Saturday, October 24, 2020

Called, Chosen & Faithful: Are you a Hebrew, an Israelite, or a Jew?

By Maria Merola אריאל 


In the 17th chapter of the book of Revelation, we read about MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS, and the ten horns on the beast which carries her. We are also shown that these ten horns on the beast shall make war against our Messiah and his bride who is called, chosen and faithful:

Chazown (Revelation) 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Master of masters, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

From these three words, we get a hint that there must be three stages to our redemption:

1.) Those who are called (Matthew 22:14).
2.) Those who are called and chosen (Matthew 22:14).
3.) Those who are called, chosen, & faithful (Matthew 22:14; Revelation 17:14).

This is why there are three groups of people present at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!

1.) The guests who are called.
2.) The bridal attendants who are called, and chosen.
3.) The bride who is called, chosen, and faithful.

Identifying the differences in these societal terms “Hebrew, Israelite, & Jew,” can be rather confusing, unless we understand the biblical personalities through which the terms originated. 

We are going to learn that Abraham was the first Hebrew, Jacob was the first Israelite, and Judah was the first one to be called a Yahuwdiy (Jew). Leah, (the mother of Judah), was the one who gave him this name, for she had discovered the secret to true peace and happiness. 

The word “Hebrew” (Abriym) means “one who crosses over, as Abraham crossed over from paganism into a set-apart life with YaHuWaH. Therefore, Abraham was the first one to become a “Hebrew.” He was “called” and he obeyed the call.

Jacob was the first one to be called “Yisra’EL,” which means “one who prevails or overcomes with Elohiym.” He was “chosen” over his twin brother (Esau), while he was yet in the womb; for his mother (Rebekah) was given a prophetic word “The elder shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23).

When Jacob grew up and married, he did not choose Leah to be his wife, for he had already chosen her younger sister, Rachel. However, Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah. Together, they had eight sons and one daughter (Dinah). This included the two sons (Asher & Gad), that were born by Leahs maid (Zilphah). The fourth son out of these eight sons was named “Yahuwdah” (Judah) from where we derive the term “Jew,” and it means “I will praise YaHuWaH.”

Even though Judah was not always righteous, in the end, he was ultimately “faithful,” because he honored his promise to his father (Jacob), when he promised to “bear the blame forever” if something bad happened to Benjamin (Genesis 43:9). In this way, Judah is the tribe that volunteered to become “the scapegoat.” Rachel died while giving birth to Benjamin, and her body was buried in Bethlehem-Judah. Rachel typifies the Kingdom of Judah, because of where she was buried. In Matthew 2:16-18 King Herod had all baby boys under two years of age killed. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy from Jeremiah 31:15 about “Rachel weeping for her children.”

Judah promised to take care of Benjamin (Rachels son born to her in sorrow). This is why our Messiah was born into the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah), because (as the scapegoat), he was the sinless lamb who took the punishment for guilty sinners. Since Rachels body was buried in Bethlehem-Judah (aka Ephrath), it is fitting that her son (Binyamin/Benjamin) was joined to the Kingdom of Judah. Rachel originally named him “Benoniy” which means “Son of my sorrow.” This is a hint that Rachel was sorry for her sins, and before she died, she probably repented. 

Ya’aqob (Jacob) renamed Benjamin from “Benoniy” to “Binyamiyn” which means “Son of my my right hand!” This is a hint about our Messiah, who is now seated at the “Right hand of power!” When Yahuwdah (Judah) made a promise to his father Ya’aqob (Jacob), he said that he would “bear the blame forever” if something bad happened to Benjamin (Genesis 43:9). 

In this way, the Kingdom of Yahuwdah (Judah) has born the blame for the sins of Rachel, (which caused her to die giving birth to Benjamin). I believe that Rachel will be resurrected and restored, when the Kingdom of Judah, accepts Yahuwshuwa at his return to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 12:10).

When we repent of our sins, (and choose to seek the ways of YaHuWaH), we begin as a Hebrew, because we obey the call to come out of idolatry, (and the sinfulness of this present world). We then become an Yisraelite (like Jacob), for we wrestle with Elohiym to find our identity in him. 

Just like Jacob, we prevail against the enemy of our soul, when we conquer the sinful nature (Romans 8:37). This is what qualified Ya’aqob (Jacob) to have his name changed to “Yisra’EL.” For Jacob, this was his “born-again,” experience, (when his heart became circumcised).

Similarly, in Revelation 3:12, we learn that those who receive a “new name,” are those who “overcome,” or in other words, they “prevail with Elohiym!” 

We finally become a Yahuwdiy (Jew) when we learn to praise YaHuWaH, no matter what the circumstances are. This is the mark of a mature believer who is ready to be the bride!

Hebrew = called out (Genesis 12:1; Revelation 18:4).
Yisra’el an overcomer or one who prevails (Genesis 32:28; Revelation 3:12).
Yahuwdiy = one who praises Yah (Genesis 29:35; Romans 2:29; Revelation 19:5).

Many are “called” (Hebrews) but few are “chosen” (Yisra’el). And many are chosen, but only the “faithful” (Yahuwdiym) are the ones who praise YaHuWaH!

There is a lot of misunderstanding about the term “Yahuwdiy” or “Jew.” The term Yahuwdiy” or “Jew” comes from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah). 

The Tribe of Judah is a Priestly Tribe from Heaven

The High Priest, Melchizedek is also from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Hebrews 7:14), which may seem a bit confusing, since Melchizedek is eternal, Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of Elohiym; abides a priest continually.

So, how could Melchizedek, (an eternal High Priest) come from an earthly tribe of people?

Did it ever occur to you that the Twelves Tribes of Yisra’el already existed in eternity in the New Jerusalem, even before they were born to Jacob here on earth? YaHuWaH knew these twelve tribes before they were formed in the womb! 

The Apostle Shauwl (Paul) uses the term “Jew” (Yahuwdiy) in Romans 2:28 to describe those whose hearts are circumcised. Why does he use the term “Jew” to define somebody who has a circumcised heart? Why does he not use the terms Yisraelite or Hebrew? 

It is because a bride joins the tribe of her bridegroom when she marries him. Hence, to be called a Yahuwdiy (Jew), means that you have reached the place of maturity, where you can be ready to be called Messiah’s bride.

Do you remember Ruth? She was a Moabite, and Towrah says that no Moabite may enter the congregation of Yisra’el forever (Deuteronomy 23:3; Nehemiah 13:1).

How then was Ruth able to marry Boaz, who was from the Tribe of Judah? She “crossed over” when she followed her mother-in-law, (Naomi) to Bethlehem-Judah. As Naomi & Ruth journeyed back to the Kingdom of Judah, Ruth made a verbal declaration: “For wherever you go,  I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge: your people shall be my people, and your Elohiym my Elohiym” (Ruth 1:16).

This principle is seen in Ezekiel 47:21-22 where it says that any stranger may join the tribe of their choosing simply by “sojourning” with that tribe, and they also get to inherit land with that tribe. 

If we are walking with or “sojourning” with the Lion of the Tribe of Yahuwdah” (Revelation 5:5), does it not stand to reason that those who are his bride are going to be married into his tribe? In 1st Peter 2:9, followers of Messiah are called a royal priesthood.” 

This royal priesthood is the priesthood of Melchizedek, and Melchizedek is the “King of Salem.” Salem is an ancient name for Jerusalem, and Melchizedek also sprang out of Yahuwdah (Judah) according to Hebrews 7:14. Followers of Messiah are therefore part of this priesthood “after the order of Melchizedek.

Here is an example: What if I was born in Italy, but I moved to the United States of America, and then I became an American Citizen? And what if I moved to Pennsylvania? I would still be an Italian, even though I am an American, and also living in the State of Pennsylvania. Can all three realities be true? Of course, they can!

I can be all three things at once, but I had to go through the process. I had to first be born in Italy, then move to America, and then move to Pennsylvania. My parents were born in Italy, and they moved to America, and then to Pennsylvania. They are Italian-American-Pennsylvanians.

Similarly, when all of Yisra’el was living under “The scepter of Judah,” (under King David), they were all united, and  called “Yahuwdiym” (Jews). They were under the Kingdom of Judah.

However, after the Ten Northern Tribes split off from the House of David, they became two separate nations (see 1st Kings 11-12). If we are under “The scepter of Judah,” (because of our King, Yahuwshuwa the Messiah), then we are Yahuwdiym (Jews from the kingdom of Judah). There are many varying misconceptions regarding this word “Jew.”

Some people think it only means those who have joined the religion of Judaism. Some seem to think it only means those who are genetically descended from the Tribe of Judah. However, the Apostle Shauwl (Paul) takes it to another level. He explained in Romans chapter 2, that we are called “Yahuwdiym” (Jews) when we obey the Towrah (Mosaic Law), and we are born-again by the blood of the lamb. 

Some Jews are highly offended at hearing this concept. They think we are teaching what is called “Replacement Theology.” There are three main views that are taught within the household of faith.

1.) Replacement Theology - taught first by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 3rd Century. This ideology purports that Christians have replaced ethnic and religious Jews, and have become “The new Jews.” The Roman Catholic Church went on to perpetuate this lie. Replacement Theology claims that all the “Old Testament” promises of the Bible, no longer apply to Modern Day Israel, but now they apply only to Christians. However, the curses that are warned about in prophecy still apply to Israel & the Jews. 

2.) Dual Covenant Theology - this is another extreme view that essentially purports that there are two different covenants: The “Old Covenant” is supposedly only for Israel and the Jews. And the “New Covenant” is only for Christians. Jews are encouraged to convert to Christianity and to abandon the Torah, if they want to follow the Messiah, Yahuwshuwa (who many call Jesus). However, this theology purports that Jews can still be saved without accepting Yahuwshuwa as the Messiah. Supposedly, they only need to obey the Torah, and they are saved that way. This view also teaches that Christians do not need to obey the Torah, all they need is to “believe in Jesus” to be saved. This heretical view is taught by John Hagee.

As you might have already guessed, both of these view are full of errors! But there is a third option!

3.) The Engrafting of both Jews & Gentiles into One Covenant through Messiah - this is the biblical balance that is needed before our Messiah returns. We are told throughout Scripture that the Kingdom of Judah is meant to “hold the scepter,” and to be keepers of the Torah  (Genesis 49:10; Romans 3:2). However, the gentiles are commanded to preach the good news of Messiah “To the Jew first,” (Romans 1:16). This means that both groups have something to offer. Jews have been entrusted with the Torah, and Gentile believers in Messiah have been entrusted with the gospel (besowrah). Jews must embrace Messiah to be saved, and Christians must embrace Torah to be saved. Both elements are needed (faith in Messiah, and obedience to his commandments).

Even though we are called “Yahuwdiym,” (Jews) through our walk with Messiah, we continue to maintain our tribal identity as well. Many of us are from different states within the United States, and yet, we are still Americans. Similarly, we can be from different tribes and still be “Yahuwdiym” (Jews), if we are under the authority of our Messiah. If he is our king, are we not under his authority, or under his scepter? 

Here is an example: Queen Esther was from the Tribe of Benjamin, yet she was called a “Jewess” or a Yahuwdiyah. The same thing happened with the Apostle Shauwl (Paul). He was from the Tribe of Benjamin, yet he called himself a Yahuwdiy (Jew). See, Acts 21:39; 22:3; Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5.

The first mention of the name “Judah” is seen in Genesis 29:35, where Leah named her fourth son by Jacob. Scripture says that she named him 
“Yahuwdah, because she had determined in her heart: I will praise YaHuWaH!

The Hebrew Strong’s Concordance shows the definition of the name Yahuwdah (Judah) as follows:

#3063 Yhuwdah yeh-hoo-daw from 3034; celebratedpraised; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory:--Judah.

It stems from another root word:

#3034 yadah yaw-daw’ a primitive root; used only as denominative from 3027; literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the hands):--cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, give thanksthanksgivingthankful.

#3064 Yhuwdiy yeh-hoo-dee’ patronymically from 3063; a Jehudite (i.e. Judaite or Jew), or descendant of Jehudah (i.e. Judah):--Jew.

As you can see by the definitions above, the name Yahuwdah (Judah) means “one who praises YaHuWaH.”

If you are a physical descendant of Yahuwdah (Judah), you are considered a Yahuwdiy (Jew). However, physical DNA is not the final determining factor. Even if you have the DNA of the patriarch Yahuwdah (Judah), you must still have your heart circumcised in order to be counted as a Yahuwdiy (Jew) in the end. Our Messiah is the one who will determine who belongs to him, and to his tribe, based on circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:28-29; Revelation 2:9 & 3:9).

You will notice by the graphic below, that there is only one letter different from the name YaHuWaH to YaHuWDaH. 

The Hebrew letter “dalet” in the middle of the name YaHuWDaH means “The door.”

Our Messiah is the door to the Father (John 10:7-9), and he came from the Tribe of YaHuWDaH (Revelation 5:5). The only tribe that bears the Father’s name is YaHuWDaH!


The name of our Messiah is seen below in Ancient Paleo Hebrew Pictograph letters:

Our Messiah’s name is YaHuWShuWA which means “YaHuWaH is Salvation,” as seen in Hebrew Strong’s Concordance:

#3091 Yhowshuwayeh-ho-shoo'-ah or Yhowshua {yeh-ho-shoo'-ah}; from 3068 and 3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader:--Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare 1954, 3442.

Now we can better understand why our Messiah came from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah), and why he told the Samaritan woman that “Salvation is of the Yahuwdiym” (John 4:22). It is because the Priesthood of the Levites could not act as the permanent Kinsman Redeemer for Yisra’el. They would eventually die, because they were mortals. However, Melchizedek, (who sprang out of Judah) “has an endless life,” and he can never die behind the veil (Hebrews 7:14-16).

Those who are the bride of Messiah are part of his “Royal Priesthood” (1st Peter 2:9), and they bear the Father’s name, YaHuWaH.


The bride also is married into the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah), just like Ruth, the Moabite. The “five wise virgins” in Matthew 25 will enter into the bridegrooms chamber, and the “door will be shut!” 

The “Key of David” which qualifies the bride to enter into the chamber is only open to those whose hearts are circumcised for they “Have kept his word [Towrah] and have not denied his name” (Revelation 3:8).

Jacob Tricked Into Marrying Leah

In Genesis 29:16-25, we learn that Jacob loved Rachel because she was beautiful, but her sister Leah was not very attractive. Jacob and Laban had  an agreement that he would work seven years in exchange for his daughter Rachel’s hand in marriage. 

Laban however, did not honor his agreement, for he tricked Jacob into marrying his oldest daughter Leah first. She wore a veil over her face, which concealed her identity, until the consummation of the marriage

In the morning, Jacob discovered that he had been tricked into marrying the older sister, Leah who he was not attracted to.

Bereshiyth (Genesis) 29:25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this you have done unto me? did not I serve with you for Rachel? Wherefore then have you beguiled (deceived) me?

Bereshiyth (Genesis) 29:

26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.

27 Fulfil her week, and we will give you this also for the service which you shall serve with me yet seven other years.

28 And Ya’aqob (Jacob) did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.


The leadership in Yisra’el, however did not accept him as their Messiah, but the gentiles were the ones who accepted him. Leah typifies the gentiles who were not the favored ones, and Rachel typifies the House of Judah who was favored by our Messiah.

Our Messiah was disappointed just like Jacob was. He had come for his beloved Yisra’el, but instead, he was married to the gentiles who accepted his message, and thus, they were grafted into the olive tree of Yisra’el (Romans 11:17-25). 

Yahuwchanon (John) 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Laban promised to allow Jacob to marry his younger daughter Rachel at the end of the week, after he had fulfilled his seven days of consummation with Leah. However, he asked Jacob to work seven additional years in exchange for Rachel to which he agreed. At the end of that week, Jacob also married Rachel, and he loved her more than he did Leah. 

Bereshiyth (Genesis) 29:30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.

This had to have been devastating for Leah to realize that she was rejected and hated by her husband. YaHuWaH looked with compassion upon Leah and made her womb fruitful, but Rachel was unable to have children at first. This created rivalry, strife, and jealousy between the two sisters.

Leah’s Tribulation 

Leah endured trials and tribulations during her first four pregnancies, as she struggled to find her identity under her sister Rachel’s shadow. During these trials, Leah named her four sons after the process that she went through before she finally became a mature follower of Yah.

Bereshiyth (Genesis) 29:31 And when YHWH saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.

Bereshiyth (Genesis) 29:32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuwben (Reuben): for she said, Surely YHWH has looked upon my afflictionnow therefore my husband will love me.

*Explanation: Reuwben is pronounced “reh-oo-bane” and it means “Look, a Son!” In this name, we see a prophetic picture of the Messiah who we beheld as the “Lamb” (John 1:36), and also as the “Son!” (Matthew 1:23).

Leah typifies the bride of Messiah who first comes into the understanding of her salvation when she gives birth to a son (1st Timothy 2:15). Leah was “called” to be the bride of Ya’aqob (Jacob) and she accepted the call to be married to him. This means that she was “chosen” by YaHuWaH. Nevertheless, Leah also realized that she was hated while her younger sister, Rachel was loved by Jacob. To compensate for the fact that she was hated, YaHuWaH gave her four sons while Rachel remained barren for a time (Genesis 29:31).

Bereshiyth (Genesis) 29:33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because YHWH has heard I was hated, he has therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Shim’own (Simeon).

Bereshiyth (Genesis) 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Lewiy (Levi).

Bereshiyth (Genesis) 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise YHWH: therefore she called his name Yahuwdah (Judah); and left bearing.

The definition of the name “Judah” in Genesis 29:35 is as follows:

#3063 Yhuwdah yeh-hoo-daw’ from 3034; celebratedpraised Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory:--Judah.

In the above passages, we see that Leah typifies the person who is called, then chosen. However, once she is chosen, she goes through “affliction” and testing. She strives to make her husband Jacob love her, and she names her three sons after what is going on in her heart during their births. Reuben means “Look, a son!” And it says that YaHuWaH “saw” that Leah was hated so he opened up her womb. Then Leah declared that YaHuWaH had “looked” upon her affliction, and he granted her a son.

But she was still not content. She continued to be in competition with her sister, Rachel. It was not enough for YaHuWaH to “see” that she was hated. She continued to complain to him, until he “heard” that she was hated. Her cries were heard when he gave her a second son. This is why she named him “Shim’own” (Simeon) which means “heard.”

Ya’aqob (Jacob), the husband of Leah was blind and hard of hearing, just as the nation of Yisra’el was blind and hard of hearing (Matthew 13:13-14). YaHuWaH gave Leah to Ya’aqob (Jacob) as his wife and instead of being content, he hated her. YaHuWaH used the first two sons (Reuben & Simeon) to open the eyes and ears of Jacob. By the third son, he was finally shown that he would be joined to Leah with the name Lewiy (Levi), which means “attached.” Once Ya’aqob (Jacob) had his eyes and ears opened, his name would be changed to Yisra’el and he would finally praise YaHuWaH and stop complaining.

The prophet Isaiah prophesied that the nation of Yisra’el would become deaf and blind to the prophecies that were taking place right in front of their eyes concerning their awaited Messiah:

Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear you indeed, but understand not; and see you indeed, but perceive not.

Our Messiah quoted the prophet Isaiah citing that Yisra’el was deaf and blind to the identity of their Messiah:

Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Yeshayahuw (Isaiah), which said, By hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not perceive.

Ya’aqob (Jacob) represents unconverted Yisra’el, but he also represents the Messiah before his resurrection. Leah symbolizes the gentiles who were not beautiful to our Messiah, but once they have their hearts circumcised, they are chosen to be his bride. When Leah stopped trying to earn her husband’s love, (but instead, she began to place her trust in YaHuWaH), she stopped complaining, and she began praising!

After Ya’aqob (Jacob) had his name changed to Yisra’el, he typifies the resurrected Messiah. When Leah finally stopped competing for her husband’s love, and she began praising YaHuWaH, she typifies the mature believer who is content. 

Rachel was not content, however. She had only born Jacob two sons, and two more by her handmaiden Bilhah, totaling four sons. Leah was more fruitful, for she bore Jacob six sons and one daughter (Dinah) and then two more by her handmaiden, Zilpah for a total of nine children. 

Rachel’s discontentment was evidenced by the fact that she chose to trust in the idols she stole from her father, (Laban), rather than to trust in YaHuWaH (Genesis 31:34-35). Ultimately, Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin because she was hiding these idols from Jacob, and then she lied about it (Genesis 35:18). Jacob had already made a declaration that whoever was hiding these idols should not live (Genesis 31:32). Little did he realize that it was his beloved Rachel who was hiding the idols. Will Rachel ever resurrect and become faithful?

Rachel & Leah Will Become One Bride

Leah typifies the Ten Northern Tribes of the House of Ephraiym, and Rachel symbolizes the Two Southern Tribes of the House of Judah. Even though Leah was the one who gave birth to Judah, Rachel typifies Judah because her body was buried in Bethlehem-Judah (Genesis 35:19).

Leah represents the bride of Messiah who will be married to him first, just as Leah was the first to marry Jacob. On the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah) in the future, the faithful bride that typifies Leah, will be taken for seven days to the New Jerusalem for the wedding. Then she will return with Messiah in her new resurrected body riding white horses (Revelation 19). This event will take place on Yom Kippur, and this is when Messiah will meet the other bride who typifies Rachel----the House of Judah. They will “Look upon him whom they have pierced,” as he touches his feet on the Mount of Olives. And it says in Zechariah 12:10 & 14:4 that they shall “Mourn for him as one mourns his only son” (Zechariah 12:10; 14:4). 

In Leviticus 16:18, the instructions are given for the Kohen haGadowl (High Priest) on Yom Kippur. He is commanded to combine the blood of the goat with the blood of the bullock, and to sprinkle that mixed blood on the altar. What does this represent? Rachels name means “lamb,” and Leahs name means “cow!” See this link: 
The Name Leah: Summary

This means that both brides shall become one bride on Yom Kippur under our High Priest Yahuwshuwa ha’Mashiyach!

Leah, The Faithful Bride

Leah displayed a desire to please her husband, Jacob, while Rachel seemed more interested in competing with her sister. She blamed Jacob for the fact that she could not bear children at first, and it made Jacob angry with her (Genesis 30:1-2). Leah, in contrast trusted in YaHuWaH rather than idols, and she was blessed with many children. After her sister Rachel died, she also inherited her sister’s children as well, making her the mother of all twelve sons and one daughter. 

Zilpah, the handmaiden of Leah bore “Gad” which means “a troop comes,” for she was giving birth to the future bride of Messiah, his army that comes riding on white horses with him in Revelation 19. Leah then named the second son by Zilpah “Asher” which means “happy.”

After Zilphah bore two sons, Leah bore two more sons to Jacob named “Yissakar” (Issachar), meaning “he will bring a reward” and “Zbuwluwn,” (Zebulun) meaning “habitation.”

Leah’s faithfulness to YaHuWaH caused her sorrow and rejection to be turned into happiness, for she was rewarded with fruitfulness. 

With the final son, Zebulun, she learned to “dwell” in the presence of YaHuWaH at all times, hence his name “habitation,” revealed that YaHuWaH had inhabited her praises!

Tehilliym (Psalm) 22:3 But you are qodesh (holy), O you that inhabits the praises of Yisra’el.

Leah Buried with Her Bridegroom

Even though Jacob initially loved Rachel for her physical beauty, he learned to love Leah more in the end for her faithfulness. In Genesis 49:31, we learn that she was buried with her husband, Jacob, thus she would finally dwell with him:

Bereshiyth (Genesis) 30:20 And Leah said, Elohiym has endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.

We see a prophetic picture of Messiah and his faithful bride in the story of Leah & Jacob. Leah was willing to die to her own selfish desires in order to please her husband. Similarly, those who “follow the lamb wherever he goes” (Revelation 14:4) are the ones who are ready to die and be buried with him. The Apostle Shaul (Paul) explains:

Romiym (Romans) 6:

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Mashiyach (Messiah) was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.

The patriarch Job was a man who endured many afflictions, but through them all, he learned to place his trust in YaHuWaH:

Yowb (Job) 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

The Apostle Shaul (Paul) demonstrated that when we endure suffering for our bridegroom, we will become more intimate with him:

Pilippiym (Philippians) 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.

Leah suffered many trials with Jacob, yet she became beautiful to him over time because she learned to praise YaHuWaH. Rachel, on the other hand was beautiful and favoured, yet she was deceitful because of her idolatry. 

Mishley (Proverbs) 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears YaHuWaH, she shall be praised.

Bereshiyth (Genesis) 29:17 Leah was tender eyed [not attractive to the eye]; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.

Leah finally found contentment in her circumstances when she trusted in YaHuWaH and praised him. This is what made her a faithful bride to Jacob, as she was later rewarded with more sons, and then finally buried with him. The Apostle Shaul (Paul) used this concept of “contentment” to mark the mature believer in Messiah:

Pilippiym (Philippians) 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

1st Timotiyos (Timothy) 6:6 But righteousness with contentment is great gain.

1st Timotiyos (Timothy) 6:8 And having food and raiment (clothing) let us be therewith content.

Ibriym (Hebrews) 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Leah symbolizes the gentile who begins with an uncircumcised heart (Romans 2:26), but learns to place their trust in Yah. Rachel symbolizes the one who only appears to be a Yahuwdiy (Jew) externally, or in other words only beautiful outwardly (Romans 2:28). Those whose hearts are circumcised inwardly are true Yahuwdiym (Jews), for they are the ones who faithfully offer up praises to YaHuWaH:

Romiym (Romans) 2:29 But he is a Yahuwdiy (Jew), which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Elohiym.

Also, see the blog entitled: WHO IS A TRUE ISRAELITE?

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