1

Myrbdl Myrpomh Ha’Misparim La’Debarim

The Numbers of the Words by Craig Peters

The Numerical Progression of Azazel Through Tehillim a “Azazel” has been a subject of much debate and conjecture. While we choose to steer clear of such unprofitable strife,1 this study will set forth true, profound, far-reaching, and lasting edification for those who continually seek the Kingdom of hwhy and His righteousness.2 In the process, we will gain a fuller understanding of the importance which Yom Kippur should have in the minds and lives of New Covenant believers. For, quite far from being abolished, this perpetual Feast3 reveals many aspects of the nature and character of the Most High as well as directing our way towards the relationship between His Name, His Presence, and walking in increasing power and victory. “Azazel” has been called the “scapegoat” of Leviticus 16, and it is in this form that we find it rendered in many translations. However, let us be aware this word is a misnomer because the goat itself is never called “Azazel” in the Scriptures. Originally, each year on Yom Kippur, the first goat was slain as a sin offering for hwhy, while the second goat was set free, being released into the wilderness for Azazel.

The five-letter, Hebrew word which is transliterated “Azazel” has a misparim value of 115, and we see below how this number is obtained: ← ← ← 115 = (30) l + (7) z + (1) a + (7) z + (70) e = lzaze = Azazel

Because the writer believes misparim is the Almighty’s personal, inspired commentary on His Word, when seeking to better understand a scriptural word or topic, over the past several years, the Spirit has led him to study the numbers of the words which are related to the subject matter.4 Such was the case on the Yom Kippur of 2001: after reading Leviticus 16, I was once more gripped with desire to know more of the real meaning and lessons which the Spirit of hwhy would teach us by the commanded activities surrounding the two goats: one goat for hwhy and one goat for Azazel. And still being an enigma, there was a special concern over understanding the prophetic intent of hwhy surrounding the second goat – the goat which is commonly, but erroneously called, “the scapegoat.” On this particular day, I was led of the Spirit to look not only at the total sum of the numbers in the Hebrew word, “Azazel,” but also to look at the numbers derived from its running total. Consequently, while many studies in our series only consider the total misparim5 for any given word,6 in this study, we will actually look at the running totals – ongoing totals, formed letter-by-letter – and we will observe the outcome as this word progresses, or steps, through Tehillim, so to speak. The study which now follows first reveals many thoughts on Yom Kippur, using as our

1 1Timothy 1:4, 4:7, 6:3-5, 2Timothy 2:14-18, 23-25, Titus 1:14, 3:9 2 Psalm 24:3-6, 105:3-4, 119:2, Matthew 6:33, Romans 9:30-33, Philippians 3:7-14 3 Leviticus 16:29-31, 23:26-32, Psalm 105:8, Matthew 5:19 4 As so many studies on our website show, these number values are inspired, being derived directly from the Hebrew language. 5 Remember, while “misparim” is the Hebrew word meaning “numbers” (plural), we are also using it in place of the more common term, “gematria,” the study of the relationship between Hebrew words based on the values of their sums. 6 For Azazel, that total would be 115; this is the number which we have termed the misparim of Azazel.

2

foundation those things which were seen on that great day, now nearly seven years ago. Afterwards, we will proceed to ponder other great things revealed in the Spirit since that time. To show how the numerical progression was derived for Azazel, let us look at the running totals for the first five, positive integers: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The five, progressive totals for these five numbers may be displayed as follows:

1 = 1 1 + 2 = 3 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 10 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15

As seen above, the numbers 1, 3, 6, 10, and 15 reflect the running totals for the sum of the numbers from 1 to 5. Based on its Hebrew misparim, the running totals were derived for Azazel (lzaze) using this very same method. However, the Spirit of hwhy also revealed there to be a marvelous relationship between Yom Kippur and every psalm which corresponded to each of the five running totals formed by the word Azazel:

The Numerical Progression of Azazel Through Tehillim/Psalms e (70), gives us … Tehillah/Psalm 70 … plus:

z (7), gives us … Tehillah/Psalm 77 (70 + 7) … plus:

a (1), gives us … Tehillah/Psalm 78 (77 + 1) … plus:

z (7), gives us … Tehillah/Psalm 85 (78 + 7) … plus:

l (30), gives us … Tehillah/Psalm 115 (85 + 30).

To our amazement, all five of these tehillim/psalms related, in some way, to Yom Kippur, the Day of Covering.7 And in most of these tehillim, we found direct references to subjects which are seen in Wayyiqra/Leviticus 16 – the segment of the Torah which provides much information regarding Yom Kippur, and the only place in which “Azazel” appears in all of Scripture. We now proceed to study each of these Tehillim in sequence.8 Along the way, we will include relevant thoughts on Yom Kippur to show how each of these psalms sheds light on this yearly observance, and of course, to offer edification regarding the importance of this great, annual Shabbat. Yom Kippur, the tenth day of the Seventh month, provides us with many lessons for seeking hwhy and for offering up authentic worship to the Most High Elohim in Spirit and in truth. Further, by the end of our study, we will not only see the vital importance of a New Covenant book both unfolded and profoundly revealed, but it will also be clearly seen how Azazel prophesies of that great day when the Sovereign hwhy will have prevailed over all His enemies and every knee bows before Him in eternal, reverent allegiance.

t s r q u p e o n m l k y j x z w h d g b a

7 Many Messianic believers advocating observance of the Shabbat and its other accompanying Feasts may also refer to this time as “the Day of Atonement.” While the activities of atonement/covering are to occur on the tenth day of the Seventh biblical month (Leviticus 16:29, 23:27, 25:9), this annual Shabbat ranges from the ninth at evening to the tenth at evening (Leviticus 23:32). Fasting, affliction, and humility prepare the heart for the Presence of hwhy and loosen every hindrance (Isaiah 58:6, Hebrews 12:1) that would prevent His Spirit from working freely among us (Haggai 2:3-4). The tenth day of the Seventh month will usually be in mid-to-late September, or in early October. 8 The text of the entire psalm will not be given for most of these songs. However, we will look at words and topics in each of the five tehillim and show they either speak to relevant activities surrounding Yom Kippur, or they contain words and topics which are identical to those seen in Leviticus 16!

3

Tehillah 70 ( e ) How the 70th Psalm relates to Yom Kippur may not be immediately apparent … at least until we take a look at the Companion Bible.9 In the KJV, the title on Psalm 70 reads: “A Psalm of David, to Bring to Remembrance.”10 And yet, Psalm 38 has a title which is very similar (almost identical) to the title of Psalm 70. However, in the margin notes of Psalm 38, E.W. Bullinger places a note on the phrase “to bring to remembrance” indicating that this phrase was a reference to the Day of Atonement and that this song was used on the yearly Shabbat of Yom Kippur.11 If studied, it will be seen that many topics in Psalm 38 relate to Yom Kippur and the covering of sins. Yet the title of Psalm 70 is almost the same as the title of Psalm 38, and remembrance is a key aspect of Yom Kippur:

20 And when he has made an end of atoning for the set apart place, and the tent of meeting, and the altar, he shall present the live goat: 21 and

Aharon shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Yisrael, and all their transgressions, even all their

sins; and he shall put them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a man that is in readiness into the wilderness: 22 and the goat shall bear

upon him all their iniquities to a solitary land: and he shall send away the goat into the wilderness. Leviticus 16:20-22

1 For the Torah, having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices – which they continually offer year by year – make perfect those who draw near. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because the worshippers, once cleansed, would have had no more consciousness of sins.

3 But in those offerings is a remembrance of sins year after year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Hebrews 10:1-4

The writer to the Hebrews continues by contrasting the yearly cleansing on Yom Kippur with the continual cleansing under which believers in the Messiah now abide. Of course, this leads some to think Yom Kippur is now done away with, but we will see that this is certainly not the case.12 We further note the following phenomenon regarding Psalm 70 and Yom Kippur: Yom Kippur is the tenth day (10) of the Seventh month (7), and amazingly enough: 10 x 7 = 70. This hardly seems coincidental in light of all we have seen thus far. However, there is a great deal more, confirmatory evidence yet to be visited.

In addition to the word “remembrance” appearing in the title of Tehillah 70, there are other key words in this psalm which certainly relate to the fasting and prayer13 which are 9 For those who are interested, the Companion Bible may be obtained through Kregel Publications (the publisher) or through some other secondary distribution center such as CBD, 800-247-4784. 10 Readers are asked to refer to the Companion Bible (Appendix 64) to understand why we have omitted “To the Chief Musician.” We believe Dr. Bullinger (editor of the Companion Bible) offers weighty evidence to show this phrase belongs to the previous psalm as a subscription. 11 See Psalm 38, page 755 of the Companion Bible. 12 Deuteronomy 4:26, Psalm 119:89-90, Matthew 5:18-19, 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 16:17, 21:33 13 For a confirmation of this statement, and for documentation on the many words employed in Scriptures to describe the particulars which surround fasting, see the studies: “Humble Yourselves in the Sight of YHWH,” and “The Three-Day Fast: Living and Walking in Resurrection Power.” Because of the individual believer’s need to seek and to find hwhy, and because of the indispensable supremacy which fasting and prayer contribute towards overcoming sin and the world, we believe these studies to be the two most important works we have ever been blessed to write. Nothing will do more to

4

essential aspects of True Worship on Yom Kippur; we especially note the phrase “poor and needy:”

But I am poor and needy: make haste to me, Elohim: You are my help and my deliverer: hwhy, make no delay.

Psalm 70:5

In this Scripture, the word “poor” (hne)14 may also be translated “afflicted”15 as it is taken from the root word used to describe the affliction of soul which hwhy has enjoined on Yom Kippur:

29 And this shall be an age-abiding statute to you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict (hne)16 your souls, and do no work

at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourns among you … 31 It shall be a Shabbat of rest to you, and you shall afflict (hne)17 your souls,

it is an age-abiding statute. Leviticus 16:29,31

“Poor” (or “afflicted”) and “needy” are terms which speak of spiritual poverty,17 of possessing a broken, contrite heart:

For thus says the high and lofty One that inhabits the ages, and whose Name is Qadosh: I dwell in the high and set-apart place,

and with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isaiah 57:15

Thus says hwhy: The heavens are My throne, and the earth is My footstool: what is the house that you will build for Me? And what is the place of My rest?

2 Even all these things has My hand made, and all these have come to be, says hwhy. But to this one I will look: to the afflicted and contrite

in spirit, and who trembles at My word. Isaiah 66:1-2

“Poor” and “needy” are terms which Scripture associates with fasting, and these terms also explain why one should fast: fasting is a tangible acknowledgement of our spiritual poverty; it is an acknowledgement that our deepest needs – needs which are spiritual – can only be met in hwhy. And it is an acknowledgement that these needs are very real, very great, and in need of continual supply. Unlike the Pharisee, who cited fasting as evidence he was “righteous,”18 those who fast in Spirit and truth are acknowledging many things: their need for the Presence of hwhy, their need for His continual strength, their need for His continual leading/guidance,

contribute to our understanding of His Word and ways than fasting-derived humility. 1Samuel 2:30, Proverbs 15:33, 18:12, Isaiah 57:15, 66:1-2 While those ignorant of this truth have scoffed at fasting, the fact is: hwhy gives a “greater favor” and that favor is clearly connected with those who humble themselves before Him by fasting and prayer. Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6-10 Additionally, when contemplating prayer and fasting, we must realize absolutely nothing else will more greatly contribute to the unity which is now so pitifully lacking amongst believers worldwide. 14 “Ani,” Strong’s 6041. 15 And it is thus rendered by Darby. 16 “Anah,” Strong’s 6031. 17 Matthew 5:3 18 Luke 18:9-12

5

their need for His Word, their need for His wisdom, their need for His protection, and their need for His righteousness. These are needs which will simply never go away in this lifetime.

hwhy says He will look to the one who is afflicted and contrite in spirit,19 and this is the intent of the fasting-derived affliction which occurs on Yom Kippur.20 We learn from this special season of fasting, prayer, and affliction that not only on this day, but during any time of need,21 fasting will break every yoke of bondage:

6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? 7 Is it not to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you should bring the poor that are cast out into your house? When you see the naked, that you should cover him;

and that you should not hide yourself 22 from your own flesh? Isaiah 58:6-7

For further understanding about why fasting works, the writings of David bring more clarity:

“You will save the afflicted people”… Psalm 18:2723

hwhy has chosen to abide with, help, direct, nurture, and save an afflicted people, and fasting with prayer is the very thing which induces this much needed affliction and humility – the humility which tangibly knows and tangibly feels the poverty of our great lack apart from the Presence and love of hwhy. After the Spirit of hwhy “loosens the bands of wickedness … undoes the heavy burdens … lets the oppressed go free … breaks every yoke … feeds the hungry … shelters the poor … and clothes the naked,” it is then that the light of hwhy will break forth upon us:

Then will your light break forth as the morning, and your healing shall spring forth speedily; and your righteousness will go before you; the splendor of hwhy will be your rearguard … Then you will call, and hwhy will answer; you will cry, and He will say, “Here I am” … then your light will arise in darkness, and your obscurity will be as the noonday … and hwhy will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in dry places, and make strong your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.” – Excerpts from Isaiah 58:8-11

This explains why those who seek hwhy through prayer and fasting are also granted an increasing abundance of light from His Word:24 it is only when the light of hwhy shines upon us that we can see light,25 and then reflect it to others as well.26 And regarding the light of 19 Isaiah 57:15, 66:2 20 Leviticus 16:29-34, 23:26-32, Numbers 29:7-11 21 Hebrews 4:15-16. Readers will note that the book of Hebrews is frequently cited throughout this discourse, and especially in connection to Yom Kippur. Why this is the case shall become more evident as the study progresses. 22 (as did the priest, Luke 10:31-32), Proverbs 28:27 23 Zephaniah 3:11-12 24 Proverbs 4:18. In contrast, those who do not seek hwhy with fasting and prayer have an understanding of the Scriptures which most often remains incomplete, diluted, and remarkably deficient. And, oftentimes, the things they do “know” are intellectual and are not a viable, life-changing, Spirit-driven force at work in the heart and mind. Fasting and prayer will bridge the gap so that what we see on the Written Page begins to manifest itself in our every day lives as the Spirit of hwhy writes His Torah on our hearts and minds. 25 Psalm 36:9, John 12:35-36 26 Isaiah 60:1-3, Ephesians 5:11-14

6

hwhy, the light which He created on the First Day culminated in the light of His Presence given on the Seventh Day Shabbat:

“And He said, Elohim, “Let there be light (rwa).” Genesis 1:3

We note the misparim for “light” is 207: ← ← ←

207 = (200) r + (6) w + (1) a = rwa = ohr = light

But while the misparim for “light” is 207, the misparim for “Shabbat” is 702: ← ← ←

702 = (400) t + (2) b + (300) s = tbs = Shabbat (the Seventh Day)

It is evident the misparim for “light” (207) is the reversal of the misparim for “Shabbat” (702), the Spirit signifying that the light of hwhy given on the First Day, pointed to and culminated in the light of hwhy which broke forth from His Presence on the Seventh Day!

The Presence of hwhy on this Day makes every Shabbat a special, dynamic sanctuary in time and space.

Hence, observing the Shabbat is an indispensable part of “walking in the light.”27 Through the special Presence of hwhy which He places in each Shabbat, His Spirit shines a light on the Word which is simply not available on any other day! This further explains why those who honor the Seventh Day typically have far more light from the Word of hwhy than those who do not.28 Further, we cannot be partakers of His nature apart from observing the Shabbat.29 Of course, this would also include the annual Shabbat of Yom Kippur – the only Shabbat upon which fasting is commanded. So we return, once more, to the yearly Shabbat of Yom Kippur, to Azazel, and to the next psalm in the sequence …

Tehillah 77 ( z + e ) Another aspect of Yom Kippur relates to affliction and vigilance. Psalm 77 begins with many thoughts on affliction, trouble, and vigilance. Experience as well as Scripture shows the relationship between affliction and vigilance. It is an uncontestable fact that vigilance induces affliction: those who remain awake through the night will invariable suffer affliction; but in Psalm 77, we see it is affliction and distress of soul which result in vigilance:

1 I will cry to Elohim with my voice, even to Elohim with my voice; and He will give ear to me. 2 In the day of my trouble I sought hwhy:30

27 Psalm 27:1, 36:9, Isaiah 2:1-5, John 12:35-36, Colossians 1:12, 1Thessalonians 5:5, 1Peter 2:9, 1John 1:5-7 28 One of the ultimate litmus tests for truth is an affirmative answer to the following question: “Does it lead to more and greater truth?” For such is the case with fasting as well as with observing the Seventh Day Shabbat (not Sunday). Isaiah chapter 58 relates the light and restoration of hwhy to both fasting and the Seventh Day Shabbat: both fasting and Shabbat observance give the body rest; both fasting and observing Shabbat result in the creative power of hwhy permeating one’s life; both fasting and observing Shabbat result in hwhy giving light to those who regularly undertake such acts of faith. It is just as eswhy said, “So it be it unto you according to your faith.” The result of obeying hwhy is always additional revelation from His Word: Obedience leads to increasing light (Proverbs 4:18, John 12:35-36, 14:21, Psalm 36:9, 111:10, 119:97-100) while disobedience leads to darkness and apostasy. John 7:33-34, 12:35-36, Romans 1:20-28, Revelation 2:5. 29 Exodus 31:12-13, 2Peter 1:2-4, (Hebrews 12:14) 30 The Companion Bible documents 134 places where the sopherim (scribes) admitted to changing the Name of hwhy to “Adonai.” This is one of those texts. See Appendix 32 (page 31) of the Companion Bible.

7

my hand was stretched out in the night, and slacked not; my soul refused to be comforted. 3 I remember Elohim, and am disquieted:

I complain, and my spirit is overwhelmed. Selah. 4 You hold my eyes watching: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

Psalm 77:1-4

As this affliction and vigilance are a part of what should occur during Yom Kippur, the beginning lines of Psalm 77 help to explain some of the particulars behind the commanded affliction of soul which occurs on the Fast:31 If we are truly afflicted, we will also be restless and vigilant.32 This is part of the reason we know Ya’acob (James) was referring to the act of fasting when he said, “Let your laughter be turned to gloom, and your joy to heaviness.”33 Those who sleep through the night obtain rest and what we now call (in these modern times) “REM sleep,” the deepest sleep associated with dreaming. If a person obtains an adequate amount of this deep sleep, upon awakening, there are feelings of being thoroughly rested and refreshed. If one is generally healthy, these wholesome feelings are also often accompanied by a natural joy. The psalms reveal this very phenomenon in Tehillah 126:

1 When hwhy turned again the captivity of Tziyon, we were like those who dream: 2 Then was our mouth filled

with laughter, and our tongue with singing … Psalm 126:1-2

This psalm clearly compares the joy of those returning to Tziyon with the joy of those who awaken after a night of refreshing sleep. There is a healthy, natural joy infused into the mind when one has obtained gladness and joy through the refreshment of a good night’s sleep. However, those who remain vigilant through the night do not acquire this joy: for those who watch and pray, their laughter will be turned to gloom and their joy will be turned to heaviness.

There are also other important aspects of Yom Kippur which are seen in this psalm; specifically, seeking the favor of hwhy and remembrance:

5 I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with my own heart, and my spirit makes diligent search. 7 Will hwhy, 34 cast off to the age? And will He be favorable no more? 8 Is His lovingkindness completely gone for ever? Does His promise fail to the age? 9 Has Elohim forgotten to show favor? Has He, in anger, shut up His compassion? Selah. 10 And I said, This is my infirmity; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. 11 I will make mention of the deeds of hwhy, for I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will meditate also upon all Your work, and talk of Your doings. Psalm 77:5-12

31 Acts 27:9-10 (An incident which shows the meaning behind why eswhy taught His followers that their flight should not be in the winter! Matthew 24:20) When speaking of the Day of Atonement, Luke referred to it as “the Fast,” and he indicated it had already occurred; hence, by that time, it was likely accounted to be winter by those of the ancient Middle East. And after those in charge of the ship failed to heed the counsel of Sha’ul, a winter storm destroyed the vessel! 32 Daniel 6:16-19 33 James 4:9 34 In 134 places, the sopherim (scribes) changed the Name of hwhy to “Adonai.” This is one of those texts. See Appendix 32 (on page 31) in the Companion Bible appendices.

8

Remembering the deeds of hwhy is an all-important, ever-essential aspect of True Worship, and simply taking the time to do this is something which many fail to practice. However, failure to remember, failure to memorialize the great deeds of hwhy, will soon lead to spiritual degeneration.35 Through study, readers should bear out for themselves the truth and power of remembrance as well as the dangers of forgetting.36

On Yom Kippur, the Sanctuary, or Dwelling Place of hwhy, is also a subject of great prominence because seeking the Presence of the Most High (within that Sanctuary) is a matter of the utmost importance during this set apart time. The High Priest entered the Most Set Apart Place,37 in the innermost part of the tabernacle/house only once in the year, and Scriptures indicate this entering in occurred only on this Day, only on Yom Kippur:

And this shall be an everlasting statute to you, to make an atonement for the children of Yisrael

for all their sins, once a year.38 Leviticus 16:34

Since this Most Set Apart Place was accessed only once in the year, it is not surprising to see the Sanctuary has a special mention in the very next line of Psalm 77:

Thy way, Elohim, is in the Sanctuary: Who is a great elohim like unto Elohim?

Psalm 77:13

Not coincidentally, Psalm 77 falls in the Leviticus Book (Book III), the priestly book of the Psalms, and this song was written by Asaph, the priest.39 Others have written many great truths about how the furniture and articles of the Tabernacle, and the construct of the Sanctuary, reveal the greatness and character of hwhy Most High. On Yom Kippur, as the Great Priest stands to minister in the Most Set Apart Place, it is to the immense, unspeakable greatness of His Presence that our attention is called.

Perhaps the greatest lesson of all which we are to glean from Yom Kippur is that of need. (And what better way to see our immense need than to contrast our human frailty with the Great Presence of an All-Powerful, All-Sufficient Creator?) Fasting is the very catalyst which helps us to tangibly experience the contrast between all that hwhy is and all that we are not. Our understanding of these things is yet further increased upon realizing the theme of the entire Book of Hebrews relates to Yom Kippur.40 Upon seeing this, one may then realize Hebrews further indicates something even more amazing: New Covenant believers are presently living in a prolonged, ongoing, prophetic Day of Atonement! In the days of old, Yisrael mourned on Yom Kippur as the High Priest went into the Most Set Apart Place to

35 1Samuel 12:9, Psalm 106:7-14, 19-22, Numbers 15:39-40, Deuteronomy 5:15; 7:18; 8:11,18; 15:15; 16:3,12; 24:9,18,22; 32:7-18 36 2Peter 1:5-9, Jeremiah 44:7-12, Deuteronomy 26:13, 2Kings 17:25-40 37 Usually translated “the Holy of Holies.” 38 See also: Exodus 30:10, Hebrews 9:6-7 39 For more on Asaph, the priest, see: 1Chronicles 15:11-28, 16:4-7, 35-42, 25:1-7, 2Chronicles 5:11-14. 40 As indicated in a previous footnote, observe how many Scripture references in Hebrews will tie in with the subjects of our study. These many, telling connections are made time after time. Yom Kippur explains the book of Hebrews and the book of Hebrews better explains Yom Kippur.

9

seek the favor and chesed41 of hwhy. And on Yom Kippur, all Yisrael reverently waited for his emerging from the Presence of hwhy in the Sanctuary. In the same manner, eswhy has ascended into the heavens to appear before the Presence of hwhy in the heavenly Sanctuary, and He intercedes there for His people.42 And just as Yisrael mourned on Yom Kippur, so eswhy asserted that, after He would be taken up, His followers would mourn;43 that is, they would have a life characterized by fasting and prayer as they reverently44 waited for Him45 (the Great Priest46) to come forth from the Presence of hwhy.47 We see these things in the life of Sha’ul, the emissary, who wrote of “fasting often,”48 and who taught much about waiting for the Messiah’s appearing from heaven.49 This is still more proof we are now living in an ongoing Day of Atonement. It is a sad day when we make special efforts to present the efficacy of fasting to fellow believers only to hear them do their best to excuse themselves from any obligation to regularly undertake such an act of faith. It is worse, still, when doubt is cast into the hearts of others by those who theorize such matters were only for the apostles. However, Sha’ul directed the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitated the Messiah, and we believe this includes his example in fasting and prayer.50 Further, when eswhy spoke of alms, prayer, and fasting,51 it was within that setting now known as the “Sermon on the Mount.” During this time, the Messiah’s instructions were set forth for all of His followers; He was not speaking only to the Twelve apostles: His discourse was proclaimed to “the multitudes.”52 Alms, prayer, and fasting are, without question, for every devoted follower of the Savior. Which brings us back to the letter (now book) of Hebrews: While showing the great blessings which believers have through their Great Priest, eswhy, these writings also provide many indications that Messianic believers are now living in a protracted, prophetic Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur:

• Our need is continual: Hebrews 2:1-3, 3:12-13, 4:15-16, 10:22-23, 12:1-4, 14-17, 13:1-5.

• Our Great Priest is continually interceding for us in the very Presence of hwhy: Romans 5:10-11, 8:34, Hebrews 7:25-28, 9:24.

• Our spiritual needs are only met by drawing near to hwhy through the shed blood of eswhy (John 14:7), and our access to His Presence must be continual: John 15:4,7, Hebrews 2:1-3, 3:14, 4:11 (our true rest is found only in His Presence, Psalm 116:6-7, Isaiah 30:15), Hebrews 4:15-16, 6:11-12, 10:19-23, 11:6. Apart from continually drawing near to hwhy in prayer, we cannot and we will not overcome so as to enter the Kingdom. Psalm 73:27-28, Hebrews 9:14, Revelation 12:11.

41 (i.e., kindness) 42 Romans 5:10-11, 8:34, Hebrews 7:25-28, 9:24 43 Matthew 9:14-15, 2Corinthians 6:5, 11:27 44 Hebrews 12:28 45 1Thessalonians 1:10, Hebrews 10:35-37, 1Corinthians 1:7, Philippians 3:20-21 46 Hebrews 2:17, 3:1, 4:14-15, 5:5-10, 6:20, 7:26, 8:1, 9:11-12 47 Revelation 19:11-16 48 2Corinthians 6:5, 11:27 49 1Timothy 6:14, 2Timothy 4:1,8, Titus 2:13, and footnote 45. 50 1Corinthians 11:1, 2Corinthians 6:5, 11:27 51 Matthew 6:1-18 52 Matthew 5:1-2, 7:28-29

10

• We must walk with reverence, fear, and awe – an attitude of continual worship which Scripture always associates with fasting:53 Hebrews 4:1, 11-13, 5:7, 10:26-31, 11:7, 12:9, 12:18-29.

• For our spiritual advancement in the faith, eswhy, our Great Priest, continues to reveal to us the Name of hwhy: John 17:26, Hebrews 1:3-4, 2:11-12, 6:10, 8:1, 10:12, 12:2, 13:15. This brings us to an extremely important, but little understood reality: Being set at the Right Hand of the Father upon His ascension/coronation, the very Name of hwhy was necessarily bestowed upon/inherited by the Messiah!54 This impartation of the Name above all names is the ultimate meaning and revelation behind the Messiah being exalted to the Right Hand of hwhy! While the Father calls the Son “Elohim” in Hebrews 1:8-9, He calls the Son “hwhy” in Hebrews 1:10:55

10 And, You, hwhy, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. 11 They will perish; but You remain;

and they will become old as does a garment; 12 and as a mantle You will fold them up, and they will be changed: but You are the same,56

and Your years shall not fail. Hebrew 1:10-12

This is how the Messiah continues to manifest His Father’s Name: eswhy is hwhy, and He is a merciful and faithful High Priest. As He manifests the Father’s Name, the Great Priest continues to reveal the loving nature of His Father.57

Yet this brings us to another very great truth regarding His Name, and it is an amazing, spiritual reality which has largely escaped the majority of believers in our day:

While the Name of hwhy was given to the Son upon His ascension and coronation,58 believers have also been raised up with the Messiah and

are set with Him at the Right Hand of hwhy in the heavens. And just as the Name of hwhy was placed upon the Messiah when He was set at the Father’s Right Hand,

even so, the very Name of hwhy has been placed upon each believer!

If followers of eswhy have had the very Name of hwhy placed upon them by reason of their spiritual position with the Messiah in the heavens,59 why, then, would any sincere, New Covenant believer have any aversion to uttering the Name of hwhy? And why would any New Covenant believer have any aversion to praising the Name of hwhy during times of prayer, singing, and worship? And what can be said in favor of those believers who openly oppose the Name of hwhy when, in fact, this great Name is (or should be) theirs by

53 For readers who need to verify this fact, we refer you to these articles on fasting: “Humble Yourselves in the Sight of YHWH,” and “The Three-day Fast: Living and Walking in Resurrection Power.” 54 Philippians 2:5-9, Ephesians 1:19-23, Hebrews 1:3-4 55 Cf. Hebrews 1:10 and Psalm 102:12, 25-27. 56 Hebrews 13:8 57 John 14:7-9, 17:26 58 Psalm 2:7, Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 28:18, Acts 2:30-36, 13:32-33, Philippians 2:9, Hebrews 1:5, 5:5, Revelation 19:16 59 This impartation of the Name and the power is an uncontestable reality. John 17:11, Ephesians 1:19-23, Revelation 14:1, 22:4

11

inheritance? If they despise this Great Inheritance,60 then, like Esau, we suspect they will lose it,61 and that they will fail to number among those mentioned in the vision of Yochanan:

And I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing upon Mount Tziyon, and with Him a hundred and forty-four thousand, having the Name of

His Father written upon their foreheads … Revelation 14:1

No believer will appropriate the power to overcome sin and the world apart from honoring His Name. This explains why, in our days, many believers can only read Scriptures about walking in victory, but they never experience the blessed reality of this power truly working in their daily lives. As a result, even supposed pastors are now explaining away those Scriptures which speak of believers walking victoriously. But we must remain positive for the sake of those who are willing to learn and to change. Which brings us to our next point: We are provided with a clear connection between the impartation of the Name of hwhy and the impartation of His Spirit in the lives of all sincere believers in the Messiah …

• If readers have carefully noted the details in the previous point, with all of its rock-solid truth and far-reaching implications for spiritual blessings, then those who now continue will also understand when we say the following: Having been raised up into the heavens with the Messiah, and having continual access to the very Presence of hwhy, through prayer, a power is now available to New Covenant believers that Yisrael of old simply did not have. Sha’ul prayed the believers would have their understanding enlightened so that they might know:

… what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of the strength of His might, 20 which He wrought in the Messiah in raising Him from the dead, and setting Him at His right hand in the heavens: 21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the assembly, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1:19-23

Consequently, the writer to the Hebrews spoke of authentic believers already possessing the powers of the Messianic Age to come:

… those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Set-apart Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good

Word of Elohim and the powers of the age to come … Hebrews 6:4-5, ISRV

While this power is available to all New Covenant believers, the degree to which this surpassingly great power works in the individual is an altogether different matter. For the power to overcome is granted based on the degree to which one has humbled themselves through fasting and prayer. Apart from time and grade in fasting-derived humility, the believer’s character will still lack the fear, reverence, and zeal necessary to overcome sin and

60 The inheritance gained by those who love His Name: Psalm 61:5, 69:35-36, Hebrews 6:10, Revelation 11:18, 14:1-4; contrasted with the inheritance lost by those who despise it: Deuteronomy 28:58-61, Malachi 1:6-10, Revelation 16:9-11,21. 61 Hebrews 12:14-17

12

the world.62 Many Scriptures will confirm this statement.63 Which brings us back, once more, to Yom Kippur: Our fasting and prayers are offered on this Day to the end that we hold fast our boldness, our expectation, and our diligent seeking of hwhy firmly until the end.64 And, of course, we engage in such faith-driven fasting far more often than just once-a-year on the Day of Atonement.65 At the same time, we must surely never fail to enter into the realm of affliction and humility as we seek hwhy each year on the Fast of Yom Kippur.

• While the High Priest of old only accessed the Most Set Apart Place once a year (on Yom Kippur), eswhy abides in the very Presence of hwhy continually, and we must learn to continually draw near to this very Presence through His shed blood.66 His Presence is our only Source of true, lasting joy and true strength.67 And the Presence of hwhy is our only Source for donning the armor of light. We will say more about that momentarily.

• Finally, we are ultimately preparing for eswhy, the High Priest, to emerge from the Sanctuary of hwhy in Heaven: Hebrews 2:5, 3:14, 9:28, 10:35-39. This is why we read of early believers conveying the importance of watching/waiting for eswhy to emerge from the Most Set Apart Place in Heaven:68 the fact that His Atonement ministry is ongoing, implies we should be actively living in the realities of Yom Kippur. And this is the way it was for followers of the Messiah living in the first century. Because the power to overcome has been made available to the people of hwhy,69 believers will have no excuse if they fail to seek and to find Him so as to live victoriously.70 And this brings us to the double-edged aspect of Yom Kippur: Covering and atonement versus judgment and wrath. The wrath of hwhy abides upon those who refuse His Word. In the Last Days, as this prophetic Day of Atonement comes to a close, the Scriptures are being fulfill as hwhy pours out His wrath upon the nations that do not know Him; He is obliterating the families that do not call upon His Name because their sins have not been covered/atoned for, and because they have done/are doing evil to His chosen people:

Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up My people? They eat bread, and do not call upon hwhy.

Psalm 14:4

6 Pour out Your wrath upon the nations that know You not, and upon the kingdoms that call not upon Your Name. 7 For they have

devoured Ya’acob, and laid waste his habitation. Psalm 79:6-7

62 Revelation 3:1-3, 14-19, Romans 11:19-20 63 Philippians 2:12 < > Psalm 2:11-12 , Philippians 3:7-14, 2Peter 1:4-11 >> Hebrews 6:11-12; Matthew 23:26 64 Hebrews 3:14, 6:11, 11:6. See also: Matthew 10:22, 24:13, James 1:12, Revelation 2:7,10,17,26, 3:21 65 Matthew 9:14-15 66 Hebrews 10:1, 19-23, 13:15, John 14:6, Psalm 73:27-28 67 Joy: 1Samuel 2:1, 1Chronicles 16:10,31, 2Chronicles 6:41, Psalm 5:11, 9:2,14, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 70:4, 149:2, Isaiah 12:2, 25:9, 29:19, 61:10, Luke 10:20 < > Philippians 4:4, Galatians 5:22, 1Thessalonians 5:16, plus many more. Strength: Psalm 18:1-2,32,39, 19:14, 27:1, 28:6-9, 37:39, 52:7, 59:16-17, 62:6-8, 68:3-4, 35; 71:16, 73:26, 84:5-7, 118:4, 138:3, 140:7, 144:1, Isaiah 25:1-4, 26:3-4, 30:15, 40:28-31, 49:5, Jeremiah 16:19, plus many more. Joy and Strength: Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 105:3-4, Isaiah 12:2-3, 64:5, Habakkuk 3:18-19, 1Peter 2:5-6. 68 James 5:7-9, Hebrews 9:11, 27-28, 10:35-37, 12:25-29 69 Hebrews 6:4-5, Ephesians 1:19, Romans 1:16 70 Hebrews 10:26-31, 36-38, 1John 2:28

13

The prophet Yirmeyah/Jeremiah prayed likewise:

Pour out Your wrath upon the nations that know You not, and upon the families that call not on Your Name: for they have eaten up Ya’acob,

and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate. Jeremiah 10:25

By contrast, many other Scriptures indicate those who call upon the Name of hwhy will be saved from this great wrath:

30 And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.71 31 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood,

before the great and terrible day of hwhy comes. 32 And it will come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of hwhy will be delivered; for in Mount Tziyon

and in Yerushalayim there shall be those that escape, as hwhy has said, and for the remnant whom hwhy shall call.”

Joel 2:32

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of Elohim, even to those that believe on His Name …

36 He that believes on the Son has age-abiding life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of Elohim abides on him.

John 1:12, 3:36

13 For whosoever shall call upon the Name of hwhy will be saved. Romans 10:13

This shows us the great connection between the Name of hwhy and Yom Kippur, and we will consider even more on this in detail upon entering our discussion surrounding the 115th Psalm.

And we must also warn that Yom Kippur results in judgment falling upon those believers who forsake the Almighty: those believers who forsake hwhy will fare no better than the unbelievers who have refused Him:

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken

to the king, saying, The hand of our Elohim is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and His wrath are against all those that forsake Him.

Ezra 8:22

The writer of Hebrews spoke likewise when writing this warning, not to unbelievers, but to full-fledged believers in the Messiah eswhy:

7 For the land which has drunk the rain that comes often upon it – and brings forth herbs suitable for them for whose sake it is also tilled –

receives blessing from Elohim: 8 but if it bears thorns and thistles, it is rejected, and near to a curse; whose end is to be burned.

Hebrews 6:7-8

71 “Pillars of smoke” = volcanoes.

14

And a similar warming is once more spoken to those who are clearly in the category of authentic believers:

26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment,

and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries. 28 A man that has set at naught Mosheh’s law dies without compassion on two or three witnesses: 29 of how much sorer punishment, do you think, shall he be judged worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son

of Elohim, and has counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was set apart a common thing, and has done despite to the Spirit of favor? 30 For we know Him that said, “Vengeance belongs to Me, I will recompense.” And again, “hwhy will judge

His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Elohim. Hebrews 12:26-31

In summary, all of the above points prove we are now living in a protracted, yet prophetic Day of Atonement: while we walk before hwhy with reverence and awe, we are still waiting for the Great Priest to come forth from the heavenly tabernacle to vindicate His own and to judge those who have refused to walk in His ways. And this, He will surely do.

And we cannot say enough about continually accessing the very Presence of hwhy. Many believers like to talk about the Scriptures, but in their giving such overriding priority to Bible study, most congregations (and individuals) have omitted something of far greater importance: Seeking the Face of hwhy and abiding in His Presence through prayer. At various gatherings and worship meetings, there are Bible studies galore, while prayer is most often relegated to a one-hour slot, maybe once a week. Yet if one was to mention prayer meetings and corporate fasting to these souls, then he or she may well be regarded as a fanatical anomaly. The problem here is that believers can study the Scriptures and talk about their findings until they are blue in the face, but without the Presence of hwhy, they will never see or comprehend the truth of the Word at the level which they desire, or at the level which will result in them overcoming to inherit the Great Reward of life in the Messianic Age. For it is only in the light of His Presence that we are able to clearly see and obey the light of His Word:

For with You is the fountain of life: in Your light we shall see light.

Psalm 36:9

Bible study alone will not lead to the refining of one’s character and to the all-important goal of sanctification:72 such purity of heart and purpose will only come about through abiding (in prayer) in the Presence of hwhy. Further, it is only in the Presence of hwhy that we can don the armor of light, and so walk in victory. For those who major in Bible study, but who minor in prayer,73 we believe eswhy would say to them:

Be watchful,74 and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found

your works perfected before Elohim. Revelation 3:2

72 Philippians 3:7-14, Hebrews 12:14-15, 2Peter 1:3-11 73 Or worse still, who count prayer as an “elective.” 74 This directive clearly relates to the words of eswhy to watch and pray that we not enter into temptation: Matthew 26:41, Mark 13:33, 14:38, Luke 21:36.

15

hwhy commanded Abraham, “Walk before My face, and be perfect.”75 We walk before hwhy, only by continually abiding in His Presence in prayer. Sha’ul wrote, “The weapons of our warfare are mighty before Elohim, to the casting down of strongholds.”76 We must note this faithful emissary did not write: “The weapons of our warfare are mighty through Bible study.” However, he did write that these spiritual weapons were (and are) mighty before Elohim, meaning: These weapons are only wielded by the believer, and made mighty in His Presence through prayer! “Mighty before Elohim” connotes being in the powerful Presence of hwhy!77 And it is only in the Presence of hwhy that we may don the armor of light,78 for it is only when we draw near to Him that He draws near to us.79 When this occurs, the light surrounding Him80 will also engulf those who have drawn near to Him in prayer. This is why “the whole armor of Elohim” is also called “the armor of light.”

Let us be abundantly clear: we are not against Bible study. In no way do we object to Bible study! But we do oppose its wrongful place in today’s modern worship. While study is an all-important aspect of True Worship,81 it must not be allowed to relegate prayer to second place. Believers will not overcome until they obtain a heart for prayer, until hwhy pours out upon them “a spirit of favor and supplications.”82 We read that Rehoboam did evil because he prepared not his heart to seek hwhy:

And he did evil because he prepared not his heart to seek hwhy.

2Chronicles 12:14

Because fasting and prayer break up the fallow ground of one’s heart, it is only by fasting and prayer that our hearts may be prepared to seek and to find hwhy.83 And it is only those whose hearts are prepared to seek and to find hwhy who are also prepared to obey His Word. Those who know their spiritual need will truly hunger for the Presence of hwhy, the Presence which can only be known in prayer.84 An authentic, spiritual hunger and thirst will be manifested (and will also grow) as we endure the physical hunger and thirst which accompany fasting and prayer.85 The true proverb confirms this to be the case when it says … “He that is poor

75 Genesis 17:1 76 2Corinthians 10:4-5 77 2Corinthians 3:18 78 Romans 13:12, 2Corinthians 6:7, Ephesians 6:10-18 79 James 4:6-8 80 Psalm 104:1-2 81 Acts 17:11, 2Timothy 2:15. Even study, though, falls in line behind the all-important aspect of True Worship known as meditation, as in continual meditation on the Torah. Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Psalm 1:1-3, John 15:5,7, Romans 12:1-2, 1John 2:24 Our studies should be so directed as to feed and enlarge our times of meditation throughout the day and night. 82 Zechariah 12:10 83 Hosea 10:12, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 6:7 84 The general Christian view of prayer is often quite twisted: many believers pray simply because they want to follow their pastor, or leader, who teaches them the need to have what is commonly called “a prayer life.” This, then, leads many people to pray simply so they can talk about it, so they can fit into the norm, and so they can sound spiritual, or at least be socially acceptable in their religious realm. Prayer then becomes something used to get the “spiritual approval” of others and, as such, it often becomes a dry, lifeless event which many people endure just so they can mark it off on their daily “spiritual checklist” and get on with whatever it is they really want to do that day. When, through prayer, the Presence of hwhy becomes our life and our joy (Psalm 16:11), then a true, spiritual, and lifelong sojourn has begun in earnest. 85 Psalm 42:1-2, 63:1-2, 84:1-2, Matthew 5:6, Revelation 7:16

16

speaks with supplications.”86 Those who are spiritually poor will continually entreat hwhy for His favor.87 These are the people who know true strength is found only in hwhy. But the Most High will not speak favorably over the lives of those who did not overcome because their “seeking” of Him only amounted to gleaning unprofitable head-knowledge from the Scriptures and because their weekly attendance at worship services was merely a social engagement with no life-changing power:

28 They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters. 29 The bellows are burned,

the lead is consumed by the fire; the founder melts in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away. 30 Reprobate silver shall men

call them, because hwhy has rejected them. Jeremiah 6:28-30, Revelation 3:16-17

Those who do not seek hwhy with their whole hearts will be rejected.88

In seeking hwhy daily for our deep, spiritual needs, His Presence will soon become our joy and our life.89 Prayer will no longer be a dry, lifeless duty, or a spiritual task on the daily “checklist” that we feel must simply be endured and suffered through so we can then move on to something “better.” By accessing the very light of His Presence, those who seek hwhy in prayer will soon discover their study of Scripture is exceedingly more blessed and far more enlightened than they ever imagined possible: they will find their understanding of His Word begins to grow far beyond anything they ever asked or thought.90 What hwhy said to Yirmeyah/Jeremiah, He says also to us:

Call to Me and I will answer you, and will show you great and hidden things which you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:3

This promise is conditional: it requires those who desire to know the will of hwhy to ask, to seek, and to knock!91 We must ask for the ancient paths!92 We must call upon the Name of hwhy. Those who do not ask will not obtain; and those who ask with wrong motives will not be given the truth, but a delusional, lawless, anti-Torah understanding.93 On a positive note, many times our answers to prayer are granted in the Spirit by the impartation of a richer, fuller, and better understanding of His Word. So we state once more: Apart from reverent prayer and truly seeking hwhy, Bible study alone will not avail the follower of eswhy lasting results – the results which will eventuate in the Great Reward of the first resurrection and life in the Messianic Age.

86 Proverbs 18:23. Other versions render this text, “The poor uses entreaties,” and this shows forth the humble approach on the part of those who are poor in spirit. 87 Isaiah 57:15, 66:1-2 88 1Chronicles 28:9, 2Chronicles 15:1-2 89 Psalm 16:11, Job 33:26 90 Ephesians 3:20 91 Matthew 7:7-8. Note that “ask,” “seek,” and “knock,” are spoken of by eswhy in a context of fasting (Matthew 5:4-6, 6:16-18) and prayer (Matthew 5:43-46, 6:5-15). 92 Jeremiah 6:16, Matthew 5:17-20 > 7:7-8 93 Ezekiel 14:1-5, Isaiah 66:3-4, 2Thessalonians 2:10-12

17

Psalm 77 closes (vss. 14-20) with Yisrael’s remembrance of redemption from Egypt (at Passover), and these lines especially commemorate the parting of the sea as the nation went through on dry ground. By direct implication, hwhy is set forth as the Shepherd of His people because He led Yisrael like a flock by the hand of Mosheh and Aharon:

19 Your way was in the sea, and Your paths in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known. 20 You led Your people

like a flock, by the hand of Mosheh and Aharon. Psalm 77:19-20

Redemption (at Passover) is not complete without the full Atonement represented by the prophetic day known as “Yom Kippur.” Redemption is a great thing, to be sure: it is something which we must always remember and it is something in which we must always rejoice.94 But redemption is only the beginning: we must press on to perfection,95 and Yom Kippur speaks of the atoning work of hwhy by which He emblazons His Image into our very beings as the Spirit writes the Torah on our hearts and minds.96 If anyone thinks this does not occur when we are humbling ourselves before hwhy in fasting and prayer, there are many Scriptures which prove otherwise:

The fear of hwhy is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

Nothing fuels the fear/reverence of hwhy any more than fasting and prayer in the Spirit.

The fear of hwhy is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.

Proverbs 15:33

Through times of fasting and prayer, we grow in humility and thus, we become far more sensitive to the Spirit’s speaking and leading: we better learn to hear His voice. Of course, we will also find the Spirit can impart within our hearts and minds a far greater understanding of the Word. Through such times of fasting-derived humility, the words on the written pages of Scripture become ever so real to our hearts and minds. Nothing fuels humility and the fear/reverence of hwhy any more than fasting and prayer in the Spirit.

By humility and the fear of hwhy are riches, and honor, and life. Proverbs 22:4

Surely He scoffs at the scoffers, but He gives favor to the lowly. Proverbs 3:34

This is that “greater favor” of which Ya’acob wrote:

But He gives greater favor. Wherefore He says, “Elohim resists the proud, but gives favor to the humble.”

Ya’acob/James 4:6

94 Psalm 107:2, Luke 10:20, Philippians 4:4, 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 95 Hebrews 6:1-3, Philippians 3:7-14, Hebrews 12:14-15, 2Peter 1:3-11, Revelation 3:2 96 Hebrews 10:8-12, 2Corinthians 3:3, 17-18, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Isaiah 51:7-8, Psalm 40:8

18

The clear context of this statement relates to Ya’acob’s instructions to believers regarding their need to fast and pray. We know this from the many fasting-related terms which he incorporates by drawing upon age-old terminology given by the Spirit of hwhy in the Torah and Prophets.97 And by his use of so many fasting-related terms, Ya’acob was strongly emphasizing their great need to humble themselves before hwhy in this manner:

8 Draw near to Elohim, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn,

and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of hwhy, and He will lift you up.

Ya’acob/James 4:8-10

Below are a few Scripture references which clearly confirm the connection between fasting and these descriptive, key words (or phrases) related to this momentous act of True Worship.98 These key words help us to gain a better understanding of the various facets of this important spiritual weapon given by hwhy for our advantage in seeking and finding Him.

Key Words (or Phrases) Related to Fasting • Cleanse: Leviticus 16:29-30,34, Isaiah 1:16, Matthew 23:26, James 4:8 • Afflicted: Leviticus 16:29,31, 23:27,29,32, James 4:9 • Heaviness/Heavy: Isaiah 61:3, Ezra 9:3-5, Psalm 35:13-14, James 4:9 • Mourn: Isaiah 61:2-3, Psalm 35:13-14, Genesis 37:33-34, Esther 4:3, Isaiah 22:12, James 4:9 • Humble: Psalm 35:13, James 4:10 • Sackcloth (not directly mentioned by Ya’acob, but part of the affliction): Genesis 37:33-34, Esther 4:3, Psalm 30:11, 35:13, 69:11, Isaiah 22:12 • Weep: Psalm 69:10, Esther 4:3, Isaiah 22:12, James 4:8 • In the Sight of hwhy/Before hwhy: Leviticus 16:30, Isaiah 1:16, Matthew 6:17-18, James 4:10

On Yom Kippur, as we suffer in the flesh99 through fasting and vigilance, we cease from sin,100 and by His favor, the Word becomes flesh in our innermost beings: the Spirit of hwhy writes more of His Torah upon our hearts and minds.101 This is the very Torah which Yisrael of old failed to uphold through a life of walking by faith.102

Tehillah 78 ( a + z + e ) Remembrance is an important part of Yom Kippur, and in Psalm 78 we are taught the importance of memorializing the works of hwhy …

97 Matthew 5:17-20 98 Note: The list given (used by Ya’acob/James) is not exhaustive, but it does contain many such terms. 99 1Peter 4:1 100 Isaiah 58:6,8, 1Peter 4:1, Hebrews 12:1. Laying aside the sin which easily besets us is an act of one’s will, and according to Scripture, it is within the grasp of every believer. However, such victory is clearly related to/connected with the humility obtained through fasting and prayer. 101 Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Hebrews 8:8-12 102 Genesis 26:4-5, Matthew 5:17-20, Romans 2:13, 3:31, 9:31-32, 11:19-20, Hebrews 3:17-19, 4:2, James 4:11, 1John 5:2-3

19

Tehillah 78

Maschil of Asaph 1 Give ear, My people, to My Torah: incline your ear to the words of My mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old 3 which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.103 4 We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come104 the praises of hwhy, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He has done.105 5 For He established a testimony in Ya’acob, and appointed a Torah in Yisrael, which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:106 6 that the generation to come might know them, even the children who should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:107 7 that they might set their hope in Elohim, and not forget 108 the works of Elohim, but keep His commandments: 8 and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with Elohim. 9 The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. 10 They kept not the covenant of Elohim, and refused to walk in His Torah, 11 and forgot His works,109 and His wonders that He had shown them: 12 marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. 13 He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and He made the waters to stand as a heap. 14 In the daytime also He led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire110 … Psalm 78:1-14

Memorializing the great works of hwhy is not a dry, lifeless matter: it is a thing of the greatest magnitude, and something which should be entered into with reverence, awe, and wonder. Memorializing the great works of hwhy is such a vital aspect of True Worship that remembrance is to be carried on from generation to generation. Every Shabbat, the people of the Most High should remember and memorialize His great deeds of love and kindness bestowed on our fathers as well as ourselves. And such reverent memorializing of His great deeds should certainly be an integral part of Yom Kippur as well as every other Feast observance. In Nehemiah 9:1-38, we read of the remnant of those who fasted and prayed on the twenty-fourth day of the seventh month, and the majority of their prayer relates to remembering the great deeds of hwhy on Yisrael’s behalf! In a time of fasting and prayer, recounting the great works of hwhy is an essential, all-important aspect of the reverence, worship, and humility which are to accompany authentic fasting and prayer.

Tehillah 85 ( z + a + z + e ) Psalm 85 directly refers to hwhy covering the sins of His people:

1 hwhy, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Ya’acob. 2 You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. Selah. 3 You have taken away all Your wrath;

You have turned Yourself from the fierceness of Your anger. Psalm 85:1-3

103 (remembrance) 104 (remembrance) 105 (remembrance) 106 (remembrance) 107 (remembrance) 108 Remembrance! See all the times this special psalm shows (and emphasizes through repetition) remembering! 109 Verses 8-11 show the results of not remembering, of forgetting the wonders which hwhy has done. 110 Verses 12-14 recount specific deeds which were done by hwhy on Yisrael’s behalf!

20

The word used in verse 2, for “covered” – “You have covered all their sin” – is the same Hebrew word used in the phrase “Yom Kippur,” the Day (Yom) of Covering (Kippur). The blessings of shalom, lovingkindness/chesed, and truth can only be imparted to those whose sins are covered; we see this in the next few lines of the psalm:

4 Turn us, O Elohim of our salvation, and cause Your indignation toward us to cease. 5 Will You be angry with us for ever? Will You draw

out Your anger to all generations? 6 Will You not enliven us again, that Your people may rejoice in you? 7 Show us Your lovingkindness, hwhy,

and grant us Your salvation. Psalm 85:4-7

But once sins have been covered, and the salvation of hwhy has been shown, there is a most solemn warning that the recipients of such great blessings do not spurn His love and turn again to folly. This serious warning is seen in the very next line of Psalm 85:

I will hear what El hwhy will speak. For He will speak peace to His people, and to His chasidim:111 but let them not turn again to folly.

Psalm 85:8

This portion of the psalm relates to the present day, ongoing Yom Kippur in the Messiah, and it does so in at least two, very important ways:

1. Hearing what El hwhy speaks … 2. A warning not to turn back to folly.

Amazingly, very similar warnings – about hearing the voice of hwhy and about not returning to folly – are also found in the book of Hebrews …

On hearing the voice of hwhy, we read:

1 Elohim, having of old time spoken to the fathers in the prophets by various portions and in various manners, 2 has at the end of these days,

spoken to us in a Son112 … Hebrews 1:1-2

1 Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. 2 For if the word spoken through messengers proved

steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, 3 how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been

spoken through the Sovereign, was confirmed to us by those that heard … Hebrews 2:1-3

7 Wherefore, even Ruach ha’Qodesh says, “Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day

of temptation in the wilderness.” Hebrews 3:7-8

111 Chasidim = kind ones. Recipients of His chesed/kindness will, in turn, exhibit that chesed to others. 112 A reference to the Word of hwhy at the transfiguration. Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35

21

For to us was the Good News preached, as well as to them: but the word which they heard did not profit them, not

being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Hebrews 4:2 (see also vss. 6-7, 11-13)

… concerning whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

Hebrews 5:11, ISRV

See that you refuse not Him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more we will not escape,

if we turn away from Him that is from heaven: Hebrews 12:25

Thus, the Word of hwhy clearly indicates the importance of hearing His voice on Yom Kippur; and we have already established this is what He intends to occur every time we come before Him with fasting and prayer. Hearing His voice is the end to which the Spirit works every time a brother or sister humbles themselves through the affliction of fasting and prayer. The sincere of heart will hear His voice at these times, for hwhy will assuredly dwell with them greatly in the Spirit.113

And on the people of hwhy not turning again to folly, we read many famous and severe warnings in Hebrews …

Take heed, brothers, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living Elohim …

Hebrews 3:12

11 Let us, therefore, give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of Elohim is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing

even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:11-12

4 For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Set Apart Spirit, 5 and tasted the good word of Elohim, and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they impale to themselves the Son of Elohim afresh, and put Him to an open shame. 7 For the land which has drunk the rain that often comes upon it, and brings

forth herbs suitable for those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives blessing from Elohim: 8 but if it bears thorns and thistles, it is rejected, and near to a curse;

whose end is to be burned. Hebrews 6:4-8

How did the psalmist say it?

I will hear what El hwhy will speak. For He will speak peace to His people, and to His chasidim: but let them not turn again to folly.

Psalm 85:8 113 Isaiah 57:15, 66:1-2, 58:6-11

22

And another text is equally as severe:

26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment,

and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries. 28 A man that has set at naught the Law of Mosheh dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how

much sorer punishment, think you, shall he be judged worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of Elohim, and has counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was set apart a

common thing, and has done despite to the Spirit of favor? 30 For we know Him that said, “Vengeance belongs to Me, I will recompense.” And again, “hwhy shall judge

His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Elohim.” Hebrews 10:26-31

As the two previous segments of Scripture have shown, there is no more sacrifice for sins for those who spurn the great love and kindness of hwhy.114 And even in the New Covenant, we have examples of those who fell (died) 115 through disobedience as they turned again to folly:

1 But a certain man named Chananyah, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession, 2 and kept back part of the price, (his wife also being aware of it), and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Kepha said, Chananyah, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to Ruach ha’Qodesh, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 While it remained, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to Elohim. 5 And Chananyah, hearing these words, fell down and gave up the spirit: and great fear came upon all that heard it. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Kepha answered her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much. And she said, Yes, for so much. 9 But Kepha said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to try the Spirit of hwhy? Behold, the feet of those that have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out. 10 And she fell down immediately at his feet, and gave up the spirit: and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. Acts 5:1-10

eswhy did not abolish the death penalty as some have wrongly supposed and as so many erroneously teach. Scores of people automatically, but incorrectly deduce such a thing based on their misunderstanding of the account of the woman who was taken in the act of adultery:

2 And early in the morning He came again into the Set-apart Place, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman taken in adultery; and having set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, Teacher, this woman has been taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now in the Torah, Mosheh commanded us to stone such: what then do you say of her? 6 And they said this, trying Him, that they might have whereof to accuse Him. But eswhy stooped down, and with His finger, wrote on the ground. 7 But when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said to them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again He stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground. 9 And they, when they heard it, went out one 114 1Samuel 3:11-14, Jonah 2:8 115 Hebrews 3:17, 4:11-13, 1Corinthians 11:27-30

23

by one, beginning from the eldest, even to the last: and eswhy was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst. 10 And eswhy lifted up Himself, and said to her, Woman, where are they? Did no man condemn you? 11 And she said, No man, Master. And eswhy said, Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more. John 8:2-11

The Torah mandated both the man and the woman were to be stoned when found guilty of this sin.116 So where was the man? And why did the scribes and Pharisees fail to bring him also? Why did they bring only the woman? We believe the man was not there because he was part of the sinful lot who conspired to concoct the entire incident to confront and entrap the Messiah!117 The entire, demented mob was guilty of the sin of adultery because the man who went to the adulteress was complicit with this wretched scheme. The text of Hebrews 10:26-31 (seen above), along with the account of Chananyah and Sapphira, clearly show that eswhy did not abolish the death penalty in the New Covenant. But we must not further diverge from the other warnings seen in the Book of Hebrews. And the next one is surely among the most severe and most well-known warnings of all. Further, it is a somber warning which indicates the people of the Most High will lose their reward and experience the fire of His wrath if they turn again to folly:

25 See that you do not refuse Him that speaks. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall we not

escape who turn away from Him that is from heaven … 29 For our Elohim is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:25,29

Time after time, the Book of Hebrews echoes the warning:

… but let them not turn again to folly. Psalm 85:8

Moving on within Psalm 85, we now consider more thoughts on how the words in this song so greatly reveal the Fast of Yom Kippur. Fasting is associated in Scripture with fearing/reverencing hwhy, and we have mention of this fear, along with His salvation, in the 85th Psalm:

Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that honor may dwell in our land.

Psalm 85:9

This speaks of the deliverance and blessings which abide upon those who walk before hwhy by drawing near to Him118 with fasting and prayer. They daily live in the fasting-derived reverence, humility, and awe associated with Yom Kippur:

28 Therefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have favor, whereby we may offer well-pleasing service to hwhy with reverence

and awe: 29 For our Elohim is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29

116 Leviticus 20:10. I believe, though not dogmatically so, that the Messiah was writing this very law on the ground before the crowd of hypocritical and blood-thirsty men. 117 John 8:6 118 James 4:8-10

24

Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him (Psalm 85:9) … This is the salvation, or deliverance, which He has promised to the afflicted people, to those who afflict and humble themselves before Him with fasting and prayer.119 The psalm then continues:

10 Chesed 120 and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth springs out of the earth, and righteousness has looked down from heaven. 12 Yes, hwhy will give that which is good; and our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness goes before Him: He walks, and puts for a way His footsteps.121 Psalm 85:9-13

These lines speak of that “greater favor,”122 of that blessing which hwhy gives to those who humble themselves with fasting and prayer. Yisrael was promised an abundant harvest and national prosperity if they followed the Torah of hwhy … yet we see this abundance will break forth as never before when the High Priest comes forth from the heavenly tabernacle and returns to bless the entire earth:123

13 Behold, the days come, says hwhy, that the plowman will overtake the reaper, and the treader of

grapes him that sows seed … Amos 9:13

Fasting and prayer are the essential, beginning expressions of faith, love, and obedience. Consequently, these things lead to great blessings of physical prosperity and land harvest. But fasting and prayer will also yield great blessings of spiritual prosperity, including a great, spiritual harvest!124 These are the things which hwhy would teach His people though the Fast of Atonement, and these are the things into which He longs to see all of His people enter …

Tehillah 115 ( l + z + a + z + e ) We now arrive at the fifth and final psalm. Psalm 115 is the culmination of the running totals for the word “Azazel.” The total misparim value for the word “Azazel” is 115. And, first of all, Tehillah 115 mentions giving honor to the Name of hwhy. From all evidence, honoring the Name (ha’Shem) of hwhy on Yom Kippur was, in the mind of ancient Yisrael, a critical part of this Day. We say this because a false tradition regarding this matter has prevailed into modern times amongst many of the Jewish people. Specifically, many Jews claim that the Name of hwhy was uttered in Yisrael only once in the year, and this by the High Priest on Yom Kippur. Many factors contribute to our stance in regard to this being a false tradition. There are many instances of other Yisraelites speaking the Name of hwhy. These people were not the High Priest and the time of the year was not Yom Kippur. Boaz and his workers in the field blessed each other the in the Name of hwhy and they literally spoke the Name as part of this blessing.125 Not only so, this particular incident was not on Yom Kippur126 since the Scriptures recorded the encounter occurred in the weekly work fields 119 Psalm 18:27. (This was quoted earlier in the section on Tehillah 70.) 120 (i.e., kindness) 121 A prophecy of the Messiah, who declared Himself to be “the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6, 1Peter 2:21, 1John 2:6 122 James 4:6 123 Psalm 67:6-7 124 Isaiah 58:6-12, (13), Daniel 12:3 125 Ruth 2:4 126 A feast which occurs in the fall of the year.

25

during the barley harvest – a harvest which can be definitively pinpointed as having occurred in the spring.127 Our intent in bringing this out is not to lambaste Jewish tradition, although we have been warned to avoid religious tradition if it nullifies the immutable commandments of the Torah.128 Many times, however, Jewish traditions may leave us with the remnants of a very great truth. And this can be a positive thing: if a tradition can be recognized for what it is, there may be some benefit which can be derived from its wrongful elevation surrounding the worship of the Most High. Such is the case with the tradition we are presently considering: we believe this tradition shows us it was of the utmost importance for Yisrael to appeal to the Name of hwhy on Yom Kippur:

Not to us, hwhy, not to us, but to Your Name give honor, over Your loving kindness (chesed), over Your truth.

Psalm 115:1

Because Yisrael was appealing to the Name of hwhy, to His chesed and to His truth, it was a matter of great significance for the High Priest to pray in the Name hwhy, to invoke the Name of hwhy on Yom Kippur. The opening line of Psalm 115 confirms this very thing: it was a Day to honor the Name of hwhy; it was a Day to honor His kindness and truth. But this takes us back, once more, to the book of Hebrews and to the Scriptures which show that the High Priest, eswhy, continues to utter the Father’s Name and to manifest its greatness among His brothers in this present, ongoing Day of Atonement – the extended Yom Kippur in which we are now continually abiding in the New Covenant:

11 For both He that sets apart and those being set apart are all of One. For which cause He is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying,

“I will declare Your Name to my brothers; in the midst of the assembly I will sing Your praises.”

Hebrews 2:11-12

This was (and remains) in keeping with the Messiah’s promise to further reveal the Name of hwhy to His followers upon His ascension!

And I have made known to them Your Name, and will make it known; that the love with which You have

loved Me may be in them and I in them. John 17:26

If we obey eswhy in continually praying that hwhy will bring honor to His Name,129 then we will become His servants in advancing the Kingdom in all the earth, and He will further reveal the greatness of this Name to our fellow believers as well as to those He will yet call to His splendor and excellence.

Over Your Chesed/Kindness, Over Your Truth We must further elaborate on Tehillah 115 and the significant mention of the kindness and truth of hwhy made in its opening line:

127 Ruth 1:22, 2:17, 23. The barley harvest began during Pesach/Passover (in the early spring, not long after the fourteenth day of the first month), and it continued seven weeks until Shavuot (Pentecost). Leviticus 23:9-22 Yom Kippur would occur some five months later, in the fall season, on the tenth day of the seventh month. Leviticus 23:26-32 128 Matthew 15:3-9, Mark 7:6-13 129 Matthew 6:9-10

26

Not to us, hwhy, not to us, but to Your Name give honor, over Your kindness (chesed), over Your truth.

Psalm 115:1

Recall “kindness and truth” were also mentioned together in the last psalm considered:

10 Kindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth springs out of the earth,

and righteousness has looked down from heaven. Psalm 85:9-11

While the kindness/chesed and truth of hwhy are mentioned in both Psalms 85 and 115 (and both times they appear in a very significant, poetic fashion), the manner in which they are set forth in Psalm 115 is of special and particular importance. For in Tehillah 115, the preposition which precedes each of the words kindness and truth is “al” (le)130 meaning “upon,” “over,” or “above.”

… over (le) Your kindness (chesed), over (le) Your truth. Psalm 115:1

We believe this is a clear reference to the Ark of the Covenant over which the Name/Presence of hwhy dwelt. The dwelling of His Presence above the “mercy seat”131 and above the cherubim was a matter of great importance on Yom Kippur:

Shepherd of Israel, give ear, leading Yoseph as a flock, inhabiting the cherubim – shine forth.

Psalm 80:1

While it is not clear from this text, alone, the Presence of hwhy dwelt over the Mercy Seat, above and between the two cherubim:

18 And you shall make two cherubim of gold, of beaten work you shall make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat. 19 And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat you shall make the cherubim, on the two ends thereof … 20 And the cherubim shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be. 22 And there I will meet with you, and I will commune with you from above the mercy seat – from between the two cherubim which are upon the Ark of the Testimony – of all things which I will give you in commandment to the children of Yisrael. Exodus 25:18-19,20,22

Before continuing, we should note the following: “Mercy Seat” is a completely inaccurate and misleading translation; the Hebrew word used here is “covering,” trpk (kapporet): it was a lid, a covering for the contents within the Ark. This word “kapporet” has the same root as “kippur” in “Yom Kippur;” thus, the latter phrase is more accurately called the “Day of Covering,” as opposed to the “Day of Atonement.” But sins must be covered to be forgiven, so equating atonement with “covering” is not completely erroneous. In this regard, see Psalm

130 In modern Hebrew, this is the second word in Israel’s airline: le la, “El Al” Airlines, where “El Al” means, “To Above,” or as translated, “skyward.” 131 Exodus 25:17-22, Leviticus 16:2,13-15.

27

32:1-2 and Romans 4:5-8; these two texts show the essence of Yom Kippur, even for New Covenant believers: casting ourselves upon His lovingkindness/chesed and seeking His favor apart from works. However, to call the covering a “mercy seat” is scholarship at its worst, since there is nothing at all in the Hebrew which connotes a “seat” of any kind. The lid, or covering, of the Ark was used to conceal the Ten Commandments within the enclosed storage chest. Believers should have a foundational understanding of the Ark of the Covenant to better understand this kapporet/lid/covering and its relationship to the Presence of hwhy abiding with Yisrael.

The kapporet, or covering/lid, concealed and protected the Ten Words and the Testimony which were placed inside the Ark.132 These teachings represent the immutable standard of righteousness which hwhy required, and requires still, of His people.133 Hence, the kapporet was sprinkled with blood to keep the high priest and Yisrael from incurring the death penalty brought on by the requirement of the Torah. Apart from the shedding of blood,134 the death penalty would move, unchecked, throughout a land filled with curses and plagues.135 The unyielding requirements of the Torah were further emphasized by the death of those men who violated the ministry service surrounding the Ark: Nadab and Abihu died in the days of Mosheh,136 and Uzzah died in the days of David.137 Most, sad to say, wish to dwell on the seeming harshness of Elohim toward those who died, while failing to point out, or to recognize, the great blessings which came from the Presence of hwhy which dwelt upon the Ark.138 One of the greatest contrasts between the proud heart of King Sha’ul and the humble, grateful, seeking heart of King David is seen in relation to the Ark of the Covenant. When speaking of restoring the Ark to its rightful place in the Land, David said this to the congregation of Yisrael:

And let us bring back to us the ark of our Elohim: for we sought Him not in the days of Sha’ul.

1Chronicles 13:3

The Ark of the Covenant was approached on Yom Kippur during a time of reverent fasting and prayer. The Spirit signifying the special Presence, anointing, and revelation of hwhy are available to those who seek Him in such a way at any time: through the blood of eswhy, the Throne of hwhy in the Heavenly Tabernacle may be approached continually.139 As for Yisrael of old, the blood being placed upon the kapporet at Yom Kippur, the sins of the people were covered, and the blessings/Presence of hwhy would continue with His people. These things all foreshadowed the ongoing atonement made possible by the Messiah’s one sacrifice forever:140 His one time Offering makes continual atonement/cleansing possible for every believer:

132 Exodus 25:16,21, Deuteronomy 10:1-5 133 hwhy does not change, and neither do His standards. Malachi 3:6 134 Hebrews 9:22 135 As is the case with America today. 136 Leviticus 10:1-3 137 2Samuel 6:3-7 138 2Samuel 6:10-12 139 Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:14-16, 7:25 140 Hebrews 9:24-28

28

1 My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin: and if any one sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, eswhy the Messiah,

the Tzadik. 2 And He – He is the atoning offering for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

1John 2:1-2

With this cleansing comes not only forgiveness, but the power to fear hwhy, to overcome sin, and to walk uprightly.141 The New Covenant is different, not from the standpoint of changed moral requirements, 142 but from the standpoint of our Spirit-given ability/power to walk with increasing uprightness.143

The number seventy is clearly related to Yom Kippur and the covering of Yisrael’s iniquity. Not only does “Azazel” begin with the letter “Ayin” (70) – and we have seen the telling connection between Yom Kippur and Tehillah 70 – but the Fast was to take place on the 10th day of the 7th month (and 7 x 10 = 70). Yet this is not all: The Hebrew word kapporet/covering has a misparim value of 700 (70 x 10): ← ← ←

700 = (400) t + (200) r + (80) p + (20) k = trpk = kapporet = covering

Since 10 x 70 = 700, we understand this kapporet, then, to be prophetic of the covering/atonement in relation to the Ten Words144 (10) across the prophesied time span of seventy weeks (70):

24 Seventy weeks are decreed upon your people and upon your set apart city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to cover (rpk)145 iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to

seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Set Apart. Daniel 9:24

This becomes still more evident when we see the misparim of the Hebrew word for the veil not only has an identical value (of 700), but its letters are simply a different combination of the very same letters used in kapporet:

700 = (400) t + (20) k + (200) r + (80) p = tkrp = po-re-ket = veil

The veil in the wilderness Tabernacle corresponded to the veil which would be in the House, and within which was set the Ark of the Covenant: the veil/curtain concealed the Most Set Apart Place. Yet this veil, we are told, represented the flesh of the Messiah (a body You have prepared for Me146), and when His body was broken under the weight of sin,147 the veil was rent in two148 giving us the unparalleled privilege and honor of drawing near to the light-

141 Psalm 130:4 142 Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Matthew 5:17-20, 7:12, 23-25, Romans 2:13, 3:31, 8:2-3,7, 1Timothy 6:13-14, James 1:22-25, 4:11, 1John 2:4-6, Revelation 12:17, 14:12, 22:14 143 John 1:12, Romans 1:16, 6:12, 17-19, 8:4, 1Timothy 4:15 144 The Ten Words being a summary of all the Torah. 145 This is the word “kaphar” – the root word for “Kippur” in Yom Kippur. Kaphar has a misparim of 300 and it is used 16 times in Leviticus 16 where it means “cover,” and is translated “atone,” or “atonement.” 146 Psalm 40:6-8, Hebrews 10:4-10 147 Isaiah 53:4-6, 8, 10-12, Matthew 26:26, Luke 22:19, 1Corinthians 11:23-24 148 Matthew 27:50-51, Mark 15:37-39

29

filled and joy-imparting Presence of the Most High.149 In His last hours, eswhy spoke of His body and blood. And we see how both the Poreket/Veil (tkrp, rent in two as was His body) and the Kipporet/Covering (trpk, covered with His blood for atonement) prophesied of these two events (i.e., His broken body and His shed blood). It is not merely coincidence that both words have a misparim of 700. Misparim is an inspired and prophetic part of the immutable Word of hwhy just as all other revelations of truth which the Spirit provides.

Another lesson the Spirit would enjoin from the Ark of the Testimony, and the blood on the Kapporet/Covering, is one regarding Law and Grace (“grace” is hereafter rendered “favor”). The righteous, unyielding demands of a Qadosh Creator must be fully met, yet death will ensue when man fails to meet these standards. Thus, enters the favor of hwhy in covering the Law (inside the Ark) with the blood: the death of which all are worthy was transferred to One who was completely innocent. The gold on the Kapporet represented the heavenly nature of the Messiah and His sinless life, while the blood thereon spoke of the time when He would incur the death penalty to cover our sins. The required payment has been met. But where does the believer go from there? The thing which brought about the death penalty was the Law. So does this mean we are now free to continue violating the Torah? Absolutely not; the Torah still remains the unchanging, enduring standard of the One who changes not! The following shows the structure of “Law and Favor” as they operated in Yisrael both before and after the Messiah fulfilled the Scriptures as the Lamb who died on the tree:

A. The True Worshipper, While Righteous by Faith, is a Debtor to the Whole Law and is Incapable of Obedience Apart From Faith

B. The Blood of Bulls and Goats Covered Sins, but Did Not Remove Them

B. The Blood of the Messiah Covers Sins, and His Ongoing Atonement Removes Them150

A. The Worshipper is No Longer Encumbered With Debt and Sojourns Through Life Learning Obedience to the Torah Through Lessons of Faith Taught by the Spirit

By removing the condemnation brought on by the requirements of the Torah,151 hwhy is not removing the requirement of obedience (as so many teach and assume). Instead, being freed from the weight of debt and yearly guilt,152 we can truly progress in the righteousness which comes by faith in the shed blood of the Messiah: His life in us will work obedience to the Torah. As we learn to walk by faith, eswhy will cause the Word of hwhy to become flesh within us as the Spirit writes the Torah upon our hearts and minds.

7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, He says, “Behold, the days come, says hwhy, when I will make a new covenant with the House of Yisrael and with the house of Yahudah: 9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in My covenant, and I regarded them not, says hwhy. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Yisrael after those days, says hwhy; I will put My Laws into their mind, and write them in 149 Psalm 16:11, 27:1, 43:4, 104:2, 2Chronicles 30:22-26, Jude 1:24 150 Jeremiah 31:33-34, Hebrews 8:12 151 Romans 5:1 152 Hebrews 10:1-3

30

their hearts: and I will be to them an Elohim, and they will be to Me a people. Hebrews 8:8-12

The moral laws which Yisrael of old failed to uphold are the very laws of the Torah which hwhy expects us to obey through faith in eswhy and the power of the Spirit which He supplies.

Having pondered the ark’s importance, and the relationship of the ark’s kapporet/covering to the Presence of hwhy and His righteous, immutable, age-abiding standards – along with man’s inability to meet those requirements apart from the supernatural impartation of His Spirit – we return to His Presence which dwelt over the ark amidst Yisrael of old …

And the cherubim spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the kapporet, with their faces

one to another; even towards the covering were the faces of the cherubim. Exodus 37:9

And when Mosheh had gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with Him, then he heard the voice of One speaking to him from off

the kapporet that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubim: and He spoke to him.

Numbers 7:89

That the dwelling of hwhy is above and between the cherubim is confirmed by Ezekiel, who saw the actual throne of the Most High above the winged creatures:

Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubim there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

Ezekiel 10:1

Thus, the throne of hwhy is above and between the cherubim. We know the earthly ark was a copy of the real, heavenly one,153 in which the blazing throne154 of hwhy is seen setting in a position above and between the cherubim:

2 And He spoke to the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill your hand with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city. And in my sight, he went in.155 3 Now the cherubim stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.

4 Then the splendor of hwhy went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshhold of the House; and the House was filled with the cloud, and the court was

full of the brightness of the splendor of hwhy.156 Ezekiel 10:2-4

The writer of Hebrews also mentioned the Ark of the Covenant, along with the cherubim, in a context related to Yom Kippur:

153 Hebrews 8:5 154 Isaiah 33:14, Hebrews 12:25-29 155 See also Ezekiel 10:7 156 See Exodus 40:34-35, 1Kings 8:11, 2Chronicles 5:14, 7:2, Revelation 15:7-8

31

… 5 And over it the cherubim of splendor, shadowing the kapporet; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests always went into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service. 7 But into the second went the great priest, alone, once every year157 (not without blood), which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people. Hebrews 9:5-7

Hence, the kindness and truth of hwhy are of great importance in maters of atonement: while hwhy is a consuming fire (the stones of fire burning under His Throne),158 His kindness and truth preserve us:

21 This I recall to my heart; therefore I have expectation: 22 It is the chesed of hwhy, that we are not consumed, for His

compassions do not fail: 23 they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23

The psalmist also wrote of the preserving power of chesed and truth:

He shall abide before Elohim for ever: bestow kindness and truth, that they may preserve him.

Psalm 61:7 Many other Scriptures set forth the importance of the chesed and truth of hwhy,159 but His kindness and truth are matters of preeminent importance on Yom Kippur. Acknowledging the kindness and truth of hwhy is another aspect of true humility as our deliverance was, and continues to be, an act of His will,160 something for which He, alone, is to be honored and exalted:

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His chesed, He saved us …

Titus 3:5

While such an acknowledgment is important at all seasons, its significance was, and so remains, emphatic on Yom Kippur – a day of absolute affliction and humility.

The Heavenly Sanctuary As we have seen, the earthly tabernacle was a copy and shadow of the heavenly.161 Hence, the 115th Psalm ultimately exalts hwhy for dwelling as Sovereign in His heavenly Sanctuary:

2 Wherefore should the nations say, Where now is their Elohim? 3 But our Elohim is in the heavens: He has done whatsoever He pleased.

Psalm 115:2-3

Yet once more, and as equally or more so, the book of Hebrews also reveals the essence of Yom Kippur by declaring the Sovereignty of hwhy – the One who rules over all things from His Heavenly Sanctuary in Mount Tziyon:

157 “Once every year” meant on Yom Kippur, the Day of Covering. 158 Deuteronomy 4:23-24, Isaiah 30:27, 33:14, Ezekiel 28:14,16, Hebrews 12:28-29, Revelation 1:15 159 Genesis 24:27, 2Samuel 15:19-21, Psalm 25:10, 57:3,10, 69:13, 86:15, 89:14, 108:4, Proverbs 3:3, 14:22, 16:6, 20:28, Isaiah 16:5, Hosea 4:1-2,6, Micah 7:20 160 John 1:12-13, 1Corinthians 1:30, 2Corinthians 5:18, Ephesians 1:4 161 Hebrews 8:5

32

18 For you have not come to the mountain that might be touched,162 and that burned with fire … 22 But you have come to Mount Tziyon, and to the city of the Living Elohim, the heavenly Yerushalayim, and to an innumerable company of messengers …

23 … and to Elohim, the Judge of all … 24 And to eswhy, the Mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel.

25 See that you do not refuse Him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more, we will not escape

if we turn away from Him that is from heaven … Excerpts from Hebrews 12:18,22-25

During times of fasting and prayer (and this certainly includes Yom Kippur), the Spirit of hwhy intends for us to be still and to know that He is Elohim.163 As we learn to rest in the Presence of hwhy, as we learn to rest/trust in His great, all-pervasive sovereignty, we will also find our faith in His sovereign power growing in daily practice. The faith which can be still and rest in the Presence of hwhy during times of fasting and prayer164 is the very same faith which can stand still and see His salvation in times of great trials and difficulties.165 The resulting peace, rest, and strength – which we obtain in the Presence of hwhy during times of fasting and prayer – will give us an abiding strength and peace to carry forth as we face trials and difficulties:

… to whom He said, “This is the rest: cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing” … Isaiah 28:12

For thus says the Sovereign hwhy, the Set Apart One of Yisrael: In returning and rest you shall be saved, in quietness

and confidence shall be your strength … Isaiah 30:15

There is no rest like the rest which one obtains when dwelling in the love, joy, and peace which may only be found in the Presence of hwhy. These are the blessings which He has reserved for those who draw near to Him through the blood of eswhy. During times of fasting and prayer, we experience these things, firsthand, and it becomes one of our greatest lessons that the ancient paths of hwhy – the immutable, age-abiding ways which we see in His Torah – are paths of peace, rest, and refreshing.166

The Three Groups Within Yisrael One of the most amazing connections between Leviticus 16 and Psalm 115 is seen in the three groups mentioned in both segments of Scripture. We were stunned upon noticing Psalm 115 mentions three groups of people, three different segments of the population of Yisrael:

9 Yisrael, you trust in hwhy: He is their help and their shield. 10 House of Aharon, you trust in hwhy: He is their help and their shield.

11 Fearers of hwhy,167 trust in hwhy: He is their help and their shield. Psalm 115:9-11

162 (i.e., Mount Sinai) 163 Psalm 46:10 164 Isaiah 28:12, 30:15 165 Exodus 14:13, Psalm 46:10, 2Chronicles 20:17 166 Jeremiah 6:16, Matthew 11:28-30 167 This phrase is only two words in the Hebrew and they rhyme with a special beauty: “ Yir-ey hwhy ” …

33

Notice the three groups mentioned in Tehillah 115:

1. The House of Yisrael.

2. The House of Aharon.

3. Those that Fear hwhy.

Yet these are the very three groups mentioned in Leviticus 16, and as such, they are the three groups within Yisrael who are seen observing the Fast of Yom Kippur!

1. The House of Yisrael “The House of Yisrael” would entail all descendants of Ya’acob, all members of all twelve tribes:

And there shall be no man in the Tent of Meeting when he goes in to make atonement in the Set Apart Place, until he comes out, and has made atonement

for himself, and for his household, and for all the assembly of Yisrael. Leviticus 16:17

19 And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and set it apart from the uncleanness of the children of Yisrael.

20 And when he has made an end of reconciling the Set Apart Place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. 21 And Aharon shall lay both his

hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Yisrael, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them

upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness …

Leviticus 16:19-21

2. The House of Aharon The House of Aharon (within the tribe of Levi)168 formed the segment of the priesthood selected to render special service in the Tabernacle of Yisrael;169 and the men who served in this capacity needed to be clean before hwhy.

6 And Aharon shall present the bullock of the sin-offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself, and for his house.

Leviticus 16:6

11 And Aharon shall bring the bullock of the sin-offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house,

and shall kill the bullock of the sin-offering which is for himself … Leviticus 16:11

And there shall be no man in the Tent of Meeting when he goes in to make atonement in the Set Apart Place, until he comes out, and has made atonement

for himself, and for his household, and for all the assembly of Yisrael. Leviticus 16:17

168 Those not of Aharon’s house would include all Yisraelites in all the other eleven tribes, and it would also include those Levites who were not among Aharon’s descendants. 169 Numbers 16-18

34

3. Fearers of hwhy: the Engrafted Gentiles The House of Aharon and the House of Yisrael were not the only ones who observed Yom Kippur; we see the strangers who sojourned in Yisrael were also commanded to observe the Fast:

And this shall be a statute for ever to you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all,

whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourns among you … Leviticus 16:29

All sojourners who loved the Name of hwhy, all those who feared/revered His great Presence and sovereign power, all such persons became a part of the congregation of the assembly of Yisrael! There was one law to him that was native born and one law to the stranger, or sojourner:170 all those who were a part of Yisrael must humble themselves before hwhy on Yom Kippur …

29 And it shall be an age-abiding statute to you: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and shall do no manner

of work, the native, or the stranger that sojourns among you: 30 for on this Day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you: from all your sins you will be clean

before hwhy. 31 It is a Shabbat of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict your souls: it is an age-abiding statute.

Leviticus 16:29

And, as seen in Tehillah 115, all three groups were promised blessings for observing Yom Kippur:

hwhy has been mindful of us; He will bless us:

He will bless the house of Yisrael.

He will bless the house of Aharon.

He will bless those that fear hwhy,

both small and great. Psalm 115:12-13

Not surprisingly, when the Great Priest comes forth from the heavenly Tabernacle in the Day of hwhy (i.e., at the end of this present, ongoing, prophetic Yom Kippur), He will have a reward, not only for the faithful descendants of Ya’acob, but also for the small and the great among all those who have been grafted into the Olive Tree of Yisrael171 through their faith in the Messiah:

“And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead to be judged, and to give the reward to Your servants the prophets and

to the set-apart ones, and to those who fear Your Name, small and great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

Revelation 11:18, ISRV

The wrath of hwhy seen in the Revelation provides us with yet another connection to Yom Kippur and it gives more evidence that New Covenant believers are living in a protracted, 170 Exodus 12:49, Leviticus 24:22, Numbers 15:16, 29 171 Romans 11:17-24, Ephesians 2:12-22

35

ongoing, prophetic Day of Atonement – a Day which will culminate in the emergence of the High Priest, eswhy the Messiah, coming forth from the Heavenly Tabernacle to reward those whose sins were covered during this period and to judge those whose sins have not been covered. Not surprisingly, along with the Apocalypse, the Book of Hebrews also mentions the great, cataclysmic upheavals which will be known in all the earth at the end of this awe-filled Day of Atonement:

26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only earth, but also heaven.” 27 And this word, ‘Yet once more,’ signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have favor, by which we may serve hwhy acceptably, with reverence and awe. 29 For our Elohim is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:26-29

Absolutely no one can fathom the great, indescribable upheavals which the earth is about to undergo. In that day, the mightiest of men will cower in fear;172 the slain of hwhy will be many;173 and few men will remain.174 But as we abide in this present Day of Atonement, and as we continue in reverence and awe, the Spirit of hwhy will guide, bless, and protect those who continually draw near to His Presence at the Throne of favor.175

Returning to Yisrael of old: Having obeyed hwhy in afflicting their souls and observing this great Day of Yom Kippur, His blessings would continue upon the entire nation:

14 hwhy increase you more and more: you and your children. 15 Blessed are you of hwhy, Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 115:14-15

hwhy is opposed to the proud, but He gives favor to the humble. One can only imagine the great blessings He poured out on an entire nation who had humbled themselves before Him of old for an entire day of nationwide fasting and prayer!

In closing, we once more mention the text of Leviticus 16:30:

… for on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you. From all your sins, you will be clean before hwhy.

For there yet remains an unfulfilled prophecy regarding fasting and cleansing, and it is one which mentions the house of Levi (among whom was the House of Aharon):

10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Yerushalayim, the spirit of favor and supplications: and they will look to Me, ta 176 whom they have pierced, 172 Zephaniah 1:14-18 173 Isaiah 66:16-17 174 Isaiah 24:6, 1Thessalonians 4:15. Sha’ul spoke of those who would remain until the coming of the Sovereign because he knew of the great judgment of plagues and overwhelming, cataclysmic upheavals which would destroy the majority of those now dwelling upon the earth. 175 Psalm 73:rr-rr, Hebrews 4:15-16, 7:25, 10:1-4 176 The Hebrew text here reads …“and they shall look to Me, Et (ta) that they have pierced.” “Et” (ta) is a two-letter, Hebrew word which is composed only of the aleph and the tav. Thus, the great significance of this prophecy is better understood when its fulfillment is seen in the vision of Yochanan: eswhy calls Himself the Aleph and the Tav and Yochanan quotes Zechariah 12:10 to reveal the Messiah is the One who was pierced as well as the One who will be returning for His people:

36

and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. 11 In that day there will be a great mourning in Yerushalayim, as the mourning of Hadad-Rimmon in the valley of Megiddon. 12 And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; 13 the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; 14 All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart. 1 In that day there will be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Yerushalayim for sin and for uncleanness. Zechariah 12:10-13:1

We believe it is quite likely that this Scripture will find its fulfillment on Yom Kippur in the time period immediately surrounding the Messiah’s return: the tribes of Yisrael will mourn over their past treatment and rejection of eswhy as they abhor themselves177 saying, “Our fathers have inherited naught but lies …” Jeremiah 16:19.

So What Did it All Mean? Upon realizing the misparim of Azazel revealed such an overwhelming, profound connection to Yom Kippur in the very psalms which corresponded to its numerical progression – Psalms 70, 77, 78, 85, and 115 – we found ourselves leaning towards the view that the goat for Azazel must have represented something of a more positive nature.178 However, over the years, we continued to remain open to whatever the Spirit might, at some future point, reveal in this regard. hwhy is faithful and loving, and He would eventually shine greater light on the matter, although it would be much later than the Yom Kippur of 2001.

Yet that day – the day on which the numerical progression of Azazel revealed an amazing connection to five, special psalms (whereby the Spirit gave further understanding of those things set forth in the above discourse) – that day will always be remembered as very great in the mind of this believer. The connection between Yom Kippur, the five psalms seen above, and the text of Leviticus 16, subsequently led to additional truth regarding fasting-derived humility and the prophetic Yom Kippur in which New Covenant believers are now abiding. And since fasting-derived humility may be one of the believer’s most powerful spiritual weapons, it makes such a connection so blessed and memorable: To better understand the various aspects of fasting and prayer is to be more fully equipped serve hwhy in Spirit and in truth and to be more fully empowered to further His Kingdom in all the earth.

Whether we know it or not, and whether or not we even realize it in this lifetime, we will always blessed for simple obedience. And on many occasions, one of the greatest, most

7 Behold, He comes with clouds; and every eye will see Him, and they also who pierced Him:

and all tribes of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, amein. 8 I am the Aleph and the Tav, the Beginning and the End, says hwhy, who is, and who was, and who is to come, Shaddai. 9 I, Yochanan, who also am your brother,

and companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdom and patience of eswhy the Messiah, was in the island that is called Patmos, for the Word of Elohim, and for the testimony of eswhy the Messiah. 10 I was in the Spirit

in the Day of hwhy, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, I am the Aleph and the Tav, the First and the Last. And what you see, write in a book,

and send it to the seven assemblies … Revelation 1:7-11 177 Job 42:5-6 178 Beginning with Ellen G. White, many across the decades have erroneously claimed the second goat – commonly called “the scapegoat” – represents Satan himself. We will show why this is a most unlearned deduction which introduces contradictions into the Scriptures.

37

immediate rewards is the Spirit granting an increased understanding of the Word of hwhy.179 This present work is set forth as a testimony (amongst so many others across the centuries) that when we seek hwhy by fasting and prayer, He will most assuredly write His Torah upon our hearts and minds. Our thanks is offered to hwhy for the further truth which has been revealed in regard to Azazel since the Yom Kippur of 2001. This word’s misparim served as a “key” to unlock the psalms and to further unfold the observance of Yom Kippur. Those many truths have not only been set forth throughout the above discourse, but they are further included in the various thoughts which now follow. The Spirit of hwhy reveals yet more truth regarding Azazel, and these are the truths which we will now address in the closing pages of the study …

The Messiah: Bearing Our Sins in Death and in the Resurrection We find ourselves in agreement with Dr. Bullinger regarding the second goat. In directing the second goat was to be “for Azazel,”180 the Spirit’s intent becomes clear as we ponder the facts of the matter. As the editor of the Companion Bible, E.W. Bullinger sets forth the following thoughts regarding Azazel in the margins of his excellent reference and study text:181

• It took two goats to represent eswhy the Messiah:

A.) The goat presented “for hwhy” represented the death of eswhy as a “sin offering.” Leviticus 16:9

B.) The goat presented “for Azazel” represented the work of eswhy in the resurrection. This second goat was sent into the wilderness, the symbol of the abode of all evil things. Azazel epitomized the enemies of hwhy, and since our High Priest, eswhy, ever lives to make intercession for us, He can now say to our enemies: “Who is he that condemns?” Romans 8:33-34 Further, it is through the atoning work of eswhy, both in death and in the resurrection, that we are delivered from him who has the power over death, the Devil.182 It is His ministry in the resurrection – now interceding for us as the Great Priest – which brings us such deliverance and blessings.

• Dr. Bullinger further points out that the second goat bearing away the iniquities of the people183 corresponded to the Hebrew of Isaiah 53:4:

Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of Elohim, and afflicted.

Isaiah 53:4

We add that, as eswhy did this in His life on earth, how much more does He (who changes not184) do this in His life and ministry in the resurrection by interceding for us at the Right Hand of hwhy?

We concur with Mr. Bullinger’s view, and now set forth additional, confirmatory evidence which proves this dedicated man wrote correctly on the matter. Our closing sections are all 179 Psalm 111:10, 119:98-100, John 14:21 > Philippians 3:8-11 180 Note: The second goat was not Azazel, it was for Azazel. 181 See the Companion Bible margins on Leviticus 16, pages 155-156. 182 Hebrews 2:14 183 Leviticus 16:22 184 Hebrews 13:8

38

offered to support this view and to show how it leads to further truth with profound and far-reaching implications. Because eswhy said of the Scriptures: “These are they which speak of Me,”185 we always do well to first contemplate whether any given prophetic type might possibly exalt the work of hwhy through His Mashiach/Messiah. Does a text speak of eswhy in such a way that it enables us to more fully give Him the preeminence in all things?

And He is the Head of the Body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things

He might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18

The First Goat Speaks of eswhy The first goat represented the death of eswhy ha’Mashiach as the sin offering. Many Scriptures point to the fact that the sinless life of eswhy can only be imputed/accounted to the believer as righteousness because the Messiah suffered an unjust death according to the will of hwhy:

18 For the Messiah, also, has once suffered for sins, the Righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to Elohim, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive

by the Spirit: 19 by which He also went and preached to the spirits in prison. 1Peter 3:18-19

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of Elohim.

2Corinthians 5:21, ISRV

21 But now, apart from the Torah, a righteousness of Elohim has been revealed, being witnessed by the Torah and the Prophets, 22 and the righteousness of Elohim is through belief in eswhy Messiah to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the esteem of Elohim, 24 being declared right, without paying, by His favour, through the redemption which is in Messiah eswhy, 25 whom Elohim set forth as an atonement, through belief in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His tolerance Elohim had passed over the sins that had taken place before, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He is righteous and declares righteous the one who has belief in eswhy. Romans 3:21-26, ISRV

hwhy begins by imputing to us the righteousness of His Son, canceling all debts, that we might be free to learn, to grow, and to progress in practical righteousness throughout a lifetime of meaningful service.186 It is a lifelong sojourn and one which is filled with immense love and joy from the very outset. And it was all made possible by His unspeakable gift in dying for us on the Tree:187 eswhy was the sin offering188 and His death was prophesied by the first goat offered for hwhy 189 on Yom Kippur.

185 John 5:39, Luke 24:25-27 186 Romans 8:1 187 2Corinthians 9:15 188 Isaiah 53:6,8,10-12 189 Who was acting for us!

39

The Second Goat Speaks of eswhy The second goat represented the resurrection life of eswhy ha’Mashiach as the One sent forth free into the wilderness. We return, once more, to the first Scripture, cited above in regard to the Righteous for the unrighteous:

18 For the Messiah, also, has once suffered for sins, the Righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to Elohim, being put to

death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit: 19 by which He also went and preached to the spirits in prison.

1Peter 3:18-19

Amazingly, not only does this Scripture show He died as the first goat, the Just for the unjust, but this text shows eswhy was also the fulfillment of the second goat – the goat sent forth for Azazel – as He went forth to the abode of evil spirits who had been shut in prison:

And the messengers who kept not their proper abode, but left their own habitation, He has reserved in perpetual bonds under

darkness for the judgment of the great day. Jude 1:6 190

Some will object, saying that the Messiah was in the tomb, being dead and without any consciousness until resurrected on the third day. And we completely agree with that statement! But where, in the lines above, did we ever say His visit to this “prison” took place during the time He lay in the grave? However, after His resurrection and before His permanent ascension to the Right Hand of the Father, eswhy spent forty days over which He appeared to His chosen ones. Of this great, momentous time period, Luke wrote:

… to whom also He showed Himself alive after His suffering, by many infallible proofs, being seen by them forty days, and speaking

of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of Elohim. Acts 1:3

This great text recounts the 40-day duration of His teaching amongst the apostles; however, nothing in this Scripture ever says the Messiah was with His apostles in continual, unbroken fellowship during that span of forty days! So where was eswhy when He was not with the apostles? We believe at least part of what He was doing involved preaching to those spirits now in prison: eswhy descended into the lower parts of the earth! The apostle Sha’ul likewise wrote of eswhy descending into the lower parts of the earth to preach to those imprisoned spirits:

190 The Book of Enoch even indicates Azazel was one of the spirits who led the rebellion when the angels left their first estate and went after strange flesh. Jude 1:6-7, Genesis 6:1-2 The Zohar and Islamic traditions likewise say that Azazel lusted after mortal women and corrupted the earth before the Flood, and nearly all sources concur he was bound in chains in the abyss for these sins: • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azazel • http://www.ccel.org/c/charles/otpseudepig/enoch/ENOCH_1.HTM (see Chapter 8) • http://www.ucg.org/un/un0009/azazel.htm • http://www.answers.com/topic/azazel

40

7 But to every one of us is given favor according to the measure of the gift of the Messiah. 8 Wherefore He says, “When He ascended up on high, He led captivity

captive, and gave gifts to men.” 9 Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same

also that ascended up, far above all heavens, that He might fill all things. Ephesians 4:7-10

If any doubt the truth of what we are writing, clear evidence indicates some (or all) of these spirits may well be released in the Last Days as the bottomless pit is opened and they ascend from the abyss to torment mankind.191 Further, this place in “the lower parts of the earth” – called the abyss, or the bottomless pit – is also the locale where the Adversary will be bound for the 1000-year Millennium.192 It is of great significance that eswhy preached to those spirits now in prison. But this was only part of His being set free as the Second Goat and being sent into a land cut off for Azazel!

Like the second goat, upon His resurrection, eswhy was free: while He bore/bears away the iniquity of His people,193 death no longer has any power or dominion over Him:194 He is alive forevermore!195 The second goat represented the atonement work of eswhy which was to occur in the resurrection. Notice the goat goes to a land not inhabited196 (more properly, a land cut off), and this fits precisely with the words of eswhy, first to the Yahudim, and then to His followers:

21 Then eswhy said to them again, “I go My way, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sins: Where I go, you cannot come.” 22 Then said the Yahudim,

“Will He kill Himself? Because He said, “Where I go, you cannot come.” John 8:21-22

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek Me: and as I said to the Yahudim, “Where I go, you cannot come,” so I say now to you.

John 13:33

As the Second Goat, eswhy was going to a land not inhabited, a land cut off; it would be a place where no other man could come, for no other man could ever be worthy.197

Finally, as we have seen throughout the study, the atonement ministry of eswhy is ongoing,198 and this is irrefutable evidence we yet live in an extended Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur. May all of our readers burn with zeal to partake in this Day of Salvation before the time expires!199

191 Revelation 9:1-11 192 Revelation 20:1-3, Isaiah 24:21-22 193 Leviticus 16:22, Isaiah 53:11-12, Hebrews 7:25, 1John 2:1-2 194 Acts 2:24, Romans 6:8-9 195 Hebrews 5:5-6, 7:25, Revelation 1:17-18 196 Leviticus 16:22 197 Revelation 5:1-14 198 Leviticus 16:22, Isaiah 53:11-12, Hebrews 7:25, 1John 2:1-2 199 2Corinthians 6:2, Hebrews 2:3

41

Why the Second Goat is Not a Prophetic Type of Satan For many decades, a popular notion has prevailed in regard to the second goat – the goat presented for Azazel. Specifically, many have been of the opinion that this goat represented Satan, who (as proponents of the view supposed) would eventually bear upon himself all the iniquity which he spawned in the world. While the previous discussion should provide sufficient evidence that the second goat spoke of the resurrection ministry of the Messiah, we add a few more thoughts to show this goat was not a prophetic type of Satan.

• The second goat was not Azazel: it was set free for Azazel.

• While the second goat was set free, there are many who erroneously insist this goat being released into the wilderness was a prophetic type of the time when Satan will be bound in the abyss for the 1000-year Millennium! But how can a goat being set free ever be equated with Satan being helplessly, inextricably bound in a great chain?!200 Quite simply, the two cannot be equated, and the prophetic type fails miserably.

Still More Evidence That eswhy Was the True, Second Goat For many years, perhaps even centuries, an erroneous Jewish tradition prevailed wherein the so-called “scapegoat” was sent to its death by being thrust over a cliff on Yom Kippur.201 Amazingly, this false tradition provides still more evidence that eswhy was the True fulfillment of the Second Goat. While nothing in all of Scripture indicated this goat was to ever be so terribly abused and mistreated, the vain traditions of man (which ever creep into the already perfect and awe-inspiring Word of hwhy) somehow prevailed for a season allowing this cruel thing to be done in Yisrael once a year on Yom Kippur. But not only does hwhy use this false tradition to show forth the Messiah as the true fulfillment of the Second Goat, He made this revelation by rebuking the very tradition of which we speak!

14 And eswhy returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and news went out concerning Him through all the region round about. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being magnified by all. 16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and He entered, as His custom was, into the synagogue on the Shabbat Day, and stood up to read. 17 And there was delivered to Him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of hwhy is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are bruised: 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of hwhy.” 20 And He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today has this Scripture been fulfilled in your ears.” Luke 4:12-21

For this Scripture to have been fulfilled in the ears of those listening, we believe two things were true:

1. This Yom Shabbat was also Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. We say this because eswhy was announcing the year of release, and Yom Kippur was the day upon which this was done.202

200 Revelation 20:1-3 201 The tradition was erroneous because it goes far beyond what is written. Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32, Proverbs 30:5-6 202 Leviticus 25:8-10

42

2. Further, this Yom Kippur was the one which announced the Year of Jubilee: the 50th Year,203 the Year of Release, the Acceptable Year of hwhy.204 The year of Jubilee prophesied of the release from bondage which would be brought about by the ministry of eswhy!205 When His ministry began, so began a great freedom from bondage!206 Hence, His appearing and His ministry were the start of great victories for the people of the Most High.

But the story on that day, with eswhy in the synagogue, is not yet finished. We continue in the very next verse …

22 And all bore witness to Him, and wondered at the words of favor which proceeded out of His mouth: and they said, “Is not this the son of Yoseph? 23 And He said to them, “Doubtless you will say to Me this parable, ‘Physician, heal yourself: Whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in Your own country. 24 And He said, “Amein, I say to you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country. 25 But of a truth I say to you, There were many widows in Yisrael in the days of Eliyah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land. 26 And to none of them was Eliyah sent, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Zidon, to a woman that was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Yisrael in the time of Elisha, the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 And they were all filled with wrath in the synagogue,207 as they heard these things. 29 And they rose up, and cast Him forth out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might throw Him down. 30 But He passed through the midst of them going His way. Luke 4:22-30

Just as Yisrael did with the second goat on Yom Kippur, so they attempted to do with eswhy the Messiah. But the true Second Goat was not to be thrown over a cliff on Yom Kippur: He would die according to the will of hwhy, and He would then be released from death in the resurrection; the One who proclaimed the Year of Release would Himself, as the Second Goat, be released from the chains of death208 to continue proclaiming the Kingdom of hwhy that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “Of the increase of His government and of peace, there shall be no end!”209

hwhy Has Made All Things for His Purpose It was earlier stated that, in all of Scripture, Leviticus 16 is the only place Azazel is seen. Further, we have seen how this Hebrew word functions as a very special and amazing key to unlock the door to a fuller understanding of certain psalms. And part of the amazement rests in the fact these great psalms give us a fuller insight into various aspects of the Yom Kippur observance. And yet, there is still much more to this Hebrew word: Azazel is mentioned exactly four times in the Leviticus text. Hence, the misparim of this word being 115, the total misparim for each occurrence progresses from 115 to 460:

203 (not the 49th) 204 Leviticus 25:8-13 205 Acts 10:38 206 John 8:31-32, Hebrews 2:14-15, Acts 10:38 207 Here we see the people of Nazareth, in their failure to recognize the Messiah, kindling a fire (of anger, Exodus 35:3) on the Shabbat. 208 Acts 2:24, Romans 6:8-9 209 Isaiah 9:7

43

Azazel x 1 = 115 Azazel x 2 = 230 Azazel x 3 = 345 Azazel x 4 = 460

The numerical significance of 345 is profound beyond measure:210 for now, we will simply indicate 345 is the misparim for the Hebrew word/phrase “Ha’ Shem,” meaning, “The Name,” as in the Name of hwhy: ← ← ←

345 = (40) M + (300) S + (5) h = MSh = Ha’ Shem = The Name

And this, once more, brings us back to the ministry of eswhy as Ha’Coheyn ha’Gadol, the Great Priest after the order of Melchi-Tzedek. eswhy promised to further reveal the Name (ha’Shem) of hwhy to His brothers after He ascended to the Father:

And I have declared to them Your Name, and will declare it: that the love with which You

have loved Me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:26, Hebrews 2:11-12

Below we see only some of the evidence which shows how the Messiah revealed, and still reveals, each of the ten facets of the Name of hwhy to His faithful followers …

1. hwhy – Yireh;211 hwhy Will See/Provide: Philippians 4:19, Matthew 14:15-21, 15:32-38, Mark 6:35-44, Luke 9:12-17, John 6:5-12, 2Peter 1:2-3, John 10:10.

2. hwhy – Ropheka;212 hwhy that Heals You: Matthew 4:24, 8:16-17, 12:15,22, 14:14, 15:30, 19:2, 21:14, Luke 9:11,42, John 5:1-9, 9:1-14, Acts 10:37-38.

3. hwhy – Nissi;213 hwhy my Banner: John 16:33, Romans 8:37-39, 1Corinthians 15:57, Hebrew 12:2, 1John 5:1-5, Revelation 12:11, 15:2.

4. hwhy – Mekaddishkem;214 hwhy that Sets You Apart: Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, 1Corinthians 1:31, Hebrews 2:11-12, 4:9.

5. hwhy – Shalom;215 hwhy (is) Peace: Isaiah 9:6-7, Matthew 5:9, Mark 9:50, John 14:27, 16:33, Romans 5:1, 8:6, 10:15, 14:17,19, Ephesians 2:14-15,17, 2Thessalonians 3:16.

6. hwhy – Tseba-oth;216 hwhy of Hosts: Matthew 13:41, 24:30-31, Mark 13:26-27, Revelation 19:11-14.

7. hwhy – Tzidkenu;217 hwhy our Righteousness: 1Corinthians 1:30-31, 2Corinthians 5:21, Romans 2:13, 3:31, 8:1-4, Galatians 2:20.

210 See the study in this series entitled: “The Prophet Mosheh and the Name of YHWH.” 211 Genesis 22:14 212 Exodus 15:26 213 Exodus 17:15 214 Exodus 31:12-13. We note the promise to be set apart by hwhy is first revealed in connection to observing the Shabbat. Thus, the Messiah’s declaration that He was Sovereign of the Shabbat (Matthew 12:8, Mark 2:27-28) was also a declaration that He orchestrates the sanctification of those who observe the Seventh Day. True, lasting sanctification is, in every way, connected to the Shabbat covenant – a “covenant of promise.” Ephesians 2:12, Exodus 31:12-17. 215 Judges 6:24 216 1Samuel 1:3 217 Jeremiah 23:6, 33:16

44

8. hwhy – Shammah;218 hwhy is There: Matthew 1:23, 1Corinthians 14:23-25, Revelation 1:12-13, 19-20 >> Revelation 2:1; Revelation 21:3-4.

9. hwhy – Elyon;219 hwhy Most High: Matthew 28:18, Acts 2:32-33, Ephesians 1:19-23, 2:5-6, Hebrews 1:3.

10. hwhy – Roi;220 hwhy my Shepherd: Matthew 9:36, John 10:11,14,16, Hebrews 13:20, 1Peter 2:25, 5:4, Revelation 7:16-17.

So how is eswhy, the Living Word, using Azazel to further reveal His Father’s Name? If Azazel refers, metaphorically, to the enemies of hwhy, then it is fitting that eswhy would ascend into the heavens to prepare a table for His brothers. This is yet another aspect of what hwhy is doing through His Son to reveal Himself as hwhy-Roi, “hwhy my Shepherd:”

hwhy is my Shepherd, I shall not lack … You prepare a Table before me in

the presence of my enemies … Psalm 23:1,5

The book of Hebrews not only reveals eswhy to be Ha’Coheyn ha’Gadol (the Great Priest), but also hwhy -Roi, the Shepherd of the sheep:

20 Now the Elohim of shalom, that brought again from the dead our Sovereign eswhy, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you perfect in every good work to do His will,

working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through eswhy the Messiah; to whom be splendor to the age and beyond. Amein.

Hebrews 13:20-21

Since the heavens are, from all evidence, still being cleansed,221 and since, upon His ascension, eswhy has gone to prepare a place for us,222 it is also evident He is setting a table before us in the presence of our enemies, even as the 23rd Psalm has so aptly stated.

But there are greater ways, still, in which eswhy is using Azazel to further reveal His Father’s Name: Epitomizing all the enemies of hwhy, Azazel provides us with one of the greatest revelations of the Name of hwhy in all of Scripture. It is this subject to which we now give complete attention.

How Does Azazel Prophesy of One of the Greatest Revelations of the Name of hwhy? At the outset of our study, we promised it would be clearly seen how Azazel prophesies of that great day when the Sovereign hwhy will have prevailed over all His enemies and every knee bows before Him in eternal, reverent allegiance. On this side of the Kingdom, there are three groups mentioned in the Scriptures, and we believe they refer to three harvests, or three resurrections out of death. Not only so, these three groups are mentioned at least three different times!

218 Ezekiel 48:35 219 Psalm 7:17, 47:2, 97:9 220 Psalm 23:1 221 Ephesians 6:12, Hebrews 9:23-24, Revelation 12:7-10 222 John 14:1-3

45

• The Three Measures of Meal (Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3) • The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars (Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3) • The First Three Mentions of Azazel (Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3)

We believe these three groups represent:

1. The Firstfruits: those who, by faith, received the ultimate atonement and who overcame in this life. Only these persons will stand justified in the first resurrection. This will include Abraham, Yitschak, Ya’acob and all the other faithful prophets of old, along with all overcoming, New Covenant believers.

2. Those who did not overcome to reign with eswhy, but who also will not be thrown into the Lake of Fire.223

3. Those who will be remanded over to the Lake of Fire punishment, and who will emerge on the other side cleansed and repentant.224

We briefly discuss each portion of Scripture which bears upon these three groups …

♦ The Three Measures of Meal ♦ eswhy spoke of three measures of meal/flour as being leavened (i.e. permeated!) by the invincible Kingdom of Elohim:

20 And again He said, Whereunto shall I liken the Kingdom of Elohim? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three

measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Luke 13:20-21

Some will object saying that, in Scripture, leaven only refers to that which is sinful. However, such an objection will make hwhy and His Messiah to be ministers of sin, and we know this simply cannot be. But just as leaven quietly, imperceptibly permeates an entire lump, so the Kingdom of Elohim will surely permeate the lives of all those who have been thrust into this caldron of trials, pain, and tribulation which we know to be the fallen state/fallen world of mankind. eswhy spoke of this quiet permeation in at least one other place when stating the Kingdom of Elohim comes not with observation!225 For now, the great purposes of hwhy remain hidden, except to those who are serving Him wholeheartedly.226 “Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end,” but that increase is presently slow227 and largely unnoticed. Yet the sovereignty of hwhy can and will win the day in the life of every person who has ever lived! Just as all have borne the sinful image of the first Adam, so all will eventually bear the righteous image of eswhy the Messiah, the

223 Revelation 20:12-15. We suspect many people may fall into this category, including those who died unjust and premature deaths without having ever had the opportunity to hear the True Good News. Among this number may well be the millions of aborted babies who never saw the light of day. 224 For an in-depth discussion regarding the Lake of Fire, see “The Sign, the Seal, and the Secret.” 225 Luke 17:20 226 1Corinthians 2:6-8, 2Corinthians 4:3, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:26 227 As humans count “slowness.” 2Peter 3:9 When one continually watches a newly-leavened lump of dough, no apparent changes can be immediately observed; but should one go do something else for a few hours, upon returning, the change is then quite noticeable.

46

Second Adam.228 His Kingdom and truth will eventually permeate all things in heaven and on earth!229

♦ The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars ♦ Sha’ul spoke of the way in which resurrected bodies will shine with varying degrees of splendor/greatness:

40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the splendor of the celestial is one, and the splendor of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one splendor of the sun, and another splendor of the moon, and another splendor of the stars; for one star differs

from another star in splendor. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead: It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption: 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in splendor:

it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

1Corinthians 15:40-44

Since the Firstfruits will be like eswhy,230 shining forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of hwhy,231 we see those who will shine as the splendor of the moon as having a markedly lesser reward (for the second group). Yet shining as the splendor of the stars (for the third group) will be an even lesser reward than shining with the splendor of the moon.

♦ The First Three Mentions of Azazel ♦ Recall, once more, the misparim for “Azazel” is 115: ← ← ← 115 = (30) l + (7) z + (1) a + (7) z + (70) e = lzaze = Azazel

But since each mention of “Azazel” increases the running total by 115, the total of the first three occurrences is 115 x 3 = 345. We believe the first three mentions of Azazel correspond to the three groups of humans who will be restored into the Kingdom of hwhy:

115: Participants in the First Resurrection

230: Those Not Thrown Into the Lake of Fire

345: Those Who Emerge From the Lake of Fire Punishment

It will only be after hwhy has purged the wicked in the Lake of Fire, and they subsequently emerge, that the Scripture will be fulfilled which awaits all souls who have ever existed to bow at the Name (345) of hwhy!

I have sworn by Myself, the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and will not return: That unto Me every

knee will bow, every tongue will swear. Isaiah 45:23

9 Wherefore Elohim has also highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name: 10 that at the Name of eswhy every knee should bow,

228 Romans 5:15-19, 1Corinthians 15:49 229 1Corinthians 15:28 230 Revelation 1:16, 1John 3:2-3 231 Matthew 13:43

47

of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 and that every tongue should confess that eswhy the Messiah is hwhy, to the splendor of Elohim the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

And it will be said on this great day – the day upon which hwhy has reconciled all things to Himself through eswhy the Messiah232 – that hwhy has finally become all in all:

24 Then comes the end, when He will have delivered up the Kingdom to Elohim, even the Father; when He will have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign, until He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For, “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under,” it is manifest that He is excepted, who did put all things under Him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject to Him that put all things under Him, that Elohim may be all in all. 1Corinthians 15:24-28

This, we believe, is the ultimate revelation of the first three occurrences of “Azazel.” Not once (115), not twice (230), but three times (345) does the word “Azazel” progress to further reveal this great Day. This third total brings us to 345, the number of “ha’Shem,” meaning “the Name,” as in the Name of hwhy! ← ← ←

345 = (40) M + (300) S + (5) h = MSh = Ha’ Shem = The Name

hwhy has chosen to reveal the greatness of His Name by subduing all His enemies: He will reconcile all of His

enemies to Himself, and this is the great secret of the Name which is hidden in the Hebrew word Azazel!

eswhy has been set a the Right Hand of hwhy until all His enemies have been made a footstool for His feet! And He will not fully see the travail of His soul233 until He has reconciled all things to Himself!234 This is the great, overriding, and joyous lesson we are taught by Azazel, the personification of the enemies of hwhy:

The ultimate greatness of hwhy and His Name will only be seen after He has exhibited the love upon His enemies which

He fully expects us to show in our lifetime!235

The Fourth Mention of Azazel To the best of our knowledge and ability, we believe Scripture also explains the fourth mention of “Azazel.” We observe the following about the reduced values of each of the four occurrences of this word:

Azazel x 1 = 115: Reduced Value = 7 By the sum of the digits of 115, we obtain its reduced value of 7. Another study shows how the Shabbat (the Seventh Day) is so closely linked to those who, as Firstfruits, will be exalted

232 John 12:32, Ephesians 1:19, Colossians 1:16-20 233 Isaiah 53:10-12 234 John 12:32, Ephesians 1:19, Colossians 1:16-20 235 Matthew 5:43-44 (45-48), Romans 12:14

48

as rulers in the Kingdom of hwhy.236 Psalm 115 speaks of those whose sins have been fully atoned for through the Yom Kippur of hwhy in eswhy the Messiah.

Azazel x 2 = 230: Reduced Value = 5 But 230 has a reduced value (via the sum of the digits of 230) equal to 5. We note this is two less than the reduced value of 115.

Azazel x 3 = 345: Reduced Value = 3 But 345 has a reduced value equal to 3. Note: A reduced value must be one digit only; so after adding 3 + 4 + 5 to get 12, we must then add 1 + 2 to get 3 (since 12 is not a reduced value). We note 3 is two less than the reduced value of 230 (i.e., 5) and four less than the reduced value of 115 (i.e., 7).

Azazel x 4 = 460: Reduced Value = 1 But 460 has a reduced value of 1 (via the sum of the digits of 460 being 10 and 1 + 0 = 1).

If our understanding of the above facts is correct, the reduced values would indicate various levels of reward and greatness: a higher reduced value speaks of a greater position in the Eternal Kingdom of hwhy. Note the even progression of decreasing place values for each of the four groups: 7, 5, 3, and 1. Of course, the Fourth Group, then, would be the many spirit beings who have rebelled against hwhy in ages past. The lesson for us being one of pride and humility: those who were originally the highest will eventually be set forth as the lowest, while those who have been the lowest will eventually be exalted as the highest. Sha’ul wrote that the chasidim, the Firstfruits, would first judge the world (during the Millennium), and later judge even the (fallen) angels.237 While those who overcome to reign with eswhy will be equal to those angels who never sinned/fell, the believers, we are told, will judge those angels who previously rebelled and fell!238

* * * * * * *

A closing thought on Azazel and the enemies of hwhy … All should remember that even the Firstfruits were the enemies of hwhy before He called them and imparted His Spirit to subdue their carnality:

For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to Elohim through the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled,

we will we be saved by His life. Romans 5:10 239

As hwhy reconciles all things back to Himself through eswhy the Messiah, we must never forget that each of the four groups has its own history in being/having been the enemies of Elohim. And we must never forget the many lessons which teach us He will exalt the humble

236 See the study, “You Lift Up the Head.” 237 1Corinthians 6:2-3. Nothing in Scripture says these spirits are past repentance, although many claim this to be the case. Why would eswhy become the Second Goat, being set free for Azazel, if Azazel were past repentance? And why would He waste His time preaching to those spirits now in prison? Simply put, He would not waste His time thusly. His ministry now is to reconcile all things to Himself. Ephesians 1:19, Colossians 1:16-20, John 12:32 238 A great contribution to this study from Ralph Ward! See Luke 20:35-36. Also see, “The Sign, the Seal, and the Secret.” 239 See also Romans 11:28, Ephesians 2:1-3,Colossians 1:21

49

and humble the exalted. Humility is one of the greatest lessons we can learn from Yom Kippur as we seek hwhy by fasting and prayer.

The Meaning and the Name of Azazel: Before and After In anticipation of certain objections surrounding the name “Azazel,” it was deemed best to deal with its origin and derivation in advance of those who will attempt to challenge the truth of the matter. Many scholars agree the meaning of “Azazel” is obscure and uncertain. But this writer believes the derivation of “Azazel” is only partially obscure, and that by applying basic spiritual principles, we may come to the proper understanding of this name based on the issues surrounding this angel’s rebellion.

While Azazel is now rendered “lzaze,” ancient literature indicates Azazel was originally rendered in Hebrew as “lazze:” ← ← ← la-zze = Azaz-El = Strengthened of El240

We believe this name refers to the exceedingly great strength which Azazel possessed as a gift from Elohim.241 So one wonders, “Why the change?” Why would “lazze” become “lzaze”? Notice the change between the two forms occurs by simply switching the positions of the third and fourth letters. We do not believe this change may be attributed, in any way, to scribal error, but rather, we believe the answer to the seeming discrepancy rests in the spiritual principles which surround the changing of names in the Kingdom of hwhy …

There are many cases of those whose names have been changed (or will be changed) based on some special obedience, or service, rendered to the Most High. Names have also been given by hwhy based on some special calling, or blessing, which He has willed/orchestrated over someone’s life. And we believe every such positive case exemplifies a special impartation of His love and favor:

• “Abram” was changed to “Abraham:” Genesis 17:1-8. • “Sarai” was changed to “Sarah:” Genesis 17:15-16. • “Ya’acob” was changed to “Yisrael:” Genesis 32:27-28. • At the time of his birth, “Solomon” was named “Yedid-Yah” by hwhy. 2Samuel 12:24-25 • eswhy surnamed Kepha, Ya’acob, and Yochanan: Mark 3:16-17. • And every believer who overcomes, so as to partake in the first resurrection, will be given a special, new name. Isaiah 66:15, Revelation 2:17

If new names are given based on a person’s obedience, and/or to reflect the impartation of the love and favor of hwhy, then we are not surprised to see He has also set forth new names upon those who disobey.242 Just as new names reflect love, favor, and obedience over the life of the recipient, even so, new names may also reflect the results of falling into disfavor with hwhy. This, we believe, explains the change in the name of Azazel: it was a change which reflected the rebellion of this angel, and it was a change which reflected/reflects the results of that sin. While his name originally showed the great might which he had as a gift from hwhy,243 the new name reflected the results of his disobedience and his fall from favor:

240 Strong’s 5810 (zze) and 410 (la). 241 John 19:11, 1Corinthians 4:7 242 Deuteronomy 25:9-10, Jeremiah 20:1-6 243 John 19:10-11, 1Corinthians 4:7

50

← ← ← lza-ze = Az-azal = A goat (that is) gone/spent244

When Yisrael went to the prophet Jeremiah, supposedly wanting to hear the Word of hwhy, the response they got was a severe warning of being carried away into captivity for their disobedience.245 We see it was no different with the angels who sinned: they have been taken captive and kept in chains and darkness until the time of judgment.246 Hence, the name “Azazel,” as it is now rendered in Hebrew, not only reflects this angel’s disobedience and the resulting captivity, it reflects his loss of Elohim-given strength: Having become a goat for carrying away into captivity (lza-ze),247 and being reserved in chains for judgment, he is no longer the “Strengthened of El” (la-zze). However, another meaning may also be obtained from this word: If ze is understood to be Strong’s 5794 [[both 5794 and 5795 (“goat”) are rendered “ze” (“az”) in Hebrew]],248 then this name would mean:

← ← ← lza-ze = Az-azal = Fierce strength is gone/spent

Azazel has been carried away captive, and the fierce strength – which he displayed in his rebellion and sin – is spent/gone. He has sown iniquity and reaped vanity: the rod of his fury has perished.249

Captivity/bondage has always been (and still remains) part of the Almighty’s punishment upon those who walk in willing, obstinate disobedience.250 And if the rebellion is severe enough, such captivity will not only be irreparable in this lifetime,251 but the bondage will even carry over into the resurrection.252 Thus, as a goat for carrying away into captivity, Azazel became prophetic of those goats which are to be set at the left hand of the Messiah before being sent off into age-abiding punishment in the captivity known as the second death in the Lake of Fire.253 These great truths provide us with the keys to understanding the word “Azazel.” And being more fully instructed, we are to be both encouraged and forewarned.254

The Day of Atonement: Pressing on Toward Perfection We would be amiss to close this study without delineating the difference between Yom Kippur for Yisrael in the days of old and Yom Kippur for the New Covenant, Messianic believer. Many believers in eswhy have questioned whether or not the observance of this

244 Strong’s 5795 (ze) and 235 (lza). “Azal” is also seen in Deuteronomy 32:36, 1Samuel 9:7, and Job 14:11, where it is translated “gone,” “spent,” and “fail” – all of which mean “gone.” 245 Jeremiah 23:33-24:10 246 1Peter 3:19-20, 2Peter 2:4 247 Young translates “Azazel” as “a goat for departure.” This is far more accurate than the erroneous term “scapegoat.” 248 One wonders if the context of Leviticus 16 swayed scholars as to their interpretation of the Hebrew words which composed the word/name Azazel. However, one or both meanings (5794 and 5795) can be held forth as true and instructive, so we quite suspect this to be the case. The inspired, instructive Hebrew language makes the often implacable nature of adult goats, at least, to be related to the obstinate strength of those in rebellion. 249 Proverbs 22:8 250 Leviticus 26:15-16, 36-39, 40-42, Deuteronomy 28:47-48, Proverbs 5:22-23 (cords = bondage), Jeremiah 5:19, Daniel 4:24-25, 1Timothy 2:26 (see the versions by Darby, Webster, Young, as well as the ISRV), Revelation 22:11 251 Jeremiah 20:6, Matthew 5:25-26, 6:14-15, Hebrews 6:4-6, Revelation 22:11 252 Matthew 5:25-26, 7:19-23, 18:32-35, Revelation 20:10-15 253 Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 2:5-9, Revelation 14:9-11. One cannot understand the Lake of Fire punishment apart from understanding the truth of predestination and the reconciliation of all things. For more information on this, see the article, “The Sign, the Seal, and the Secret.” 254 Romans 15:4, 1Corinthians 10:1-6, 7-11

51

Day is incumbent upon those abiding under the New Covenant. Their reasoning goes something like this: “If, under the Old Covenant, there was a remembrance of sins year after year, how is it that we should still observe this Day since our sins have been forgiven in eswhy?” There is even a Scripture which superficially appears to support their view:

1 For the Torah, having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices – which they continually offer year by year –

perfect those who draw near. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because the worshippers, once cleansed, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But

in those sacrifices 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.

Hebrews 10:1-4

The writer to the Hebrews goes on to show, since the blood of the Messiah has taken away our sins, there does not need to be a remembrance of sins year after year. So the difference between Yom Kippur of old and Yom Kippur now rests in the continual cleansing under which New Covenant believers abide:

1 My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin: and if any one sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, eswhy the Messiah, the Tzadik. 2 And He – He is the

atoning offering for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. 1John 2:1-2

Since our Advocate ever abides in the Presence of hwhy, any needed cleansing is (or should be) immediate; hence, there is no need for us to rehash the sins of an entire year on Yom Kippur. With one’s errors cleansed in the very Presence of hwhy, even He no longer remembers them255 and this makes His power available to go and sin no more.

So what is the difference between observance of Yom Kippur before the Messiah and observance of Yom Kippur after His appearing? The difference between the two periods rests in the continual cleansing under which New Covenant believers now abide. If we are continually cleansed then there is not a remembrance of sins year by year:256 as we mature, spiritually, the sins which affected us many years ago no longer encumber us; we have become strong257 and the broken shackles of previous bondage have long since fallen off.258 However, on any given day, including Yom Kippur, we can fast and pray about the current spiritual needs in our lives as well as in the lives of others. Has the Kingdom of hwhy yet been established in all the earth?259 Does anyone imagine there is no further spiritual progress to be made? The apostle Sha’ul did not abide under any such delusion.260 And anyone who imagines there is nothing more to learn, or to do, in our service to hwhy would easily qualify as numbering amongst those who are at ease in Tziyon.261 The Word of hwhy indicates the pride of such persons will not permit them to escape His punishment.262

255 Hebrews 10:8-12 256 Hebrews 10:3 257 1John 2:14 258 Isaiah 58:6, 1Peter 4:1-2 259 Matthew 6:9-10 260 Philippians 3:7-14 261 Amos 6:1, Ezekiel 16:49 262 Proverbs 16:5

52

We are not continually cleansed by the blood of eswhy simply so that we may go and repeatedly sin with no impetus to change and no desire to fully overcome the carnal bent. Hence, hwhy works a great, spiritual dynamic when He imparts true forgiveness: the Spirit imparts the increasing power to go and sin no more. As we grow towards resisting sin – even to the point of shedding blood263 – we most often refer to such growth as “spiritual progress,” “overcoming,” or simply real, practical, tangible sanctification/separation of life and conduct. And it is this sanctification to which we must attain264 if we wish to inherit the Great Reward and to reign in the Millennium with the Messiah:

14 Pursue peace with all, and the separation, apart from which no one will see hwhy.

Hebrews 12:14

As no believer has attained to the out-resurrection until having endured to the end,265 until having remained faithful to hwhy to the very end of one’s life, does there not, then, remain a very great purpose in humbling ourselves to seek hwhy by fasting and prayer on Yom Kippur? If hwhy promises to save an afflicted people,266 who would want to pass up the only commanded opportunity to be afflicted? And as we are presently abiding in a prophetic, extended Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur, why would anyone have an aversion to observing the single day in the year which is presently being daily fulfilled in a such a remarkable way in the lives of all authentic, New Covenant participants?

The difference between Yom Kippur of old and Yom Kippur for the follower of eswhy also rests in the continual, spiritual progress and change of heart under which New Covenant believers are daily transformed by the Spirit; this is a transformation which all may experience, but only by drawing near to His light-filled Presence. And can any living person claim to have experienced enough of this spiritual change/transformation?

17 And hwhy is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of hwhy is, there is liberty. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror

the splendor of the Sovereign,267 are being transformed into the same image, from splendor to splendor, even as by the Spirit of hwhy.

2Corinthians 3:17-18

It is this great, powerful, life-changing access – through humble faith in the shed blood of the Messiah – that we celebrate on Yom Kippur. And we further note: in the context of this segment of Scripture, Sha’ul was referring to the splendor with which Mosheh’s face shined after he had been fasting and praying in the Presence of hwhy!268

The Day of Covering was a day of great awe and reverent worship: New Covenant believers are to walk in this awe and reverence, not just once a year, but continually:

263 Hebrews 12:3-4 264 Philippians 3:7-14, 1Corinthians 9:24-27 265 Matthew 10:22, Revelation 2:10 266 Psalm 18:27, 34:18 267 John 17:24, Ephesians 2:4-6, Colossians 3:1-3 268 Exodus 34:28-30

53

28 Therefore, receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have favor, by which we may serve hwhy acceptably, with reverence and awe.

29 For our Elohim is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29

The reverence and fasting-derived humility, which are obtained/heightened/furthered through worship on Yom Kippur, are the very things which spur us on toward change, progress, and perfection:

Therefore, having left the word of the beginning of the Messiah, let us go on to perfection …

Hebrews 6:1, ISRV

Based on all that we have seen, we assert a reverent life is one characterized by fasting and prayer in Spirit and truth.269 The reverence and awe which are upon us during times fasting and prayer will transform our hearts and minds and empower us to overcome at all seasons. And such reverence and awe should certainly be cultivated during our yearly observance of Yom Kippur; for it is at this time that we emphatically recognize the Bridegroom has been taken away, and that we honor His ongoing, atoning work on our behalf in the Presence of the Father.

Summary Our sojourn has been one of great blessing and edification, and we are left with immense gratitude for the immutable Word of hwhy. We indicated readers would see, in this study, the vital importance of a New Covenant book, and those who have been observant will have already seen, and noted (perhaps many times over), the profound connection between the book of Hebrews and Yom Kippur. This book reveals the ongoing Yom Kippur/Day of Reverence in which we are now abiding as New Covenant believers. Because His ways are so far beyond discovery by our frail, human frames, we find ourselves continually grateful for every spiritual blessing which He so kindly and lovingly bestows upon us. Let us be more greatly encouraged to number among those who continually draw near270 to His Presence. May we number among those who ask to receive chesed,271 who seek to find favor,272 and who knock until a door of vision and prophecy is opened to them in the heavens.273 The Spirit of favor and supplications will bring about all of these things in the life of every believer who seeks hwhy by fasting and prayer,

Without question, the numerical progression of Azazel in the Psalms more fully reveals the mind of hwhy regarding Yom Kippur. But the prophetic Torah of hwhy not only reveals that which is, and that which was, it also reveals that which is yet to come.274 So we have also seen how Yom Kippur is not only prophetic of the reward and the wrath of hwhy which will be revealed as the Great Priest emerges from the Most Set Apart Place in heaven (at the End of the Age), but it is also prophetic of a day and a time which still lies many centuries, and perhaps, very many eons in the future. We speak of that great day when eswhy sees, in full, 269 Matthew 6:16-18, 9:14-15 270 Psalm 73:27-28, Hebrews 4:16, 7:25, 10:22 271 Matthew 7:7-8, Hebrews 4:16 272 Matthew 7:7-8, Hebrews 4:16 273 Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 7:7-8, Revelation 3:8, 4:1 274 Revelation 1:8,19

54

the travail of His soul.275 We speak of that great day when all the enemies of hwhy will have been reconciled to Himself:

… 19 because in Him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, 20 and by Him, to reconcile all things to Himself – having made peace by the blood of His stake –

by Him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens. Colossians 1:19-20

… 9 making known to us the secret of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Him – 10 For an administration of the fullness of time, to reunite

for Himself (under One Head) all things in the Messiah, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth, even in Him.

Ephesians 1:9-10 276

We speak of that great day and that great time in which all the enemies of hwhy will have been reconciled to Himself. As Azazel epitomizes all the enemies of hwhy, the goat for Azazel prophesies of the momentous day when the Sovereign hwhy will have prevailed over all His creation – reconciling all things to Himself through eswhy the Messiah – and every knee will bow before Him in eternal, reverent allegiance.277

Until that great day when eswhy sees, in full, the travail of His soul, until that great time when it can be said that He has subdued all His enemies and has reconciled all things back to Himself,278 until that great time when it can be said that hwhy is all in all,279 may those who love His Name, and who serve Him in this lifetime, be ever faithful ministers of His unspeakable love and conciliation. t

t s r q u p e o n m l k y j x z w h d g b a

Copyright 2001-2008, by Craig Wm. Peters.

This document may be freely copied and distributed if left unaltered and in its entirety. It must also be given away without cost, and it may not be included in any publication without the author’s written permission.

hwhy El Shaddai will rebuke anyone who copies these truths for personal credit and/or who subsequently attempts to reproduce and sell them.

Isaiah 55:1-2, Micah 3:10-12, 1Peter 5:2

The full details/stipulations of the applicable copyright are seen in the Prologue to this series, a document which is available for downloading, without cost, at the IAH website:

http://www.yahuyahweh.org/iah

275 Isaiah 53:10-12 276 See the Rotherham Emphasized Bible, from which this text has been slightly modified. 277 Philippians 2:9-11 278 John 12:32, Romans 11:32, Ephesians 1:19, Colossians 1:16-20 279 1Corinthians 15:27

55

An Excellent Translation of the Scriptures “ISRV” is an acronym which means: “INSTITUTE FOR SCRIPTURE RESEARCH VERSION.” We have used this acronym in the present document to indicate we have quoted a Scripture text from the translation produced by the INSTITUTE FOR SCRIPTURE RESEARCH – an organization of Messianic believers based in South Africa. These committed believers have published an excellent version of the Word of hwhy which is entitled “The Scriptures.” For those wishing to make further inquiry, the ISR website address is:

http://www.isr-messianic.org