16th of the 5th month 2020/2021
Shalom all,
As part of this week’s readings, with the Torah portion from Wayyiqra/Leviticus 19:1-20:27, we will also be reading from Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66:1-24, and it is this passage that I would like to take a closer look at, in this short study.
Please read Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66
The title for this message, ‘HEAR THE WORD OF YAHWEH, YOU WHO TREMBLE AT HIS WORD!’, comes from the words that gripped me, from verse 3, as I was reading this passage. And as an encouragement to the faithful remnant, who are fighting the good fight of the belief, may this message be one that continues to encourage you to stand firm in the Master and keep shining the light of His Truth, letting your obedience unto יהוה (YAHWEH) be seen by all, as you joyfully possess the witness of יהושע (Yahushua) Messiah, as bold ambassadors of His coming reign that continue to stand, armed in the Torah, and always ready to give a reason for the hope you have in יהושע Messiah.
This passage from Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66, which ends this great book that expands on the wonderful revelation of our great Saviour, Master and Elohim, is a closing passage that ought to encourage the True hearers of The Word to remain steadfast in obedience to The Torah of Elohim, amidst a wicked generation that gropes in the dark. This passage also presents a clear warning to the wicked and lawless, that the Day of יהוה’s wrath is coming and those who have claimed to serve Him, yet have forsaken His Torah, will be gathered with the wrong who are appointed for destruction.
As we go through this passage, we are able to glean some powerful insight, regarding our need to keep our ears attentive to the voice of Elohim and guard against the corruption of the lawlessness that is being promoted as an acceptable standard in man’s eyes.
This chapter carries a clear message of comfort and hope for the humble, while a clear message of condemnation for the proud is also being loudly proclaimed, as the clear separation of the true set-apart ones, from the profane, will take place when our Master returns.
And so, this last chapter of Yeshayahu/Isaiah, summarises the clear prophecies that have been clearly made known through this book, regarding the last days and the return of Messiah. I have often said that this Book of Yeshayahu can be read alongside the Book of Ḥazon/Revelation, as the clear revelation of יהושע Messiah and the firm establishment of His eternal reign, are clearly proclaimed by both of these powerful books of the prophecy and revelation our Great Creator, Saviour, Sovereign, Master and Elohim.
This closing chapter, begins this summary of prophecies, with the clear announcement and reminder that יהוה is in control of all creation and in an opening statement of His authority over all, He asks a rhetorical question that is designed to cut through the hearts of all, as He asks where His House is.
While we know that Shelomoh built the House of יהוה , we know that after 19 kings of each House of Yisra’ěl and Yehuḏah, the service that was taking place at the Temple had been so corrupted, that the esteem of יהוה had departed, and that which was supposed to be His House that was built by man’ under the guidance of His Set-Apart Spirit, no longer represented the set-apartness that befits the House of Elohim.
Yisra’ěl had not been building the way they should!
They had forsaken the Torah of Elohim and had turned His House into a den of robbers, so to speak, as the service that was being rendered there was not set-apart at all, but was rather a system of selfishness that gave way to accommodating the wayward ways of man-made worship and the corruption that mixing with the nations, and their practices, brings.
Their attempt at worship was being exposed, as being a vain render of a corrupted lip service that clearly revealed that their hearts had been far removed from properly submitting to the Torah of Elohim, rendering their attempt at building, or maintaining, the House of Elohim as an abominable and unacceptable means of worship.
In a clear rebuke concerning Shallum son of Yoshiyahu, sovereign of Yehuḏah, who reigned instead of Yoshiyahu his father, יהוה made it clear that he would never return, but would die in the place where he had been exiled and then a severe woe is given to the one who does not build יהוה’s way!
Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 22:13-14 “Woe to him who builds his house without righteousness and his rooms without right-ruling, who uses his neighbour’s service without wages and does not give him his wages, 14 who says, ‘I am going to build myself a wide house with spacious rooms, and cut out windows for it, panelling it with cedar and painting it in red.’”
Building a house without righteousness and right-ruling, is a selfish and pride-filled way of building, as it is a way of building according to one’s own ways, that have clearly set-aside and rejected the Torah of Elohim
Tehillah/Psalm 127:1 “If יהוה does not build the house, its builders have laboured in vain. If יהוה does not guard the city, the watchman has stayed awake in vain.”
The Hebrew word that is translated here as ‘vain’ comes from the root word שָׁוְא shav – Strong’s H7723 which means, ‘falsehood, lies, emptiness, deceit, vanity, worthlessness’.
Yonah, in his prayer to יהוה, acknowledges the futility of paying heed to false worthlessness:
Yonah/Jonah 2:8 “Those observing false worthlessnesses forsake their own loving-commitment.”
These words were part of the prayer of repentance that Yonah prayed to יהוה, from the stomach of a fish. He certainly acknowledged the reality of the dangerous path of forsaking loving-commitment because of the falling away to the misguided leading of worthless matters of falsehood.
The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘worthlessness’ comes from the root word הֶבֶל heḇel – Strong’s H1892 which means, ‘vapour, breath, delusion, emptiness, futility, vanity, idols, nothingness, worthlessness’.
So many today are not paying heed to the Torah of Elohim and, as a result, they are running after falsehood and the worthless matters of lawlessness, by paying attention to the corrupted systems of the teachings of man that have disregarded the need to be diligent, in exercising great care over the Torah and commands of Elohim!
So many are ‘diligently’ observing false worthlessnesses are in great danger of being destroyed by the coming wrath of Elohim, when He is coming in vengeance to destroy the sons of disobedience!
When people are not meditating on the Torah of Elohim, day and night, as they ought to be, they are clearly not observing the Truth and, as a result of this, they quickly forsake the required loving-commitment that is to be shown toward our Master and His Word, while vainly claiming to be believers.
Many people are being vain in their attempt at worship and by forsaking the Torah, their assumption of being builders of Elohim is nullified by their chasing after worthlessness.
In verse 1 of Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66, יהוה asks “Where is this house that you build for Me?”
While many may have said, “here it is”, by claiming that the Temple that Shelomoh had built was יהוה’s house, this rhetorical question, actually has the obvious answer of ‘nowhere!’, as the corruption of worship that had been going on, had rendered that which was supposed to be the House of Elohim as a house of sin and lawlessness.
In a clear rebuke for mixed worship, we see יהוה making it clear that they should not be arrogant in claiming that the House, which was supposed to be יהוה’s House, was His Temple, while they were living corrupt lifestyles:
Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:4 “Do not trust in these false words, saying, ‘This is the Hěḵal of יהוה, the Hěḵal of יהוה, the Hěḵal of יהוה!’”
Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:11 “Has this house, which is called by My Name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Look, I, even I Myself have seen it,” declares יהוה. ”
I encourage you to read the entire chapter 7 of Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah, in order to see the clear rebuke that was being given to the House of Yehuḏah, for the corruption of their attempted worship unto יהוה, while they were being lawless and also engaging in Ba’al worship, while claiming to be the people of Elohim.
The question that יהוה asks, of “where in the House that you build for Me?”, could not be answered as the House had become so corrupt.
His House should have been where it was built, yet it had become so neglected that it was no longer identifiable as being the House of Elohim.
Sha’ul teaches us very clearly that we are the Dwelling Place of Elohim and that we are to have nothing to do with idols and false worship, for then we shall clearly be disqualified from being the House of Elohim.
Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 3:16-17 “Do you not know that you are a Dwelling Place of Elohim and that the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys the Dwelling Place of Elohim, Elohim shall destroy him. For the Dwelling Place of Elohim is set-apart, which you are.”
Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 6:16-18 “And what union has the Dwelling Place of Elohim with idols? For you are a Dwelling Place of the living Elohim, as Elohim has said, “I shall dwell in them and walk among them, and I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore, “Come out from among them and be separate, says יהוה, and do not touch what is unclean, and I shall receive you. 18 “And I shall be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says יהוה the Almighty.”
As the Dwelling place of Elohim, we are to build according to righteousness and right-ruling! If we are not meditating on and walking according to, the Torah of Elohim, then we cannot be building His House His way and if that be the case, we will be exposed as being foolish builders that built on sand, as they do not hear and guard to do all that He commands.
We are to be wise builders that build on the Rock of our Deliverance, and as living stones, being built up in Messiah, we are to make sure that we guard righteousness and right-ruling, at all times.
This question, that is asked by יהוה, in verse 1, is a question that He is still asking today, and as we look intently into the mirror of His Word, we should be able to be confident in our proper declaration of being His Set-Apart House that adheres to His rules, as given to us through His Torah and commands!
As one considers the clear rhetorical question being presented, are you able to make a confident boast in Elohim, that you are His, because you are building His Way, or do you find that have allowed the compromising, of His clear standards for His called out and chosen Bride, to corrupt the clear set-apartness that you are called to live by.
Setting aside obedience to His Torah and the clear standard of righteousness that His Torah teaches, breaks down one’s witness and renders the declaration of one’s lips being vain and worthless. And we know through the many parables of our Master, the worthless servants have no place in the House, for they are thrown out!
In verse 2, יהוה makes it clear that He has made all and herein lies another wonderful revelation of our Master and Elohim, as it is יהוה our Saviour that has made all!
יהושע Messiah is יהוה our Saviour and Master builder, as all came to be through Him, and without Him not even one came to be that came to be!
Our Maker and Redeemer declares that he looks on the humble who tremble at His Word!
In a question that seeks to reveal true living stones, He makes it clear that He looks to those who tremble at His Word. In other words, He identifies His Dwelling Place as being those who humble themselves before Him and tremble at His Word.
If you claim to be the Dwelling Place of Elohim, then live like it!!!
Obey the Rules of the House – obey The Torah of Elohim, for the Torah of the House is Set-Apartness! The LAW OF THE HOUSE IS SET-APARTNESS!
I am pretty sure you can all grasp the clear truth of what I have setting forth here, as given to us in The Word of Elohim, and that is, if you do not obey the Torah then you cannot be His House and those who are not dressed in the proper fine linen of righteousness, will be thrown out, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!
Tremble when יהוה speaks!!! Tremble at His Word!!!
One of the biggest problems we see today, just as it was back then, in Yeshayahu’s day, was the lack of a true trembling at the Word of Elohim.
The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘tremble’ is the adjective חֲרֹד ḥaroḏ – Strong’s H2730 which means, ‘tremble, fearful, afraid’ and comes from the root verb חָרַד ḥaraḏ – Strong’s H2729 which means, ‘trembling, to be terrified, frightened, afraid’.
We are to tremble at His Word so that we pay close attention to hearing as we should and do what is commanded so that we do not bring that which is defiled!
This word is used again in verse 5:
Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66:5 “Hear the Word of יהוה, you who tremble at His Word, “Your brothers who hate you, who cast you out for My Name’s sake, said, ‘Let יהוה be esteemed, so that we see your joy.’ But they are put to shame.”
The true remnant hears and comes trembling at His Word and brings the proper esteem that is due to יהוה of Hosts, while those that do not tremble at His Word, and have no fear of Elohim, will be swayed by every wind of teachings and doctrine of falsehood that tickle and soothe their ears to their own destruction!
A lack of a proper fear for Elohim and His Word is what Yisra’ěl were being rebuked for and only the remnant few who humbled themselves before Elohim and guarded His Word, He would look upon and comfort, while the proud would face His fiery wrath!
This is still the same message being declared today, yet sadly, so many have turned their ears away from hearing the Torah and, as a result, have become proud drunkards that assume to have a relationship with the Creator of all, yet shall be destroyed in the Day of His visitation, where the lofty ones shall be brought down!
In verse 3 we are able to see the clear message of how their offerings that they were bringing, were not acceptable to יהוה, as they were not being done correctly, for their worship had been corrupted and therefore, with hearts that had turned away from the Torah, their attempts at drawing near was rendered as vain, for they were doing so in uncleanness.
Their hearts and hands were filthy, which rendered their attempt at worship, null and void.
They had chosen their own ways and had forsaken set-apartness, as their worship was no different to the abominable practices of the nations.
The focus of their worship was not on Elohim, but was rather on their own selfishness, as they did whatever they pleased, having no regard for the clear standards of set-apartness that the Torah of Elohim prescribes for the True House!
They did whatever they wanted to, whether it lines up with the Torah or not, showing that the Torah was no longer the clear plumb-line of how to build.
This is the same error that we see happening today, as those who have forsaken the need to follow the Torah, are simply doing whatever fits their lawless lifestyle and, in their drunkenness and delusion of lawlessness, they assume to have a relationship with Elohim.
These words of Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66 become a clear witness against the proud who have cast aside the Torah and their vain lip service will be able to keep them from being destroyed!
In verse 4, makes it clear that He will deal with the wicked who did not respond to His call.
Many are called but few are chosen, our Master told us, and what this means is that while יהוה has made His voice loud and clear, those who do not take heed to hear His voice and respond, shall be set-aside for judgment and destruction. His redemption is available to all who will call upon His Name and from the foundation of the world He made the complete provision for all to respond to His choosing and when we respond to His choice over us, we relinquish all choice for self, as we become His and we are not our own.
The proud and lofty ones, choose themselves over יהוה and as a result shall not be chosen, for they neglect to respond to His call!
They had stopped their ears from hearing His Torah and, as a result, had corrupted their worship and had lost the true trembling and fear of Elohim, required by a set-apart and chosen people of Elohim!
Those who had once trembled at His Word, no longer did, and we see this same imagery being given to us, in reference to the House of Yisra’ěl, in:
Hoshěa/Hosea 13:1 “When Ephrayim spoke there was trembling, he was lifted up in Yisra’ěl. But through Ba‛al he became guilty, and he died.”
The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘trembling’ comes from the root word רְתֵת retheth – Strong’s H7578 as is only used here, in Scripture, and comes from an unused root meaning, ‘tremble, trembling, terror’.
With this word not being used elsewhere in Scripture, it can often be difficult to understand the literal rendering of the text, yet as we consider the context of the complete passage, we are able to understand the ‘trembling’ that the words of Ephrayim brought about.
In the LXX (Greek translation of the Tanak) the Greek word that is used here for ‘trembling’ is δικαίωμα dikaiōma – Strong’s G1345 which means, ‘righteousness, a righteous deed, regulations, requirements, sentence of acquittal’, and comes from the word δικαιόω dikaioō – Strong’s G1344 which means, ‘to show to be righteous, declare righteous, acquitted, vindicated or justified’.
This Greek word δικαίωμα dikaiōma – Strong’s G1345, which is used here in the LXX of Hoshěa, helps us further understand what is being spoken here, as we also see this word being used in speaking of the Bride of the Lamb in:
Ḥazon/Revelation 19:8 “And to her it was given to be dressed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteousnesses of the set-apart ones.”
It is used numerous times, in speaking of being justified or, it is also used in relation to the ordinances of Elohim, and the root word δικαιόω dikaioō is also used many times, in the Renewed Writings, in expressing how one is justified, innocent, set free, declared right or righteous, as we see it in:
Ya’aqoḇ/James 2:24 “You see, then, that a man is declared right by works, and not by belief alone.”
Why I am mentioning this, is to simply help us understand what is being spoken of Ephrayim, in verse 1 of Hoshěa/Hosea 13.
When Ephrayim spoke, there was trembling – and this literally renders for us that, at the words of Ephrayim there was a trembling, or rather, there was a justification – as the words he spoke, and the actions that he originally wrought, were righteous!!!
We are clearly told by Sha’ul in:
Pilipiyim/Philippians 2:12 “So that, my beloved, as you always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much rather in my absence – work out your own deliverance with fear and trembling”
The Greek word that is used here for ‘trembling’ is τρόμος tromos – Strong’s G5156 which means, ‘trembling, quaking with fear’.
This word τρόμος tromos – Strong’s G5156 is used in the LXX in:
Tehillah/Psalm 2:11 “Serve יהוה with fear, and rejoice with trembling.”
The Hebrew word that is translated here as ‘trembling’, comes from the root word רְעָדָה reaḏah – Strong’s H7461 which means, ‘trembling, panic’.
What I am simply trying to highlight here, is that we can see how Ephrayim, at one stage, did speak, and do all, according to the righteous requirements of the Torah.
When Ephrayim spoke, the nation listened and obeyed the commands.
Yehoshua, son of Nun, was from the tribe of Ephrayim – and we certainly know that the whole of Yisra’ĕl listened carefully when he spoke!!!
But what happened?
Ephrayim, as we know from Scripture, is often a metaphor for the 10 tribes of Yisra’ĕl that was scattered among the nations and was issued a certificate of divorce from Elohim – the lost sheep for which יהושע Messiah came to redeem back to Himself, and present her as a cleansed Bride, through His life, death and resurrection!
The words of Ephrayim were at one time heard and listened to by all, yet when things went well the nation did exactly what they were cautioned not to do – and that is – to forget יהוה.
How? Ephrayim became guilty through Ba’al worship!
Under the leadership of Yaroḇ’am, the House of Yisra’ĕl profaned their worship through the making of idols and moulded images! Yaroḇ’am made 2 golden calves and set them up in Beth El and Dan – the southern and northern borders of the House of Yisra’ĕl. Their words changed!!!
They were swayed to serving Ba’al, just like the nations they were cautioned not to imitate and follow, and in doing what the nations do, in their form of worship, they became guilty of Ba’al worship.
Christianity did exactly the same thing, as it changed the True Words and Names contained in Scripture!
An assumed worship, that has changed its words, is not innocent worship before our Master and Elohim!
Those who tremble ta the Word of Elohim are certainly few, as the remnant who hear His voice, humble themselves and submit to proper obedience to His commands, whereas many who claim to worship the Master, do not tremble at His Word, as clearly shown by their works of lawlessness.
We either choose יהוה ways, by having ears to hear His Torah and tremble at His word, so that we guard to do what He commands, or we choose our own ways and do what displeases Him.
The encouraging call to listen to the Word of יהוה, is given to the remnant who tremble at His Word, in verse 5.
In a time when most were not giving their ears to the attentive hearing of the Torah, and most were putting on a hypocritical show of worship, it became extremely difficult for the true remnant to stand up and be set-apart, amidst a corrupt people who had profaned their worship. And here, in this verse, is the call for the remnant faithful bride to take courage and stand firm, even in the midst of relatives who would hate them for guarding the righteousness of Elohim.
Mattithyahu/Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness’ sake, because theirs is the reign of the heavens. 11 “Blessed are you when they reproach and persecute you, and falsely say every wicked word against you, for My sake. 12 “Rejoice and be glad, because your reward in the heavens is great. For in this way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
These words of Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66:5, are still very much alive for us today, giving us the call to not be discouraged by the persecution and ridicule we will face by those who reject the Word of Elohim. Do not be discouraged when your own family hates you and casts you out.
Let your obedience to יהוה and His Torah, be a steadfast witness of His coming reign, so that on the Day of His visitation, He shall be esteemed and those who rejected Him, shall be put to shame.
When we read this verse in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66, I am reminded of the encouraging words that Kěpha writes, in:
Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 2:11-12 “Beloved ones, I appeal to you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts which battle against the being, 12 having your behaviour among the nations good so that when they speak against you as evil-doers, let them, by observing your good works, esteem Elohim in a day of visitation.”
Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 3:15-16 “But set apart יהוה Elohim in your hearts, and always be ready to give an answer to everyone asking you a reason concerning the expectation that is in you, with meekness and fear, 16 having a good conscience, so that when they speak against you as doers of evil, those who falsely accuse your good behaviour in Messiah, shall be ashamed. ”
Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved ones, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that is coming upon you, to try you, as though some unusual matter has befallen you, 13 but as you share Messiah’s sufferings, rejoice, in order that you might rejoice exultingly at the revelation of His esteem. 14 If you are reproached for the Name of Messiah, you are blessed, because the Spirit of esteem and of Elohim rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is praised.”
These are certainly encouraging words, that we would do well to be reminded of, especially as we see a hatred for guarding the Torah of Elohim, increasing on a daily basis, as the masses who have forsaken the Torah of Elohim become more darkened in the delusion of their lawlessness.
We are to be greatly encouraged to bring the proper esteem to Elohim, through our works of obedience to His commands and not be discouraged by the increase in lawlessness and persecution that arises against the True House of Elohim.
In verse 6 we are told that there is a roaring sound from the city, the voice of יהוה repaying His enemies!
Those who do not tremble at His Word, will face the roaring sound of His judgement that He has declared.
A roaring sound!
The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘sound’ is קוֹל qol – Strong’s H6963 which means, ‘sound, voice, noise, thunder, proclamation’, and comes from an unused root meaning, ‘to call aloud’.
What is clear to us, is that the VOICE of יהוה has been spoken and leaves the choice up to each individual, of whether they will hear it or not – and by hearing, I mean to hear it and respond to it, by guarding to do what He commands!
The Hebrew word translated as ‘roaring’ is שָׁאוֹן sha’on – Strong’s H7588 which means, ‘a roar (of waters), an uproar, tumult, crash, big noise, clamour, destruction’, and comes from the root verb שָׁאָה sha’ah – Strong’s H7582 which means, ‘crash into ruins, devastate, lay waste, cause to be desolated’.
This root verb is translated as ‘laid waste’ in:
Yeshayahu/Isaiah 6:11 “Then I said, “יהוה, until when?” And He answered, “Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant, and the houses are without a man, and the land is laid waste, a ruin”
You will recall that this was the answer יהוה gave to Yeshayahu when he asked יהוה how long he was to speak to a people who would not listen!
Destruction has been declared and those who refuse to humble themselves and tremble at the voice of יהוה, will find themselves being destroyed at His return!
In the ancient pictographic script, the word קוֹל qol – Strong’s H6963 looks like this:
Quph – ק:
This is the Hebrew letter ‘quph’, which is pictured in the ancient script as – 
– which is a picture of ‘the sun at the horizon’ and depicts the elements of ‘time’, as it pictures the sun in its rising and setting. It therefore carries the meaning of ‘circle’ or ‘to go around’, representing for us both, appointed cycles or times as well as eternity. It also is understood as the ‘gathering of the light’.
Waw/Vav – וֹ:
This is the Hebrew letter ‘waw’ or ‘vav’ which in the ancient script is pictured as 
, which is a peg or ‘tent peg’, which was used for securing or tying the tent or other items. The possibility of it having a Y-shape is to show that it prevents the rope from slipping off. The root meaning of this letter is ‘to add, secure or hook’ as well as ‘bind’.
Lamed – לֵ:
The ancient script has this letter as 
, and is pictured as a ‘shepherd’s staff’, can give the meaning of ‘to or toward’ and can represent that which pushes or pulls a flock in a direction, and can speak of authority or a yoke that is used to lead and guide, as well as the ability to bring back by Authority.
These letters combined can give the understanding of:
GATHERING TO THE SECURE STAFF
OF THE GOOD ETERNAL SHEPHERD
When the shepherd called the sheep, they swiftly came to him.
The staff of the shepherd was his tool of authority.
With it he would direct, discipline and protect the flock.
Our Good Shepherd’s voice has gone out and, by His Word that does not return empty, He has secured for us the ability to be brought back under His Authority, by His own Blood; and therefore we, as true set-apart children of Light, respond correctly as we hear His voice, submit to His Authority, take His easy yoke and guard His Torah and gather together, as we should on His Sabbaths and Feasts!
If you do not do this then you clearly have misunderstood or do not know the power of His Voice.
The voice of יהוה – is the voice of our Good Shepherd – ‘are you listening – are you following?’
Yoḥanan/John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
Verses 7-13 carry the clear promise of deliverance and the wonderful reminder of the prophecy of Messiah coming in the flesh, in order to proclaim a deliverance to the chosen, along with the decree of destruction for the wrong.
Verse 15-24 clearly pictures for us the Day of יהוה, where He shall come to destroy His opponents, with the fire of His wrath and a clear message of destruction is given for those who had joined themselves to the uncleanness of the nations.
The wrong shall be snatched away, which includes those who have ‘set themselves apart’, according to their own man-made teachings that have set aside the commands of Elohim.
In other words, the religious hypocrites who have cast aside the Torah and made themselves abominable by eating that that which is unclean, shall be snatched away and destroyed forever!
The pig is an unclean animal and one that is not to be eaten. The eating of the flesh of pigs was an identifying mark of pagan rooted worship and one that was used through the centuries, as a means to defile the slaughter place of יהוה, by showing a clear disregard for His commands.
During the days of the Maccabees, we see how the Greeks destroyed the temple by slaughtering pigs on the Slaughter Place and forced Yehuḏim to eat in order to become Greeks.
When the land of Yisra’ĕl was being ruled by the evil Seleucid Greek king Antiochus IV, he that his empire would be more secure if all his subjects became more Greek.
In 168 B.C.E. He issued a decree that would force all his subjects to adopt the Greek culture and only worship the Greek gods.
This process was called Hellenization (to make one Greek), and was primarily accepted by most who saw the Greek way being more advanced and culturally relevant. The Yehuḏim (Jews) of the time refused to submit to this Hellenization process and therefore Antiochus issued a series of laws that were designed to supress Torah observance:
1 Maccabees 1:44-50 “And the king sent letters by messengers to Yerushalayim and the cities of Yehuḏah; he directed them to follow customs strange to the land, 45 to forbid burnt offerings and sacrifices and drink offerings in the temple, to profane Sabbaths and feasts, 46 to defile the temple and the set-apart people: 47 Set up altars and sacred precincts and shrines for idols, to sacrifice swine and unclean animals, 48 and to leave their sons uncircumcised. They were to make themselves abominable by everything unclean and profane, 49 so that they should forget the Torah and change all the ordinances. 50 And whoever does not obey the command of the king shall die.“
In order to carry this out, the first thing the Greeks did was capture the temple and sacrifice pigs on the Slaughter-Place to their pagan god Zeus. They then forced each Yehuḏi family to set up an altar to the Greek sun-gods at their homes. Public altars were set up all over the city and Yehuḏi were forced to eat pigs that were sacrificed to Zeus.
They hung the children and killed all who had circumcised them.
Many Yehuḏi chose not to eat pig and profane the Covenant, and chose to rather be put to death instead of being Hellenized.
While this history is certainly shocking and sick, we have seen the same abominable depravity being enforced through a corrupted Church system, that has, in many ways, tried to ‘Hellenize’ (make Greek) those who seek to worship as true Iḇ’rim (Hebrews), by teaching them that the Torah has been done away with and that all that the Torah forbids, is now permissible, of which the eating of pork has become an acceptable practice in Christianity.
This is what our Master is coming to destroy, and all who have joined themselves to a corrupted worship that has cast aside the Torah, shall be snatched away, as darnel is gathered to be burned with fire.
In the ending of the words of Yeshayahu, we see a clear promise of the remnant obedient ones having a complete restoration and deliverance being made complete.
What becomes apparent, as one reads this last chapter of Yeshayahu/Isaiah, is that those who hear the Word of יהוה and tremble at His Word, shall have the promise of an entrance into eternal life with our Maker, made complete, while those who have shut their ears to the Torah of Elohim and have gone after the abominable uncleanness of the lawless, shall be handed over to destruction and the sentence of the second death that awaits those who are not found to be written in the Book of Life.
While I could expand further on many of the words contained in this Chapter, the heart of the message that I wanted to bring across, as an encouragement, is that we are to have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying, by making our ears continually open and attentive to the proper hearing of the Torah of our Elohim, so that we can be confident and bold, and be strong and courageous, in our ability of taking a firm stand in the Truth, being armed in the Torah of Elohim, so that we can fight the Good fight of the belief, with much joy, resulting in the proper praise and esteem that is due to our Wonderful Creator, Saviour, Judge and King.
Do not be caught off guard, so to speak, so that when you are hated and persecuted for righteousness sake, then you will be well-equipped to continue to take your stand and give the proper joy-filled praise unto our Mighty Elohim, who fights for us!
As a warning, this message also highlights a clear caution against the turning of one’s ear away from the hearing of the Torah!
Do not be influenced by the depravity and delusion of the lawless and do not be threatened by the luring ways of selfishness and pride, that seeks to justify the compromising the set-apart standards of Elohim, for in doing so, you risk being gathered with the wrong.
This is the time for the true remnant Bride to take a stand in the Master and be sheep that know His voice and follow Him and not be lured away by the crafty voice of the whore, but be steadfast in trembling at the Word of Elohim, so that you keep your garments clean and bright, as you wait expectantly for His soon return.
HEAR THE WORD OF YAHWEH,
YOU WHO TREMBLE AT HIS WORD!
He who has ears, let Him hear what the Spirit says…
יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show favour to you; יהוה lift up His face upon and give you shalom!