THE ABOMINATION OF CORRUPT WORSHIP Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:21-8:3

26^th of the 5^th month 2022/2023

Shalom all,

Amos 5:21-23 “I have hated, I have despised your festivals, and I am not pleased with your assemblies. 22 Though you offer Me ascending offerings and your grain offerings, I do not accept them, nor do I look on your fattened peace offerings. 23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs, for I do not hear the sound of your stringed instruments.”

These words form part of a severe rebuke that יהוה gave to Yisra’ěl, for their corrupted worship that was being brought before Him and the state of depravity that Yisra’ĕl was in, would in no way make the day of יהוה something to be longed for!

יהוה expressed very clearly how He hated man-made festivals, while pure obedience to His commands were being utterly neglected!

The call to put away false worship and let proper right-ruling and righteousness to be administered, was made very clear, for refusal to do so would result in being sent into exile and rejected by יהוה.

This same call to return to a proper obedience is still being proclaimed today and it is truly time for true worshippers to worship the Father in Spirit and Truth, which can only happen when all forms of compromised standards of mixed worship are destroyed.

As part of the weekly Torah portion readings, from Wayyiqra/Leviticus 6:8-8:36, where we look at the Torah of each of the offerings that were prescribed, we read the passage from Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, and it is this passage that I want to take a closer look at, with a message called:

THE ABOMINATION

OF CORRUPT WORSHIP

Please read Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:21-8:3

This passage also echoes the clear rebuke for corrupted worship practices, which we see being given in the book of Amos, and these words are still very much alive today, showing us the urgency for hearing ears to hear what the Spirit is saying and doing our utmost to make sure that all forms of mixed worship are completely destroyed.

In fact, what we need to recognise, is that the presentation of a mixed form of corrupted worship, that is being brought before יהוה, is no worship at all, and is simply an abomination before His face. And so many people today, are bringing a corrupted form of worship, through their allowance of mixing and compromise.

In the passage, from Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, the corruption of their worship was being severely rebuked.

I would like to go through this passage and highlight a few words that should remind us to be on guard against the corruption of any abominable form of worship, that many people are being led astray by, due to them allowing the subtle compromised standards of falsehood, to be deemed as acceptable and, in the process, have allowed the syncretisation of corrupted elements of worship, that should have been destroyed, to be blended in as a standard that is thought to be presentable, yet when measured against the clear plumbline of set-apartness, it is revealed to be crooked and abominable!

In verse 21, we see יהוה making it clear that He is יהוה of Hosts, the Elohim of Yisra’ěl!

This, in itself, should have been an awakening blast, to a backsliding people who had become drunk on the maddening adulteries of whoring and true set-apartness had been severely lacking, despite their assumption that their form of worship was being something that they deemed to be acceptable.

The One who they were supposed to be bringing set-apart worship to, is, ‘יהוה of Hosts’. The compound title is written in Hebrew as:

יהוה צְבָאוֹת

YAHWEH tseḇaoth

This means, ‘יהוה of Hosts’ and the Hebrew word that is translated as ‘Hosts’, comes from the root word צָבָא tsaḇa – Strong’s H6635 which means, ‘army, war, warfare, battle, conflict, host (of organised army)’, and this comes from the primary root verb צָבָא tsaḇa – Strong’s H6633 which means, ‘to wage war, perform, fight, serve, mustered, gone to war’.

He is not only our Commander and Chief, who fights for us, He is also the one under whom we march and fight the good fight of belief.

Our Father and Master, is our Elohim and King and He is our Commander and Chief, unto who all esteem is to be given and He is the One to be feared, as we walk in the fear of יהוה.

Yehuḏah had not been walking in the fear of יהוה, as their ways had become so corrupted with the mixed standards of worship, that they had adopted from the nations, which they were supposed to destroy.

They had fallen prey to the ways of the nations and, as a result of this, the fear of יהוה had been set aside, as the fear of man had been adopted, through the submission to allowing the corrupt ways of man to set the standard of worship, as opposed to sticking to the clear commands of יהוה of Hosts.

Many people today, do not have the fear of יהוה, simply because they do not recognise, or acknowledge, who He is and, as a result, they take His Word far too lightly, which causes them to not be able to properly trust in Him, as they find themselves fearing man:

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in יהוה is set on high.”

What Shelomoh is addressing here, is a major problem that we see today and that is: that the fear of man is causing many to stumble in their need and ability to trust in יהוה.

So many people are more afraid of what another man can do to them, than what יהוה can, and will do, to the disobedient and, in the process, many people wilfully neglect to guard the Torah, in the fear of offending a man, causing their attempts at worship as being an abomination, as opposed to that which is pleasing before יהוה.

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘fear’, in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 29:25, is חֲרָדָה ḥaraḏah – Strong’s H2731 which means, ‘trembling, fear, anxiety, terror’, and this highlights the extreme terror and anxiety one has as a result of another man and this can only bring a snare!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘snare’, in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 29:25, is מוֹקֵשׁ moqesh – Strong’s H4170 which means, ‘a bait, lure, trap, snare, ensnared’, and comes from the root verb יָקשׁ yaqosh – Strong’s H3369 which means, ‘to lay a bait or lure, ensnared, set a trap’.

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 13:14 “The Torah of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one away from the snares of death.”

As we walk in the clear instructions (Torah) of Elohim we walk in life and are delivered from the clear punishment of death; for the punishment of sin, which is lawlessness, is death!

There are so many who lack a true and proper trust in יהוה as they get gripped with the fear of a man, and a good example of this is seen how some will quickly neglect to obey the Torah, when confronted by a threatening boss or family or acquaintance.

Many, in fear of losing their job, will be too afraid to approach their employer and tell them that they cannot work on a Sabbath and will end up working on the Sabbath if asked too, which is a snare that leads to death!

Instead of trusting יהוה to give them favour they fall prey to the fear of man and find that their ability to trust יהוה is hindered by the fear of man.

This is what Shelomoh is teaching us here, for when one has the fear of man in any way then the ability to trust יהוה will be lacking!

In this rebuke that we see in Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7, יהוה tells Yehuḏah to increase their offerings and slaughterings and eat meat!

This was not a positive command, but rather, it was a clear rebuke against the futility of their worship and He was basically telling them to go ahead and do more of what they were doing and see that if it would not help them at all.

They were not obeying His voice and despite their attempts at drawing near to Him, their approach was corrupt and unacceptable.

No amount of slaughterings would be able to satisfy and no matter how much they tried to ‘perform a service’ unto יהוה, their performance was worthless and unacceptable, for they had set aside the need to be set-apart, by allowing the corruption of doing things their own way to hinder any, and all, attempts at worship.

יהוה commands obedience, not ritual!

The multiplication of sacrifices is pointless, when brought without a proper attitude of obedience!

In verse 25, He made it clear that in the day that he brought their fathers out of Mitsrayim, He did not speak of slaughterings and offerings, but what He did tell their fathers, as He says in verse 26, is that He commanded them to obey His voice!!!

It all begins with obedience to His Word!!!

And obedience to His Word must continue to be the clear standard by which all is done, in worship before His face.

We know that once Yisra’ěl had come to mount Sinai, they were given clear instructions of how to serve as a set-apart nation and the clear prescribed manner of slaughterings and offerings was given.

Verse 25 is not a verse that sets aside the need for the proper function of bringing the necessary offerings, but highlights for us that if obedience to His Word is set aside, or changed, in any way, then the offerings that are brought are rendered useless and unacceptable!

There are many people today who are bringing a ‘form of worship’ that is actually in rebellion to the clear commands of Elohim, and no matter how much they increase their performance, they are simply operating in rebellion, which we know is as witchcraft!

A clear example of ‘slaughtering your own way’, is seen in the account of king Sha’ul, who was clearly commanded to destroy Aḡaḡ and all the Amalĕqites and put everything under the ban, yet he chose to ignore the commands of Elohim and kept the best of the livestock and also kept king Aḡaḡ alive.

When the prophet Shemu’ěl came and heard the noise of the flock, he rebuked Sha’ul for his rebellion.

Let us take a brief look at the passage that I am speaking of, which is from:

Shemu’ěl Aleph/1 Samuel 15:18-23 “And יהוה sent you on the way, and said, ‘Go, and you shall put under the ban the sinners, the Amalĕqites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 “And why did you not obey the voice of יהוה, but swooped down on the spoil, and did evil in the eyes of יהוה?” 20 And Sha’ul said to Shemu’ěl, “I did obey the voice of יהוה, and I went on the way on which יהוה sent me, and brought back Aḡaḡ sovereign of Amalěq, and I put Amalěq under the ban. 21 But the people took of the spoil, of the sheep and cattle, the best of that which should have been put under the ban, to slaughter to יהוה your Elohim in Gilgal.” 22 Then Shemu’ěl said, “Does יהוה delight in ascending offerings and slaughterings, as in obeying the voice of יהוה? Look, to obey is better than a slaughtering, to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of יהוה, He also does reject you as sovereign.””

This passage gives us a very clear message on how “doing things your own way”, in an attempt at presenting a form of worship, is rebellion!

Sha’ul claimed to have “obeyed” the voice of יהוה, yet his claim was false and he was severely rebuked for being a rebel and he was rejected, as a result of not obeying what was commanded.

How many times have you ever heard the following phrase, or even found yourself using it, once too often?

“I know what the Word says, but…”

Or what about things like:

“I know what the Word says about tithing, but…”

“I know what the Word says about keeping Shabbat but…”

“I know what the Word says about throwing off the things of the flesh but…”

I could go on…

The point that I am making is this: good intentions do not offset sin!

Sin is sin and sin is… lawlessness (Torahlessness)!

In fact, in verse 23, Shemuʼěl tells us that rebellion is as the sin of divination!!!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘divination’, in Shemuʼěl Aleph/1 Samuel 15:23, is קֶסֶם qesem – Strong’s H7081 which means, ‘divination, witchcraft’, which is a practice that is strictly forbidden, as we see in:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 18:10-11 “Let no one be found among you who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practises divination, or a user of magic, or one who interprets omens or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.”

What יהוה makes very clear in His Word, is that ‘rebellion’ is in no way different to one who uses magic, conjures spells or calls up the dead etc.!

Today, many people do not even consider witchcraft or divination as sin – as it has simply become an accepted religion or belief system – yet we know that sin is lawlessness and witchcraft does not submit to the Torah of Elohim.

To be rebellious, therefore, is like being a Satanist – to put it bluntly!!!

Now, while this may sound extremely harsh, let us remember what יהושע Messiah said to the Yehuḏim, who were questioning his identity:

Yoḥanan/John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you wish to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

These Yehuḏim, who claimed to be sons of Aḇraham, יהושע called sons of the devil!!!

In other words, He was, to put it plainly, calling them Satanists – children who were of their father the devil!

We can only serve one master, we either worship and serve our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah: who is the Truth and Giver of Life, or we serve another and if we rebel against Him and deny Him, we are serving another, which can be classed as serving lies, which is of the devil, who is the father of lies!

Hoshěa/Hosea 4:6 “My people have perished for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being priest for Me. Since you have forgotten the Torah of your Elohim, I also forget your children.”

So many people have perished, and many are perishing, for lack of knowledge and many risk being rejected and forgotten – all because of rebellion!

Many need to hear the words that Yeḥezqěl was told to speak:

Yeḥezqěl/Ezekiel 44:6 “and shall say to the rebellious, to the house of Yisra’ĕl, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “O house of Yisra’ĕl, enough of all these abominations of yours”

Enough of all these abominations! Enough excuses!!!

As we consider the clear depravity of rebellion, we need to assess our own lives by looking intently into the mirror of the Word and make sure that we do not find ourselves rebelling, in word or deed, but are rather found to be doing all, in the Name of our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah!

The wicked king Sha’ul tried very hard to ‘spiritualise’ his sin, by basically saying,

“I did wrong but it was for a valid reason!”

Listen, there are no valid reasons for doing wrong!!!

All too often, we see that many people try to think that if they attach some kind of ‘spiritual significance’ to their wrong ways, that they somehow make it acceptable and right!

His corrupt attempt at worship was severely rebuked and he was rejected by יהוה!

Our Master tells us that many will come to Him and claim to have done many works in His Name, yet they will be rejected for being lawless.

Simply put: if you do not obey the voice of יהוה, no amount of worship will bring you near to Him, for you will be rejected and thrown out!

Mattithyahu/Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire of My Father in the heavens. 22 “Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your Name?’ 23 “And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who work lawlessness!’”

Coming back to Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7: we are given the clear standard for being called children of Elohim, that have confidence to call Him our Elohim, as we see a clear conditional clause that was spoken to our fathers who came out of Mitsrayim, and is still being spoken to us today, where יהוה tells us:

OBEY MY VOICE

AND I SHALL BE YOUR ELOHIM

AND YOU SHALL BE MY PEOPLE!

When we obey His voice and walk in His ways, we shall be His people and it will be well with us!

This is the firm assurance that we have, in our Mighty Master and Elohim, יהוה of Hosts!

Let us take a look at a few of the words that are being used here, as we are to be reminded to be an obedient people, for that is what our Master requires:

OUR OBEDIENCE!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘obey’, in the call to ‘obey My voice’, is:

שִׁמְעוּ

shim’u

This word comes from the root word verb שָׁמַע shama – Strong’s H8085 which carries the meaning, ‘to hear with attention and comprehend and discern and give heed to what is being spoken and called for’.

In order to obey His voice, we have to be listening to, and paying attention to, His voice.

What you are listening to is what you will follow and obey!

Who you are obeying can be answered by what one is paying attention and lending their eyes and ears to!

The pictographic rendering of the root word שָׁמַע shama – Strong’s H8085 gives us a wonderful confirmation of this, as we see this root word being pictured as follows:

Shin – שָׁ:

This is the letter ‘shin’ which in the ancient script is pictured as, , which is ‘two front teeth’ and carries the meaning of ‘sharp or press, chew or devour’; which is what the teeth do, and also speaks of the sharpened word that comes forth from the mouth as the teeth ‘chew’ or ‘meditate’ on the Truth, making what comes forth pure and sharp!

It also carries the understanding of consuming or destroying – as teeth do to food.

Mem – מַ:

We are also able to understand this letter as representing the nations, for the nations are often likened to the seas in Scripture.

Knowing that this letter represents ‘water’, we are also able to see how this can render for us the meaning of ‘washing’ or ‘cleansing’.

Ayin – ע:

The original pictograph for this letter is and is pictured as ‘an eye’ and represents the idea of ‘seeing and watching’, as well as ‘knowledge’, as the eye is the window of knowledge

As we consider this root word שָׁמַע shama – Strong’s H8085, which carries the meaning to not just simply obey, but rather, to ‘listen with attention, comprehend and discern, give heed to what is being spoken’, we are able to see the following being depicted in this image:

THE WORD

THAT WASHES THE EYE

It is our Master, who is The Word made flesh, that came to cleanse for Himself a Bride, and as a lovingly-committed husband, He washes us through His Word, as we continue to look to Him and give proper attention to hearing what He commands.

What is very clear, is that what one looks at is typically what they will end up giving their ears to.

If you are looking to the Master, you will not obey His voice!

The Greek word that is used in the LXX (Septuagint – Greek translation of the Tanak) for ‘obey/hear’ is ἀκούω akouō – Strong’s G191 which means, ‘hearing, listen, give heed, understand’.

Sha’ul warns us, that in the last days many will be turning away from the proper hearing of the Truth:

Timotiyos Bět/2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For there shall be a time when they shall not bear sound teaching, but according to their own desires, they shall heap up for themselves teachers tickling the ear, 4 and they shall indeed turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to myths.”

Many people are turning their ears away from the Truth and are giving their ears over to myths and in doing so, they are looking at those who are tickling their ears the with lies of the muddied waters of compromise, making people think that setting aside the need to meditate and guard to do the Torah is no longer applicable.

What one listens to, is what one will be looking to, and vice versa… as what one is looking to, is what one will be listening to.

What and who are you looking at and listening to?

Turning one’s ears away from the truth, will cause one to not see clearly and not be able to discern between the set-apart and the profane.

And this is exactly what Yisra’ěl did, as they started looking to what the nations were doing and, as a result, they began to listen to their myths and worthless matters, becoming corrupted by them.

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 28:9 “He who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, even his prayer is an abomination.”

This parable is one that many have turned away their ears from hearing, literally!

So many today claim that the Torah is no longer valid and simply view the Torah and the prophets simply as good stories while they do not recognise the need to hear, guard and do what is instructed therein!

This parable is a severe warning against turning one’s ear from hearing the Torah!

The concept of turning one’s ear from hearing the Torah, implies one who does not hear and do what the Torah says.

There are many today, who may hear the words of the Torah and even read the ‘stories’ of what they call the ‘Old Testament’, yet by their refusal to guard to do what is commanded therein, is also understood as turning one’s ear from hearing the Torah!

Refusing to hear the Torah of Elohim and guard to do what His Torah instructs will result in one’s prayers not being heard, as we also take note of the clear rebuke given to a stubborn people who refused to listen to the Torah:

Zeḵaryah/Zechariah 7:11-13 “But they refused to listen, and they shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears from hearing. 12 “And they made their hearts like flint against hearing the Torah, and the words, which יהוה of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great wrath came from יהוה of hosts. 13 “And it came to be: as He called and they did not hear, so let them call, but I shall not hear,” said יהוה of hosts.”

Kěpha teaches us that we are to be as obedient children, as we wait for our Master to come:

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 1:13-16 “Therefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, being sober, set your expectation perfectly upon the favour that is to be brought to you at the revelation of יהושע Messiah, 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts in your ignorance, 15 instead, as the One who called you is set-apart, so you also should become set-apart in all behaviour, 16 because it has been written, “Be set-apart, for I am set-apart.”

The Greek word that is translated here in Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 1:13 as ‘obedient’ is ὑπακοή hupakoē – Strong’s G5218 which means, ‘obedient, obedience, obey’, and this comes from the root word ὑπακούω hupakouō – Strong’s G5219 which means, ‘to listen, attend to, obey, heed, become obedient, to submit to’ and this comes from the two Greek words:

1) ὑπό hupo – Strong’s G5259 which means ‘under’ and further means ‘to be controlled by or in subjection to’; and

2) ἀκούω akouō – Strong’s G191 meaning, ‘hearing, listen, give heed, understand’.

In other words, we clearly see from the Greek text, that the one who obeys the Master, is one who is in subjection to the proper attentive hearing of His commands, and one who diligently gives heed to obey and understand, by making sure that his ears are open to hear the Master’s voice!

Yoḥanan/John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Proper obedience can only be expressed as a result of a proper hearing, and it is only when we hear, guard and do His commands that we are able to be properly equipped, as a soldier that has been cleansed and set-apart and is valued, in service to the Master!

Obedient people of Elohim give proper attention to His voice!

We are to diligently obey the voice of יהוה!

The Hebrew word for ‘voice’ 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!

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 came swiftly 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.

In speaking of the voice of יהוה, we are told in:

Tehillah/Psalm 29:3-9 “The voice of יהוה is over the waters; the Ěl of esteem thunders; יהוה is over many waters. 4 The voice of יהוה is with power, the voice of יהוה is with greatness. 5 The voice of יהוה is breaking the cedars, יהוה is breaking the cedars of Leḇanon in pieces. 6 And He makes them skip like a calf, Leḇanon and Siryon like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of יהוה cuts through the flames of fire. 8 The voice of יהוה shakes the wilderness; יהוה shakes the Wilderness of Qaḏĕsh. 9 The voice of יהוה makes the deer give birth, and strips the forests bare; and in His Hěḵal everyone says, “Esteem!”

In quoting the above, I simply want you to get a glimpse of what the Word teaches us regarding THE VOICE OF יהוה; and for more on this Tehillah/Psalm 29, please see the sermon notes of that message, which you will find on our site (https://atfotc.com) under the sermons 2014/2015 menu or by clicking on the following link:

https://atfotc.com/the-voice-of-psalm-29/

The voice of יהוה is the voice of our Good Shepherd!

The question you need to answer truthfully is:

‘Are you listening – are you following?’

Yoḥanan/John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

As we embrace this and hear the voice of יהוה, as given through His Torah and commands, I ask you, “how are you responding?”

He who has an ear

let Him hear and know

The Voice of the Good Shepherd

and follow!

If you are not hearing and obeying, as you should, then you are putting yourself at risk of being cut off!

As people who attentively listen to the voice of Elohim and obey His Word, we learn how we are to guard His Covenant!

With proper hearing, comes the responsibility of a proper guarding, which is ‘TO DO’ what has been commanded, lest we are cut off and separated with those who have ears but are not hearing, as they clearly do not guard to do what the Word commands!

With proper hearing and diligent obeying, comes the responsibility of guarding the Covenant!

In Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:23, יהוה makes it clear to us what the conditional clause of being determined as His set-apart people that obey His voice is, as they are obedient children who walk in the ways that He has commanded!

Walk in His ways, as He has commanded, and it will be well with you!

That is a wonderful promise indeed, yet is one that can be embraced correctly only when you walk in His ways as He commands!

Many people are walking in their own ways and expecting it to go well with them and even expect to demand the blessing of Elohim to be evident in their lives, when their walk clearly reveals that their hearts are far from Him, as their actions show that they are not walking as He commands, but choose to walk in their own ways that they have conveniently adapted to suit their fleshly desires, while wanting the spiritual benefits of Elohim!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘walk’, in Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:23, comes from the root verb הָלַךְ halaḵ – Strong’s H1980 which carries the meaning, ‘to walk, to live, manner of life, cause to live’, and literally speaks of how one lives.

It is used as a verb indicating that it is an active expression of one’s life.

This verb is written in the ‘qal active’ tense and therefore renders the meaning, ‘to go, to walk, come, proceed, depart, move, go away, to die, live, manner of life (figuratively)’.

When one look at this root word and the word that is used here in the ancient pictographic text, we are able to get a clearer understanding of how we are able to walk in complete obedience!

The Hebrew root word for walk – הָלַךְ halaḵ – Strong’s H1980 in the ancient pictographic script looks like this:

Hey – הָ:

The ancient script has this letter pictured as , which is ‘a man standing with his arms raised out’. The meaning of the letter is “behold, look, breath, sigh and reveal or revelation”, from the idea of revealing a great sight by pointing it out.

It also carries for us the meaning of surrender, as we lift up our hands and submit to יהוה as we lift our hands in praise, declaring His authority under which we humbly submit!

Lamed – לַ:

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.

Kaph – ךְ:

The ancient form of this letter is – meaning ‘the open palm of a hand’.

The meaning behind this letter is ‘to bend and curve’ from the shape of a palm as well as ‘to tame or subdue’ as one has been bent to another’s will (under their hand), as an open hand symbolises submission.

This also can picture for us a palm or palm branch from the curved palm shape.

The hand also speaks of one’s work, or under whose hand you submit and obey!

When we look at the letters that spell out the root word that for ‘walk’ we are able to see a great declaration:

BEHOLD THE STAFF IN THE PALM!

With the picture of the shepherd’s staff and the open palm of the hand, we are able to see the concept of ‘staff in the palm’ and we take note that a nomad that travelled on foot would have a staff in his hand, in order to provide proper support in walking, as well as having a weapon in his hand to defend against predators and thieves!

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:6 “The one who says he stays in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked.”

If we ‘stay’ is Messiah and walk as He walked then we will not stray in our walk, but be securely equipped to walk, and run, in complete set-apartness!

When we walk, as we should, we submit under the proper authority of our Good Shepherd and guard to do all that He has commanded us to, as we obey His voice and give Him the proper praise in all we do, being armed in His Truth that gives us boldness to walk upright amidst a crooked world, for we are able to know the sounding of our Good Shepherd, as we know His voice!

Hoshěa/Hosea 14:0 “Who is wise and understands these words, discerning and knows them? For the ways of יהוה are straight, and the righteous walk in them, but the transgressors stumble in them.”

The righteous walk in the ways of יהוה!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘ways’ comes from the root word דֶּרֶךְ dereḵ – Strong’s H1870 which means, ‘way, road, distance, journey’ which comes from the primary root verb דָּרַךְ daraḵ – Strong’s H1869 which means, ‘to tread or march’; and so, speaks of our walk, and every step that we take.

The root word דֶּרֶךְ dereḵ – Strong’s H1870, which means, ‘way, road, distance, walk, journey’ is pictured in the ancient pictographic script as follows:

Dalet – דֶּ

The ancient script has this letter as and is pictured as a ‘tent door’.

It can also have the meaning of a back-and-forth movement as one goes back and forth through a tent door and so speaks of an access point.

It can also carry the meaning of ‘dangle’ or hanging as the tent door would hang from the roof pole of the tent. It speaks a great deal in terms of understanding the door of the tent of appointment as the only means of access.

Resh – רֶ

The ancient script has this letter as and is pictured as ‘the head of a man’ and has the meaning of the head of a man as well as chief, top, begging or first.

It means ‘top’, as in the top or head of a body and ‘chief’, as is head of a tribe or people as well as the one who rules the people.

Kaph – כֶּ:

The ancient form of this letter is pictured as – which is ‘an open palm of a hand’.

This also can picture for us a palm or palm branch from the curved palm shape. This also pictures for us that which has been openly revealed – by the ‘open hand’, or the revelation of the hand that has worked a function!

As we consider these three pictures, in making up the Hebrew word דֶּרֶךְ dereḵ, in reference to the meaning of way or walk, we can clearly see how it is יהושע Messiah, who is THE WAY, and as we stay in Him, we are to walk even as He walked: which is in complete set-apartness!

As we come to the DOOR of the Tent of APPOINTMENT, we are able to come and submit under the hand of our Master and Chief, who gives us access into His presence.

Yoḥanan/John 10:19 “I am the door. Whoever enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and shall go out and find pasture.”

As one understands the design and service of the Tabernacle, then we are able to understand perfectly the clear words of our Master.

It was at the door of the Tabernacle that the people would bring their offerings to the Priest, and before they were able to enter, they needed to be washed.

His ways are according to His commands!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘commanded’ comes from the primitive root verb צָוָה tsavah – Strong’s H6680 which means, ‘to lay charge, give charge, command, order, decree, i.e., state with force/authority what others must do’.

A noun that is derived from this root verb is מִצְוָה mitzvah – Strong’s H4687 which means, ‘commandment, command, obligation, precept’ and the plural of this word, meaning ‘commands’ is מִצְוֹתַ mitsvoth.

His מִצְוַת mitzvoth (plural for commands) are those rules which apply to specific situations and are tailored for each unique situation in determining the correct action to be taken in a specific circumstance and so we ‘guard’ those carefully to know how to respond and take action for any given situation we may find ourselves in.

Without His commands we will have no direction in the way in which to walk, so He has clearly provided The Way, through His commands, which we are to obey and walk in, for then it will be well with us!

The Hebrew root word that is translated as ‘well’, in Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:23, is יָטַב yataḇ – Strong’s H3190 which means, ‘to be good, well, glad or pleasing’ and can carry the understanding of what it means to be in a state of having proper characteristics or performing an expected function.

When we walk in the ways of Elohim, as He has commanded, then we will be performing the expected function of a set-apart one, as we will be serving Him in perfect righteousness!

When one deviates from the commands of Elohim, their walk becomes crooked and defiled, and this is what Yisra’ěl did, as we see in Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:24, where יהוה reminds us that they did not obey or incline their ear to the commands of Elohim, but walked in their own counsels, in the stubbornness of their evil hearts and went backwards and not forwards.

The Hebrew word that is translated here as ‘counsels’ is מוֹעֵצָה moetsah – Strong’s H4156 which means, ‘counsel, plan, device’, and comes from the primitive root verb יָעַץ ya’ats – Strong’s H3289 which means, ‘counsel, counsellor, consult, give advice’, and this root verb is used as a title that is given to our Master and Messiah, as seen in:

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 9:6 “For a Child shall be born unto us, a Son shall be given unto us, and the rule is on His shoulder. And His Name is called Wonder, Counsellor, Strong Ěl, Father of Continuity, Prince of Peace.”

From this, we get further confirmation in Scripture, of how the only true and perfect ‘counsel’ is of Elohim and the True Counsellor is our Great Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah, and when one does not follow His clear plan and counsel, as given through His Word, then they are listening to a false counsel that leads astray from the set-apart way of the Master!

Anyone who claims to serve יהוה, without walking in and giving heed to follow His Torah, commands and instructions, are not serving in Truth, and those who claim that the Torah/Law of Elohim has been done away with, are sadly riddled with the leaven of the hypocrisy of man’s theologies and dogmas, that seeks only to serve self rather than the Giver of Life, while claiming the opposite!

The righteous incline their ears to the commands of Elohim and walk in His clear ways, for He is the Counsellor, who directs our steps, according to His perfect plan, while those who seek their own counsel and walk in the stubbornness of their own ways are simply walking in deceit!

We are told the following, in:

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 12:5 “The thoughts of the righteous are right-ruling, the counsels of the wrong are deceit.”

The Hebrew word that is translated here as ‘thoughts’ is מַחֲשֶׁבֶת maḥasheḇeth – Strong’s H4284 which means, ‘thoughts, devise, scheme, plan, purpose’.

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘righteous’ is צַדִּיק tsaddiq –Strong’s H6662 which means, ‘just, righteous, blameless, lawful’ and comes from the primitive root צָדֵק tsaḏeq – Strong’s H6663 which means, ‘to be just or righteous, justified, properly restored’.

We are clearly told what righteousness is for us, as we are given a very clear definition in:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 6:25 “And it is righteousness for us when we guard to do all this command before יהוה our Elohim, as He has commanded us.”

The thoughts, plans, schemes and purposes of the righteous, are right-ruling, as the clear need to be meditating, day and night, on the Torah is of critical importance, whereas this is not so for the wrong.

The righteous think upon the clear right-rulings of Elohim, in order to practically live out a true set-apart life in all matters, and the Hebrew word for ‘right-rulings’ is מִּשְׁפָּטִים mishpatim, which is the plural of מִּשְׁפָּטִ mishpat – Strong’s H4941 which means ‘judgement, ordinance, regulations’ and comes from the word שָׁפַט shaphat – Strong’s H8199 – meaning, ‘to judge, govern, rule, pronounce judgement, give law’.

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 33:22 “for יהוה is our Judge, יהוה is our Lawgiver, יהוה is our Sovereign, He saves us”

There is only One who gives us the Law by which we must live and by which we are governed and these judgements and right-rulings and regulations given by Him, we must DO!!!

In the days of Noaḥ, we are told that יהוה saw that the thoughts of man were only evil continually!

Berěshith/Genesis 6:5 “And יהוה saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Messiah clearly warned us that the last days will be as the days of Noaḥ, and we are certainly able to see how the inclinations of the thoughts of most people today are only evil, continually!

A heart without the Torah, will continue to plot, scheme, and devise wicked ways, plans and counsels, which simply seek ways to excuse away the need to obey the Torah, or even to excuse away parts of it – and this is an abomination to יהוה.

Instead of simply obeying the Torah of Elohim and meditating on His Word, day and night, the lawless continue to come up with reasons as to why they think that they do not have to submit and obey, and in doing so, they plot and scheme various man-driven systems, that have people meditating on lawlessness or a false grace concept, rather than meditating on the Truth!

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 4:14 “O Yerushalayim, wash your heart from evil, and be saved. Till when would your wicked thoughts remain within you?”

While the abominations and wickedness of man angered Elohim, to the point of repenting for creating wicked man, He did find favour in one man, which is a great shadow picture of the favour that we find in our Master and Elohim!

Berěshith/Genesis 6:8-9 “But Noaḥ found favour in the eyes of יהוה. 9 This is the genealogy of Noaḥ. Noaḥ was a righteous man, perfect in his generations. Noaḥ walked with Elohim.”

We are able to see a clear contrast between the thoughts of the righteous and the counsels of the wicked!

The righteous are those, like Noaḥ, who meditate day and night on the right-rulings and Torah of Elohim and walk with Elohim, by completely submitting to His ways, while the wicked are always scheming a way out of obedience and continually are seeking ways to walk contrary to the prescribed right-rulings of Elohim!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘counsels’ comes from the word תַּחְבֻּלָה taḥbulah – Strong’s H8458 which means, ‘direction, counsel, guidance, wise counsel, wise guidance’, and while we recognise that the understanding ones get wise counsel (Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:5), we must take note that without proper guidance and wise counsel people will fall.

Therefore, the counsel that we see being referenced to here, in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 12:5, is clearly not a reference to the wise counsel of Elohim, but is the corrupted counsel of the wicked.

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘wrong/wicked’ comes from the root word רָשָׁע rasha – Strong’s H7563 which means, ‘wicked, criminal, evil, offender’.

There is so much wrong counsel being sought out, and given, in the world today, while the proper meditating on the right-rulings of Elohim is shunned by most!

The counsels of the wrong are deceit!

The Hebrew word for ‘deceit’ is מִרְמָה mirmah – Strong’s H4820 which means, ‘deceit, treachery, dishonesty, falsehood’, and is used in Amos 8:5, with reference to those who couldn’t wait for the Sabbath to be over so that they could trade and falsify their scales by deceit!

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 26:24-26 “He who hates, pretends with his lips, and lays up deceit within him; 25 though he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 Hatred is covered by deceit. His evil is disclosed in the assembly.”

What verse 24, here in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 26, is saying, is that the one who hates, gives a corrupted lip service and his heart is filled with deceit; which is the total opposite of what should be in the heart!

The Torah is to be in our heart and in our mouths – to do it:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 30:14 “For the Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart – to do it.”

Many people today are rendering a corrupted lip service, in their falsified confession of faith, while their actions reveal otherwise, as their lack of walking completely in the Torah reveals that the Torah is not in their mouth, nor in their heart; and if the Torah is not laid up in one’s heart, then what is?

Deceit!!!

Those who seek their own counsel and refuse the wise counsel of the commands of Elohim, are walking in the stubbornness of their evil hearts!

The Hebrew word that is translated here as ‘stubbornness’, in Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:24, is שְׁרִירוּת sheriruth – Strong’s H8307 which means, ‘stubbornness, hardness, firmness’ and comes from the root verb שָׁרַר sharar – Strong’s H8324 which means, ‘enemy, adversary’.

This word for ‘stubbornness’ – שְׁרִירוּת sheriruth – Strong’s H8307 – is used 10 times in Scripture, with it being used first in Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 29:19, once in the Tehillah/Psalms and 8 times in Yirmeyahu!

Let us take a look at some of these uses, in order to get a clearer picture of how stubborn many are today!

Tehillah/Psalm 81:11-14 “But My people did not listen to My voice, and Yisra’ĕl would not submit to Me. 12 “So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. 13 “O, if My people had listened to Me, Yisra’ĕl would walk in My ways, 14 “I would subdue their enemies at once, and turn My hand against their adversaries!”

I have quoted 4 verses here, from this Tehillah/Psalm 81, in order to understand the context of the use of this Hebrew word שְׁרִירוּת sheriruth – Strong’s H8307 which is translated here as ‘stubborn’.

Notice how it clearly states that those who refuse to listen and submit to the Word of Elohim, are given over to their own stubborn heart.

In the verses that follow, we see the urgent appeal that is given, which cries out…

“If people would just listen to Elohim and walk in His ways”!!!

This is a picture of those who do not receive a love for the Truth, and Sha’ul tells us of these in:

Tas’loniqim Bět/2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and wonders of falsehood, 10 and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, in order for them to be saved. 11 And for this reason Elohim sends them a working of delusion, for them to believe the falsehood, 12 in order that all should be judged who did not believe the truth, but have delighted in the unrighteousness.”

Let us look at another couple of examples, from Yirmeyahu, where this word for ‘stubbornness’ – שְׁרִירוּת sheriyruth – Strong’s H8307 is used, besides the passage in

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7 that we are looking at in this message:

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 11:7-8 “For I earnestly warned your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Mitsrayim, until this day, rising early and warning, saying, “Obey My voice.” 8 ‘But they did not obey or incline their ear, but everyone walked in the stubbornness of his evil heart. So I brought on them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, and they did not do.’ ”

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 13:9-10 “Thus said יהוה, ‘Thus I ruin the pride of Yehuḏah and the great pride of Yerushalayim. 10 ‘This evil people, who refuse to hear My Words, who walk in the stubbornness of their heart, and walk after other mighty ones to serve them and to bow themselves to them, is like this girdle which is completely useless.”

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 16:10-13 “And it shall be, when you declare to this people all these words, and they shall say to you, ‘Why has יהוה pronounced all this great evil against us? And what is our crookedness, and what is our sin that we have committed against יהוה our Elohim?’ 11 then you shall say to them, ‘Because your fathers have forsaken Me,’ declares יהוה, ‘and have walked after other mighty ones and served them and bowed themselves to them, and have forsaken Me, and did not guard My Torah. 12 ‘And you have done more evil than your fathers, for look, each one walks according to the stubbornness of his own evil heart, without listening to Me. 13 ‘So I shall throw you out of this land into a land that you do not know, neither you nor your fathers. And there you shall serve other mighty ones day and night, where I show you no favour.’”

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 18:11-12 “And now, speak to the men of Yehuḏah and to the inhabitants of Yerushalayim, saying, ‘Thus said יהוה, “See, I am forming evil and devising a plan against you. Return now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your deeds good.” ’ 12 But they shall say, “It is no use! For we walk according to our own plans, and we do each one the stubbornness of his evil heart.”

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 23:16-18 “Thus said יהוה of hosts, “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, they lead you astray. They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of יהוה. 17 “They keep on saying to those who despise Me, ‘יהוה has said you shall have peace.’ And to all who walk according to the stubbornness of their own heart they say, ‘No evil comes upon you.’ ” 18 For who has stood in the counsel of יהוה, and has seen and heard His word? Who has listened to His word and obeyed it?”

As one goes through each of the above passages from Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah, it becomes very clear, just how stubborn the hearts of so many people are today and how they arrogantly listen to false messages of peace, when they have not even turned their ear to attentively, and properly, hear the Torah of Elohim!

Those who flatter themselves into assuming that the curses have no effect on their lives, and therefore have no need to obey the Torah, thinking that they are fine and have peace and continue to walk with a stubborn hear, simply add drunkenness to their thirst.

In other words, they are not satisfying their thirst with truth but are rather letting the drunkenness of whorings and falsehood be that which they reckon is sufficient for them, as they continue to remain in a drunken state of lawlessness.

Adding drunkenness to thirst highlights the sad state of so many who are gulping away at the poison of wormwood and remaining drunk, yet are never able to truly satisfy the thirst in them.

Those who turn away their ears from the proper hearing of the Torah and neglect to walk in the commands of Elohim, are walking in the stubbornness of their evil heart and are adding drunkenness to thirst, as we see being described in:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 29:19 “And it shall be, when he hears the words of this curse, that he should bless himself in his heart, saying, ‘I have peace though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart,’ in order to add drunkenness to thirst.”

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘drunkenness’ comes from the root word רָוֶה raveh – Strong’s H7302 which means, ‘saturated, watered, well-watered, engulfed, drenched’, and can carry the idea of being drenched to the point of peril and be drowning!

So many people are ‘drowning’ themselves in the falsehood of wormwood, by continually saturating themselves in teachings that have twisted the truth.

In the process, they are no different to an alcoholic, who cannot refrain from drinking and getting drunk, as they continue to drench themselves in the poisoned wormwood of teachings that promote a lawless standard as being acceptable and ok, when it clearly is not.

As a result, all that they are doing is adding drunkenness to thirst and not actually satisfying that thirst with the Truth!
They continue to add the drunkenness of lawlessness to their lives without any concept of the consequences thereof!

Some translators have rendered this verse as ‘adding thirst to drunkenness’, which implies the insatiableness of sinful man’s lust and desire to satisfy their fleshly desires, with no concern for the consequences!

People want their ears tickled to satisfy their own counsels and will heap up for themselves many false teachers that will appease their stubborn hearts, while neglecting the clear call to be sober, alert and watchful servants of the Most-High!

As one continues to walk in the stubbornness of their own wicked counsels, they make their necks harder and harder, refusing to hear the clear discipline of the Torah!

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:26 tells us how our fathers who did not obey יהוה or incline their ear, stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘stiffened’ comes from the primitive root verb קָשָׁה qashah – Strong’s H7185 which means, ‘to be hard, severe or fierce, stiffened’ and is translated as ‘harden’ in:

Tehillah/Psalm 95:8 “Do not harden your hearts as in Meriḇah, And as in the day of Massah in the wilderness”

Hardening of heart is something that we are clearly warned in Scripture against, as it will only result in rebellion to the Truth and causes one to be headed for destruction, if not repented of!

The Greek word that is used in the LXX (Septuagint) in Tehillah/Psalm 95:8 is σκληρύνω sklērunō – Strong’s G4645 which means, ‘to harden, becoming hardened, to become obstinate or stubborn’ and is the word that is also used in:

Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 3:8 “do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness”

Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 3:12-15 “Look out, brothers, lest there be in any of you a wicked heart of unbelief in falling away from the living Elohim, 13 but encourage one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened by the deceivableness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Messiah if we hold fast the beginning of our trust firm to the end, 15 while it is said, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

What becomes abundantly clear, from various passages in Scripture, is that the severe warning of a heart becoming hardened is a very real danger, if not guarded against!

When people do not like what they hear and rebel against hearing the Truth, they do so because their heart is hardened to the Truth and here, we are also warned of the deception of sin that hardens the heart!

A hardened heart is a stubborn heart, that refuses to submit and walk in the Truth and will cause one to grow in the stubbornness of pride rather than in humility!

When a heart is hardened, the Truth is not considered properly as it should be or as it would normally be, and this teaches us the vital lesson we must learn, in being on guard against selfishness and pride that hardens one’s heart!

Selfishness and pride shut out the ability for one to pay a calm and focused attention to the Truth, rendering the one with a hardened heart unable to give proper ear to the hearing of the Word!

That is why we see the instruction given to us, in Iḇ’rim/Hebrews, is of vital importance; as we are to encourage each other daily, so that none be hardened by the deceivableness of sin!

As we take heed of the parable of the Sower, we are able to learn of the clear danger that the worries of this life and the deceit of riches can do to one’s heart, as it chokes out the Living Word, leaving it hardened and unable to see, hear or do the Truth!

When the heart is hardened, one cannot understand the Truth, and when one does not pay proper attention to the Truth, possibly due to the drifting desires of selfishness and pride, then the Truth cannot be properly understood!

Hardness of heart influences people opinions as well as their emotions!

When a heart becomes hardened, for various reasons, then the one who is hardened will become very defensive in their justification of their wickedness and pride.

What then can harden one’s heart? Many things!

Vain traditions and false doctrines of man can harden hearts so much that the eyes of those who have hardened hearts cannot see the Truth no matter how plainly it is presented to them!

The Pharisees were so hardened by their own self assumed intelligence, that no evidence that the Master gave could convince them that He is the Messiah, that is that He is יהוה our Saviour!

Today, we see how many hearts are hardened so much, that they cannot see this plain Truth and revelation!

So many have become hardened through the leaven of the Pharisees that deny the Master and through many twisted theologies, they justify their beliefs as being acceptable and fail to recognise their own selfish compromise of the Truth, as the mirror of the Word has become so dimmed in their eyes that they firmly believe that what they are doing is not wrong, and are unable to acknowledge יהושע Messiah, The Bread of Life, as Master and Elohim!

Zeḵaryah/Zechariah 7:8-13 “And the word of יהוה came to Zeḵaryah, saying, 9 “Thus said יהוה of hosts, ‘Execute true right-ruling, show kindness and compassion everyone to his brother. 10 “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the stranger or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ 11 “But they refused to listen, and they shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears from hearing. 12 “And they made their hearts like flint against hearing the Torah, and the words, which יהוה of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore, great wrath came from יהוה of hosts. 13 “And it came to be: as He called and they did not hear, so let them call, but I shall not hear,” said יהוה of hosts.”

Many have hardened their heart from hearing the Torah and the Prophets and in the day of the wrath of Elohim, they who have hardened their hearts will call for deliverance and will not be heard, but shall be rejected as not being known by Elohim!

In Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:27, Yirmeyahu was clearly told to speak all these words, even if they would not listen and that he was to call to them, even though they would not respond!

This is the same call that we have today, as a remnant Bride that is to make His Truth known and call to those who are being stubborn and walking in their own counsels, as we make the clear call, along with the Spirit, and say, Come out!

Stubborn hearts that follow their own counsels, are rendering a form of worship that is corrupt and an abomination before the eyes of יהוה!

Just as Yirmeyahu was told to speak and call, so too do we, as a royal set-apart priesthood of Messiah, have to call out to many people and speak His Word, as we walk in His ways and present, through the witness of our lives, a worship of the Father in Spirit and Truth!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘speak’ comes from the primitive root verb דָּבַר daḇar – Strong’s H1696 which means, ‘to speak, command, counsel, declare, proclaimed, converse, warn, threaten, promise’ and a derivative of this word is also translated as ‘speech, word, commandment/s, message’.

This is written in the ‘piel’ verb tense, which usually expresses the ‘intensive’ or ‘intentional’ form, highlighting for us, very clearly, that this was a clear command being given to Yirmeyahu, who was to go with great intensity and speak the commands of Elohim.

The Word of יהוה is living and active and His Word is Truth!

Tehillah/Psalm 119:160 “The sum of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous right-rulings are forever.”

The psalmist clearly expresses the importance of the Word of יהוה being truth and is the basis and foundation for proper right-ruling, from which a ruler/leader should lead/rule from.

Listening to any other word of falsehood, will only corrupt decisions that are made and cause servants to become wrong, by following corrupted rulings based on falsehood!

In our Master’s prayer for us, He makes it clear that we are to be set-apart by the Truth of His Word:

Yoḥanan/John 17:17 “Set them apart in Your truth – Your Word is truth.”

We are to be bold in bringing the Good News, which is the Word of יהוה!

Ma’asei/Acts 15:35 “And Sha’ul and Barnaḇa continued in Antioch, teaching and bringing, with many others also, the Good News: The Word of יהוה!”

A clear text that we see, in the revelation of Messiah, is that He is called THE WORD OF יהוה:

Ḥazon/Revelation 19:11-13 “And I saw the heaven opened, and there was a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Trustworthy and True, and in righteousness He judges and fights. 12 And His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns, having a Name that had been written, which no one had perceived except Himself 13 and having been dressed in a robe dipped in blood – and His Name is called: The Word of יהוה.”

The Word of יהוה is Master of Masters!!!

Just take a look at what is said a couple of verses later:

Ḥazon/Revelation 19:16 “And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: SOVEREIGN OF SOVEREIGNS AND MASTER OF MASTERS.”

יהוה is Master of Masters!

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 10:17 “For יהוה your Elohim is Elohim of mighty ones and Master of masters, the great Ěl, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.”

The Lamb is Master of Masters!

Ḥazon/Revelation 17:14 “They shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for He is Master of masters and Sovereign of sovereigns. And those with Him are called, and chosen, and trustworthy.”

There is only ONE Master of Masters and the point that I am trying to make here, is that יהושע Messiah is THE WORD OF יהוה, which most people would not argue with, yet what we can clearly see, is that יהוה is THE WORD OF יהוה, and while we take note that THE WORD OF יהוה came and appeared to some of His faithful servants and prophets, He came in the form of human flesh to be made visible to all!

There is only ONE WORD OF יהוה and He remains forever!

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 1:25 “but the Word of Elohim remains forever.” And this is the Word, announced as Good News to you.”

And this Word is what we are to speak, as we speak His Truth and declare the clear Torah that He has given to us to walk in!

The Hebrew word for ‘Word’ is דָּבָר daḇar – Strong’s H1697 which means, ‘speech, word, commandment, chronicles, message’; which, the ancient pictographic script, is depicted as follows:

Dalet – דָּ

The ancient script has this letter as and is pictured as a ‘tent door’.

It can also have the meaning of a back-and-forth movement as one goes back and forth through a tent door and so speaks of an access point.

Beyt – בָ:

The ancient script has this letter as , which pictures a tent floor plan and means, ‘house’ or ‘tent’. It represents family and the importance of those who are inside the tent as opposed to the tent structure itself.

We also recognise that the House/Dwelling Place of Elohim is the body of Elohim that is built up as living stones in our Master, יהושע Messiah.

A house/tent speaks of your family and to whom you belong and under whom you submit and adhere to, as the House of Elohim has clear instructions for those in the House!

The Light (that is His Word) is for those in the House!

Resh – רִ:

The ancient script has this letter as and is pictured as ‘the head of a man’ and has the meaning of the head of a man as well as ‘chief, top, begging or first’; top, as in the top or head of a body, and chief, as in a head of a tribe or people; as well as the one who rules the people. Every House has a head of the home, and all in the House submit to the instructions of the One who is head of the home, listening to and obeying the words that the Head speaks!

What these pictographic symbols or letters clearly show us here, in reference to these collectively expressing ‘The Word’, is that THE WORD IS:

THE DOOR TO THE HOUSE

OF THE HEAD!

יהושע Messiah is The Door and He is the Head and we are His dwelling Place, and our only means of access is through our Master and Elohim, who is the Door that has been revealed to us in the flesh in order that we can be grafted in and enter into the Covenants of promise that we were once far off from and without Elohim in the world!

As we speak, we are to proclaim our Master and His Truth, for whatever we do, whether in word or deed, all must be done in the Name of יהושע Messiah.

As we speak the Truth of the Word, we proclaim our Mater and Elohim!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘call’ comes from the root word קָרָא qara – Strong’s H7121 which means, ‘to call, proclaim, read, make a proclamation, summons, read aloud, i.e., to speak aloud something, reciting what has been written down’.

In the song of Mosheh, we see him declaring the following, where we see the root word קָרָא qara – Strong’s H7121 being translated as ‘proclaim’:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 32:3 “For I proclaim the Name of יהוה, ascribe greatness to our Elohim.”

What is very clear here, in Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 32:3, is that Mosheh said He proclaims the Name of יהוה – in other words: the Torah proclaims, or speaks loudly, the Name of יהוה!!!

What is worth taking note of, is that from this root verb קָרָא qara – Strong’s H7121 which means, ‘proclaim, call, read, summons, invite, to be called out’, we get the Hebrew word that is translated as ‘gathering’, which is the noun מִקְרָא miqra – Strong’s H4744, which means, ‘assembly/ group/ convocation/ a collective of people gathered for a purpose/a calling together’, and is used 23 times in Scripture, all being related to the ‘set-apart gatherings’ of the assembly of the people of Elohim!

The Sabbaths and Appointed Times of יהוה are the set-apart gatherings that are to be proclaimed and kept by a set-apart and called out people of Elohim!

To neglect the gathering would be to neglect and reject the clear calling of Elohim unto His set-apart Bride!

We are to proclaim His Truth and call people to gather as commanded!

We can glean some further insight and clarity, when looking at these words in the pictographic script.

The Hebrew word מִקְרָא miqra – Strong’s H4744 is pictured in the ancient pictographic script as follows:

Mem – מִ:

We are also able to understand this letter as representing the nations, for the nations are often likened to the seas in Scripture.

Knowing that this letter represents ‘water’, we are also able to see how this can render for us the meaning of ‘washing’ or ‘cleansing’.

Quph – קְ:

This is the letter ‘quph’, which is pictured as , and is a ‘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 and speaks of continual adherence to the Appointed Times.

Resh – רָ:

The ancient script has this letter ‘resh’ as – – and is pictured as ‘the head of a man’ and has the meaning of the head of a man as well as chief, top, begging or first.

This letter can mean ‘top’ – as in the top or head of a body; and ‘chief’ – as in head of a tribe or people, as well as the one who rules the people.

Aleph – א:

The ancient script has this letter as and is pictured as ‘the head of an ox’, and represents ‘strength’, meaning ‘muscle’ as the ox is the strongest of the livestock animals.

This also carries the meaning of ‘yoke’, as an ox is placed in a yoke in order to plough or pull a heavy load in the right direction. This can also picture for us the ‘red heifer’ sacrifice, that יהושע Messiah fulfilled!

This word, as mentioned, is derived from the root verb קָרָא qara – Strong’s H7121, which is pictured in the ancient pictographic script as follows:

In his AHLB (Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible) Jeff Benner explains how each 3 letter root word comes from a 2 letter parent root and the parent root of this word is קַר – where he explains that the pictograph is a picture of the sun at the horizon and the gathering of the light, and the pictograph is a picture of the head of a man.

Combined these mean “GATHER THE MEN” or “GATHER TO THE HEAD” and can have the understanding of the meeting, or bringing together, of people or objects, by arrangement.

What we can therefore see, through the ancient pictographic rendering of the word מִקְרָא miqra – Strong’s H4744, is that, in terms of this giving us the understanding of having a proclaimed calling together, or gathering, we can see the following meaning, for us, who are in יהושע Messiah, our Head:

CLEANSED TO CONTINUALLY GATHER

TO OUR HEAD

WHO IS OUR STRENGTH!

Having been cleansed and redeemed from all lawlessness and sin, we who have been grafted in to the Covenants of Promise, through the blood of Messiah, are now called to guard His commands and gather as we should, on His proclaimed set-apart gatherings!

It is on the Sabbath that Mosheh is read and this is where we can identify the clear need for the Torah to be read in the gatherings, on our Master’s Sabbaths and appointed times, for then the Remnant Bride can be collectively equipped to go out and declare His Truth and shine as children of light, amidst a darkened world, in order to call many out of darkness and be established in the Light of our Master’s Truth!

Are you speaking and calling as you should?

Even when most will not listen, do not stop proclaiming.

Yirmeyahu was told to say to the rebellious and stubborn people who had stiffened their necks and hardened their hearts, in their refusal to hear the Truth and walk in it, that they have not obeyed the voice of יהוה and they have not accepted His instruction, and as a result, Truth has perished and been cut off from their mouths, as they speak with deception and lies!

They did not accept instruction!

This is the same for so many people today, as they refuse to hear the need to correct their wicked ways and hold fast to their stubborn and selfish counsels that are filled with deceit.

Tsephanyah/Zephaniah 3:1-2 “Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! 2 She did not obey the voice, she did not accept instruction, she did not trust in יהוה, she did not draw near to her Elohim.”

In Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:7, we are told that fools despise wisdom, while in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:3, we are told that the proverbs of Shelomoh are for receiving the discipline of wisdom!

The Hebrew words that are translated as ‘receiving the discipline’ are as follows:

1) RECEIVING

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘receiving’ comes from the root word לָקַח laqaḥ – Strong’s H3947 which means, ‘to lift up, accept, accepted, bring, receive’ and also means ‘marries, married’; and often is used in terms of the Bride of Messiah who is accepted and taken up by Him – as He receives Her to Himself.

A word that is derived from this root word לָקַח laqaḥ – Strong’s H3947 is the noun לֶקַח leqaḥ – Strong’s H3948 which means, ‘a learning, teaching, instruction, persuasions’, and in translated as ‘instruction’, in:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 32:1-2 “Give ear, O heavens, and let me speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 “Let my instruction fall as rain, My speech drop down as dew, as fine rain on the tender plants, and as showers on the grass.”

When we understand the clear terminology being used here in this song of Mosheh, we are able to connect this with other prophetic shadow pictures of the two comings of Messiah that is clearly being spoken of here.

The instructions of יהוה shall come down like rain – in other words – the ‘Teacher of righteousness’ will come down like rain in the season of the harvests!

This is a powerful picture for us in recognising how it is by the instructions of יהוה that we are equipped and prepared for Him to come and fetch us as a ready Bride.

The root verb לָקַח laqaḥ – Strong’s H3947 is also translated or understood as being ‘married’, in the sense of a Husband ‘taking up’ His Bride:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 24:1 “When a man takes a wife and shall marry her, then it shall be, if she finds no favour in his eyes because he has found a matter of uncoveredness in her, and he shall write her a certificate of divorce, and put it in her hand, and send her out of his house”

2) DISCIPLINE

The noun ‘discipline’, is derived from the root verb, is מוּסָר musar – Strong’s H4148 which means, ‘discipline, chastening, correction, reproof, punishment, warning’.

Mishlĕ/Proverbs speaks of discipline with the emphasis on instruction, and to answer the question of how discipline is administered, we can see in:

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 22:15 “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”

The word מוּסָר musar – Strong’s H4148 is used 50 times in Scripture, and of those 50 times, we see it being used in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 30 times, hence our clear understanding of how Mishlĕ/Proverbs carries a great and important theme of the discipline of wisdom that is needed in our lives!

There is certainly great wisdom in true discipline!

True wisdom accepts the discipline and instruction of יהוה, and sadly, there are many people today who claim to love Elohim and claim to be followers of the Master, and will even recite many verses that are contained in the Covenants of Promise, while they so easily discard the need to walk in the Torah of Elohim, and quickly cast aside His clear instructions!

Tehillah/Psalm 50:16-17 “But to the wrong Elohim said, “What right have you to recite My laws, or take My covenant in your mouth, 17 “While you hated instruction and cast My Words behind you?”

The Hebrew word that is used here for ‘instruction’ is מוּסָר musar – Strong’s H4148!

In other words, many will talk the talk, yet hate the walk, or rather hate the needed discipline that is required to live true set-apart lives, and will quickly cast the word of Elohim behind them, instead of letting it be a light for their path ahead of them!

At the beginning of Mishlĕ/Proverbs we are told straight up, in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:2-3, that these proverbs of Shelomoh are for knowing wisdom and discipline, and for receiving the discipline of wisdom, and in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:7 we are told that fools despise wisdom and discipline!

The Greek word that is used in the LXX (Septuagint) for ‘discipline’ is παιδεία paideia – Strong’s G3809 which means, ‘the repairing of a child, training, discipline’.

It is used 6 times in the Renewed Writings (N.T.), 4 of which is used in Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 12 which deals with our need, as children of the Most-High, to accept the much-needed discipline of a Loving Father!

It is also used in Sha’ul’s letter to Timotiyos and translated as ‘instruction’ in:

Timotiyos Bět/2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is breathed by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for setting straight, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of Elohim might be fitted, equipped for every good work.”

We need the Word to instruct us in righteousness; and to despise the instruction and discipline of the Word is foolish, and as mentioned already – fools die for lack of discipline!

The Greek word that is used for a ‘taught one’ or ‘disciple’ of Messiah is μαθητής mathētēs – Strong’s G3101 which means, ‘disciple, pupil, student, taught one or one who is learning’, which comes from the word μανθάνω manthanō – Strong’s G3129 which means, ‘learn by use, practice’ and the basic meaning of this Greek word, is understood as, ‘to experience’, and the use of this word implies an intellectual concern, which can therefore also render for us the understanding of, ‘seek to experience’ or, ‘learn to know’; and this word is also used in the Greek language with the understanding of, ‘learning skills under instruction’.

This word comes from the root μαθ- math which means, ‘to learn, educated, receive instruction’.

A true ‘disciple’ of our Master and Elohim, is one who is ‘disciplined’ and learns by receiving instruction and taking heed to walk in it! Many may claim to be disciples of Messiah, yet they clearly lack the ‘discipline of separation’.

As we look at this word for ‘discipline’ – מוּסָר musar – Strong’s H4148 in the ancient pictographic lettering, we are able to glean a better understanding of our need to be a disciplined people!

In the ancient pictographic alphabet, this Hebrew word for ‘discipline’ – מוּסָר musar – Strong’s H4148, looks like this:

Mem – מ:

The ancient script has this letter as and is pictured as ‘water’, and also carries the meaning of ‘chaos’ (from the storms of the sea) and can also picture that which is mighty or massive as well as the unknown. We are also able to understand this letter as representing the nations, for the nations are often likened to the seas in Scripture. Knowing this letter represents ‘water’, we are also able to see how this can render for us the meaning of ‘washing’ or ‘cleansing’.

Waw/Vav – וּ:

The ancient script has this letter 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’.

It is by the work of Messiah, in His Own Blood, that has secured for us His Covenants of promise, to which we are added to; and His righteousness stands forever secured in Him!

Samek – סָ:

The ancient script has this letter pictured as , which is a thorn and has the meanings of ‘pierce and sharp’ and can also carry the meaning of ‘a shield’, as thorn bushes were used by shepherds to build a wall to enclose their flock in the night against the attack of predators. Another meaning would be ‘to grab hold of’ as a thorn is a seed that clings to hair and clothing.

The Word of Elohim is sharper than a doubled edged sword and when we find that we do not grab hold of His word and allow His Word to be our shield of faith, we may find ourselves being pierced through with sin and compromise! Our praise we have for our Master is that in Him we are upheld forever, for He is the shield of our Help, as He Himself took the crown of thorns upon His head, bearing our sin and shame that we may be found to be shielded in Him! It can also give a meaning of ‘turning’, for it is the thorn that turns us away from danger and to that which is secure.

Resh – ר:

The ancient script has this letter pictured as , which is ‘the head of a man’ and carries the meaning of ‘top, beginning, first, chief’, as in being the top of the body or the head of a tribe and the one who rules; and also speaks of possession or inheritance that is decided by the chief.

Our true life of praise unto יהוה, our Head, begins when we fear Him, for He is the beginning of our strength, and true separated praise entails a true fear of the One who is Chief over us!

When we look at these letters, in their ancient pictographic form, we are able to clearly see what true discipline entails, as we are to turn away from all wickedness and turn to our Head and Master; and to do so takes great discipline.

For:

IT IS THROUGH THE DISCIPLINED CONTINUAL WASHING OF WATER BY THE WORD, THAT SECURES AND ESTABLISHES US, THAT WE ARE ENABLED TO TURN OUR EYES TO OUR MASTER AND GRAB HOLD OF HIS WORD!

True discipline, for a true taught one of the Master, involves a committed fixing of one’s eyes on Him!

In a nutshell, we could best understand this term for discipline, in the Hebrew, מוּסָר musar – Strong’s H4148 – as a term that clearly emphasises our need to be constantly turning our head/eyes to our True Head – and this we do by allowing the Word to wash us and establish us as a true disciplined disciple/taught one of Messiah!

Let me ask you:

HOW DISCIPLINED ARE YOU?

What do you set your eyes upon each and every day, as you sojourn here as ambassadors of the Coming Reign?

How disciplined is your worship?

Are you following your own counsels or are you truly walking in the wise counsel and discipline of the Torah of Elohim?

In your walk of faith, are you continually turning your head to The Master?

By that, I mean, are you continually turning your attention and thoughts and actions to the One whom you should be following, or are the things of the world and the lusts of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, taking your attention away from the needed discipline of separation?

When you are confronted with situations, circumstances, conversations or dealings with the world, are you able to have the discipline of separation active in your life, or do you find yourself subtly being conformed to the standards of others, instead of shining the light of set-apartness by being transformed by the renewing of your mind through the Word?

In Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:29, the prophet was told to cut off his hair and throw it away, as a clear sign of the rebuke of יהוה against a stubborn people and was a sign of the removal of the covering protection of יהוה.

This is a clear picture of the warning against walking in one’s own counsel and presenting a corrupted form of worship.

The Hebrew word that is used in this verse for ‘cast’ is שָׁלַךְ shalaḵ – Strong’s H7993 which means, ‘cast away, throw down, throw away, fling’.

The Hebrew word that is translated a ‘reject’ comes from the root word מָאַס mâ’as – Strong’s H3988 which means, ‘reject, completely abhor, despise, refuse, cast away’.

is also found in the clear words that are given in Hoshěa/Hosea, which tells us how so many have rejected the Truth and are dying for lack of knowledge:

Reject, refuse, despise or cast away any of the Words of Elohim and He will reject, refuse and cast you away from His presence, on the day when many will claim to have done great deeds in His Name, yet will be rejected for being lawless, by their clear rejecting of His commands and instructions to walk in His Torah!

Yehuḏah had done abominations in The House of Elohim!

Their mixed and corrupted worship was a complete abomination and this is a clear warning for us today, as we take note that any form of mixed worship is an abominable action of defiling the Set-Apart Name of יהוה!

The corruption of their worship was so mixed with the abominable practices of the nations, that they did not even hide their idolatry, as they worshipped on the high places, revealing their arrogance and pride of sin!

Judgement had now been decreed against their abominations and with the sign of the prophet’s hair being cut off and thrown away, it was made clear that there was no ‘head covering’ for those guilty of idolatry and corrupted worship.

In the clear judgment being declared, we are told in Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:33 that the corpses of the people will be given as food for the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth!

This is clear judgement language, as we take note of the warning that are given in The Torah for disobedience to the commands of Elohim!

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 28:26 “And your carcasses shall be food for all the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth, with no one to frighten them away.”

Food for the birds and beasts!

This is the fate of the wicked!

The picture here, of there being no one to frighten them away, highlights that those who are cursed have no covenant to claim protection by!

When יהוה made His covenant with Aḇram we take note that after Aḇram had prepared all the animals that he drove the birds away:

Berěshith/Genesis 15:11 “And the birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Aḇram drove them away.”

This imagery of the birds of prey coming down on the carcasses, is a picture of the metaphor of great judgement that we see upon the wicked, who will be gathered for the feast that is prepared for the birds of the heavens.

Those who are in covenant with our Master and Elohim, have protection from this judgement, as pictured by Aḇram who drives the birds away!

In the parable of the Sower, we take note of the following:

Mattithyahu/Matthew 13:4-5 “And as he sowed, some indeed fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 “And others fell on rocky places, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil.”

Mattithyahu/Matthew 13:18-19 “You, then, hear the parable of the sower: 19 “When anyone hears the word of the reign, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is that sown by the wayside.”

As one faithfully meditates on, and walks in, the Torah of Elohim, it becomes very clear that understanding comes in the doing of that which is diligently heard with attentive ears.

Therefore, those who do not understand, as pictured by those on the wayside, are those who do not hear, guard and do, but are hearers only.

Those who do not become doers of the Word and are simply hearers only, have no protection from the birds and beasts, so to speak!

In speaking of the end days and the fate of the wicked, we take note of the words of our Master, in:

Mattithyahu/Matthew 24:28 “For wherever the dead body is, there the eagles shall be gathered together.”

This is again made clear when highlighting how the wicked will be snatched away and gathered for a feast of the birds!

Luqas/Luke 17:34-37 “I say to you, in that night there shall be two in one bed, the one shall be taken and the other shall be left. 35 “Two shall be grinding together, the one shall be taken and the other shall be left. 36 “Two shall be in the field, the one shall be taken and the other shall be left.” 37 And they answering, said to Him, “Where, Master?” And He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the eagles shall be gathered together.”

The eagles shall be gathered where the dead bodies are!

In the day of the wrath of Elohim, He will cause the voice of rejoicing and gladness cease and highlights the clear picture of those who are continuing in their ‘merry ways’, shall be silenced.

Our Master tells us that the last days will be as the days of Noaḥ.

Mattithyahu/Matthew 24:37-39 “And as the days of Noaḥ, so also shall the coming of the Son of Aḏam be. 38 “For as they were in the days before the flood, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noaḥ entered into the ark, 39 and they did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also shall the coming of the Son of Aḏam be.”

While so many are ‘carrying on as usual’, so to speak, they will be caught by surprise, as their assumed form of worship’, will be silenced and their false rejoicing sound will cease, when the land is laid waste!

The picture of the rejoicing to cease, is also given to us in Ḥazon/Revelation, where we see the clear destruction of false worship being brought about and babel falling from its lofty position of arrogance and pride!

Ḥazon/Revelation 18:21-23 “And one mighty messenger picked up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “With such a rush the great city Baḇel shall be thrown down, and shall not be found any more at all. 22 “And the sound of harpists, and musicians, and flautists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you any more at all. And no craftsman of any trade shall be found in you any more at all. And the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you any more at all. 23 “And the light of a lamp shall not shine in you any more at all. And the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you any more at all. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, for by your drug sorcery all the nations were led astray.”

In a continuation of the clear language and message of judgment, we see the first couple of verses of Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 8, giving the picture of the bones of the wicked being brought out and spread before the sun and the moon and the heavens, which they had served in falsehood, by worshipping the created things rather than the Creator and their bones shall be for the dung of the face of the earth, with no one to bury or gather.

This is a picture of the parable of salt that becomes tasteless and is thrown out and trampled underfoot:

Mattithyahu/Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt becomes tasteless, how shall it be seasoned? For it is no longer of any use but to be thrown out and to be trodden down by men.”

There is no reward for tasteless salt!

We are to be the salt of the earth and bring the proper seasoning of The Good News of righteousness!

Salt represents also a person’s willingness to do what יהושע demands of His talmidim (disciples).

In Luqas/Luke 14:34-35, we see that if the willingness turns into unwillingness – in other words: if a talmid (disciple) returns to worldly ways after experiencing the truth and joy of following יהוה’s way, what else is left to restore him? NOTHING!

The Greek word that is translated as ‘tasteless’ is μωραίνω moraine – Strong’s G3471 which means ‘lose its flavour, become neutralised or become foolish – that which is without knowledge’!

How are we ‘neutralised’ or rather, how are we brought to the point of being ‘of no effect’?

By mixing with foreign substances – anything that is not in line with obedience to the purity of the Word!

The abomination of corrupt worship neutralises one’s witness of Messiah, and this is what many do not realise, as they are allowing themselves to becomes tasteless, by walking in their own stubborn counsels, or the false counsels of many ear ticklers, that ‘modifies’ their interpretation of the Word, in order to appease their own fleshly desires, when they simply do not want to obey what is clearly commanded!

While I have expanded a great deal on many of the words that we find in this passage of Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, and explored other supporting verses, it is simply to highlight the clear lessons that we are to learn, in hearing the warning that is given against a corrupted form of worship.

Even within ‘Torah observant’ groups today, there are many who are corrupting their worship, by not adhering to the clear plumbline of the Torah.

As an example, there are many so called ‘Torah teachers’ who are not guarding the command to not round the corners of their beards, and are misrepresenting the clear pattern that the Word teaches.

While some may say that it doesn’t matter, let me remind you that it certainly does, for the Word of Elohim instructs this very clearly. For more on this topic, please see the article I did on beards, called: “THE BEARD – ALL SET-APART MEN SHOULD HAVE ONE!”, which can be found on our site (https://atfotc.com) or by clicking on or using the following link:

https://atfotc.com/the-beard-all-set-apart-men-should-have-one/

What about those that are wearing ‘kippas’ or those who are not wearing tsitsith or who might be wearing them but are not putting a blue cord in their tsitsith, as commanded?

These are just a couple of key components to consider, when considering who you are allowing to teach and guide you.

This passage, in Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, highlights for us the clear danger of the abomination of corrupt worship and how important it is for us to do what is right in the eyes of יהוה and be diligent in walking in His Ways, by guarding His commands and not be found to be falling for the wickedness of the counsels of stubbornness, which attempts to change or do away with complete obedience to His Torah.

We are a set-apart and chosen priesthood of Messiah, and we are to live like it, as we are to worship our Master in Spirit and Truth.

The Torah is Spiritual and The Torah is Truth!

Tehillah/Psalm 119:142 “Your righteousness is righteousness forever, and Your Torah is truth.”

Romiyim/Romans 7:14 “For we know that the Torah is Spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.”

Yoḥanan/John 4:23-24 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father also does seek such to worship Him. 24 “Elohim is Spirit, and those who worship Him need to worship in spirit and truth.”

As you consider the passage that has formed the basis for this message, from Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, be encouraged and strengthened to speak The Truth and call many to repentance, as you diligently shine the light of our Master’s Word, and not losing the ability to be the salt that represents the zeal and flavour of an obedient covenant people of Elohim, that worship Him in Spirit and Truth, being on guard against:

THE ABOMINATION

OF CORRUPT WORSHIP!

Let us therefore, obey His voice, walk in His ways, as His treasured possession, so that it shall be well with us!

Tehillah/Psalm 128:1-2 “Blessed are all who fear יהוה, who walk in His ways. 2 You shall eat the labour of your hands. Be blessed, and let it be well with you.”

As you look into the mirror of the Word and think upon these words that have been presented here in this message, ask yourself if there are any abominations in your life, and if so, get rid of them quickly!

Let us not make the same rebellious mistakes that our fathers made:

Yeḥezqěl/Ezekiel 20:7-8 “And I said to them, ‘Each one of you, throw away the abominations which are before his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Mitsrayim! I am יהוה your Elohim.’ 8 “But they rebelled against Me, and would not obey Me. All of them did not throw away the abominations which were before their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of Mitsrayim. So, I resolved to pour out My wrath on them to complete My displeasure against them in the midst of the land of Mitsrayim.”

The Hebrew word that is translated here as ‘abominations’ comes from the word שִׁקּוּץ shiqquts – Strong’s H8251 which means, ‘detestable thing, abominable idol, filth’.

Those who choose their own ways rather than יהוה’s way, love the filth of detestable matters!

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66:1-3 “Thus said יהוה, “The heavens are My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Where is this house that you build for Me? And where is this place of My rest? 2 “And all these My hand has made, and all these that exist,” declares יהוה. “Yet to such a one I look: on him who is poor and bruised of spirit, and who trembles at My Word. 3 “But whoever slays the bull strikes a man; whoever slaughters the lamb breaks a dog’s neck; whoever brings a grain offering – pig’s blood; whoever burns incense blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways, and their being delights in their abominations.”

Their being delights in abominations! This is how sick and twisted a corrupt worship is, as it teaches many to delight themselves in their abominations and filth of idolatry and corrupt worship!

After having clearly identified the depravity of their attempts at worship, יהוה makes it clear, in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66:3, they had indeed chosen their own ways and their beings delighted in their abominations!

They had turned all their sacrifices into pagan rituals and had become so mixed in their worship by choosing their own ways rather than submitting to יהוה’s perfect way of set-apartness!

By their corrupt standards of mixed worship, they had no distinction between the set-apart and the profane and no distinction was being made between the clean and the unclean.

The same error is still happening today, as so many are performing a corrupted worship that is an abomination in the eyes of יהוה.

They were delighting in their abominable ways and we can therefore see from this that they loved the evil, instead of hating it!

We see a clear warning in Scripture being given to those who call evil good and good evil!

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 5:20-21 “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and clever in their own sight!”

יהוה hates mixed worship!

Amos 5:21-22 “I have hated, I have despised your festivals, and I am not pleased with your assemblies. 22 “Though you offer Me ascending offerings and your grain offerings, I do not accept them, nor do I look on your fattened peace offerings.”

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 1:11-15 “Of what use to Me are your many slaughterings?” declares יהוה. “I have had enough of ascending offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs or goats. 12 When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand, to trample My courtyards? 13 Stop bringing futile offerings, incense, it is an abomination to Me. New moons, Sabbaths, the calling of gatherings – I am unable to bear unrighteousness and assembly. 14 My being hates your New moons and your appointed times, they are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. 15 And when you spread out your hands, I hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I do not hear. Your hands have become filled with blood.”

Here, Yehuḏah were bringing slaughterings and offerings, as the temple service was seemingly still going on while יהוה was, in essence, saying to them,

“Why are you even coming to Me with your offerings, since you also have idols in your homes and all you are doing is bringing mud into My House and your feet/walk is muddied with falsehood!”

STOP MIXING YOUR ASSUMED WORSHIP UNTO יהוה WITH PAGANISM!!!

The way Yehuḏah were carrying out His feasts, showed that they had turned them into a creation of their own hands, by doing it their own way and doing it however it suited them and, in the process, they mixed in pagan worship practices with it – and this form of worship was no longer as יהוה had prescribed, but had become their own, which He no longer saw as worship unto Him.

With the clear picture of their beings delighting in their abominations, we are able to see a clear heart issue being identified and pictures the depravity of many who may honour יהוה with their lips yet their hearts are far from Him, for His Torah is clearly not upon their hearts, for if it was, they would hate that which He hates and would not delight in detestable matters!

Their own disgusting ways are in their hearts, whereas the true set-apart worshipper has יהוה’s ways in his heart!

Tehillah/Psalm 84:5 “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Your Highways are in their heart.”

Your worship will reflect whose ways are in your heart!

THE ABOMINATION

OF CORRUPT WORSHIP!

Let us hear the clear command of our great Elohim and throw away that which should not be in our House, for the Master of the House has made it clear, in warning against that which will keep you out.

יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show you favour; יהוה lift up His face upon you and give you Shalom!