By Maria Merola אריאל
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance April 2009
Why? It is because Hagar and her son symbolize an act of unbelief on the part of Abraham and his wife Sarah. You see, Abraham had been given a very special promise from YaHuWaH that he would give birth to a son by his barren wife Sarah “In the fullness of time.” Little did they know that it would be twenty five years before this promise was fulfilled. I can certainly understand why they began to doubt the promise. Most of us would have given up after a couple of years.
And yet, because of Abraham & Sarah’s unbelief, Hagar and her son had to be sent into the wilderness as the “scapegoat.” The dictionary definition of a “scapegoat” means “The innocent party who takes the place of the guilty party.” In this case, Hagar and Yishma’el were “the innocent party,” because they had to bear the penalty for Abraham & Sarah’s disobedience.
Years later, Yitzchaq (Isaac) became the “sacrificial goat” when Abraham offered him up on the altar. And thus, we can see the typology of the Yom Kippur “twin goats” in this story.
Our Messiah later on fulfilled the pattern of the twin goats during his earthly ministry. He has also redeemed a remnant from the sons of Yishma’el (the Arab people) when they repent, and accept the blood atonement of Messiah Yahuwshuwa for their sins.
The Abrahamic Covenant
YaHuWaH made a blood covenant with Abraham and promised to bless him and his seed (his descendants). Along with the promise of a son, YaHuWaH promised to give Abraham land as an inheritance that stretched from the Euphrates River all the way to the Nile River in Egypt (Genesis 15:18). This was to be his territory. Abraham was also told that his descendants (which would come from this promised son), would be more numerous than the stars of heaven and the sands on the seashore (Genesis 22:17; Hebrews 11:12).
However, Abraham and Sarah would have to wait twenty-five years before that promise would come to pass. In the meantime, they grew impatient, and they began to doubt that Abraham had heard the voice of YaHuWaH. In their haste and frustration, they gave in to doubt and unbelief, and as a result Sarah gave her handmaiden (Hagar) as a concubine to Abraham.
Hagar bore Abraham a son, and the messenger of YaHuWaH said that they should name him “Yishma’el” which means “Elohiym will hear,” for YaHuWaH saw the affliction that Hagar had to endure because of Abraham & Sarah’s unbelief (Genesis 16:11).
However, Abraham and Sarah would have to wait twenty-five years before that promise would come to pass. In the meantime, they grew impatient, and they began to doubt that Abraham had heard the voice of YaHuWaH. In their haste and frustration, they gave in to doubt and unbelief, and as a result Sarah gave her handmaiden (Hagar) as a concubine to Abraham.
Hagar bore Abraham a son, and the messenger of YaHuWaH said that they should name him “Yishma’el” which means “Elohiym will hear,” for YaHuWaH saw the affliction that Hagar had to endure because of Abraham & Sarah’s unbelief (Genesis 16:11).
This was like an open rebuke from YaHuWaH to Abraham & Sarah. By this name, “Yishma’el,” YaHuWaH was telling them “I have heard your prayers, now stop doubting!” Abraham and Sarah thought they had to take matters into their own hands, by making the promise come to pass in a carnal and human way.
They were not willing to wait on the promise for Sarah to give birth to a son. The name “Yishma’el,” was also like an open rebuke to YaHuWaH from Abraham and Sarah. It was as if they were saying to him “Look, you are going to hear us because we are going to make this promised son happen, instead of waiting on you to fulfill your promise to us.”
This was a sheer act of pride, defiance, and impatience. When we take matters into our own hands, and act independently from the voice of YaHuWaH, we are committing high treason against our creator. We are in essence breaking the first commandment:
They were not willing to wait on the promise for Sarah to give birth to a son. The name “Yishma’el,” was also like an open rebuke to YaHuWaH from Abraham and Sarah. It was as if they were saying to him “Look, you are going to hear us because we are going to make this promised son happen, instead of waiting on you to fulfill your promise to us.”
This was a sheer act of pride, defiance, and impatience. When we take matters into our own hands, and act independently from the voice of YaHuWaH, we are committing high treason against our creator. We are in essence breaking the first commandment:
Shemoth (Exodus) 20:
2 I am YHWH your Elohiym, which have brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 You shall have no other gods before me.
When we place our own desires, and will above the desire and will of our Father, we assume the role of “master” and ruler of our own lives. In doing this, we are becoming a “god” unto ourselves and this is idolatry!
Now, I want you to make a mental note here. Adam & Eve “heard” the voice of YaHuWaH when he specifically instructed them not to eat of the forbidden tree (Genesis 2:17; 3:3). A recurring theme throughout scripture, is that YaHuWaH wants humanity, and in particular Yisra’el, to “hear” his voice, but they refused (Exodus 19:5; 20:18-19).
Because of Yisra’el’s refusal to hear the voice of the Creator, they have become spiritually “deaf & blind” (Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 6:10; Jeremiah 5:21 Matthew 13:13-16; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10; Acts 28:26-27; Romans 11:8).
Thus, we will see as this teaching progresses, that “hearing & obeying” can be likened to the “tree of life,” whereas “refusal to hear and obey”is likened to the “tree of knowledge of good and evil.” Once we understand this concept, the analogy that the Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) uses in Galatians 4 will begin to make more sense.
High Treason Involves Three Sins Pertaining to Body, Mind & Spirit
Now, I want you to make a mental note here. Adam & Eve “heard” the voice of YaHuWaH when he specifically instructed them not to eat of the forbidden tree (Genesis 2:17; 3:3). A recurring theme throughout scripture, is that YaHuWaH wants humanity, and in particular Yisra’el, to “hear” his voice, but they refused (Exodus 19:5; 20:18-19).
Because of Yisra’el’s refusal to hear the voice of the Creator, they have become spiritually “deaf & blind” (Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 6:10; Jeremiah 5:21 Matthew 13:13-16; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10; Acts 28:26-27; Romans 11:8).
Thus, we will see as this teaching progresses, that “hearing & obeying” can be likened to the “tree of life,” whereas “refusal to hear and obey”is likened to the “tree of knowledge of good and evil.” Once we understand this concept, the analogy that the Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) uses in Galatians 4 will begin to make more sense.
High Treason Involves Three Sins Pertaining to Body, Mind & Spirit
The first commandment in Exodus 20:3 is violated in three ways as seen below:
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
The Pride of Life: Spiritual
The Lust of the Eyes: Mental (Intellectual & Emotional)
The Lust of the Flesh: Physical
The sin of idolatry is broken down into three areas: mental (visual or imagination), physical (gratifying the body), spiritual (pride). The first time all three of these sins were committed within one act is seen in the Garden of Eden:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, (lust of the eyes) and a tree to be desired to make one wise (pride of life), she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat (lust of the flesh), and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
It is for this very reason that our Messiah had to overcome these three temptations for us when he was in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. In Matthew 4:1-10, Yahuwshuwa overcame three temptations on our behalf. Satan tempted him to turn stones into loaves of bread (the lust of the flesh). Satan also
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, (lust of the eyes) and a tree to be desired to make one wise (pride of life), she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat (lust of the flesh), and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
It is for this very reason that our Messiah had to overcome these three temptations for us when he was in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. In Matthew 4:1-10, Yahuwshuwa overcame three temptations on our behalf. Satan tempted him to turn stones into loaves of bread (the lust of the flesh). Satan also
Two Trees in the Garden
Conversely, “The tree of knowledge of good & evil” represents doubt and unbelief, which ultimately leads to disobedience, and finally death!
Unbelief is the Seed that produces Idolatry!
Sin begins when we begin to doubt the word of YaHuWaH. When Eve doubted what YaHuWaH had told her, and she began to believe a lie from Satan, that seed of “unbelief” grew up in her heart very quickly and she became an idol unto herself. YaHuWaH was immediately dethroned and she placed herself on the throne!
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:
1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which YHWH Elohiym had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, has Elohiym said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, Elohiym has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, You shall not surely die:
5 For Elohiym does know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
Despite his warning, the serpent came to Hawwah (Eve) and began sowing seeds of doubt into her mind about the goodness of Elohiym. He convinced her that Elohiym lied, and that he did not have her best interests at heart.
The serpent told her that if she would eat of the fruit of “The tree of knowledge of good and evil” she would become wise, just as the Creator, and that she could become “as the Most High.” He said to her “You shall become as gods knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). And thus, she was made to believe that Elohiym was withholding something good from her.
This was the very same thing that happened to Abraham & Sarah. Abraham and Sarah began to doubt the promises that had been spoken to them. They began to feel as if Elohiym was holding out on them. Consequently, Sarah (like Eve) made the suggestion that Abraham should take her slave Hagar and have a child by her, and thus Hagar’s child would be considered Sarah’s son since Hagar was Sarah’s property.
The serpent did to Abraham and Sarah the same as he had done to Adam & Eve. He planted seeds of doubt and unbelief in their minds, and this caused them to rebel, and commit high treason against the Most High. However, Adam & Eve’s act of unbelief had eternal consequences. He had to protect them from eating from “The tree of life” which would cause them to live forever. If they had eaten of the tree of life, their sinful nature could never be destroyed, and they would have remained in their rebellious fallen nature eternally without hope of redemption. After they ate the forbidden fruit, the curses were handed down to them by Elohiym.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:
The serpent did to Abraham and Sarah the same as he had done to Adam & Eve. He planted seeds of doubt and unbelief in their minds, and this caused them to rebel, and commit high treason against the Most High. However, Adam & Eve’s act of unbelief had eternal consequences. He had to protect them from eating from “The tree of life” which would cause them to live forever. If they had eaten of the tree of life, their sinful nature could never be destroyed, and they would have remained in their rebellious fallen nature eternally without hope of redemption. After they ate the forbidden fruit, the curses were handed down to them by Elohiym.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
8 And they heard the voice of YHWH Elohiym walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of YHWH Elohiym amongst the trees of the garden.
9 And YHWH Elohiym called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where are you?
10 And he said, I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
11 And he said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded you that you should not eat?
12 And the man said, The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
13 And YHWH Elohiym said unto the woman, What is this that you have done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
14 And YHWH Elohiym said unto the serpent, Because you have done this, you are cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon your belly shall you go, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life.
After Elohiym pronounced curses on the serpent, he gave a Messianic prophecy concerning the future redemption of humanity.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
After Elohiym pronounced curses on the serpent, he gave a Messianic prophecy concerning the future redemption of humanity.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
It was as if he was letting the devil know, in no uncertain terms “Okay, so you succeeded in tempting the woman, but the battle is not over yet. In the future, her ancestor, the Messiah will defeat you!”
Even while Elohiym was pronouncing the curses to Adam & Eve, he also did something that would give them hope for the future. It was in this act that he sealed his covenant with Adam and Eve, which was also transferred onto their descendants.
The Adamic Covenant
After Adam & Eve sinned in the garden, Elohiym himself came down as their High Priest, and made blood atonement for them. I believe that this was a preincarnate manifestation of the Messiah himself as Melchizedek. Elohiym being the invisible creator, could only manifest to them in visible form through his image, which is the eternal Son (Colossians 1:14-16).
Elohiym made coats for them as a “covering,” which means that he had to have offered up a sacrifice for them. I believe this event took place on Yom Kippur, since the Hebrew word for atonement (kippur) comes from the root word “kaphar” which means “to cover.” Thus, this was probably the first true “Day of Covering,” or “Day of Atonement.”
This act was a visual picture, and a prophetic shadow of Genesis 3:15, where he spoke a prophecy over the woman. He told her that her “seed,” (the future Messiah) would bruise the serpents head (meaning authority), and the serpent would bruise his heel (his inheritance).
In other words, he was telling Adam & Eve, that there is going to be a future “showdown,” where the Messiah and his inheritance (his chosen ones) will ultimately prevail in a future “Day of Atonement,” at the second coming of Messiah. This will be the “Great & Terrible Day of YaHuWaH,” when the Messiah and his army (his bride) fights a war against the adversary, and finally defeats his authority and rule in the earth. Revelation 11:15 tells us that “The kingdoms of his world, are become the kingdoms of our YaHuWaH, and of his Messiah, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
In Genesis 3:15, the word “heel” pertains to the inheritance, because when Ya’aqob (Jacob) & Esau were in their mother’s womb, Jacob grabbed the heel of his brother Esau. Rebekah inquired of YaHuWaH when she realized that she had twins in her womb that were struggling. Elohiym told her that she had “Two nations in her womb,” and that one would be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger (Genesis 25:23). This, of course, was pertaining to the nation of Yisra’el, and the Islamic nations who would later on struggle in their quest for the land promised to Abraham.
When both of the boys grew up, Ya’aqob (Jacob) grabbed his brother Esau’s inheritance away from him (Genesis 35:22-26). Although, it was meant to be his all along, Ya’aqob (Jacob) had to believe the word that was spoken to him by his mother Rebekah, and thus, his act of faith in the word is what made him righteous. This is why YaHuWaH declared that he hated the attitude of Esau, but loved the attitude of Jacob (Genesis 27:41; Romans 9:13).
Elohiym made coats for them as a “covering,” which means that he had to have offered up a sacrifice for them. I believe this event took place on Yom Kippur, since the Hebrew word for atonement (kippur) comes from the root word “kaphar” which means “to cover.” Thus, this was probably the first true “Day of Covering,” or “Day of Atonement.”
This act was a visual picture, and a prophetic shadow of Genesis 3:15, where he spoke a prophecy over the woman. He told her that her “seed,” (the future Messiah) would bruise the serpents head (meaning authority), and the serpent would bruise his heel (his inheritance).
In other words, he was telling Adam & Eve, that there is going to be a future “showdown,” where the Messiah and his inheritance (his chosen ones) will ultimately prevail in a future “Day of Atonement,” at the second coming of Messiah. This will be the “Great & Terrible Day of YaHuWaH,” when the Messiah and his army (his bride) fights a war against the adversary, and finally defeats his authority and rule in the earth. Revelation 11:15 tells us that “The kingdoms of his world, are become the kingdoms of our YaHuWaH, and of his Messiah, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
In Genesis 3:15, the word “heel” pertains to the inheritance, because when Ya’aqob (Jacob) & Esau were in their mother’s womb, Jacob grabbed the heel of his brother Esau. Rebekah inquired of YaHuWaH when she realized that she had twins in her womb that were struggling. Elohiym told her that she had “Two nations in her womb,” and that one would be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger (Genesis 25:23). This, of course, was pertaining to the nation of Yisra’el, and the Islamic nations who would later on struggle in their quest for the land promised to Abraham.
When both of the boys grew up, Ya’aqob (Jacob) grabbed his brother Esau’s inheritance away from him (Genesis 35:22-26). Although, it was meant to be his all along, Ya’aqob (Jacob) had to believe the word that was spoken to him by his mother Rebekah, and thus, his act of faith in the word is what made him righteous. This is why YaHuWaH declared that he hated the attitude of Esau, but loved the attitude of Jacob (Genesis 27:41; Romans 9:13).
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:
15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children; and your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you.
17 And unto Adam he said, Because you have hearkened unto the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it: cursed is the ground for your sake; in sorrow shall you eat of it all the days of your life;
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to you; and you shall eat the herb of the field;
19 In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread, till you return unto the ground; for out of it were you taken: for dust you are, and unto dust shall you return.
20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.
21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did YHWH Elohiym make coats of skins, and clothed them.
22 And YHWH Elohiym said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever:
23 Therefore YHWH Elohiym sent him forth from the Garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Two Covenants: Bondage or Freedom?
We just read about what happened to Adam & Eve. They were given a choice to eat of the tree of life, and live forever, or to eat of the tree of death and die. Before they sinned, they were eligible to eat from the tree of life, but they chose the tree of death instead. Which tree put them into bondage? Was it the tree they ate from out of disobedience, or the tree they were permitted to eat from called “The tree of life?” The answer is obvious. Their bondage came when they disobeyed the voice of YaHuWaH. Yet, modern-day Christianity would have us believe that obedience to the Law of Moses brings us under a bondage, and under a curse!
Unless we draw parallels from the two trees in the garden, Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians can seem obscure, and difficult to decipher.
The covenant that leads to bondage is a “false covenant” because it was entered into when Yisra’el had a disobedient heart. Most Christians inaccurately come to the conclusion that Paul was telling us that the Mosaic Law given at Mount Sinai is what caused us to be in bondage. However, that is not what Paul was telling us at all.
Unless we draw parallels from the two trees in the garden, Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians can seem obscure, and difficult to decipher.
The covenant that leads to bondage is a “false covenant” because it was entered into when Yisra’el had a disobedient heart. Most Christians inaccurately come to the conclusion that Paul was telling us that the Mosaic Law given at Mount Sinai is what caused us to be in bondage. However, that is not what Paul was telling us at all.
Imagine a bride who takes vows with her bridegroom, (promising to be faithful), yet her previous history reveals that she has been in the habit of breaking promises with other lovers. Even though she may be sincere in taking her vows, her heart cannot be trusted, because she does not even know her own heart.
Two Births: Flesh & Spirit
A righteous Pharisee named Nicodemus came to our Messiah in secret to ask him some questions about eternal life. Our Messiah said these words to him:
Yahuwchanon (John) 3:5-6 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of Elohiym. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
What did he mean by this? Our Messiah was describing two kinds of births. When we are born into this world, we come out of the womb, (the amniotic sac), which is filled with water. This is when we are born of “water,” which means that we are “born of the flesh,” we are born physically. This means that we are born with a sinful, fallen nature, as described by King David in Psalm 51:55 “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
As we mature, we learn that we must be reborn of the Holy Spirit, who gives us a brand new nature, a heart that is filled with the Spirit of Yah, who writes his laws upon our hearts. However, being born of “water,” also symbolizes repentance. John the Baptist (Yahuwchanon), described two baptisms:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Ruwach haQodesh (Holy Spirit), and with fire.
Luqas (Luke) 3:16 Yahuwchanon (John) answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Ruwach haQodesh (Holy Spirit) and with fire.
Water baptism symbolizes repentance, however being baptized in the Holy Spirit is to be baptized with his power, which manifests as fire. Water cleanses us, and prepares us for the transformation, which is to be reborn of the Spirit. Hebrews 12:29 says that our Elohiym is a “consuming fire.” Water cleanses our flesh, but fire cleanses our soul and spirit!
Water symbolizes the word of Elohiym:
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
Yahuwchanon (John) 15:3 Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Romiym (Romans) 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Elohiym.
In other words, being baptized first in water cleanses us, and prepares us to hear the word of Elohiym, which leads to faith! After we are baptized into faith, we must also be baptized into his power, so that we can do the mighty works that he commands us to do. Yisra’el refused to hear the voice of YaHuWaH by his Spirit (Exodus 20:19), consequently, he had to give them the word through a human vessel--Moses. Additionally, he gave them the word in stone tablets, which would never make it’s way into their hearts unless they were “born again of the Holy Spirit.”
With this understanding, we can begin to read Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians.
Galatiym (Galatians) 4:
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Two Births: Flesh & Spirit
Yahuwchanon (John) 3:5-6 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of Elohiym. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
What did he mean by this? Our Messiah was describing two kinds of births. When we are born into this world, we come out of the womb, (the amniotic sac), which is filled with water. This is when we are born of “water,” which means that we are “born of the flesh,” we are born physically. This means that we are born with a sinful, fallen nature, as described by King David in Psalm 51:55 “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
As we mature, we learn that we must be reborn of the Holy Spirit, who gives us a brand new nature, a heart that is filled with the Spirit of Yah, who writes his laws upon our hearts. However, being born of “water,” also symbolizes repentance. John the Baptist (Yahuwchanon), described two baptisms:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Ruwach haQodesh (Holy Spirit), and with fire.
Luqas (Luke) 3:16 Yahuwchanon (John) answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Ruwach haQodesh (Holy Spirit) and with fire.
Water baptism symbolizes repentance, however being baptized in the Holy Spirit is to be baptized with his power, which manifests as fire. Water cleanses us, and prepares us for the transformation, which is to be reborn of the Spirit. Hebrews 12:29 says that our Elohiym is a “consuming fire.” Water cleanses our flesh, but fire cleanses our soul and spirit!
Water symbolizes the word of Elohiym:
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
Yahuwchanon (John) 15:3 Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Romiym (Romans) 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Elohiym.
In other words, being baptized first in water cleanses us, and prepares us to hear the word of Elohiym, which leads to faith! After we are baptized into faith, we must also be baptized into his power, so that we can do the mighty works that he commands us to do. Yisra’el refused to hear the voice of YaHuWaH by his Spirit (Exodus 20:19), consequently, he had to give them the word through a human vessel--Moses. Additionally, he gave them the word in stone tablets, which would never make it’s way into their hearts unless they were “born again of the Holy Spirit.”
With this understanding, we can begin to read Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians.
Galatiym (Galatians) 4:
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fullness of the time was come, Elohiym sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because you are sons, Elohiym has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of Elohiym through Messiah.
Paul begins in Galatians 4:1 by describing humanity in it’s infancy, when we were first given the promise of the Messiah in Genesis 3:15. During those years while humanity waited for the promised Messiah, we were like children who were given an inheritance, yet we were no different than the servant of the house. We did not have access to the inheritance money, nor the property. Then came the promised Messiah, who was “born of a woman, born under the law.”
What does this statement mean? Why did Paul say that he was born of a woman, followed by born under the law? The Hebrew word for “law” is “towrah,” which literally means “instructions.”
Paul begins in Galatians 4:1 by describing humanity in it’s infancy, when we were first given the promise of the Messiah in Genesis 3:15. During those years while humanity waited for the promised Messiah, we were like children who were given an inheritance, yet we were no different than the servant of the house. We did not have access to the inheritance money, nor the property. Then came the promised Messiah, who was “born of a woman, born under the law.”
What does this statement mean? Why did Paul say that he was born of a woman, followed by born under the law? The Hebrew word for “law” is “towrah,” which literally means “instructions.”
The first five books of the Bible (Genesis-Deuteronomy) is referred to as “The Towrah,” and it is the foundation of our faith. The Towrah tells about the beginning of humanity, the covenant given to Abraham, and then finally, the covenant made with his descendants, the nation of Yisra’el. Therefore, the “law” that our Messiah was born under was Genesis 3:15! The Towrah gave us instructions, (to show us how to recognize the Messiah when he came), and he was born under those instructions!
This was the first instruction given to humanity. It told us that we were to be redeemed by one who was the seed of Adam & Eve. They were the same two people through which sin entered the world. And yet, they would give birth to the one who would redeem humanity from the curse of sin and death!
Romans 5:12 tells us that “By one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Paul goes on in Galatians 4:5 telling us that Messiah would come “To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
Which law would we be redeemed from? The law of sin and death, pronounced upon us in the Garden of Eden! Paul was not telling us that we were going to be redeemed from the Law of Moses! How could that possibly be true, if one of the conditions of the New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:31 is that the law would be written upon our hearts and minds?
Why would we be redeemed from the law, only to have it written into our hearts and minds? Paul was telling humanity, that we would be redeemed from the law of sin and death, in other words, the curses that were pronounced upon us in the Towrah, in Genesis chapter 3. Our Creator “laid down the law,“ and gave us our punishment for disobedience. The redemption would come later on, so that we would be able to hear and obey his voice, thus hearing his instructions---his law!
After laying the foundation of how sinful humanity was going to be redeemed, Paul then goes on to admonish the Galatians for choosing to go back under bondage with the elements of this sinful world. He chides them that after being redeemed by our Messiah, how can they choose to go back under human-inspired religion?
Galatiym (Galatians) 4:
8 Howbeit then, when you knew not Elohiym, you did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9 But now, after that you have known Elohiym, or rather are known of Elohiym, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage?
10 You observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Galatiym (Galatians) 4:
8 Howbeit then, when you knew not Elohiym, you did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9 But now, after that you have known Elohiym, or rather are known of Elohiym, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage?
10 You observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Maria’s Paraphrase:
When you did not know the Almighty one of Abraham, Yitzchaq (Isaac) & Ya’aqob (Jacob), and you were heathens, you served other deities by worshiping the created things in nature. Now that you know the Elohiym of Yisra’el, why are you turning again to the weak and beggarly elements of nature and the Zodiac signs?
*Note: the four elements of the twelve Zodiac signs are: fire, water, air, & earth.
We are commanded in Deuteronomy 18:10-11, not to observe the constellations for divination purposes, for Yah calls this an abomination. Eve worshiped the created tree of knowledge of good and evil, and she essentially worshiped herself (her own desires).
By her act of disobedience, she was inadvertently worshiping the serpent. The Galatians were doing the same thing. They were worshiping the created things in nature, rather than the Creator himself. The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) expressed this principle in Romans 1:25 “Who changed the truth of Elohiym into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Awmane.”
Sha’uwl (Paul) continues in Galatians 4:21 “Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?”
Now, here is where most Christians jump to conclusions, and they assume Paul is against the Towrah (Mosaic Law). They assume that Paul is telling us that the Mosaic Law puts us under bondage. But, what is he really telling us? Sha’uwl is speaking to these Galatians who have just come out of bondage to man-made religion.
You will notice in the illustration below, that when Paul says “You that desire to be under the law,” the words “the” and “law” are being treated as one word, the Greek word “nomos” [#G551]. This word can mean the Mosaic Law (in some cases), yet in other cases, it can mean human law, civil law, or the oral traditions of the Pharisees.
At the end of verse 21, he says to the Galatians “Do you not hear the Towrah (law)?” In this instance, the words “the” and “law” are treated as two distinct words! The English translators inserted the word “the” when Paul referred to being “under the law,” when in reality, it should say “You who desire to be under law.”
When the English translators insert the word “the” with the word “law” it is referring to human law, such as the Talmudic Law, human law, the religious rules and regulations of the Gnostics, the Essenes, and other religious institutions. Whenever Paul used both words “the” and “law,” it is referring to the Law of Moses, what is called Towrah in Hebrew.
An example would be if were to say this to a close friend “You are a man.” In this instance, you are identifying the gender of your friend. However, what if you were to say to him “You’re THE man!?” By adding the word “the,” you are letting your friend know that you highly respect him. The word “the” implies that there is nobody else like him, he is the only man! Of course, this is an exaggeration that is meant to make a dramatic point.
Similarly, the word “law,” by itself, can mean any law. It can mean the law of gravity, the civil laws of government, the laws of the Pharisees, etc. However, by adding the word “the” in front of “law,” Paul was letting us know that there is no other law that is higher than the laws of our Creator!
Here is screen-shot of Galatians 4:21-22 from the esword program:
Now, here is where most Christians jump to conclusions, and they assume Paul is against the Towrah (Mosaic Law). They assume that Paul is telling us that the Mosaic Law puts us under bondage. But, what is he really telling us? Sha’uwl is speaking to these Galatians who have just come out of bondage to man-made religion.
You will notice in the illustration below, that when Paul says “You that desire to be under the law,” the words “the” and “law” are being treated as one word, the Greek word “nomos” [#G551]. This word can mean the Mosaic Law (in some cases), yet in other cases, it can mean human law, civil law, or the oral traditions of the Pharisees.
At the end of verse 21, he says to the Galatians “Do you not hear the Towrah (law)?” In this instance, the words “the” and “law” are treated as two distinct words! The English translators inserted the word “the” when Paul referred to being “under the law,” when in reality, it should say “You who desire to be under law.”
When the English translators insert the word “the” with the word “law” it is referring to human law, such as the Talmudic Law, human law, the religious rules and regulations of the Gnostics, the Essenes, and other religious institutions. Whenever Paul used both words “the” and “law,” it is referring to the Law of Moses, what is called Towrah in Hebrew.
An example would be if were to say this to a close friend “You are a man.” In this instance, you are identifying the gender of your friend. However, what if you were to say to him “You’re THE man!?” By adding the word “the,” you are letting your friend know that you highly respect him. The word “the” implies that there is nobody else like him, he is the only man! Of course, this is an exaggeration that is meant to make a dramatic point.
Similarly, the word “law,” by itself, can mean any law. It can mean the law of gravity, the civil laws of government, the laws of the Pharisees, etc. However, by adding the word “the” in front of “law,” Paul was letting us know that there is no other law that is higher than the laws of our Creator!
Here is screen-shot of Galatians 4:21-22 from the esword program:
In other words, he is admonishing them, “You would rather be under human authority, but why don’t you hear the law of our Elohiym?”
Judaism in those days had three major sects: Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. The Essenes were into something called “Gnosticism,” and they were enforcing man-made restrictions on new converts. Gnosticism is an extreme fear of anything that is of the flesh. They were so strict that they forbade marriage in many cases, and they even taught that eating meat from clean animals was a sin. They promoted vegetarianism, and they enforced outward circumcision as a “means to being made righteous” when this was never the case under the Abrahamic & Mosaic Covenants. YaHuWaH never required outward circumcision as a means to righteousness!
Abraham received circumcision as a “sign” of his covenant with YaHuWaH when he was 99 years old. But Abraham began walking with Yah when he was 75 years old, thus, he had a relationship with him for 24 year before being circumcised in his flesh. Abraham was already righteous by faith, and circumcision was something he did out of his love for YaHuWaH---not to earn righteousness. The Essenes had an unholy mixture of the commandments of YaHuWaH mingled with man-made traditions of pagan sun-god worship from Babylon. Today’s Christian Church does the same thing by mingling the Renewed Covenant in Messiah’s blood with false pagan holidays from Ancient Babylon.
Two Cups: YaHuWaH’s or the Devils?
The Apostle Sha’uwl warned us that we cannot mix these two covenants together:
1st Qorintiym (Corinthians) 10:20-21
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to Elohiym: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils.
21 You cannot drink the cup of YHWH, and the cup of devils: you cannot be partakers of YHWH’s table, and of the table of devils.
22 Do we provoke YHWH to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
You will notice that Paul is making a distinction between the cup of Yah, and the cup of devils. The Passover “table laws” were established by our Creator, in Exodus 12, and it accompanied the covenant that YaHuWaH made with Yisra’el.
Conversely, Satan has tried to counterfeit this covenant with the religion of Ba’al worship. The “table of devils” is Jezebel’s table (1st Kings 18:19), where she (the Mother Harlot Church) offers up swine, and unclean animals to filthy idols. This is accurately seen today in all pagan holidays, disguised as “Christian holidays.” The Roman Catholic Mass is also patterned after sun-god worship from ancient Babylon, hence the term “Mystery Babylon, the Great, the Mother of Harlots.”
It is this unholy mixture, where the term “Christ-Mass” derived, as it pertains to the Catholic Mass wherein our Messiah is supposedly being crucified repeatedly, and daily. This is a violation of Hebrews 6:6 where we are told that we put him to an “open shame” if we crucify him afresh!
Conversely, Satan has tried to counterfeit this covenant with the religion of Ba’al worship. The “table of devils” is Jezebel’s table (1st Kings 18:19), where she (the Mother Harlot Church) offers up swine, and unclean animals to filthy idols. This is accurately seen today in all pagan holidays, disguised as “Christian holidays.” The Roman Catholic Mass is also patterned after sun-god worship from ancient Babylon, hence the term “Mystery Babylon, the Great, the Mother of Harlots.”
It is this unholy mixture, where the term “Christ-Mass” derived, as it pertains to the Catholic Mass wherein our Messiah is supposedly being crucified repeatedly, and daily. This is a violation of Hebrews 6:6 where we are told that we put him to an “open shame” if we crucify him afresh!
Sha’uwl (Paul) was asking the Galatians “Why do you desire to be under bondage to the pagan traditions of Gnosticism mixed with Judaism?” In today’s Christianity, Sha’uwl (Paul) would be asking Christians the same thing. He would be saying to them “Why do you desire to be under bondage to Christ-Mass & Easter again when you can drink from the table of YaHuWaH at Passover?”
By reading the entire book of Galatians from the beginning, we can see that Paul was making a distinction between our former life of sin, and our new covenant with Yah. And in keeping with this context, he continues by giving us an allegory of “two covenants.”
By reading the entire book of Galatians from the beginning, we can see that Paul was making a distinction between our former life of sin, and our new covenant with Yah. And in keeping with this context, he continues by giving us an allegory of “two covenants.”
The Exodus Route: Wilderness of Sinai
It is for this reason that the covenant presented at Mount Sinai “genders to bondage” (Galatians 4:24). It is because the children of Yisra’el worshiped the golden calf on that mountain, and it was only because of the people’s idolatrous hearts that the covenant gendered to bondage. However, YaHuWaH’s marriage covenant itself was not flawed.
Refusal to Hear & Obey His Voice
In Exodus 19, YaHuWaH entered into a verbal covenant with the people when he said the following words:
Shemoth (Exodus) 19:5 Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
(Shemoth) Exodus 19:6 And you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak unto the children of Yisra’el.
YaHuWaH wanted each individual person to have the ability to hear his voice, and obey it. Yet in the very next chapter, in Exodus 20:19, listen to what they said: “And they said unto Mosheh, Speak you with us, and we will hear: but let not Elohiym speak with us, lest we die.”
It was their refusal to hear his voice that caused their rebellion in the first place! Even before they committed idolatry with the molten calf, they said that they wanted to hear the voice of Yah through a human being---Moses!
Commandments in Stone Given to those with Stony Hearts
Consequently, YaHuWaH had to give them his instructions in stone tablets, to show them that their hearts were made of stone!
This would explain why he spoke through the prophets, telling us that he would remove the heart of stone, and write his laws within our hearts!
Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh.
Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisra’el; After those days, says YHWH, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohiym, and they shall be my people.
It is for this reason that the covenant presented at Mount Sinai “genders to bondage” (Galatians 4:24). It is because the children of Yisra’el worshiped the golden calf on that mountain, and it was only because of the people’s idolatrous hearts that the covenant gendered to bondage. However, YaHuWaH’s marriage covenant itself was not flawed.
Refusal to Hear & Obey His Voice
In Exodus 19, YaHuWaH entered into a verbal covenant with the people when he said the following words:
Shemoth (Exodus) 19:5 Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
(Shemoth) Exodus 19:6 And you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak unto the children of Yisra’el.
YaHuWaH wanted each individual person to have the ability to hear his voice, and obey it. Yet in the very next chapter, in Exodus 20:19, listen to what they said: “And they said unto Mosheh, Speak you with us, and we will hear: but let not Elohiym speak with us, lest we die.”
It was their refusal to hear his voice that caused their rebellion in the first place! Even before they committed idolatry with the molten calf, they said that they wanted to hear the voice of Yah through a human being---Moses!
Commandments in Stone Given to those with Stony Hearts
Consequently, YaHuWaH had to give them his instructions in stone tablets, to show them that their hearts were made of stone!
This would explain why he spoke through the prophets, telling us that he would remove the heart of stone, and write his laws within our hearts!
Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh.
Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisra’el; After those days, says YHWH, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohiym, and they shall be my people.
The first set of stone tablets illustrated the hardness of their hearts.
When Moses came down, and presented those tablets as part of the written marriage agreement, he found them committing adultery with the molten calf! This is when he broke the tablets to show them that they had broken their marriage covenant with Yah!
However, Moses went back up to the mountain a second time. This time, when Moses returned, the stones were not broken. Instead, they were deposited into an ark made of incorruptible wood (called shittim wood). The Hebrew word “Shittim wood” is the same as the Latin word “Acacia wood,” and this wood is known to never decay or rot. This type of wood is symbolic of the Renewed Covenant which is made “incorruptible” when we receive a new born-again nature!
When Moses came down, and presented those tablets as part of the written marriage agreement, he found them committing adultery with the molten calf! This is when he broke the tablets to show them that they had broken their marriage covenant with Yah!
However, Moses went back up to the mountain a second time. This time, when Moses returned, the stones were not broken. Instead, they were deposited into an ark made of incorruptible wood (called shittim wood). The Hebrew word “Shittim wood” is the same as the Latin word “Acacia wood,” and this wood is known to never decay or rot. This type of wood is symbolic of the Renewed Covenant which is made “incorruptible” when we receive a new born-again nature!
When Moses presented the second set of tablets to Yisra’el and they were deposited into that ark (made of incorruptible wood), the sacrificial system was set up in the Tabernacle, symbolic of the cross, and the blood atonement of Messiah. This second set of tablets prefigured the Renewed Covenant! The second set of tablets was not presented at Mount Sinai. The second time around, they were presented at “Mount Horeb,” which was a different location within the same mountain range.
In the following year of their journey in the wilderness, Mosheh (Moses) presented this Renewed Covenant on the day of Shabuwoth (Pentecost) when the second set of stone tablets was deposited into the “Ark of the Covenant.”
When Messiah came to renew this broken covenant, he presented the same laws to us, only instead of it being in stone, it was transferred from stone tablets and deposited into “fleshy tables of the heart” (2nd Corinthians 3:3). In Acts chapter 2, we learn that this is how YaHuWaH restored our ability to “hear his voice,” when the disciples spoke with new tongues, and each man present could “hear” his own language being spoken. Yah restored what he had always intended to do at Mount Sinai by allowing us to hear these living oracles, and the correct interpretation of his Towrah in our hearts by his own voice.
When Messiah came to renew this broken covenant, he presented the same laws to us, only instead of it being in stone, it was transferred from stone tablets and deposited into “fleshy tables of the heart” (2nd Corinthians 3:3). In Acts chapter 2, we learn that this is how YaHuWaH restored our ability to “hear his voice,” when the disciples spoke with new tongues, and each man present could “hear” his own language being spoken. Yah restored what he had always intended to do at Mount Sinai by allowing us to hear these living oracles, and the correct interpretation of his Towrah in our hearts by his own voice.
This Renewed Covenant was not a different set of laws, any more than the second set of stone tablets given to Yisra’el through Moses was a different set of laws. The only difference was in the “form” that they were given to us in. The first covenant was corruptible or breakable (in stone tablets). Similarly, Yahuwshuwa’s mortal (corruptible) body was also destroyed on cross to symbolize that first set of stone tablets being destroyed. However, the second set of stone tablets prefigured the Renewed Covenant when Yahuwshuwa resurrected and put on immortality (incorruption). Yahuwshuwa is the living Towrah (the living word of Elohiym). He is the “Word that became flesh,” or in other words, he came in a mortal body that would be subject to death, just like that first set of stone tablets.
After his mortal body was destroyed, (just like Moses who broke the first set of tablets), he then put on immortality, and that is when the Towrah (law) also became immortal or incorruptible! Similarly, Moses deposited the second set of tablets into an ark made of incorruptible wood that never decays! As a result of what Messiah has done for us, the Towrah (law) is all the more established in our hearts and minds because we are able to hear his voice!
After his mortal body was destroyed, (just like Moses who broke the first set of tablets), he then put on immortality, and that is when the Towrah (law) also became immortal or incorruptible! Similarly, Moses deposited the second set of tablets into an ark made of incorruptible wood that never decays! As a result of what Messiah has done for us, the Towrah (law) is all the more established in our hearts and minds because we are able to hear his voice!
So you see, the Apostle Sha’uwl would be contradicting himself if he was stating in Colossians 2 & Galatians 4, that we are no longer required to keep YaHuWaH’s Holy Days, because he tells us that the law of YaHuWaH is all the more established in our hearts because of faith:
Romiym (Romans) 3:31 Do we then make void the Towrah (law) through faith? Elohiym forbid: yes, we establish the Towrah (law).
Galatians 4 describes Two Covenants:
1.) The First Covenant (in stone tablets) was broken because of idolatry with the golden calf at Mount Sinai. The word Sinai means “Babylonian moon-god.” This covenant genders to bondage because of their idolatry (not because Yah’s commandments puts us in bond-age). When Mosheh broke the tablets, this was a divorce decree! They were still in bondage to their own stony hearts, and sinful ways!
What was different? The sacrificial system in the Tabernacle was set up, and blood atonement was made for their idolatry. They were also in faith when the second covenant (stone tablets) were presented and this brought them freedom!
Galatiym (Galatians) 4:
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bond maid, the other by a free woman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the free woman was by promise (born of the spirit).
25 For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
26 But Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
So you see, both the first and second covenants were prefigured in the book of Exodus! What puts men into bondage is not the Towrah---not the holy laws of YaHuWaH, but the sin of idolatry!
These Two Covenants are “types and shadows” that we can see in the TaNaKh (Old Testament) and also in the Briyth Chadashah (New Testament). From these types and shadows, we learn that Moses presented the Towrah in stone tablets to the children of Yisra’el. The first covenant at Mount Sinai was “broken” when Moses came down from the mountain and found the Yisra’elites worshiping the golden calf. This was the “covenant which genders to bondage.”
Why did it “gender to bondage?” It was because of their unbelief! It was not the commandments that put them into bondage, it was their own lack of faith that placed them under bondage to sin. They thought Moses was not coming back down from the mountain, therefore, they lost faith in Yah. They began to doubt that Yah had lead them there in the wilderness to save them. They began to believe the lie of the enemy (just like Eve).
They were murmuring, complaining, and falsely accusing YaHuWaH of bringing them to the wilderness to die. Their hearts were filled with mistrust towards authority and bitterness. All those years in hard bondage and slavery in Egypt conditioned them to believe they could not trust their leaders. They were now viewing Yah and Moses as their slave masters in Egypt. It was their hardness of heart, and their unbelief that ultimately caused them to rebel with the worship of the golden calf.
Why did it “gender to bondage?” It was because of their unbelief! It was not the commandments that put them into bondage, it was their own lack of faith that placed them under bondage to sin. They thought Moses was not coming back down from the mountain, therefore, they lost faith in Yah. They began to doubt that Yah had lead them there in the wilderness to save them. They began to believe the lie of the enemy (just like Eve).
They were murmuring, complaining, and falsely accusing YaHuWaH of bringing them to the wilderness to die. Their hearts were filled with mistrust towards authority and bitterness. All those years in hard bondage and slavery in Egypt conditioned them to believe they could not trust their leaders. They were now viewing Yah and Moses as their slave masters in Egypt. It was their hardness of heart, and their unbelief that ultimately caused them to rebel with the worship of the golden calf.
When Moses went up to Mount Sinai the second time, he returned with a new set of stone tablets. But this time, they were not broken. Instead, they were accompanied by the sacrificial system (symbolic of the cross) which was set up in the Tabernacle. This took place at Mount Horeb! The word “horeb” comes from another root word in Hebrew “charab” which means “desolate, destroy, kill.”
When the Apostle Sha’uwl spoke of “two covenants,” he used Hagar the Egyptian woman as a symbol of “bondage” and the first covenant which was broken. However, when Moses presented the second set of tablets at Mount Horeb, this symbolizes Jerusalem, (where YaHuWaH has chosen to place his name and his Temple) and where the sacrifice of Messiah would ultimately take place for us.
On the one-year anniversary of when Yisra’el left Egypt, the “Feast of Weeks” (Shabuwoth or Pentecost) is the self-same day wherein Mosheh presented the second set of stone tablets that were deposited into the “Ark of the Covenant.” This took place fifty days after “First Fruits,” which is when our Messiah would later on be resurrected! (Exodus 34:22, Deuteronomy 16:16, 1st Corinthians 15:20-23).
Fifty days after Yisra’el walked through the Red Sea (Yam Cuwph) to victory, is when Moses went to Mount Sinai to receive the first set of Ten Commandments. However, they were not ready to receive them into their hearts, because they refused to hear his voice. One year later, on the anniversary date of their first Pentecost in the wilderness, Moses deposited the second set of Ten Commandments into the ark. The ark made of incorruptible wood, and covered with gold (which never rusts) symbolizes a new incorruptible (immortal) nature that we receive when we are born of the Spirit!
The second prophetic fulfillment of Shabuwoth/Pentecost is when the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) presented the Towrah in “fleshy tables of the heart” to the disciples fifty days after Yahuwshuwa Messiah’s “First Fruits” resurrection!
Sha’uwl (Paul) used “Mount Sinai” as an illustration of the covenant that brought Yisra’el into bondage, because it was there in that location where they broke the marriage agreement with the golden calf.
When the Apostle Sha’uwl spoke of “two covenants,” he used Hagar the Egyptian woman as a symbol of “bondage” and the first covenant which was broken. However, when Moses presented the second set of tablets at Mount Horeb, this symbolizes Jerusalem, (where YaHuWaH has chosen to place his name and his Temple) and where the sacrifice of Messiah would ultimately take place for us.
On the one-year anniversary of when Yisra’el left Egypt, the “Feast of Weeks” (Shabuwoth or Pentecost) is the self-same day wherein Mosheh presented the second set of stone tablets that were deposited into the “Ark of the Covenant.” This took place fifty days after “First Fruits,” which is when our Messiah would later on be resurrected! (Exodus 34:22, Deuteronomy 16:16, 1st Corinthians 15:20-23).
Fifty days after Yisra’el walked through the Red Sea (Yam Cuwph) to victory, is when Moses went to Mount Sinai to receive the first set of Ten Commandments. However, they were not ready to receive them into their hearts, because they refused to hear his voice. One year later, on the anniversary date of their first Pentecost in the wilderness, Moses deposited the second set of Ten Commandments into the ark. The ark made of incorruptible wood, and covered with gold (which never rusts) symbolizes a new incorruptible (immortal) nature that we receive when we are born of the Spirit!
The second prophetic fulfillment of Shabuwoth/Pentecost is when the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) presented the Towrah in “fleshy tables of the heart” to the disciples fifty days after Yahuwshuwa Messiah’s “First Fruits” resurrection!
Sha’uwl (Paul) used “Mount Sinai” as an illustration of the covenant that brought Yisra’el into bondage, because it was there in that location where they broke the marriage agreement with the golden calf.
However, the Renewed Covenant was foreshadowed in the second set of stone tablets which was presented at “Mount Horeb,” which was a different mountain peak within the same range of Mount Sinai. Sinai symbolizes idolatry and sin, whereas Horeb symbolizes death to the old sinful nature.
The prophet Eliyahuw (Elijah) also went to Mount Horeb to hear the voice of Yah (1st Kings 19:8). In the last days, before the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) can come to restore the “heart of the father” back to the hearts of the children of Yisra’el, we are told that we must first “Remember the law of Moses at Horeb!” This is the same place where the second set of commandments was deposited, as a symbol of the New Covenant.
Malakiy (Malachi) 4:
The prophet Eliyahuw (Elijah) also went to Mount Horeb to hear the voice of Yah (1st Kings 19:8). In the last days, before the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) can come to restore the “heart of the father” back to the hearts of the children of Yisra’el, we are told that we must first “Remember the law of Moses at Horeb!” This is the same place where the second set of commandments was deposited, as a symbol of the New Covenant.
Malakiy (Malachi) 4:
4 Remember you the Towrah (law) of Mosheh my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Yisra’el, with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you Eliyahuw (Elijah) the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of YHWH.
The covenant at Sinai was broken, as it was presented to Yisra’el while they were in unbelief.
5 Behold, I will send you Eliyahuw (Elijah) the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of YHWH.
The covenant at Sinai was broken, as it was presented to Yisra’el while they were in unbelief.
The covenant at Horeb was given to Yisra’el after they had been humbled and chastised, bringing them finally into a place of “faith.” It was after their hearts were changed, that the second set of commandments was deposited into the “Ark of the Covenant.”
The ark was made of incorruptible wood that never decays. This is a prophetic picture of when we are born-again of “incorruptible seed” (1st Peter 1:23). Now, we can understand what Paul was illustrating to us:
The first covenant was given at Mount Sinai, and this is a picture of the “Old Testament” (2nd Corinthians 3:14).
The ark was made of incorruptible wood that never decays. This is a prophetic picture of when we are born-again of “incorruptible seed” (1st Peter 1:23). Now, we can understand what Paul was illustrating to us:
The first covenant was given at Mount Sinai, and this is a picture of the “Old Testament” (2nd Corinthians 3:14).
The second covenant was given at Mount Horeb, and this is a picture of the “New Testament” (Matthew 26:28; 1st Corinthians 11:25; 2nd Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 9:15).
These are the Two Covenants!
There were “two covenants” being illustrated in Galatians 4, which took place at Mount Sinai & Mount Horeb. Now, we can see why Paul used Hagar to symbolize the covenant that genders to bondage at Mount Sinai, and why he used Sarah to symbolize the covenant that genders to freedom at Mount Horeb.
If you want further documentation of these two locations that are within the same mountain range, the website below shows us that Sinai & Horeb were two different locations within the same mountain range. Sinai symbolizes idolatry, whereas Horeb symbolizes the cross where sin was killed and destroyed.
Horeb comes from this root word in Hebrew:
Horeb comes from this root word in Hebrew:
# 2717 charab khaw-rab’ or chareb {khaw-rabe’}; a primitive root; to parch (through drought) i.e. (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill:-- decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, surely, (lay, lie, make) waste.
The Jewish Encyclopedia tells us that there are two different locations representing two different marriage covenants:
The general opinion of modern scholars is that the name Sinai is derived from the name of the Babylonian moon-god Sin… According to one theory, Sinai and Horeb are the names of two eminences belonging to the same range; if this be so the range became prominent in the history of the Hebrews some time before the promulgation of the Law. When Moses led the flocks of his father-in-law to the desert and came “to the mountain of Elohiym, even to Horeb,” an angel appeared to him from a flaming bush, and then Elohiym Himself spoke to Moses, telling him that where he stood was holy ground, thus foreshadowing the great event that was to occur there. From that mountain Elohiym persuaded Moses to go to Pharaoh and deliver the Yisra’elites from his yoke.
Mount Horeb is the place where Moses was originally called by Yah to deliver Yisra’el out of bondage. Mount Sinai is where they brought themselves back into bondage (after being saved from Egyptian slavery).
Mount Horeb is the place where Moses was originally called by Yah to deliver Yisra’el out of bondage. Mount Sinai is where they brought themselves back into bondage (after being saved from Egyptian slavery).
Mount Sinai = Bondage to Sin = Arabia, Hagar (old sinful nature, idolatry).
Mount Horeb = Freedom from Sin = Jerusalem, Sarah (new born-again nature, death to the old sinful nature on the cross).
Mount Horeb = Freedom from Sin = Jerusalem, Sarah (new born-again nature, death to the old sinful nature on the cross).
Two Covenants Seen in Two
Our Messiah used an illustration in all four gospels of “new wine” as a metaphor of the renewed marriage covenant being placed into a renewed heart---a born-again heart (a new wine-skin). A heart that has been regenerated (born-again) is able to contain the new wine (the renewed marriage covenant). Alternatively, somebody whose heart is still unregenerate (with the old sinful nature) is like one who is an “old wine skin,” and that kind of heart is unable to be faithful to the marriage covenant. This is why he gave the following illustration:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runs out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
Our Messiah used an illustration in all four gospels of “new wine” as a metaphor of the renewed marriage covenant being placed into a renewed heart---a born-again heart (a new wine-skin). A heart that has been regenerated (born-again) is able to contain the new wine (the renewed marriage covenant). Alternatively, somebody whose heart is still unregenerate (with the old sinful nature) is like one who is an “old wine skin,” and that kind of heart is unable to be faithful to the marriage covenant. This is why he gave the following illustration:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runs out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
Yisra’el, (in her unregenerate state) is accurately represented by the “old wine-skin” (the old sinful nature). The covenant at Sinai was not flawed, (just like the wine was not flawed). The wine represents the marriage covenant.
Yet, because Yisra’el was like “the old wine-skin,” (having a weak sinful nature), she was unable to be faithful to the marriage covenant. Thankfully, through Messiah, Yisra’el is given the chance to become like a “new wine-skin” (able to hold the new wine). This means that she is now able to keep the original marriage covenant offered to her on Mount Sinai!
Pictured here are two wine-skins made out of leather. These are usually made from sheep-skin, and they were like a canteen used to store wine. The new wine-skin is like a newly born sheep (child-like and humble). However, the old wine-skin is like an old goat (stubborn and stiff-necked). Hence, the meaning of the parable about the sheep and the goats:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 25:
Yet, because Yisra’el was like “the old wine-skin,” (having a weak sinful nature), she was unable to be faithful to the marriage covenant. Thankfully, through Messiah, Yisra’el is given the chance to become like a “new wine-skin” (able to hold the new wine). This means that she is now able to keep the original marriage covenant offered to her on Mount Sinai!
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 25:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
The pattern of these two covenants seem to be embedded in many of the parables our Messiah taught.
Paul’s allegory about Hagar, Sinai & bondage symbolizes the nation of Yisra’el in their unregenerate state (old goats and old wine-skins).
Yisra’el entered into a marriage covenant, but she was still like that “old wine-skin,” unable to hold the “new wine.”
Paul’s allegory about Hagar, Sinai & bondage symbolizes the nation of Yisra’el in their unregenerate state (old goats and old wine-skins).
Yisra’el entered into a marriage covenant, but she was still like that “old wine-skin,” unable to hold the “new wine.”
The “new wine” is a metaphor for the marriage covenant, and that marriage covenant was presented by the voice of YaHuWaH himself at Mount Sinai. It only became a covenant that genders to bondage because of Yisra’el’s disobedient heart.
When Yisra’el was full of doubt and unbelief, this lead to idolatry, and the ultimate sin of worshiping the golden calf. When Abraham & Sarah began to doubt the promise, their lack of faith and their unbelief led to an act of idolatry. They set themselves up as their own “mighty one” and as a result, they made an “Ishamael/Yishma’el.” Yishma’el is a product of unbelief. Like Abraham & Sarah in their unregenerate state, Yisra’el produced a covenant with their maker that resulted in idolatry and bondage.
Paul’s allegory about Sarah, Jerusalem & freedom represents a covenant that is obeyed by a bride with a renewed heart (a new wine-skin). Abraham & Sarah’s faith was renewed as they grew in their relationship with YaHuWaH. When they recovered in their faith, YaHuWaH gave them the promised seed!
Renewed Covenant Yisra’el is a bride whose heart has been born anew---regenerated! She is like the new wine-skin when she receives a new nature “born again of incorruptible seed.” She received the wine of the Renewed Covenant as illustrated at the wedding at Cana in the 2nd chapter of Yahuwchanon (John 2:1).
On the day of Shabuwoth (Pentecost), what did Renewed Yisra’el receive? She received the very same commandments that Moses presented at Sinai, only now it was written in her heart! Instead of the commandments being written in stone, the very same commandments were written in “fleshy tables of the heart.” (2nd Corinthians 3:3).
In other words, the “new wine-skin” is “born-again Yisra’el.” She was dead (like the old wine-skin), but out of the grave she will come---like dead men’s bones at the resurrection (Ezekiel 37:4-12). Renewed Covenant Yisra’el was given the “first-fruits” of her redemption on the Day of Shabuwoth (Pentecost):
Romiym (Romans) 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
Yisra’el will be like a new wine-skin with new flesh on her bones, and the blood of Messiah flowing through her veins. The prophet Ezekiel was shown this in the Valley of the Dry Bones:
Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 37:
3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O YHWH Elohiym, you know.
4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O you dry bones, hear the word of YHWH.
5 Thus says YHWH Elohiym unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live:
6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am YHWH.
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus says YHWH Elohiym; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
11 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Yisra’el: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.
12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus says YHWH Elohiym; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Yisra’el.
13 And you shall know that I am YHWH, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
It all began in the Garden of Eden with two trees. One tree symbolized faith and obedience leading to life, and the other tree symbolized doubt and unbelief leading to death. There were also two sons born to Abraham & Sarah. Yishmael was a product of their unbelief and disobedience, but Yitzchaq (Isaac) was a product of their obedience and faith.
On Mount Sinai, Yisra’el was presented with two different covenants. The first one gendered to bondage because they were still in doubt and unbelief.
However, the second covenant gendered to freedom because they had been reproved and they were in faith with the second set of stone tablets. Yahuwshuwa compares these two types of people (unregenerate & born-again) to either an “old wine-skin” or a “new wine-skin.”
Two Kinds of Law: Life or Death? Marriage or Divorce?
In Romans 8, the Apostle Sha’uwl illustrated two different types of law:
Romiym (Romans) 8:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Mashiyach Yahuwshuwa, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
*The Law of the Spirit of Life: Towrah (Mosaic Law) now deposited into the heart by the Holy Spirit. This is called a “ketuwbah” which means “a written marriage contract.”
Romiym (Romans) 8:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Mashiyach Yahuwshuwa, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the Towrah (law) of the Spirit of life in Mashiyach Yahuwshuwa has made me free from the Towrah (law) of sin and death.
3 For what the Towrah (law in stone) could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Elohiym sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the Towrah (law) might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
*The Law of the Spirit of Life: Towrah (Mosaic Law) now deposited into the heart by the Holy Spirit. This is called a “ketuwbah” which means “a written marriage contract.”
*The Law of Sin & Death: Rebellion against Towrah (the marriage covenant). This is called “a certificate of divorce.” (Deuteronomy 24).
What brought freedom? The Mosaic Law given by the Ruwach (Spirit) is called “The law of the spirit of life,” and it results in an everlasting marriage covenant. Conversely, “The law of sin and death” symbolizes the disobedient nature of an unregenerate heart which caused Yisra’el to be in opposition to the Towrah (law).
The law of sin and death caused YaHuWaH to divorce Yisra’el in Jeremiah 3:8. The law in stone tablets was “weak” through the flesh (the sinful nature) and it was unable to save Yisra’el until they received a new nature. Once a new nature was given, now the Towrah (Mosaic Law) is what frees us from the law of sin and death:
Romiym (Romans) 8:2 For the Towrah (law) of the Spirit of life in Mashiyach Yahuwshuwa has made me free from the Towrah (law) of sin and death.
So you see, beloved, Paul was illustrating to us that it boils down to two conditions of the human heart. The Towrah given to an unrenewed heart leads to death. However, the Towrah given to a renewed heart leads to life!
Romiym (Romans) 8:2 For the Towrah (law) of the Spirit of life in Mashiyach Yahuwshuwa has made me free from the Towrah (law) of sin and death.
So you see, beloved, Paul was illustrating to us that it boils down to two conditions of the human heart. The Towrah given to an unrenewed heart leads to death. However, the Towrah given to a renewed heart leads to life!
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