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Written
by Felicia Trecek. Sections
within this article: Introductory Isaiah 2:2-4 is a future prophesy describing the world to come. A world without hate and violence. A time when the whole world will want to know the commands of YHWH because they are righteous and good. Can you imagine a time of happiness and unity in faith? What ways of YHWH will be taught to all nations, and what paths will He have them walk in? What laws will He use to judge between the nations and reprove many peoples with? The Messiah declared the culmination of the law when He was asked by one of the Pharisees who was well educated in the law. Matthew 22:36-40 reads, (v:36) "...which is the greatest command in the Law? (v:37) And Yahushua (Messiah) said to him, 'You shall love YHWH your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your mind.' (v:38) This is the first and great command. (v:39) And the second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' (v:40) On these two commands hang ALL the Law and the Prophets." What is ALL of the law and why did He mention the Prophets? How do the Prophets correlate with the greatest commandments? The whole LAW comprises the 'old' testament, the Torah, or at the very least, the first five books also known as the books of Moses. And, the PROPHETS are twenty-two books within the 'old' testament. In the future, when YHWH establishes His House on-top of the mountains, all nations will be taught the ways, paths, and laws delineated within the old testament. No new ways, paths, and laws will be instituted in the future. (Ephesians 2:19-22). YHWH does not change. (Malachi 3:6, Isaiah 46:9-10) The way of love and peace, and the path to happiness was written long ago for us to follow today. THE
TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS King David wrote: "O how I love your law! It is my study all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies; for it is ever with me." "Great peace have those loving your law..." (Psalm 119:97-98, 127, 165) Exodus
20 YHWH becomes jealous when we worship other mighty ones (Ex 34:14). Some people would say, "I don't worship other mighty ones. I don't hide a carved idol in my closet that I bow down to. I am a good person. I pray daily..." etc. Other 'gods' can take on many shapes and forms. We need to ask ourselves: "What do I put first in my life? Is it YHWH or is it mammon? Is it YHWH or is it my job? Is it YHWH or is it my spouse? Do you really worship YHWH or is it an imposter? How can you determine if you're worshipping an imposter? Keep in mind, Satan is the greatest impersonator. He loves to deceive. What or who do you put BEFORE the Father in Heaven? Who or what impedes or hinders the worship of YHWH in the way He desires to be worshipped? YHWH is the Great Creator and the Father of all. He wants His entire creation to worship and fear Him; not just the nation of Israel whom He made the first covenant with. The nation of Israel was setup to be the exemplar for the other nations; however, they failed. Therefore, YHWH cast the physical nation aside for now (Malachi 3:3-6) and is grafting in the gentiles (all other tribes of people) of the earth to obey His commandments and worship Him. (Romans 11, 12:1-2, 8:19-22, Hebrews 4, Psalms 22:27-28, Isaiah 56:8) YHWH has not permanently cast the nation of Israel aside. YHWH will once again recover His people in the future like as in the day when He brought them out of Egypt. He will raise a banner for ALL people of ALL nations to come and drink of the water of deliverance (Isaiah 11, 12, 61). In that day, His Name will be THE ONLY ONE called upon (Zechariah 14:9). Deut 10:20 "Fear YHWH your Elohim. Serve HIM, and cling to HIM..." Psalm 50:14 "Offer thanksgiving to Elohim, and pay your vows to the Most High." 1 Chronicles 16:29-31 (v:29)"...Bow yourself to YHWH in the splendor of apartness! (v:30) Tremble before Him, ALL THE EARTH... (v:31) Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; and let them say among the nations, YHWH shall reign." Let us sing and give thanks to YHWH! For YHWH is a great El and King ABOVE ALL mighty ones. He made the depths of the earth, the mountain peaks, the sea, and the dry land. We are His sheep. (Psalms 95) Exodus
20 Within this second commandment, YHWH reveals two forms of worship: bowing down and serving ("Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them..."). By direct implication, YHWH commands us to bow down and serve Him, not any other being, image, or object. Hence, the positive form of this commandment is: You shall only worship YHWH; bow down and serve Him. If He commands and expects us to worship Him, HOW do we worship Him that would please Him? YHWH gives us an answer to this question in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - fear Him, walk in His ways, love Him, serve Him, and guard (keep) His commandments. However, what is YHWH's definition of service? Are all of these descriptions of worship listed in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 separate classifications, or are they all one of the same? John 4:23-24, (v:23) reads, "...true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father also does seek such to worship Him." How do we worship Him in spirit? How do worship Him in truth? IN
SPIRIT Messiah gave another spiritual example within a parable between a Pharisee and a tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee despised (looked down upon) the tax collector. The Pharisee thought of himself to be more righteous. To look down upon someone else is a negative attitude toward our neighbor and is the opposite of love. We need to esteem others better than ourselves (Phili 2:3). The Pharisee had the wrong spirit. He was self-righteous. Righteousness does not come from self, but Messiah and YHWH the father. We should not only obey the letter of the law of "thou shalt" and "thou shalt not" commandments, but we must control our minds and hearts. We need to direct our incorporeal nature toward the attitude of love. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul said, "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind, ...it is our reasonable worship." YHWH wants to change what is deep within our minds and hearts. He desires righteous character. He wants us to imitate Him (Matthew 5:48), and learn how to love. That is the primary reason for the entire law. (Matt 22:37-39, 1 John 4:7-8, Rom 13:8-10) To worship in spirit means to have a transformed nature and character to that of Messiah and YHWH the Father (John 17:20-22). We need to use the letter of the law as our foundation and guide for the transformation process. Without the fundamental principles of the letter of the law, we would not understand the concept of murder, theft, and so on. Additionally, we would not be able to grow into the spirit of the law, understanding what emotions and spirits are either destructive or constructive to ourselves and our personal relationships. IN
TRUTH If we love YHWH, then what commandments should we follow? We should not follow men or their traditions, but the commandments found within scripture. Does the bible have instruction on Christmas? Where did the Christmas tree come from? (...read Jeremiah 10. This tree is an abomination.) Does the Bible have any instruction on Easter? (...read Ezekiel 8:16. Sun worship is an abomination.) Where did the Easter egg come from? What about the rabbit's foot in your pocket? Most of the world's holidays and beliefs were founded upon a lie, thus contrary to truth. What ever practices you may have, you need to research it in the bible. Is it there or not? YHWH'S
COMMANDMENTS OF WORSHIP Were these only "old testament" festival commandments, and not meant for new testament converts? No. In the new testament, Paul kept the feasts (Acts 18:21, 1 Corinthians 5:7-8). Paul told the Colossians (2:16) "Let no one therefore judge you in eating or drinking (dietary laws), or in respect of a festival or a new moon (calendar system based on the new moons) or Sabbaths (plural - both weekly and festival high Sabbaths) - (2:17) which are a shadow of what is to come..." YHWH's set-apart feasts and appointments (Sabbaths) picture His ultimate plan. His plan has not yet been fulfilled in its entirety; therefore, His commands are in effect today and will continue to be in future events. Zechariah's (14:16) prophesy for the future: "And it shall be that all who are left from the gentiles which came up against Jerusalem, shall go up from year to year to bow themselves to the King YHWH of hosts, and to observe the Festival of Booths." Isaiah's (66:23) prophesy for the future: " 'And it shall be that from New Moon to New Moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, ALL FLESH shall come to worship before Me', declares YHWH." Psalms 22:27-28 (v:27) "Let all the ends of the earth remember and turn to YHWH, and all the clans of the nations bow themselves before You, (v:28) For the reign belongs to YHWH..." YHWH's commandments of worship are not just for the children of Israel, but are meant for all man kind. YHWH never changed His commandments of worship after the death of Messiah, nor will He change them when Messiah returns to the earth the second time. To obey and serve YHWH in truth is to follow His mandates within scripture, not Satan's or mankind's substitute holidays born from a lie. Exodus
20 YHWH means what He says. He told the people to stone to death a boy for cursing and blaspheming His Name in Leviticus 24:11-14. What is His Name? Does He have one name or multiple names? God, Lord, Buddha, and so on...? Proverbs 30:4 asks the question, "...what is His Name, and what is His Son's Name, if you know it?" We need to know His Name if we are to respect, reverence and call upon His Name (Psalm 105:1,3, 111:9, 145:21). Isaiah 42:8 "I am YHWH, that is My Name, and My esteem I do not give to another, nor My praise to idols." Isaiah 47:4 "Our Redeemer, YHWH of hosts is His Name, the set-apart one of Israel." Depending on what bible translation you read, our Creator's 'Name' used within these verses, along with many other verses may be rendered Lord. Lord is not His Name. In Exodus 3:13-14, Moses asked the Creator for His Name. The Creator's reply, "I am that which I am." The words Lord, God, and other titles we may use to refer to our Creator do not carry this meaning; only the Hebrew Name YHWH does. Exodus 3:15, "And Elohim said further to Moses, 'Thus you are to say to the children of Israel, YHWH Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My Name FOREVER, and this is My remembrance to ALL generations.' " BIBLE
EDITIONS TODAY ARE MERE TRANSLATIONS FROM THE ORIGINAL HEBREW There is one scripture in the King's James version that gives witness to the sacred Name: Psalm 86:4 "...His Name JAH..." In this passage, the Name was transliterated, not translated into another title or name. JAH is a shortened form of His Name that simply means, I AM. The letter J was not differentiated from the letter I until comparatively modern times. It was the custom in mediaeval manuscripts to lengthen the letter I when it was in a prominent position, and became to be regarded as representing a consonant. The original consonant sound was that of the letter Y. WAYS
OF USING HIS NAME IN VAIN A
DEEPER MEANING Exodus
20 Deut 5:12-15 has a slight variation of the fourth commandment. It reads. "Keep the Sabbath day..." instead of "remember the Sabbath day...". The Hebrew word translated for keep is Strong's #8104 and means: properly to hedge about. i.e. guard; generally to protect, and attend. Continuing in verse 14: "..., so that your male servant and your female servant rest as you do." Verse 15 reads: we are to remember the Israelites were slaves in Egypt and YHWH brought them out with a strong hand and outstretched arm. The Hebrew word for sabbath is "shabbawth" (Strong's #7676) and is from the root word "shawbath" (Strong's #7673). According to Strong's, the Hebrew meanings are: intermission, to repose, i.e. desist from exertion. Shabbawth and shawbat are used figuratively or specifically in many implicated relations such as: to cause, let, or make. And, each of these three context relations can precede with one or more of the following words: cease, celebrate, cause, make, rid, still, take away, put away (down), rest, and (make to) rest. According to Strong's definition of the Hebrew words for Sabbath, one of the meanings is a cause to celebrate. This is supported by the historical events YHWH expects us to remember: the Israelites were freed from slavery, and YHWH placed a blessing on the seventh day unlike the other six days of the week. The Sabbath is meant to be a happy and joyful occasion. In summary, we are to:
The first and third part of the commandment are already phrased positively. We need to continually remember the seventh day Sabbath is a day we set-apart from all other days of the week. We need to guard it, protect it, and attend to it. The Sabbath is a time of both mental and physical rest from our work activities. We need to focus our thoughts on YHWH and His Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day appointed to spend with our Creator in worship and learn of His ways (Lev 23:1-3, Isaiah 66:23). YHWH blessed the seventh day, and we partake in the blessing when we observe His Sabbath. YHWH rested to set an example for us to follow. He does not need to rest; however, He is not above His own law. YHWH is not a hypocrite, and He stresses this day is of YHWH, and not some other mighty one. Therefore, if you keep the seventh day Sabbath, you will be honoring YHWH, the Great Creator of the earth. We need to emulate Messiah. Messiah kept the Sabbath, and taught the people on the Sabbath (Mark 1:21, 6:2, Luke 4:31-32). He was the Father's direct representative on earth. The Sabbath remained in affect after Messiah's death and resurrection. Paul kept the Sabbath (Acts 13:14), and so did the new gentile converts (Acts 13:42, 44). Paul told us not to allow others to judge us for keeping YHWH's Sabbaths (Colossians 2:16). No where in scripture is it written; 'the seventh day Sabbath was changed to the first day of the week, Sunday'. It is simply not there. The Catholic Church admitted to changing the seventh day Sabbath to the first day of the week, Sunday, and admitted the change was and is non-biblical. The confession was printed in the Catholic Mirror in four editorials in September of 1893. The Catholic Mirror was the official organ of Cardinal Gibbons and the Catholic Church in the United States. (To obtain a copy of the written article, write to TEACH Services, Inc. Route 1, Box 182, Brushton, New York 12916. The title of the booklet is: ROME'S Challenge - Why Do Protestants Keep Sunday?) The positive form of the second half of the commandment is: Incite everyone whom you effect to rest and observe the Sabbath, including strangers. YHWH stresses, not only should WE (ourselves) keep the Sabbath set-apart, but in addition, we should encourage others to do the same. The command reads, "You do not do any work - you, nor your son, nor your daughter, not your male servant, not your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates." The stranger is not under ownership, but is implied to be someone not of the national race or belief. The concept is who ever is under or within our control or influence. The seventh day Sabbath was made for all mankind to rest, not just one selected group or individual (Isaiah 2:3, Jer 31:6). By implication (Genesis 2:3), Adam kept the Sabbath day because the Sabbath was made for man (Mark 2:27), all mankind. WHAT
IF SOMEONE (AN UNBELIEVER) IS WORKING ON THE SABBATH AND WE INTENTIONALLY
UTILIZE THEIR SERVICES? The seventh day Sabbath has a dual meaning. In addition to a special time to keep, it is also a SIGN between YHWH and His people forever (Exodus 31:17). [The Hebrew word translated for 'between' (Strong's #996) and means a distinction, to separate mentally, and/or to understand.] When you keep the Sabbath, it distinguishes you from the world, but the sign is between YHWH and His people, not a sign between you and the rest of the world. When we keep the Sabbath, we are given insight and understanding to what this sign is. The Sabbath is a sign of hope for all mankind. It represents the coming day of man's salvation (Hebrews 3 and 4). That is the prophetic reason why the Sabbath [salvation] was made for man and not man for the Sabbath [salvation] (Mark 2:27). Salvation is the ultimate rest. We will not only have physical rest, but rest from the clutches of sin and the evil that surrounds us today. Joshua, the man who lead the children of Israel into the promised land, was not able to give them spiritual rest (Hebrews 4:8, Deut 5:15). The Messiah, who is now leading us, will ultimately lead us into spiritual rest; the day of salvation. Therefore, today, there remains a Sabbath keeping for the people of YHWH. (Hebrews 4:9). The Sabbath is a sign FOREVER between Him and His people (Exodus 31:17). We need to strive to enter into that rest, because sinners (law breakers) and unbelievers will not enter (Hebrews 3:17-18). Exodus
20 The Hebrew word "kawbade" translated in English as 'honor' is a primitive root word meaning "to be heavy" (Strong's #3513). This word can be used in a good or bad sense. Used in a good sense are words such as: numerous, rich, honorable, boast, great. It can also mean: make glorious. The English dictionary definition of the word "honor" is:
Most of us think of this commandment as simply respecting our parents by either doing what they tell us, or by not talking back. It's much more. The fundamental idea behind this commandment is to give our parents a good name. How do we do that? Giving respect and obedience are two ways. Another way is living a righteous life because that will bring honor to our parents. Would we honor our parents if they instructed us to do something against YHWH's law or man's law such as stealing? No, because that would immediately, or eventually, bring shame to their name. The fifth commandment indirectly implies parents should be honorable. Honor begins with the parents. Parents have direct instruction to teach their children YHWH's commandments and not provoke them to wrath. (Examples: Eph 6:2-4, Deut 4:10, 6:7, 11:19, Lev 10:11). Children will not learn how to give honor if the parents do not teach their children and are not honorable themselves; a living example. Because our physical parents have faults, we need to know YHWH's laws and ways, because they are perfect. YHWH is the highest authority and His laws take precedence. Even though honor begins with the parents, the responsibility of giving honor resides with the child as the commandment states. YHWH's
LAWS TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER MAN'S LAWS OUR
SPIRITUAL FATHER Exodus
20 The positive form of the commandment is: You shall honor, respect and love all of mankind whom YHWH formed in His likeness. This particular commandment is a precursor for the remaining four commandments; love toward man. If we do not give honor and respect to the life YHWH created in His image, we can not fulfill the remaining four commandments. 1 John 3:15, "Everyone hating his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has everlasting life staying in him." (v:14), "...The one not loving his brother stays in death." (v:17), "But whoever has this worlds goods and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his tender affections from him, how does the love of Elohim stay in him?" Matthew 5:21, "You heard that it was said of those of old, 'You shall not murder,' and whoever murders shall be liable to judgement. (v:22) But I say to you that whoever is wroth with his brother without a cause shall be liable to judgement. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raka!' shall be liable to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be liable to fire of Gehenna." Messiah's magnification of the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill" reveals one individual can kill another individual by hate, but not in the sense of killing the body. YHWH is more interested in the spirit of a person than he is the physical body (Matthew 10:28). Hate can destroy the heart and the mind. When children are born, they need acceptance, nurturing and love from their parents. However, as adults, the need for acceptance and love does not end, but extends beyond our parents. These needs were inherently created by YHWH within all of mankind. When hate takes root within the mind and heart, it can be damaging for the one doing the hating and the one being hated. In Matthew 5:22, Messiah said, "...whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be liable to fire of Gehenna." The punishment for ridiculing another individual is very severe. Not only are the words damaging to the other person's spirit, but moreover, who are we to pronounce such a verdict on someone else? We are the clay and YHWH is the potter (Isaiah 29:16). One piece of pottery does not say to another, "you're ugly", or say, "you fool." We are all YHWH's servants (Psalms 34:22, 119:90-91) whom YHWH has made for His glory (Isaiah 43:7, Psalms 8:5). We do not know the works of YHWH for which he made each of us (Ecc 11:5). Therefore, honor, respect and love all of mankind whom YHWH formed in His likeness. Exodus
20 Ephesians 5:27 reads, "You heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' (v:28) But I say to you that everyone looking at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Messiah reveals where the outward act of adultery initiates; the heart and the mind. The seventh commandment encompasses the heart and the mind as does all of the other nine commandments. Messiah expounded upon this commandment perhaps because this particular commandment was and is difficult for carnal men to follow. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul wrote, "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind, ...it is our reasonable worship." Part of our worship toward YHWH is to bring our thoughts under subjection to YHWH's laws and ways (Romans 8:5-9, 2 Corinthians 10:5). Where your heart and mind are, eventually your actions will follow whether good or evil. The positive aspect of the seventh commandment is: You shall love your spouse and protect the sanctity of your marriage. Ephesians 5:27 reads, "...husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife, loves himself. "A husband who loves his wife will not look upon other women for physical desire or sexual gratification. His desire would be sustained for his wife. According to Ephesians 5:27, a husband who continually desires and looks upon other women does not love himself. Any man that does not show love for his wife or himself, does not know YHWH because YHWH is love. (1 John 4:8, Galatians 5:21, 1 John 2:3-4, 3:14). James 4:4 reads, "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with Elohim? Whoever therefore intends to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of Elohim." Ephesians 5:25 reads, "Husbands, love your wives, as Messiah also did love the assembly and gave himself for it". Men have a direct commandment and responsibility to love their wives. If a man lusts after another woman in his heart, he is breaking the commandment and not fulfilling his responsibility to his wife. The marriage union was modeled after the likeness of Messiah and the church (Ephesians 5:29-32). When a man and woman love one another within a marriage union according to YHWH's design, they have a better understanding of the relationship Messiah has with His spiritual assembly. Before we can understand the macrocosm (spirit realm), we need to understand the microcosm (human realm). The microcosm mirrors the macrocosm. Other mirror examples:
If we want to become the bride of Messiah, we must practice sanctity and love within our marriages now to show YHWH we can be accounted worthy (Luke 20:35-36, I Corinthians 9:24-25, Eph 5:25-27). We can break the law by omission or commission. If we do either purposefully, we should not expect to become part of the bride of Messiah or even be in His kingdom. Exodus
20 A thief causes his neighbor to suffer physical loss and/or emotional damage. There are many forms of theft. The obvious way is to take something that is not your own with the intent to keep it. Other ways are not so obvious, such as not giving your employer a full days work for a full days pay. This is working evil and is a curse upon your neighbor. However Romans 13:10 reads, "Love does no evil to your neighbor." Therefore, the opposite of taking something unlawfully is to give something lawfully and do good to your neighbor that will be a blessing instead of a curse. There is only three ways biblically by which one can own something.
The positive form of this commandment is: "Labor to provide for your own needs, but give to others when they have need." Ephesians 4:28 reads, "Let him who stole steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, so that he has somewhat to share with those in need." This is the opposite of stealing and rises to the spiritual aspect of the commandment. In 1 Timothy 6:17-18, Paul wrote YHWH blesses some with physical riches so they are ready to do good, share, and be generous for all to enjoy. Therefore, they are rich in good works, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come and everlasting life. Exodus
20 YHWH wants mankind to be truthful and righteous. He hates when someone bears false witness; twisting or perverting truth, causing harm to someone else (Proverbs 6:16,19). It is an abomination. Therefore, the positive aspect of this commandment is: Thou shalt witness truthfully, and do good to your neighbor. This commandment extends beyond a legal court room testimony. For example: if you unknowingly made a mistake at your place of employment, it cost the company a large sum of money, and your supervisor asked you about it, would you tell the supervisor the truth or would you attempt to blame a co-worker for your mistake? If you put the blame on your innocent co-worker, you would be bearing false witness against your (co-worker) neighbor. Bearing false witness amounts to a lie. A lie causes harm no matter what shape or form it's wrapped in. A lie is simply the perversion of truth. We bear the true image of YHWH, our Father when we speak truth, but bear the image of the devil when we lie. Colossians 3:9 reads, "Do not lie to each other, since you have put off the old man with his practices, (v:10) and have put on the new one who is renewed in knowledge according to the likeness of Him who created him." John 8:44 reads, "...He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it." John 8:44 equates a lie with murder. Bearing false witness against your neighbor is another form of murder because malicious forethought occurs, and the innocent neighbor's name, character and reputation is slaughtered. One might argue this point, because if an individual who commits a wrongful act, after being confronted, may only have their mind focused on escaping rightful blame upon themselves and the pending consequences. But, if you truly had heartfelt love for your neighbor, then you wouldn't want to bring any harm upon your neighbor, thus admit to your wrongful act and not blame your neighbor for it. Allowing love to grow within your heart, reprograms your mind and it's thinking process. If your mind doesn't automatically want to protect your neighbor, then your heart has not grown in YHWH's love. How and what you think is a gauge to measure the amount of love you have within your heart for others. A believer can bear false witness against YHWH if they claim to walk in the light, but purposely walk in darkness. 1 John 1:6, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and are not doing the truth." In addition, this breaks the third and fifth commandments against our Father in heaven. We are not giving honor to our Father, YHWH and bring His name to nought. Liars who don't repent, will not be in the Kingdom of YHWH, but will die the second death in the lake of fire (Rev 21:8). Exodus
20 In Exodus 20 the Hebrew word for 'covet' is khaw-mad and is Strong's Exhaustive Concordance #2530 that means: a prim. root; to delight in:-beauty, greatly beloved, covet, delectable thing, (X great) delight, desire, goodly, lust, (be) pleasant (thing), precious (thing). In Deuteronomy 5 the Hebrew word for 'covet' is aw-vaw and is Strong's Exhaustive Concordance #183 that means: a prim. root; to wish for:-covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). Tormant Webster's Dictionary gives a good summary definition for the meaning of both Hebrew words used for covet.
To simply want or desire something one could use or share with others, not being avarice, and that which is attainable lawfully does not fit the definition of covet. However, lust, envy (Prov 14:30), and jealousy are all forms of coveting. Coveting is the seed that can sprout and augment into theft. Fundamentally, coveting is spiritually stealing. The tenth commandment is about controlling our thoughts, and a literal mandate to focus our thoughts for the good of our neighbor. The positive aspect of this commandments is: You shall regard the rights and property of others and esteem your neighbor better than yourself. Philippians 2:3 reads, "Do nothing through selfishness or self-conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself." The carnal mind measures the sum of his/her life by what his/her possesses. Luke 12:15 reads, "And He said to them, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.'" If our focus is solely on riches and gain, we are coveting and also committing idolatry (Colossians 3:5-6, Ephesians 5:5, Matthew 6:24). In Philippians 4:11, Paul learned to be content with what he had (Heb 13:5, Matt 6:25-33). Paul did not mean we should not desire to better ourselves or gain physical goods. In Philippians 4:12, Paul experienced both poverty and excess. However, Paul found contentment in either state because he learned spiritual lessons. In Acts 20:33-35, Paul coveted no ones silver, gold or garments. He worked to supply his own needs, and for those who were with him. He did so to set an example for others to follow. He also admonished us to remember the words of Messiah, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." If our focus and desire is to work to supply for our own needs and to share with others what ever our hand brings forth, we will diminish thoughts of coveting. Our thoughts will be directed toward giving to our neighbor and squeezing out other forms of coveting such as envy and jealousy. SUMMARY
The first four commandments are directed toward YHWH. If we love Him, we will worship (bow down and serve) Him only. We will reverence His Name verbally and be respectful of His Name by our conduct. We love YHWH when we keep His day, the seventh day Sabbath. He said it is of YHWH. If we set-apart any other day of worship, in place of the seventh day (a substitute), it is not of YHWH. If we break any of the first four commandments, we will be against YHWH and committing idolatry. The fifth commandment is a crossover commandment from YHWH to man. We must honor both our heavenly Father and our earthly father. The sixth commandment is in numerical priority over the seventh through the tenth commandments. If we do not honor, respect and love our neighbor who also is in the image of YHWH, the remaining commandments can and will be easily broken. Once we have learned to honor, respect and love our neighbor (fellowman), we then have the means and foundation to love our spouse and protect the sanctity of our marriage. Our spouse fundamentally becomes our number one neighbor, and our love should grow in greater abundance. We then should have a greater understanding of the relationship between the Father and the Messiah, and the Messiah and the church. The Messiah guides us, protects us, provides for our needs, and is faithful to us. We should look to and mirror His example within our marriages. This greater love ought to then extend toward others outside of our matrimony boundary and family unit which YHWH created to be the human level nucleus. We need to become a light and guide for others, help others when they're in need, and be faithful to our relationships. If our focus is to the good of our neighbor, we then will naturally speak truth of him/her, regard their rights and property, and esteem them better than ourselves. The tenth commandment, last but not least, points back to the first commandment. The tenth commandment is a crossover commandment as is the fifth commandment. If we don't regard the rights and property of our neighbor, we don't respect and love our neighbor (1 John 2:9-10). Thus, we put more value upon our neighbor's possessions, and YHWH says this is a form of idolatry. The tenth commandment is strictly directed upon our mind and heart. If our mind remains on earthly possessions, we are apposed to YHWH. 1 John 2:15-16 reads, (v:15) "Do not love the world nor which is in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (v:16) Because all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world." 1 John 4:8 reads, "The one who does not love does not know Elohim, for Elohim is love." 1 John 4:12 reads, "...If we love one another, Elohim does stay in us, and His love has been perfected in us." BE
SET FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND OF DEATH Secular Christians believe to be free from sin is to do away with the law given to Moses. That is how they interpret many of Paul's writings. Romans 5:13 reads, "(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.)" If the law of Moses is no longer in affect, Romans 5:13 would be an erroneous and a contradicting statement. The first part of the verse, "For until the law sin was in the world:" would mean the law does not define sin because sin was in the world before it was given to Moses. And it would also mean when the law was given to Moses, there was no sin afterward. However, the last part of the verse reads, "but sin is not imputed when there is no law." How can there be no sin after the law was given to Moses? And then, why did we need Messiah? Do you understand the erroneousness and contradiction? Romans 5:13 is clearly referring to the law of Messiah's righteousness ushered in as a free gift after His death and resurrection (Titus 3:3-7, Isaiah 53:11). Romans 6:20-23 reads, to be free from sin is to follow the law of righteousness unto eternal life. Romans 7:14 reads, the law is spiritual. Romans 8:2 reads, "For the law of the Spirit of the life in Messiah Yahushua has set me free from the LAW OF SIN and OF DEATH." Paul was set free from the 'law-of-sin', not the law that defines sin. The 'law-of-sin' is death; therefore, Paul was set free from death, the penalty for breaking the law. Romans 6:23 reads, "For the wages of sin is death, but the favorable gift of Elohim is everlasting life in Messiah Yahushua our Master." THE
SPIRITUAL ASPECT OF THE LAW Matthew 5:20-22, "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven." The Pharisees were circumcised of the flesh, but needed to circumcise their heart (Deut 10:16, Romans 2:27-29). The whole nation of Israel (which included the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and all the other sects) only understood and practiced half of the equation (2 Corinthians 3:13-18, Ezek 33:31-32, Romans 9:31-32, Luke 11:42). The law has two parts: the letter and the spirit. Messiah said in Matthew 5:17, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to complete." Messiah ushered in the Set-apart Spirit (the Helper) so that we can now understand and obey the love aspect of the law. Romans 13:10 reads, "...love is the completion of the law." The word completion in this context does not mean the law no longer exists, but the law is now whole. The King James translates the Greek word for completion as fulfilled, and is Strong's word #4138 that is defined as: "which is put in to fill up". The love aspect of the law was not utilized before Messiah was born of the flesh. Messiah practiced love with the letter of the law, completing the law to it's fullness. The Israelites only practiced the letter of the law, half of the equation. YHWH gave them hearts of stone (Isaiah 6:9-10, 12:40, 63:16-17, Hebrews 8:7-12) disabling them to practice the love aspect of the law in order to open up salvation to the gentiles (Acts 28:25-28, Isaiah 56:1-8, 55:1-13). Love cannot live without the letter. If there is no letter, there cannot be a spirit of the letter (Romans 13:9-10, 3:28-31, 5:13, and I Peter 1:22-23). One half of the law cannot live without the other half. That is one reason why the law has not been done away with as most secular Christian churches preach. And, that is why the righteousness of the pharisees was not enough for salvation. Righteousness unto salvation must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to the fullness of Messiah. OUR
ENTIRE BEING SHOULD BE IN VOLUNTARY SUBMISSION TO YHWH
FULL
CIRCLE OF THE LAW Firstly, we keep YHWH's commandments (letter of the law) because they are mandated upon us. Secondly, we learn the spirit of the law which is also termed as righteousness. Righteousness is the intent of the law. Thirdly, we put the spirit of the law into outgoing positive action, practicing the law of righteousness. Fourthly, we then naturally keep YHWH's commandments from the heart, out of love and personal willingness, and not because of the mere charge and authority over us. Romans 6:17 reads, believers obey from the heart. YHWH'S
TEN COMMANDMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR SALVATION Matthew 6:24 reads, "No one is able to serve two masters, for either he shall hate the one and love the other, or else he shall cleave to the one and despise the other. You are not able to serve Elohim and mammon." Colossians 3:5-6 reads, "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: É passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.Ê Because of these things the wrath of YHWH is coming upon the sons of disobedience." Ephesians 5:5 reads, "For this you know, that no one who whores, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Messiah and YHWH." Messiah implicated the rich man was obeying the commandments that encompass love toward his neighbor. Messiah quoted five such commandments to which the rich man said he kept and Messiah acknowledged. But, both great commandments need to be kept to inherit eternal life: love toward YHWH and love toward man (Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 32:36-40, Romans 13:8-10). These are the two great commandments ALL the law and the Prophets hang on. Ephesians 2:19-20 reads, the members of the household of YHWH are built today on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. We are to keep the laws found in the Torah - the actual terms of wording (the letter of the law) and now additionally the spiritual aspect of the law. YHWH's laws are required and incumbent upon us for salvation. YHWH
WILL REIGN Whatever choices you make in this life will have no effect on the outcome of YHWH's plan for man's salvation. Your choices will; however, effect your own personal outcome. In the day of YHWH, every knee shall bow to Yahushua and everyone will give an account for their works (Isaiah 45:22-24, Romans 14:11-12, Phili 2:10-15). Matthew 3:2 reads, "...Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." The Kingdom is near for everyone of us. When we die from this physical life, our choice for salvation is finished. Therefore, the timing of Messiah's return should not be our utmost priority of concern, but our current standing in the journey to becoming righteous and one with Messiah. YHWH will one day reign over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9). Will you be accounted worthy to be apart of His reign? 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 reads, "...rejoice. Be made perfect, be encouraged, be of one mind, live in peace. And the Elohim of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with a set-apart kiss. All the set-apart ones greet you. The favor of the Master Yahushua Messiah, and the love of Elohim, and the fellowship of the Set-apart Spirit be with all of you. Amen." Bibliography:
-King
James Bible |