By Maria Merola אריאל
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, July 2006
February 10th 1981 was the first time I completely surrendered my life to our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa. Back then, I only knew him as “Jesus,” but he still heard my cry for help, and he made his presence known to me in a powerful and tangible way.
During my early days of learning to walk with him, I would often ask him in prayer “What have you called me to do with my life? Why am I here?”
He spoke to me in that still, small voice and said “Maria, I have called you to be a watchman to the House of Yisra’el, and to those in the Christian Church. I want you to warn them about the religion of the Antichrist.”
Then, in 1985, I was invited to sing on a Christian Television Show locally in Pittsburgh, along with my former husband David who accompanied me on the keyboards. I wanted to sing an original song (not a cover song by another artist). I fasted and prayed for the lyrics to the song, but nothing came to me for about a week. Finally, on the seventh day of my fast (which happened to fall on the Sabbath), I heard the voice of the shepherd say to me “Read Ezekiel 37:15-22.”
That was when I wrote the song entitled “Children of Promise,” which is all about how YaHuWaH will reunite “The Stick of Judah with the Stick of Ephrayim,” making them one stick in his hand. Of course, I did not fully understand the concepts that were being presented to me at that time, but I knew that I was called to help unite these two houses in some way.
In the summer of 1997, I had been going through an unwanted divorce, as my former husband had left me for another woman. I spent three long years seeking YaHuWaH every day, and praying with fervor for the restoration of my husband, and my marriage.
Despite my constant prayers, my marriage ended in divorce, and I found myself desolate once again. It is during times of desolation and loneliness, that we are drawn closer to our loving Father. These times are memorable, because he teaches us to hear his comforting voice.
During this time, I would often ask the Heavenly Father “What passages of Scripture would you like me to read today?”
To my dismay, I would often hear him say to me “Read Ezekiel, the 19th chapter.” As I read this chapter, I would find myself feeling perplexed, as I wondered who the mother lioness was, and who were these two lion’s whelps?
Since I have two sons, Elijah (born in 1982) and Jeremiah (born in 1984), I wondered if he was showing me that they were my two little lion cubs. It would be ten more years before I would understood what was being shown to me from this lamentation in Ezekiel 19.
By the Autumn of 2002, I was kneeling down, and in deep prayer, when I heard the voice of my shepherd say to me “Maria, your new name is Ariel.” My first thought was the Disney children’s cartoon entitled “The Little Mermaid.” See my other blog entitled “The Baby Mermaid Dream.”
During this time, I would often ask the Heavenly Father “What passages of Scripture would you like me to read today?”
To my dismay, I would often hear him say to me “Read Ezekiel, the 19th chapter.” As I read this chapter, I would find myself feeling perplexed, as I wondered who the mother lioness was, and who were these two lion’s whelps?
Since I have two sons, Elijah (born in 1982) and Jeremiah (born in 1984), I wondered if he was showing me that they were my two little lion cubs. It would be ten more years before I would understood what was being shown to me from this lamentation in Ezekiel 19.
By the Autumn of 2002, I was kneeling down, and in deep prayer, when I heard the voice of my shepherd say to me “Maria, your new name is Ariel.” My first thought was the Disney children’s cartoon entitled “The Little Mermaid.” See my other blog entitled “The Baby Mermaid Dream.”
Even though I have boycotted Disney films since I was first born-again, I was familiar with the character named “Ariel” from the constant barrage of advertisements. I decided to do a keyword search on the web, and discovered that Ariel was another name for Jerusalem, and it is described in Isaiah 29 as “The city where David dwelt.”
The Hebrew Concordance gives us the definition of Ariel:
#H739 ariy’el ar-ee-ale’ or (arilel {ar-ee-ale’}; from 738 and 410; lion of God; i.e. heroic:--lionlike men.
#H740 Ari’el ar-ee-ale’ the same as 739; Ariel, a symbolical name for Jerusalem, also the name of an Israelite:--Ariel.
The Hebrew Concordance gives us the definition of Ariel:
#H739 ariy’el ar-ee-ale’ or (arilel {ar-ee-ale’}; from 738 and 410; lion of God; i.e. heroic:--lionlike men.
#H740 Ari’el ar-ee-ale’ the same as 739; Ariel, a symbolical name for Jerusalem, also the name of an Israelite:--Ariel.
It was then that I remembered what it says in Revelation chapter 3:
Hazown (Revelation) 3:12 Him that overcomes, will I make a pillar in the temple of my Elohiym, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my Elohiym, and the name of the city of my Elohiym, which is New Yerushalyim (Jerusalem), which comes down out of heaven from my Elohiym: and I will write upon him my new name.
The summer of 2007 was a very different season for me, but it was also a time of deep introspection, fasting and prayer.
It was during that summer that I heard the voice of Yah speak to me in a dream: “Maria, I have called you to be like that mother lioness, and I want you to feed these two lion’s whelps.”
Before I could even ask him who these two lion’s whelps were, he explained to me that they represented The Two Houses of Yisra’el: The Two Southern Tribes of the House of Judah & the Ten Northern Tribes of the House of Ephrayim.
I woke up from that dream with a brand new understanding of the Scriptures that I had never had before. It was that one dream that opened up my ability to see all of Scripture through a brand new lens. That lens was from his perspective---from his vantage point.
Without any words spoken, I could feel his heart toward these two lion’s whelps. I felt his heart of compassion towards them in the same way that I felt towards my own two sons, Elijah & Jeremiah. That summer would forever change me, and it also changed how I viewed prophecy.
It was also in that summer of 2007, that I received the call to begin a ministry of intercession, and prophetic teaching. YaHuWaH even gave me the name for the ministry: “Double Portion Inheritance.”
I began to question him “What is the double portion inheritance?” I began doing a keyword search in Scripture on the words: “double portion.” My search first led me to Genesis 48.
I began to question him “What is the double portion inheritance?” I began doing a keyword search in Scripture on the words: “double portion.” My search first led me to Genesis 48.
I learned that day, that the patriarch Yahuwseph (Joseph) was the first person to receive a “double portion inheritance.” I also began to observe a pattern within Scripture. I would soon learn that this pattern is called “The law of first mention.”
It means that whenever a phrase, a principle, or a concept is presented to us for the first time in Scripture, a precedence is established. When that same familiar phrase is used again elsewhere in Scripture, it carries with it the same meaning that it had the first time it was used.
Such is the case with the “double portion inheritance.” The story of Joseph and his eleven brothers is where we first learn about this concept. In Genesis 48, we read that Ya’aqob (Jacob) is going blind because of old age.
However, his blindness seems to be giving us a hint about the future spiritual blindness of the nation of Yisra’el (Romans 11:25). Despite the fact that Jacob is going blind, when Joseph presented his two boys to his father, he asks a strange question:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:8 And Yisra’el beheld Yahuwceph’s (Joseph’s) sons, and said, Who are these?
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:8 And Yisra’el beheld Yahuwceph’s (Joseph’s) sons, and said, Who are these?
However, in the next chapter--chapter 48, he is being called “Jacob” again.
Why do we get the impression that Jacob is asking a rhetorical question about Joseph’s sons? Clearly, he had to know that they were his own grandsons?
I have a hunch that Jacob was not asking who the boys were, (as if he did not know). He was asking the question, because these boys did not know who they were yet, and he was about to reveal to them their true identity!
I am sure that these little boys, (Ephrayim & Manasseh), thought of themselves as Egyptians or “Gentiles,” even though their father, (Joseph) told them he was a Hebrew. Their upbringing, and their culture, was shaped by their Egyptian heritage, but they were about to be given a “new name,” just as I was given the name “Ariel,” back in 2002. After Yisra’el (Israel) embraced and kissed these two boys, he declared in Genesis 48:16 “Let my name be named upon them!”
I am sure that these little boys, (Ephrayim & Manasseh), thought of themselves as Egyptians or “Gentiles,” even though their father, (Joseph) told them he was a Hebrew. Their upbringing, and their culture, was shaped by their Egyptian heritage, but they were about to be given a “new name,” just as I was given the name “Ariel,” back in 2002. After Yisra’el (Israel) embraced and kissed these two boys, he declared in Genesis 48:16 “Let my name be named upon them!”
This is when “the lights came on,” and these boys suddenly could see their true identity as being “Yisra’elites,” and no longer “Gentiles” or in other words, “strangers.” In Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48, Jacob is growing old, and he is about to die. He had been estranged from his favorite son Joseph for many years, and now he is finally reunited with him in the land of Egypt.
As Jacob is about to give the blessing to his sons before he dies, he meets these two “strangers” and he acts like he does not know who they are. Jacob is going blind and “cannot see” these little boys, but Joseph tells his father Jacob “These are my sons whom I have born in this place.”
Jacob and the rest of the clan had been living in Goshen by now for many years, since Joseph had been reunited with them. Why then, did Jacob pretend to not know who they were? He could have been suffering from a slight case of dementia or Alzheimer’s. But then, how could he remember the names of each of his other twelves sons? And how did he remember all the evil that had been done by Simeon & Reuben?
I submit to you, that there must be a deeper prophetic meaning behind why Jacob is pretending to not know who these two grandsons are. Perhaps, he was allowing them to see the blindness of Yisra’el in the last days, and their own Identity Crisis!
It is interesting that Yisra’el (Israel) is called by his former name “Jacob” in the first four verses of Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48, but suddenly, in verse 5, he is no longer being called Ya’aqob (Jacob). He is being called “Yisra’el” when he is beholding Ephrayim & Menashsheh (Manasseh).
It is as if these two Egyptian-born grandsons received a “new identity,” when he named them after himself. Jacob had been heart-broken and disappointed all those years when the thought that his son, Joseph was dead. He may have even doubted or questioned his encounter with Elohiym that night when he wrestled and was given a “new name.”
I suspect that it was at this event, where his faith was fully restored, as he beheld his two grandsons. Jacob finally realized that his hopes and dreams of becoming a great nation were not a figment of his imagination. Even though his life was filled with much heartache and sadness, his new name given to him by YaHuWaH was becoming a reality for him. Yisra’el means “One who prevails or overcomes with Elohiym!”
All those years of feeling like a failure, (and a disappointment to Elohiym), were about to come to an end. Jacob was about to discover that all along, Elohiym was working behind the scenes, and making good on his promises. Jacob was about to see that his life was not a failure, but he was about to come into his own destiny as one who overcomes great adversity and prevails!
Jacob’s own destiny was now coming into focus, and this is why from verses 1 through 4 of Genesis 48, he is called “Jacob” twice. Yet suddenly, from verse 5, and on through the rest of chapter 48, he is being called “Yisra’el,” when he is giving the blessing to his son Joseph and his grandsons.
Then in chapter 49, as Jacob is giving the blessing to his other sons he is being called “Ya’aqob.” Only one place in Genesis 49:28, when the entire “Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el” are being spoken of, he is being referred to as “Yisra’el.”
“Come Out of Her, the Mother Harlot Church!”
It is as if these two Egyptian-born grandsons received a “new identity,” when he named them after himself. Jacob had been heart-broken and disappointed all those years when the thought that his son, Joseph was dead. He may have even doubted or questioned his encounter with Elohiym that night when he wrestled and was given a “new name.”
I suspect that it was at this event, where his faith was fully restored, as he beheld his two grandsons. Jacob finally realized that his hopes and dreams of becoming a great nation were not a figment of his imagination. Even though his life was filled with much heartache and sadness, his new name given to him by YaHuWaH was becoming a reality for him. Yisra’el means “One who prevails or overcomes with Elohiym!”
All those years of feeling like a failure, (and a disappointment to Elohiym), were about to come to an end. Jacob was about to discover that all along, Elohiym was working behind the scenes, and making good on his promises. Jacob was about to see that his life was not a failure, but he was about to come into his own destiny as one who overcomes great adversity and prevails!
Jacob’s own destiny was now coming into focus, and this is why from verses 1 through 4 of Genesis 48, he is called “Jacob” twice. Yet suddenly, from verse 5, and on through the rest of chapter 48, he is being called “Yisra’el,” when he is giving the blessing to his son Joseph and his grandsons.
Then in chapter 49, as Jacob is giving the blessing to his other sons he is being called “Ya’aqob.” Only one place in Genesis 49:28, when the entire “Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el” are being spoken of, he is being referred to as “Yisra’el.”
“Come Out of Her, the Mother Harlot Church!”
Pictured here is the witch, “Circe” offering up the golden cup to Ulysses. Circe was said to offer men a cup of wine, and with the “wine of her fornication,” she changed them into pigs!
She is the character from Greek Mythology where we derive the term “Church!”
She is the very same “woman” spoken of by the Apostle Yahuwchanon (John), while he was exiled on the Island of Patmos.
Revelation 17:5 “MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
This word “church,” was erroneously used to translate the Greek word “Ekklesia,” which literally means “Called out ones.”
Does this sound familiar to you? Do you remember reading about another group of people who were “Called out of Egypt?” Yes, you guessed it! “The Congregation in the Wilderness” who were called out of Egypt and named “Yisra’el,” are the very same Yisra’el, who were present on the Day of Pentecost (Shabuwoth) in the 2nd chapter of Acts. It was not the “birthday of the church,” as some people have called it.
Dispensationalist Theology has taught us for years that “The Christian Church” was a brand new entity, created on the Day of Pentecost, in the 2nd chapter of Acts. Yet, the truth is, the second chapter of Acts tells us that they were all were “devout Jews” visiting Jerusalem for the feast (Acts 2:5).
This word “church,” was erroneously used to translate the Greek word “Ekklesia,” which literally means “Called out ones.”
Does this sound familiar to you? Do you remember reading about another group of people who were “Called out of Egypt?” Yes, you guessed it! “The Congregation in the Wilderness” who were called out of Egypt and named “Yisra’el,” are the very same Yisra’el, who were present on the Day of Pentecost (Shabuwoth) in the 2nd chapter of Acts. It was not the “birthday of the church,” as some people have called it.
Dispensationalist Theology has taught us for years that “The Christian Church” was a brand new entity, created on the Day of Pentecost, in the 2nd chapter of Acts. Yet, the truth is, the second chapter of Acts tells us that they were all were “devout Jews” visiting Jerusalem for the feast (Acts 2:5).
It was not until years later in the 10th chapter of Acts, when Keefa (Peter) received a vision to go and preach the good news to Cornelius. This is when Gentile converts were recognized as “The Congregation of Yisra’el.”
Identity Crisis in Today’s Christianity
Identity Crisis in Today’s Christianity
In Malakiy (Malachi) 4:5-6, we see a prophecy about the “Spirit of Elijah” coming to “restore the hearts of the fathers to the children,” and this has to do with “identity.”
When the “children of Yisra’el” recognize their true identity as “Yisra’el,” and no longer as “Gentiles” (strangers, foreigners), they will begin to behave like Yisra’elites. No longer shall they behave like prodigal sons eating and sleeping with the unclean pigs.
Eliyahuw’s (Elijah’s) ministry was all about calling the children of Yisra’el to recognize who their true Father was by his true name “YaHuWaH.” They had begun to call him by a generic “nameless god” called “Ba’al” (which means Lord or husband), but YaHuWaH was angry about this, so he sent Eliyahuw to warn them.
Once Yisra’el saw that “Ba’al” or “Lord” was not the true Elohiym (God) of Yisra’el, and that he has a proper name, (YaHuWaH), they repented of their worship of “Ba’al.” This is when Yisra’el was restored back to their Heavenly Father, and to their true identity as “children.”
This is happening once again in these last days, but before we can realize the fullness of this prophecy from Malakiy (Malachi) 4:4, we must “Remember the Towrah (Law) of Mosheh” given at “Horeb.” Why does it say Mount Horeb, and not Mount Sinai, where they sinned with the golden calf?
Horeb is where the second set of stone tablets was kept and deposited into the ark made of incorruptible wood. This is a picture of the Renewed Covenant at Horeb accompanied by the sacrificial system (which prefigured the blood atonement of Messiah).
Horeb is where the second set of stone tablets was kept and deposited into the ark made of incorruptible wood. This is a picture of the Renewed Covenant at Horeb accompanied by the sacrificial system (which prefigured the blood atonement of Messiah).
Thus, before the spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) can restore us back to our identity, we must be restored back to understanding Towrah (the commandments). This is the divine order that must take place before we can even walk in our true identity properly!
In 1st Kings 18, Eliyahuw (Elijah) called for this demonstration (orchestrated by Yah) on Mount Carmel whereby the “Elohiym who answered by fire” showed himself to Yisra’el.
In 1st Kings 18, Eliyahuw (Elijah) called for this demonstration (orchestrated by Yah) on Mount Carmel whereby the “Elohiym who answered by fire” showed himself to Yisra’el.
However, he first had to “repair the broken down altar,” for this was symbolic of their broken down ways of worshiping Yah.
Pagan holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, were called by a different name in the days of Elijah, but they were celebrated in honor of Ba’al.
The same lawlessness was prevalent in the days of Elijah, as it is today in the Christian Church. Elijah had to repair and restore their way of worshiping Yah first, which is why he set up “twelve stones” after The Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el.
After he restored pure worship, (by laying the the “foundation” of the Towrah), he offered up the burnt offering. This had to happen before YaHuWaH would answer, by bringing the fire of true repentance and revival!
In these last days, the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) is calling his true remnant out of Mystery Babylon, and bringing those who are the “elect” of Yisra’el into their true identity!
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:
5 And now your two sons, Ephrayim and Manasseh, which were born unto you in the land of Egypt before I came unto you into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
6 And your issue, which you beget after them, shall be yours, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance.
*Note: What we see here in the two above verses, is that Ephrayim & Manasseh (who are the grandsons of Yisra’el) are every bit as much Yisra’el’s “sons” as Reuben & Simeon (the first two sons that Jacob had by Leah)! What is Jacob saying here? He is counting these grandsons of his as his two oldest sons!
Before we go any further, it is important to understand what the names of these sons of Yahuwceph (Joseph) mean in Hebrew. Ephrayim literally means “double fruitfulness,” and Manasseh means “to cause to forget.”
As we progress in this teaching, we will see that Manasseh (the first-born) is a picture of “Old Covenant” Yisra’el. For lack of a better term,
Yahuwshuwa Messiah went into the lowest parts of the earth to redeem the “first-fruits” from among the dead, and this means “Old Covenant” Yisra’el. This is Yahuwcep ’s (Joseph’s) first-fruits of his loins. Yet, even though Manasseh was chronologically the first-born son, Ephrayim (the younger) is the one who was prophesied to become a multitude of nations.
Manasseh, on the other hand, is a great nation who was later “forgotten, forsaken” (Isaiah 54:6-7). “Pre-crucifixion Yisra’el” forsook the covenant, and was destroyed (Ezekiel 19:12-14). The fig tree which bore nothing but bad figs was cursed by our Messiah, and Yahuwchanon (John) the Baptist foretold of it, as he said “Even now the axe is laid to the root.”
YaHuWaH’s mercy towards “Old Covenant” Yisra’el extended right up until the Roman Siege in 70 A.D., as they were still able to accept Yahuwshuwa’s atonement, until the final ruin and destruction was completed. Conversely, Ephrayim is a picture of “New Covenant Yisra’el” (the remnant within Christianity), as he goes into the nations and sows his “seed,” and becomes “a multitude of nations.“
Because of this, Ephrayim becomes “doubly fruitful,” and brings both houses together of Yahuwdah (Judah) & Ephrayim (born-again Gentiles).
This is now beginning to happen, as we are seeing the prophecy of Zechariah 8:23 in fulfillment. It says that “Ten men” (symbolic of the Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim), would grab ahold of the “skirt,” (in Hebrew, the kanaph, or the corner of the garment, where the fringes or tzit-tziyt are placed).
This is now beginning to happen, as we are seeing the prophecy of Zechariah 8:23 in fulfillment. It says that “Ten men” (symbolic of the Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim), would grab ahold of the “skirt,” (in Hebrew, the kanaph, or the corner of the garment, where the fringes or tzit-tziyt are placed).
The prophecy goes on to say that these “Ten men would follow one Yahuwdiy/Jew,” saying “We will go with you, for we have heard that Elohiym is with you.”
This prophetic picture is also born out in the story of the woman who grabbed the fringes on the hem of our Messiah’s garment (Matthew 9:20).
The Greek word for “hem” in this account is “kraspedon,” which is defined in the Greek Concordance as “The fringes that the Jews wear on the four corners of their garments.” This woman had been unclean for twelve years before being made clean by our Messiah.
The number “twelve” symbolizes that this woman is a prophetic picture of the twelve tribes of Yisra’el, who were also deemed as “unclean,” due to their rebellion. Only our Messiah can make them clean, when they begin to grab
ahold of him and his Towrah!
Manasseh was supposed to be the “first-born” of Yisra’el, but because of Yisra’el’s rebellion and sin, Ephrayim then became “the firstborn.” In other words, “Renewed Covenant” Yisra’el supersedes “Old Covenant” Yisra’el as foretold by the prophet Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) “I am a father to Yisra’el, and Ephrayim is my firstborn” (Jeremiah 31:9).
Manasseh was supposed to be the “first-born” of Yisra’el, but because of Yisra’el’s rebellion and sin, Ephrayim then became “the firstborn.” In other words, “Renewed Covenant” Yisra’el supersedes “Old Covenant” Yisra’el as foretold by the prophet Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) “I am a father to Yisra’el, and Ephrayim is my firstborn” (Jeremiah 31:9).
8 And Yisra’el beheld Yahuwceph’s (Joseph’s) sons, and said, Who are these?
9 And Yahuwceph (Joseph said) unto his father, They are my sons, whom Elohiym has given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray you, unto me, and I will bless them.
This is a picture of the Father in Heaven saying to Yahuwshuwa “Who are these?” as we are being presented before the throne on that day of judgement.
The Heavenly Father does not know who we are, unless we come through Messiah’s blood. Apart from his blood, the Father does not know who we are!
Yahuwchanon (John) John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Yahuwchanon (John) John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Yahuwchanon (John) John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Yahuwchanon (John) John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Joseph is a type of Messiah in this account, as he presents his sons to his father, and his father does not know them, until Joseph says “These are my sons, whom I have born in this place!”
Just as Joseph declared to his father (Jacob), that his two sons where his, Yahuwshuwa declares to his Father, those who belong to him! In the same way that Jacob was placing his hands on his grandsons, so our Heavenly Father has placed his hands upon us, because of his Son, Yahuwshuwa.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:
10 Now the eyes of Yisra’el were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
11 And Yisra’el said unto Yahuwceph (Joseph), I had not thought to see your face: and, lo, Elohiym has showed me also your seed.
We see here a prophetic picture of Yisra’el being “blinded in part” as the Apostle Paul declared in Romans 11:25 “that blindness in part is happened to Yisra’el, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.”
Yisra’el did not recognize his grandsons, because he could not “see” them. Yet, because of his son Yahuwceph (Joseph), he blessed the boys. This is a picture of the Yahuwdiym (Jews) not recognizing born-again gentiles as being their “brethren,” until their eyes are opened to Messiah.
Even to this day, Judaism requires Rabbinic conversion, before they will recoginize a non-Jewish believer, as being part of Yisra’el. They do not understand, that through faith in Messiah, gentiles are grafted back into the olive tree, and they do not require Rabbinic conversion to Judaism.
As a matter of fact, it is against the Towrah for them to require gentiles to join Judaism, thereby causing them to deny their faith in Yahuwshuwa. The idea that there are separate laws, and a separate covenant for the Jews, than there are for the gentile is not Scriptural. In Judaism they are called “The Noahide Laws.”
Shemoth (Exodus) 12:49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourns among you.
It is against the Towrah when a Jew treats a born-again believer in Messiah as if he is still a “gentile” or a stranger:
Wayyikra (Leviticus) 19:34 But the stranger that dwells with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am YHWH your Elohiym.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:
13 And Yahuwceph (Joseph) took them both, Ephrayim in his right hand toward Yisra’el’s left hand, and Menashsheh (Manasseh) in his left hand toward Yisra’el’s right hand, and brought them near unto him.
13 And Yahuwceph (Joseph) took them both, Ephrayim in his right hand toward Yisra’el’s left hand, and Menashsheh (Manasseh) in his left hand toward Yisra’el’s right hand, and brought them near unto him.
14 And Yisra’el stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephrayim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Menashsheh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Menashsheh was the firstborn.
Ephrayim was in Yahuwceph (Joseph)’s right hand as well as in Yisra’el’s right hand. This shows us that Hebrew Idiom called “the right hand of power.”
Ephrayim was in Yahuwceph (Joseph)’s right hand as well as in Yisra’el’s right hand. This shows us that Hebrew Idiom called “the right hand of power.”
Ephrayim being in “Yisra’el’s right hand” is the same as Yahuwshuwa now seated at the right hand of power in heaven. As believers in Messiah, we are now “seated in heavenly places with him” at his right hand (Ephesians 2:6).
The fact that Ephrayim was the younger one, points to the story of the prodigal son. The younger brother forgot his identity, left his father’s home, and squandered his inheritance (salvation) on worldly living. This is the typical way of the modern day Christian Church.
The younger son (Ephrayim) ate with the unclean pigs until the day when he came to his senses and returned to the Father’s house. However, his older brother Judah was jealous because he felt as if he was more righteous (having never departed from the Towrah). The House of Judah has been keeping the Feasts of YaHuWaH, as they were supposed to do all along.
Nevertheless, the younger son (Ephrayim) discovered his identity when his father killed the fatted calf (symbolic of the red heifer and blood atonement). Afterwards, the father placed a signet ring on his finger (symbolic of his name). The word “signet” has a Latin root which comes from words like “signature, insignia,” meaning a name!
In Revelation 3:10-12 only the overcoming congregation of Philadelphia (whose name means brotherly love) has a name written upon them. The name of their Elohiym is their “new name!”
Additionally, the prodigal son was given a robe (symbolic of being clothed in righteousness). This is when Ephrayim discovered his identity, and was joined to his older brother Yahuwdah (Judah) who never left home (Jerusalem).
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:
15 And he blessed Yahuwceph (Joseph), and said, Elohiym, before whom my fathers Abraham and Yitzchaq (Isaac) did walk, the Elohiym which fed me all my life long unto this day,
16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Yitzchaq (Isaac); and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
Yisra’el named these grandsons of his and said “let my name be named upon them.” Even though Ephrayim & Manasseh thought they were Gentiles or Egyptians, they discovered that their true identity was with their grandfather Yisra’el because the blood of their father Joseph was their true DNA.
Just as the blood of Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach (Messiah) gives us our identity, and makes us “sons of Elohiym,” (we who once thought we were Gentiles) are now able to see that we are “Yisra’el.” We have been “grafted into” the olive tree until we become every bit as much a part of that tree as the natural branches. This is because we partake of the same covenants and promises (the root and the fatness) of the olive tree.
Just as the blood of Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach (Messiah) gives us our identity, and makes us “sons of Elohiym,” (we who once thought we were Gentiles) are now able to see that we are “Yisra’el.” We have been “grafted into” the olive tree until we become every bit as much a part of that tree as the natural branches. This is because we partake of the same covenants and promises (the root and the fatness) of the olive tree.
Those who are grafted into the olive tree become so much a part of that tree, that there is no difference between the Yahuwdiym (Jew) and Goyim (Gentile), (as far as the covenants and promises are concerned). This is not the same thing as
Many within the Messianic Judaism are threatened by this concept of the Gentile being grafted into the olive tree. They presume that Gentiles are attempting to supplant them, thereby replacing them in the kingdom of heaven. However, that is not the case.
Many within the Messianic Judaism are threatened by this concept of the Gentile being grafted into the olive tree. They presume that Gentiles are attempting to supplant them, thereby replacing them in the kingdom of heaven. However, that is not the case.
If they could only get over their fears and hypersensitivities, they would realize that gentiles being added to their tribe, only makes them more numerous, and powerful!
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:
17 And when Yahuwceph (Joseph) saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephrayim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephrayim’s head unto Menashsheh’s (Manasseh’s) head.
18 And Yahuwceph (Joseph) said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put your right hand upon his head.
19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
Yahuwshuwa our Mashiyach (Messiah) came for the “firstborn” the older son Yahuwdah (Judah or Jew-dah). Yet, the Father in heaven chose to bless the younger son (Ephrayim). Yahuwshuwa “came for his own but his own did not receive him. But as many as did receive him he gave the power to become sons of Elohiym” (John 1:11-12).
Ephrayim represents the born-again believer who now becomes a “son” through the blood of Messiah, and he goes into all nations with the gospel preaching and making disciples.
Ephrayim represents the born-again believer who now becomes a “son” through the blood of Messiah, and he goes into all nations with the gospel preaching and making disciples.
This is why he was told that he would become “Melo ha’goyim,” which literally means “The fullness of the gentiles” (Romans 11:25). In the King James Version, this phrase is translated as “A multitude of nations.” Ephrayim became doubly fruitful when he preached the good news of Messiah to the multitude of nations!
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:
20 And he blessed them that day, saying, In you shall Yisra’el bless, saying, Elohiym make you as Ephrayim and as Menashsheh (Manasseh): and he set Ephrayim before Menashsheh (Manasseh).
21 And Yisra’el said unto Yahuwceph (Joseph), Behold, I die: but Elohiym shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.
This is a prophecy about Yahuwceph’s (Joseph’s) seed, Ephrayim coming back to the land of Yisra’el in the last days, the “land of your fathers” and this happens because of the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) who restores the children of Yisra’el back to the Heavenly Father, YaHuWaH, and also the fathers (patriarchs) of the faith, Abraham, Yitzchaq (Isaac) & Ya’aqob (Jacob).
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:22 Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.
Joseph is a “type” of Messiah and he was given one extra portion above his brothers. Joseph became the tribal leader to both houses of Yisra’el. In other words, his inheritance was Ephrayim & Yahuwdah (Judah)!
This is seen in the fact that Yahuwshuwa Messiah, will inherit The House of Ephrayim (all those born-again in the gentile nations), as well at those from the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) who also accept him as their Messiah. Yisra’el (Jacob) prophesied that Reuben, Simeon & Levi would be scattered in Yisra’el because of their anger and their violence. Consequently, he blessed Yahuwdah (Judah), the 4th son of Leah with the priestly blessing of the firstborn:
This is seen in the fact that Yahuwshuwa Messiah, will inherit The House of Ephrayim (all those born-again in the gentile nations), as well at those from the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) who also accept him as their Messiah. Yisra’el (Jacob) prophesied that Reuben, Simeon & Levi would be scattered in Yisra’el because of their anger and their violence. Consequently, he blessed Yahuwdah (Judah), the 4th son of Leah with the priestly blessing of the firstborn:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 49:
8 Yahuwdah (Judah), you are he whom your brethren shall praise: your hand shall be in the neck of yours enemies; your father’s children shall bow down before you.
9 Yahuwdah (Judah) is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, you are gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
10 The sceptre shall not depart from Yahuwdah (Judah), nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his donkey’s colt unto the choice vine: he washed his garment in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:
12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
Yahuwdah is the tribe that has been entrusted with the oracles of Elohiym as we read in Romans 3:3. The oracles are the contents of the Mosaic Law (Torah). All the kings in Yisra’el were from Yahuwdah except for Saul who was from Benjamin.
Yahuwshuwa our Messiah will be that King of Judah who will execute justice and judgment from his Torah when he returns. Shiloh means “peaceful kingdom” and it is an allusion to the Messianic Age or the Millennial Kingdom of Messiah. All the people will be gathered back to Messiah through under the “Scepter” of Yahuwdah (Judah).
When Yahuwshuwa returns, his eyes shall be “red with wine,” as he will take vengeance on his enemies on the day of wrath, which will be on “Yom Kippur.” This is poetic language to indicate that he will be drunk with vengeance---not drunk with physical wine.
When Yahuwshuwa returns, his eyes shall be “red with wine,” as he will take vengeance on his enemies on the day of wrath, which will be on “Yom Kippur.” This is poetic language to indicate that he will be drunk with vengeance---not drunk with physical wine.
In Revelation 19, we read about how he will he avenge the blood of his saints at his second coming. Messiah will have a “vesture dipped in blood,” just as the prophecy states: “He washed his garments in the wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes.”
Zechariah 8:23 (as I have already mentioned) foretells that the “Ten Northern Tribes” of Yisra’el (who have scattered into the gentile nations) will grab a hold of the “fringes” or the “tziyt-tzit” of him that is a Yahuwdiy (Jew), and will return to Yisra’el with the Yahuwdiy (Jews).
The English word for “skirt” in Zechariah 8:23 is the Hebrew word:
#H3671 kanaph “an edge or extremity; a wing, a quarter, border, corner…”
The prayer shawl called a “tallit” has four corners with fringes on it that represent the “four corners of the earth,” and of the harvest field.
The fringes represent the Towrah, as we are commanded in Numbers 15:37-47 to wear them as a reminder to keep the Towrah. There are seven strands to each fringe, and the middle blue one represents our Messiah.
The fringes represent the Towrah, as we are commanded in Numbers 15:37-47 to wear them as a reminder to keep the Towrah. There are seven strands to each fringe, and the middle blue one represents our Messiah.
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 of him that is a Yahuwdiy (Jew), saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that Elohiym is with you.
Pictured here are the four fringes that Yisra’elites are commanded to wear on the four corners of their garments as a sign of the covenant:
These “fringes” in the Hebrew Strong’s Concordance is #6734 and it is translated as tsiytsith.
This is also seen in the story of Ruth when Ruth (a Moabite woman, a gentile) took hold of her mother-in-law Naomi and would not let go of her. And she said:
Ruth 1:16 “….. 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: ”
Two House Theology
It all began in 1997 when I would often hear the voice of my shepherd say to me: “Maria, read Ezekiel 19…”
It would be ten years before I finally understood what YaHuWaH was trying to say to me through this scripture. I would often ask him “What are you trying to say to me, Father?.... Why are you giving me this scripture? Who are these two lion’s whelps?”
It was a progressive revelation given to me over the course of many years about “The Two Houses of Yisra’el.” During this same season of intense fasting and prayer, Yah said to me “Maria, the double portion anointing is that of Moses & Elijah…”
I also had another dream in 2007, where Yahuwshuwa was teaching me about these two lion’s whelps from Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 19. What I heard him say to me, as I was waking up out of this dream was this: “The House of Ephrayim & The House of Yahuwdah are the two lion’s whelps…”
During this season, I had an open vision of the Mount of Transfiguration, where Yahuwshuwa was seen with both Mosheh & Eliyahuw (Moses & Elijah) in Luke 9:30. I had the revelation that Moses represents the Mosaic Law (Towrah), and Elijah represents the “prophets” or the “Spirit.”
I suddenly understood in that momen,t that these two elements of Law & Prophets, (Truth & Spirit) can only coexist in Yahuwshuwa. It is he alone that is able to bring balance between these two seemingly opposite concepts.
The Towrah is our instructions for living, yet our own fallen nature seems to have a propensity to want to defy those instructions. The prophets, on the other-hand, are written from the perspective of the heart of the Father. He tells us by his Ruwach (Spirit) through his human servants, (the prophets), how he feels towards us.
As I contemplated these dualities, I began to see them emerge from the pages of Scripture! From Genesis to Revelation, these little golden nuggets of the “double portion inheritance,” were beginning to jump off the pages of the written word. In Messiah, Yahuwshuwa is perfect harmony and balance between Towrah & Prophets, Truth & Spirit, Wisdom & Revelation.
As I contemplated these dualities, I began to see them emerge from the pages of Scripture! From Genesis to Revelation, these little golden nuggets of the “double portion inheritance,” were beginning to jump off the pages of the written word. In Messiah, Yahuwshuwa is perfect harmony and balance between Towrah & Prophets, Truth & Spirit, Wisdom & Revelation.
In Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 19, we read about a “mother lioness” and two Kings of Yisra’el.
The mother lioness is Jerusalem. But how do we know this?
In Isaiah 29 we read about “The city where David dwelt” called “Ariel.” Ariel in Hebrew means “Lion of Elohiym.” That city where King David dwelt is the city of Judah, and the capital is Jerusalem. Ariel is the “lion’s whelp” that was birthed by the mother lioness, Jerusalem.
The mother lioness is Jerusalem. But how do we know this?
In Isaiah 29 we read about “The city where David dwelt” called “Ariel.” Ariel in Hebrew means “Lion of Elohiym.” That city where King David dwelt is the city of Judah, and the capital is Jerusalem. Ariel is the “lion’s whelp” that was birthed by the mother lioness, Jerusalem.
The lamentation in Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 19 continues to display the prophetic warning of what was going to happen to the Two Houses of Yisra’el and their mother lioness (Jerualem). In this short chapter, we read about the Kings of Ephrayim (Yisra’el) & Yahuwdah (Judah) who had been taken captive.
Yahuwachaz (Jehoahaz) only reigned for three months before he was taken captive into Egypt with chains. The other king was Yahuwakiyn (Jehoiachin) who also reigned for only three months and then he was deported to Babylon in chains under King Nebuchadnezzar.
The final verse (14), states that Yisra’el (the mother lioness) has no “strong rod” to rule with and this is a reference to the last King of Yisra’el named “Tzidqiyahuw” (Zedekiah) until the Millennium when Yahuwshuwa himself will rule and reign as King on the earth. This lamentation shows that Yisra’el had been fruitful in a time when she was keeping Yah’s covenant and his Torah (commandments).
The final verse (14), states that Yisra’el (the mother lioness) has no “strong rod” to rule with and this is a reference to the last King of Yisra’el named “Tzidqiyahuw” (Zedekiah) until the Millennium when Yahuwshuwa himself will rule and reign as King on the earth. This lamentation shows that Yisra’el had been fruitful in a time when she was keeping Yah’s covenant and his Torah (commandments).
But when her “lion’s whelps” were taken captive by sin and pagan mixture, she lost her fruitfulness and therefore she was like a tree “plucked up in fury” like that fig tree which was cursed by Yahuwshuwa himself as a prophetic sign of the Roman Siege that would later be manifested in 70 A.D.
Nevertheless, even though this chapter is about these kings, we can see yet another layer of understanding to this prophecy. King Yahuwachaz (Jehoahaz) was the king over the Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim, and they were taken captive into Mitzrayim (Egypt). Conversely, King Yahuwakiyn (Jehoiachin) was king over The Two Southern Tribes of Yahuwdah (Judah).
Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 19:
Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 19:
1 Moreover take you up a lamentation for the princes of Yisra’el,
2 And say, What is your mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.
3 And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.
4 The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Mitzrayim (Egypt).
5 Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion.
6 And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.
7 And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring.
8 Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.
9 And they put him in ward in chains, and brought him to the king of Babylon: they brought him into holds, that his voice should no more be heard upon the mountains of Yisra’el.
10 Your mother is like a vine in your blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.
11 And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches.
12 But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.
13 And now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground.
14 And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which has devoured her fruit, so that she has no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.
These “two lion’s whelps” of Ezekiel 19 represent Ephrayim (Yisra’elites who became Gentiles) and Yahuwdah (Judah or Jews). Both of these groups have been taken captive by some form of bondage. Ephrayim is an typifies modern-day Christianity---New Covenant Yisra’el.
However, because of their identity crisis, those truly born-again within Christianity do not see that they are now part of “The Commonwealth of Yisra’el,” and therefore they behave as Gentiles.
Yahuwdah (Judah) typifies modern-day Judaism. Within both camps there is bondage. Egypt (Mitzrayim) represents worldliness and sin, and so we see this characteristic prevalent in today’s Christian Church.
Yahuwdah (Judah) typifies modern-day Judaism. Within both camps there is bondage. Egypt (Mitzrayim) represents worldliness and sin, and so we see this characteristic prevalent in today’s Christian Church.
Many of them have gone back to the ways of the world and apostasy and so in this way they have been taken captive by Satan’s chains of bondage to sin, back to the unregenerate ways from which they once were delivered. Within modern day Judaism, there is still an affinity towards the Kabbalah, Jewish Mysticism, the Talmud and traditions that they learned while they were in exile in Babylon. In other words “Babylon” means “confusion.”
They have an element of the Torah (Yah’s commandments) but they are mixed with Babylonian traditions. There is religious mixture and we see this typified today with famous Hollywood celebrities who have embraced a Satanic counterfeit of Judaism. Both camps (Christians & Jews) have been taken captive by either Egypt (worldliness and sin) or Babylon (religious mixture).
They have an element of the Torah (Yah’s commandments) but they are mixed with Babylonian traditions. There is religious mixture and we see this typified today with famous Hollywood celebrities who have embraced a Satanic counterfeit of Judaism. Both camps (Christians & Jews) have been taken captive by either Egypt (worldliness and sin) or Babylon (religious mixture).
Yisra’el was “like a fruitful vine” as she was fruitful at one time, but she was influenced by the “east wind” and this means eastern mysticism, (pagan sun-god worship). The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) warned us about those who are carried away by “every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).
This means foreign or strange religion, which is what caused . This is what has dried up her fruit. She has come under the influence of Eastern Religions. How do we know that the “east wind” represents Eastern or Babylonian paganism?
In Numbers 2:3 we read that the sun always rises in the east. This is the reason why the pagan sun god worshipers named the pagan goddess of the spring equinox “Easter.” Also, we read about this in Ezekiel 8:16 where twenty five men had their backs towards the temple (turning their backs on Yah) and they were facing the “East” as they worshiped the sun.
In Numbers 2:3 we read that the sun always rises in the east. This is the reason why the pagan sun god worshipers named the pagan goddess of the spring equinox “Easter.” Also, we read about this in Ezekiel 8:16 where twenty five men had their backs towards the temple (turning their backs on Yah) and they were facing the “East” as they worshiped the sun.
In Hoshea 12:1 we read that “Ephrayim feeds on wind and follows after east wind” and this means that Ephrayim (the remnant in the Christian Church) feeds on “every wind of doctrine” from pagan sun god worship (east wind).
In the final verses of Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 19, we see that the fire (representing the Holy Spirit) which once came out of the seven branch menorah in the temple has now brought about destruction because she has allowed “strange fire” in her midst.
And because of this, YaHuWaH has allowed Yisra’el to have no more Kings since “Tzidqiyahuw” (Zedekiah), until the coming of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Yahuwshuwa the conquering reigning King.
We know that there are “Two Houses” of Yisra’el because we read about them all throughout the scriptures. The prophet Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) called Messiah a “stone of stumbling and a rock of offense” for “Both houses of Yisra’el.”
Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Yisra’el, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Yeruwshalayim (Jerusalem).
We learn in the book of Jeremiah about Yisra’el & Yahuwdah as being two houses who were both rebellious and doomed for destruction until the restoration of all things comes through our Messiah who gathers together both houses to “make of the two houses one new man” (Ephesians 2:15). He shall gather these “two sticks” of Ephrayim & Yahuwdah into one house, one stick, “one new man.”
There seems to be a resistance to this understanding of what many call “Two House Theology” in the Messianic & Hebrew Roots Community today. Both camps want to diminish or disparage the other camp in some way as to make their camp seem superior. Those in the Christian Church often boast against the natural branches, and the Messianic Jews often consider themselves more as natural born children over the spiritual sons who come in through the blood of Messiah.
As I fasted and prayed to seek the answers to these tough questions, I asked the Father about what many today call “The Two House Theory.” I have come to understand that the opposition comes from human pride, and Satan’s attempt at keeping these two houses divided. And what did Yahuwshuwa say about “a house divided?”
As I fasted and prayed to seek the answers to these tough questions, I asked the Father about what many today call “The Two House Theory.” I have come to understand that the opposition comes from human pride, and Satan’s attempt at keeping these two houses divided. And what did Yahuwshuwa say about “a house divided?”
In the gospels (Matthew 12:25, Mark 3:25, Luke 11:17), our Messiah specifically addressed this concept of a divided house. The Pharisees had falsely accused him of casting out devils by Beelzebub (meaning lord of the flies). He responded to them with the following words:
Matthew 12:25-27 “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore, they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of Elohiym, then the kingdom of Elohiym is come unto you.”
In this lesson about the “divided kingdom,” (which had once been united under King David), both houses were divided after King Solomon died, and they became “a house divided.” The details of this event are told in 1st Kings 12:16-24, where we see that the Ten Northern Tribes of Yisra’el departed from the Kingdom of Yahuwdah (Judah). Yahuwshuwa’s mission was to gather these ten rebellious tribes back to Judah.
However, he also rebuked the House of Judah because they laid “heavy burdens” (man-made laws from the Jewish Talmud) upon the people, making the Mosaic Law seem too difficult to obey. This is what caused the problem in the first place.
Matthew 12:25-27 “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore, they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of Elohiym, then the kingdom of Elohiym is come unto you.”
In this lesson about the “divided kingdom,” (which had once been united under King David), both houses were divided after King Solomon died, and they became “a house divided.” The details of this event are told in 1st Kings 12:16-24, where we see that the Ten Northern Tribes of Yisra’el departed from the Kingdom of Yahuwdah (Judah). Yahuwshuwa’s mission was to gather these ten rebellious tribes back to Judah.
However, he also rebuked the House of Judah because they laid “heavy burdens” (man-made laws from the Jewish Talmud) upon the people, making the Mosaic Law seem too difficult to obey. This is what caused the problem in the first place.
King Solomon (who was from the Tribe of Judah) placed “heavy tax burdens” on the people in order to fund his heathen temples he had built for his many wives. The Ten Northern Tribes pleaded with Solomon’s son Rehoboam to lower their taxes, but he refused. The result was that the ten tribes split off from Judah, and thus the two kingdoms were divided.
Satan’s kingdom of darkness was exhibited when the Kingdom of Yisra’el was destroyed in Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 19. This is why YaHuWaH’s kingdom of light had come with the preaching of John the Baptist as he declared that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
John’s preaching warned that the “the axe was already laid to the root” (meaning that Yah was about to curse the fig tree). The Kingdom of Judah’s days were numbered. And then came the Messiah, Yahuwshuwa who finally “cursed” the fig tree which bore nothing but bad figs. And yet, he did not put an end to Yisra’el. He came to renew his covenant with Yisra’el, but only to those who repent and accept his blood atonement.
In Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah), 31:28 Yah said that he would “pluck up, tear down, throw down, and destroy”, so that he could “rebuild and plant ” them again. This is exactly what Yahuwshuwa was doing when he cursed the fig tree.
Satan’s kingdom of darkness was exhibited when the Kingdom of Yisra’el was destroyed in Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 19. This is why YaHuWaH’s kingdom of light had come with the preaching of John the Baptist as he declared that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
John’s preaching warned that the “the axe was already laid to the root” (meaning that Yah was about to curse the fig tree). The Kingdom of Judah’s days were numbered. And then came the Messiah, Yahuwshuwa who finally “cursed” the fig tree which bore nothing but bad figs. And yet, he did not put an end to Yisra’el. He came to renew his covenant with Yisra’el, but only to those who repent and accept his blood atonement.
In Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah), 31:28 Yah said that he would “pluck up, tear down, throw down, and destroy”, so that he could “rebuild and plant ” them again. This is exactly what Yahuwshuwa was doing when he cursed the fig tree.
He was planting a new tree (symbolic of New Covenant Yisra’el), and they would bear good fruit for the kingdom of Elohiym. It was through his twelve disciples, that he would begin all over again, and they would allow the born-again Gentiles to be grafted into this good tree!
Two Divided Kingdoms: “A House Divided Against Itself.”
After King Solomon died, his son Rechab’am (Rehoboam) became the King of Yahuwdah (Judah). The King of Yisra’el, Yarob’am (Jeroboam), sent messengers to inquire from King Rechab’am (Rehoboam) if he would make the burdens of the people “lighter” than Shelomoh (Solomon) his father.
The burdens had to do with paying tribute and taxes, but we can also see an allegory of how in the days of Yahuwshuwa’s ministry, he rebuked the Jewish Sanhedrin for “adding to the Torah” and making the people’s burden’s heavier.
Yahuwshuwa encouraged all the lost sheep from the house of Yisra’el to come to him because his “burden was easy and light.” Yahuwshuwa knows that in him there is no burden in keeping Torah.
Yahuwshuwa encouraged all the lost sheep from the house of Yisra’el to come to him because his “burden was easy and light.” Yahuwshuwa knows that in him there is no burden in keeping Torah.
But the Scribes & Pharisees who “Sat in the seat of Mosheh” heaped heavy burdens on the people by adding man-made laws called the “Talmud” and this is why the other ten tribes scattered and would have no part with Yahuwdah (Judah or Jews) any longer.
1st Melekim (Kings) 12:4 Your father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make you the grievous service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve you.
This is a picture of how the Jewish Sanhedrin in the days of Yahuwshuwa’s ministry made the yoke of the Yisra’elites heavy by adding man-made decrees and laws to the Torah (Commandments of YHWH). Because the house of Yahuwdah (Jews) made it more difficult for the people to keep Torah, they gave up and scattered.
1st Melekiym (Kings) 12:6 And King Rechab’am (Rehoboam) consulted with the old men, that stood before Shelomoh (Solomon) his father while he you lived, and said, How do you advise that I may answer this people?
The “old men” represent the “ancient paths” of the Torah, and the wise men that Solomon consulted with.
1st Melekiym (Kings) 12:
7 And they spoke unto him, saying, If you will be a servant unto this people this day, and will serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.
8 But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:
Rechab’am (Rehoboam) was a man-pleaser and not a pleaser of Yah. He rejected the sound wisdom of the ancient paths of the Torah and the wise old men. He instead took the advice of his contemporaries and his peers which was not good sound wisdom.
1st Melekiym (Kings) 12:10 And the young men that were grown up with him spoke unto him, saying, Thus shall you speak unto this people that spoke unto you, saying, Your father made our yoke heavy, but make you it lighter unto us; thus shall you say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins.
11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father has chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
12 So Yarob’am (Jeroboam), and all the people came to Rechab’am (Rehoboam), the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.
13 And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him;
14 And spoke to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
16 So when all Yisra’el saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in Dawiyd (David)? neither have we inheritance in the son of Yishay (Jesse): to your tents, O Yisra’el: now see to yours own house, Dawiyd (David). So Yisra’el departed unto their tents.
When Rechab’am (Rehoboam) declared that he would make the burdens of the Yisra’elites even heavier than his Father Shelomo (Solomon), the Kingdom was divided and the rest of the tribes of Yisra’el departed from Yahuwdah and Jerusalem and they were scattered.
1st Melekiym (Kings) 12:17 But as for the children of Yisra’el which dwelt in the cities of Yahuwdah (Judah), Rechab’am (Rehoboam) reigned over them.
To this day, the other Ten Tribes of Yisra’el are in rebellion with the House of David (Judah & Benjamin), and they have assimilated into the Gentile nations. So much so, that they have forgotten their identity (just as the prodigal son forgot his identity and departed from his father’s house).
1st Melekyim (Kings)
12:19 So Yisra’el rebelled against the house of Dawiyd (David) unto this day.
20 And it came to pass, when all Yisra’el heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Yisra’el: there was none that followed the house of Dawiyd (David), but the tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) only.
21 And when Rechab’am (Rehoboam) was come to Yeruwshalayim (Jerusalem), he assembled all the house of Yahudah (Judah), with the tribe of Benyahmiyn (Benjamin), an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against the house of Yisra’el, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon.
King Jeroboam, (who ruled over the Ten Northern Tribes of Yisra’el) built his pagan shrine in “Mount Ephrayim.” This explains why in Ezekiel 37:16-17, the Ten Northern Tribes are identified as “The Stick of Ephrayim.”
1st Melekiym (Kings) 12:25 Then Yarob’am (Jeroboam), built Shechem in mount Ephrayim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.
Jeroboam was afraid that if he allowed the children of Yisra’el to go and celebrate the feasts three times per year in Yeruwshalayim (Jerusalem) as they were commanded to do forever (Leviticus 23), that they would rebel against him and come under the rule of Rechab’am (Rehoboam) King of Yahuwdah (Judah).
King Jeroboam then devised his own pagan holidays not in accordance with the Towrah. This is exactly what the Christian Church has done today.
King Jeroboam then devised his own pagan holidays not in accordance with the Towrah. This is exactly what the Christian Church has done today.
Because the Roman Emperor Constantine did not want to share Roman power with the Jews, he stripped Christianity of everything “Jewish” in the 3rd Century.
He instituted his own pagan holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, etc. These pagan holidays were meant to commemorate Nimrod and Tammuz (the pagan “Christ’s” of Gnosticism).
1st Melekiym (Kings) 12:
26 And Yarob’am (Jeroboam) said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of Dawiyd:
27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of YHWH at Yeruwshalayim (Jerusalem), then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rechab’am (Rehoboam) king of Yahuwdah (Judah), and they shall kill me, and go again to Rechab’am (Rehoboam) king of Yahuwdah (Judah).
28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Yeruwshalayim (Jerusalem): behold your gods, O Yisra’el, which brought you up out of the land of Mitzrayim (Egypt).
29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.
30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.King Jeroboam even set up a pagan priesthood (just like the Roman Catholic priesthood of today). This priesthood devised by Jeroboam were not from the sons of Aaron of the Tribe of Levi, as Yah had ordained.
To make matters worse, he devised holidays “out of the imagination of his own heart,” instead of the seven feasts commanded in Leviticus 23.
1st Melekiym (Kings) 12:
31 And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Lewi.
33 So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Yisra’el: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.
32 And Yarob’am (Jeroboam) ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Yahuwdah (Judah), and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made.
You will notice that Yarob’am (Jeroboam) ordained a feast in the “eighth month” against the commandment of Yah which is to be in the “seventh month” for the three fall feasts. This is what the Papacy has done in establishing their own man-made sun god festivals devised after their own hearts and not after Yah’s word.
Two Sisters Who Played the Harlot
Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 23:1-2
The word of YHWH came again unto me, saying, Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother:
In the last days, there will be a counterfeit of “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb,” with both of these apostate sisters coming back together again.
The mother of these two apostate sisters is called “MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF ALL HARLOTS.”
This “counterfeit mother” will be those from The House of Yahuwdah (Judah) and those from The House of Yisra’el (Ephrayim), who fall away to the false Messiah called “Antichrist,” or, the Beast.
However, there will be a remnant (one third) from both Houses who will come out of Mystery Babylon.
Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 23:
Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 23:
3 And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.
4 And the names of them were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister: and they were mine, and they bare sons and daughters. Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah.
In the Strong’s Hebrew Concordance, we see what these names mean:
#170 ‘Oholah: her tent (i.e. idolatrous sanctuary); Oholah, a symbol. Name for Samaria:--Aholah.
#172 ‘Oholiybah: my tent (is) in her; Oholibah, a symbolic name for Judah:--Aholibah.
We see once again that both camps Jew & Gentile or Judah & Samaria (Ephrayim), have the same human nature problem which is “sin” and they both need a Savior because they are unable to change their ways.
Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 23:
5 And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours,
7 Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself.
8 Neither left she her whoredoms brought from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.
One Covenant with Two Houses
The 23rd Chapter of the Book of Yehezqel (Ezekiel) ends with a prophecy about how Yah will punish those within both houses of Yahuwdah & Ephrayim, who commit harlotry against him. He brings their lovers against them, and uses their lovers to chastise them of their harlotry and whoredoms.
In these last days, the Renewed Covenant is still being implemented, leading up to the “consummation” of the marriage with Messiah on that great and terrible day of his second coming.
In these last days, the Renewed Covenant is still being implemented, leading up to the “consummation” of the marriage with Messiah on that great and terrible day of his second coming.
When he “gathers his elect” on that day “immediately after the tribulation,” (and his bride receives a resurrectede body), the fullness of the Renewed (New) Covenant will be implemented into the cosmos, and the earth will be cleansed and purified by fire.
These days are still yet to come, when YaHuWaH will make a Renewed Covenant with both Houses of Yisra’el. The Renewed Covenant has not reached its “fullness,” until Ephrayim & Yahuwdah (Judah) shall become “one stick” in his hand (Ezekiel 37:16-17).
Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 31:
31 Behold, the days come, said YHWH, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Yisra’el, and with the house of Yahuwdah (Judah):
32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was an husband unto them, said YHWH:
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisra’el; After those days, said YHWH, I will put my law in their inward pares, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohiym, and they shall be my people.
In the end times Yah will make a covenant with both houses of Yisra’el, and they shall all appoint “one head” one Messiah for they shall all be in one accord.
Howshea 1:11 Then shall the children of Yahuwdah (Judah) and the children of Yisra’el be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Yizra’el (Jezreel).
Two Olive Trees & Two Candlesticks
Zekaryahuw (Zechariah) 4:
2 And said unto me, What do you see? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:
3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?
14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by YHWH of the whole earth.
Who is Zerubbabel?
Hebrew meaning: #2216 Zrubbabel descended of Babylon, i.e. born there; Zerubbabel, an Yisra’elite:--Zerubbabel.
Zerubbabel was a Levitical priest born in Babylon. He is a figure of this end time priesthood that Yah is raising up in these last days. In other words there is a remnant who will “come out of Mystery Babylon” and will embrace the “Double Portion Inheritance.” Zerubbabel represents the New Covenant priesthood of Melchizedek:
1st Keefa (Peter) 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Nehemyahuw (Nehemiah) 12:47 And all Yisra’el in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.
The Two Olive Trees: Judah & Ephrayim (Jew & Gentile)
Olive Trees are likened unto the nation of Yisra’el in prophecy and two of them symbolize the Southern Kingdom of Yisra’el (Judah) and the Northern Kingdom of Yisra’el (Ephrayim & Joseph) (See Ezekiel 37:16-17). The Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) also describes “two olive trees” in Romans 11, when he refers to the “wild olive tree” (Gentiles) and the “natural olive tree” (Jews) being grafted into one olive tree.
Two Sticks in the Hand of YaHuWaH
Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 37:
17 And join them one to another into one stick (tree); and they shall become one in yours hand.
The stick of Yahuwdah (Judah) includes the House of Judah (Jews), but also includes those of the “children” of Yisra’el (the other eleven sons of Yisra’el). The “companions” of the children of Yisra’el would be those who started out as Gentiles, but they joined up with those in the Household of Natzariym Yahuwdiym (Jewish followers of Messiah).
Hence, Yahuwdah (Judah) includes all those who use the title “Jew” by virtue of their practicing Judaism, and they may physically have the DNA of all twelve tribes of Yisra’el including DNA from Judah. But then there are those who don’t have the DNA of these tribes and they started out as Gentiles but they choose to convert to Judaism as a religion.
But the stick of Joseph & Ephrayim includes those who are physically the descendants of Joseph, and Ephrayim, but also those who are of the entire “House of Yisra’el” from both wives (Leah & Rachel) and this would include Benjamin.
The “companions” of would be those within the Christianity who “come out of Mystery Babylon” and embrace the Covenant with Yisra’el into their Hebraic Roots---into a Torah obedience.
Hence Ephrayim includes those who literally have the DNA of Ephrayim & Joseph and they too have companions who are “Gentiles” with no physical lineage to these tribes yet they choose to join Ephrayim by virtue of faith, the blood of Messiah and Torah observance by coming out of Mystery Babylon paganism within the Christian Church.
Wild Branches & Natural Branches
YaHuWaH our Father already has the “foreknowledge” of who will end up as Yisra’elites in the end for he knows whose names will not be blotted out of the book of life (Revelation 3:5). There is a “remnant” of Yah’s elect (Jew & Gentile alike) who are predestined according to the election of grace and he knows who will be counted as Yisra’el in the end.
Romans 11:1-5 “….I say then, Has Elohiym cast away his people? Elohiym forbid…Elohiym has not cast away his people which he foreknew…I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”
So you see all of those who do not bow the knee to Ba’al (the false Messiah being depicted in the pagan holidays) will end up as the “remnant of Yisra’el” and only the Father knows who they are.
Romans 11:
7 What then? Yisra’el has not obtained that which he seeks for; but the election has obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
11 (According as it is written, Elohiym has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
Here, the Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) is illustrating that “Old Covenant” Yisra’el was according to the flesh (DNA, blood lines of the Fathers). But New Covenant Yisra’el is obtained by being “born-again” of the Spirit. We all become “adopted sons” of the Heavenly Father (whether Jew or Gentile) when we receive the “Spirit of Adoption” whereby we cry “Abba Father” (Romans 8:15).
Consequently, Old Covenant Yisra’el did not obtain what he sought for because he would not allow himself to be born of the Spirit through Yahuwshuwa’s sacrifice on the Taw (two sticks, stauros, cross). You, there was always the “elect” after the foreknowledge of the Father (1st Keefa/Peter 1:1-2) who were always his from the foundation of the world. “Old Covenant” Yisra’el could not obtain the promise because of spiritual blindness:
Romans 11:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always.
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? Elohiym forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
When the Gentiles realize their identity with Yisra’el just as Ephrayim did, they will make the house of Judah jealous and the Jews will desire to come to Yahuwshuwa as Messiah when the Gentiles forsake their pagan ways and come into the “fullness” of their identity, into the Olive Tree as Yisra’elites.
Romans 11:12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
The falling away of “Old Covenant” Yisra’el was so that the Gentiles would be born as sons in a foreign land like Ephrayim and come into their Double Portion Inheritance with Judah in the end-times.
The fullness of the Gentiles means that when these born again believers who were once strangers (gentiles) come into the fullness of their identity as Yisra’elites, that is when the fullness of the Jews will also be realized because they will be provoked to jealousy when they see Gentiles becoming Yisra’elites, keeping the feasts and Torah. That is when the Yahuwdiy (Jews) will see Yahuwshuwa as their Messiah in the Feasts and they will be won over to him.
Romans 11:
15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if you boast, you bear not the root, but the root you.
19 You will say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
20 Well, because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if Elohiym spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not you.
Sha’ul (Paul) is illustrating that the first born son Manasseh are like the “natural branches” and they did not receiving his “double portion inheritance,” even though he started out as the firstborn son.
The “wild branches” are like Ephrayim who is grafted into the olive tree (Yisra’el), and receives the “double portion,” even though it was Menashsheh (Manasseh) who was supposed to originally receive it. But the wild branches are given a warning not to “boast against” the natural branches, just as Ephrayim should take heed that he not gloat against Judah.
Romans 11:
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for Elohiym is able to graft them in again.
24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
25 For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Yisra’el, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
Yahuwdah (Judah), the older brother will once again become “grafted” into his own olive tree when he believes in Yahuwshuwa as the Messiah.
Romans 11:26 And so all Yisra’el shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Tziyown (Zion) the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Ya’aqob (Jacob).
When Paul said “all Yisra’el shall be saved” he is not referring to those who merely “call themselves Yisra’el,” but those whom the Father “foreknew” are the true Yisra’el.
Not everyone who calls themselves “Yisra’el” shall be counted as Yisra’el in the end. It is by the foreknowledge of the Father in heaven who will be called “Yisra’el” according to the election of grace.
It is by “circumcision of the heart” and not by culture, nor by following a religion. In Revelation 7 there are only 12,000 from each tribe who end up as the “remnant” and this number of 144 thousand seems like a very small number. But I expound further on this phenomenon in my other teaching entitled “Who Are the 144 Thousand?”
One New Man
Ephesians 2
11 Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time you were without Messiah, being aliens from the commonwealth of Yisra’el, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without Elohiym in the world:
13 But now in Messiah Yahuwshuwa you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Messiah.
14 For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of two one new man, so making peace;
The word “ordinance” in Greek here means “dogma” or a man-made decree. There was a man-made ordinance whereby the rabbi’s built up a wall around the outer court keeping the gentiles from being allowed to come near to the temple so that they could know YaHuWaH. But this was “against us” because Yah never commanded this in his temple.
This was a man-made decree and this was the “enmity” that Yahuwshuwa destroyed on the Taw (two sticks, stauros, cross). The “enmity” was brought on by the sinful prideful nature of man, and this is what Yahuwshuwa destroyed on the Taw (two sticks, cross)----not the Torah or his own commandments.
Because of the sinful nature which caused “enmity” between
Ephrayim & Judah, there was an invisible “wall” in the spirit which separated us, but we are now able to become “one new man” corporately as one body through Messiah. Paul is describing this “enmity” as being the “middle wall of partition” between us.
Ephrayim & Judah, there was an invisible “wall” in the spirit which separated us, but we are now able to become “one new man” corporately as one body through Messiah. Paul is describing this “enmity” as being the “middle wall of partition” between us.
But there was also a “literal wall” that was built under rabbinic ordinances that kept the gentiles from being allowed to “come near” to the temple of YaHuWaH.
Ephesians 2:
16 And that he might reconcile both unto Elohiym in one body by the Taw (two sticks, cross), having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were near.
To them that were “afar off” (Ephrayim who was born in Egypt) and to them who were near (Judah) who had returned to the covenant and to the land after the Babylonian Captivity.
The House of Judah were at home keeping the Feasts & Sabbaths, and Yahuwshuwa preached peace to both houses. Once again, we see Ephrayim as the younger son and Judah as the older son in the parable of the prodigal son. And both of these are “reconciled unto Elohiym” because the enmity was slain.
In the story of the prodigal son, when the Father killed the fatted calf, the “enmity” between the brothers was also “slain” and the younger brother was treated the same as the older brother who never left home.
The Corporate “Man-Child”
But often times in prophecy we can see more than one layer of understanding. We see the literal woman as Mary/Miryam the mother of Yahuwshuwa our Messiah.
Therefore, the “man-child” is Yahuwshuwa himself who was born of this woman on September 11th in 3 B.C. on Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets.
*Note: See the research of Dr. Ernest L. Martin who wrote the book “The Star that Astonished the World.”
On that day, the planetary alignment showed that the sign of “Virgo, the Virgin” (Bethulah in Hebrew) was seen giving birth to “Ariel” the Lion of Judah and she had a crown of twelve stars, the moon was under her feet and the sun was “mid-body” as she was “clothed with the sun.”
Even though this prophecy has already taken place on September 11th in 3 B.C., with the birth of Yahuwshuwa Messiah, it will be repeated with the corporate “man-child” as the remnant of believers who form “the one new man” (Ephesians 2:15) will become a corporate body of believers who will “rule and reign over all nations with him for one thousand years.”
But even though this prophecy has already taken place on September 11th in 3 B.C., with the birth of Yahuwshuwa Messiah, it will be repeated with the corporate “man-child” as the remnant of believers who form “the one new man” (Ephesians 2:15) will become a corporate body of believers who will “rule and reign over all nations with him for one thousand years.”
1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
2 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
3 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
*Note: This dragon is Satan who has “seven heads” (Seven Hills of Rome) and the ten horns (ten nations that form the beast power of the Antichrist).
Revelation 11:4 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto Elohiym, and to his throne.
The man-child is Yahuwshuwa, but also the corporate “man-child” is the one new man of Ephesians 2:15, the “one stick” of Ezekiel 37:16-17.
The Two Witnesses
These “two witnesses” are described by the angel to John as “four objects” and so we see that there is more to these two witnesses than meets the eye.
Revelation 11:
Revelation 11:
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days (1,260 days or 3.5 years), clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the Elohiym of the earth.
In Ezekiel 37:16-17 we learn that YaHuWaH will take the “stick” of Judah and the “stick” of Ephrayim, and he shall make them “one stick in his hand” at the resurrection. What is interesting is the Hebrew Strong’s Concordance defines the English word for
#6086 `ets ates from 6095; a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks):--+ carpenter, gallows, helve, + pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood.
In Romans 11, Shaul (Paul) described the Gentiles as the “wild branches” that are grafted into the same olive tree with the “natural branches.”
Old Covenant Yisra’el are the natural branches (who were part of the original covenant) through natural birth from Abraham’s seed. New Covenant Yisra’el is the Gentiles who hear the gospel and are grafted into the same Olive Tree with Old Covenant Yisra’el because of faith and they too become the “seed” (sperma in Greek) of Abraham.
Like Ephrayim (who was born in a foreign nation), he was thought of as a “Gentile” or stranger, but because he had the blood of his Father Joseph (a type of Messiah), he had the DNA of Yisra’el. Likewise through the blood of our Messiah Yahuwshuwa, a Gentile born in a foreign land can be “named Yisra’el” because we are related to Yisra’el our Father through Yahuwshuwa’s blood.
Like Ephrayim (who was born in a foreign nation), he was thought of as a “Gentile” or stranger, but because he had the blood of his Father Joseph (a type of Messiah), he had the DNA of Yisra’el. Likewise through the blood of our Messiah Yahuwshuwa, a Gentile born in a foreign land can be “named Yisra’el” because we are related to Yisra’el our Father through Yahuwshuwa’s blood.
Judah was the fourth natural born son of Yisra’el through Leah and he gave the scepter and kingly authority to Judah. But Ya’aqob (Jacob-Yisra’el) gave the blessing of “firstborn” to Joseph through his youngest son Ephrayim. These two branches are the natural branches (Judah) and the wild branches (Ephrayim).
And so who are the “Two Candlesticks?” Yahuwshuwa tells us the mystery:
Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven congregations.
Seven Candlesticks = Seven Congregations (Ekklesia, Called out Ones)
*Note: In the first three chapters of Revelation, Yahuwshuwa addresses seven congregations, and he finds fault with all of them except for Smyrna & Philadelphia. These are the “two candlesticks” of Revelation 11:4, the two overcoming congregations.
The Two Witnesses are “Judah & Ephrayim” the two olive trees. And they are also Smyrna & Philadelphia, the two congregations whom YaHuW’shuwa finds no fault with. In other words, the “two witnesses” are two groups of people, not merely two individuals.
These two witnesses walk in the “double portion anointing.” This means that they walk in the anointing of Eliyahuw or Elijah which is symbolic of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. But they also walk in the anointing of Mosheh (Moses) which is the Torah.
Revelation 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy (Elijah anointing): and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. (Moses anointing).
Moses & Elijah are the “two witnesses” seen in Luke 9:30 with Yahuwshuwa at the Mount of Transfiguration.
They represent “Law & Prophets” the elements of “Spirit & Truth.” We see these two together also in Malakiy (Malachi) 4:4-6 as being the two who bring together the “lost children” the remnant of the House of Yisra’el back to the Heavenly Father and also the faith of the “fathers” (patriarchs) of the faith: Abraham, Yitzchaq (Isaac), & Ya’aqob (Jacob). In other words, the ancient paths of the Torah.
*Note: You will notice that these two witnesses do the same exploits as Elijah as he prayed that it would not rain for 3.5 years during his ministry to Samaria. These two witnesses also do the same exploits as Moses because Moses had power to turn waters to blood and to smite the earth with plagues as he did in Egypt before Pharaoh.
These two witnesses form a powerful “two witness” army in the earth in these last days as they prophesy for 1,260 days against the Anti-Messiah. After their 3.5 your ministry is finished, they are “caught up” into heaven and simultaneously there is the sounding of the “seventh angel” which is the seventh trumpet sounded in the seventh month of Tishri on Yom Teruah, the Day of Trumpets.
This is what is commonly called “the rapture” or the catching away of the bride. We know this because immediately after they are taken up, the day of wrath, Yom Kippur comes within ten days after this event and the books are opened to determine who is in the book of life as we read this in Revelation 11:18.
Hazown (Revelation) 11:
12 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from Elohiym entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
13 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up here. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
14 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were afraid, and gave glory to the Elohiym of heaven.
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Master YHWH, and of his Messiah; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and your wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you should give reward unto your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear your name, small and great; and should destroy them which destroy the earth.
Two Spies out of Twelve Inherit the Promise
Why is this significant, you might ask? Because the entire plan of redemption is for the benefit of bringing these two groups back together under one king!
In Revelation 21, we see the Tabernacle coming out of heaven, and there are two groups represented. The Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el are represented by the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem. The Twelve Apostles are represented by the twelve foundation stones to the city. These two groups represent the once divided kingdom of Yisra’el, now redeemed and restored through Mashiyach (Acts 3:21).
The covenant at Mount Sinai was broken because of unbelief, and idolatry. However, the second set of stone tablets were not broken. Instead, they were deposited into an ark made of shittim wood, which is incorruptible wood. This wood does not rot or decay.
This type of wood was chosen for the ark, because it is symbolic of our incorruptible nature, when we are born-again of Messiah’s incorruptible seed (1st Peter 1:23). The instructions given to Moses for the ark of the covenant, was to overlay the shittim wood with gold. The gold represents enternity, when the bride receives the final peice to her redemption (Romans 8:23). In addition to having an incorruptible nature, she will also receive an incorruptible body at the resurrection.
The second covenant (after the molten calf), was accompanied by the Tabernacle of Moses, and the sacrificial system. The temporary priesthood of the sons of Aaron, and the sacrificial laws are “The Schoolmaster” (Galatians 3:34-25). These were meant to teach us how to recognize the genuine, and ultimate High Priest, Melchizedek, who is our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa.
In the book of Yahuwshuwa (Joshua), the son of Nun, the twelve spies who were sent to spy out the Land of Promise, obviously typify the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el. However, in 1st Kings 12, we learn that the once united kingdom of Yisra’el, split into two divided kingdoms after Solomon died.
In the book of Yahuwshuwa (Joshua), the son of Nun, the twelve spies who were sent to spy out the Land of Promise, obviously typify the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el. However, in 1st Kings 12, we learn that the once united kingdom of Yisra’el, split into two divided kingdoms after Solomon died.
Therefore, we can see the two spies as a foreshadow of the Two Tribes of the Southern Kingdom of Judah (Benjamin & Judah), for they were not divorced by YaHuWaH. However, the ten spies that had an evil report, represent the Ten Tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Ephraiym/Yisra’el.
The evil report that was given by the ten spies caused all of Yisra’el to fear, thus rendering them unable to inherit the Promised Land. Nevertheless, there was a “remnant” (as there always is), and in this case, it was “two spies” named Joshua & Caleb.
It is no small coincidence that Yahuwshuwa (Joshua) came from the Tribe of Ephrayim, and Caleb came from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah). The pattern is consistent throughout the Scriptures, as the “hidden manna” is progressively revealed to us, leading up to the restoration of all things, as seen in Revelation 21-22.
YaHuWaH has woven the theme of The Two Houses Yisra’el throughout Scripture, even before they were divided into two nations or kingdoms. He was showing us ahead of time, that he knew they would be divided, but that he had a plan for redemption and restoration the entire time.
Yahuwshuwa (Joshua) 17:15 And Yahuwshuwa (Joshua )answered them, If you be a great people, then get you up to the wood country, and cut down for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if Mount Ephrayim be too narrow for you.
Yahuwshuwa (Joshua) 17:17 And Yahuwshuwa (Joshua) spoke unto the house of Yahuwceph (Joseph), even to Ephrayim and to Menashsheh (Manasseh), saying, You are a great people, and have great power: you shall not have one lot only.
*Note: Ephraiym recieived a double portion of land, just as Jacob had propheised!
Scripture records that Kaleb (Caleb) was from the Tribe of Judah:
Bemidbar (Numbers) 13:6 Of the tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah), Kaleb the son of Yephunneh (Jephunneh).
Bemidbar (Numbers) 34:19 And the names of the men are these: Of the tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah), Kaleb the son of Yephunneh (Jephunneh).
Scripture References about the Double Portion Inheritance
Debariym (Deuteronomy) 21:17 But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he has: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.
2nd Melakiym (Kings) 2:9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you, before I be taken away from you. And Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.
Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 61:7 For your shame you shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.
The prophecy in Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 61 is about the remnant of Yisra’el who experience shame, tribulation, and confusion, because of their sins of idolatry. However, when they come out of their tribulation (tried by fire and purified), they shall be given a “double portion inheritance,” just like Joseph, and just like the Prodigal son.
Blended Families in the Kingdom
How many of you remember the old 1970’s sitcom entitled “The Brady Bunch?” I am sure that many of you who are my age remember watching the show as a child growing up.
For those of you who are too young to remember, there have been many re-runs and reunion movies about the Brady Bunch to know what the story line is about.
A widower with three young sons marries a widow with three young daughters, and the two families have to adjust to the blending together of different lifestyles, habits and cultures. At first it was rough, and there were lots of power struggles and territorial issues between the siblings.
A widower with three young sons marries a widow with three young daughters, and the two families have to adjust to the blending together of different lifestyles, habits and cultures. At first it was rough, and there were lots of power struggles and territorial issues between the siblings.
However, because the parents have a strong marriage in the show, they are always able to bring stability and guidance back to the children, steering them back in the right direction toward unity and harmony.
I used this analogy to demonstrate that this is exactly what is happening today, with the blending of Messianic Yahuwdiym (Jews) believers in Messiah, and former Gentiles. Having abandoned many of the pagan customs taught in Christianity, many of us come from different cultural views and backgrounds.
Our styles of worship vary in many ways, and it seems at times that each group has a difficult time accepting the extremes and erroneous ways of the other group.
Having been a part of both the Messianic/Natzariym Community, as well as the Christian Community, I can certainly see that there are imbalances within both camps.
Messianic believers have the Torah, but they sometimes adhere to religious mixture with the oral traditions of the Talmud and Kabbalah which are from Babylon.
The Christian Churches believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but they are lacking the understanding of the Torah, therefore lawlessness and worldly mixture abounds.
Whenever the Christian Church rejects the Torah, they find themselves operating in “another Spirit” (2nd Corinthians 11:4). Consequently, a counterfeit Holy Spirit is permitted to move in their midst. This is what the Apostle Shaul (Paul) meant when he wrote that “they love not the truth,” and are given over to “strong delusion” (2nd Thessalonians 2:11-12).
As the prophecy in Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 19 describes, both of these lion’s whelps have been taken captive in some form and there is a destructive fire that is gone out of her branches, a strange fire that is not the fire of the Holy Spirit.
When this “Mother Lioness,” (Jerusalem) is restored, she will be like those “two candlesticks” and those “two olive trees” with the golden oil in Zekaryahuw (Zechariah) 4, giving forth the fire of the Ruwach haQodesh (Holy Spirit) instead of the destructive “strange fire.”
As the prophecy in Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 19 describes, both of these lion’s whelps have been taken captive in some form and there is a destructive fire that is gone out of her branches, a strange fire that is not the fire of the Holy Spirit.
When this “Mother Lioness,” (Jerusalem) is restored, she will be like those “two candlesticks” and those “two olive trees” with the golden oil in Zekaryahuw (Zechariah) 4, giving forth the fire of the Ruwach haQodesh (Holy Spirit) instead of the destructive “strange fire.”
Two Brides Will Become One Bride
The truth is that there are many patterns in Torah that illustrate to us that there are still to this day “Two Houses of Yisra’el” who are in the process of becoming “one” in the hand of YaHuWaH.
First of all, we see Ya’aqob (Jacob)-Yisra’el as a prophetic “type” of Messiah and he has two brides that end up becoming one family. Leah represents The Ten Northern Tribes who became known as “gentiles.” Leah means “cow” and Ephrayim is prophetically called a “heifer” several times in the book of Hosea.
During the Fall Feasts of YaHuWaH, the heifers and bulls are killed for the gentile nations, while the lambs are killed for Judah. Rachel represents the The Two Southern Tribes of the House of Judah, and the name “Rachel,” also means “lamb.”
In the story of Jacob, he worked for seven years thinking he was going to get Rachel, but instead he got Leah. The night that he discovered that he had been tricked, Laban said to him “Finish the week with Leah and I will give you Rachel also.”
As promised, Jacob got Rachel at the end of the “week,” as he also agreed to work yet another seven years for her. Messiah’s seven- year ministry was for Rachel (The House of Judah).
However, that week wast cut in half, just as our Messiah was “cut off in the middle of the week” (Daniel 9:25-27). The daily “sacrifice and oblation” ceased to be acceptable before YaHuWaH because the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) on the whole rejected Messiah’s sacrifice.
Because of this, each year for forty consecutive years, (leading up to the Roman Siege in 70 C.E.) on every Yom Kippur, the black stone came up instead of the white stone. Additionally, the red ribbon failed to turn white as it had done in the past.
Starting from Passover in 30 A.D. until the Roman Siege in 70 A.D. There was a 40-year probationary period for Yahuwdah (Judah) to accept their Messiah. And when they did not, YaHuWaH brought an end to their kingdom, their city, and their temple.
Messiah’s ministry of seven years (for Rachel) was cut in half to 3.5 years. This is why his ministry is recorded in the first few chapters of John as being 3.5 years. The latter part of his ministry will be completed through his two witnesses in Revelation 11:4, for another 3.5 years.
What is prophetically significant about this is that the “Red Heifer” is the only sacrifice that is done outside of the city walls of Jerusalem and the Red Heifer had to be at least 3 years old (Genesis 15:9, Isaiah 15:5, Jeremiah 48:34). Messiah was offered up as the Red Heifer after he completed his ministry of 3.5 years for the House of Ephrayim (the lost tribes).
What is prophetically significant about this is that the “Red Heifer” is the only sacrifice that is done outside of the city walls of Jerusalem and the Red Heifer had to be at least 3 years old (Genesis 15:9, Isaiah 15:5, Jeremiah 48:34). Messiah was offered up as the Red Heifer after he completed his ministry of 3.5 years for the House of Ephrayim (the lost tribes).
Now when the Abomination of Desolation will be seen in the Holy Place, and from this point on, is when the 3.5 your Tribulation kicks off and then the 2 Witnesses will complete the 7 your ministry of Messiah for Rachel. I don’t believe that there are 7 years left to go. I believe that Messiah already fulfilled half of Daniel’s 70th Week and there is only a half a week left to go.
When the last 3.5 years for Rachel is complete, Messiah will be married to Leah (10 Northern Tribes), just as Ya’aqob (Jacob) was married to Leah at the end of 7 years. But then Laban (symbolic of the Father), gave him Rachel also at the end of the “week” (7 day marriage with Leah).
And so I see prophetically how there are 3.5 days when the 2 witnesses are dead in the streets, and when they are raised up at “The last” & 7th trumpet (when the 7th angel sounds), that is when the rest of the elect are going to be raised up also. It is at this point that Messiah goes into the marriage with Leah for 7 days (making up a total of 10 days from Yom Teruah to Yom Kippur).
At the end of the “week” (seven-day wedding with Leah), Messiah will also be married to Rachel on Yom Kippur. This is when the elect from the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) will look upon him whom they have pierced and they will mourn for him as one mourns his only son (Zechariah 12:10). And then on the Feast of Tabernacles, both brides (Leah & Rachel) will become one stick in the hand of YaHuWaH.
At the end of the “week” (seven-day wedding with Leah), Messiah will also be married to Rachel on Yom Kippur. This is when the elect from the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) will look upon him whom they have pierced and they will mourn for him as one mourns his only son (Zechariah 12:10). And then on the Feast of Tabernacles, both brides (Leah & Rachel) will become one stick in the hand of YaHuWaH.
The “man-child” in Revelation 12 is also a picture of Messiah, but he also represents the corporate body of the Renewed Covenant believers who came out of the “woman” (Old Covenant Yisra’el) typified in Rachel.
When this man-child completes the latter half of Yahuwshuwa’s seven years of working for “Rachel” (symbolic of the two Southern Tribes in Judah) with a 3.5 your ministry (1,260 days) as the Two Witnesses, then Jacob’s time of Trouble will then be complete.
At this point, Yahuwshuwa will have already won Leah (typified in the Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim) yet he will also be married to Rachel (typified in Bethlehem-Judah). These two brides will ultimately become only one bride, and one new man (Ephesians 2:15). You may be asking “How do you assimilate Rachel to Judah, when Rachel did not give birth to Judah, but Leah did?”
When this man-child completes the latter half of Yahuwshuwa’s seven years of working for “Rachel” (symbolic of the two Southern Tribes in Judah) with a 3.5 your ministry (1,260 days) as the Two Witnesses, then Jacob’s time of Trouble will then be complete.
At this point, Yahuwshuwa will have already won Leah (typified in the Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim) yet he will also be married to Rachel (typified in Bethlehem-Judah). These two brides will ultimately become only one bride, and one new man (Ephesians 2:15). You may be asking “How do you assimilate Rachel to Judah, when Rachel did not give birth to Judah, but Leah did?”
The answer to that should be obvious. You see, Yahuwceph (Joseph) had a dream in Bereshiyth (Genesis) 37 whereby he was shown that in the last days, his brothers (The Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim) would all bow down to him and serve him. As already mentioned multiple times, Joseph is a prophetic “type” of Messiah, and the Ten Northern Tribes became known as “Ephrayim” in 1st Kings 12:25 and in Hoshea 10:11.
What this means is that the families have switched places! In other words, Joseph ends up being the tribal leader of Leah’s sons and Judah ends up being the tribal leader of Rachel’s sons in the end! Yet, they must unite as one in order to inherit the Promised Land!
Rachel had two children of her own (beside those of her concubines), and Leah had six sons and one daughter (Dinah), making a total of eight. Add four more sons by the concubines of Rachel & Leah, and you have a total of twelve sons of Jacob.
Even though Leah was the mother of Yahuwdah (Judah), and Rachel was the mother of Yahuwceph (Joseph), the families “switched places,” and they become fully intermingled with one another as “one stick” in the hand of YaHuWaH (Ezekiel 37:16-17). This can accurately be seen in the Yom Kippur sacrifices that were done each year as described in Leviticus 16.
Even though Leah was the mother of Yahuwdah (Judah), and Rachel was the mother of Yahuwceph (Joseph), the families “switched places,” and they become fully intermingled with one another as “one stick” in the hand of YaHuWaH (Ezekiel 37:16-17). This can accurately be seen in the Yom Kippur sacrifices that were done each year as described in Leviticus 16.
The High Priest took the blood of the bull and sprinkled the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. He did the same with the blood of the goat. The blood was mixed together, and the High Priest sprinkled the mixed blood on the horns of the altar of incense.
The blood was also sprinkled on the altar of sacrifice to cleanse it. The remaining blood was poured at the base of that altar. What was being done here? The Bull represents the House of Ephraim (Gentiles) typified in Leah or the Ten Northern Tribes of Yisra’el. Yahuwshuwa performed the sacrifice of the Red Heifer (Numbers 19), as well as the Passover Lamb at his crucifixion.
The Lamb represents the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) typified in Rachel as her name means “Lamb.” The blood of the lamb is for the House of Judah (Jews) and the blood of the bull is for Ephraim (Gentiles).
The blood of these two animals is mixed together on Yom Kippur! What this means is that the blood of Ephraim (the bull) and the blood of Judah (the goat) become one family, one blood, one bride, one stick in the hand of YaHuWaH at the final Yom Kippur at the marriage supper of the Lamb!
It is as if Leah is the mother of Joseph and Rachel is the mother of Judah in the end. The stick of Ephrayim becomes Judah, and the stick of Judah becomes Ephrayim. This is how they become one! Now we understand why the Apostle Sha’ul said the following:
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Yahuwdiym (Jew) nor Gentile (Greek), there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Messiah Yahauwshuwa.
Some people inaccurately use this verse to suggest that there is no more need to obey the “Jewish Law” (as they put it). They lump together the Mosaic Law (Torah) with the man-made religious traditions of Judaism and treat them as the same thing when they are not.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Yahuwdiym (Jew) nor Gentile (Greek), there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Messiah Yahauwshuwa.
Some people inaccurately use this verse to suggest that there is no more need to obey the “Jewish Law” (as they put it). They lump together the Mosaic Law (Torah) with the man-made religious traditions of Judaism and treat them as the same thing when they are not.
They erroneously believe that the Yahuwdiym (Jews) must become “Christians” and therefore assimilate into the Gentile masses by embracing pagan sun-god holidays etc. But this verse is saying quite the opposite! There is no more difference in the way that the “Two Houses” of Yisra’el worship, for we all keep one Torah (Law) and we all worship in the same way now!
Prior to our Messiah providing his blood as atonement for sins, the Gentiles were not permitted to worship in the same temple with the Yahuwdiym (Jews) because they were defiled with idolatry. They were still under “The Law of Divorce” according to Deuteronomy 24, and they could not come back into the same Covenant with the House of Yahuwdah (Judah).
However, after “The lost sheep of the house of Yisra’el” were cleansed by Messiah’s blood, they were now welcome into fellowship with the Yahuwdiym (Jews) to keep the same feast days, and the very same Sabbaths!
However, after “The lost sheep of the house of Yisra’el” were cleansed by Messiah’s blood, they were now welcome into fellowship with the Yahuwdiym (Jews) to keep the same feast days, and the very same Sabbaths!
This will happen in the end as “both houses” end up deferring to one another out of humility.
“Another parable spoke he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”
What we can see here is that the leaven is likened unto the Kingdom of Heaven, and the woman is Yisra’el. She mixes the “leaven” (her seed) into the ball of dough (the nations) until the leaven is fully saturated into the ball of dough. What does this mean?
It means that YaHuWaH has allowed the twelve tribes of Yisra’el to scatter into all nations so that their “seed” would then be sown into the nations until the entire world will be like a ball of dough fully mixed in with the seed of Abraham.
The seed of Abraham has produced “many nations” who would later on gather again under the tribe of Judah through the Messiah Yahuwshuwa. In this parable, we can see that Ezekiel’s prophecy in Ezekiel 5:2 will be fulfilled. Two-thirds of the inhabitants of Yeruwshalayim (Jerusalem) in the last days will perish while only one-third will be saved. The woman in Revelation 12 is “Mother Jerusalem” (Galatians 4:26), who is typified in Sarah & Rachel for they both experienced a time of “barrenness” before giving birth. The remnant of her seed are “the third part of the stars” who “came out of great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14).
These remaining one-third will come out of the fire of cleansing and they will be saved. YaHuWaH will give to these remaining Jewish people a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26), forgiving their sins forever (Jeremiah 31:34).
The seed of Abraham has produced “many nations” who would later on gather again under the tribe of Judah through the Messiah Yahuwshuwa. In this parable, we can see that Ezekiel’s prophecy in Ezekiel 5:2 will be fulfilled. Two-thirds of the inhabitants of Yeruwshalayim (Jerusalem) in the last days will perish while only one-third will be saved. The woman in Revelation 12 is “Mother Jerusalem” (Galatians 4:26), who is typified in Sarah & Rachel for they both experienced a time of “barrenness” before giving birth. The remnant of her seed are “the third part of the stars” who “came out of great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14).
These remaining one-third will come out of the fire of cleansing and they will be saved. YaHuWaH will give to these remaining Jewish people a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26), forgiving their sins forever (Jeremiah 31:34).
The Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) spoke of this time of the outpouring of Yah’s spirit upon the nation of Yisra’el when he wrote, “All Yisra’el shall be saved” (Romans 11:26). This future time of national cleansing and restoration will culminate with the Yahuwdiy (Jewish) people accepting Yahuwshuwa their Messiah and finally saying: YaHuWaH is my Elohiym (Zechariah 13:9).
Zecharyahuw (Zechariah) 13:
8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, says YHWH, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, YHWH is my Elohiym.
Here, we see the dragon casting down to the earth “a third part of the stars” as he will persecute the inhabitants of Yerushalayim. They will go through the fire of affliction and they will be tested and tried for ten days during the “Ten Days of Awe” between Trumpets & Atonement (Revelation 2:10).
Chazown (Revelation) 12:
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto Elohiym, and to his throne.
Rachel was the grandmother of Ephrayim and her son Yahuwceph (Joseph) is the one who inherited “the double portion.” Joseph became the tribal leader of Leah’s sons through his son Ephrayim, who are later going to be gathered together underneath Yahuwdah (Judah)’s reign in the end. Why? It is because Ya’aqob (Jacob) prophesied that it would be through Yahuwdah (Judah) that the “gathering” of the children of Yisra’el would happen (Genesis 49:10).
It is Ephrayim who has become a multitude of nations according to the prophecy spoken over him in Genesis 48:19.
And these nations are then gathered together to Yahuwdah (Judah) as seen in Zekaryahuw (Zechariah) 8:23 where “ten gentile men” (Leah’s ten sons) grab hold of “one Jew” (Judah) typified in Rachel’s son Joseph who is a prophetic type of Messiah.
It is Ephrayim who has become a multitude of nations according to the prophecy spoken over him in Genesis 48:19.
And these nations are then gathered together to Yahuwdah (Judah) as seen in Zekaryahuw (Zechariah) 8:23 where “ten gentile men” (Leah’s ten sons) grab hold of “one Jew” (Judah) typified in Rachel’s son Joseph who is a prophetic type of Messiah.
Hence, Rachel’s “firstborn son” Joseph is likened unto Judah, because Mary/Miryam’s “firstborn son” was Yahuwshuwa.
Yahuwshuwa is typified in Ephrayim who later on became the “first born son” of Yisra’el (Jeremiah 31:9). However, in the last days Yahuwshuwa is also typified in Yahuwdah (Judah) as well because he too will receive the status of “first born” when he accepts the blood atonement of Messiah at his second coming.
Yahuwshuwa is typified in Ephrayim who later on became the “first born son” of Yisra’el (Jeremiah 31:9). However, in the last days Yahuwshuwa is also typified in Yahuwdah (Judah) as well because he too will receive the status of “first born” when he accepts the blood atonement of Messiah at his second coming.
Yahuwdah (the one who was born 4th to Leah) also received “first born” status in Genesis 49:8-10. And so because Yahuwshuwa (Jesus) is the first born of every creature (Colossians 1:15), he will bring these two sons Ephrayim & Yahuwdah (Judah) together as “one new man” (Ephesians 2:15) as they will collectively be called “the first born son.”
In Revelation 12, the “woman” (Yisra’el) will give birth to the “man-child” who is then caught up unto Elohiym and receives redemption with a new incorruptible body.
And so now we see why Leah’s sons are now called “Ephrayim”, and Rachel’s sons have come under the tribal leadership of YaHuW’dah (Judah). The prophetic picture we saw with Ya’aqob (Jacob)-Yisra’el “switching” his hands from Menashsheh (Manasseh)’s head to Ephrayim’s head in Genesis 48:14 now makes a lot more sense!
In this simple act that Yisra’el did with his grandsons, he was illustrating that Menashsheh /Manasseh (the first born son of Joseph) is actually a metaphor of Judah (the one who received the first born status of Leah). He then illustrates that Ephrayim (the younger) is a metaphor of “The whole house of Yisra’el” in totality!
And so the families end up trading places with each other until they are no longer different from one another! In other words “Neither Jew nor Gentile” as they will all be ONE HOUSE in Messiah!
This is what Yisra’el’s act of switching his hands Manasseh ’s head to Ephrayim’s head really means!
This is what Yisra’el’s act of switching his hands Manasseh ’s head to Ephrayim’s head really means!
Rachel A Metaphor of Jerusalem
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 2:
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding angry, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Who were Rachel’s children? Benjamin & Joseph right? Which tribes make up Bethlehem- Judah? It is Judah & Benjamin who were included in the Southern Tribes after Solomon died. Hence the reason why Bethlehem-Judah is being called “Rachel” in Matthew 2:18.
In the days of King David’s reign all twelve tribes were ruled from Yahuwdah (Judah). Even though it was Leah who gave birth to Judah, and it was Rachel’s son Joseph who represents Messiah for he is the one that has received “The double portion inheritance” which consists of “Both houses of Yisra’el” (all twelve tribes).
Leah’s children are the “Ten Northern Tribes” (the nations) who were scattered and lost their identity. They have assimilated with the Gentile nations. Yet, when the “fullness of the gentiles,” (as described in Romans 11:25) occurs, the “blindness” of Yisra’el will be healed! These Gentile believers in Messiah will finally realize that they are Yisra’elites.
Additionally, the Yahuwdiym (Jews) will also see their Messiah, Yahuwshuwa on that final Yom Kippur at the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 12:10). This will culminate before both brides will become one bride, and then regathered at “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.”
This climax of events will result in the rest of the world being brought to it’s knees in awe and wonder. The unification of these two houses will become “riches to the rest of the world” (Romans 11:12).
These two olive branches (wild and natural) will finally see that they are truly of Abraham’s seed through Messiah regardless of culture or DNA. In these last days the gentile believers in Messiah are beginning once again to see that their identity is with Yisra’el. This is what the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) is sent to do as described in Malakiy (Malachi) 4:4-6.
He will “turn the heart of the Father” (YaHuWaH) back to the children of Yisra’el, and the heart of the children of Yisra’el will be turned back to their Heavenly Father! You see, the Hebrew word for “father” (Ab) is singular---not plural! The English translation says that the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) will “Turn the heart of the Fathers to their children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”
In addition to the children having their hearts turned back to the Heavenly Father, this prophecy can also have a dual fulfillment, as the fathers are the patriarchs, Abraham, Yitzakh (Isaac) & Ya’aqob (Jacob). Can this prophecy be stating that the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) will restore the lost children of Yisra’el back to their roots with the patriarchs?
These “children” are like Ephrayim, who thought they were “gentiles” or foreigners. However, they shall be “brought near” (Ephesians 2:15) through the blood of Messiah. These children in the nations are now discovering that their identity is with Yisra’el. However, before the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) can restore the children of Yisra’el back to the heart of the Father, we are told that they must first “Remember the Torah of Mosheh...” Malachi 4:4.
He will “turn the heart of the Father” (YaHuWaH) back to the children of Yisra’el, and the heart of the children of Yisra’el will be turned back to their Heavenly Father! You see, the Hebrew word for “father” (Ab) is singular---not plural! The English translation says that the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) will “Turn the heart of the Fathers to their children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”
In addition to the children having their hearts turned back to the Heavenly Father, this prophecy can also have a dual fulfillment, as the fathers are the patriarchs, Abraham, Yitzakh (Isaac) & Ya’aqob (Jacob). Can this prophecy be stating that the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) will restore the lost children of Yisra’el back to their roots with the patriarchs?
These “children” are like Ephrayim, who thought they were “gentiles” or foreigners. However, they shall be “brought near” (Ephesians 2:15) through the blood of Messiah. These children in the nations are now discovering that their identity is with Yisra’el. However, before the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) can restore the children of Yisra’el back to the heart of the Father, we are told that they must first “Remember the Torah of Mosheh...” Malachi 4:4.
Two Brothers in the Parable of the Prodigal Son
In the parable of the prodigal son, we see a picture of Ephrayim as the younger son, who left home and went to a foreign land (Egypt).
The younger son squandered his inheritance or salvation on worldly living. He ends up eating and sleeping with the pigs, and at this point he comes back to his senses and goes back home to his father’s house.
When he returns, he repents to his father, and he says “I am not worthy to be called your son, please let me be a servant.”
It is evident that the prodigal son still has the mentality of a slave who is in bondage from Egypt. But the father declares to him “you are my son,” and this is when the father killed the fatted calf (atonement) and this is when he gave the son a ring on his finger. The ring is a “signet” or a stamp of ownership.
When he returns, he repents to his father, and he says “I am not worthy to be called your son, please let me be a servant.”
It is evident that the prodigal son still has the mentality of a slave who is in bondage from Egypt. But the father declares to him “you are my son,” and this is when the father killed the fatted calf (atonement) and this is when he gave the son a ring on his finger. The ring is a “signet” or a stamp of ownership.
In ancient times, when a king gave his servant a signet ring, it bore his “signature” or his name. When the prodigal son was cleansed through blood atonement (the fatted calf) he was identified with the father’s name (the signet ring).
In other words, when we are “born-again” by the blood of Messiah (the red heifer & the lamb), we are identified with our Heavenly Father’s name “YaHuWaH.” At this point, the father gave the son a “white robe of righteousness” which represents the restoration of the nakedness that Adam & Eve experienced in the garden when they sinned and the glory of Yah departed from them.
The “glory” that had once covered them was lifted from them after they ate of “the tree of knowledge of good and evil,” but when YaHuWaH made a sacrifice for them, he made “skins” for them to wear as a “covering” (Genesis 3:21). The older brother in this parable of the prodigal represents Yahuwdah (Judah) who never left home (Jerusalem).
The “glory” that had once covered them was lifted from them after they ate of “the tree of knowledge of good and evil,” but when YaHuWaH made a sacrifice for them, he made “skins” for them to wear as a “covering” (Genesis 3:21). The older brother in this parable of the prodigal represents Yahuwdah (Judah) who never left home (Jerusalem).
The older brother Yahuwdah had been keeping the Feasts and the Sabbaths all along which were a sign of the Covenant (Ezekiel 20:20). When the younger son came home, and received another inheritance, (after squandering the first one), the older brother Judah felt slighted. He said “father, I never left home and squandered my inheritance, and yet you never killed the fatted calf for me and threw a big party.”
The older son was jealous of the younger son because he did not think that the younger son deserved to be welcomed home by the Father to receive a “double portion” of the inheritance.” But the Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) explained in Romans 11:11 that the “wild branches” (Ephrayim or the former Gentiles who have returned) will provoke the natural branches (Jews, Judah) to jealousy when they obtain salvation.
When Ephrayim makes Yahuwdah (Judah) jealous, that is when Judah will desire the blood atonement of Messiah (the fatted calf) and that is when the celebration of the two brothers coming together will take place on the “The Feast of Ingathering” or “The Feast of Tabernacles” just after “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” This will culminate at the second coming of Messiah during the fall feasts leading up to the Millennium.
When Ephrayim makes Yahuwdah (Judah) jealous, that is when Judah will desire the blood atonement of Messiah (the fatted calf) and that is when the celebration of the two brothers coming together will take place on the “The Feast of Ingathering” or “The Feast of Tabernacles” just after “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” This will culminate at the second coming of Messiah during the fall feasts leading up to the Millennium.
What is also interesting is that we can see the same metaphor in reverse with the younger brother representing YaHuW’dah (Judah), and the older brother representing Ephrayim. We see in prophecy, that Elohiym called Ephrayim “my firstborn” in Jeremiah 31:9.
It is the same picture we saw in Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:13-14 when Yisra’el (Ya’aqob) crossed his hands over and placed his right hand on Ephrayim (as the first born blessing) and his left hand on Manasseh (the second born blessing). In other words, the younger son became as the older son, and the older son became as the younger.
It is the same picture we saw in Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:13-14 when Yisra’el (Ya’aqob) crossed his hands over and placed his right hand on Ephrayim (as the first born blessing) and his left hand on Manasseh (the second born blessing). In other words, the younger son became as the older son, and the older son became as the younger.
They switched places! Manasseh started out as the first born, but in the end he became the younger. Ephrayim started out as the younger, but in the end became the “firstborn” son!
As Ephrayim began to inherit the “double portion” through the “born-again” experience in the Gentile nations, he became as the older brother, but then Yahuwdah (Judah) became as the younger brother because he rejected the blood atonement of Messiah for his sins. When the older son Yahuwdah sees Ephrayim coming home and receiving the Father’s blessing, he will then be provoked to jealousy.
The House of Yahuwdah left home (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. during the Roman Siege because of their rejection of Yahuwshuwa as their Messiah. It was from this point on, that Yahuwdah then became as the younger son in the story of the prodigal. The nation of Yisra’el (Ephrayim) was taken captive by the Assyrians in 740 B.C. and in 536 B.C., some of them returned and joined Yahuwdah again. However, many of them had not yet returned, and this is the reason why our Messiah came to gather them back:
The House of Yahuwdah left home (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. during the Roman Siege because of their rejection of Yahuwshuwa as their Messiah. It was from this point on, that Yahuwdah then became as the younger son in the story of the prodigal. The nation of Yisra’el (Ephrayim) was taken captive by the Assyrians in 740 B.C. and in 536 B.C., some of them returned and joined Yahuwdah again. However, many of them had not yet returned, and this is the reason why our Messiah came to gather them back:
Matthithyahuw (Matthew) 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Yisra’el.
When Yahuwshuwa told the parable of the Prodigal Son, he was illustrating the House of Yisra’el (Ephrayim) as the younger son. Nevertheless, in 70 A.D., the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) also became the prodigal son, because they too rejected our Messiah who is “the living Torah.”
The House of Yisra’el (the Christian Church), have become apostate since the days of Constantine the Roman emperor when they began to “replace” the true faith of our Messiah with a counterfeit set of laws. Likewise, the House of Judah did the same thing with Judaism by making the Talmud equal in authority to the scriptures. Both Houses (Jews & Christians) are under bondage to a counterfeit of the one true faith of YaHuWaH.
That is why in Ezekiel 19 both “lion’s whelps” were taken into captivity, and their “mother” Yeruwshalayim (Jerusalem), typified in Sarah (Isaiah 54:1), has been desolate and barren. Nevertheless, the promise of her son--the “one new man-child” is not dead! Soon the promised son is going to be born!
The House of Yisra’el (the Christian Church), have become apostate since the days of Constantine the Roman emperor when they began to “replace” the true faith of our Messiah with a counterfeit set of laws. Likewise, the House of Judah did the same thing with Judaism by making the Talmud equal in authority to the scriptures. Both Houses (Jews & Christians) are under bondage to a counterfeit of the one true faith of YaHuWaH.
That is why in Ezekiel 19 both “lion’s whelps” were taken into captivity, and their “mother” Yeruwshalayim (Jerusalem), typified in Sarah (Isaiah 54:1), has been desolate and barren. Nevertheless, the promise of her son--the “one new man-child” is not dead! Soon the promised son is going to be born!
Just like the story of “the prodigal son,” the older brother (Judah) on a corporate level has still not received a fatted calf slain for him. When the younger son was given the “signet ring” (identity in the Father’s name) the older brother was still begrudging the younger son of his inheritance and he became jealous of what the younger son had received from the Father.
When the remnant from the House of Judah (Jews) finally receive the atonement of Messiah (the fatted calf), that is when he too will become joined back to his younger brother Ephrayim and the “two shall become one stick” in the hand of the Father.
Two Conditions of the Human Heart
We are shown that these “ten men” (figurative of Ephrayim) will grab a hold of one Jew (the tribe of Judah) into obedience to Torah. And this “one Jew” is Yahuwshuwa himself as well as those Yahuwdiym (Jews) who are followers of the Messiah Yahuwshuwa who are keeping his commandments.
But on an individual basis, there are those who call themselves “Jews” who are only doing Torah externally without having a circumcised heart. By their rejection of the Messiah who is “the living Torah” they too have rejected the Father’s instructions just like their younger brother Ephrayim.
And so in these last days, Yahuwdah (Judah) must also recognize his fallen state. He too must admit that he is like a prodigal son that has fallen like Ephrayim, only for him to come back “full circle” to the Father and his instructions.
In prophecy we can usually glean several layers of understanding. And so we can see that there are those who thought they were “wheat” and 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 Judah is embodied in Yahuwshuwa himself, not in Rabbinic Judaism. I am not saying that those within Rabbinic Judaism are not truly Jews, but if they never embrace the blood covenant of Yahuwshuwa, they won’t come into their fullness and neither will Ephrayim. Everything hinges on Judah accepting the blood of Yahuwshuwa Messiah as payment for their sins.
It is only by his blood that all 12 tribes will be gathered again to the house of Yahuwdah! There is no other way. He said “I am the way, the truth and the life, NO MAN (not even Jews) can come to Father, but by me”---Yahuwchanon (John) 14:6.
Hence, Ephrayim rebels against Yahuwdah (Judah) when he does not obey Torah commandments, but Judah rebels against Messiah himself (who is the embodiment of Judah) when he rejects Yahuwshuwa’s blood sacrifice. 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” in the end.
Ephrayim represents more than just the physical descendants of Yahuwceph (Joseph). Ephrayim is also a metaphor of every human being who admits his fallen state and comes back to the Father in repentance (like the prodigal son) and then receives the fatted calf (blood atonement).
Ephrayim is a picture of every human being (Jew & Gentile alike) who admits he is a sinner and repents. But Yahuwdah (Judah) is a picture of every human being who receives “firstborn status” through becoming “born-again of incorruptible seed” (1st Kefa/Peter 1:23).
This condition must be recognized in the life of every person whether Jew or Gentile. We must first descend as Yahuwshuwa descended “into the lowest parts of the earth” (Ephesians 4:4) before he ascended back to the Father (Acts 1:11).
The name “Jordan’ (Yarden) means “descender” and this is symbolic of when we are baptized into the death of Messiah (Romans 6:4). When we come back up out of the water, this is symbolic of resurrection (ascending) back to the Father. The pattern must be met before we can be raised back up to new life. Ya’aqob (Jacob) descended into deception when he supplanted his brother’s inheritance, but he was later “transformed” into as one who “prevailed” and became Yisra’el.
Once we are humbled and broken over our fallen nature, and we repent, we can then come back up out of the water to the first born status as just as Ephrayim did. Ephrayim (on a corporate level) will join the stick of Yahuwdah (Judah) in the end and shall become ONE in Messiah, ONE HOUSE under Yahuwdah (Judah), embodied in Yahuwshuwa himself.
In the parable of “the wheat and the tares,” there are those who look like wheat (but are not) and there are those who truly are. Together they grow up until the harvest and we will not know who the “elect” are until the very end when the “fruit” is seen in the “wheat.”
But the tares will be like an empty “shell” with no fruit. Only the Father knows who will be counted as a Yahuwdiym (Jews) in the end. Anyone can play the part of a Jew outwardly, but that does not make him a Yahuwdiym (Jew) in the eyes of the Father.
Only those who are “sprinkled by the blood of the lamb and sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (having their hearts circumcised) will show forth the fruit of the ones who “Keep the commandments & have the testimony of Yahuwshuwa” (1st Peter 1:1-2, Revelation 12:17, Romans 2:28).
Romans 2:
25 Circumcision verily profits, if you keep the Torah (Law): but if you be a breaker of the Torah (Law), your circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the Torah (Law), shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the Torah (Law), judge you, who by the letter and circumcision does transgress the Torah (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.
Here the Apostle Sha’ul tells us that outward circumcision in the flesh is only profitable to a Yahuwdiy (Jew) if they obey Torah. But if they do not obey the Torah, then their outward circumcision is as if they are “uncircumcised.”
Hence the blood of Messiah Yahuwshuwa is necessary for salvation for “all have sinned and have come short of the glory (kabowd) of Elohiym” (Romans 3:23).
Hence the blood of Messiah Yahuwshuwa is necessary for salvation for “all have sinned and have come short of the glory (kabowd) of Elohiym” (Romans 3:23).
When a Jew who has not accepted Yahuwshuwa as the Messiah commits a sin, he has no blood atonement to cover him. Therefore, outward circumcision is to no avail unless we are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and we continue in obedience to the commandments of YaHuWaH.
Replacement Theology
Some would call this message “Replacement Theology” and anti-Semitism, but this is not at all about being against the Jews. This is about seeing the human condition for what it is---sinful. 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 (Jew & Gentile) come together as ONE NEW MAN (Ephesians 2:12-15) as Yahuwshuwa has abolished the “enmity” of the sinful human nature which keeps Judah & Ephrayim divided to this day. But in the eyes of the Father, once we have “the son” we are in the Father as well. The Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) declared:
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 Torah (the Father’s instructions) and must come back to his identity. And Yahuwdah (Judah) represents every human being (Jew or Gentile) who becomes born again, and has recognized his inheritance, but he begins to depend on his own human efforts instead of the blood atonement.
And because of his dependence on his own human efforts he must be humbled and realize that at any moment he is able to fall just like Ephrayim.
This principle is seen over and over again in scripture, because pride goes before a fall. When we think we are better than others because of our own obedience we are shown to be just as fallen as the one who has admitted his fallen state. We see this principle illustrated by Yahuwshuwa:
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 (tax collector).
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 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 Torah obedience. But the Publican admitted his fallen state and his prayer was accepted. This is the principle seen with Ephrayim & Yahuwdah (Judah). Ephrayim is the publican who receives mercy when he repents, but Judah represents the one who trusts in his firstborn status and forgets that he too was born with a sinful nature.
Every human being must see his fallen state before he can come into his true identity in Messiah. The first becomes the last and the last becomes the first.
Every human being must see his fallen state before he can come into his true identity in Messiah. The first becomes the last and the last becomes the first.
.jpg)
And it is this very principle that causes Ephrayim to receive the status of “firstborn.”
Ephrayim did nothing to earn his firstborn 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).
In Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 31:9, YaHuWaH declares that he is “A father to Yisra’el” and that Ephrayim who started out as the younger son is his “firstborn.”
Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 31:9 “.....for I am a father to Yisra’el, and Ephrayim is my firstborn.”
There are many people who think that they are Jews merely because of upbringing, tradition and culture, but what about an Atheist or a Buddhist who comes from a Jewish family or lineage? Do they really belong to the tribe of Judah if they don’t obey the commandments?
And even if they do obey the commandments outwardly, if they reject Yahuwshuwa’s blood sacrifice, they reject Torah because he himself is the “Living Torah” and they are rejecting him as the Passover Lamb. And what about the Jewish people who obey the commandments and only worship YaHuWaH but they still do not accept Yahuwshuwa yet?
I believe that there are Jews who are obedient to Torah to the best of their ability who will not take “the mark of the beast,” and they will “sigh and cry at the abomination of desolation” (see Ezekiel 9).
These will be “sealed” in the foreheads with the “mark” of YaHuWaH until Messiah returns, and then they will “look upon him whom they pierced and they will mourn for him as one mourns his only son” (Zechariah 12:10).
I believe that there are Jews who are obedient to Torah to the best of their ability who will not take “the mark of the beast,” and they will “sigh and cry at the abomination of desolation” (see Ezekiel 9).
These will be “sealed” in the foreheads with the “mark” of YaHuWaH until Messiah returns, and then they will “look upon him whom they pierced and they will mourn for him as one mourns his only son” (Zechariah 12:10).
They must be born again! They have to admit they are like a caterpillar that needs to die to “self” in order to be resurrected into a butterfly!
They must repent of lawlessness, accept the blood atonement of Yahuwshuwa and go into the cocoon to “die to the old sinful nature.”
They must die of being lawless so that they can be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and be born- again, into a “true Jew” filled with the Holy Spirit, having Torah written in their hearts and minds. And likewise the Christians must do the same thing.
They must repent of lawlessness, accept the blood atonement of Yahuwshuwa and go into the cocoon to “die to the old sinful nature.”
They must die of being lawless so that they can be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and be born- again, into a “true Jew” filled with the Holy Spirit, having Torah written in their hearts and minds. And likewise the Christians must do the same thing.
They cannot pretend to be cleansed by the blood of the lamb while they are still willfully disobeying Torah and keeping paganism. Hebrews 10:26-29 confirms that when we “sin willfully” (disobey Torah) there remains no more sacrifices for sins!
And what is sin? According to 1st John 3:4 “sin is the transgression of the Torah (Law)…” Christians cannot be saved by claiming they are covered by blood of the lamb yet if they are continually and willfully sinning (disobeying Torah), they are still unclean. They too must repent of “lawlessness” and come into obedience to the commandments in order to be saved.
And what is sin? According to 1st John 3:4 “sin is the transgression of the Torah (Law)…” Christians cannot be saved by claiming they are covered by blood of the lamb yet if they are continually and willfully sinning (disobeying Torah), they are still unclean. They too must repent of “lawlessness” and come into obedience to the commandments in order to be saved.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 19:17 …but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments.
Yahuwshuwa himself illustrates this fact that there are those who call themselves Jews but in the end they will not be counted as Yahuwdiy (Jews) unless they repent of their sinful nature.
Chazown (Revelation) 2:9 I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Yahuwdiy (Jews), and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Chazown (Revelation) 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Yahuwdiy (Jews), and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
In the story of the prodigal son, on a corporate level, the older brother will always represent Yahuwdah (Judah). But on an individual level, in the kingdom of heaven, we have to “die” if we want to gain eternal life (Matthew 17:33). We have to go low if we want to come up higher.
We must humble ourselves, before we are exalted (Luke 14:11). We must be willing to be counted as the least, before we can become great. We must admit our fallen state, before we can be re-created as a true Yahuwdiy (Jew) by YaHuWaH’s standards (Romans 2:28-29).
A Yahuwdiy (Jew) who has not accepted Yahuwshuwa’s blood sacrifice for himself has inadvertently rejected Torah. For the blood of bulls and goats never did take away sin, even under the Abrahamic & Mosaic Covenants.
That is why Yahuwshuwa had to go into “The lowest parts of the earth” (Ephesians 4) to redeem the “First-fruits from among the dead.” In other words, all who died under the animal sacrificial system, but were righteous by their obedience to Torah, had to be redeemed by “his blood.” Therefore, the “firstborn” status can only come through Yahuwshuwa’s blood, and no other way!
That is why Yahuwshuwa had to go into “The lowest parts of the earth” (Ephesians 4) to redeem the “First-fruits from among the dead.” In other words, all who died under the animal sacrificial system, but were righteous by their obedience to Torah, had to be redeemed by “his blood.” Therefore, the “firstborn” status can only come through Yahuwshuwa’s blood, and no other way!
In the end, we see that there truly is no difference in the Father’s eyes between Yahuwdiy (Jew) and Gentile. Both houses have been estranged from the Father because of our sinful fallen nature, but both houses must accept the status of the “least” in order to come back up to the status of the firstborn.
Both Yahuwdiy (Jews) & Gentiles alike are joint heirs with Messiah only through his blood!
The Double Portion Seen Throughout Scripture
Mosheh & Eliyahuw (Malachi 4:4-5, Matthew 17:3-5).
Torah & Prophets (Matthew 22:40, Romans 3:21).
Truth & Spirit (John 4:24).
Wisdom & Revelation (Ephesians 1:17).
Judgment & Mercy (Psalms 101:1, Hosea 12:6, Zechariah 7:9).
Yahuwdah (Judah) & Ephrayim = One Stick (Ezekiel 37:16-17).
Yahuwdiy (Jew) & Gentile = One New Man (Ephesians 2:15).
Smyrna & Philadelphia (Revelation 1:20, 11:4).
Justification & Sanctification (1st Corinthians 6:11, James 2:24).
Wise as Serpents & Gentle as Doves (Matthew 10:16).
The Two Edged Sword (Psalms 149:6, Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 1:16; 2:12).
Two Candlesticks & Two Olive Trees (Revelation 11:4).
King & Priest = The Melchizedek Order (Hebrews 7; Revelation 1:6; 5:10).
Lion & Lamb = Yahuwshuwa (Revelation 5:5-6)
Messiah Ben Yahuwceph (Joseph) & Messiah Ben Dawiyd (David) = Yahuwshuwa the Messiah at his first and second comings.
12 Tribes & 12 Apostles (Revelation 21:12-14).
Father & Son = YaHuWaH Elohiym (1st John 2:22-23).
Rachel & Leah = Yisra’el (Genesis 31:4, Ruth 4:11).
Joshua from Ephrayim & Caleb from Judah = Two Spies (Numbers 14).
Both elements must always co-exist together in Messiah Yahuwshuwa. He is the one who will inherit the Double Portion Blessing of Yahuwceph (Joseph). We are “joint-heirs” with him in this “double portion inheritance,” only when we have these two elements of: blood atonement & obedience to Towrah (Revelation 12:11).
When we accept his blood atonement, we are accepting his priestly office of Melchizedek. When we accept his “Torah” (commandments) we are accepting his kingship (authority).
In order to be counted as “Kings & Priests” in the Melchizedek order, we must have both “The blood of the Lamb, and the word of his testimony.”
Chazown (Revelation) 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
And what is “The word of their testimony?”
Shemoth (Exodus) 31:18 And he gave unto Mosheh, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of Elohiym.
Jews claim to follow Torah but without the blood of the Lamb they cannot have the Holy Spirit. Christians claim to have the blood of the Lamb but without obedience to Torah (commandments), their sins are not cleansed and they cannot have the true Holy Spirit.
1st Peter 1:1-2 describes “the elect” as having two things: 1.) sprinkling by the blood of the lamb (justification) and sanctification by the Holy Spirit (who deposits the law into our hearts) making us obedient to commandments.
Both elements are seen here in Revelation 12:11 as: Justification by the blood, and Sanctification by the Holy Spirit who “deposits” the testimony (Torah) into our hearts and minds (Hebrews 8:10).
In the final analysis the “double portion inheritance” involves having these two elements: Justification by faith in the blood of the lamb, and sanctification by having the Torah (Law) written in your heart!
No comments:
Post a Comment