150Coming Home
Mashyach
…Messiah
4
You Are Yahowah
The God of Reason…
Painting a picture of what was and would be, God inspired Howsha’ | Hosea to write words on a scroll which would draw His people’s attention to their shepherd, who just so happened to be His Son. These words are as relevant to our time as any we have yet considered.
While Yah’s announcement in this regard is found in the 3rd chapter of Howsha’, there is a wealth of knowledge that can be gleaned along the way. So, let’s pick up the story at the beginning…
“To show the way to the benefits of the relationship (‘asher – to guide the steps along the proper path to get the most out of life) the Word (dabar – the communicated testimony) of Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of the name of ‘elowah – God guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence and our shalowm – reconciliation) came to exist with (hayah ‘el – were directed toward) Howsha’ (Howsha’ – He Liberates and Saves; a compound of huw’ – he and yasha’ – to liberate, deliver, and save), the son (ben) of Ba’ery (Ba’ery – Within the Well; a compound of ba – with or in and ‘er – well or spring) in the days (ba ha yowm) of ‘Uzyah (‘Uzyah – Yah Prevails and Strengthens; a compound of ‘oz – to empower and enable and Yah), Yowtham (Yowtham – Yahowah Completely Perfects; a compound of Yahow and tam – to complete and make and be perfect), ‘Achaz (‘Achaz – He Grasps Hold; from ‘achaz – to seize), and (wa) Yachizqyah (Yachizqyah – 151Yah Repairs and Strengthens, Hezekiah; a compound of chazaq – to strengthen and repair), kings (melek – leaders and advisors) in Yahuwdah (Yahuwdah – Yahowah’s Beloved; a compound of Yah and Dowd – beloved, with ah – represented as feminine), and in the days (wa ba ha yowm) of Yarob’am (Yarob’am – Quarrelsome Family and Contentious People; a compound of ryb – to complain, dispute, argue, and use words contentiously, starting a controversy and ‘am – people, family, and nation), the son of (ben) Yow’ash (Yow’ash – Yah’s Fire, a form of Yahow’ash; a compound of Yahowah and ‘esh – fire), king (melek – governmental head and ruler) of Yisra’el (Yisra’el – Individuals who Engage and Endure with God; a compound of ‘ysh – individuals, sarah – to engage and endure or to strive and struggle, and ‘el – God).” (Howsha’ / He Saves / Hosea 1:1)
By closely examining what this prophet initially scribed on his scroll, we can surmise a number of relevant insights. First, God conveyed His will for His people by choosing a man whose name, Howsha’, means: “He Liberates and Provides Freedom, He Rescues and Delivers from Harm’s Way, and He Saves.”
Second, God does so through “dabar – words,” selecting those which “‘asher – reveal the correct path to the benefits of the relationship.” This not only affirms that the prime objective of these prophetic declarations is to reaffirm and reestablish that relationship in the most appropriate and beneficial manner, but also that the path to Heaven is paved, described, and guided with words. It is through words that we come to know Yahowah and find our way to Him.
Third, God accomplishes all of this in concert with His name: Yahowah. We have, therefore, been given the opportunity to read and recite, to observe and contemplate, the “Word of Yahowah” as “hayah – it came to exist” with “Howsha’ – He Saves.” That should be more than enough 152to garner our undivided attention. It is reason enough to translate these words as accurately and completely as possible while striving to deduce their implications as correctly as is achievable. The more we come to know and understand as a result, the better it is for us and for those who will benefit from what we have learned.
For example, in this pronouncement, Yahowah is introduced similarly to the way God introduced Himself to Moseh and the Children of Yisra’el – using both ‘asher and hayah. When Moseh spoke to the Voice pleading with him, the very God who was asking the aging shepherd to go with Him to liberate His People, he said: “Now, they may ask of me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I reply to them?” Yahowah initially answered “hayah ‘asher hayah,” thereby revealing the proper pronunciation, actual meaning, and purpose of His name. He followed this profoundly important revelation with: “Therefore, you should say unto the Children of Yisra’el, ‘Yahowah, God of your fathers, the God of ‘Abraham, the God of Yitschaq, and the God of Ya’aqob, has sent me unto you. This is My name forever. And this is My way of being known and remembered for all generations.’” (Shemowth / Names / Exodus 3:15)
This connection between the two declarations, one circa 1450 BCE and the other 750 BCE, becomes especially relevant today, particularly in the context of this prophetic book wherein Yahowah is once again leading His People back home. There are lots of ethnicities, but only one was chosen. There are lots of gods, but only One is real. Recognizing and acknowledging His name is therefore an essential first step in the right direction.
Fourth, this would not be “But I, Howsha’, say…” as was the case with Sha’uwl | Paul – or other rabbis. When communicating through His prophets, Yahowah often speaks for Himself in first person. These unfiltered revelations place those of us who study God’s statements 153in a similar position to the prophets themselves, in that there was nothing revealed to them that isn’t also made known to us. This puts the observant in a tremendously enlightening and empowering position. It is as if we were there, listening to Yahowah as He spoke through “He Saves.” This opportunity is clearly one which was intended, and therefore, one we’d be wise to capitalize upon.
Fifth, the statements Yahowah has conveyed, and men like Howsha’ recorded for our benefit, are universally true throughout time. And yet for context and credibility, every word was grounded in the place, people, and period where it was revealed. With very few exceptions, this was in Yisra’el among Yahuwdym during the thousand years between Moseh in 1447 BCE and Malaky in 440 BCE. In so doing, we are exposed to the reality that prophecy isn’t just about predicting the future but, also, about revealing our past so that we might know how we got to this place and time. As a result, everything we need to know in the past, present, and future to approach Yahowah and engage in a relationship with Him was communicated along with the means to validate the veracity of these words.
Ironically, it was all conveyed on behalf of and through one ethnicity – and this ethnicity is despised by those who claim its words are the basis of their faith. Yet, if it were not for Yisra’el and Yahuwdah, everything that is known about God would have been unknown to Gentiles. Yahuwdym were not only the recipients of God’s lone witness, but Jews have also been the most meticulously reliable scribes in human history, thereby preserving what their forefathers heard for our benefit. Further, if it was not for Yahowah’s enduring love for His people and the plan of salvation He established for them, humanity would be eternally estranged from our Creator. Therefore, rationally speaking, ought not Yahuwdym be appreciated, even revered and respected, instead of abused and scorned? How 154is it that the religious believe that it is appropriate to hate and annihilate those God loves most of all?
“Right from the beginning (tachilah – at the point in time when this started and from the first), Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YHWH) spoke, communicating (dabar – verbally expressed using words to convey (piel perfect – Howsha’ was put into action and became an effective communicator as a result of Yahowah’s words which were spoken at these specific times)) through (ba – with, in, and by) Howsha’ (Howsha’ – He Liberates and Saves).
And (wa) Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of the vowels YaHoWaH as guided by hayah – to exist, towrah – to guide, and shalowm – to reconcile) said (‘amar – expressed, making a request) to Howsha’ (‘el Howsha’ – to He Liberates and Saves, Delivering from Harm’s Way), ‘Choose of your own volition to walk (halak – go, electing to travel to (qal imperative – as a genuine expression of freewill)) under the auspices of freewill to take (laqach – choose to obtain, grasping by the hand (qal imperative – as a genuine expression of volition)) for yourself (la ‘atah) a woman (‘ishah – a bride, wife, and fiery female) who feigns love for money like a prostitute (zanuwnym – who is a harlot and whore who profits by making men feel good).
Impregnate her so that she conceives and bears children (yalad) who are disloyal whores, pandering themselves around like harlots (zanuwnym – who will play with anyone and slut themselves around for financial gain). This is because (ky) those of the land (ha ‘erets) are unfaithful prostitutes (zanah zanah – harlots committing despicable and loathsome acts for money), separated and away from (min – disassociated from) Yahowah (Yahowah – written as directed by His towrah – teaching) as a result and in the end (‘achar – after doing 155so and following this during the last days).’” (Howsha’ / He Delivers / Hosea 1:2)
This is an extraordinary request, one unmatched in the annals of Divine revelation. God asked His prophet to experience people the way He saw them so that he might have empathy for His plight and thus speak more effectively to Yisra’el and Yahuwdah. In a symbolic sense, Yahowah’s Chosen People, Yahuwdym, were His bride and they had become unfaithful – committing repugnant acts as religious whores. Worse, they were giving birth to a long succession of religious prostitutes.
God wanted everyone to witness this paradigm and see it for what it was, as an example of what religion does to destroy the relationship with Him. Through this metaphor of an unfaithful marriage, Yahowah was able to demonstrate why He had to divorce Yisra’el and what would have to occur for the Covenant to be renewed with them.
In addition, by creating a scenario whereby Howsha’ would come to disdain all that was wrong with the religious behavior of his people, Yahowah has taught us another important lesson. God chooses to communicate through people who have had some experience with what He is opposing. This realization is paramount to understanding why Yahowah chose Moseh, and indeed pleaded with him, and why He was asking Howsha’ to endure a whorish wife.
So as to not go too far astray from the upcoming prophetic pronouncement regarding Dowd, and in recognition that there is already a comprehensive review of everything Yahowah conveyed to us through Howsha’ in the 8th volume of Yada Yahowah, it’s prudent that we press ahead to properly establish the context behind the relevant prophecy. Continuing to speak to Yisra’el and Yahuwdah, Yahowah said…
156“However, at this time, right now (wa ‘atah), I am revealing (galah – I am for the foreseeable future causing her to be exposed, uncovering (piel imperfect)) that which is associated with her stupidity and her foolish lewdness and shame (‘eth nabluwth hy’ – her senseless and disgraceful conduct; from nabal – to be ignorant and irrational, despicable and despised) in the sight of her most intimate lovers and passionate desires (la ‘ayn ‘ahab hy’ – in view of those with whom she has formed a close, personal relationship, romantic, sexual, or emotional).
And no individual shall save her (wa ‘iysh lo’ natsal hy’ – such that no person is able to deliver or rescue her) out of My hand (min yad ‘any – from My influence, power, and authority). (Howsha’ 2:10)
Since we cannot be wrong when we follow Yahowah’s example, we are right to expose humankind’s religious stupidity and political foolishness. Man’s beliefs in this regard are shameful and cannot be rationally or morally respected.
Further, according to God, the religious have lost the capacity to understand. Their faith precludes it. And that is why the truth only resonates with those who have begun to question their societal indoctrination.
There is no way for man to save humankind. Left to our own devices, we are the problem, not the cure.
There are two ways to interpret what we have just read and what follows, both of which are appropriate. First, Yahowah is going to hold Yisra’el and Yahuwdah accountable for their ignorant and irrational perceptions of Him, especially as a result of the false gods and errant attributes they have foolishly conceived. And second, He isn’t letting go of them. He’s going to spare them once they regain their desire to know Him. But that will require a willingness to distance themselves from that which 157Yahowah views as inappropriate before He acts to quell their ongoing influence.
“Then I will observe the Shabat by causing a cessation of all (wa shabat kol – I will put an end to, stopping and removing every one) of her merry celebrations (masows hy’ – times of gaiety and merriment; from mah – questioning suws – what she exalts and enjoys), her festival feasts (chag hy’), her new moon observances (chodesh hy’), her approach to the Shabat (wa shabat hy’), and all of her designated celebrations (wa kol mow’ed hy’).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates / Hosea 2:11)
Shabat is unique among Hebrew words. While most nouns are defined by their verbal root, the seventh day is a special case. And that is because the title itself is actionable. Rather than a day to do nothing, or in the case of Judaism, instead of being the most onerous and religious day of the week, Yahowah wants this time set apart to enjoy our relationship.
Therefore, upon Yahowah’s return, He will be shabat-ing by celebrating the seventh day beginning on the Shabat of Sukah, Friday at sunset, October 7th, 2033, by eliminating all traces of Judaism. All of the religion’s extraneous celebrations, including the perverted ways the Hasidic observe the Mow’ed, will end. Yowm Kipurym will never again be a Day of Atonement, a time to degrade and afflict oneself. And never again will chickens be tortured by perverted Jews. The rules rabbis have imposed to make the Shabat so burdensome and laborious will be eliminated so that the Covenant’s children can flourish with our Father.
But let there be no mistake. Yahowah is not eliminating any part of His plans for His people. His Shabat, Chag, and Mow’edym will be observed and celebrated forevermore. It is only “hy’ | her” corruption that is being rebuked and removed.
158If other approaches were acceptable, then there would have been no reason to say otherwise or have His Son suffer the indignity of fulfilling Pesach and Matsah. And since the audience remains unchanged, and thus Yisra’el and Yahuwdah, God is specifically renouncing Judaism’s corruption of the Mowed Miqra’ey and the way they have been told to observe the Shabat.
Yahowah isn’t going to forget and forgive those guilty of advancing the Lord’s agenda. There will be a consequence of playing religious dress-up, of burning incense and making sacrifices to false gods, as well as for beguiling others into doing the same by gilding lies such that the deceptions appear beautiful.
“‘I will take an accounting of (peqad – recount an inventory of) her days in association with (‘al hy’ ‘eth yowm) the Lords (ha Ba’alym – those who seek to own, to control, to lord over, and to possess the citizenry, acting as if authorized to rule over others on behalf of false gods), because (‘asher) she blew smoke, burned incense, and made offerings to them (qatar la hem).
Then she was adorned, playing religious dress-up (wa ‘adah – she wore clothing designed to show off her status) with her ornamental rings and circular objects (nezem hy’ – with round sun disks on her ears, nose, and fingers).
Bejeweled (wa chelyah), she went after (hy’ wa halak ‘achar) her lovers, pursuing her desires and illicit relationships (‘ahab hy’).
And she ignored and forgot Me (wa ‘eth ‘any shakach),’ prophetically announces (na’um) Yahowah (Yahowah – the proper pronunciation of YaHoWaH, our ‘elowah – God as directed in His ToWRaH – teaching regarding His HaYaH – existence and our ShaLoWM – restoration).” (Howsha’ / He Saves / Hosea 2:13)
159Make no mistake: the gods of religion are “Ba’alym – Lords.” The Lord God is Satan achieving what he most desires – to be seen above the Most High.
The consequence of building synagogues, churches, mosques, temples, and shrines, of playing religious dress-up, and of celebrating pagan holidays is that they cause us to overlook God. Do any one of these things long enough, get enough people to do the same, and in time Yahowah will be forgotten. This is exactly what occurred from the time when Dowd first unified Yisra’el unto today.
This ought not to be a surprise because Yahowah told us that it would happen in this way. Freewill precluded the Almighty from prohibiting His people’s poor choices or their propensity to entice the gullible with all manner of religious myth.
God’s frustration with the religiosity of His people is palpable. It is the most prevalent and repeated theme throughout the Towrah and Prophets. This statement is no exception. Yahowah is exposing and condemning Yisra’el’s attraction to, and worship of, false gods. Yahowah is disgusted by what the rabbis have done and what Judaism is doing to denigrate and estrange the Chosen People.
Fortunately, however, freewill works both ways. Yahowah has it too, and the time has come for Him to express His intent, which is to speak to His children once again, to take them to this place where every nuance of His word is pondered, such that He may rely on the most rational and receptive of Yisra’el and Yahuwdah exercising good judgment so as to return to Him.
“Therefore, and by contrast, long thereafter (la ken – to facilitate an upright and honest approach), behold (hineh – please pay attention), knowing that she has been deceived, I will leave the way wide open to persuade her should she become open-minded (‘anoky pathah hy’ – 160since she is easily seduced and enticed, having been readily misled and gullible, I will provide ample space (piel participle – God is enabling the receptive to benefit in a demonstrable and active way)).
At that moment, I will walk with her (wa halak hy’ – I will go with her (hifil perfect – Yah is making it possible for them to walk together in one accord at this time)) to ponder the word, even in the place where these statements are questioned (ha midbar – in the desolate wilderness; from my – to question and consider dabar – the word), such that I speak words (wa dabar – so that these statements are transmitted) to her heart, making an impression upon her judgment and thinking (‘al leb hy’ – upon her inclinations, motivations, and thoughts, thereby enabling sound decision-making).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 2:14)
This prophetic announcement opens with a generous offer. A way is being left wide open for reconciliation. Yahowah is even committing to walk beside Yisra’el through it all.
After exposing and condemning the corrupting and controlling aspects of the religion of His people, God is providing His alternative. We have been offered access to the truth and the freedom to choose. Long after Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have seduced and deceived the gullible, Yahowah has opened a door for the open-minded.
They will, however, be few and far between. For most, the only approach to life they know is either religious, political, patriotic, or conspiratorial. Their worldview is universally deceitful, destructive, deadly, and damning.
For all these many years, Yahowah has allowed His creation, and most notably Yahuwdah (which is feminine while Yisra’el is masculine), to walk away from Him, to disavow Him, to slander and mock Him, and even completely disregard their Creator. Not interfering with our 161choices has been essential to the primary purpose of our existence – to choose of our own volition to engage and endure with God rather than struggle against Him. It is why Satan was allowed to slither into ‘Eden and corrupt God’s testimony. This choice has to be real for it to be meaningful.
There is more to midabar than “wilderness.” It is a compound of “my – to ponder and question” and “dabar – the word.” It is, therefore, a double-edged sword, cutting away and setting apart. We are free to ponder the who, what, where, why, when, and how of every word Yahowah selected and inspired to teach and guide us such that we come to know Him, appreciate what He is offering, and understand what He expects in return, or we can deny His existence, His veracity, and reliability, calling His every word into question, as is the case with religious intent.
Once Yisra’el and Yahuwdah come to their senses and start thinking rationally, Yahowah will do as He has promised…
“Beginning then and there (min sham), I am prepared to give to her, so that she can approach (wa nathan la hy – I will offer her at that time to draw near (qal perfect)), her vineyards and vinedresser, her garden and resulting fruit (‘eth kerem hy’).
The Valley of ‘Akowr | Troubles (wa ‘eth ‘emeq ‘Akowr – accordingly, the deep depression and profoundly cunning plot to deviate away from what is known and is, therefore, disturbing, stirring up trouble) will become the open doorway (la petach – a portal to a more expansive realm, the gateway to being liberated, an opening for the free to encounter) of hope, of confidently expecting a good and beneficial future (tiqwah – a way to be optimistic and move forward).
Then and there, along with the name (wa sham), she will respond with the answer (‘anah – she will reply, 162offer her declaration, and sing, lifting up her voice (qal perfect)) as in the days of her youth (ka yowm na’uwrym hy’ – consistent with her childhood, early in life, when she was served), and as in the day (wa ka yowm) when lifted up, she ascended (‘alah hy’ – she was taken away and withdrawn) out of the land (min ‘erets) of Mitsraym | the Crucibles of Political and Religious Oppression (Mitsraym – the cauldrons of cruel persecution where the people were confined and restricted by military and economic institutions; plural of matsowr – to be delineated as a foe and besieged during a time of testing and tribulation, from tsuwr – to be bound and confined by an adversary, assaulted and shut up in the likes of a concentration camp by those showing great hostility).” (Howsha’ / He Protects / Hosea 2:15)
God is waiting for His children should they be willing to walk with Him and ponder His word at long last. But this opportunity, written as it was in the perfect conjugation, will not exist forever. This is your moment, Yisra’el. Seize it.
If we are to translate kerem as “vineyard,” then Yahowah is giving Yisra’el access to the one He instructed Dowd to cultivate on Tsyown for their benefit. While it has been neglected these past three thousand years, Yahowah is in the business of restoration and renewal. It will bear fruit again.
If, however, we are to render kerem as “garden,” then the promise is exceptionally wonderful. Yahowah is going to transform the Land of Yisra’el, and then the entire Earth, into a garden akin to ‘Eden. It will be a gift to His beloved Yahuwdah on Sukah | Camping Out in year 6000 Yah.
Also interesting, depending on whether we vocalize sh-m as shem or sham, we deduce different meanings. Shem is “the name” while sham is “the place.” They are both relevant.
163However, before this transformation occurs, the Chosen People will have to endure the worst man has to offer. Fortunately, the ‘Emeq ‘Akowr | Valley of Troubles has a Petach Tiqwah | Doorway of Hope. After suffering through three millennia of deep depression resulting from this profoundly cunning religious plot to deviate away from what is known, the children’s troubles are finally over. Yahowah is providing a portal to a more expansive realm – one without the controlling influence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We have been given every reason to tiqwah | confidently expect a good and beneficial future.
It was in ‘Akowr that ‘Achan chose to disregard Yahowah’s restriction regarding looting the fallen city of Jericho and was stoned as a consequence along with his family. His name means “to create trouble.” The Towrah was written and was fulfilled to provide a host of benefits, among them to perfect the imperfect while opening a doorway to life. It will be a welcome sight for those struggling to survive the Time of Ya’aqob’s Troubles.
As we consider the conclusion of Howsha’ 2:15, we become aware of why it was important to share the commonality of ‘asher, hayah, and Yahowah in the discussion with Moseh in advance of his liberation of the Chosen People from Egypt and their reappearance in the opening declaration of Howsha’, suggesting a common purpose.
If we were to synthesize Yahowah’s message to His people, it might be conveyed like this: “I created you to be part of My Family. But even knowing that you’d reject Me, I have always been there for you, speaking to you as a Father would address His wayward children – or as a devoted husband would speak to an unfaithful wife. Accordingly, I have given you the means to return to Me and will honor it the moment you choose to trust Me.”
164The first step in that regard is to respond to and answer Yahowah, relying upon Him to lead us away from the crucibles of religious and political, military and economic oppression. Yahowah has been calling His people out of the world of men and to Himself since the dawn of time. Now that we are approaching the end of this period, it’s now or never.
Just as Yahowah called and led His people out of Egypt, the Crucibles of Human Oppression, 3,500 years ago, today He is calling Yisra’el out of Babylon, the confusing words of humankind. The only question which remains is whether or not you and those you love accept His invitation.
This leads us to one of the most relevant and insightful revelations in the whole of the Towrah, Naby’, wa Mizmowr…
“‘And (wa) it shall be (hayah – it will happen and come to exist) in (ba – at, with, and on) that specific (ha huw’ – this or His) day (ha yowm – time, speaking of His return on the Day of Reconciliations),’ prophetically declares (na’um – predicts, reveals, and promises) Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of the name of ‘elowah – God guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence and our shalowm – reconciliation), ‘you shall encounter and welcome (qara’ – you shall call out by name and move toward, summoning and meeting with) Me as an individual (‘yshy ‘any – Me as a person (singular), Me as your marriage partner and husband, as being one with Me, extant and present in existence, even as a man in your midst).
And (wa) you will not call Me (lo’ qara’ la ‘any – you will not summon Me or read aloud, inviting or proclaiming unto Me) “my Lord” (Ba’al ‘any – my Master, the one who owns, controls, rules over, and 165possesses me) ever again (‘owd – any longer, repeatedly beyond this point, now, still, or forevermore).’” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 2:16)
One of the most appealing aspects of Yahowah’s character, and indeed His connection with His creation, is that He is always within our reach. God is approachable as an individual – so much so He often refers to us as His children, making Him our Father. He is obviously sufficiently powerful to be fearsome and imposing if that were His intent, but it’s just not in His nature. Affirming this, here, there are overtures of husband and wife, while elsewhere He is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Moreover, this highlights the reason Yahowah refers to His people as the Children of Yisra’el.
Those of us who have enjoyed coming to know Him through His uplifting words, inspiring prophets, and marvelous stories recognize that Yahowah is encouraging humankind to interact with Him as an individual. It’s obvious that He has no interest in anyone worshiping Him. He wants to lift us up, not the other way around. In fact, the more comfortable we are perceiving Yah as a loving and devoted Father, as a best friend, as an adventurous companion, and as a particularly helpful guide and insightful teacher, the closer and better our relationship will be with Him.
As we have learned by studying Yahowah’s devotion to His Son, Dowd, God has no interest in His creation building houses, synagogues, churches, temples, or mosques for Him and is instead desirous of establishing homes for us. The God of the familial relationship is the antithesis of the gods of fearsome faiths.
A day is coming when individuals comprising Yisra’el and Yahuwdah will finally see and accept Yahowah, just as Dowd related to Him. And this will occur on the eve of His return with Dowd.
166Most people throughout the world, by whatever language they may speak, refer to their god as “my Lord.” In Hebrew, it is written Ba’aly, with the final letter of the pronoun, ‘any | my, presented as a suffix. The title’s implications are wholly foreign to a loving father, Earthly or Heavenly. By contrast, they are exceptionally fitting and descriptive among covetous men in a political or religious setting or in the context where a serf or caste system is imposed: “to rule over, to control, and to possess,” in addition to acting like a “Lord and Master.” By contrast, Yahowah consistently reminds us that He wants to liberate us, freeing us from the drudgery and constraints of man. It is from the control of religious, political, military, economic, and conspiratorial schemes that we are being delivered.
And so, it will be at this moment, when His People finally change and begin relating to Him as He intended, that God’s greatest joy will be never having to hear anyone say “my Lord” ever again. It is a title God obviously despises, as He should, since “ha Ba’al – the Lord” serves to designate Satan’s name, title, and ambition throughout His Towrah and Prophets.
This means that, rather than speaking to Yahowah, those who refer to their god as “the Lord” are actually and unwittingly, even irritatingly and ignorantly, addressing the Adversary. This realization is so obvious, so irrefutable, the propensity of mankind to reject Yahowah’s name in favor of Satan’s title remains among the most irrational aspects of the creation’s preference for religion over the Covenant relationship. And by so doing, those Yahowah would have preferred to liberate and save find themselves subject to and controlled by others.
Yahowah’s animosity toward the aspirations of Satan as the Lord is so great, recognizing that the Adversary has achieved his ambition of being worshiped as if he were God, our Creator has chosen in this context and time to be 167approached by His People as an “‘ysh – individual” rather than as “‘el – God.” This is, interestingly enough, the same term He used to refer to Himself when interacting with ‘Abraham during the formation of the Covenant.
If you prefer what God is offering to what man has been imposing, immediately disassociate yourself and God from religion. Approach Him as an individual and by name.
“For I will remove (wa suwr – turn around and change direction, coming to Me by separating Me from, and with Me renounce and repudiate (hifil perfect – at this moment in time God will enable His people to accomplish this, becoming more like Him)), accordingly (‘eth – therefore and forthwith), the names (shem – designations and reputations) of the Lords (ha Ba’alym – the masters, owners, possessors, rulers, and false gods) out of (min – from) her mouth (peh hy’ – her speech, her spoken words and language).
And (wa) they shall not be remembered, recalled, or mentioned (lo’ zakar – they will not be proclaimed or be brought to mind (nifal imperfect – the subject continually carries out and receives the impact of the verb)) by (ba) their names (shem hem – by their designations or reputations) ever again (‘owd – any longer, now or forevermore).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 2:17)
Yahowah’s disdain for the title “Lord” is so overwhelming, at this moment in time He is helping His People, notably Yahuwdah, by assisting them in this process – as a father would his child. We know this because He shaped the meaning of suwr with the hifil stem and perfect conjugation.
If you are of the opinion that Yahowah does not care what you or anyone else calls Him, you are wrong. If you 168are of the opinion that God is the Lord, you are wrong. And when it comes to God, being wrong isn’t right.
Speaking of the millennial celebration of Sukah | Shelters in the afterglow of the Yowm Kipurym | Day of Reconciliations in year 6000 Yah, our Heavenly Father tells those who have just warmed His heart:
“Then (wa), I will cut (karat – I will establish through separation (qal perfect)) for them to approach (la – draw near to them with) a family-oriented Covenant (beryth – a familial relationship and agreement between the parties similar to a marriage), in that specific day (ba ha yowm ha huw’), with (‘im – in conjunction and associative with, including and experiencing) all living things (chayah – renewing and restoring life, including animals), the environment for growth (ha sadeh – field and countryside, pasture and forest), and in harmony with (wa ‘im – in an associative relationship and conjunction with) winged creatures (‘owph – that which can fly) of the spiritual realm (ha shamaym – of the heavens), and creatures that move about (wa remes – animals) the Earth (‘adamah – material realm).
Then the bow (wa qesheth – weapons which shoot or launch projectiles), the sword (chereb – cutting implements used in combat), and war (wa milchamah – conflict and combat, battles and the arms to fight them) I will break and abolish (shabar – I will shatter and demolish and cause to no longer exist) from the Earth (min ha ‘erets), making it possible for you to lie down and rest contently (wa shakab hy’ – so that you can recline and relax), securely and confidently (la betach – safely with complete trust and reliance).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 2:18)
Yahowah uses karat | to cut in association with His Beryth | Covenant for a number of reasons. Some are cut in while others are cut out. To be in the Family, one has to cut 169ties with the family of man. And therefore, the Covenant is about separation which leads to inclusion. Moreover, karat serves to reinforce why circumcision remains the sign of the Covenant.
While the Beryth is karat many times, it is never replaced and there are never two. And the one time it changes, the difference is especially telling. When the Covenant is renewed upon Yahowah’s return, His towrah | guidance will be incorporated into our lives and integrated into our souls.
Now, on this occasion, there is something wonderful afoot. All living creatures are going to live in harmony as life is celebrated as it was in ‘Eden. Personally speaking, this makes my heart sing because I enjoy the magnificence of life in all of its colors and complexities, and I am excited that it will no longer be red in tooth and claw.
Reconciliation is about bringing harmony back into the relationship. This will occur in the Millennium—the seventh day, the one-thousand-year Sabbath that follows the Time of Ya’aqob’s Troubles and the restoration of Yisra’el and Yahuwdah. Therefore, this prophecy pertains to Dowd as the Mashyach. It complements the opening of Yasha’yah / Isaiah 11 where we are told that, as the result of a man from Yshay’s / Jesse’s lineage with the Spirit of Yahowah resting on Him, all on Earth will live in peace, worry-free and free of conflict.
Even the animals will get a reprieve from the weapons mankind has leveled at them. This is also suggestive of our return to the Garden.
And so that it will be joyous and harmonious, Yahowah confirms that He is remarrying Yisra’el. This wedding is replete with all of the trimmings.
“And I will become betrothed to you and you unto Me (wa ‘aras ‘atah la ‘any – I will pledge to marry you 170such that you become My bride, expressing our desire (piel perfect – the bride is given the capacity to be betrothed by God at this moment in time)) forever (la ‘owlam – throughout eternity).
I will become engaged for you to approach Me (wa ‘aras ‘atah la ‘any) in an honest, correct, rightful, and upright manner (ba tsedeq – in a way that is truthful, valid, vindicating, and right, both fair and just), through the exercise of good judgment, by making the most informed and rational decision regarding the means to resolve disputes (ba mishpat – by being judgmental; from my – to consider the implications of shaphat – deciding and judging), and with unfailing kindness, genuine mercy, unrelenting favor, and loyal love (wa ba chesed – with enduring fondness for the relationship), in addition to compassion (wa ba rachamym – heartfelt affection). (Howsha’ 2:19)
Then I will betroth you unto Me, engaging with you so that you can approach Me (wa ‘aras ‘atah la ‘any – I will show My desire for you to draw near) in a steadfast and trustworthy manner (ba ‘emuwnah – reliably in truth, dependably in a way that is supportive, confirming, upholding and verifiable; from ‘aman – to be supported and upheld by the truth, established and verified through that which is certain).
And you shall Yada’ Yahowah | Know and Acknowledge Yahowah (wa yada’ Yahowah – then you will become familiar with, respect, and understand YaHoWaH as instructed in His towrah – teaching regarding His hayah – existence).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates / Hosea 2:20)
Symbolically, Yisra’el is presented as God’s beloved, His bride. The nation which was divorced for religious infidelity will be reconciled on Kipurym and ‘aras | 171betrothed under the Chuppah of Sukah. After a long intermission, Yahowah’s Family will be united again.
Recognizing that this exchange of vows is occurring on Sukah | Shelters, it’s hard to miss the wedding Chuppah | Canopy Covering. After all, a sukah is a covering in the form of a shelter, tent, or booth, and thus a canopy.
Yahowah has written His vows for His bride. His devotion is forever. He has promised to engage such that Yisra’el is drawn to Him. His approach will be honorable, and the result will be vindicating. And during this engagement, both God and His bride will be upright and truthful. And while that’s nothing new for Yah, it’s a different approach for Yisra’el.
As always, Yahowah wants His beloved to use her best judgment, to make an informed and rational decision regarding their relationship. This is a marriage of mind and heart, sound-thinking and unfailing love.
Compassionate by nature, Yahowah promises to be kind, indeed, generous, affectionate, and merciful toward His returning bride. She has been through hell and is now ready for heaven.
It is among the most alluring messages in the prophets. The long intermission is over. God is engaging with His people again, acknowledging that they can approach Him in a steadfast and trustworthy manner and remain together forevermore. Of these receptive souls, Yahowah says, “And you will know Yahowah.”
Having invested the past twenty-two years translating God’s words to compose Yada Yahowah, it is reassuring to see the title chosen for these books long ago scribed within this prophecy foretelling the reconciliation of Yisra’el and Yahowah. This has been our mission.
Further, there is one relationship which can rival that of parent and child, and that is husband and wife. A man’s 172and woman’s love is chosen rather than born. It can also have greater dimensions. And as husband and wife, men and women are equals, albeit with different abilities and roles, which is not the case with a father and child. We can, therefore, see in this story that Yahowah’s love for His People is multidimensional, far broader, and more expressive than we may have previously understood. And more insightful still, by using the example of a loving marriage, Yahowah is telling us that He wants us to relate to one another as equals.
This was written in the piel perfect not once but all three times, telling us that Yahowah is providing everything Yisra’el will need to join Him in this marriage. But it also indicates that this is a once-in-a-lifetime offer that will not be extended.
This is a seismic shift in Jewish thought. The idea of being on equal footing with Yahowah is wholly foreign, but when it comes to God, it is always wise to go where the words lead. And now, they are leading you to the altar, where Yahowah is asking for your hand in a marriage that will endure forever.
Rabbis have said the opposite for millennia, seeking to keep men in submission and women “in their place,” as have imams, pastors, and priests. Their synagogues, temples, churches, and mosques are imposing for a reason. Their god is always up there, demanding to be worshiped, and never down here on His knees wanting to lift us up.
Also, keep in mind that religious marriage is a peculiar thing. Among religious Jews, women are second-class citizens who, deprived of their freedom and education, are regulated to make babies and clean houses. They are told to shave their heads, wear a tent, and that they are too stupid to study the Torah, by which rabbis meant Talmud. They have so little control over their lives they cannot even get a divorce without their husband’s written consent.
173In Islam, women have fewer rights than camels and goats. A Muslim man can “marry” four “wives” at a time, with the fourth position slotted for rapes, affairs, and prostitutes. Even worse, by the hundreds of millions, Muslims mutilate the vaginas of their daughters, assuring that they find no pleasure in sex, so that they warrant a higher price when sold as virgins.
In Christianity, men are told to lord over their wives. Wedding vows are absurd, sex outside of marriage is condemned, and divorce is stigmatized. There is little if any correlation with the Towrah’s approach or guidance.
To know Yahowah is to love Him. And it is the truth that makes this possible. It is why we translate and contemplate the words of our God.
There is an aspect of this marriage that may appear at first blush to trouble the Towrah-observant because, according to Yahowah’s Instructions, a man cannot remarry the same woman after divorcing her. But this most certainly isn’t the wife Yahowah divorced earlier in Howsha’. She died long ago estranged from God by chasing after and perpetrating all manner of religious deceptions. These Yahuwdym and Yisra’elites, 2,700 years thereafter, are completely different, transformed by the change in their attitude and approach toward Yah.
During this celebration of reconciliation set to occur 10 years from this writing in 2023, Yahowah will respond to His People, replying to those who have at long last accepted His invitation. Great songs will be sung. And given God’s preference, most will likely have been written by Dowd.
As you read what follows, please ponder the implications of ‘anah at this time and in this context, and if you have not already done so, follow Yah’s lead.
174“‘Then it shall exist (wa hayah – it will be (qal perfect – actually at this moment in time)) in this, His specific day (ba ha yowm ha huw’), I will answer (‘anah – I will respond verbally, communicating My reply using words (qal imperfect)),’ prophetically declares (na’um) Yahowah (Yahowah).
‘I will respond with answers (‘anah – I will provide My reply in a song, testifying (qal imperfect – actually and continually)) in association with (‘eth) the spiritual realm and heavens (ha shamaym). And they (wa hem – third-person masculine plural and thus addressing shamaym – the spiritual realm) will answer, singing melodiously while declaring information to (‘anah ‘eth – verbally and audibly responding to (qal imperfect jussive – genuinely and continually by choice, they will answer and testify to)) the Land and Earth (ha ‘erets – the material realm generally and Yisra’el specifically). (Howsha’ 2:21)
Then the Land (wa ha ‘erets – the Earth and material realm generally and Yisra’el specifically) will respond with that which is associated with (‘anah ‘eth – will provide a declaration, thinking and concerned about, even singing regarding (qal imperfect – genuinely and continuously, actually with ongoing implications testifying regarding)) growing exponentially as symbolized by grain (ha dagan – the barley harvest), becoming an heir by the new wine (wa ‘eth ha thyrowsh), and the olive oil representing the Spirit of enlightenment (wa ‘eth ha ytsahar).
And they (wa hem – third-person masculine plural and thus addressing Yisra’el (which is masculine rather than ‘erets which is feminine)) shall choose to provide answers regarding (‘anah ‘eth – will of their own freewill respond to and testify about (qal imperfect jussive – actually and by choice with ongoing implications)) that which is associated with Yzra’‘el | the Seeds God has 175Sown (‘eth Yzra’‘el – concerning this connection with seeds being sown and becoming productive, and thus what is conceived and produced by God; from zara’ – to sow, conceive, produce, and yield and ‘el – God; commonly transliterated Jezreel).’” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 2:22)
We have been devoted to translating and understanding Yahowah’s words going on 22 years, and yet, this is the only time we have seen “‘anah – respond” repeated five times in a single conversation. That is especially significant because ‘anah not only describes what God desires most of us – and that is for us to reply to Him – it is the word upon which rabbis have sought to distance Yahuwdym from Yahowah by rendering it “afflict.” So, let’s see if we can selah | pause and reflect sufficiently to consider the connections and consequences.
Up to this point in time, when Yahowah is offering His hand to reconcile the relationship, five of His seven Miqra’ey | Invitations to be Called Out and Meet will have been fulfilled. Therefore, the five benefits of the Beryth | Covenant will have been provided, and a voice calling for the final opportunity for reconciliation will have been heralded. Pesach | Passover (as the Doorway to Eternal Life), Matsah | UnYeasted Bread (serving as the Means to Perfection), Bikuwrym | Firstborn Children (where we were Adopted into Yah’s Family), and Shabuw’ah | the Promise of Seven (at which time the Covenant’s Children were Empowered, Enlightened, and Enriched) will have been enabled by Father and Son in year 4000 Yah (33 CE) providing all five of the Covenant’s rewards. Then more recently, Taruw’ah | Trumpets, where Yah’s Family proclaims the good news of Yahowah’s return prior to the worst of Ya’aqob’s Troubles (likely between the Fall of 2026 to 2029) will have been fulfilled.
With Yahowah having honored His promises to those who have responded to Him, and having now fulfilled His 176vow to rescue His Children on Taruw’ah, the sixth of seven Miqra’ey | Invitations to be Called Out, Yowm Kipurym | the Day of Reconciliations, is quickly approaching. Therefore, these five repetitions of ‘anah | reply are spoken at this time, after the fifth and before the sixth Miqra’ey – after Yah has voiced His invitation to come home during the Last Days. Surviving Yahuwdym who missed the Taruw’ah message are being encouraged not to repeat this same mistake regarding the approach of Kipurym.
Unfortunately for the religious, rabbis have corrupted the Invitation to Meet of Yowm Kipurym | the Day of Reconciliations expressly to keep Yahuwdym | Jews from ‘anah | responding to Yahowah. They have long insisted that “HaShem’s” desire on this day is for them to “afflict and debase” their souls. Jews have unwittingly done so for over two thousand years with horrid results.
As we have worked our way through Yahowah’s Towrah | Instructions and Guidance on His Miqra’ey | Invitations to be Called Out and Meet, one of the first things we learned was that ‘anah was not only used five times in Yahowah’s presentation of His Miqra’ey, but in every case, God is asking His People to ‘anah | respond to His Invitations, ‘anah | answering Him by ‘anah | verbally expressing their intent.
By contrast, we have discovered that the Jewish religious interpretation of Kipurym | Reconciliations is as a High Holy Day to deny oneself as opposed to answering Yahowah’s Invitation to Reconcile the Relationship. This remains among the most errant and damaging deceptions perpetrated on God’s people. Yahowah’s relationship with His Family hinges upon their interpretation and response to ‘anah | answering His Invitations.
Even the fact that Yah’s vow was repeated three times is insightful because we are now on the cusp of the completion of the third and final forty-Yowbel epoch of 177two thousand years. The first transpired from the time ‘Adam was expelled from the Garden in 3968 BCE to when, in year 2000 Yah, the means to our return was facilitated through ‘Abraham and Yitschaq in 1968 BCE as the Beryth | Covenant was confirmed on Mowryah.
The second essential observation of the Yowbel (where slaves are freed, debts are forgiven, and the land is returned) in year 4000 Yah saw God honoring His promises to enable the Covenant’s five benefits in 33 CE with Dowd’s fulfillment of the first four Miqra’ey: Pesach, Matsah, Bikuwrym, and Shabuw’ah.
The final Yowbel celebration in year 6000 Yah is nearing its fulfillment in 2033 with Yahowah’s return with Dowd on Kipurym, five days before they enable our return to the Garden on Sukah | Camping Out with God. And in this regard, we ought to be aware that Yahowah is about to announce the Third Coming of His beloved Son, the Mashyach and Melek, through what we are reading in Howsha’.
It is also telling that, among the five ‘anah | replies in Howsha’ 2:21-22, two of the ‘anah | responses are in Yahowah’s voice, one is sung from the Spiritual Realm, and two ‘anah | replies come from the Land and thus from Yisra’el. If we were to juxtapose these upon the fulfilled Miqra’ey, Yahowah ‘anah | answered His promise to ‘Abraham to provide the sacrifices on Pesach and Matsah, making us immortal and perfect through His Son. It is the Spirit’s ‘anah | response to Her Bakowr on Bikuwrym | Firstborn Children which certifies our adoption into God’s Family. Then it is our ‘anah | reply to these first three Miqra’ey | Invitations to be Called Out which enables our enrichment and empowerment, enlightenment and emancipation on Shabuw’ah | the Promise of Seven upon which Yahowah’s plan of salvation unfolds. It is also our ‘anah | response to ‘anah | provide answers to all who will listen on Taruw’ah | Trumpets, where we become 178Yahowah’s troubadours heralding the return of Father and Son, which we are currently doing.
This is a peek into our tomorrow and beyond into eternity. When we are with Yahowah, we will sing songs in heaven and on earth, with God providing answers to every conceivable question. We’ll sing songs of thanksgiving for the harvest of saved souls (symbolized by grain), for the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb (symbolized by the new wine poured out for us), and to the Spirit (represented by the light that comes from olive oil) as we are forever enlightened. Our moans of anguish at Yzra’‘el / Jezreel, during a time when man was prone to manufacture false gods, will be forgotten in this eternal and harmonious chorus.
The etymological meaning of Jezreel can be interpreted in two different ways. Long ago, circa 2700 BCE, it addressed man conceiving gods and then sowing the seeds of religion which took root and grew out of the Land. However, that will be reversed, and now, it will be Yahowah’s seeds which will bear fruit, enabling this harvest celebration.
God is promising a day in which…
“‘Then (wa), I will sow, planting her seed (zara’ hy’ – the seeds I have sown with her will germinate and I will have children through her), for Myself (la ‘any – approaching and drawing near Me) within the Land and upon the Earth (ba ha ‘erets – in the material realm).
I will have compassion for, demonstrate mercy toward, even come to love and forgive (wa racham – I will show affection, treat favorably, and absolve) Lo’ Ruchamah | No Mercy (Lo’ Ruchamah – no favors and no compassion for having been unlovable, no forgiveness or benefits to the one who was beyond pity).
179I will say to (wa ‘amar la) Lo’ ‘Am ‘Any | Not My People (Lo’ ‘Am ‘Any – Not My Family), “You are My family (‘am ‘any ‘atah– you are My people).”
Then he shall say (wa ‘huw’ ‘amar), “You are my God (‘elohym ‘any).”’” (Howsha’ / He Delivers / Hosea 2:23)
This is the reunion Yahowah has promised. It is with Yisra’el and Yahuwdah. It forecloses the ignorant and irrational notion of Replacement Theology.
This also affirms the Covenant’s place at the center of Yahowah’s plan. He wants us to celebrate life as His children. He wants to be our God with us living as His Family. These things are achieved as a direct result of His kindness, His enduring love and mercy. All we need to do to benefit from this wonderful gift is to listen to His answers and then respond.
But as a result of His people’s corruption and rebellion, the time from their divorce to their return, from estrangement to reconciliation, would be considerable…
“Then (wa), Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate transliteration of God’s personal and proper name as guided by His towrah – instruction on its hayah – existence and the role it plays in our shalowm – reconciliation) said to me (‘amar ‘el ‘any – expressed in words, declaring to me), ‘Once again choose to pursue (‘owd halak – of your own volition continue to walk well beyond the expected point toward (qal imperative – under the auspices of freewill)) the affection and love of (‘ahab – an intimate relationship desiring) a woman (‘ishah – a wife or mother) who is amorous with, devoted to, and passionate about (‘ahab – who loves and desires) an evil neighbor, an immoral fellow countryman, a loudmouthed friend, and an undesirable companion (ra’ – a wicked, no good, improper, and immoral, unethical, and irrational 180association) who is an unfaithful adulteress involved in religious worship (wa na’aph – an idolatrous whore).
This will simulate the way (ka – to show what it is like for) Yahowah (YaHoWaH – an accurate presentation of the name of ‘elowah – God as guided by His towrah – instructions regarding His hayah – existence) loves and desires to be with (‘ahab – is passionate about) the Children of Yisra’el (‘eth beny Yisra’el – the offspring of those who struggle and contend with the Almighty), when they turn to the presence of other, different and additional, gods (wa hem panah ‘el ‘elohym ‘acher – when they turn away and look to the appearance of subsequent deities), and who became lovers of compressed raisin cakes (wa ‘ahab ‘ashyshah ‘enab – and who adore forming cakes by pressing down on grapes).’” (Howsha’ / He Protects / Hosea 3:1)
Loving someone who adores us in return is among life’s greatest rewards. However, few things are as frustrating, indeed, depressing and debilitating as unrequited love. And this is what Yisra’elites have caused Yahowah to endure for most of the past 4,000 years.
Let’s be clear: God has no interest in sexual relations. Therefore, He does not feel cheated when we are affectionate and amorous with another person. He has no stated preference for monogamy over polygamy. While disgusting, this is not about ‘Abraham offering to share Sarah with kings to increase his status among men. More to the point, since Dowd is Yahowah’s beloved, his preference for 18 women, rather than one, has no bearing on God’s perception of na’aph | adultery.
God is not addressing sex but, instead, is using adultery to explain His overriding issue with His people. Yes, they were unfaithful, but it was because they have long been enamored with worshiping religious gods.
181This is rife with symbolism. Yahowah wanted Yisra’el to appreciate that, even though He has provided the means to reconcile the relationship, no fewer than 160 and as many as 200 generations would choose to disregard His offer. Hundreds of millions of Jews have opted to whore themselves out in the adoration of their religious sages and rabbis while others have simply worshiped their history and culture.
If ever we sought vindication for our earlier recognition that the primary connotation of rea’ was “corrupt and undesirable thinking, improper and immoral rationale, useless and troublesome citizens,” we have it now. Simply rendering rea’ as “neighbors” does not work in this context.
The affinity for raisin cakes points us in several interesting directions. They were religiously consumed by the Assyrians as part of their worship of ‘Asherah, the Queen of Heaven and Mother of God, who became known as Ishtar – from whom Easter got its name. Today this same goddess is venerated by Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christians as Mary. These round cakes are also part of their worship in the form of the round wafers handed out during the Eucharist. Further, the cakes were comprised of raisins which are shriveled and dried grapes and thus no longer capable of producing wine. Further, religious Jews celebrate Purim with raisin cakes to this day.
There are three provocative ways to interpret what follows. They include: 1) the realization that all of the religious scum of Yisra’el could be bought for fifteen shekels and some grain, making her a cheap whore, 2) that there is a connection between worshiping false gods and being confused regarding the purpose of religious tithes, or 3) that Yah is drawing our attention in this context to the ten days between Taruw’ah and Kipurym and five days between Kipurym and Sukah. A great deal will occur in 182both periods, much of which has been and will be made known through Howsha’.
As a fourth option, five percent of Yisra’el and ten percent of Yahuwdah will be redeemed because of Yahowah’s great yearning to reconcile these relationships, equating to a homer and a half of barley among vast amounts of chaff. It could well be all of these things and more.
“So, I bartered and bought her (karah hy’ – I negotiated, traded, and exchanged money to acquire her) for myself (la ‘any) with fifteen silver coins and as much barley as a pair of donkeys could carry (chamesh ‘asar keseph wa chomer sa’orah letek sa’orah). (Howsha’ 3:2)
So, I said unto her (wa ‘amar ‘el hy’), ‘You can continue to live (yashab – you can stay (qal imperfect)) with me for a long time (la ‘any rabym yowmym). (Howsha’ 3:2)
You will no longer have to be a prostitute and be demeaned (lo’ zanah), and you will not have to be with a man (lo’ hayah la ‘iysh). So then, this is how I will be with you (wa gam ‘any ‘el ‘atah).’” (Howsha’ / He Delivers / Hosea 3:3)
Yahowah has a feast and a plan to resolve whatever ails us – one He has etched in stone.
It may be helpful to know that religious prostitutes were in demand and highly valued. Howsha’ paid dearly to liberate this woman from being a sex slave – someone owned, controlled, and used by the religious. I hope she was more appreciative than the Yisra’elites were when liberated from Mitsraym.
I wonder how many before me have missed it, even though it is obvious. This is not Gomer but a second temple prostitute. Therefore, if we are to see the initial religious accoutrement as his first wife, then this is the second. Since 183two wrongs do not make a right, marital adultery was not Yisra’el’s problem but, instead, religious infidelity. At a time when having many wives was common and condoned, His people became adulterous because they worshiped many gods, even one was one too many because it was not Yah.
A span of twenty-seven centuries constitutes a long time to live with almost anyone estranged from God. Knowing how disappointing and hurtful this was to Him, I wouldn’t want to endure twenty-seven minutes.
I wish it hadn’t been so, but sadly Jews have brought much of their shame upon themselves. Had they not collectively rejected Yahowah to worship false gods and then rabbis, they would not have been seen as loathsome and greedy, as unfaithful or unreliable, as solicitous or wanton, and yet, that is how they are perceived by the preponderance of people and Yah.
Today, around forty percent of Jews are religious. A similar percentage are Progressive. Of the remaining twenty percent, many seek to identify with the traditions, history, and customs of their people.
Fair is fair. For every action, there is a consequence. And so, God is going to respond to Yahuwdah and Yisra’el as they have responded to Him – at least until the time of reconciliations.
Between that day, some 2,700 years ago, and the one which is upcoming, all of this has been true, especially for the Northern Kingdom of Yisra’el which was viciously conquered by the Assyrians and brutally hauled off into slavery shortly after these words initially marked the parchment scroll upon which they were written.
“For by comparison (ky – indeed), the Children of Yisra’el (beny Yisra’el – the sons of those who engage and endure with God along with the offspring of those who 184strive against and struggle with God) will continue to abide (yashab – will dwell and remain (qal imperfect)) for a very long time (yowm rabym – a great many days) without (‘ayn) a king, legitimate leader, counselor, or advisor (melek – a sovereign), without (wa ‘ayn) a patron, commander, or government official of similar ethnicity (sar – leader by royalty or captain from the same race who is empowered out of the tribes, a patron), without the ability to prepare a sacrifice (wa ‘ayn zebach), without someone to take a stand who is firmly established (wa ‘ayn matsebah – a memorial stone or upright pillar, a vertical pillar, a monumental individual who takes a stand to establish others; from natsab – to take a stand, firmly established), without a white linen outer garment to adorn the priest (wa ‘ayn ‘ephowd – the white cape worn as a vestment to adorn a priest), or someone to heal them from their religious worship and shrines (wa taraphym – a physician to restore the household of God; from rapha’ym – physicians who heal, curing what ails a nation).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 3:4)
Since some of these words are arcane and seldom used, I suspect that Yahowah is saying that the Children of Yisra’el, which includes Yahuwdah, will endure as a people for a very long time. However, for days on end, they will be without a leader of their own to guide them or protect them. They will no longer celebrate Pesach or Matsah appropriately and thus will not be adorned appropriately. And with no one to stand up for them, there will be no one to restore them from being unfaithful.
Yisra’el, being without guidance for millennia, takes us to the place we have been headed all of this time – to the Third Coming of Dowd. It coincides with the return and restoration of Yisra’el at a time when his people seek to be with him and their God.
“Thereafter (‘achar – later, after this, and mostly from the west), the Children of Yisra’el (beny Yisra’el – 185the sons of those who engage and endure with God along with the offspring of those who strive against and struggle with God) shall return and be restored (shuwb – they will change their attitude and they shall be reestablished, they will come back again and will remain (qal imperfect)).
Then they will seek to be with (wa baqash ‘eth – accordingly, they will choose to diligently look for and inquire about in their responsible search for (piel perfect)) Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s personal and proper name as guided by His towrah – instruction on His hayah – existence and the role He plays in our shalowm – reconciliation), their God (‘elohym hem), and with Dowd (wa ‘eth Dowd – and also near the Beloved), their king (melek hem – their leader, advisor, and counselor, their recognized authority and royal ruler).
They will revere (pachad – they will show profound respect for the awe-inspiring nature of (qal perfect)) Yahowah (Yahowah – an accurate pronunciation of God’s personal and proper name as guided by His towrah – instruction on His hayah – existence and the role He plays in our shalowm – reconciliation) for His good nature and abundant generosity (wa ‘el towb huw’ – and for His attractive and beneficial qualities, for being fair, moral, joyous, and pleasing) in the latter days (ba ‘acharyth ha yowmym).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 3:5)
I find Howsha’ to be the most mentally stimulating and emotionally draining of the prophets. His message is unrelenting, like a firehose gushing full blast. From the religious prostitutes to the infamous children, from Jezreel to the Promised Land, from divorce to reconciliation, from the Lord and a cadre of false gods to Yahowah, it is all here for us to consider.
Yisra’el, likened to a high-priced religious whore kicked out of the bordello and bereft of her clients, would 186be cast aside without so much as a memorial stone for her to remember who she had once been. Her priests and kings were gone. The rabbis would replace the priests while the dictators of other nations would rule over them instead of their kings. There would be no way to reach them or heal them from their religiosity.
But this story does not end that way. God’s people, at least a remnant of them, will return in the end. Yisra’el’s relationship with Yahowah will be restored. They will change their approach to God and, in so doing, find Him. They will learn what is needed to recognize Yahowah as their God at long last.
Recognizing that this was written centuries after Dowd’s initial passing, the realization that the surviving Yisra’elites will acknowledge Dowd as their king upon Yahowah’s return is exhilarating. It is yet another affirmation of his final arrival and reestablishment of his kingdom which leaves Maimonides looking like a nincompoop for not recognizing this would occur.
In 721 BCE, shortly after these words were addressed to the Children of Yisra’el, the Assyrian army captured the Yisra’elite capital at Samaria, slaughtering many, degrading all, and enslaving most, marching them naked with metal rings in their noses into captivity. Yahuwdah would survive the onslaught because Hezekiah rid the tiny remaining kingdom of all religious idols, then returned to Yah by observing Pesach and Matsah in accordance with the Towrah.
The Temple sacrifices associated with the Miqra’ey haven’t been performed in Yahuwdah since 70 CE, when the Romans destroyed it. Fortunately, the ultimate sacrifice was made by Dowd alongside the Set-Apart Spirit in 33 CE, fulfilling Passover, Unleavened Bread, FirstFruits, and Shabuw’ah. And although Dowd provided us with an eyewitness account, most Yisra’elites have rejected his 187commitment to save them. If Yisra’elites, even if Gowym for that matter, want to know why so many have died estranged from Yahowah, and as a result have been kept out of heaven, the truth is being laid out before our observant eyes.
God’s instructions are as straightforward as they are consistent and unambiguous…
“Choose to listen to (shama’ – of your own freewill, and because it is what you want, genuinely and continually decide to hear (qal imperative)) the Word (dabar – the statements and communications, the speech and promises) of Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s personal and proper name transliterated as guided by His towrah – instruction on His hayah – existence and the role He plays in our shalowm – reconciliation as our ‘elowah – God) Children of Yisra’el (beny Yisra’el – sons of those who engage and endure with God along with the offspring of those who strive against and struggle with God), because indeed (ky – expressly for the reason and truthfully), Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s one and only name, scribed in the earliest Hebrew alphabet showing Yah’s open hand reaching down and out to two individuals, likely ‘Abraham and Sarah, both standing up, looking up, and reaching up to God, their family secured in their home and protected) has a dispute against (ryb la ‘im – has a contentious quarrel and grievance against, an accusation and rational argument toward) the inhabitants of the Land (yashab ha ‘erets – those who live in Yisra’el, establish a dwelling place in Yahuwdah, and who remain on the earth, even the material realm).
It is verifiable and true (ky – indeed, it is correct) that there is no honesty, integrity, or reliability (‘ayn ‘emeth – that there isn’t any loyalty, trustworthiness, or dependability, there is no consistency or stability, and nothing is true or conforms to reality), there is no enduring love or devotion (wa ‘ayn chesed – there is no one favoring the relationship or steadfast), and (wa) there 188is no knowledge, discernment, or understanding (‘ayn da’ath – no aptitude for learning, or concern, and no caring) of God (‘elohym) in the Land (ba ha ‘erets – on the earth).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 4:1)
This was a chain reaction, the domino effect, a quid pro quo, cause and effect. Yisra’el chose not to listen to Yahowah and came to prefer the argumentative words of arrogant and misguided men over those of their God. As a result, they breached the relationship agreement and became religious. Lies were embraced and the truth was spurned, putting them in quarrelsome conflict with Yah. Yahuwdym developed a reputation for dishonesty, especially when it came to their testimony regarding God. Even with the proof inherent in prophecy, Jews would be deemed dishonest. Their love for God would wane in direct proportion to their lack of concern for Him. The most intelligent race on earth would be ignorant and irrational where it mattered most.
For Judaism to have any semblance of credibility, rabbis must project themselves back in time. Fifteen centuries before the title was first deployed and the religion even existed, they refer to Moseh as a rabbi. Laughably, they present Ruth, Dowd’s great-grandmother, as an example of someone who converted to Judaism. And of course, they will claim, with all evidence to the contrary, that the Talmud, which was compiled in Babylon in the 6th century CE, was revealed alongside the Towrah circa 1450 BCE. What makes this particularly absurd and annoying is that all references to religion throughout the Towrah and Prophets are like this one overtly condemning it. Even if we were to ignore the fact that Hasidic Judaism was first practiced in Ukraine in the 1800s, and then pretend that it dates back 2,500 to 3,400 years, there is no getting around the realization that God despised it.
This sorry state of affairs would inevitably lead to…
189“Cursed oaths (‘alah – harmful binding vows, corrupt pledges, swearing allegiances, and lamentable promises), deceptive delusions and outright denials (wa kachash – errant opinions along with the inability to tell or accept the truth which lead to bowing in submission, living in fear, feigned obedience, and not respecting the relationship, especially lies which lead to being wrong and disowned), killing, sometimes to the point of murderous slaughter (ratsach – taking the life of another, even millions of others, whether by conspiratorial design or gross negligence, manslaughter or premeditation, governmentally sanctioned wars or execution), thievery (ganab – stealing, taking without permission, openly or covertly, by force or fraud), and being disloyal in love and religion (wa na’aph – committing adultery in the sense of being unfaithful, disregarding the relationship, and engaging disingenuously with others in idolatrous worship for acceptance, financial gain, or popularity), collectively having caused them to be scattered and broken for having squandered the relationship (parats – having engendered hostility toward themselves, breaking some while destroying others, causing them to be dispersed and rebellious for having broken the bonds of association) such that, in shedding blood, a plague of bloodletting would follow (wa dam ba dam naga’ – whereby in the taking of a life, the bloodguilt would have a violent and deadly consequence and lead to a pandemic of being assaulted and traumatized).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 4:2)
They had become their own worst enemy. The people who, more than any other, should have known better made too many lamentable promises, authored too many deceptive delusions, and killed too many people. Sure, Imperial Rome had it coming. They were ruthless and duplicitous oppressors, but killing is almost always the least appropriate way to resolve a problem. It typically makes things far worse, just as it did for Yahuwdah.
190Having lost the ability to accept or tell the truth, the leadership could no longer wield words wisely. As a consequence, the smallest of Roman provinces would endure the empire’s most hellish assaults, not once but over and over again, as Imperial Rome morphed into the Roman Catholic Church and then into the Third Reich.
While it would be a gross exaggeration and a disingenuous generalization, the most charitable people in the world became known as shysters, swindlers, and thieves. Those who were slaughtered by the millions were condemned as genocidal killers by those who were exterminating them – and for a crime as ridiculous as murdering their god. Jews were depicted as the most disloyal race on earth – so horrendous that God, Himself, would disown them so that He could replace the Yahuwdym who bear His name with the Gowym He had long despised. A web of lies would be woven into a few tenuous strands of truth such that the bloodletting would be justified and grow beyond comprehension in a climate of anti-Semitism. By rejecting the conditions of the Covenant and foregoing its benefits, Jews became susceptible to the ways of the Gentiles God had warned them about.
For hundreds of generations, this would be true…
“As a result (‘al ken – therefore as a consequence), the Land (ha ‘erets – the earth generally and Yisra’el specifically) languishes in mourning (‘abal – becomes parched and dry, grieving, saddened by the situation) and (wa) all those who dwell in it (kol yashab ba hy’ – every one of those who remain and settle in her [from 4QXII]) wither away for having been indecisive (wa ‘amal – are diminished, shriveling and pining away, weakened to the point they can barely support life), along with those living (ba chayah – including those who have built homes or bases for military troops) as part of the broad and open way (sadeh – of the entire region, from open fields and the countryside to pastures and the mainland which is spread 191out), in addition to (wa) the winged beings of the spiritual realm (ba ‘oph ha shamaym – the flying creatures of the heavens and birds of the sky), and also (wa gam – as well as) the multitudes of the sea (dag ha yam – aquatic creatures in large and roaring bodies of water; from dagah – to multiply and increase, becoming powerful and many) who will be gathered together and withdrawn, fighting for survival and ceasing to exist (‘asap – who will be assembled for having banded together and then will be taken away, perishing).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 4:3)
Yisra’el, and especially Yaruwshalaim, became the place everyone wanted to conquer but where no one wanted to live. The ruthless would leave their mark, erecting shrines, churches, and mosques to their false gods as if they were trophies. The Promised Land would become a region through which troops marched en route to another war. And yet, for some, it became a prize to claim on behalf of their god.
In this analogy, the indecisive would be the remnant of Jews who were considered neither threat nor ally by opposing armies because they stood for nothing other than to live another day. Those of the broad and open way would be Christians, while the winged creatures from the spiritual realm are likely Satan’s allies, the kind of demons that possessed the likes of Paul. The multitudes coming out of the sea could describe the millions of Muslims who will flood into Yisra’el during the last days to wage jihad. Having all banded together with the common goal of bludgeoning Jews, they will be dealt with accordingly by Yah.
Through it all, a twenty-seven-century opportunity for reflection, for remorse and a proper response, for just a simple commitment to acknowledge and tell the truth, not a single individual, neither Jew nor Gentile, was willing to work with Yah to expose and condemn the insidious 192religious and political institutions that had come to plague the world.
“And yet (‘ak – but still by contrast there is barely a response, scarcely by anyone because), not a single individual (‘ysh ‘al – not one person) actually makes a practice of bringing an accusation (ryb – literally stands up in opposition to quarrel, genuinely offering a sound and contentious argument to consistently dispute the ongoing insults, taunts, and ridicule (qal imperfect)), and none, not one person, chose to be judgmental, offering evidence and reason to accuse or rebuke (wa ‘al yakach ‘ysh – argued, electing to prove his case, consistently engaging in reasonable and rational dialogue regarding what is right, especially pertaining to punishment and vindication (hifil imperfect jussive)).
Your people (wa ‘am ‘atah – so your kin, family, and nation) are comparatively (ka – are accordingly) insulting and contentious (ryb – in open hostility and strife and thus chided and accused) priests (kohen – one who serves during the feasts and is a royal advisor and counselor).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates and Saves / Hosea 4:4)
The problem with Yisra’el, indeed with humankind, is twofold. There are far too many religious charlatans contradicting God while claiming to speak for Him. But perhaps the bigger issue is that there are too few people willing to refute the numskulls. Often, there are none.
Sometime around 450 BCE, Yahowah spoke through the last of His prophets. But when He found no one to listen, He stopped. His voice is now only heard through what He had previously revealed.
Over the chasm of time, the darkness would be pervasive. However, the lingering illumination of His prophets remains more than sufficient for the observant to 193shed light on what matters most. We are still basking in their brilliance.
“Therefore (wa), you will stumble and fall (kashal – you will stagger, be brought down and overthrown, fail) by day (ha yowm), and the prophet, also (wa naby’ gam – the one who claims to speak for God likewise), will waver and falter, becoming injurious (kashal – will be overthrown) along with you (‘im ‘atah) at night (laylah – during the darkness). Then (wa), I will make this comparable to (damah – I will cause this to silence and resemble) your mother (‘em ‘atah).” (Howsha’ / He Saves / Hosea 4:5)
It is as obvious as words allow. God’s problem with His people has always been their propensity to be religious! It is the issue that continues to separate man from God.
Since the people were as corrupt as their clerics, God told the Yisra’elites, and us through them, that no one was in a position to point fingers. The destiny of the deceived would be the same as those who deceived them, at least in the sense that they would both stumble and fall.
In all of the prophets, there are few statements as consequential and piercing as Howsha’ | Hosea 4:6. It ought to be posted on the front door of every church, synagogue, and mosque, every home and statehouse throughout the world.
“My people (‘am ‘any) are destroyed and they will perish (damah – they are ruined and will cease to exist, having become the brunt of a sad story (nifal perfect – the people have destroyed themselves and will suffer the consequence for a protracted, but limited, period of time)) because of (min – from) a lack of understanding as a result of corrupted information (bely ha da’at – being without adequate knowledge, having insufficient awareness, and deficient discernment, lacking the will to 194recall what is important and the capacity to rationally analyze the data to comprehend it (infinitive substantive)).
This is because (ky – for the express reason that) you (‘atah) have avoided and rejected (ma’as – you have spurned and despised, refused and disdained, showing an aversion to (qal perfect)) the process which leads to understanding (ha da’at – the knowledge required to comprehend, the information which enables discernment).
Therefore (wa – so then), I will consistently reject you and avoid you (ma’as ‘atah – I will actually disassociate from you and will rebuff you, coming to despise and loathe you as vile, showing an aversion to you, spurning you (qal imperfect)) from serving as priests and ministers (min kahan – from acting as counselors and clerics, working as teachers or facilitators (piel infinitive – this decision to curtail the priestly service is being imposed upon Yisra’el by Yahowah, emphatically, demonstrably, and continually)) on My behalf (la ‘any – for Me or to approach Me).
And since (wa) you have consistently ignored and forgotten, failing to remember or respond to (shakach – you have overlooked and lost sight of the significance of, ceasing to care about, and failing to mention (qal imperfect – actually and continually become oblivious to)) the Towrah | Teaching and Guidance of your God (Towrah ‘elohym ‘atah – Your God’s Towrah Instructions and Directions, Your God’s Source of Leadership and Path to Follow, the Almighty’s Education; derived from: tow – God’s signed, written, and enduring, towrah – way of treating people, tuwr – giving us the means to explore, find, and choose, yarah – the source of instruction, training, supervision, and direction which flows from God, tuwb – providing answers that facilitate our restoration and return, even our reply to that which is towb – good, pleasing, beneficial, and right, and that which causes us to be loved, to become acceptable, and to endure, tahowr – purifying 195and cleansing us, thereby towr – providing us with the opportunity to change our attitude and thinking toward God), I also (‘any gam) will ignore and forget your children (shakah ben ‘atah – I will overlook your sons, lose sight of your children, and consider your offspring as worthless (qal imperfect)).” (Howsha’ / He Saves / Hosea 4:6)
For religions to emerge and grow in the shadow of this declaration, the men responsible for promoting the Talmud, New Testament, and Quran had to be willfully dishonest. And given all that, since the prophecies revealed by Howsha’ prove Divine inspiration, it is a miracle that anyone believes the religious.
There are few passages as important to God’s people as this one. ‘Am ‘any refers to Yisra’el – to the descendants of ‘Abraham, Yitschaq, and Ya’aqob. From the opening statement, Yisra’elites have been the cause of Yahowah’s angst and the focus of His condemnation.
Apart from Yahowah, human souls damah | perish. An estranged nepesh | conscious damah | ceases to exist. This is one of the most vital lessons we can learn from God, and it is at the forefront of this declarative statement.
For the thoughtless and faithful, there is neither eternal life in Heaven nor everlasting punishment in Hell but, instead, nothing. And while this may not register with some readers, it is essential to our understanding of Yahowah. If, instead, God had created a paradigm wherein those who were unaware of Him, who were misled about Him, or even who chose to reject Him were eternally tormented in Hell, He would be rendered unlovable and sadistic. But this religious indoctrination is not reality.
She’owl | Hell is reserved for those who deliberately mislead others and abuse them via religion, politics, patriotism, militarism, education, culture, or conspiracy. Their punishment is not only deserved, but recompense is 196also the only way to be fair to those they harmed. The founders and principal catalysts for religion will all be there, along with a long list of emperors, kings, popes, pastors, imams, and rabbis.
We have all been invited to enjoy eternal life in Shamaym | Heaven with Yahowah, even though as few as one in a million will accept God’s offer. We avail ourselves of this opportunity by listening to Yahowah by reciting His Towrah, Naby’, wa Mizmowr, and then responding appropriately to the conditions of His Beryth and invitations to the Miqra’ey.
Yisra’el has become so hideously misled, they have come to embody the worst of damah, having become the brunt of a sad story. They have become a nightmarish parable unto themselves – the most universally maligned people in human history. We are reading about the reason Jews have become the object of so many conspiracy theories.
Bely ha da’at is a bad thing. Ignorance is destructive, not bliss. God’s people have fallen, just as has humanity at large, because far too many lack understanding. This is due to many factors, including being inundated by the religious, political, and conspiratorial with corrupt information. Those bely ha da’at are without adequate knowledge. They have insufficient awareness to be discerning and thoughtful – which is why most believe, and the world is awash in unfounded opinions.
In the case of Yisra’elites, they lack the will to recall the lessons of the Towrah. And without God’s Guidance, they have become incapable of rationally analyzing the prescriptions for living Yahowah has provided. Contrary to what the religious believe, we must think our way to God. He is not found at the end of faith’s multicultural rainbow.
Yahowah’s Towrah is comprised of teaching and guidance, instructions and directions so that we are suitably 197educated. But when God’s dissertation on life is ma’as | neglected or, worse, rejected, there is no da’at | basis for understanding. Knowledge is required before we can make the connections and associations needed to comprehend Yahowah’s approach to life. We cannot distinguish between right and wrong, differentiate between good and bad, or discriminate between the teachings of God and the edicts of man without access to verifiable information and the will to exercise good judgment regarding it.
Every rabbi who has claimed to serve God is lying. The same is true for every pastor and priest, every minister and theologian. Not one knows Yahowah. In fact, they have all avoided Him so He has rejected them.
Yahowah designated specific individuals in well-defined roles to serve Him and His people. These included the kohen | priests. All of Lowy descent were asked to educate God’s people and help them understand His instructions and attend His Miqra’ey. But when the teachers forsook their education, they became useless and were discarded. With Yisra’elites unwilling to listen, there would be a long intermission. There would no longer be a reason for the kohen | priests under these conditions.
However, you will notice that Yahowah did not replace kohen with rabbis. He simply ma’as | rejected the priests – avoiding all contact with them – such that no one was authorized to serve. Therefore, Judaism’s twisted variation of Replacement Theology, whereby rabbis have replaced the priests, is as irrational and inappropriate as Christianity’s version, whereby Gentiles replaced Jews. Moreover, when Roman Catholics usurped the priestly title, they unwittingly demonstrated that they were not kahan la’ ‘any | ministering on God’s behalf.
In Judaism, the myth that rabbis draw their authority from God is as errant and deadly as the myth that their Talmud is an oral Torah with a legacy dating back to 198Moseh. Yahowah disowned His people, disinheriting and divorcing Yisra’el, because they consistently ignored His Towrah. And considering their fascination with the Talmud, had it been a second Torah, the preceding statement would cease to be true.
The Towrah is Yahowah’s. The Talmud is rabbinical. The fate of our souls and those of our children hinges upon which of these we rely or believe. Both is not an option. Yisra’el was destroyed and Yisra’elites perished, ceasing to exist, because they did not understand the difference between Yahowah’s Teaching and man’s edicts.
So, here’s something to ponder: since God’s people are destroyed for lack of understanding His Towrah, how is faith the alternative? After all, faith is a substitute for knowledge.
For those who may think that God ignoring the children of parents who have ignored His Towrah | Guidance is harsh, I would suggest otherwise. Since the lone means to become part of Yahowah’s Family is by coming to know, understand, accept, and then act upon the instructive conditions of His Beryth | Covenant as they are presented in His Towrah | Directions, parents who lose sight of their significance fail in equipping their children with the means to know God. Without Yah, there are only two eventualities for human souls: ceasing to exist and eternal incarceration. To be forgotten is the best possible outcome under these circumstances.
Moreover, this is so clear, so black and white, rather than pointing an accusing finger at Yah for refusing to be capricious and letting everyone into heaven, we ought to assign blame where blame is due. When we ignore Yahowah’s Towrah | Instructions, it’s not only to our detriment. By failing to acknowledge His advice, we are also depriving our children of the opportunity to be part of God’s Family.
199The Towrah has been ignored and forgotten by mankind, replaced with the New Testament in Christianity, with the Quran in Islam, and with the Talmud in Judaism. The overwhelming preponderance of people have excluded God from their lives by failing to consider the means He provided to know Him.
Yahowah did not do this to us. We have done it to ourselves.
The larger human institutions grow, the worse they become. It is a gang mentality played out on the scale of nations and civilizations. It is the same with principalities as it is with religions. They not only feed upon the people’s willingness to acquiesce and be controlled, but the leaders of such institutions are also emboldened by the increased access to sex, power, and money. And so it is with the cleric, so it is with those he has conned. That is why Yahowah said...
“So as (ka) they grew in number and as the rabbis became more influential (rabab hem – they increased in population and became more numerous and self-exalting), so much the more (ken) they missed the way (chata’ – they were misled and went in the wrong direction, retreating from what is right and becoming too culpable, blameworthy, and offensive (qal perfect)) to approach Me (la ‘any – concerning Me).
I exchanged (muwr – I substituted (hifil imperfect)) their reputation and reward (kabowd hem – their honor and respect, their status and forthcoming abundance) for (ba) shame (qalown – dishonor and disgrace, ignominy and infamy, an exceedingly low status, engendering slander and public humiliation).” (Howsha’ / He Liberates / Hosea 4:7)
This passage presents an ironic twist. As people grow in stature, they recede from God. The more people move in one direction, the more likely it is that they are headed the 200wrong way. The more people strive to be influential, the more insignificant they become. Humankind has substituted transitory wealth for an eternal reward and has exchanged the illusion of power for its genuine manifestation.
Our appreciation for Yahowah’s prophetic testimony grows when we set what He has revealed beside the long history of human malfeasance. A recounting of the exploits of civilizations leaves the observant and moral with the realization of just how awful men and women have been.
While individuals can be good or bad, and are typically both, as a group, we humans are resolutely awful. We engage in human sacrifice to appease the gods. We enslave our neighbors so that we prosper by their toil. We impose our politics and economic schemes and claim to be righteous and democratic. We rape the planet, rob it of its resources, and are murderous while pretending to be moral and peaceful. Lies are preferred over truth, control to freedom, religion to a responsible relationship with God.
We establish enormous militaries and equip the killers with weapons of mass destruction. Then we are indoctrinated to praise the soldiers wielding the implements of death and believe that the least free and most destructive institutions on Earth are responsible for our liberty and prosperity. We tax the productive and reward the unproductive and think that we are being progressive and compassionate. We divide people into groups based on the color of their skin and then blame others for being racist.
