By Maria Merola אריאל
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, September 2006
Like Adam & Eve, (who covered themselves with fig leaves, in an effort to hide their sins), we often jump at the opportunity to celebrate somebody else’s failures. It makes us feel better about ourselves when we catch someone in a heinous sin, and it gives us the chance to exalt our own imagined righteousness by comparison.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence among Christians to return to the ways of the first century Apostles by obeying the Mosaic Law (Towrah). Although this move is inspired by the Spirit of YaHuWaH, there is also an attitude of superiority that is rising up among those who have returned to “The ancient paths” of their Hebrew Roots.
There seems to be a growing trend of misunderstanding, surrounding what many today call “Two House Theology.” The misunderstanding stems from the fact that there are some who erroneously teach that all Christians are biologically, the physical DNA descendants of the House of Ephrayim. However, that is not what the Two House doctrine is about at all. In reality, we learn from Scripture, that it does not matter whether someone is physically born with Yisra’elite (Israelite) DNA in them or not.
YaHuWaH himself explained in Ezekiel 47:22 that if any stranger wants to “sojourn” or dwell among any of the Tribes of Yisra’el, that stranger is then counted as “One born into the tribe,” and that stranger becomes part of that particular tribe. Consequently, if we are “dwelling” or abiding in the Messiah, (who is from the Tribe of Yahuwdah/Judah), we are then counted as “One born into” his tribe!
The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) taught this concept in Romans 2:26-29 when he declared that a Yahuwdiy (Jew), is anyone whose heart is circumcised inwardly through the blood sacrifice of Messiah. This, by no means, is to suggest “Replacement Theology,” which falsely states that born-again gentiles have “replaced” the natural-born Yisra’elites (Israelites) in the plan of salvation for humanity.
When a gentile is “born-again” through faith in Messiah (John 3:3-8), he is “grafted into the olive tree.” The olive tree is a metaphor for the nation of Yisra’el (Jeremiah 11:16), however, Yisra’el became two separate nations in 1st Kings 12, after King Solomon died. Eventually, ten out of twelve tribes were divorced, and scattered to the four corners of the earth by YaHuWaH, because of their pagan idolatry (Jeremiah 3:8).
There seems to be a growing trend of misunderstanding, surrounding what many today call “Two House Theology.” The misunderstanding stems from the fact that there are some who erroneously teach that all Christians are biologically, the physical DNA descendants of the House of Ephrayim. However, that is not what the Two House doctrine is about at all. In reality, we learn from Scripture, that it does not matter whether someone is physically born with Yisra’elite (Israelite) DNA in them or not.
YaHuWaH himself explained in Ezekiel 47:22 that if any stranger wants to “sojourn” or dwell among any of the Tribes of Yisra’el, that stranger is then counted as “One born into the tribe,” and that stranger becomes part of that particular tribe. Consequently, if we are “dwelling” or abiding in the Messiah, (who is from the Tribe of Yahuwdah/Judah), we are then counted as “One born into” his tribe!
The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) taught this concept in Romans 2:26-29 when he declared that a Yahuwdiy (Jew), is anyone whose heart is circumcised inwardly through the blood sacrifice of Messiah. This, by no means, is to suggest “Replacement Theology,” which falsely states that born-again gentiles have “replaced” the natural-born Yisra’elites (Israelites) in the plan of salvation for humanity.
When a gentile is “born-again” through faith in Messiah (John 3:3-8), he is “grafted into the olive tree.” The olive tree is a metaphor for the nation of Yisra’el (Jeremiah 11:16), however, Yisra’el became two separate nations in 1st Kings 12, after King Solomon died. Eventually, ten out of twelve tribes were divorced, and scattered to the four corners of the earth by YaHuWaH, because of their pagan idolatry (Jeremiah 3:8).
In Ezekiel 37:16-17 we read an end-time prophecy about these two groups of people coming together and becoming “one” in the last days, at the resurrection. The first group is called “The stick of Judah.”
However, the Hebrew word for “stick” in this verse is “ets,” and it means “tree.”
Therefore, it could also be rendered as “The Tree of Judah.” Next, we read about “The tree of Joseph” that is in the hand of Ephrayim. This should give us a hint as to who the “Two Witnesses” are in Revelation 11:4.
The malak (messenger, angel) told Yahuwchanon (John) that these two witnesses are “two olive trees” (symbolic of Ephrayim & Judah); and the “two candlesticks,” are two overcoming assemblies in the book of Revelation. Messiah explained this mystery in Revelation 1:20, when he said that “The seven golden candlesticks are seven assemblies.” Out of seven assemblies, only two of them were not rebuked by our Messiah. These two overcoming assemblies are: Smyrna & Philadelphia.
Both Houses of Yisra’el (Judah & Ephrayim) have gentile “companions,” which are represented as Smyrna & Philadelphia. These two overcoming assemblies join the two olive trees, and they are also grafted into the these Two Houses, so that they are every bit as much a part of the House of Yisra’el as the natural DNA children. Also, in Galatians 3:28, the Apostle Sha’uwl states that “If we belong to Messiah, we are Abraham’s Seed and heirs according to the promise.”
Therefore, it is not necessary to be physically born into the literal DNA children of Yisra’el, for we literally become Abraham’s seed when we are “born-again” by faith in Messiah. So you see, Yahuwshuwa (who entered into covenant with Abraham as Melchizedek), causes us to become related to Abraham, through that blood covenant! The word “seed” in Greek is “sperma” in Galatians 3:28, which means that we literally become “Abraham’s descendants” through Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach!
The word of YaHuWaH came to Ezekiel and said:
Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 37:
16 Moreover, you son of man, take you one stick, and write upon it, For Yahuwdah (Judah), and for the children of Yisra’el his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Yahuwceph (Joseph), the stick of Ephrayim and for all the house of Yisra’el his companions:
17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in your hand.
16 Moreover, you son of man, take you one stick, and write upon it, For Yahuwdah (Judah), and for the children of Yisra’el his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Yahuwceph (Joseph), the stick of Ephrayim and for all the house of Yisra’el his companions:
17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in your hand.
In this prophecy, we see two groups of people who were once united, as one nation—one family under King Dawiyd (David). However, they were torn into two separate nations when idolatry and greed (the law of sin and death) made them “two,” and no longer “one” (see 1st Kings 12).
In the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15, our Mashiyach (Messiah) told this story as a metaphor of the “Two Houses of Yisra’el.” Not only was this an illustration of the “Two Houses of Yisra’el,” this was also a personal message to each of us as individuals. This parable has a corporate application for two nations (Ephrayim & Judah), but it also has a personal application whereby we can learn a principle of what it takes to become “the first-born” in the eyes of YaHuWaH.
Our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa was using this parable to illustrate a “kingdom principle,” which is the very attitude that we must all adopt, if we are ever going to see “The Restoration of Yisra’el.” What is this principle? It is a basic human principle that applies to both Houses of Yisra’el. Simply put, YaHuWaH “gives grace to the humble,” but he “resists the proud” (James 4:6, 1st Peter 5:5).
In the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15, our Mashiyach (Messiah) told this story as a metaphor of the “Two Houses of Yisra’el.” Not only was this an illustration of the “Two Houses of Yisra’el,” this was also a personal message to each of us as individuals. This parable has a corporate application for two nations (Ephrayim & Judah), but it also has a personal application whereby we can learn a principle of what it takes to become “the first-born” in the eyes of YaHuWaH.
Our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa was using this parable to illustrate a “kingdom principle,” which is the very attitude that we must all adopt, if we are ever going to see “The Restoration of Yisra’el.” What is this principle? It is a basic human principle that applies to both Houses of Yisra’el. Simply put, YaHuWaH “gives grace to the humble,” but he “resists the proud” (James 4:6, 1st Peter 5:5).
In this parable of the prodigal son, when he humbled himself, the father gave him “grace” (favor and free gifts). But the older son, (who displayed pride and dependence upon his own righteousness), was not given anything “extra” for his works of obedience. His reward was not doubled as it was with the younger son, who returned and repented. Let us now revisit the story of “The Prodigal Son” as told by our Messiah himself.
Luqas (Luke 15):
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
The coat of many colors symbolizes the various colors of the flags of the nations. It also symbolizes “covenant,”
because in Genesis 9:13, YaHuWaH set the rainbow in the sky as a sign to Noah and the inhabitants of the earth, of his “seven covenants” which are all “everlasting covenants.” These covenants are as follows:
1.) Adamic Covenant
2.) Noahite Covenant
3.) Abrahamic Covenant
4.) Mosaic Covenant
5.) Davidic Covenant
6.) Messiah’s Renewed Covenant
7.) The Everlasting Covenant.
Because there are “seven colors” in a rainbow, YaHuWaH was showing us that all seven of his covenants are really one and the same covenant. During the time before the flood, all nations of the earth were connected as one big super-continent. But in Genesis 10:32, YaHuWaH divided the nations of the earth:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 10:
25 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.
When YaHuWaH divided the nations of the earth, how many continents did he divide the earth into? SEVEN CONTINENTS FOR SEVEN COVENANTS!
Before the biblical account of Pangaea in Genesis 10:32, the earth was one big “Super-Continent.” This “Super-Continent.” resembled a baby being formed in the womb. In Isaiah 66:8-12 & Revelation 12:1-5, the woman is “mother Jerusalem” (Galatians 4:26).
In the end of days, she will give birth to “One New Man” aka
“The man-child” (Ephesians 2:15; Revelation 12:5), after many years of barrenness. This saga is explained to us in Isaiah 54, as Yisrael is described as woman who was barren, forsaken, and widowed. However, when her Messiah returns to earth, “She shall be saved in child-birth” (1st Timothy 2:15).
The earth is now ready to bring forth (give birth to) her children, which is why our Messiah used the terminology of “birth pains” when describing the period just before the great tribulation begins:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
The Greek word for “sorrows” (odin) literally means “birth pains.” All seven continents, which are symbolic of the seven assemblies in the Book of Revelation will soon come together during the New Millennium. I believe that Messiah will regather these divided continents once again, and restore them back to the pre-flood condition. However, the earth will not be restored back to the Garden of Eden condition until the New Heaven & New Earth descend in Revelation 21.
You see, Yahuwceph (Joseph) will become doubly fruitful through his son Ephrayim who was prophesied over by his grandfather Yisra’el (Jacob) that he would become “a multitude of nations.” In Hebrew, this term is
Not only did Joseph have favor with his earthly father Jacob (evidenced by the coat of many colors), but Joseph also had favor with his Heavenly Father. Because of the great favor he had, however, Joseph boasted about his prophetic dreams and it made his brothers angry. This is when they plotted to take revenge on him, thus causing him to be sent far away into Egyptian slavery.
Later on, when Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into jail, it is very similar to the story of the prodigal son who was in the pig-pen feeding the pigs. In both stories, they were at their lowest point before returning to the father. Just about the time when Joseph had almost given up hope, Pharaoh had a dream, in which Joseph received the interpretation.
When Joseph accurately interpreted the dream, and also gave him wise counsel on how to prepare for the coming famine, Pharaoh promoted him to the “second in command” to only himself. Joseph saw in Pharaoh’s dream that there would be a famine in Egypt and in this story of the prodigal son, there was also a famine in the land. Now let’s continue with the story of the prodigal son:
Later on, when Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into jail, it is very similar to the story of the prodigal son who was in the pig-pen feeding the pigs. In both stories, they were at their lowest point before returning to the father. Just about the time when Joseph had almost given up hope, Pharaoh had a dream, in which Joseph received the interpretation.
When Joseph accurately interpreted the dream, and also gave him wise counsel on how to prepare for the coming famine, Pharaoh promoted him to the “second in command” to only himself. Joseph saw in Pharaoh’s dream that there would be a famine in Egypt and in this story of the prodigal son, there was also a famine in the land. Now let’s continue with the story of the prodigal son:
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain (desired) have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you,
19 And am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of your hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called your son.
*Explanation: In this account, we are seeing a prophetic picture of Two Houses of Yisra’el: Judah & Joseph. Judah later on in history became known as the “Two Southern Tribes of Yisra’el,” and Joseph became the “Ten Northern Tribes of Yisra’el.” What is interesting about this story is that it is reversing some of the events that happened to Joseph, and causing those same events happen to Judah.
For example, even though Joseph is the one who was sent away by his brothers and he was the youngest (like the prodigal), in the story of Joseph, instead of him going back home to his father Jacob’s house, the ten brothers (symbolic of the older brother Judah) go to Egypt to buy grain. What we are learning in this story is that in the end-times, the same thing that happened to Joseph (typified in the prodigal son) ends up happening to Judah (typified in Joseph’s ten brothers).
In last-days, the very same thing that happened to the Ten Lost Tribes of Ephrayim (symbolic of the younger prodigal son), also happens to the House of Judah! This happens because Judah was puffed up and thought he was more righteous, like the older brother in this story of the prodigal. Because of this, the Heavenly Father in the last-days allows Judah to go through the same thing as Joseph or the prodigal son! He allows Judah to experience the same exile, shame, and humbling experiences.
In the Genesis account, instead of Joseph (symbolic of the prodigal) coming back home and repenting, this time, it is Judah (symbolic of the ten brothers) who end up coming back to Joseph to repent! Even more interesting is that in the story of the prodigal, the father “fell on the son’s neck and kissed him.” But in the story of Joseph, in Genesis 45:14, Joseph fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and then in Genesis 46:19, Joseph fell on his father Jacob’s neck and wept.
What we are seeing here is that in the end-times, these two stories and these two houses (Joseph & Judah) are reversed because there is a process of restoration going on! Consequently, the story of the prodigal son continues to unfold right up until the end as we can see observe many parallels.
Luke 15:
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring here the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The Yom Kippur sacrificial goat! You see, Joseph is a symbol of the Messiah; and his coat of many colors (dipped in the blood of a goat) represents the fact that our Messiah has “sprinkled many nations” (Isaiah 52:15) with his own blood, and thus, he became the “atonement” (covering) for them!
The Hebrew word “kippur” (atonement) comes from a root word “kaphar” which means “covering, coat.” In the story of the prodigal son, we see that the father is giving his son a “robe” (a coat or covering) and he is killing a “fatted calf” instead of a goat. Why a calf instead of a goat? It is because the House of Ephrayim is symbolized by the red heifer or a bullock (Jeremiah 31:18, Hosea 4:16, 10:11, Numbers 19:2) but the House of Judah is symbolized by the goat (Genesis 38:20-28, Zechariah 10:3).
In Leviticus 16, the instructions are given for the High Priest every year on Yom Kippur. The priest is instructed to kill first a “bullock” (a heifer) to cleanse and sanctify himself. And then he is to kill the goat and sprinkle the blood of the goat on the mercy seat. In the final step, he is instructed to “mix the blood of the bullock with the blood of the goat” (Leviticus 16:19) and then he is commanded to sprinkle the altar “seven times” for the entire House of Yisra’el!
Could it be that these “seven times” that the priest sprinkles the blood is for the “seven continents of the world” as well as the “seven covenants” and the “seven colors of the rainbow?” Did I already mention that our Messiah has sprinkled many nations with his blood?
In Leviticus 16, the instructions are given for the High Priest every year on Yom Kippur. The priest is instructed to kill first a “bullock” (a heifer) to cleanse and sanctify himself. And then he is to kill the goat and sprinkle the blood of the goat on the mercy seat. In the final step, he is instructed to “mix the blood of the bullock with the blood of the goat” (Leviticus 16:19) and then he is commanded to sprinkle the altar “seven times” for the entire House of Yisra’el!
Could it be that these “seven times” that the priest sprinkles the blood is for the “seven continents of the world” as well as the “seven covenants” and the “seven colors of the rainbow?” Did I already mention that our Messiah has sprinkled many nations with his blood?
14 As many were astonished at you; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
In the last days when Messiah returns, he will make “Both Houses of Yisra’el” one house again on Yom Kippur! The mixing of the blood of the bullock (heifer) and the blood of the goat symbolizes that both families (Judah & Ephrayim) will then become one family, one bride, and one stick in the hand of YaHuWaH!
The Rivalry Between Rachel & Leah
The Rivalry Between Rachel & Leah
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Some have rationalized “How can Rachel symbolize the House of Judah, when it was Leah who bore Judah?”
If Rachel is the grandmother of Ephrayim and Leah is the mother of Judah, then how did they end up switching places?
In Genesis 48:13-20 we see that Jacob gave the blessing of the “firstborn” to Joseph’s youngest son, Ephrayim, and the blessing of the younger son went to Manasseh. Why did Jacob place his right hand on the younger son and his left hand on the older son? Jacob understood a principle that he was already familiar with, because Jacob was the youngest of twins born to Isaac & Rebekah. Even though Esau was the older twin, the prophecy spoken over him was “The older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23, Romans 9:12).
This principle is illustrated throughout the scriptures as “The first shall become the last, and the last shall become the first” (Matthew 19:30). Our Messiah referred to himself as “The first and the last” in Revelation 1:8 because he came to represent both Houses of Yisra’el (Leah & Rachel’s sons). This is how the sons of Rachel and the sons of Leah will become one family in the last days.
So how did the families switch places? Leah had seven sons altogether, (to include the ones born to her by her maid Zilphah). She also had one daughter (Dina), which made a total of eight children. But notice what Yisra’el (Jacob-Ya’aqob) does here:
In Genesis 37:5, we read that Joseph had a dream wherein eleven of Jacob’s sons would bow down and serve him. This dream later-on came to pass when Joseph was made the ruler over his the brothers who plotted to kill him. The only brothers who did not want to kill Joseph were Reuben and Judah. Benjamin was too young at the time and he was not present when the other brothers plotted to kill Joseph. However it was Judah’s idea to sell Joseph to the slave traders which ultimately saved his life and brought him into his destiny.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:5 And now your two sons, Ephrayim and Manasseh, which were born unto you in the land of Mitzrayim (Egypt) before I came unto you into Mitzrayim (Egypt), are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
*Note: what was happening here? Jacob was giving the blessing of his two oldest sons (Reuben & Simeon) to Ephrayim & Manasseh! This means that Leah was now being given two more children, for a total of ten children! This would make her the mother of the Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim!
In Genesis 37:5, we read that Joseph had a dream wherein eleven of Jacob’s sons would bow down and serve him. This dream later-on came to pass when Joseph was made the ruler over his the brothers who plotted to kill him. The only brothers who did not want to kill Joseph were Reuben and Judah. Benjamin was too young at the time and he was not present when the other brothers plotted to kill Joseph. However it was Judah’s idea to sell Joseph to the slave traders which ultimately saved his life and brought him into his destiny.
Years later, when Joseph was reunited with his brothers, Benjamin was the one who was instrumental in reconciling Jacob’s jealous sons back to Joseph. Jacob did not want to send Benjamin to Egypt for fear that he would be killed, so Judah promised Jacob that he would personally become Benjamin’s “keeper forever” (Genesis 43:8-9). After Joseph was reunited with his father, and Jacob was about to die, he gave Joseph a “double portion” of his inheritance (Genesis 48:22). This means that Joseph would be the tribal leader of both Houses of Yisra’el.
However, Judah was given the “priestly blessing” (the scepter) over the sons of Yisra’el, while Joseph was given the “birthright” which includes the “wealth of the nations.”
Since Rachel’s name means “lamb,” she symbolizes the blood of the Yom Kippur goat and Leah symbolizes the blood of the bullock or the heifer because her name means “weak-eyed” but her name also means “cow.”
In 1st Kings 12, both Houses of Yisra’el split and became two separate kingdoms: The Southern Kingdom of Judah (which included Benjamin & Judah) and The Northern Kingdom of Ephrayim.
When Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin, her body was buried in Bethlehem-Judah (Genesis 35:19; 48:7). Because Rachel’s body was sown into the soil of the House of Judah, her son Benjamin would dwell in the land of Judah. Judah also protected Rachel’s son Joseph when the other brothers wanted to kill him. This is how Judah ended up becoming the son of Rachel.
In Matthew 2:18 & Jeremiah 31:15, we read a prophecy about “Rachel weeping for her children.” In Matthew 2:16 we read that King Herod had all the boys under two years old in the Kingdom of Judah killed in his attempt to kill the Messiah. These children were called “Rachel’s children” because her body was buried there. And thus, we can see how Judah & Benjamin are now counted as the sons of Rachel, and the other ten sons are counted as sons of Leah. The twin goats for Yom Kippur portray the sons of Rachel and the sons of Leah who will become one house in the last days on Yom Kippur at the second coming of Messiah!
When Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin, her body was buried in Bethlehem-Judah (Genesis 35:19; 48:7). Because Rachel’s body was sown into the soil of the House of Judah, her son Benjamin would dwell in the land of Judah. Judah also protected Rachel’s son Joseph when the other brothers wanted to kill him. This is how Judah ended up becoming the son of Rachel.
In Matthew 2:18 & Jeremiah 31:15, we read a prophecy about “Rachel weeping for her children.” In Matthew 2:16 we read that King Herod had all the boys under two years old in the Kingdom of Judah killed in his attempt to kill the Messiah. These children were called “Rachel’s children” because her body was buried there. And thus, we can see how Judah & Benjamin are now counted as the sons of Rachel, and the other ten sons are counted as sons of Leah. The twin goats for Yom Kippur portray the sons of Rachel and the sons of Leah who will become one house in the last days on Yom Kippur at the second coming of Messiah!
This is why Ya’aqob (Jacob-Yisra’el) “switched” his hands over when giving the blessing to the youngest son, Ephrayim.
Yahuwceph (Joseph) was displeased at his father for this, and he tried to remove his father’s hand from Ephrayim’s head. But why did Ya’aqob (Jacob) switch his hands over and give the blessing of the older to the younger? He was illustrating a “kingdom principle” that in order for there to be restoration in the house, there has to be an “equalization” that takes place. This means that the one who was humbled will be exalted and the one who was exalted is going to be humbled!
After Joseph had been humbled (like the prodigal son) as he was sent away to the nations, he was later restored and exalted by Pharaoh. And when he was exalted, he then helped to bring his brothers (symbolic of the older brother, Judah) back to restoration as well. Joseph typifies the Messiah at his first and second coming. He first typifies Messiah as “the suffering servant” when he was humbled and beaten unjustly by his brothers. But then, when he is later on exalted as king, he typifies the Messiah at his second coming for then he will restore his brothers!
At different times in history, each of these families (the sons of Rachel & the sons of Leah) have had to go through similar circumstances, in order for there to be restoration of all things:
Ma’aseh Shlichiym (Acts) 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which Elohiym has spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
Joseph symbolizes “Double Portion Restoration!” Joseph was the first to receive a “double portion” of all that his father Jacob had (Genesis 48:22). At Messiah’s first coming, he typified Joseph as a “humble servant.” However, at his second coming, Yahuwshuwa will also typify Joseph as the “double portion” inheritor, when he is exalted as the king of the earth! He will inherit both Houses of Yisra’el, when he joins both houses together again. Now let’s continue to examine the prophetic typology we see in Joseph & Judah from this parable of the prodigal son:
Luqas (Luke) 15:
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Your brother is come; and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve you, neither transgressed I at any time your commandment: and yet you never gave me a kid (goat), that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this your son was come, which has devoured your living with harlots, you have killed for him the fatted calf.
*Explanation: We see in this parable that the older son (symbolic of Judah) is proud of his own efforts and obedience. He is begrudging his younger brother of receiving a second inheritance. It seems unfair, that the younger brother first received his inheritance (salvation), but he squandered it on wild and lawless living. But does he deserve another portion of his father’s inheritance? You can almost understand how his older brother felt. He probably felt that his younger brother should not be rewarded with another portion when he squandered the first one.
This reminds us of the Christian Church today, who have received an inheritance (salvation by grace through faith). But many of them think that grace is a license to go on sinning, and that they are no longer under obligation to obey the Mosaic Law (Towrah). This is exactly the picture of the prodigal son! Now, in these last-days, the prodigal son is coming back home with a humble heart of repentance before his father, and he is willing to be just a “servant” in his father’s house (a hired hand).
Instead, what does his father do? He gives him another inheritance! Jacob also gave to Joseph “one portion above his brethren” (Genesis 48:22). And now, the prodigal son (typified in Joseph) is also receiving another portion, when he is restored to his father. This did not seem fair to the older brother. He did not think that his brother should get another portion after wasting the first portion.
The prodigal son was given a “robe,” which is symbolic of the blood atonement or covering of Messiah, typified in the Yom Kippur goat. The robe also represents provision. It symbolizes the white wedding garment of righteousness.
Did you know that the color “white” is the presence of all the colors of the rainbow? I learned this years ago in my art class in High School. The color white contains all the colors of the spectrum, whereas black is the absence of all the colors.
This means that the “white robe of righteousness” given to the bride is the combination of all of the colors in Joseph’s coat! See Revelation 4:3; 6:11; 7:9; 7:13; 7:14; 10;1 & 19:8.
The prodigal son was also given a “ring,” which is symbolic of his father’s name. It was actually a “signet ring” which comes from the root word “signature.” This means that the ring had a monogram of the family name on it. He also received shoes on his feet. Why shoes on his feet? In Genesis 3:15, this prophecy gives us a clue:
Yahuwchanon (John) 13:8 Keefa (Peter) said unto him, You shall never wash my feet. Yahuwshuwa answered him, If I wash you not, you have no part with me.
Yahuwshuwa was illustrating for us through this act, that when we wash one another’s feet, we are humbling ourselves and thus we will be able to restore each other back to the inheritance of Yisra’el through Messiah. In Ephesians 6:15, the armor of Elohiym includes having one’s feet shod with the gospel of peace. Washing each others feet is a powerful weapon against the adversary, because it restores peace between the Two Houses of Yisra’el and it crushes the head of the serpent!
The younger son in the story of the prodigal who was “The last” or “The least” ended up becoming as “The first-born” when he repented and received blood atonement. He was “born-again” (resurrected from the dead) and then he received “A double portion inheritance!” It is for this reason that YaHuWaH called Ephrayim “My first-born” in Jeremiah 31:9. In Luke 16, the father exhorted the older brother (symbolic of Judah) that he should rejoice over his younger brother Ephrayim coming back to Towrah obedience!
But lo and behold, what do we see happening in these last days? Many Jews are getting angry at the fact that so many Christians are coming out of their pagan ways to embrace Towrah. They say things like “These Gentiles are trying to act like one of us, but they don’t deserve salvation….they are nothing more than heathens unworthy of the Father’s favor…”
We also see the same attitude with some Christians who are angry at the fact that many are coming out of the Mother Harlot Church, and they are now embracing their Hebraic or “Jewish Roots” and they are beginning to identify with the Yahuwdiy (Jews). They say things like “These Christians are trying to act like Jews, but they are going back under the law…they are becoming Judaizers!”
Both of these wrong attitudes among Christians & Jews remind me of this parable:
This means that the “white robe of righteousness” given to the bride is the combination of all of the colors in Joseph’s coat! See Revelation 4:3; 6:11; 7:9; 7:13; 7:14; 10;1 & 19:8.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:15 And I will put enmity between you [the serpent] and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise (crush) your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
In this prophecy, we can see that the woman’s seed (Messiah) would bruise (crush) the head of the serpent (Satan). But the serpent would bruise the “heel” of the woman’s seed. What does the “heel” represent? The heel represents the inheritance.
In this prophecy, we can see that the woman’s seed (Messiah) would bruise (crush) the head of the serpent (Satan). But the serpent would bruise the “heel” of the woman’s seed. What does the “heel” represent? The heel represents the inheritance.
Feet Represent Inheritance
In Genesis 25:26, we read that Jacob grabbed his brother Esau’s heel in the womb as a symbol that later-on when they grew up, Jacob would grab the inheritance away from his older brother, Esau. This is how we know that the “heel” is symbolic of the inheritance:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 25:26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Ya’aqob (Jacob): and Yitzchaq (Isaac) was threescore years old when she bare them.
In Joshua 1:3, YaHuWaH instructed Yisra’el as they were going into the Promised Land, that wherever the sole of their foot would tread, they would be given as an inheritance:
Yahuwshuwa (Joshua) 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Mosheh (Moses).
In John 13:5-14, Yahuwshuwa washed the feet of his disciples as a symbol that he was cleansing his inheritance. He even told Peter that if he did not wash his feet, he could receive no part of his inheritance:
Yahuwchanon (John) 13:8 Keefa (Peter) said unto him, You shall never wash my feet. Yahuwshuwa answered him, If I wash you not, you have no part with me.
Yahuwshuwa was illustrating for us through this act, that when we wash one another’s feet, we are humbling ourselves and thus we will be able to restore each other back to the inheritance of Yisra’el through Messiah. In Ephesians 6:15, the armor of Elohiym includes having one’s feet shod with the gospel of peace. Washing each others feet is a powerful weapon against the adversary, because it restores peace between the Two Houses of Yisra’el and it crushes the head of the serpent!
The younger son in the story of the prodigal who was “The last” or “The least” ended up becoming as “The first-born” when he repented and received blood atonement. He was “born-again” (resurrected from the dead) and then he received “A double portion inheritance!” It is for this reason that YaHuWaH called Ephrayim “My first-born” in Jeremiah 31:9. In Luke 16, the father exhorted the older brother (symbolic of Judah) that he should rejoice over his younger brother Ephrayim coming back to Towrah obedience!
But lo and behold, what do we see happening in these last days? Many Jews are getting angry at the fact that so many Christians are coming out of their pagan ways to embrace Towrah. They say things like “These Gentiles are trying to act like one of us, but they don’t deserve salvation….they are nothing more than heathens unworthy of the Father’s favor…”
We also see the same attitude with some Christians who are angry at the fact that many are coming out of the Mother Harlot Church, and they are now embracing their Hebraic or “Jewish Roots” and they are beginning to identify with the Yahuwdiy (Jews). They say things like “These Christians are trying to act like Jews, but they are going back under the law…they are becoming Judaizers!”
Both of these wrong attitudes among Christians & Jews remind me of this parable:
Luqas (Luke) 15:
31 And he said unto him, Son, you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours.
32 It was necessary that we should make merry, and be glad: for this your brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
We see in this parable, a picture of the Heavenly Father telling the House of Judah “son you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours.” This is symbolic of the first-born sons who came into the kingdom ahead of the younger sons. We see often-times that those who have been walking in the faith of Messiah for many years begin to grow dependent upon their own righteousness and they forget that at one time they too were like the younger son who was newly repentant and excited about his new-found faith.
Those of us who are more mature in the faith find it easy to make fun of the “newbies” thinking ourselves to be better than they are. But you see, the Father delights in the “newbies” and he wants us to rejoice over them with him! On a corporate level, the ten divorced and scattered tribes from the House of Ephrayim are a picture of the younger son in the story of the prodigal. And this group in the last days will begin to follow the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) as prophesied in Zechariah 8:23:
Zekaryahuw (Zechariah) 8:23 Thus says YHWH of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt (kanaph, tziyt-tziyt) of him that is a Yahuwdiy (Jew), saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that Elohiym is with you.
Malakiy (Malachi) 4:2 “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…”
On the four corners of these prayer shawls we are commanded to place on them “fringes” to remind us that we are to obey the commandments (Deuteronomy 22:12, Numbers 15:38).
These “fringes” are called “tziyt-tziyt” in Hebrew. The word for “wings” in Malachi 4:2 is #H3671 in the Hebrew Concordance, which is “kanaph” and this is the same word used in Zechariah 8:23 for skirt!
These “fringes” are called “tziyt-tziyt” in Hebrew. The word for “wings” in Malachi 4:2 is #H3671 in the Hebrew Concordance, which is “kanaph” and this is the same word used in Zechariah 8:23 for skirt!
Interestingly, the Hebrew word for “ten” in Zechariah 8:23 means “any number divisible by ten.” This means that the prophecy is not limited to a literal ten men, but it can mean tens of thousands of Gentiles taking hold of the Towrah!
This “one Jew” is Yahuwshuwa himself who is from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah). But this prophecy is also speaking about those who are Yahuwdiym (Jews) because their hearts are inwardly circumcised according to Romans 2:28, and they “follow the Lamb wherever he goes” (Revelation 14:4).
The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) illustrated that those who obey the Towrah are considered Jews. Here in Romans 2, Sha’uwl is rebuking the older brother Judah:
The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) illustrated that those who obey the Towrah are considered Jews. Here in Romans 2, Sha’uwl is rebuking the older brother Judah:
Romiym (Romans) 2:
23 You that make your boast of the Towrah (law), through breaking the Towrah (law) dishonour You Elohiym?
24 For the name of Elohiym is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
25 For circumcision verily profits, if You keep the Towrah (law): but if You be a breaker of the Towrah (law), your circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the Towrah (law), shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the Towrah (law), judge you, who by the letter and circumcision does transgress the Towrah (law)?
28 For he is not a Yahuwdiy (Jew), which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
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.
What we see here is an “attitude” of superiority displayed by the Jews in Paul’s day who thought that they were more righteous in their obedience to the Mosaic Law (Towrah). He was telling them that even though they took pride in themselves for their obedience, they were not as obedient inwardly as they pretended to be outwardly. Paul was telling these Jews in his day that even if the Gentiles begin to obey the Mosaic Law (Towrah) their uncircumcision would be looked upon by the Father in Heaven as circumcision!
So you see, Sha’uwl (Paul) was equating being a Yahuwdiy (a Jew) to one who obeys Towrah! He told these Jews of his day that in the end, the Heavenly Father, YaHuWaH will count the obedient ones as Yahuwdiy (Jews)! What does this word “Jew” really mean? In the Hebrew Strong’s Concordance we see the meaning:
#3064. Yhuwdiy yeh-hoo-dee’ patronymically from 3063; a Jehudite (i.e. Judaite or Jew), or descendant of Jehudah (Judah):--Jew.
#3063. Yhuwdah yeh-hoo-daw’ from 3034; celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory:--Judah.
*Note: the name Yahuwdah (Judah) also means “celebrated” because it is the House of Judah who have maintained the celebration of all of YaHuWaH’s holy feast days!
*Note: the name Yahuwdah (Judah) also means “celebrated” because it is the House of Judah who have maintained the celebration of all of YaHuWaH’s holy feast days!
#3061. Yhuwd yeh-hood’ (Aramaic) contracted from a form corresponding to 3063; properly, Judah, hence, Judaea:--Jewry, Judah, Judea.
The name Yahuwdah (Judah) comes from this 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 thanks.
The name Yahuwdah (Judah) comes from this 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 thanks.
When Leah gave birth to her 4th son, Judah, she said “Now, I will praise YaHuWaH!” (Genesis 29:35).
And this is why she named him YaHuWDaH, because it is the name of YaHuWaH with the added 4th letter dalet (meaning the door)!
The name of Yahuwdah (Judah) comes from the same letters in our Creator’s name YaHuWaH but with one extra letter added. The “dalet” is the 4th letter in the Hebrew Alphabet and it means “The door.” Our Messiah is “The door” that the sheep go through in order to come to the Father (John 10:7).
Yahuwshuwa Messiah is from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) and he came to us in the 4th millennium. He also died on the 4th day of the week (what we today call Wednesday), and Judah was the 4th son born to Leah & Jacob. The 4th letter is the door! Now we know why Yahuwshuwa said this to the Samaritan woman:
Yahuwchanon (John) 4:22 You worship you know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Yahuwdiy (Jews).
What did he mean? Was he talking about man-made religion? Was he talking about Judaism? No! He was talking about a tribe of people who “follow the lamb where ever he goes!” (Revelation 14:4). All those who follow the Lamb, the Lion of the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) will enter through his door to the Father and they also have their Father’s name in their foreheads which is YaHuWaH!
There are those who call themselves “Jews” (simply because they follow Judaism) but if they continue to reject the Messiah’s blood atonement, in the end, they will end up taking the “Mark of the Beast” and they will not be counted as “Yahuwdiym.” In Ezekiel 5:2, the prophecy states that “one third” of the inhabitants of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) will be saved but the other “two thirds” will perish.
There are those who call themselves “Jews” (simply because they follow Judaism) but if they continue to reject the Messiah’s blood atonement, in the end, they will end up taking the “Mark of the Beast” and they will not be counted as “Yahuwdiym.” In Ezekiel 5:2, the prophecy states that “one third” of the inhabitants of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) will be saved but the other “two thirds” will perish.
In Revelation 2:9 & Revelation 3:9 our Messiah described those who would call themselves “Jews,” but they are not, but they are of the “Synagogue of Satan.” They may “appear” to be keeping Towrah outwardly or externally but if they do not have their hearts circumcised by the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) and they are not cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, then they have rejected the “Living Towrah” who is Messiah himself.
In 1st Kings 12, King Jeroboam separated himself from the House of David, and he took with him, the Ten Northern Tribes of Yisra’el. They eventually became known as “Gentiles” when they forsook the covenant with their false pagan deities and holidays. This is what caused them to become divorced in Jeremiah 3:8.
But many of them returned back to the covenant when they accepted the blood of Messiah as atonement for their sins at his first coming. Those within Christianity who are still keeping these same pagan holidays are no different than those Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim. The Sabbaths and feasts are a sign of our covenant with YaHuWaH, but many Christians are not obeying these commandments, even though they profess to accept the blood of the Lamb for their sins.
In 1st Kings 12, King Jeroboam separated himself from the House of David, and he took with him, the Ten Northern Tribes of Yisra’el. They eventually became known as “Gentiles” when they forsook the covenant with their false pagan deities and holidays. This is what caused them to become divorced in Jeremiah 3:8.
But many of them returned back to the covenant when they accepted the blood of Messiah as atonement for their sins at his first coming. Those within Christianity who are still keeping these same pagan holidays are no different than those Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim. The Sabbaths and feasts are a sign of our covenant with YaHuWaH, but many Christians are not obeying these commandments, even though they profess to accept the blood of the Lamb for their sins.
If these Christians continue in their paganism, they are inadvertently “Trampling underfoot the grace of Elohiym” and they are crucifying to themselves the “Son of Elohiym” afresh (Hebrews 10:26-30). Both Houses of Yisra’el are rejecting the blood of the Lamb in some form.
The House of Ephrayim (symbolic of Christianity) are doing it inadvertently when they reject the written Towrah, for they have returned back to the very sins that they were supposedly cleansed from. But the House of Yahuwdah (Judaism) are rejecting the blood of the Lamb by their rejection of Messiah himself (the Living Towrah). Within both houses (Ephrayim & Judah) there is a partial rejection of the Messiah. Either they are rejecting his written Towrah or they are rejecting his “person” (his Spirit).
The House of Ephrayim (symbolic of Christianity) are doing it inadvertently when they reject the written Towrah, for they have returned back to the very sins that they were supposedly cleansed from. But the House of Yahuwdah (Judaism) are rejecting the blood of the Lamb by their rejection of Messiah himself (the Living Towrah). Within both houses (Ephrayim & Judah) there is a partial rejection of the Messiah. Either they are rejecting his written Towrah or they are rejecting his “person” (his Spirit).
Yahuwshuwa himself commanded us to worship the Father “In spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). The House of Yahuwdah (Judah) claim to follow the Towrah (the book of truth), but often-times they obey the traditions of men (Talmud) more than they do the Towrah.
Christianity claims to follow the “person” of Messiah himself (his Holy Spirit), but they reject his instructions (his Towrah). Consequently, there are those who reject the Towrah (the book of truth) and there are those who reject the Holy Spirit (the Messiah himself). However, we need both the Holy Spirit & the written Towrah. Messiah Yahuwshuwa, is both the written Towrah come to us in human flesh, but he is also the embodiment of the Spirit of YaHuWaH!
Christianity claims to follow the “person” of Messiah himself (his Holy Spirit), but they reject his instructions (his Towrah). Consequently, there are those who reject the Towrah (the book of truth) and there are those who reject the Holy Spirit (the Messiah himself). However, we need both the Holy Spirit & the written Towrah. Messiah Yahuwshuwa, is both the written Towrah come to us in human flesh, but he is also the embodiment of the Spirit of YaHuWaH!
Dual Covenant Theology
There is currently a false teaching going on today propagated by what are called “The Noahide Laws” within Judaism. The Vatican and other televangelists like John Hagee have also embraced this false doctrine. This theology states that “Jews do not need Jesus to be saved.” They claim that the Jews are already saved by keeping the Towrah, hence they do not need blood atonement. They also claim that Christians do need need to obey the Towrah, because “they believe in Jesus.” This false doctrine claims that Christians can be saved by the blood of the Lamb without obedience to Towrah.
Those who promote “Dual Covenant Theology” claim that only the Ten Northern Tribes (returning Gentiles) need blood atonement seen in the story of the prodigal son. However, these proponents of Dual Covenant Theology are forgetting that after the Roman Siege in 70 A.D., the House of Judah also became estranged and widowed (sent away) to the nations as well!
Those who promote “Dual Covenant Theology” claim that only the Ten Northern Tribes (returning Gentiles) need blood atonement seen in the story of the prodigal son. However, these proponents of Dual Covenant Theology are forgetting that after the Roman Siege in 70 A.D., the House of Judah also became estranged and widowed (sent away) to the nations as well!
The prophet Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) was shown in Jeremiah chapter 24 that the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) would be carried away captive by Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon; but even after a remnant from the House of Judah returned back to the land of Jerusalem, many of them were taken captive by “Mystery Babylon Religion” (Rome) into Europe in 70 A.D. This is where the Roman Catholic Church influenced them once again into Babylonian ways. Listen to what the House of Judah said concerning their Messiah:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 27:25-29 “…..Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children…. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Yahuwdiym (Jews)!”
So you see, the House of Judah (symbolized by the older brother in the prodigal son parable) were guilty as a nation of shedding innocent blood. But in the future, they will finally “Look upon the one whom they pierced” (Zechariah 12:10).
The House of Ephrayim (Yisrael) were divorced for their idolatry (Jeremiah 3:8). But the House of Judah became “widows” because they killed their own Messiah, causing them to also be without a husband (Isaiah 54:4).
The Hebrew word for “widow” is synonymous with being forsaken, discarded, sent away, and divorced!
The House of Ephrayim (Yisrael) were divorced for their idolatry (Jeremiah 3:8). But the House of Judah became “widows” because they killed their own Messiah, causing them to also be without a husband (Isaiah 54:4).
The Hebrew word for “widow” is synonymous with being forsaken, discarded, sent away, and divorced!
#490 'almanah al-maw-naw' fem of 488; a widow; also a desolate place:--desolate house (palace), widow.
#488 'alman al-mawn' prolonged from 481 in the sense of bereavement; discarded (as a divorced person):--forsaken.
#488 'alman al-mawn' prolonged from 481 in the sense of bereavement; discarded (as a divorced person):--forsaken.
The Ten Northern Tribes of the House of Ephrayim (Israel) were divorced after they left the Kingdom of Judah in 1st Kings chapter 12. But the House of Judah were later widowed by the killing of their own bridegroom, their own Messiah!
Even though corporately speaking, it was Ephrayim (Ten Northern Tribes) who first left the covenant, the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) must also admit that they too have become like the prodigal son. Judah has also fallen away just like Ephrayim. In the story of the prodigal son, the older son can typify both, The House of Ephrayim on one level but it can also typify The House of Yahuwdah (Judah) on another level.
The Two Houses of Yisra’el have switched places over time. Judah was born to the older sister, Leah (who married Jacob first). But Joseph was born last to the younger sister (Rachel) who married Jacob last.
Joseph received from his father Jacob “first-born” status through his youngest son Ephrayim (born last). And Joseph also received “an extra portion above his brothers” (the double portion).
Joseph received from his father Jacob “first-born” status through his youngest son Ephrayim (born last). And Joseph also received “an extra portion above his brothers” (the double portion).
Later on in history, in Jeremiah 3:8 and in 1st Kings 12, Ephrayim was sent away to the nations for his harlotry with idols. In Hosea 4:17 we read: “Ephrayim is joined to idols: let him alone.”
When Messiah came the first time, during his earthly ministry, he came for “The Lost Sheep of the House of Yisra’el,” (Matthew 15:24). In other words, he came for “The Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim,” who were estranged from the covenant. At that time Judah, (the older brother) was still in covenant and YaHuWaH had not divorced them yet. The rebuke that Messiah had for the House of Judah is that they were supposed to be helping the lost sheep come back to the covenant, but they were like the older brother in the story of the prodigal son. They did not believe that the Heavenly Father should allow the other ten tribes to come back home since they had squandered their inheritance.
In Romans 7 & Colossians 2, the Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) made a distinction between “The law of divorce” seen in Deuteronomy 24 (which the ten divorced Tribes of Yisra’el were under) versus “The law of the spirit of life,” which is the Mosaic Law now transferred from stone tablets into “fleshy tables of the heart” (2nd Corinthians 3:3).
The New Covenant is in all actuality is a “renewed marriage covenant” which includes the same terms and conditions of the Mosaic Covenant. The only difference with the New Covenant, is that it is being administered by an eternal High Priest, Melchizedek who can never die behind the veil, because he has an endless life. Our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa has renewed the broken marriage covenant with both Houses of Yisra’el and he has sealed it with his own blood. As a sign of his Renewed Covenant, he has given both Houses of Yisra’el, the deposit of the Holy Spirit which is like an engagement ring.
The New Covenant is in all actuality is a “renewed marriage covenant” which includes the same terms and conditions of the Mosaic Covenant. The only difference with the New Covenant, is that it is being administered by an eternal High Priest, Melchizedek who can never die behind the veil, because he has an endless life. Our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa has renewed the broken marriage covenant with both Houses of Yisra’el and he has sealed it with his own blood. As a sign of his Renewed Covenant, he has given both Houses of Yisra’el, the deposit of the Holy Spirit which is like an engagement ring.
When Messiah died on the tree outside of the city limits of Jerusalem, he was fulfilling the pattern of the Red Heifer as seen in Numbers 19. This gave the House of Ephrayim freedom from the law of divorce which kept them away and out of covenant with him.
According to Deuteronomy 24, once a man divorced his wife, and wrote her a certificate of divorce, she was free to remarry. But she could never go back to her first husband. Ten out of Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el were divorced with a handwriting of ordinances called “The law of divorce.” They were then sent away to the nations and they remarried their Baalim (false deities). Because of this handwriting contained in ordinances, the Jewish Rabbis invented man-made ordinances (which was against us) that would keep the divorced tribes (Gentiles) away from the temple. This is called “That middle wall of partition” (Ephesians 2:14).
If any Gentile went beyond that wall, they would be stoned to death! The Gentiles were then prevented from hearing the Law & Prophets preached and they could not receive blood atonement for their sins, thereby allowing them to come back into covenant.
Yahuwshuwa Messiah came to set Ephrayim “Free from the law of divorce” and the “Doctrines and commandments of men,” which were the Rabbinic Laws that kept them separated from Yahuwdah (Judah).
These man-made ordinances (dogma) prevented the Gentiles from coming to the temple where they could hear the Towrah, repent and be saved. In Romans 7, the Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) explained that once a woman’s husband was dead, she was free from “The law of her husband” (in other words, the law in Deuteronomy 24 which said she could never return to him).
Yahuwshuwa Messiah therefore died in order to free the divorced Tribes of Yisra’el from their divorce! They were NOT made free from the Mosaic Law! The Mosaic Law (Towrah) is their written marriage contract! Why would he set them free from their marriage covenant with him?
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Ruwth (Ruth) 1:16 And Ruwth (Ruth) said, Intreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you: 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:
In the Towrah, the Yisra’elites were commanded not to marry from the Moabites, and yet Ruth “converted” and she joined the House of Judah! She did not join a religion called “Judaism,” nor did she have any “Jewish” blood in her veins, and yet she went back to the land of “Judah” with Naomi.
This means that she “sojourned” with a Yahuwdiy (Jew)! She became a Jew when she traveled and sojourned with a Jew! It was only after Ruth converted or “crossed over” that she was able to marry Boaz who was from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah)! Boaz is a prophetic “type” of Messiah and Ruth is a “prophetic type” of the Gentiles who convert in the last days! In Revelation 14:4 there is a group of people called “The 144 Thousand” who are the bride and they “follow the lamb wherever he goes.” This bride follows the Messiah from the Tribe of Judah! She joins his tribe just like Ruth!
This means that she “sojourned” with a Yahuwdiy (Jew)! She became a Jew when she traveled and sojourned with a Jew! It was only after Ruth converted or “crossed over” that she was able to marry Boaz who was from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah)! Boaz is a prophetic “type” of Messiah and Ruth is a “prophetic type” of the Gentiles who convert in the last days! In Revelation 14:4 there is a group of people called “The 144 Thousand” who are the bride and they “follow the lamb wherever he goes.” This bride follows the Messiah from the Tribe of Judah! She joins his tribe just like Ruth!
What happened to Ruth is the same thing that is now happening on a much larger scale as we see that “Ten men from the Gentile nations are grabbing the corners of the garment” or the “tziyt-tziyt” of a Yahuwdiym (Jew) as seen in Zechariah 8:23. This is a prophetic picture of the younger prodigal son typified in the Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim grabbing onto the commandments of the older brother, from the Two Southern Tribes of Yahuwdah (Judah)!
Often-times in prophecy we can see multiple layers of fulfillment. In Matthew 13:25-30 our Messiah told a parable about the “wheat & tares,” symbolizing those have been converted into Yahuwdiy (Jews) ready to marry the bridegroom, and those who are not converted. The tares look very much like the wheat and it is very difficult to tell them apart. We can see that there are those who thought they were wheat (true Jews) but they have to come to terms with the fact that they are tares before they can be “reborn” and transformed into wheat.
The House of Yahuwdah (Judah) is embodied in Yahuwshuwa himself, not in a religion called Judaism. I am not saying that those within Rabbinic Judaism are not truly Jews. That is for the Heavenly Father to decide. I do not know who has the DNA of the House of Yahuwdah (Judah), but the Father in Heaven does, so it is not my place to make a determination as to who are the true Jews and who are not. But if those who say that they are Jews, never embrace the blood covenant of Messiah Yahuwshuwa, they won’t come into their inheritance.
It is only by his blood that the House of Ephrayim will become one with the House of Yahuwdah (Judah). There is no other way! He said “I am the way, the truth and the life, NO MAN (even Jews) can come to Father, but by me” Yahuwchanon (John) 14:6.
His blood is what accounts us all as “righteous” in the end. Only through Yahuwshuwa’s blood are we going to be counted as “Yahuwdah” (Judah).
His blood is what accounts us all as “righteous” in the end. Only through Yahuwshuwa’s blood are we going to be counted as “Yahuwdah” (Judah).
Why does the bride have to join the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) in order to marry the Messiah? As I illustrated earlier, the name YaHuWDaH (Judah) is the very same name as our Heavenly Father YaHuWaH with one extra letter added to it called “The dalet” which means “The door.”
The dalet is the equivalent of the English letter “D” and it is the 4th letter in the Hebrew Alphabet. Yahuwshuwa said that he is “the door” that the sheep must enter in through in order to come to the Father. Hence, to have the name of the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) means that you have the Father’s name plus the Messiah’s name (the door) or the dalet! In order to have the Father’s name written in your forehead, you must first acknowledge the son:
The dalet is the equivalent of the English letter “D” and it is the 4th letter in the Hebrew Alphabet. Yahuwshuwa said that he is “the door” that the sheep must enter in through in order to come to the Father. Hence, to have the name of the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) means that you have the Father’s name plus the Messiah’s name (the door) or the dalet! In order to have the Father’s name written in your forehead, you must first acknowledge the son:
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 2:23 Whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Tziyown (Zion), and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads….These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins….These are they which follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto Elohiym and to the Lamb.
*Note: This group of 144 thousand are said to have “His Father’s name.” Beloved, “he” is none other than Ephrayim! He is the one who was called the multitude of nations by his grandfather, Jacob. In the last days, he joins with his older brother Judah, and he is then called “One new man” (Ephesians 2:15).
However, he will not be called Ephrayim any longer! He has a new name now, because he has become “one stick” with the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) according to Ezekiel 37:16. And now, he has the name of YaHuWaH which is his Father’s name, but he also has the name of the Son (the door, the dalet) which means that he is now part of the Tribe of YaHuWDaH!
However, he will not be called Ephrayim any longer! He has a new name now, because he has become “one stick” with the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) according to Ezekiel 37:16. And now, he has the name of YaHuWaH which is his Father’s name, but he also has the name of the Son (the door, the dalet) which means that he is now part of the Tribe of YaHuWDaH!
In Ezekiel 47:22 any “stranger” who had been estranged from the covenant could “sojourn” with an Yisra’elite tribe and he would then become as “one born among” that tribe. This means that any Gentile who comes back into covenant and he “sojourns” or “abides with” the Messiah from the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) becomes a Yahuwdiy (Jew)!
The House of Ephrayim represents more than just the physical descendants of Yahuwceph (Joseph). Ephrayim is a metaphor of every human being who admits his fallen state and comes back to the Father repenting. When he does this, he receives blood atonement.
Like the prodigal son, who received the fatted calf when he came back home, this is the same condition of every person who admits he is a sinner.
Every human being must admit their sinful nature before they can achieve the status of “first born.” This must happen in the life of every person whether they are a “Jew” (Yahuwdiy) or a Gentile. We must first “descend” (be humbled) just as Yahuwshuwa descended (before ascending back to the Father).
The Hebrew word for Jordan River is “Yarden” and it means “descender.” When our Messiah was immersed (baptized) in the Yarden (Jordan) he “descended” as a symbol of death to the old man (Romans 6:4). But when he came up out of the water, that is a symbol of his resurrection and “ascension” back to the Father in Heaven.
Every human being must admit their sinful nature before they can achieve the status of “first born.” This must happen in the life of every person whether they are a “Jew” (Yahuwdiy) or a Gentile. We must first “descend” (be humbled) just as Yahuwshuwa descended (before ascending back to the Father).
The Hebrew word for Jordan River is “Yarden” and it means “descender.” When our Messiah was immersed (baptized) in the Yarden (Jordan) he “descended” as a symbol of death to the old man (Romans 6:4). But when he came up out of the water, that is a symbol of his resurrection and “ascension” back to the Father in Heaven.
Ya’aqob (Jacob)’s name means “supplanter” and he also descended into deception when he supplanted his brother Esau’s inheritance. But when he repented for deceiving his Father Yitzchaq (Isaac), then he was “transformed” into one who “prevails” and he became Yisra’el.
Once we are humbled and broken over our fallen nature, we can come back up to the first-born status as Ephrayim did!
In the end, Ephrayim (on a corporate level) will join the stick of Yahuwdah (Judah) and they shall become ONE in Messiah, ONE HOUSE under Yahuwdah (Judah), embodied in Yahuwshuwa himself.
There is no difference in the Father’s eyes with regard to the sinful heart of man.
Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
YaHuWaH desires to see both houses of Yisra’el (Jew & Gentile) come together as ONE NEW MAN (Ephesians 2:12-15).
Yahuwshuwa has abolished in his flesh the “enmity” of the sinful human nature which keeps Yahuwdah (Judah) & Ephrayim divided to this day.
The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) declared in Galatians 3:28 “there is neither Yahuwdiy (Jew) nor Gentile (Greek) for we are ONE in Yahuwshuwa Messiah.”
Ephrayim represents every human being (Jew or Gentile) who has departed from Towrah (the Father’s instructions) and he must repent and come back into his identity with the Father again.
But Yahuwdah (Judah) represents every human being (Jew or Gentile) who becomes “born-again,” and he recognizes his inheritance, but then he begins to depend on his own human efforts instead of the blood atonement of Messiah. And because of his dependence on his own human efforts, he forgets that the source of his salvation comes from the Father, and not by his own merit. When this happens, Judah represents every human being who must be humbled as he realizes, that at any moment he too is able to fall just like Ephrayim.
This principle is seen over and over again in scripture, because “pride goes before destruction, and a spirit of haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). When we think we are better than others because of our own self-righteousness, then we are shown to be just as “fallen” as the prodigal son.
There is no difference in the Father’s eyes with regard to the sinful heart of man.
Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
YaHuWaH desires to see both houses of Yisra’el (Jew & Gentile) come together as ONE NEW MAN (Ephesians 2:12-15).
Yahuwshuwa has abolished in his flesh the “enmity” of the sinful human nature which keeps Yahuwdah (Judah) & Ephrayim divided to this day.
The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) declared in Galatians 3:28 “there is neither Yahuwdiy (Jew) nor Gentile (Greek) for we are ONE in Yahuwshuwa Messiah.”
Ephrayim represents every human being (Jew or Gentile) who has departed from Towrah (the Father’s instructions) and he must repent and come back into his identity with the Father again.
But Yahuwdah (Judah) represents every human being (Jew or Gentile) who becomes “born-again,” and he recognizes his inheritance, but then he begins to depend on his own human efforts instead of the blood atonement of Messiah. And because of his dependence on his own human efforts, he forgets that the source of his salvation comes from the Father, and not by his own merit. When this happens, Judah represents every human being who must be humbled as he realizes, that at any moment he too is able to fall just like Ephrayim.
This principle is seen over and over again in scripture, because “pride goes before destruction, and a spirit of haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). When we think we are better than others because of our own self-righteousness, then we are shown to be just as “fallen” as the prodigal son.
Luqas (Luke) 18:
9 And he spoke this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, Elohiym, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote (beat) upon his breast, saying, Elohiym be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.
In the illustration above, the Pharisee trusted in his own righteousness by Towrah obedience. But the Publican admitted his fallen state and his prayer was accepted. This is the principle seen with Ephrayim & Yahuwdah (Judah). Ephrayim is like the Publican (tax collector) who received mercy when he repented. But Yahuwdah (Judah) represents the Pharisee who trusted in his own righteousness and he soon forgets that he too was born with a sinful nature.
Every human being must see his fallen state before he can come back up to the status of the “first-born.”
The First Becomes Last, and The Last Becomes First.
Marqos (Mark) 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and said unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
Marqos (Mark) 10:31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
And it is this very principle that causes Ephrayim to receive the status of “first-born.” Ephrayim did nothing to earn his first-born status. He was helpless to receive this title. The Father simply “chose” Ephrayim because he has mercy on whom he will have mercy (Romans 9:15-18).
Over and over again we see this principle of the first becoming the last, and the last becoming the first. This is a “kingdom” principle. The first born son often becomes the last, and the last son becomes the first. We see it with King Dawiyd (David) who was the youngest and yet, he was chosen as king over his older brothers, who seemed more qualified in the natural. We see it with Yahuwceph (Joseph) who was the youngest and the outcast as he later became a king as well. We see it also with Ya’aqob (Jacob) & Esau, Manasseh & Ephrayim etc.
Regardless of whether you were born with Yisra’elite (Israelite) DNA, or if you were born as a Gentile, every human being must become as the “least” before he can come back up to status of the “first-born.” In other words, we must be born-again!
Over and over again we see this principle of the first becoming the last, and the last becoming the first. This is a “kingdom” principle. The first born son often becomes the last, and the last son becomes the first. We see it with King Dawiyd (David) who was the youngest and yet, he was chosen as king over his older brothers, who seemed more qualified in the natural. We see it with Yahuwceph (Joseph) who was the youngest and the outcast as he later became a king as well. We see it also with Ya’aqob (Jacob) & Esau, Manasseh & Ephrayim etc.
Regardless of whether you were born with Yisra’elite (Israelite) DNA, or if you were born as a Gentile, every human being must become as the “least” before he can come back up to status of the “first-born.” In other words, we must be born-again!
Yahuwchanon (John) 3:
3 Yahuwshuwa answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of Elohiym.
4 Nicodemus says unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Yahuwshuwa answered, 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.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.
Our Messiah taught us a principle about a seed that falls to the ground and dies, before it can produce fruit.
Yahuwchanon (John) 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone: but if it dies, it bring forth much fruit.
Similarly, a caterpillar must go into the cocoon and “die to the old nature” before he can become “born-anew” as a butterfly!
In the story of the prodigal son, on a corporate level, the older brother is Yahuwdah (Judah) and the younger brother is Ephrayim at the time of Messiah’s first coming. But in these last days, the tables are turning!
Back when Messiah was here, the House of Judah was behaving as if they were superior, like the older brother. They were not willing to welcome back the lost sinners symbolized by the younger brother. But today, I see born-again Christians acting superior because they think that they are better than Judah, now that they have obtained salvation.
Many Christians are now behaving like the older brother because they have received the “born-again” experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit while many Jews have not accepted the blood atonement of Messiah yet. This means that the House of Judah have now become more like the younger and lost brother.
On an individual level, in the kingdom of heaven, we have to die if we want to gain eternal life. We have to go low if we want to come up higher. We have to humble ourselves before we are exalted. We have to become the least before we can become great in the kingdom. We have to admit our fallen state before we can repent and become a “new creature.”
In the end, we see that there truly is no difference in the Father’s eyes between Yahuwdiym (Jews) and Ephrayim (former Gentiles). Both houses of Yisra’el have been estranged from the Father because of the sinful fallen nature. But both houses must accept the status of the “least,” before they can come back up to the status of the first-born.
For more understanding about Two House Theology, please see my other blogs
Called, Chosen & Faithful: Are you a Hebrew, an Israelite, or a Jew?
Who is a True Israelite?
Who are the Two Witnesses?
What is The Double Portion Inheritance?
Is the Modern State of Israel A Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy?
Seven Skinny Cows Become Seven Fat Cows: The Fullness of the Gentiles
Biblical Zionism versus Political Zionism
Are You a Branch from the Vine or a Christian?
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