to enter. That is the same as the Forty Jubilees of the Church in the wilderness. They were not circumcised so as to make a difference between the old generation, which refused to take up their inheritance, and the ones not part of the decision that were born in the wilderness. That represented the Church.

The Church has to be prepared once again for the coming of the Messiah, and so does Israel. The priest standing in the Jordan was symbolic of baptism. These people were brought through the Jordan and then circumcised into Israel and the Covenant. The circumcision here represents the rolling of sin from the Gentiles and from the nation of Israel. There were twelve stones left in the middle thread of the river. This is a boundary marker and the division of Israel and the world. There were twelve stones also taken as an altar at Gilgal.

There are thus two lots of twelve as twenty-four stones. These in two divisions represent the two aspects of the priesthood and the apostles and judges. The symbolism of what happened there and its relationship to the Plan of Salvation and the Return of Messiah is explained in the paper The Fall of Jericho (No. 142).

 

What is the meaning of the 2 spies hiding in the hill country for 3 days (Joshua 2:1-24)? There are many references to 3 days, i.e. sign of Jonah, etc.

A: It is another example of the two witnesses’ concept. We saw it with John and Messiah, and we will see it again when the witnesses get here. The two spies act as witnesses against the civilisation they are sent to spy out. In the last days, the two will stand for 1,260 days and then they will be killed by the world systems. They will lie in the streets for 3 ½ days and then be resurrected. Look at the papers The Fall of Jericho (No. 142) and The Witnesses (including the Two Witnesses) (No. 135).

 

Judges

What is the meaning of this passage (Jud 9:7-21) in reference to 4 different types of trees and other components of the text?

A: The trees of Judges 9:7-21 represent the trees of Israel’s power and the fourth false system of the Antichrist that is allowed to rule over it, and in the end destroys it.

Trees went forth, in the emphatic sense in the Hebrew, with great earnestness of purpose. (cf. Companion Bible n. to v. 8). The first is the olive, which represented Israel’s religious privileges and power (cf. Rom. 11 and Zechariah 4 re the olive trees). The Olive Trees are the power of witness of the nation of Israel. By the oil of its fatness, the nation honours God. In other words, the power of its witness was used to glorify God. But the spirit, who represented the trees, wanted it to participate in a false system of self-aggrandisement.

They asked the fig tree, which was the symbol of Israel’s national privileges (Mat. 21:19-20; Mk. 11:13, 20, 21; Lk. 13:6-9). This was its birthright promise. The fig held to its birthright under temptation of the host, who wanted to tempt it to defeat its birthright promise.

The vine was Israel’s spiritual privilege. For the vineyard of the Lord is the whole house of Israel (cf. Isaiah chap 5 and John chap 15). The word “leave” in v. 13 is “forsake” as in v. 11, and the concept is that of forsaking the power of the Holy Spirit through this temptation of the host and its false system. The wine here is “tirosh” or “new wine” which cheers both God and man. This is the wine of the Lord’s Supper and the Passover of the saints of God.

The bramble is the false tree of the Antichrist system and the false system of worship, which devours Israel through the fallen host and the Babylonian Mystery and sun cults. This is seen as devouring the false nation under the Antichrist system. This also can be seen from the concept of the story of Gideon. Look at Gideon’s Force and the Last Days (No. 22).

In Judges 19 we read about a situation where a Levite has a concubine that has been gone 4 months and he goes after her to reconcile after she has been unfaithful. It is quite similar to the time of Lot. The woman is raped to death by the sons of Belial then her man dismembers her and distributes the 12 body parts into all the coasts of Israel. Is there some symbolism here for us today and why did they not hesitate to turn the women over to these men as Lot was also willing to give his daughters?

A: Yes, there are some striking parallels in this story. The tempting conclusion is that the symbolism of the Levite is Christ, as elohim of Israel. The concubine from Bethlehem-Judah (a Jewess of Messiah’s clan) who was unfaithful was Israel that was taken in and repented as the church. Bethlehem-Judah was also of the Gentiles in Tamar and Ruth.

There are two periods of four whole months, which are two lots of 120 prophetic days. This was allowed to happen so that the message to the tribes would be understood. The tribe of Benjamin was the youngest and the “son of the promise.” Saul was also from Gibeah. The tribe was almost wiped out and then was allowed to be rebuilt by the stealing of the daughters of the tribes.

The Church was abused and murdered by the sons of Israel. Israel decided to rebuke Benjamin, but lost 40,000 men in two days. But Benjamin was destroyed except for 600 who formed a nucleus of the new tribe. The real message is that Israel paid a price for the treatment of the Church and the sons of the promise were also wiped out and then had to be built up at the expense of all.

Gideon

Would you please explain if Gideon had 70 sons (Jdg. 8:30) or 72 because Abimelech and Jotham were his sons and not accounted for in the dead of Jdg. 9:5? What is the significance of these numbers and systems?

A: Yes, the seventy represent the elders of Israel and the council of the Church. The Sanhedrin were always referred to as the seventy, but were always understood as seventy plus two. They represented the Council of God and were understood as having the two. This was depicted by the seventy with Eldad and Medad outside the tabernacle under Moses. Moses and Aaron also depicted the positions of Christ and God over the seventy.

This position was also seen in the Sanhedrin at the time of Christ, where the Seventy were supervised by the High Priest and his deputy (Annas and Caiaphas at the time of Christ). This later became the Nasi or prince and the High priest. Luke 10:1,17 shows that the seventy were ordained by Christ and sent out but the text in the Greek reads “hebdomekonta”[duo] or seventy[two]. Gideon represents the story of the church in the last days. Look at the paper Gideon’s Force and the Last Days (No. 22).

Samson

Was Samson’s power really derived from his hair, or did he just think so? 

A: His hair was a symbol of the power of the Holy Spirit. Until the Messiah, the closest one could get to the elect was as a Nazirite under vow, and their hair was not cut.

Other than that, God conferred his power on individuals according to their selection as prophets or kings, such as David, or the elders of Israel, and the Judges. Now all men can approach God through Christ and be given the Holy Spirit. What they do with it determines their entry to the First Resurrection.

God also calls whom He chooses and predestines. These are the called and chosen of Romans 8:29-30 and they are thus justified and glorified. Many are called but few are chosen. Look at the paper Samson and the Judges (No. 73) for a fuller explanation of the operation of the Holy Spirit in the cycles and the explanation of some important parables.

Samson gave a riddle to thirty companions (Jdg. 14:12-14). Later Samson’s wife told them the answer, after which he got mad and went into town and slayed 30 men and took their festal garments and gave them to the companions. My question is this: Is there some kind of symbolism to this story?

A: The story points to the structure of the inner council of God and also to the salvation of the Gentiles. The council is comprised of seventy plus two. But the inner council is comprised of twenty-four divisional commanders or elders allotted to the four covering cherubim, in divisions and structures of two to a unit of twelve as were the high priests symbolising them; and then into quadrants of six in three units as were the tribes of Israel divided into quadrants of three making up twelve tribes (see Num. 10).

The Lamb and the Ancient of Days make up the inner throne council of the thirty. Satan was also removed from this council and will be replaced. The thirty garments are representative of the allocation of the Holy Spirit in power and the opportunity of salvation going to the Gentiles. If they had gone to God, He would have told them that out of the dead carcasses of the lion came the fruit or honey of the Holy Spirit.

The word “Essene” means “Bees” and this was the ancient religion of Assyria right up until the time of Christ, and was seen in the Celibate priests of the Baal-Easter system. Instead they ploughed with Samson’s heifer and he killed them and took the garments they already had. This was a warning to the demonic host as well. Look at the paper Samson and the Judges (No. 73); The Judgment of the Demons (No. 80); David and Goliath (No. 126) and The Pinata (No. 276).

Ruth

In the book of Ruth, Boaz represents Christ and Ruth the Church. Who does Ruth’s kinsman, who does not fulfil his obligation to marry her, represent? Is it Satan or someone or something else? 

A: It is symbolic of Levi and Judah as a whole who failed the Gentiles because of their xenophobia, and also of Satan and the fallen Host who were given the responsibility for the Gentiles but failed to take them into the Kingdom of God as brides.

The elder kinsman is both Levi and Judah, and the Anointed Covering Cherub that was Lucifer. Look at the paper Ruth (No. 27) and also look at Lucifer: Light Bearer and Morning Star (No. 223) and Lost Sheep and The Prodigal Son (No. 199).

1Samuel

Would you comment on 1Samuel 6. Once again I noticed it contained the number 5. How did the Philistines have a concept of the guilt offering? Is there any significance regarding the cities and their religions? Also was the ark returned around Pentecost since they were harvesting wheat?

A: In this text in 1Samuel 6 we see the Ark receives its own divine title as “The Ark of Yahovah.” The Law was placed within the Ark, as the Law proceeded from Yahovah of Hosts to the entire Host through the Holy Spirit.

The Ark was captured after the Feasts of the Seventh month and was with the Philistines for seven months. The symbolism is this. Israel was to live by the law of God and protect the Law as Holy, Perfect, Righteous and Good Truth, which thing also is God.

The Ark was given to the Gentiles and they had it but did not live according to the laws of God and so the curses or the plagues of Egypt came upon them. In this way, they attracted the emerods and the mice, which were the plagues of Egypt. They got piles, in other words, and no doubt boils and other things, as well as the mice plague.

However, we know that the five cities of the Lords of the Philistines were all struck by the plagues and they were given until the Passover, and then the second Passover experienced during the Omer count and the fifty days to Pentecost, which is the Wheat Harvest.

So, the Philistines were given a chance at salvation. They were given the five months of grace, from the Last Great Day to the Preparation for the Sanctification of the Temple and the Passover, which they did not observe and so they were under judgment and the curses of Deuteronomy 28 came on them being under judgment. Look at the paper The Blessings and the Curses (No. 75).

They did not repent and take the First Passover, and then failing that the second Passover, as is provided by Law. Look at the paper Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256). This was to look forward to the opportunity, which was to be given to the Gentiles for the Law of God to come upon them as the Philistines were given charge of the Ark.

The five Lords had as witness against them the two plagues, which they symbolised in their votive offerings of emerods (haemorrhoids) and mice. These five cities of the Philistines were similar to the five nations that were later given the area of Samaria and Galilee. The five are a symbol of grace. By grace God conferred salvation on the Gentiles.

The Philistines failed to live by the laws of God and so incurred the penalties. They had literally to give up the Law of God and the Ark, symbolising the Holy Spirit that proceeded from God. They had to hand it back to those whose right it was. In this way, any Gentile who comes into the Church and does not live by the commandments of God is removed and cannot enter the Kingdom of God. If they do not speak according to the Law and the Testimony (Prophets), there is no light in them (Isa 8:20).

The Holy Spirit gave command to the priests of the Philistines as it commanded Balaam. Look at the paper The Doctrine of Balaam and Balaam’s Prophecy (No. 204). The Philistines knew what the religion of Israel was and had observed it first hand for centuries.

The result was also to stand as a witness to Israel. They asked for a sign that they might tell that it was the God of Israel that smote them with the plagues. It was to have gone up by the way of the House of the Sun, which stood on the border of Judah and Dan.

This is another reprimand for Israel, as they have been backsliders into the worship of the sun cults and Baal-Easter for millennia. They will not learn, even to this very day, for they are a stubborn and rebellious people, the whole house of Israel.

The cart came into the field of Joshua, which is the name of the Messiah, and the cart was used as fuel and the oxen were offered up as a sacrifice to the Lord God in that place called the House of the Sun Beth-Shemesh.

The Ark was set down on the Great Stone of Abel at Beth Shemesh. This is a reference to the Church that was begun with Adam, and the first sacrifices that were accepted as those of righteous Abel. The Holy Spirit had been given to the patriarchs, and the Church had been founded on the Rock that was God with the Ark representing the Holy Spirit. On this stone God would build His church through the Holy Spirit and on the foundation of the apostles with the chief corner stone who was Joshua, the Messiah, the Son of God. Look at the papers The Ark of the Covenant (No. 196); Doctrine of Original Sin Part 2 The Generations of Adam (No. 248) and Joshua, the Messiah, the Son of God (No. 134).

When David slew Goliath we are told that he picked up 5 rocks from the stream, one of which killed Goliath (1Sam. 17:40). Do you think there’s any symbolism to there being 5 rocks and not say 4 or 6 or 7 rocks?

  1. Yes, there is a symbolism. The five rocks represent the five churches that make it into the Kingdom of God in Revelation, chapters 2 and 3. Two churches do not make it. These are Sardis and Laodicea, with only individuals of these organisations who triumph.

One of these churches is used by Messiah, here represented by David, to strike the giant of the world’s systems in the forehead, where is found the mark of its system. In the last days, truth and the well-aimed stone of David as the anointed King of Israel, who is yet to take up his crown, overcome this system. The symbolism of the religious structures of the world and the Philistine’s relationship to them is seen in the paper David and Goliath (No. 126).

What did King David achieve in his life? Why is his story important? How did God touch his life? 

A: David was chosen by God to be King of Israel, and David was given the Holy Spirit to achieve that end. He was also placed in various positions and tests to provide lessons for all of us, as to the conduct of a man after God’s own heart.

He was used to make all preparations for the Temple of God. David prepared and then Solomon built the Temple. This was to serve as an illustration of the lessons of creation and the Plan of Salvation. The story of his battle with Goliath and the theological significance of that event are covered in the paper David and Goliath (No. 126).

The place of David in the Plan of God will be dealt with in the paper Rule of the Kings Part II: David (No. 282B)His time in history and the entry into Jerusalem is discussed in the paper Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272)He is to be the king of Israel under Messiah as elohim, as are the elect from Zechariah 12:8.

1Kings

In Exodus 20:3 God commanded us not to make any carved images of anything. When I was studying 1Kings 6, especially verse 23 and on I see that Solomon made 2 cherubim of olivewood and carved others. Why is this? Also what is the significance of the cherubim, palm trees and the open flowers that were carved?

A: The Second Commandment is read in two ways. One is that no image of anything is to be made at all. The second way is that no image on anything that is to be worshipped is to be made. It is “thou shalt not bow down to it or worship it” that is conditional to the making of the image itself.

This is obviously the meaning, otherwise the instructions for the building of the Ark of the Covenant were in direct contradiction to the Second Commandment and Solomon’s actions here, and in the subsequent temple, are all in breach of the Commandment. So too, we see Ezekiel’s Temple is in breach of the Law.

Israel never worshipped any graven image or object, and the cherubim were no exception. It is from Ezekiel that we see the identity and purpose of the anointed Covering Cherubim. There were four of them. They are represented as the Bull-headed, Lion-headed, Eagle-headed, and Man-headed cherubim. They surround the throne of God. Look at the papers The Meaning of Ezekiel’s Vision (No. 108); The Government of God (No. 174) and Pentecost at Sinai (No. 115).

2Kings

From 2Kings chapter 2 is there any significance to the fact that just before Elijah gave his mantle to Elisha and was taken by God, that they went from Gilgal to Bethel, to Jericho, and finally to Jordan, each time Elijah telling Elisha to wait for him?

A: The Gilgal here is not the well known Gilgal near Jericho, but the one between Tibneh and Shiloh (cf. 4:38). In this case, it was a circle. The instructions were a test for devotion and the passage of the power. He had been foreordained, from his anointing, to follow Elijah and to slay those that Jehu did not slay. His devotion shows his progression and identification, and then his receipt of power after the taking of Elijah in the chariot of God. At each point, Elisha was met by prophets and told that his master was to go that day. The effect of all this was to establish Elijah in the eyes of the prophets, and as the key prophet of God.

Would you please explain why 2Kings 25:8 and Jeremiah 52:12 both seem to be describing the same event but have different dates listed? The same question follows with Jehioachin’s release from prison in 2Kings 25:27 and Jer. 52:31.

A: The word in Kings is that he came “to” Jerusalem on the seventh day of the month. He set fire to the city. Jeremiah says he came “into” Jerusalem. This is a bit like the fall of Jerusalem to the Australians and British in December 1917. The attack went in on the seventh, and it was taken by the eighth, but Allenby did not enter until the Australians had secured it and the contingents were in place on the eleventh of the month. This aspect has been examined in the paper The Oracles of God (No. 184).

In the case of the release of Jehoiachin the order appears to have been given on the twenty-fifth day but not carried out until the twenty-seventh. The texts of 2Kings 25:27 in the Septuagint and the Syriac say “and brought him forth out of his prison”. The text in Jeremiah does not say that. Thus, we must deduce that he was ordered released and that he did not take his place at the king’s table for two days. This was probably to rehabilitate him.

Esther

Do you think Esther 9:13 is a prophecy of the 10 men being hung after the Nuremburg trials?

A: This is an interesting parallel but not necessarily prophecy. The Book of Esther is certainly not just a story about Judah 2,500 years ago. Haman was an Amalekite. Agag was killed by Samuel in front of Saul because Saul had let him live. That activity looked forward in prophecy.

The wars of the Amalekites look forward to the days of the end at the end of the forty Jubilees in the wilderness. They were carried out just before Israel went into the Promised Land. Israel was forty years in the Exodus and then fought the wars of the Amalekites. Israel was forty Jubilees in the wilderness and then fought the wars of the 20th century. The wars of the Fifth and Sixth Trumpets have still to be fought. Look at the papers The Seven Seals (No. 140) and The Seven Trumpets (No. 141).

Over that last period, from 1914 to the present, we have seen a drive for the defeat and extermination of Judah, and also of Israel. The Jews are not the Israelites. Judah is only one Tribe of Israel, and Levi is another while not all Levi is in Judah. The Holocaust was involved in the story of Esther and the hanging at Nuremburg was part of that story, but it has gone on for decades.

The Arab wars are also part of the process. Messiah will come to save those who eagerly await him. Judah will be converted in the last days at the very end. The explanation of the Story of Esther is in the paper Commentary on Esther (No. 63).

Job

Could you explain the significance of the fact that Job had 7 sons and three daughters? These numbers are repeated in that he had 7000 sheep and 3000 camels, 5000 oxen and 5000 she asses. These numbers must have important significance?

A: The round numbers 7, 3 and 5 are held to denote perfection and sufficiency according to Daath Mikra (cf. Soncino fn. to Job). This aspect also carried over into the function of the numbers in relation to the church. The seven spirits of God and the seven angels of the seven churches are accompanied by the three other candlesticks of Messiah and the two witnesses making the ten.

The seven churches have five only that are accounted worthy, and hence five is also the number of grace. The entire structure is one of plenty and sufficiency according to the purpose of God, yet these were allowed to be destroyed by Satan because they sinned. Look at the papers Symbolism of Numbers (No. 7) and Birthdays (No. 287).

The point is that of perfection removed through sin. Children are sanctified in their parents, but are killed through sin. God allows actions to be undertaken to test and deal with people in the faith. Job could not save his children because they were of age and they had taken up with a foreign religious system in the practices they were undertaking as Job knew, and hence the sacrifices.

This lesson is to the church and the nation. The nation is not protected in the birthright promises through idolatry. The Church is not protected in sin. Loss is made good also through faith and faithfulness. The break-up of the 5000 is through grace. The five and the five, wise and foolish virgins also are a consideration in the concept of the retention and loss of salvation.

Can you give me some insight on the book of Job? Was this Job also the Job mentioned in Genesis 46:13?

A: Yes, it is commonly accepted that Job is the son of Issachar mentioned in Genesis 46:13. It seems most probable that Job was in Midian and the friends seem to be Midianites. The work was most likely given to and written by Moses while he was in Midian, and formed the preparation for the Exodus and the writing of the Pentateuch. It may well have been the first book of the Bible written.

Psalms

Can you explain Psalm 82? Is the Psalm referring to the angelic host or the human elect?

A: The text refers to all the sons of God, both heavenly and human. He said he was a son of God and He quoted this Psalm in John 10:34-35 and said that Scripture cannot be broken. We are to all become elohim (cf. also Zech. 12:8). We are all to be sons of God and as elohim or gods. The text also speaks of the fallen host as judging unjustly (the poor here are the oppressed) as well because in 82:7 it says: “But you shall die like men and fall like one of the princes.” Thus, the unjust ones of the elohim are brought down to the pit and die like men and fall as any human prince. This theme is also taken up in Ezekiel 28 ff., and Isaiah 14.

In this text we are speaking of Messiah who stands as judge among the congregation of the elohim. 82:8 says, “Arise o elohim, judge thou the earth for thou shall inherit the nations.” This is Messiah, and the true version of Deuteronomy 32:8 (RSV) has Israel allotted to Yahovah as his inheritance when the nations were allotted to the sons of God. However, here all nations are part of the inheritance and so we see that all nations are to come into Israel and under Messiah. Thus, the entire host will come under Messiah as judge and king. Look also at the paper The City of God (No. 180).

Psalm 137 indicates that Israel’s captors required them to sing “one of the songs of Zion.” This seems like a strange request if you are conquering a people to ask them to remember their songs and the meanings of the song. Any ideas why this request of their captors?

A: The captives of Judah had been taken away, just as Israel had been taken away by the Assyrians under Shalmaneser in 722 BCE. The Babylonians were mocking them. The songs of Zion are the Psalms of the Lord. They were effectively saying, “Well, you were not protected by your God. Where is He now? Sing us a song to Him.” The purpose of captivity is to bring us to repentance and to a knowledge of the Lord God of Hosts. Each time we have fallen into the ways of the heathen we have been sent into captivity and that may well occur again very soon.

Proverbs

I have a question regarding the book of Proverbs, chapters 8 and 9. I’ve heard from people, that the wisdom in that book is Christ. Is that true? I always believed that it was talking about the Holy Spirit or one aspect of that Spirit. Some try to prove the eternal existence of Christ with that text. What is the correct answer? 

A: Wisdom is rendered here in the feminine and was understood as the “Sophia,” Greek for “wisdom.” The Holy Spirit is the function or power of God, which confers wisdom. Kings (and princes) reign in wisdom through it, as the text says in verses 15 and 16. The Lord possessed wisdom in the beginning, before His works of Old. The text says: “I was set up from everlasting from the beginning before ever the earth was.”

The Trinitarians cannot use this as a text for the co-eternality of Christ, as it clearly says that wisdom was set up from everlasting: from the beginning. Thus, wisdom is a creation of God, whether it was referring to Christ or the Holy Spirit.

The text that refers to Christ is in verse 30:

“Then I was by Him as one brought up with Him and I was daily His delight; Rejoicing always before Him. Rejoicing in the habitable parts of His world” (Heb: tebel ‘arez and tr. earth in the KJV: See Bullinger fn. to v. 31 Companion Bible).

Whosoever finds wisdom finds life and favour from the Lord. This is the Holy Spirit, which is being spoken of, as the cosmology of the Bible depends on this force of God tying all the sons of God together from their generation.

Thus, for Christ to be one with God, he needed the Holy Spirit to achieve that and thus, the Holy Spirit is logically prior to the unity of the Host. The fact that it was removed from the sons of God who rebelled reinforces that fact.

The comments in chapter 9 place wisdom as a female building her house. She has hewn out the seven pillars. She has killed her beasts, she has mingled her wine and she has sent forth her maidens. She is the Church. The Holy Spirit is the Church because without it, the Temple of God cannot exist. We are that Temple. We are the house of living stones that is the Temple of God. She is the bride of Christ. Her maidens are the elect of the marriage supper. The seven pillars are the angels of the Seven Churches and are the seven spirits of God.

One could say that the invitation to come eat my bread and the wine, which I have mingled, refers to Christ. But remember that John says clearly that Christ had to go to the Father who was his Father and our Father and his God and our God. When he returned to the Apostles he was able then to blow the spirit on them and say, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn. 20:22). The text explains itself.

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy Spirit is understanding. “For by me your days shall be multiplied and the years of your life shall be increased.” From Proverbs 9:13, we are given the example of the foolish woman, which is the false church under the false spirit set up by the fallen Host under Satan. It is referred to in the New Testament (cf. 1Tim 4:1-2).

There is no doubt we are speaking of two women here and one was with God from everlasting and is the woman that is the Church. The concepts are explained in the papers The Holy Spirit (No. 117); Consubstantial with the Father (No. 81)The Development of the Neo-Platonist Model (No. 17)How God Became a Family (No. 187) and The City of God (No. 180).

I once belonged to a church, which taught that the main message of Proverbs 31 is that women should be subservient to their husbands. While I do agree that the head of the woman is her husband, I am beginning to think that there is more to Proverbs 31. What would you say is the main message in that text? 

A: The king is Christ and the woman is the Church, and the Church is then comprised of men as heads of families, and women as the woman. The main message is that the church has to perform as a proverbs 31 woman at all times. The explanation of this text is given in the paper Proverbs 31 (No. 114). Too often the text is used by churches to silence women and deny their own responsibilities.

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 7:1 states “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” Could you explain why the day of death is better than the day of birth? This would seem to be the opposite of what most people would believe?

A: The celebration of birthdays is a pagan custom that came from the Babylonians. Look at the paper Birthdays (No. 287). The idea is carried on by the Satanists and the Stargazers, who use it as a fate determination and to elevate the individual above God and as a god. The Bible position forbids this view. Our destiny is to become sons of God. We await the resurrection of the dead so we can become sons of God in power through the Holy Spirit so God can become all in all (Eph. 4:6). Look at the papers The Soul (No. 92) and The Resurrection of the Dead (No. 143).

So, you’re saying that the day of one’s death is better than that of their birth because we are that much closer to the final destiny of mankind which is to be a son of God in power, as God becomes all in all? Interesting how Satan has deceived most of the world into celebrating their birthday while confusing them as to their destiny after the resurrection from the dead.

A: Yes, the Soul Doctrine and the invention of the great lies of Heaven and Hell are part of the deception of the false religious system he established.

PROPHETS

Isaiah

Does Pharaoh have symbolic meaning for the future exodus that is coming?

A: Sodom and Egypt are names for the nations under the demons. In this sense Pharaoh is a name for Satan, as is Tyre and Babylon. In the coming Exodus the demons under Satan will be bound. The Bible shows that Israel will march out of the north, hand in hand with Assyria, and a highway will be built from the north to Jerusalem and also from Egypt to Assyria (Isa 19:23). They shall all serve together, and Israel will be a third with them. They will all be blessed together by God and they will serve the Lord together from Jerusalem.

Isaiah walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign to Egypt and Ethiopia that they would be taken captive, and the coast land would also be taken captive, naked and barefoot by the Assyrians (Isa. 20:3-6). In the final phase the breach will be healed and they will serve the Lord together at Jerusalem. Look at the paper Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272)Trumpets (No. 136)The Day of the Lord and the Last Days (No. 192); The Seven Trumpets (No 141) and The Millennium and the Rapture (No. 95).

Who is being spoken of here in Isaiah?

Isaiah 65:1-6  I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. 2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; 3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; 4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; 5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. 6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,

A: There are two groups here. One group represents the gentiles of the church who seek God and obey His commandments. The other represents the nation of Israel, and those who associate themselves with it – those who know God but eat swine flesh and other abominations and burn incense on their hewn and constructed altars contrary to God’s Law.

These are the false priests of the false religious system who destroy the commandments of God and lead the people astray. They set themselves apart as holy from the people they lead. God says these people are an abomination in His sight, a smoke in His nostrils. To fully understand the ramifications of the text, you have to know where the ten tribes of Israel are found. Israel is not the Jewish people, but Judah is one of the twelve tribes of Israel. There are elements of Judah, which also fall into this self-righteous mentality. It stems from the Pharisees and entered rabbinical Judaism from that source.

The movement of the Tribes and their location is discussed in the paper The Unitarian/Trinitarian Wars (No. 268)The identity of these false priests and what happens to them is also discussed in the paper The Messages of Revelation 14 (No. 270).

Isaiah 26:14; 43:17 and Jeremiah 51:57 are used by some to claim that there are many that will not be awakened from the dead. To whom are these verses referring? Was it from a certain time frame only?

A: The text in Isaiah 26:13-14 refers to the Rephaim, who have no resurrection. They are the Nephilim of Genesis 6:4. Their identities are examined in the paper The Nephilim (No. 154). Jeremiah 51:57 refers to the fall of Babylon and the death of the host who are with them. This is not the same as the Rephaim in Isaiah. These people are put to sleep and are dead. However, the matters are examined in the papers The Judgment of the Demons (No. 80) and The Resurrection of the Dead (No. 143).

What is meant by purifying themselves in the gardens behind one tree? Why the reference again to eating swine flesh? What’s the significance of the mouse? (Isa 66:17)

A: The structure of the Mystery cults was around the Asherah, which was often an oak tree. Isaiah 1:29 commences this sequence and we see it in the texts in 57:5; 65:3; and 66:17. It runs oaks, gardens, oak, garden in the sequence. These are the places of worship in the Mystery cults. The oak leaf is also condemned in 1:30. The Asherah was a phallus and it was often used with a phallic implement.

The cutting of mistletoe and the other items associated with the solstice are part of this festival. It is the basis of Christmas and Easter. In the depictions of the mystery cults in the Roman frescoes there was also a kid. This appears to be the origin of the Bible prohibition of the kid seethed in the milk of its mother. A phallic implement was also depicted and that is why the mysteries were also popular with the women. The fertility rites associated with these systems came in as the Christmas and Janus festivals. They then went on through the Carnival and Shrove to Ash Wednesday, and then Lent, and on into the Easter festivities. None of it is Christian, and that is what God is condemning here. Look at the paper The Origins of Christmas and Easter (No. 235).

The mouse is ‘akbar (SHD 5909 pr. ‘akbawr) as attacking and hence a mouse as nibbling. There are twenty-three members of the family Muridae in Palestine, and we are unsure of the exact species. There was a cultic practice of sacrificing and eating field mice, and Maimonedes preserves the tradition that it was carried out by the Harranians. Haran was the centre of the Babylonian Moon cult from 2000 BCE, and hence the centre of the mystery cults. It was a centre of Lunar paganism down until Christian Times. (cf. Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, vol. 2, p. 524). They worshipped the Moon God, Sin, and the Triune system of the Mother goddess, and the Easter and sun system. This same system penetrated Christianity. Look also at the paper The Golden Calf (No. 222).

The real problem is that Israel will not repent of this evil. The English speaking people, and the European Aryans, are wedded to their iniquity and to these pagan festivals.

The entire civil calendar of the USA is based on the pagan days of Human Sacrifice. It is impossible for it to be a coincidence. The administration has to be influenced by paganism and witchcraft at their decision making levels. God will deal with these people very soon.

Jeremiah

Jeremiah 4:15ff. seems to infer a prophet in the end times warning the nations and condemning false religions etc. How will we know when this prophet is among us? Is there a time sequence for this prophet?

A: The text refers to the voice from Dan that publishes affliction from the mountains of Ephraim. Warn the nations that “He” is coming and beseigers or watchers come from a distant land. The term in this text is not the same as the Watchers elsewhere and thus may not refer to the heavenly host.

The text is corrupted in some Bibles because of its implications. The fact of the voice does not mean it is a single prophet but rather it is a warning issued in the last days concerning the coming of the Messiah and may be a work of many people of the church. It is however a specific warning. The question has been examined in the paper The Warning of the Last Days (No. 44).

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 46:20 seems to say that animal sacrifices will be performed again in the Kingdom? Could this be possible?

A: Yes, it does and they will be performed. The killing of animals will be for the festivals and systems of worship on the Sabbaths and New Moons. Zechariah 14:16-21 shows clearly also that there will be meat killed and eaten in Jerusalem and the pots shall be holy to the Lord. Look at the papers: The Millennium and the Rapture (No. 95); Vegetarianism and the Bible (No. 183); God’s Calendar (No. 156) and Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256).

 

We read in Ezekiel chapter 26 about the destruction of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar. In verse 21 it says that Tyre shall be no more and never found again. Yet, in Matthew 15:21, we find Jesus going to Tyre. How can this be?

A: Tyre was taken by Nebuchadnezzar after a thirteen year siege (Isa. 23:1; Josephus. A of J, x, 11, 1; Contr. Apion, i, 20). The prophecy began to be fulfilled then. The prophecy covers a period of time and deals with it as a declaration.

The fate of Sidon was different. Tyre was destroyed and was a promontory in the sea and she was made as a bare rock. The garrisons or pillars are visible even today in the sea. The area was known at the time of Christ and the text of which you speak says he went into the parts or regions of Tyre and Sidon. It is rendered “coasts” in the KJV. The text in Ezekiel is concerned with the fallen host as well, and Tyre typifies Satan and we see that develop over the texts in Ezekiel 28. The text in chapter 29 then goes on to deal with Egypt and its fall. See the paper The Fall of Egypt The Prophecy of Pharaoh’s Broken Arms (No. 36).

Is there a reason in Ezekial’s Temple that there are carvings of a young lion’s face toward a palm tree and a man’s face toward the palm tree on the other side? 

A: Yes, there is a reason. The lion-headed and man-headed beings are the two living creatures around the throne of God. The palm tree represents Messiah, who was the tree Moses used to cleanse the waters at Meribah on the way to Sinai. In other words, we could not take of the Holy Spirit without Messiah.

The rebellion involved a third of the Host, but one area is only a quadrant thus, there had to be two quadrants involved in the rebellion. These are the manheaded and aeon systems. These two beings are to be replaced and the elohim, with Messiah, are listed in the Bible. They are Moses (Ex 7:1) and Abraham. The text that makes Abraham an elohim has been mistranslated so it is impossible to find except in the original Hebrew. Look at the papers The Government of God (No. 174)How God Became a Family (No. 187) and The Covenant of God (No. 152).

Most of the people that have entered Israel since the war do not keep God’s Law. How do you understand the following scripture?

Ezekiel 20:37-38  “I will make you pass under the rod, and I will let you go in by number. 38 I will purge out the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against me; I will bring them out of the land where they sojourn, but they shall not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.” (RSV)

A: The Jews are only a part of Israel. There are nations of the ten tribes still out there who are greater and mightier than the Jews. In the last days there will be a second Exodus. This Exodus will make the first one pale into insignificance. It is mentioned in Isaiah (66:18-23).

This period sees the First Resurrection and then the breaking of the nations at Armageddon. After that event, the nations will be required to give up their Israelites from among them and they will be returned under the rod, as was Israel in the first Exodus.

Some that have already returned will be sent away into captivity. These rebellious will also die in the wilderness. The only people who will return will be those who keep God’s Law either physically or spiritually. All others will be allowed to die in the wilderness. Each will pass under the rod of judgment.

Those nations, which do not obey and send their representatives to Jerusalem each year at the feast of Tabernacles, will be given no rain in due season. Those that attempt to get around the law by irrigation, such as in Egypt, will be destroyed by plagues (Zech. 14:16-19). Eventually everyone will keep the Commandments of God and the Feasts, New Moons and Sabbaths.

The people who argue that the Law was nailed to the “stauros” in Colossians 2:14 will simply die. There will be no further discussion. That is Scripture, and Scripture cannot be broken. Look also at the papers Measuring the Temple (No. 137) and Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256).

Daniel

Could you explain to me Daniel 7:23-27?

A: The fourth kingdom is the “legs of iron” of chapter 2. This empire was the Roman Empire. It followed the gold of Babylon and the silver of the Medes and Persians and the brass of the Greeks and the Hellenised system. It went on into the feet of iron and clay.

The feet referred to the Holy Roman Empire formed in 590 CE and which lasted until the revolutions in 1848 ending in 1850 and being confined in 1870. The ten kings did arise and form part of this system. They persecuted the saints over the 1260 years of the empire. They first subdued the ten tribes by intrigue and treason after the fall of the Parthian Empire and the move into Europe (see the paper The Unitarian/Trinitarian Wars (No. 268)).

The feet also had ten toes, which formed the structure of the Alcvin twins or the “Thing” of Europe: The Parliament of the Aryans. In the last days this union forms a beast. This entire structure is the system of Antichrist, yet it claims for itself the power of God and uses that charge against others. This system wore out the Saints of the Most High over the 1,260 years, and in the 20th century from WWI and the Holocaust to the end of WWII and the death of Stalin.

The system changed times and laws for its followers. The “three and a half times” of the 1,260 years is the same time as that in Revelation 12. The Church is pursued by the dragon, which tries to kill the seed of the woman. But the earth helped her and swallowed the Church so that it could not be identified and destroyed by this false religious system and the power of the dragon.

This system will establish a final empire for one hour, which will rule the world and then disaster will descend upon it. The kingdom will be given to the Saints in the final wars of the end. Soon Christ will come to save those who eagerly await him.

In Daniel 12:1-2 God tells us of a time when Michael stands up and there shall be a time of trouble unlike ever before. Then the Bible says: ‘at that time many that sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life and some to everlasting contempt’. Which resurrection is this and what exactly does it mean to be raised to “everlasting contempt”?

A: This period is referring to the Day of the Lord and to the entire structure of the resurrection. The concept here of everlasting life means the restoration to the spiritual fold as sons of God. The words “everlasting” here are “owlam” (SHD 5769) meaning time out of mind or to the vanishing point from the concept of concealed.

The Hebrew word rendered “contempt” is actually two words, neither of which is confined to what we understand as contempt. The first one is SHD 2781 “cherpah,” meaning reproaches or shame. The second is “dera’own,” (SHD 1860)  meaning abhorring, and in this sense it is contempt.

The view is that individuals will face judgment. The shame and abhorrence one feels when sin is made known is a very serious matter. We are healed by grace and the love of God. That does not mean we do not face shame for what we have done ourselves, and many will endure that knowledge as spirit beings and know that other spirit beings also know their sin.

That is why forgiveness is so central to the love of God. If we cannot forgive others, how can we expect forgiveness and, most importantly, how can we deal with shame that comes from perfect knowledge as a spirit being? The details of these processes are explained in the papers: The Soul (No. 92); The Resurrection of the Dead (No. 143) and The City of God (No. 180).

In Daniel 2:43 there is a statement about the toes of the image that says that “they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” My question is who are the “they” being spoken of here, and what is meant by not mingling themselves with the seed of men?

A: These ten kings are also spiritual powers as the sons of God from Deuteronomy 32:8 who were allocated the nations according to the number of the sons of God. There were two cherubim, Satan and the Aeon and ten others making the inner twelve elohim of the fallen host. This was then also extended to seventy in the original.

This is a reason why Deuteronomy 32:8 was changed after the fall of the temple and the Jewish Hebrew MT is incorrect. One of the few Bibles that has it right is the RSV. Another is the Roman Catholic New American Bible. Thus, the government is that of the Antichrist over the entire period of its existence. It is the image of the beast of the Holy Roman Empire and then the union of Europe in the last days. This union is given dominion over the whole world and Christ returns to destroy it.

The demons are not allowed to mingle with the seed of men as they did prior to the flood. That happens within the Sign of Jonah and the fortieth Jubilee. “Their days” means the end of the time of the fifth and sixth power. Look at the paper Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272).

Daniel 7:9-10 seems to refer to fire being at the throne of God. What is the symbolism of fire? There are so many items that come to mind: the burning bush, pillar of fire, walking on coals of fire, etc.

A: The fire is the spiritual power that issues from the Throne of God. As the Ancient of Days, He dwells in unapproachable light. No man has ever seen him, or can see Him. He alone is immortal (1Tim. 6:16). It is in this aspect, as the One True God and Creator, that He is seen as Judge of the Universe. He has given this power to Christ in judgment.

Fire is used to portray the spirits, and power of God, and also the demons that fell from grace before this throne. That is why the flame is so important in demonology, especially in the seats of its power, for example at Rome in the Temple of Vesta and among the curia.

In the book of Daniel, we read of the three friends of Daniel being thrown into the oven. Is there some kind of symbolism here, and if so what is it? Also, why three men and not say seven, or twelve?

A: The three friends were chosen with Daniel to show the captivity of Israel and its deliverance under persecution.

The Triune system is represented also in these three. They were taken by Babylon and given names of the Babylonian system and these three represent in their own way the elect called out under God’s protection. The Son of Man was sent to protect them. As Christ walks with these three in the furnace he walks with us now. The heat of the furnace has been raised and as it killed the guards there so it will kill the system in the last days.

There are so many references to lions in scripture. Do you have any idea why Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den versus some other kind of animal or other test?

A: Lions were the largest predators available to them in Mesopotamia. They used them for disciplinary reasons as far down as the Roman Empire. They did not feed them well so that they would tear their victims to death and eat them.

Many of God’s people were tested in this way and were torn apart by wild animals. Daniel had no way of knowing if God would protect him or not. The same was true in the furnace of fire. They said, “We do not know if God will save us or not, but we will not worship you.” In this case, the king pronounced his own judgment as he said, “Your God whom you continually serve, He will deliver you.” In this case, God did this as an example to the king.

The king was caught in his own laws. His decree could not be altered even though he knew he had been tricked into the plan to kill Daniel. The fact that King Astyages spent the night fasting for Daniel showed his respect, and God heard the prayers of the king. The people who sought to kill Daniel set the test.

The Bible position is this: “He who digs a pit for another, falls into it himself and catches himself in his own snare getting out” (Prov 26:27). These people were then killed and eaten by the same lions they sought to use to kill Daniel, as were their wives and children. This is a powerful lesson on the laws of God (see The Law of God (No. L1)).

Hosea

What is the meaning of the Door of Hope and valley of Achor in Hosea 2:15? 

A: “Achor” means, “trouble.” The Door of Hope is Christ who is the door of salvation. The valley of trouble becomes the door of hope. This text must be compared with Joshua 7:24-26. Israel was burdened through the idolatry of some among it and one, Achan was stoned to death. The Lord’s wrath was stilled in that day and the valley of Achor also became a valley of hope to those who trusted in God through the Messiah. Look also at the paper The Fall of Jericho (No. 142).

Hosea takes the story of Joshua onward to the end days, and the idolatry that has permeated Israel through the Baal-Easter system will be removed. Israel shall be restored and they will call Yahovah, “Ishi” and “Baali” no more. For He will remove the names of these idolatrous gods from among us.

Joel

Could you explain Joel 2:23 for me? Some Bibles translate “early rain” as “teacher of righteousness”. Does this refer to Jesus and/or someone else?

A: Joel 2:23 is a prophecy that concerns Messiah and the Holy Spirit. The rainfall system in Israel was sparse and they were placed there in Canaan so that they were in direct relationship with God. The blessing of the rain was indicative of that relationship. That was in direct contrast to Egypt that relied on flood irrigation. The crops of Barley and wheat are reliant on the rains to develop their root system and then to branch correctly. The latter rain is necessary to fill out the corn for harvest. But it must not be too late other wise the crop is blackened.

Thus, the latter rain falls early in the first month to enable the Wave Sheaf and the subsequent harvest to be fully developed. Christ was the Passover lamb, but He was also the Wave Sheaf offering at 9 a.m. on the Sunday Morning. This also began the count to Pentecost of fifty days occurring on the Sunday at 9 a.m. fifty days later.

When Christ was presented as the Wave Sheaf, on the Sunday morning after the resurrection the previous evening (see John 20:17), He told Mary Magdalene to go and tell the disciples that he was going to His Father and their Father, and His God and their God.

Later that same day before dark, He returned and spoke to the disciples and breathed on them the Holy Spirit. This was the sign that He had returned with the rain of the Holy Spirit. Now this latter rain aspect has a twofold meaning. He was the Messiah of two advents. This was the former rain of the planting as well as the Passover of the harvest. The Omer count had begun to the wheat harvest, which harvest we are.

The latter rain will come with the Restoration of all things spoken of by Malachi. That process is commencing to be implemented now. In a few years, the witnesses will be with us and then the nexus of the law will be restored. Then the Messiah will come. Thus the latter rain is the final pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all mankind. It will take a lot of hard knocks to get there however, as most of humanity seems dedicated to destroying itself and ignoring God.

Micah

What is the meaning of: I set before you Moses, Aaron, Miriam? What symbolism do these individuals have when we read scripture? (Mic. 6:4)

A: Moses, Aaron and Miriam were sent before Israel when they were brought up out of the land of Egypt. The symbolism here in Micah 6:4 is that The Lord is expressing His controversy with Israel. He asks where has He wearied Israel? What has He done to us? He asks us to testify against Him. He brought us out of Egypt and He gave us leaders, priests, and prophets as represented by these three. He does nothing except that he warns His people through His servants the prophets first.

He reminds Israel of what the Moabites under Balak wanted to do and how they wanted to use Balaam, son of Beor. However, God was righteous. He also says that He requires us to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. The rich among us use wrong measures and rob from the poor. The rich are full of violence and the inhabitants of our cities speak lies and are full of deceit.

He will smite Israel for the statues of Omri and all the works of the house of Ahab who served Baal-Easter. For this He will make us a desolation and a reproach. Israel still worships the Easter goddess to this very day. They are filled with the servants of Baal-Easter and the Khemarim, or black cassocked priests, who worship the sun cults and Easter. Their laws are not based on the law of God and they are changing them daily to this false European system. The inhabitants of the city are being spoken to in rebuke.

Chapter 5 speaks of the Messiah and His establishment of Israel. Chapter 6 deals with his rebuke of Israel. In this entire process, we see a span of 2000 years or forty jubilees. Messiah came, and Judah was given 40 years to repent but did not, and they were destroyed. The church was sent into the wilderness for forty jubilees, and a new order of Melchisedek was established. Messiah was at its head. In this period of time, Israel was given its birthright and will be brought to subjection before its God, and then the nations will be brought into it.

This period is covered in the paper Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272)The papers Measuring the Temple (No. 137) and The Messages of Revelation 14 (No. 270) are also important to understanding what is happening.

Would you please explain the meaning of Micah 5:5. Who are the 7 shepherds and 8 leaders of men?

A: Micah 5:2-3 refers to Messiah and the meaning of that text is covered in the paper Micah 5:2-3 (No. 121)The text in Micah 5:5 refers to the invasion of the nation of Israel in the last days by Assyria.  Isaiah 5:3 refers to the Church, which Christ has given up to the world until she has brought forth those of the elect who were predestined. Then, the remnant of Christ’s brethren shall be returned unto the children of Israel, which is also the Church.

At that time of the end, there will be a great tribulation and Messiah shall return to save those who eagerly await him. He shall stand in Israel as the great shepherd of Israel. The term feed means to tend as the flock.

Compare the following verses with this verse. Psalm 80:1; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:23; and importantly Genesis 49:24. He shall be great refers also to Psalm. 22:27; 72:8; 98:1; Isaiah 49:5,7; 52:13; Zechariah 9:10. The Hebrew regarding the Assyrian is emphatic. The terms regarding “When he shall tread in our palaces” can be compared with Isaiah 7:20; 8:7-10; 37:31-36;

The sequence as to what follows can also be compared with Isaiah 44:28; 59:19; Zechariah 1:18-21; 9:13; 10:3; 12:6. In the last days, the Israelite nations will be so weakened by treason from within and apostasy, that the Assyrian people will enter Israel. They will then turn to Messiah in repentance.

In the sequence that follows, there will be raised seven shepherds and eight principal men. This sequence is yet to be fulfilled. The concept of seven shepherds is akin to the seven angels of the seven churches. The eight principal men are akin to the judges in Israel as war leaders. The exact nature of this prophecy has not yet been revealed.

The time frame would indicate that this will occur probably in the next ten years. Seven nations under Ephraim will be galvanised with the eighth of Manasseh. The European system will again commence the war — WWIII. This time the English-speaking people will be destroyed by treason from within, through the agency of this European system. They will fight on their own soil for their very survival.

Messiah will return and the nations will be brought to repentance through their own almost total annihilation. Zechariah 2:8-13 shows that Yahovah of Hosts sends Yahovah to Jerusalem in the last days, and Messiah shall stand there to protect it. Judah will be restored in the last days, as will Jerusalem.

Isaiah shows that after this, Assyria and Israel will come hand in hand out of the north. In other words, Assyria will be brought to repentance as well. Have a look at the process in the papers Measuring the Temple (No. 137) and Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272).

The text in Micah 5:7-8 shows that the remnant of Jacob shall be mighty as a young lion among the Gentiles at that time. There is a distinction between the land of Assyria and the Land of Nimrod in this text (cf. Gen. 10:8-10). The entrances mean the passes of the land of Nimrod.

In other words, we will be cleaned of apostasy and weakness through our tribulation and the saving strength of Messiah. In the last days, we will have gone through the process of weakening and strengthening. Manasseh fed of Ephraim, and now Ephraim must feed of Manasseh, but at the end time both will feed of Judah under Messiah.

Zechariah

When do you think this prophecy of Zechariah 14 will come to pass?

Zechariah 14:16-19  And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

A: After the return of the Messiah, the armies of the nations will be brought down to Armageddon and subjugated. Then the Second Great Exodus will occur. The system of the millennial structure will be set up at Jerusalem and the Law of God will emanate from there. All nations will be required to keep the Holy Days of the Bible (cf. Isa. 66:23) and send their representatives to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles and especially for the Reading of the Law in the seventh year. If they do not go up to Jerusalem every year, that nation will receive no rain and suffer the plagues of Egypt. This will take effect from the 121st Jubilee, which is the 41st since Messiah, and the 50th since the Restoration under Ezra and Nehemiah and the issue of what became the finalisation of the canon of Scripture, which we term the Old Testament. Look at the papers Outline Timetable of the Age (No. 272and Reading the Law with Ezra and Nehemiah (No. 250). This is Scripture and Scripture cannot be broken. The cosmology of the Roman Catholic Church is borrowed from the pagans and Gnostics and has completely negated the doctrines of the original Church through their introduced traditions.

God’s Calendar

In some literature, there is reference to blowing a trumpet on the full moon. In searching the Strong’s Concordance, I cannot find the term “Full Moon” mentioned even one time. Do we ever need to determine when the full moon happens?

A: No, it is not mentioned but some try to make Psalm 81:3 say “full moon” when it is the “new moon” of Abib or the new year in Abib or Nisan that is meant as the solemn New Year feast of the First Moon. It is a New Moon. If the New Moon is correctly determined according to the conjunction, then the feasts will fall correctly anyway.

The Feasts are centred on and determined from the New Moons according to the conjunction. These aspects are discussed in the papers: The Moon and the New Year (No. 213) and God’s Calendar (No. 156)Some fall on the full moon but all are determined from the New Moon. The full moon has significance for paganism and non-biblical cults.

Due to the passage at Joshua 10:13 where it is said that the moon stood still for about a day, some have said that time has been lost and that we cannot determine the exact days that God set aside for worship. Does this fact cause any calendar concerns for us today?

A: There are a number of miracles in connection with the sun and the moon. 2Kings 20:11 and Isaiah 38:8 also show that the sun went backwards. Amos 8:9 says it went down at noon. Isaiah 60:20 mentions “no more going down.” It is darkened in Isaiah 13:10; Ezekiel 32:7; Joel 2:10:31; 3:15 and Matthew 24:29; Revelation 6:12; 8:12; 9:2; 16:8.

This miracle is to be performed again (Luke 23:44,45). Psalm 19:4-6 deals with the motion. The important thing to note is that at no time was it ever suggested by any of God prophets that the times had been lost or the days misplaced. The entire Temple period was regulated according to the Calendar and there was never any suggestion, from Joshua to the close of the Temple, that the Sabbath and other days had been misplaced. Christ was silent on the matter and kept the entire Temple calendar.

If a day had been lost, then He was presented as the Wave Sheaf on the wrong day and there are no firstfruits. There has never been any suggestion that the Sabbath is misplaced except for a few uninformed Protestants who try to make Sunday the Sabbath. An equally uninformed group in Islam are trying to make the sixth day of the week the Sabbath using exactly the same arguments as the Protestants do for Sunday.

You have commented on the number seven being significant. Is there any correlation of the 7 days of the week to God’s plan?

A: Yes, the number 7 is the symbol of perfect spiritual completion and it relates to the entire creation. The seven days of the week are also of that complete creation. The Seventh Day Sabbath is part of the Plan of God, as a perfect “Sabbaton” or week made complete by the reconciliation to God in the last day, which is the Sabbath. The Hebrews and Arabs always had the week ending on the Sabbath.

The seven-day week came into the Roman system from the Egyptians. The Babylonians began the corruption of the week with the seventh day being determined from the New Moon instead of being independent from it (cf. ERE, vol. 3, p. 63). Look also at the paper God’s Calendar (No. 156).

Jubilee

What is a Jubilee, and what if anything is its significance? 

A: The Jubilee is the key cycle of fifty years in the calendar and the Law of God. The Jubilee determines the cycles of the tithe and of land ownership and control. It ensures freedom from oppression and slavery.

The Jubilee is a cycle of fifty years with the Jubilee year as the fiftieth year, but starting in the forty-ninth year with Atonement and lasting until Atonement in the Fiftieth. The Jubilee is blown at Atonement. The Law is read in the seventh year of the cycle and also with the Jubilee when all lands are returned to the lines of owners in the tribes. From the day after the Last Great Day at the end of Tabernacles the lands are then worked. That is so the harvest is ready again for the barley harvest at Passover and the Wave Sheaf Ceremony in Unleavened Bread. Look at the papers Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256); God’s Calendar (No. 156); Reading the Law with Ezra and Nehemiah (No. 250) and Tithing (No. 161).

 

We’ve learned that there are 7-year time cycles similar to the 7-day week and that the 7th year of each cycle is like the 7th day Sabbath where there is a rest. Then after 7 of these cycles, or at 7 X 7 (49) there is a special rest year called a Jubilee. How is the Jubilee year counted then? It would not start the next cycle as year 1 would it?

A: The Jubilee is counted as an eighth year of the cycle. It runs from Atonement of the Sabbath year to Atonement of the Jubilee year unlike normal years. This is so the restoration of lands can be made and the new holders can commence ploughing and sowing for the harvest at the Passover of the next and first year of the new Sabbath and Jubilee cycle. The cycle of the Jubilee is covered in the papers: God’s Calendar (No. 156); Tithing (No. 161) and Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256).

The Jubilee seems to be “blown” on Atonement (Lev. 25:9) and I assume this is a special observance during that particular 8th year. If it actually begins with Atonement then into which year do the first 7 months fall that occur just after the last day of the previous 7th year? Is it an extension of the 7th year or is this space of time not counted at all until Atonement? Could it be that the Jubilee functions start at Atonement and then extend partly into this New First Year?

A: In the 48th year of the jubilee cycle, which is the Sixth year of the Seventh Sabbath cycle, God gives a treble harvest. The next year in which this occurs will be 2025. The Sabbath year of the cycle starts at 1 Abib, like all normal years. From Trumpets the reading of the law is prepared, as we saw in the restoration of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Jubilee year commences from Atonement in the Sabbath year and continues until Atonement in the Jubilee year. At Tabernacles of that Sabbath year, the Law is read and the Jubilee festivities and the rest accorded to the lands and trees occurs.

From the blowing of Atonement in the jubilee year, all lands revert to their owners. Only the houses in towns can be sold in perpetuity. After the Last Great Day following Tabernacles all the restoration is put in place. This is termed the eighth year for the purposes of calculation. This period of five months is used for ploughing and sowing so that the first harvest can occur in the month of Abib of the first year of the new cycle. Look at the papers: Tithing (No. 161)Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256); Reading the Law with Ezra and Nehemiah (No. 250) and God’s Calendar (No. 156).

In a previous question it was said the Jubilee year is from Atonement to the next Atonement or in the fall of the year. Stored crops are eaten and there is no planting or tithe paying. What happens to the next five months and are they in the 50th or the 1st year of the next cycle?

A: The Bible says that they were in the eighth year of the cycle, which is the Jubilee year. However, the actual Jubilee itself is blown from Atonement to Atonement, which is why there is a treble harvest year in the 48th year of the Jubilee cycle, to enable this extended period of rest. The preparation for the harvests must be undertaken after the Last Great Day of the Feast cycle in the Seventh month, and so that period is normal for agricultural purposes. The structure is examined in the papers Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256) and Tithing (No. 161).

When does the Jubilee end? Are there different jubilees for different kinds of people?

A: There is only one true jubilee–the jubilee of the Bible. It is fifty years in duration and consists of seven seven-year cycles with the fiftieth year as the jubilee. The jubilee is also called the Acceptable Year of the Lord and was declared by Christ in 27 CE, the year he was baptised by John. The determination of the jubilee year is made from a number of Bible references. Look at the paper Law and the Fourth Commandment (No. 256).

The jubilees occur in the years 27 and 77 of each century of the current era, and the years 24 and 74 BCE. The reading of the Law occurs at each Sabbath year and in each jubilee. The jubilee is declared or blown from Atonement of the Sabbath to Atonement of the Jubilee year. Look at the paper Reading the Law with Ezra and Nehemiah (No. 250).

In that year, all lands are to be restored and the jubilee acts as an eighth year of the cycle. From the end of the Last Great Day of the Feasts of Tabernacles, the lands are ploughed and sown for the Harvests of the next year in Abib and through to the Wheat Harvest at Pentecost.

New Years day begins on 1 Abib approximating March of the Pagan Roman Calendar. This is explained in the paper The Moon and the New Year (No. 213). The calendar is set by God from Creation and is essential for the correct system of worship. Look at God’s Calendar (No. 156)The year 2000 is an invention of man and is not a jubilee year. Look at the paper The Significance of the Year 2000 (No. 286).

Feasts

We are told to keep the holy days of YHVH-where He places His Name. In this world today with all the confusion in the churches how can we really know where He places His name for His feasts?

A: Finding a place where Yahovah has placed His name is the same commandment to discern the body of Christ for the Passover. We are all commanded to discern the body of Christ in order to take the Lord’s Supper and Passover sequence with that body. To do that we normally examine which church is faithfully adhering to the doctrines of the Original Church of God. In the past, that has been fairly easy as we have normally been underground and persecuted but faithful to the truth.

The Doctrine of the nature of God was readily understood, and Christ was understood to be the Great Angel of the Old Testament who gave the Law to Moses and was never confused with the One True God. This century the Hillel Calendar was introduced from Judaism in some branches, which has made it even more diverse.

The task is fairly simple on the face of it. You have to find the people on the planet doing what the Church has done for two thousand years; keeping the original Calendar with all the Sabbaths and Feasts (including the Wave Sheaf service and New Moons) and worshipping the one True God in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Once you have found them, you have found the place where God has placed his hand and where Christ will be for the Feast. Nothing has changed — there are just more errors and confusion in the last days. The work by Samuel Kohn, Sabbatarians in Transylvania will show you what the church was doing at the Reformation in Europe. We are still doing the same thing.

If the men of Israel were to go to Judea at least 3 times a year, on Passover, Tabernacles, and First Fruits, and now Jesus is our Passover and Pentecost is our First Fruits, that leaves Tabernacles as the required Feast right? Why do we have a weekly Service to hear the word? What did the men of Israel do the rest of the year? We should only have to go to services 2 or 3 times a year.

A: The commanded assemblies of God are in Leviticus 23 and the New Moons in Numbers 10. The Sabbath is the first commanded assembly and feast of the Lord. Thus, it precedes the others and all the commanded assemblies of God flow from this text and the Fourth commandment. The New Testament church had to keep Pentecost at the right place and time together otherwise the Holy Spirit would not have come upon them. The weekly Sabbath was kept by the New Testament church; and so were the New Moons. They also kept Passover and Unleavened Bread, the Wave Sheaf, which is the first of the First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles and the Last Great Day. Acts shows they kept the feasts. Colossians 2:16 shows they kept the Sabbath, New Moons and Feasts and were not to let anyone judge them in how they kept them.

The Bible is quite clear, Christ will enforce the Sabbaths, New Moons and Feasts when He returns, and if you do not keep them you will die of starvation or the plagues of Egypt (Isa. 66:23; Zech. 14:16-19). The Witnesses will be the first to address this issue when they get here and Elijah restores the Nexus of the Law and restores all things. Then all debates are over.

What exactly is the ‘fat of the feast’ mentioned in Exodus 23:18?

A: The fat of the feast in this context is the same as that used for the command to eat the fat and drink the sweet in the Restoration of Ezra and Nehemiah (Neh. 8:10). It has nothing to do with the consumption of, or usage of animal fat. It is the concept of the fat and sweet of the feast being distributed, and the offerings taken as soon as the feast is commenced. Thus, the Levites and the poor can eat.

That is why there are only three offerings, one at the beginning of each feast season. The Second Tithe is also used for this activity as we see by Nehemiah’s command on the Day of Trumpets. The fat of the feast, the offerings, are not to remain until the morning. In other words, they are to be collected and used, being distributed to the poor so that they may also enjoy the feast in a timely manner.

Pentecost

What day is Pentecost?

Many Christian churches, that observe God’s holy days, calculate the day of Pentecost by counting fifty days from the day after the weekly Sabbath that falls within the days of Unleavened Bread. This is the Wave Sheaf Offering (Sunday) which commences the countdown to Pentecost (Lev 23:15-17).

The early church kept Pentecost on a Sunday. Only the Jews kept a Sivan 6 and only after the Temple was destroyed. See the paper The Wave Sheaf Offering (No. 106b).

What is the meaning of Shavuot?

A: Note: Shavuot = Feast of Weeks or Pentecost.

“Unlike all the other Holidays in the Tanach [Hebrew Scriptures], the Feast of Weeks is not given a fixed calendar date but instead we are commanded to celebrate it at the end of a 50-day period known as “The Counting of the Omer” (Shavuot being the 50th day). The commencement of this 50-day period is marked by the bringing of the Omer Offering in the Temple as we read, “And you shall count from the morrow after the Sabbath from the day you bring the Omer [Sheaf] of Waving; seven complete Sabbaths shall you count… until the morrow of the seventh Sabbath you will count fifty days… and you shall proclaim on this very day, it shall be a holy convocation for you ” (Lev 23,15-16.21).”

In late Second Temple times a debate arose between the Boethusians and the Pharisees about whether the “morrow after the Sabbath” [Heb. Mimohorat Ha-Shabbat] refers to the Sunday during Hag HaMatzot [Feast of Unleavened Bread] or the second day of Hag HaMatzot (i.e. the 16th of Nissan). Like the Boethusians and Ancient Israelites before them, the Karaites count the 50 days of the Omer from the Sunday during Hag HaMatzot [Unleavened Bread] and consequently always celebrate Shavuot on a Sunday.”

The quotation above is taken from the Karaite Jews:

www.karaite-korner.org/shavuot.shtml

The Karaite Jews follow the Judaism of the Sadducees. It doesn’t matter that Paul was a Pharisee; it was the Sadducees who were in control of the Temple. The explanation of the Karaites also follows the Church and the Ancient Temple system as well as the Samaritans.

Trumpets

I read the paper Trumpets (No. 136). I see that trumpets were blown at this commanded assembly. Were trumpets blown at other times as well?

A: Yes, they were. The trumpets were blown on New Moons and feasts in various forms. It is a good exercise to look up “trumpets” in Strongs and then look at when they were commanded. Also look at the papers God’s Calendar (No. 156); The Holy Days of God (No. 97) and The Moon and the New Year (No. 213).

Should the Feast of Trumpets be called the Feast of Shofar or Yom Teruah, Day of Blowing? Using The Interlinear Bible (Hebrew, Greek, English)

A: Leviticus 23:24 (Hebrew) In the month seventh, on the first of the month (2320) shall be to you a Sabbath (7677) (Sabbathown) reminder (2146) SIGNALLED (8643) a gathering (4744) holy (6944)

Leviticus 23:24 (English) In the seventh month, on the first of the month, you shall have a Sabbath, a Memorable Acclamation, a holy gathering.

Numbers 29:1(Hebrew) And in month the seventh, on the first of the month, a convocation holy shall be to you any work of service not shall you do; A DAY (yom) OF BLOWING (8643) [the trumpet] (included, but no Hebrew word or number for it) it shall be to you. 8643 Teruah (Teruwah) a type of blowing. 8643 comes from 7321, split the ear, blow an alarm, shout. Cry (alarm, aloud, out) destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout sound an alarm, triumph.

I am finding the use of the word Trumpet is mostly translated as Ram’s Horn in the Interlinear Bible…the shofar. Trumpets…. 2689 Shofar…7782. Is the Shofar as well as the Silver Trumpet to be blown? Is the blowing…..the sounding of the alarm to awaken us to the coming events of Atonement and Tabernacles?

A: Trumpets is a New Moon. The sound of the ram’s horn is heard by those keeping the New Moons. The Day of Trumpets is a traditional term applied to the festival. It is also a New Moon and so the double sacrifices were applied to this day and also the New Moon instruction. 3117 is prior to 8643 in Numbers 29:1 and Green translates this as “a day of blowing of the trumpets.” We say Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur but, as we are English speakers, we say Day of Atonement more often and it conveys meaning to us. The word “teruwah” means a “clamour” or “acclamation” or “battle cry” and especially of the clangour of trumpets as an alarm. The word carries with it the implicit meaning of raising an alarm as a battle sound of trumpets. The use of trumpets occurs elsewhere in Numbers.

In dealing with Trumpets we must always bear in mind that it is a double Holy Day and the New Moon activities are also carried out. Look at the papers God’s Calendar (No. 156); The New Moons (No. 125); The Holy Days of God (No. 97) and Trumpets (No. 136).

Many times I’ve heard of Trumpets or the beginning of the 7th month as being celebrated as the Jewish New Year. I am wondering if this could be true and whether the Jews have always had this for their New Year?

A: The Day of Trumpets has always been celebrated in the Temple Calendar, but it was not the New Year under the Temple system. According to the Mishnah, we see it intruding in as a New Year, beside the New Year of 1 Abib or the First Month. The festival of Rosh Hashanah, which modern Jews keep, did not enter Judaism until the Third century of the current era. Rabbi Samuel Kohn makes this comment as proof of Jewish influence on a Sabbatarian sect in Europe after the Reformation. This is contained in the work Sabbatarians in Transylvania, CCG Publishing, 1998 which is available from the CCG offices in USA and Australia.

The effect of the Hillel Calendar of 358 was calculated to enshrine the postponement system in the Jewish calendar. It effectively made the Babylonian New Year the means of determining the beginning of the year and effectively moved the New Year, and hence all the Holy Days, out by one or two days. Consequently, Judaism rarely keeps the true calendar. Look at the papers God’s Calendar (No. 156)The Moon and the New Year (No. 213) and The Calendar and the Moon: Postponements or Festivals? (No. 195).

Atonement

Since every word of God is given for a reason what is the meaning of the Day of Atonement from Leviticus 23:27 and following?

A: Atonement points toward the reconciliation of the Nation and the planet to God in Messiah. The Azazel goat, being placed in the wilderness, is the symbol of binding Satan for the millennial system. This aspect is covered in the paper Azazel and Atonement (No. 214). The High Priest firstly performs his duties in linen symbolising the priest Messiah of the First Advent. After the atonement is undertaken, the High Priest then changes into the royal garments of the High Priest symbolising the King Messiah at the return of the Messiah and in the Second Advent. Look also at the paper Atonement (No. 138).

It appears that Messiah paid the tribute tax on Atonement from this text (Ex 30:11-16). If that is correct is it because he kept the entire law, which required it to be paid even though he was to be the ransom, atonement, kaphar?

A: Yes, this was the didrachma or half shekel tax of Exodus 30:11-16. It is shown here that we are free but, so as not to cause offence and break the law before his death and atonement, the tax was collected in this way to show us that he paid it for us. This text shows we are forbidden to take up a collection on Atonement as it is an affront to the atoning sacrifice of Messiah. Only three offerings a year are authorised under the law.

Regarding Exodus 30:13 “This is what everyone who is numbered shall give: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel as a contribution to the Lord.” Does this mean the person gave a full shekel and 1/2 shekel went to maintaining the sanctuary and the other 1/2 shekel was a heave offering to the Lord?

A: No, only one half shekel was given in this tax. It was reduced to a third of a shekel under the Babylonian captivity as the shekel then was thirty gerahs according to their system of weights and measures. This tax pointed towards the Salvation of Messiah who paid our tax for us as an atoning sacrifice. That is why it is forbidden to take up a collection on Atonement in any Church. It is a census tax under ancient Israel and hence, forbidden to Judah as well and it was paid by Christ and hence forbidden to Christians as well. The early Church kept this day as we see from Acts 27:9.