(By Felicia Trecek 2010)

 

There is a large movement occurring in these last days to discredit the New Testament (NT). Some people say that the NT can't be trusted. Other's say that it is full of lies. And, it has also been said that the Catholic Church changed text and manipulated the NT to fit their own belief system. I don't believe any of these said three statements. Yahushua Messiah - the Christ, is the ONLY Name in which we can be saved (ref: John 2:23). And, He came in the flesh. I don't believe that the Father in Heaven is too weak that He can't preserve a written record of the coming of Christ, His only begotten Son, which we need for our eternal life! Neither the Father in Heaven, nor the Son - Messiah, the Christ - are too weak that they are unable to circumvent the actions of mere mortal men. Where is the faith in HIS power? The NT is the written witness of Messiah and it also contains the terms of the NT covenant.

 

(I've already addressed the issue of the "Catholic Church" in a different article. So, I won't address it here. If you are interested, you can read my study: "The Peshitta and Aramaic NT".) I have learned in my many years of bible study that when scriptures don't fit a person's doctrinal premise, many people usually immediately dismiss the scripture as being faulty rather than question their doctrinal premise. Human nature doesn't like being wrong.

 

Because many people now believe that the new testament is faulty, these same people believe that we must observe ALL of the Mosaic laws and that none of them are null and void. Of course this belief is in opposition to the new testament. It's in opposition to large portions of the NT such as Hebrews chapter ten and more. But, I will demonstrate from the old testament (OT) that the New Testament (NT) is legitimate. The saints - who are within the NT contract - are not required to follow all of the Mosaic mandates; most notably, the animal sacrifices.

 

Since this is somewhat of a long study; because I plan to cover a large amount of scriptures, I will first summarize what I plan on delineating. Doing it this way, I hope that this study will be easier to understand. However, whether you agree or not is up to you.

 

PRE-SUMMARY

There are more than "two" main covenants in the bible. There are actually THREE main covenants. I say, "main" because there are actually more than three covenants if you understand the OT. There were covenants before Moses, and there were two covenants with the children of Israel while they were wandering about in the wilderness (ref: Deut 29:1). But, for the sake of reference only, I will lump the wilderness ones together and call it the OT covenant/contract - the first covenant - due to Galatians 4:22-31. But, I'll need to dissect the two wilderness covenants later. Please keep it in mind.

There are certain laws that are contained in all three covenants that are the same. But, there are also certain laws that are not contained in all three covenants. This is where some of the controversy exists, but not limited to. The first covenant (OT covenant) has been annulled. This is where the rest of the controversy exists. There is a growing number of people that now believe that the OT wilderness covenant remains in effect in its entirety. However, there are five different scriptures in the OT that demonstrate that the Mosaic covenant has been annulled. (I will present five scriptures from the OT showing this fact, but this doesn't mean that there are a limit of five.) The second covenant - Messiah's will/testament - is current. This covenant will determine who will become a heir with Messiah and be in the first resurrection. The third - the peace covenant - occurs at the time of the second resurrection. The people that arise in the second resurrection have not accepted Messiah. For this reason, the "school-master" -which includes the animal sacrifices- must be implemented once again (ref: Gal 3:24).

 

PART 1: THERE ARE JOTS AND TITTLES THAT ARE NOW NULL AND VOID IN THE OT WILDERNESS COVENANT

PROVEN FROM THE OT

 

After Messiah died on the cross, the Mosaic covenant/contract that the Israelites were mandated to keep, became null and void. Although, YHWH didn't dismiss the covenant/contract without first fulfilling it. The OT Israelites were never capable of fulfilling it. For this reason, it became Messiah's responsibility to fulfill it. And, He did. Zechariah chapter 11 prophesied when Messiah was on the cross. Zechariah 11:4a,10-14 reads,

"Thus said YHWH my Elohim..."

"And I (YHWH) took my staff, Beauty, and cut it in two, to break My covenant which I had made with all the people. And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon Me knew that it [was] the Word-of-YHWH. And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] My price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for My price thirty [pieces] of silver. And YHWH said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was priced at of them. And I took the thirty [pieces] of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of YHWH. Then I cut asunder Mine other staff, [even] Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel." (Please cross reference Matthew 26:15, 27:1-10)

Zechariah has CLEAR language. YHWH broke His covenant with all the people on that day. (If you don't believe that it was YHWH who broke the covenant, then you need to read the previous verses.) That "day" spoken of in Zechariah 11:10-14 was the day Messiah died on the cross. How could YHWH break His own covenant/contact without being in violation Himself...not being a law breaker as like were the Israelites? It's simple, Christ fulfilled it then He died. Whenever there is a marriage covenant/contract between a man and a woman and one of them dies, the contract becomes null and void. Paul explained this in Romans 7:1-2. The Word - the Personage - who became Christ, was 'married' to the nation of Israel (Jer 3:20, Jer 31:31-33). When He (The Word-of-YHWH) died on the cross, the contract was completely broken, null and void. Romans 7:1-2 reads,

"Or do you not know brothers - for I speak to those knowing the law - that the law rules over a man as long as he lives? For the married woman has been bound by the law to her living husband, but if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband."

All of the people that do not believe Messiah pre-existed will not accept this fact. But, He was the One who the Israelites contracted with in the desert, the very One who became their husband. For example: when Moses was atop Mount Sinai in Exodus 34:9, Moses was speaking to the One Personage that became Messiah - the Christ. Moses was pleading for the people and Moses said, "Forgive our crookedness and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance." Firstly, this statement was prophetic of Messiah. Secondly, use some simple logic here, please. If the Personage was the Most High Father that Moses was speaking with, then why would Moses say, "take us as Your inheritance?" The Most High Father doesn't inherit the Israelites, people that He already owns. An inheritance is normally received by either a son or a daughter - an heir. Therefore, the Personage atop the mountain with Moses was the One who became Messiah/Christ - the Son. Because, Messiah/Christ is the inheritor of all. In this case, Messiah received a living inheritance since the Father Most High never died. Nevertheless, Messiah - the Son - is the inheritor of all (ref: Hebrews 1:2, Ps 2:7-8) and He inherits the physical children of Israel. When Messiah died on the cross, He was no longer married to them. But, He will acquire them again later.

 

I am prepared to present four more witnesses within the OT that demonstrates an annulling of the death OT covenant for those that might remain skeptical.

 

The ancient Israelites understood more about their covenant than most people do today. They understood that they possessed the "DEATH-COVENANT". In Isaiah 28:14-18, the ancient Israelites were complaining about it. (I will quote Isaiah 28:14-18 from the Dead Sea Scrolls Bible. However, the English translations of the Masoretic text concur with the Dead Sea Scrolls Bible.) Isaiah 28:14-18 reads,

"Therefore, hear the Word of YHWH, you scoffers, who rule this people that is in Jerusalem. Because you have said, 'We have made a covenant with death, and we are in agreement with Sheol; when the overflowing scourge examines, it will not come to us; for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood we have hid ourselves.' Therefore thus say's YHWH, Behold, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of sure foundation; whoever believes will not be in panic. And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet; and the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding-place. AND YOUR COVENANT WITH DEATH WILL BE ANNULLED, and your agreement with sheol will not stand; ..."

 

Notation: The other translations of this scripture that I studied use the word, "DISANULLED." According to the online dictionary, "disannulled" means this: "to annul utterly; make void: to disannul a contract." I have studied this verse in the Masoretic Hebrew, the Dead Sea Scrolls Hebrew/Aramaic and the Peshitta Aramaic OT. ALL of these authorities are in agreement. There isn't any other possible way to read this said message: the covenant-of-death would be annulled. Make no mistake: this doesn't just mean that the penalty of sins would be annulled. The word COVENANT (which is an old English word that means "contract") is used. A contract is a written agreement between two parties. Hence, a specific contract made between YHWH and the Israelites is prophesied in this said verse to become null and void. It would no longer be in affect. This is a FACT.

The Israelites were complaining. They understood they contracted with 'death'. So they contrived to tell lies in hope to obtain a better future. But, YHWH educated them a bit. He informed them of the coming precious cornerstone - the Messiah (ref: Matt 21:42, Acts 4:11, etc.). Then, YHWH informed them that their covenant-of-death would be annulled. Yes, the OT death/slavery covenant through Moses has been annulled!!

 

Before I elaborate on the lies; which is important to understand for this study, I want to explain further why the rulers of Israel/Judah most likely called this "covenant" the "death-covenant" aside from the fact that they were omitted from the NT covenant due to the choices they made. Death was constant. Every day and every day those priests were mandated to kill animals. Animals had to be slaughtered for all types of reasons. They had to drain the blood, sprinkle blood, cut the animal up, etc. (I seriously wonder if they had a pesty fly problem from all the slaughtering.) Hence, it was appropriate for the ancient Israelites to refer to this covenant as the "death covenant."

 

WHAT WAS THIS LIE SPOKEN OF IN ISAIAH 28:14-18?

The ancient Israelites were manipulating the Words of YHWH - adding, subtracting, and changing the text (ref: Jer 8:8-9) in hopes that it would be in their favor. According to the writings of Irenaeus (who was the apostle of Polycarp, the apostle of John), the OT scriptures were so full of lies that YHWH told Ezra to rewrite them all. But, the lies never ceased. Irenaeus and some other second and third century Apostolic Fathers said that the house of Judah took-out plain scriptures about Messiah's first coming in the OT. The rulers of the house of Judah in the first century wove a web of lies. When Messiah came, they even coveted after what was allotted to Messiah. And, they aimed to get it through deceit! Matthew 21:33-43 tells us that they wanted to STEAL Messiah's inheritance! In order to steal His inheritance - so they thought, they had to kill Him. (This is ultimate greed and madness.) This said clandestinity is the extention of the lie spoken of in Isaiah 28:14-18. And, because of this lie - along with the rest of their wickedness, they were cast out of the first resurrection, the kingdom. They are no longer the first-fruits of His increase (ref: Jer 2:3).

Matthew 21:33-43 reads,

"Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us possess his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast [him] out of the vineyard, and slew [Him]. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out [his] vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. Yahushua saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? (Reference OT Witness: Ps 118:22-23) Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken (away) from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard His parables, they perceived that He spoke of them."

Isaiah 8:11-17 reads, (OT Witness)

For YHWH spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Do not say, 'A conspiracy,' concerning all that this people call conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. (Notation: The house of Judah was telling the people that Messiah was a falsehood, they were making threats, and troubling people who believed in Messiah.) YHWH of hosts, Him you shall set-apart. Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. And He (Messiah) shall be for a set-apart place (His Body), but a stone of stumbling and a rock that makes for falling to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble and fall, and be broken and snared and taken. Bind up the witness (the NT writers witnessed His coming and wrote about it), seal the teaching (within the NT), among My disciples. And, I shall wait upon YHWH, who hides His face from the house of Jacob..." (Notation: YHWH is currently hiding His face from both the house of Israel and the house of Judah.)

Without the NT explanation (Ephesians 2:20) of the rejected, precious, foundation corner stone spoken of in Psalm 118:22-23 and Isaiah 28:14-18, the above scripture - Isaiah 8:11-17 provides the best definition in the OT. The stone is identified as a "HE" and is directly associated with YHWH. In fact, this said verse infers that the stone is YHWH. This "HE" stone, both the houses of Israel stumble and fall over. It became a snare and a trap for them. And, verse 17 is quite clear: YHWH hides His face from the house of Jacob - all twelve tribes. Therefore, the house of Israel -who claims the NT- does not have an advantage over the house of Judah. Neither house has the capability of understanding the scriptures (both OT and NT). One must possess the Set-Apart Spirit in order to understand and correctly interpret scriptures (ref: John 16:13, 14:26, 1John 2:27, Isaiah 29:9-11).

 

Luke 13:25-28 reads,

"When once the Master of the house (Messiah) is risen up (from the grave), and hath shut the door, and you begin to stand without (on the outside), and to knock at the door, saying, Master, Master, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not who you are: Then shall you begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in Your presence, and You have taught in our streets. But He shall say, I tell you, I know you not who you are; depart from Me, all [you] workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out." Matthew 8:11-12 reads, "...many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom (children of Jacob) shall be cast out..."

 

The first century leaders of the house of Judah contrived a bunch of lies in order to discredit Messiah. Their lies is what led to His death. Of course; if Messiah is discredited, then all of the sacrificial laws (plus the OT covenants) must remain in affect or else their clandestine stance would crumble. Down through the ages, the lies have taken on many surreptitious forms and now have filtered into the Messiah/Christ believing groups of people.

 

TO THE CONTRARY

In plain language, Psalm 40:6-9 says that the animal sacrifices are now NOT required. But, let's read a passage in the book of Daniel first. In Daniel 9:24-27 we see that the sacrifices and (fleshly) offerings have ceased. (The quote from Daniel will be presented in black text and my comments and explanation in blue-text.) Daniel 9:25-27 reads,

"Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sin, and to forgive iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal vision and prophet, and to anoint the most holy place. Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem unto One Anointed, a Prince, shall be seven weeks; and for threescore and two weeks, it shall be built again, with broad place and moat, but in troublous times.

 

Explanation thus far: This time refers to the time between the decree authorizing the rebuilding of Jerusalem (v:25) and the coming of the Messiah ("One Anointed, a Prince")

 

And after the threescore and two weeks shall the Anointed One be cut off, and be no more;

 

Explanation: The cutting off of the Anointed One refers to the crucifixion of Messiah.

 

and the people of the coming Prince shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood.

 

Explanation: There are various interpretations of this part. But, I believe that the "Prince" remains in reference to Messiah based upon the writings of Josephus and a few other aspects of Daniel's vision/prophesy. And; in Isaiah 9:6, one of Messiah's many titles is: "Prince of Peace". Secular interpretations say that the Prince is the anti-Christ who destroyed/s the city and the sanctuary. But, this sentence doesn't say that the Prince did it, but rather THE PEOPLE did.

 

Flavious Josephus recorded that the Jews burnt and destroyed their own temple in 70 CE when the Roman General Titus came upon them. (Ref: Josephus, War of the Jews, chapter 4:5-6) So, when it says "the people of the coming Prince", it prophesied Messiah's second coming. But, it also identifies the Jews in the first century. I don't believe that this verse leaves Messiah in the grave sort-of-speak when it says that the Anointed would be cut-off. It stands to reason that the prophesy would continue a bit about Messiah. It would say something about His resurrection or glory ....something. This would tie in with Daniel's prayer, confessing sins and transgressions (ref: Dan 9:19-21), and asking for forgiveness of sins. And, then Daniel is informed that there would be an end to sin and everlasting righteousness would be ushered-in in verse 24. With that said, the prophesy about the Prince wouldn't end with His death. Righteousness could only be ushered in upon Messiah's resurrection. Additionally...

 

The end of the second Temple in 70 C.E. was "like a flood" that washed the House of Judah away. It happened all of a sudden. This verbiage, "like a flood" in Daniel 9:24-27 ties back into Isaiah 28:18. Please recall, YHWH said that "waters would overflow their hiding place" in reference to the Israelites who chose to lie and hide-out. Isaiah 28:14-18 prophesied the time of Messiah's resurrection and when the temple would be destroyed. This is the time frame when the covenant was prophesied to be annulled.

 

BTW: the destruction of the second Temple occurred on Abib the 10th, the very same day that Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the first Temple. This was the very day that the lamb was mandated to be chosen and set-aside for the Passover sacrifice. The destruction on this said day was not a coincidence, but rather a sign. Choosing the lamb for the Passover sacrifice is no longer required!

 

Recaptured: "and the people of the coming Prince shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood." The Prince is the Messiah who will return a second time. And, the people of the coming Prince are the Jews. The Jews destroyed the temple. And, this said scripture ties back into Isaiah 28:14-18 when YHWH said that waters would overflow their hiding places. Their end would "come like a flood." WATER is used in both scriptures as an analogy.

 

War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.

 

Explanation: This prophesies how the world would continue after the destruction of the Temple. Wars would not cease. They would/will continue until the end when Messiah returns again.

 

He shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. In the middle of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease;

 

Explanation: The HE is in reference to the Prince, the Messiah again. This verse is like the sign of hope for mankind despite the continual wars all the way to the end because it prophesied the NT covenant. Messiah made a covenant of life through the bread and wine with His disciples right before He died. And, please know that Messiah came into Jerusalem for the feast that final year and was there for one week before He died - "He confirmed a covenant with many for one week". Messiah died in the middle of the week and it ended the requirement for sacrifices and animal offerings.

 

and upon the wing of abominations He shall lay-waste [8074], even until the complete end and that which is decreed is poured out on the one who lays-waste [8076]."

 

Explanation: Please notice that the two Aramaic words translated "lay/s-waste" are not the same. (The book of Daniel was written in Aramaic rather than Hebrew for those of you that may not know.) I showed Strong's Concordance numbers above. The first lay-waste word means "amaze or astonish". The second lay-waste word means" ruins." Upon the calamity that the House of Judah brought upon themselves for their wickedness, Messiah astonishes them. And, until the complete end (right before Messiah returns), what is decreed (destruction) is poured out on the one who causes ruin. (See the book of Revelation and Isaiah 24:5-6.)

Psalm 40:6-9 reads,

"Sacrifice and meal-offering Thou hast no delight in; mine ears hast Thou opened; burnt-offering and sin-offering hast Thou NOT required. Then said I: 'Lo, I am come with the roll of a book which is prescribed for Me; I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is in my inmost parts.' I have preached righteousness in the great congregation, lo, I did not refrain my lips; O LORD, Thou knowest. I have not hid Thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared Thy faithfulness and Thy salvation; I have not concealed Thy mercy and Thy truth from the great congregation."

Please know this: I copied and pasted Psalms 40:6-9 from the Hebrew online bible. This translation is straight from the Jews who do not accept Messiah! (ref: http://www.mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt2640.htm)

 

In Psalm 40:6-9, YHWH opened David's ears. David really wasn't deaf. This is an idiom and it means that YHWH gave David understanding. David wrote about the Messiah's first coming. King David finally understood that YHWH doesn't like those animal sacrifices! The phrase, "burnt-offering and sin-offering hast Thou NOT required" was yet futuristic when these words were penned. We know that they were required in the Mosaic covenant. Therefore, this said phrase was futuristic of the time when Messiah died on the cross. For then it says, "Lo, I am come with the roll of a book which is prescribed for Me..." Messiah came, He declared faithfulness, righteousness, mercy, and truth to the great multitudes of people just as Psalms 40:6-9 pre-declared!

 

Those animal sacrifices foreshadowed Messiah's sacrifice. ALL of the animal sacrifices foreshadowed Messiah's sacrifice, just not the sacrifices for sin, because, Psalm 40:6-9 includes meal offerings, burnt offerings and sin-offerings. This verse is not constrained to sin offerings. Messiah BECAME all of those sacrifices. He came to free the Israelites from the covenant-of-death; free anyone who was/is willing to accept Messiah's sacrifice and believe! Although, there are many people who have not accepted Messiah's sacrifice and do not believe. But, for those who do believe - the animal sacrifices ceased to be of value, as like candles are of no comparison when the sun has arisen.

 

I now want to make another comment about Daniel 9. I chose to wait until now because I thought it was important for you to read Psalm 40:6-9 first. And; now that you have, I want you to please notice Daniel 9:18-22. Daniel was praying FOR FORGIVENESS OF SINS for himself and for the whole nation of Israel. While he was yet praying, Gabriel came to him to declare the vision/prophesy that I already elaborated on. But, please notice WHEN Gabriel came to Daniel. The timing was prophetic. Gabriel came about the time of the evening sacrifice when Daniel was praying for forgiveness of sins. This is the very time Gabriel prophesied Messiah's coming. The evening sacrifice would have been the last mandated sacrifice for the day. And, this said vision/prophesy of Messiah's first coming coincided with the LAST OFFERING. The timing stated is a hidden message that the sacrificial offerings were going to end. The official time when the sacrifices were no longer required is when Messiah/Christ died on the cross. Although, because the Jewish leaders during the first century didn't accept Messiah, they continued the animal sacrifices until they destroyed their own Temple in 70 A.D. The Jewish leadership refused to believe. Just as like they refuse to believe and accept Psalm 40:6-9 in their own book.

 

I will now quote Jeremiah 31, but before I do, please know that the Israelites broke (or rather, violated) the covenant/contract many times before Christ died on the cross. This is an important fact to know so that you don't get it confused with Zechariah 11:10-14 when I quote Jeremiah 31:31-34. It reads,

"Behold, the days are coming, says YHWH, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – NOT ACCORDING TO THE COVENANT THAT I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS IN THE DAY THAT I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says YHWH. For this is the covenant I shall make with the house of Israel after those days, declares YHWH: I shall put My teaching in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying: 'Know YHWH'; for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith YHWH; for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more."

There are two covenants being spoken of in Jeremiah 31:31-34. YHWH made a covenant with the Israelites when He brought them out of Egypt, and He will make another one with them in the future. However; the words, "NOT according to the covenant that I made with their fathers" demonstrates that this said covenant would not last forever. It is currently null and void. But, the new covenant that YHWH speaks about in Jeremiah 31:31-34 is actually the "Peace-Covenant" that will occur in the future at the second resurrection. How do I know this? Verse 34 reveals this fact.... EVERYONE shall know YHWH AND their sins would be forgiven. Currently; everyone does not know YHWH, and He hasn't forgiven the entire nation of Israel yet for their sins. The Israelites broke their OT covenants and even many NT believers have broken the everlasting NT covenant. Both houses of Israel have transgressed the teachings and changed the laws of YHWH in one form or another - both in the OT and the NT. Therefore, YHWH is going to pour out His wrath upon this earth and few men shall be left alive (ref: Isaiah 24:5-6). This is the reason for the wrath of YHWH!

Again, the OLD covenant wasn't forever or else YHWH could have said this: "I will put a new heart within them and I will put My Spirit within them so that they can keep the covenant that I made with them in the desert." NOT! Once a contract is written and signed by all the parties involved, you cannot add to it or take away from it. (Ref: Gal 3:15) There are only two ways a contract can become null and void. 1) The contract is fulfilled, and 2) one of the parties dies. In the case of the OT wilderness covenant, both situations occurred in the NT. If the OT covenants remain in affect, there is a serious problem. I'll discuss this serious problem when I dissect the OT covenant. There are two terms contained in the OT covenant that contradict "a new heart within them and YHWH Spirit within them."

Again Jeremiah 31:31- reads,

"Behold, the days are coming, says YHWH, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – NOT ACCORDING TO THE COVENANT THAT I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS IN THE DAY THAT I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT, My covenant which they broke,..."

YHWH will give the Israelites a new heart and a new Spirit within them so that they can keep His laws, not the OT covenants. There is a difference between "LAWS" and a "COVENANT/CONTRACT".

 

PART 2: THERE ARE JOTS AND TITTLES THAT ARE NOW NULL AND VOID IN THE OT

PROVEN FROM THE NT

 

Messiah said in Matthew 5:17-19,

Based upon this said passage of scripture alone, it appears at face value that Christians/believers-in-Messiah are bound to observe the entire law of Moses until heaven and earth pass away. Many people believe Messiah's statement includes the sacrificial and levitical laws, and all of the other jots and tittles.

 

Is the phrase, "Till heaven and earth pass" a hyperbole to demonstrate how binding the entire law of Moses is UNTIL all is fulfilled? I posed this question since scripture informs us that the saints will inherit the earth. (Ref: Matthew 5:5, Psalms 25:13, 37:9, etc.) Based upon the inheritance promise, I don't believe the earth will pass away. YHWH will refresh the earth, but the earth remains. Additionally, Jerusalem will be the Throne of YHWH. For these said reasons, "Till heaven and earth pass" is a hyperbole to demonstrate how binding the entire law of Moses was UNTIL all was fulfilled. (Messiah made this said statement during His ministry, BEFORE He died.)

 

If the sacrificial and levitical laws did not become null and void at the cross, then a BIG problem arises. Large sections of the NT are in conflict with Messiah's statement in Matthew 5:17-19, and certain OT scriptures are also in conflict such as Psalm 40:6-9. Are a bunch of sections in the NT fabricated lies? For example (but certainly not limited to): Hebrews chapter ten. No, the NT is not filled with lies. The NT is the fulfillment of what was prophesied in the OT. Christians are not bound or obligated to keep every jot and tittle of the entire Torah based upon the scriptures that I have already presented from the OT. Does this make Christ a liar? No, it doesn't based upon the considerations stated above.

 

Messiah said that He came to fulfill the laws. For the sake of our salvation, it was necessary for Christ to fulfill ALL of the laws (including the ten commandments) and all of the prophesies concerning Himself that prophesied His first coming. Therefore, He did. For this reason, Matthew 11:13 says,

"For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John" (the baptist).

All of the laws in the OT concerning the sacrificial and levitical laws were binding right-up to John the baptist who was a righteous levitical priest according to the law. He then ushered in Messiah/Christ - the King of Righteousness. (The ten commandments and some other laws remain in affect. For this reason, I'll dissect the OT in a subsequent section to demonstrate where the divisions of the 'covenants' are.)

 

In Luke 24:25-27, 43-47 Christ told His disciples the following:

"Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.".../... "And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. Then He opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."

The covenant of death was never meant to last forever. It was only meant to lead them to Messiah/Christ (ref: Gal 3:24-25). And, Romans 11:32 says that Elohim shut them all up in disobedience, so that He might show mercy to all. All of this was for one enormous lesson. It shows that we all need Christ/Messiah and NO ONE can save themselves by keeping the entire law outlined by Moses (ref: Deut 27:26).

 

In Galatians 3:16-19, the apostle Paul explained that the promises and covenant made with Abraham were meant to come through Messiah. And, the "LAW" that the Israelites were subjugated to (spoken of in Galatians 3:16-19) WAS ADDED because the Israelites transgressed. Now ask yourself, what did they transgress which required more laws? "Transgression" means they sinned, and there can only be sin when a law exists (ref: 1John 3:4). Hence-forth, there were a prior set of laws that the Israelites violated. But, due to this violation, more laws were mandated upon them. So, the laws that were ADDED are the ones that have now become NULL AND VOID. Galatians 3:16-19 reads,

"But the promises were spoken to Abraham, and to his Seed. He does not say, 'And to seeds,' as of many, but as of one, 'And to your Seed,' who is Messiah. Now this I say, LAW, THAT CAME FOUR HUNDRED AND THIRTY YEARS LATER, does not annul a covenant previously confirmed by Elohim in Messiah, so as to do away with the promise. For if the inheritance is by law, it is no longer by promise, but Elohim gave it to Abraham through a promise. Why then the law? IT WAS ADDED BECAUSE OF TRANSGRESSIONS, UNTIL THE SEED SHOULD COME TO WHOM THE PROMISE WAS MADE. ..."

The "law" that was added 430 later (ref: Ex 12:40-41) was meant to be in affect only UNTIL Messiah came in the flesh and died. (I'll delineate exactly what "law" was annulled in the subsequent section titled: "What Law Was Added 430 Later".)

 

In Acts 15:5, there were some Pharisees who became believers that rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them (the gentile converts) and command them to keep the law of Moses." So these Pharisees not only thought circumcision was necessary, but they thought that keeping the entire law of Moses was also necessary. As you read the remainder of Acts chapter 15, you'll see that the apostles and disciples came together in Jerusalem to discuss the issue. They concluded that the gentiles should not be troubled with the proposition made by the Pharisees. The apostle Peter said that this was a yoke that they nor even their fore-fathers were able to bear. Since this was the case, then this said first century circumstance is evidence (in addition to Zech 11:10-14 et.al.) proving that Christ DID fulfill the law on the cross and that not all of the jots and tittles remain mandated from the law of Moses for the NT converts. If the apostles' decision was incorrect, then the apostles and new testament converts would all have been in violation of the law! Although, they were not in violation. The apostles finally understood the bigger purpose of Messiah/Christ when He spoke to them after HIs resurrection, recorded in Luke 24:25-27, 43-47 when He called them "fools!". In Hebrews 10:1-8, one of the apostles (who wrote the book of Hebrews) explained one of the changes in the covenant in more detail. (BTW: The book of Hebrews was specifically written to the Hebrew people - the Israelites, not to the gentiles.)

 

Hebrews 10:1-14 reads,

1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year. 4 For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all]. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

I want to point out one very important aspect to Hebrews 10:1-18 that you might not have noticed. Reread verse 14. I'll re-quote it from a different translation in hope for a clearer and better understanding: "For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are BEING set-apart." Verse 14 infers two camps of people: people that are BEING set apart and people that are NOT being set-apart. This is key to understanding why the sacrifices will be re-instated for the second resurrected group of people prophesied in the book of Ezekiel. The people that arise in the second resurrection have not accepted Messiah's sacrifice and their faith yet needs to be established.

 

HIS WILL AND TESTAMENT

Please understand what a TESTAMENT is. It is a WILL. Most people write a will before they die. And, normally a dead person's will/testament has stipulations placed upon the heir recipients. The NT is Messiah's "will" and He placed stipulations within it. I want to show you from scripture that the NT is actually a WILL. Please read Luke 22:29 and examine one of the Greek words. Messiah was speaking to His disciples in Luke 22:29. It reads:

"And I covenant (contract) for you as My Father covenanted for Me, a reign,..."

If we want eternal life (a share in the inheritance), we must follow the stipulations of Messiah's testament/will. Messiah is the One who owns everything now since it has been given to Him by His Father in Heaven.

 

In John 3:35-36 Messiah said:

"The Father loves the Son, and has given all into His hand. He who believes [G4100] in the Son possesses everlasting life, but he who does not OBEY [G544] (5723) the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of Elohim remains on him." (Quote from the "Scriptures" translation. And, The Peshitta - the old Aramaic scroll - is congruent with this translation.)

Yahushua Messiah was given the entire creation by His Heavenly Father (Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2). Messiah is the possessor of all and it is by Him and through Him that the saints shall receive their inheritance. Colossians 3:24 reads,

"...from the Master you shall receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Master, Messiah, you serve."

Messiah's will/testament possesses stipulations in order to become an heir: 1) We must believe that He came and believe what He said, and 2) We must obey His laws. If a person does not believe and obey, they are doomed to perish in His wrath at the end time, or at any-time He deems their wickedness is enough.

 

Psalms 2:10-12 speaks to the kings and rulers of the earth and verse 12 reads,

"Kiss the Son, lest He be enraged, and you perish in the way. For soon His wrath is to be kindled. Blessed are those taking refuge in Him."

There are laws that are mandated within the NT. These same laws were in affect for Abraham to obey; because if we obey and believe, Abraham becomes our father (ref: Gal 3:7). This means that Abraham observed them before we did since he is our forefather within this NT contract. Abraham drank of the wine and ate of the bread long before we ever did (ref: Gen 14:18-19). And, Messiah said that Abraham saw His (Messiah's) day and rejoiced (ref: John 8:56). Additionally, we do know from Galatians 3 that there was a set of laws in affect BEFORE the 430 years since this is the first set of laws that the Israelites transgressed. I suspect that this is why YHWH allowed the Israelites to become slaves in Egypt. Nevertheless; Abraham believed and obeyed a set of laws before the covenant/s in the desert occurred (ref: Gen 26:5). These same core set of laws that Abraham obeyed in Genesis are essentially the same for NT believers. (I will demonstrate OT scriptures in the subsequent section.)

 

WHAT ARE THE NATURAL LAWS INCUMBANT UPON ALL OF MANKIND FOUND IN GENESIS?

In this section, I will dissect the OT laws within Genesis. Firstly recapitulating: Galatians 3:16-19 informs us that a "law" was added 430 years later (Ex 12:40-41) and was in affect UNTIL the Messiah came. It was added because the Israelites sinned. (Keep in mind, sin is the transgression of a law. Ref: 1John 3:4. You cannot "sin" if there is no law.) So, let's look at what law/s were in affect before the 430 years by looking at story demonstration in Genesis.

 

There are two types of laws: natural laws and mandated laws. Mandated laws can also be natural laws. But, natural laws are not always mandated.

There were mandated laws upon mankind that are not conveniently listed for us in Genesis. The demonstrated list that I created above is not an exhaustive list. But, it gives a good general picture of the ten commandments (love toward YHWH and love toward your neighbor), the holy days, and dietary laws that were obviously in affect.

 

In Genesis 6:3 YHWH said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever in his going astray..." (v:5) "YHWH 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." GOING ASTRAY? Yes, a deviation from the mandates of YHWH Elohim which amounts to a deviation from YHWH Himself. Man was created in the image of Elohim and mankind was to maintain that image. However, as we know, YHWH destroyed mankind from the earth except for Noah and his family due to the audacious deviation.

 

2Peter 2:5 informs us that Noah was a preacher, a righteous man. Therefore, he preached before and after the flood - educating everyone about the laws of YHWH. People were without excuse. They were knowledgeable of what was right and wrong. They also had the spirit of what was good and evil passed down from Adam and Eve when the two ate of the forbidden fruit.

 

Now consider Lot, the nephew of Abraham in Genesis 18-19. YHWH Elohim came down from heaven because the SINS of Sodom and Gomarrah had become "grievous." (Sin is the violation of the law. Consequently, the story of Sodom and Gomarrah necessitates a set of laws. Again, ref: 1John 3:4) In Genesis 19:9, we're informed that Lot was accustomed to 'judging' the said towns people. And, they were quite weary of it. Lot obviously knew the laws of YHWH and he was accustomed to preaching. Sodom and Gomarrah were also without an excuse before YHWH rained down their death punishment.

 

WHAT ABOUT THE ANIMAL OFFERINGS IN GENESIS?

Romans 5:12 informs us that sin and DEATH entered the world when Adam and Eve sinned. There was actually a period of time when death was nonexistent in Genesis. This includes the death of animals. Adam and Eve clothed themselves with fig leaves after they ate of the forbidden fruit - realizing they were naked (ref: Gen 3:7). Death of an animal was foreign to them. But, the fig leaves were not adequate. In Genesis 3:21, we're told that YHWH Elohim made coats of skin for the man and woman, to dress them. YHWH Elohim was the first to slay an animal, and He mostly likely killed the animal in front of Adam and Eve since Abel later knew how it was done. It must have been a shock to them. YHWH used the animal skin to cover their shame (ref: Gen 2:25, 3:7). Just think, clothing came vogue with sin.

 

YHWH doesn't like the death of animals as was already noted from Psalms 40:6-9. He doesn't like death at all. He is the Elohim of LIFE. Eventually, death will be swallowed-up in the victory of life in the end (ref: 1Cor 15:54-55, Isaiah 25:8-9).

 

The death of the animal and the skin covering by YHWH in Genesis typified the death of Christ and the covering of HIS blood (ref: Romans 3:23-25; 5:8, Heb 9:14-15, 1Peter 1:18-23). It's important to be Spiritually clothed by YHWH Elohim and not try to cloth ourselves as like Adam and Eve tried. For Zephaniah prophesied and warned people who choose to wear foreign garments at the end time. Zephaniah 1:6-8 reads,

"...those who turn away from following YHWH, and who have not sought YHWH or inquired of Him. Hush! in the presence of the Master YHWH. For the day of YHWH is near, for YHWH has prepared a slaughter, He has set apart His invited ones (those who are wearing the proper garments given to them by YHWH.) And it shall be, in the day of the slaughter of YHWH, that I shall punish the rulers and the sons of the kings, and all such as are clad in foreign garments.

 

WHAT ARE THE NT CONTRACT LAWS?

What are the NT contract laws? As Christians we ought to know. We signed the contract sort-of-speak through baptism and the Passover symbols, so we ought to know what the contract reads.

 

In Matthew 19:16-24, a young rich man came to Christ and asked Him, "What good shall I do to have everlasting life?" And Christ answered the young rich man and the conversation continued as follows:

"but if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." And, the young man asked, "Which?" Christ answered, "Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and [thy] mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." The young man saith unto him, "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?" Christ said unto him, "If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me." But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Christ unto his disciples, "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven."

The commandments Christ cited were five of the ten commandments that were written by the finger of God on the two tablets of stone on Mount Sinai. Christ left out the tenth commandment, "thou shalt not covet" and the first four commandments. Since the young rich man was unable to forsake his material goods and wealth, the young man violated the tenth commandment, "thou shalt not covet." Additionally, this said violation also violated the first four commandments - love toward God. The young rich man valued his possessions and wealth more than he did YHWH. The love of his possessions and wealth prevented him from following Christ - who was God (Theos) incarnate. (Ref: John 1:14, 6:46, 8:38, 14:9, 17:5,21, 20:28 )

 

Many Sunday observing Christians look at Matthew 19:16-24 and say, "The seventh day Sabbath isn't mentioned here, so it means we don't have to observe it in order to receive everlasting life." Is this true? Matthew 12:8 says that Messiah is the Master of the Sabbath. He rules over it. Does this sound like a day that isn't important? Not hardly. In Mark 2:27, Messiah said that the Sabbath was made for man. Did you catch that? The Sabbath was made for MAN, not just for the Jews, not just for those ancient Israelites. What was the reason YHWH gave to the Israelites for keeping the seventh day Sabbath anyway? Exodus 20:11 provides the answer: YHWH said that in six days He made the heavens and the earth, the sea, etc., and then rested on the seventh day. YHWH doesn't need to rest like we humans. BUT! He is not above His own law. He too observes it. HE RESTED! And, this occurred BEFORE those ancient Israelites were even born! In Hebrews 4:9, we're told that the observance of the Sabbath remains for the people of God. The Greek word used in Hebrews 4:9 is: "sabattismos." This does NOT mean Sunday worship! Additionally, the book of Hebrews was written TO THE HEBREWS. When the Hebrews read these words in chapter 4, verse 9, they certainly would not think of Sunday, the first day of the week. They naturally would understand that the Sabbath being spoken of here is the seventh day of the week.

 

Please know, the seventh day Sabbath is considered a NATURAL law as like the law of gravity. I don't have time and space to delve very deeply in this area. However, scientists have proven cycles of seven in the human body. This type of study is called, "chronobiology." You are welcome to read the book titled, "The Secrets Our Body Clock Reveal" by Susan Perry and Jim Dawson.

 

Since we've learned that the ten commandments are incumbent upon NT believers, let's revisit Matthew 5. Christ made two of the ten commandments more binding: murder and adultery. Not only are we expected to observe the letter of the law, but we are now expected to observe the spirit of the law. In other words, He magnified the law. This magnification was prophesied in Isaiah 42:21 to occur.

 

Notice in certain key verses such as Matthew 5:22, 5:28, 5:39 (but not limited too) Messiah says, "but I say to you...". He spoke with authority when He amended the laws. Moses never spoke like this. At one time only did Moses say "we" (in reference to himself and Aaron his brother) and for doing so, Moses was punished. He was prevented from entering the promised land. (Ref: Num 20:7-13). No man has the right to add or subtract from YHWH laws (Ref: Deut 4:2 and 12:32.) However, Messiah added to (amended) the laws and He spoke with authority when He did so. Again, He said, "but I say to you...". (Messiah was not just a glorified prophet as some people have demoted Him to be.)

 

In John 13:34, Messiah said that He gave us a new commandment. (Again, Messiah added to the law. Hence, He must have been God incarnate.) John 13:34 reads,

"A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another."

We're not only mandated to love our neighbor, but now we're mandated to lay our life down for one another. Messiah magnified the LOVE commandment as like He did the murder and adultery commandments.

 

1Corintians 10:1-11 gives us more information concerning what is within the NT contract and it ties into the ten commandments that I have delineated above. 1Corintians 10:1-11 tells us that the recorded story of the Israelites - while they were in the desert - are examples for us. We should not be idolaters, commit whoring, or try Messiah.

 

What about the Holy Days mentioned in Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16; do we observe these days? The answer to this posed question is somewhat tricky, but not entirely.

The remaining Holy days; the day of atonement and the feast of tabernacles/booths, are not readily mentioned in the NT as being observed. However, YHWH's Holy days and feasts reveal His plan for all of mankind. Therefore, the holy days and feasts are a whole package. We can't disconnect the spring Holy days (foreshadowing Messiah - the first-fruit and the first resurrected saints) from the fall Holy days (foreshadowing the second resurrection). Besides, in the book of Zechariah, there is a prophesy that informs us that after Messiah returns, the gentiles are required to travel to Jerusalem and keep the feast of booths. If they don't they will not have any rain (ref: Zech 14:16-18). This time period appears to be during the 1,000 year period after Messiah returns, but BEFORE the second resurrection - before the covenant of peace is instituted.

 

In the OT, there were three feast periods. The "feasts" were actual agricultural harvest festivals. As NT Christians, we're not obligated to attend a feast in Jerusalem with a tenth of our agricultural harvest. Firstly, most of us don't even live in the promised land and have farms. Secondly, we're presently in a Diaspora period. Thirdly, these agricultural harvests foreshadowed the full reality of what YHWH really expects. OT Israel grew "physical-fruit". However, NT believers are expected to grow "Spiritual-"fruit." Galatians 5:22-23 provides a list of fruits we are expected to grow. Hence, the physical agricultural feasts were part of the schoolmaster (Gal 3:24) to educate us about the reality of what YHWH really wants. He is not too interested in receiving produce from the land. (He already owns everything.) He is interested in harvesting mankind. Now please notice the NT language. The following are examples, but are not limited to:

If we don't grow the Spiritual fruits listed in Galatians 5:22-23 during this Diaspora period, we won't be harvested and brought into the House of YHWH (Ref: Exodus 34:26) at the return of Messiah. Will the physical harvests be incumbent upon the saints when Messiah returns? No. The saints will no longer be in a physical state of being. They will be like Messiah - a Spiritual being. (Ref: Col 3:4, Phil 3:20-21, and Dan 12:2-3)

 

I'll make a list of some additional changes/alterations from the OT to the NT:

The NT Christians are also expected to observe the natural laws found in Genesis. Although, I've already mentioned the seventh day Sabbath as being one of the natural laws set in-motion in Genesis. The natural laws are part of the mandated laws set-forth in Genesis for all of mankind to obey. These same laws were reiterated in the covenants given by Moses.

 

DISSECTING THE COVENANTS IN THE DESERT

There were two covenants (contracts) given during the wilderness journey: the Horeb covenant and the Moab covenant. This section of this study will demonstrate where these two said covenants are, and what is essentially contained in each covenant. I will present the over picture, but will refrain from all of the details. Every detail of each covenant is beyond the scope and purpose of this study. I'll begin with the covenant given in Horeb since it was the first one given in the wilderness.

 

THE HOREB COVENANT

The Horeb covenant contains the ten commandments and begins in Exodus 19:3 and ends in Exodus 24:11.

 

There is a passage of text in Exodus that is missing in the Masoretic scroll, but it exists in the Dead Sea Scrolls and it is actually confirmed in the Deuteronomy Masoretic scroll. I will quote the Dead Sea Scrolls bible to start. In Exodus 19:9, YHWH told the people that He was going to make a covenant with all the people (referring to the Horeb covenant.) From the Dead Sea Scrolls Bible, Exodus 19:9 reads,

"Behold, I am going to make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not produced in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among which you shall see the work of the LORD, for it is an awesome thing that I am doing with you."

Again, you won't find the above quoted text in your standard bible which is based on the Masoretic text dated from about the second to fourth century A.D. For whatever reason, it was omitted from the Masoretic scroll. But, you'll find reference to this said passage in Deut 5:3-5. Therefore it is legitimate. YHWH's words, quoted above, is the prelude to the ten commandments (the decalogue) of the Horeb covenant.

 

YHWH told Moses He/Himself was going to make this covenant, and He told Moses to prepare all of the people for the event. After three days of preparation, YHWH thundered the decalogue covenant in the hearing of all the people. These are the ONLY laws that were directly spoken by YHWH in the hearing of all of the Israelites. At this point in the story, the Israelites wanted YHWH to stop speaking to them. They wanted Moses to speak in the place of YHWH. YHWH agreed and then He spoke to Moses and told Moses to tell the people the statutes and judgments. The statutes and judgments primarily contain human relation laws, but not exclusively. There are some that pertain to a responsibility to YHWH. And, you will also find the three feasts. However, there is absolutely no laws within the Horeb covenant that pertain to the priests or the Levites. And, nothing is said about animal sacrifices for sin.

 

The Horeb covenant, which can also be termed as both the Decalogue Covenant and/or the Creator's Covenant, begins in Exodus 19:3 and ends in Exodus 24:11. This covenant was sealed when the blood of bulls was sprinkled on both the altar and on the people. The Horeb covenant can be established from start to finish. The additional sacrificial laws and other like laws were not in the Horeb contract. There were a whole host of other laws given while they were encamped about Mt. Sinai, but because they were not contained within this said covenant, it is of considerable importance. (These additional set of laws will be discussed later.)

 

YHWH can enact laws, but He is not obligated to place them within a contract form. For example, YHWH didn't contract the ten commandments with Abraham, Isaac or Jacob.

 

In Deuteronomy 5:1-22, the ten commandments are listed. But, in verses 2-4 it reads,

The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, [even] us, who [are] all of us here alive this day. The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire,..." (Through verse 22, the ten commandments are listed.)

YHWH didn't contract the ten commandments (the decalogue) with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But, this doesn't mean that the decalogue laws were not applicable or mandatory during their time. The word, "covenant" is simply an old English word that means "contract". A covenant/contract is a binding agreement between two parties: you do this, I do that. For example: YHWH didn't contract with Abraham and say: if you don't steal, I will do a.b.c and d for you. When YHWH contracted the decalogue covenant with the Israelites, YHWH's obligation essentially was this: "if you diligently obey My voice and shall guard My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession above all the peoples - for all the earth is Mine - and you shall be to Me a reign of priests and a set-apart nation." (Ref: Exodus 19:5-6. Although, there are some other obligations that YHWH placed upon Himself such as what is stated in Exodus 23:25-27. It outlines some blessings that the Israelites would receive if they obeyed His voice.)

 

As like Deuteronomy 5:2 informs us, the decalogue covenant was given in Horeb. Therefore, consider Malachi 4:4-6. It reads,

"Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, [with] the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."

Based upon Malachi 4:4-6 (as like other scriptures), the decalogue covenant given in Horeb is important and must be remembered along with its statutes and judgments. However, this covenant is interesting because it has two separable parts. The first part contains the decalogue spoken by YHWH. The second part contains the statutes and judgments. Now, notice what Deuteronomy 5:22 says about the ten commandments:

"These Words YHWH spoke to all your assembly, in the mountain from the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and from the thick darkness, with a loud voice, and He added no more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me (Moses)."

As most bible students know, the prophesies contained in the book of Ezekiel regarding the third temple speak about the establishment of animal sacrifices. Because animal sacrifices will be required in the third temple (the temple that will be established by Messiah), and because physical circumcision will also be required (ref: Ez 44:1-9), many (once-upon-a-time) NT believers have questioned the validity of the NT. For example: one woman I know of claims that YHWH loves animal sacrifices, that the old covenant has not be annulled, and that the NT is full of lies. She bases her three said claims on Ezekiel's prophesies regarding the animal sacrificial requirements. All of her three claims are incorrect. I've already presented scriptures from the OT demonstrating that the old wilderness covenant has been annulled; consequently, validating the NT. However, I am prepared to present further proof that YHWH does not like the animal sacrifices even though he will re-establish them. But, I will also demonstrate that Ezekiel's prophesy, which speak of the animal sacrifices, is actually a different and separate covenant. This futuristic covenant occurs at the time of the second resurrection. The ancient Israelites will rise (in the physical form) from their graves as like all the rest of the human race will (with the exception of the first resurrected saints). This eclectic group of people will need to go-through the schooling process and graduate before they will be given life eternal. Of course; they must pass the schooling process and become believers, or they will experience the second and final death (ref: Rev 2:11, 20:6,14). Even the beloved Abraham wasn't exempt from a schooling process. Abraham passed the curriculum set-forth for him, and he will be raised from the dead in the first resurrection (ref: Matt 8:11, Luke 13:28). He will never again be required to offer an animal for sins. He will no longer be in the flesh, but rather he will be composed of spirit (ref: Dan 12:2-3, Acts 24:15, Matt 22:30).

 

YHWH DOES NOT LIKE ANIMAL SACRIFICES (Despite the opinions of people)

YHWH is an Elohim of life. He does not like death as like I pointed out in a previous section. But, He chose to use "death" as a teaching tool for the Israelites. Sadly, the Israelites miss-interpreted the animal sacrificial lessons. The animal sacrifices and physical rituals became the zenith of their worship and spiritual life rather than the decalogue spoken and written by YHWH. Isaiah 1:11-12,16-17 reads,

"Of what use to Me are your many offerings? declares YHWH. I have had enough of burnt offerings, of rams and that fat of fed beasts. I do NOT delight in the blood of bulls or of lambs or goats." .../... "Stop doing evil!" .../... "Wash and make yourselves clean; and remove the evil of your actions from my sight. Cease to do evil, learn to do good. Seek justice, guide the injured, get justice for the orphan, defend the widow."........(Again Ref: Psalm 40:6-9)

I've been told that YHWH will love the sacrifices once the Israelites obey the decalogue. I disagree. Firstly, YHWH made all of the animals and He loves life and His creation. Secondly, there isn't one scripture to support this said supposition. To the contrary, two scriptures plainly and unequivocally say that YHWH does NOT delight in the blood of animals.

 

EZEKIEL'S PROPHESY, THE COVENANT OF PEACE AND THE THIRD TEMPLE

The first place in scripture where the "covenant of peace" is mentioned is in Numbers 25:10-13. Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest turned YHWH's wrath away from the Israelites because he killed both a prince of the Simeonites and a Midianitish whore the he was with. Because of this act of atonement, YHWH promised Phinehas that He would give Phinehas and Phinehas's seed His covenant-of-peace. Phinehas was then also promised an everlasting priesthood. It will be his lineage that will be the Levite priests within the covenant of peace (ref: Ez 48:11, 44:1-15). And, this covenant of peace will occur at the second resurrection.

Ezekiel 34:23-25 reads,

"And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even My servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the LORD will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken. And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause evil beasts to cease out of the land; and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods." (Notation: King David won't be "king", but will be a "prince" as like this scripture says. Christ/Messiah will be the KING.)

 

Ezekiel 36:26-27 reads,

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep Mine ordinances, and do them. "

The ancient Israelites will arise from their graves as fleshly beings again. Although; this new covenant will include a new heart and YHWH's Spirit within them, unlike either of the other two covenants given in the wilderness. The only two covenants/contracts that include a new heart and YHWH's Spirit within, are the NT life covenant and this covenant/contract of peace. This contract term is a MUST!

 

Ezekiel 37:1-27 is the well known passage that speaks about the valley of the dry bones that come alive again. Rather than quoting twenty-seven verses, I'll summarize and quote a few verses.

YHWH told Ezekiel to prophesy concerning the vision that he was given. Ezekiel saw dry bones arise from the earth and come together. Sinews and flesh were placed on the bones. And, these bodies received the breath of life once again. YHWH says that these renewed people are the Israelites. And, YHWH will make the covenant-of-peace with them.

 

Ezekiel 37:11-14 reads,

"Then He said unto me: 'Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel; behold, they say: Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are clean cut off. (Notation: The Israelites understood that they were cut-off from YHWH because they entered the Moab covenant of death. However, the covenant of death was annulled.) Therefore prophesy, and say unto them: Thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, O My people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, and caused you to come up out of your graves, O My people. And I will put My spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I will place you in your own land; and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken, and performed it, saith the LORD."

 

Before the Israelite nation was even born, YHWH knew what kind of people they would become. They were stiff-necked sinners. And, when they were cut-off from YHWH, they thought that all hope of life was lost. However, YHWH restored their hope when he had Ezekiel prophesy unto them. They would arise from the dust at a later time. For this reason, YHWH told Abraham the following in Genesis 13:14b-16a.

"Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land which you see I shall give to you and your seed forever. And I shall make your seed as the dust of the earth, ... "

 

Ezekiel 37:22-27 reads,

"and I will make them one nation in the land, upon the mountains of Israel, and one King shall be King to them all; and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all; neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling-places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them; so shall they be My people, and I will be their God. And My servant David shall be king over them, and they all shall have one shepherd; they shall also walk in Mine ordinances, and observe My statutes, and do them. And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob My servant, wherein your fathers dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children's children, forever; and David My servant shall be their prince for ever. Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them--it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will establish them, and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary in the midst of them for ever. My dwelling-place also shall be over them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."

In Ezekiel 40:1 YHWH gave another vision to Ezekiel for the latter days, the vision of the new temple. The vision of the new temple came in the first month, on the tenth day of the month, in the 14th year after the city was smitten. The date of the vision is not just a coincidence with the Passover dates. If you recall, the Passover lamb was chosen and set-aside on the 10th day of the first month, then was slaughtered on the 14th day of the first month (ref: Ex 12). The timing of the temple vision demonstrates that YHWH will "pass-over" them again and forgive their sins. Perhaps, He might literally pass-over them when He resurrects them from the dust of the earth. And, perhaps - He might do it on the day of "Passover".

 

Animal sacrifices will be re-instituted for the temple during the second resurrection. Reference scriptures: Ez 40:42-43, 43:27, 45:16-25, 46:3-7, 46:13,20,24. Although, there is a very specific day and time period when the sacrifices will begin again. Ezekiel 43:27 reads, (speaking of the completion of the altar and temple)

"And when these days are completed, it shall be, on the eighth day and thereafter, that the priests make your burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar, and I shall accept you, declares the Master YHWH." (Notation: the priests won't be able to make sacrifices until the altar is built for it.)