Statement of Faith

Isa 55:8  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways," says Adonai.

Isa 55:9  "As high as the sky is above the earth are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Adonai’s ways are PERFECT. All of His Word is Perfect. From B’resheet/Genesis thru Revelation. It is our blessing to know what He thinks is perfect. It is our joy to strive although never perfect to follow all His Mitzvoh/Commandments.

Mat 5:17  "Don't think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete.

Mat 5:18  Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud ( י ) or a stroke will pass from the Torah — not until everything that must happen has happened.

Mat 5:19  So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

What is the TORAH? To us at BGMC it is Adonai’s “God” marriage contract to all of us His people. Both Hebrew “Jew” and Gentile “The Nations”. They are not Mitzvoh’s Commandments but Commitments. He was gracious enough to write down these simple commitments for us to follow. We at BGMC think of these commitments like a marriage contract. When a man and woman get married they make a commitment to Adonai and to one another. They do this in front of His eyes and the family. We are blessed and honored to be able to have the opportunity to have this perfection.

To be Torah observant means we do not follow the Jewish rabbi’s, but Adonai. For how can we say to our Gentile brethren that you need to stop following pagan ways if we ourselves keep following them. We follow the "Route 66" Kings High Way. That means from B'resheet/Genesis to Revelation.  We do not follow Talmud, The Pope's writings, Luther or any other man made writings. These have errors in them and were not written by Adonai. Our Motto is “Just Do It”. When you see Yeshua/Jesus doing something in the Scriptures as an example, then you, as His child, should do it too. If He did not do it, or speak about it, it is a tradition of man and we do not follow those traditions. Those traditions of men have led, and still lead people away from Messiah Yeshua and to the adversary satan.     

That we might have unity among us, and that we all speak the same thing as regards the foundation of our faith, and that with integrity we present our witness of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah as those who walk in His light, (I Corinthians 1:10 & Acts 2:42) let it be hereby established that we believe....

1. All Scripture (Tanach - Torah, Prophets, Writings) which is completed in the Ketuvei HaShalichim (the Apostolic Writings, commonly known as the New Testament) is given by the Breath/Spirit of Elohim [G-d], and is to be used for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:15-17, I Thessalonians 2:13, II Peter 1:21)

2. Hear, O Israel: YHVH [the LORD, the Most High] is our Elohim. He is One. He alone is ADONAI (Deuteronomy 6:4 & Isaiah 43:10-11). He is the Creator of heaven and earth, of all living beings, and of everything both visible and invisible (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:15-17). Although He is limitless in power, authority, time, matter, and space, He has chosen, in His infinite wisdom, to reveal His nature to humanity in perceivable and comprehendible manners. Scripture records G-d revealing Himself in the following manners: as fire (covenant with Avraham between the two halves of the cow; Genesis 15:17), as the form of a man not born of a woman, (when He approached Avraham with the two angels; Genesis 18), as a burning bush (spoke to Moshe; Exodus 3:2), as the fourth Man in the furnace, (Daniel 3:25), as the promised Messiah being a Man made of flesh and born of a woman (Isaiah 7:14, Galatians 4:4). Although there are numerous examples of G-d revealing Himself to humanity in various ways and forms, of those ways and forms, He has chosen to refer to Himself in the following primary contexts: as the Father (HaAv), as the Son (HaBen) Yeshua, and as the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit/Breath). What makes these primary contexts important is not only the fact that God used these forms to reveal Himself to humanity, but in doing so, He refers to Himself in these primary contexts as the one and only true and living G-d.

3. Adonai and His Word are eternal. That is: He, His Word and His Will has always been, and will always be, the same. (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8 & Matthew 5:18; 24:35)

4. The Shabbat [Sabbath], the seventh day of the week, is the created holy day of Adonai, which He gave to mankind and covenanted with His people as a sign forever. (Exodus 31:16, Genesis 2:2-3, Isaiah 58:13-14 & Matthew 12:8)

5. Yeshua of Natzeret (Jesus) is the Messiah of Israel, the Savior of the world, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is Adonai who appeared among mankind in the flesh, and now is glorified with all power in Heaven and in Earth, at the right hand of Abba. (John 1:12-14, Acts 7:55-56 & Hebrews 10:12)

6. Messiah Yeshua is the ultimate and final sacrifice required for the removal of sins. He was born of a virgin, was sinless and performed miracles. He died by execution stake (stagion) on a tree (xulon) an atoning death and rose from the dead three days afterward. Everyone who believes the above, repents of their sins and trusts that Yeshua is the Messiah, are forgiven their sins and come into a renewed covenant with Adonai through Him. Therefore they become inheritors of all the promises Adonai made with Abraham and Israel. (John 1:29, Isaiah 7:14;9:6-7, Matthew 1, Hebrews 4:15; 2:4, Leviticus 17:11, Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, Romans 5:6-11, Ephesians 2:8, Matthew 27:50-28:20, Romans 10:9-12 & I Corinthians 5-7)

7. The Ketuvei HaShalichim [the Apostolic Writings, commonly known as the New Testament] in Messiah Yeshua brings with it a new creation of the human spirit. The Torah [Law/Teachings/Instructions] of Adonai is planted inside so the Ruach HaKodesh may indwell. An external immersion in water (mikveh) is performed to declare that this has taken place. (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:26-27; 39:29, Matthew 3:16; 28:18-20 & Acts 2:38)

8. The various enablements or gifts of the Ruach HaKodesh are given with authority to all those who ask Adonai and obey His commandments. The Promise of Abba, an extra enduement of power and boldness for witnessing, is an immersion (spiritual mikveh) by the Ruach HaKodesh. Each follower should seek to be filled with the various enablements of the Ruach, who gives them as He wishes. (Joel 2:27-29, Isaiah 28:11-12, Luke 11:13, Acts 1:4-5; 2:4; 5:32; 10:44-48, I Corinthians 12:1-13 & Ephesians 1:13)

9. The people of Adonai are a holy Miqra Qahal [Called Out/Ekklesia] congregation, which is not of this world, in order to gather and celebrate Him at His appointed holy Feasts, to shine as lights of truth in the darkness and to be a royal priesthood which praises His Name. (Leviticus 23, Matthew 16:18)

10. The goals of the people of Adonai are:

* a.) To be followers of Yeshua the Messiah, until we mature into the example He left us and to know Him. (Ephesians 4:13 & Matthew 7:20-27)
* b.) To be holy and separate from the world as our Abba is holy. Therefore, we are to learn and act on those things which makes us holy in His sight. (Leviticus 11:44-45 & Ephesians 5:27)
* c.) To be righteous (right decision making) and Godly (forgiving in this world). (Titus 2:12)
* d.) To be clean, first in our conscious inner man, and also in our outward walk accordingly as we grow in the Ruach [Spirit] and understanding of the Word. (Psalm 51:10 & 1 Thessalonians 4:7)
* e.) To be full of love for one another, thus proving we are Yeshua's disciples; and caring for a lost world, to take the message of the Good News of Yeshua to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. (John 13:34-35, Romans 1:16 & 1 John 4:7-8)

11. The promise of a continually faithful trust in Yeshua, while walking according to the will of Adonai, is resurrection from the dead, eternal life and ruling with Yeshua forever in the place where His Kingdom will rule. He will yet rule in Jerusalem/Zion, and finally in the New Jerusalem in the New Creation forever. (Job 19:25-27, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 & Revelation 19-22)

12. Yeshua will judge all mankind of every act and word ever committed. He will decide the sentence for punishment, and all those not meeting His standards will be sent away from His presence, into outer darkness and eternal punishment for the sin. (Daniel 12:2, Matthew 25:31-46 & Revelation 20)

13. The final plan for the Israel of Adonai is to bring the remnant of the faithful Jewish people, and the remnant of those believers who were formerly Gentiles, but recovered from the world by faith, back together and united into one holy people under one Shepherd, namely Yeshua, the Messiah, This will complete the tearing down of the wall of partition, which is a necessary part of the restoration of all things spoken by the prophets. (Isaiah 56:8, Hosea 1-2, John 10:16, Romans 9:26 & Acts 3:21)

14. Jews according to the flesh (descendants of Abraham through Isaac, whether through the bloodline of the mother or the father) who place their faith in Israel's Messiah Yeshua have not disowned or separated themselves from their race and Judaic heritage, but remain sons and daughters of Israel. Thus should celebrate their heritage and traditions. Gentiles who place their faith in Israel's Messiah Yeshua are also spiritually sons and daughters of Israel and thus also share in this rich and meaningful heritage. (Romans 2:28-29, Acts 21:17-26, Galatians 3:28-29 & Deuteronomy 28)

15. The m'chitza (wall of partition) which in times past separated Jews and Gentiles has been broken down; the enmity between them eradicated by the Messiah Yeshua (Ephesians 2:12-14)

16. The Renewed Covenant body of Adonai is composed of both Jews and Gentiles who have accepted Israel's Messiah Yeshua as the promised Redeemer and that now they are to worship together in the House of Elohim. (John 10:16, I Corinthians 12:13, & Hebrews 10:25)

17. It is our prayer that Adonai will bring back the church to an understanding of its Jewish heritage and roots so that both Jew and Gentile may know the spiritual reality of being one in the Messiah Yeshua.

Points of Order

1. THE HOLY NAME: The reading or aloud mention of "YHVH" (Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey) may be spoken as "the I AM" in English or as "Hashem" (the Name) in Hebrew. "Adonai", "the Most High", or "Avinu (Our Father)" may also be substituted as referring to the Holy Name. Messiah said to say "Avinu (Our Father)." As an organization, we allow the option of the use of YHVH in the Aaronic Benediction (B'midbar/Numbers 6: 24-26) because we read in B'midbar/Numbers 6:27: "In this way they are to put My Name on the people of Isra'el, so that I will bless them", but strongly discourage any use of the Name that would make it common or profane.

2. MESSIAH'S NAME: The name of our Messiah was and is Yeshua or Y'shua meaning both "salvation" and "Yah who is salvation" in Hebrew. The term "Yahshuah" is not correct Hebrew pronunciation. As a proper honor, He is to be referred to as "Messiah Yeshua," "Yeshua the Messiah" or "Adonai Yeshua" rather than "Yeshua" alone.

3. NAME AS AUTHORITY: The idea of '"name" in Hebrew is that of "authority" without referring to the sound of the syllables. Use of a name means use of the authority behind the name. Therefore, it is more important to know by what authority something is done, rather than the spoken syllables. When Messiah said He came in His Father's Name, He was referring to the Father's Authority, not the syllables of the Holy Name.

4. THE TORAH: The Torah may refer to either the Five Books of Moses, the entire Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures) or the whole Bible, depending on usage. The Torah in our usage never refers to the Talmud but, while we do not consider the Talmud or any other commentary on the Scriptures as the Word of Adonai. We do not practice in the Diaspora those parts of Torah which require residence in the land, a theocratic civil government and/or a consecrated Temple on Mount Moriah.

5. LEADERSHIP & GENDER: Recognizing that the Scriptures state that under the Renewed Covenant there is an equality of men and women, recognizing the need for unity in the body, and recognizing that there are differing perspectives on the Scriptural regulations on women in ministry. As Adonai does not allow a woman to show authority over men, we abide in His perfect ways and agree to His ways 1Tim 2:11-12. There are roles for each - men and women - to follow. Only men are to teach the Scriptures to men and this should be taken as a great honor and not to be taken lightly for this is Adonai's order. Conversely only women can have babies and the incredibly joy of bringing life into this world and this should be taken as a great honor and not to be taken lightly for this is Adonai's order. Women can teach other women and children up to the age of 20 for a male. ALL are called to be witnesses for Yeshua, but not all are called by Adonai to be rabbis or pastors only men. Adonai called Aharon and his sons not daughters. Exo 27:21 Aharon and his sons are to put it in the tent of meeting...

6. THE TALLIT: according to Torah, B'midbar 15:37-41 and D'varim 22:12 we are commanded to wear the "tzitzit" with "techelet" (blue thread). This is to be done with proper respect and care. We are to wear them to remind us of HIS Torah. They should be worn at all times preferably attached to a tallit katan but tzitzit attached to belt loops is also acceptable since it shows a desire to follow this Torah command. At Shabbat services and on the moedim, the traditional Talit should be worn by men. Women may wear a type pastel colored Talit that is not mistaken for a man's Talit.

7 Shabbat/Sabbath

Throughout Torah, the command to celebrate the Shabbat – the first moed – the original appointed time – is repeated. However, we must also acknowledge that each time the mitzvoth is repeated, there are more details that are added. We will explore each of these commandments now. As we proceed we must adhere to a powerful truth. if Adonai is “ the same yesterday, today and forever”, then we must keep in mind that these first Scriptures cannot be erased or altered. They stand as a foundation on which the others build. We cannot remove the foundation of a building and still expect the roof to remain elevated above us

BGMC believes the 66 books found in our Bible. We consider them to be inspired by Adonai and therefore are Scripture.

Part I – The Work of Adonai

Followers of Adonai Elohim have abundant Scriptures for learning and understanding that He is at work all around us. Those who read and understand the Scriptures have, before them, an eye witness account of how this world was created as well as how the events and progress of life on this earth are controlled and ordered by HIS wisdom and power.

Ecclesiates 11:5  Just as you don't know the way of the wind or how bones grow in a pregnant woman's womb, so you don't know the work of God, the maker of everything.

Below is a brief review of just a few of the Scriptures that specifically describe the kind of work Adonai is doing in the world all around us every day…..

Jeremiah 51:14  Adonai-Tzva'ot has sworn by himself, "I will fill you with men as numerous as grasshoppers; they will raise over you a shout of triumph." 15  He made the earth by his power, established the world by his wisdom spread out the sky by his understanding. 16  When he thunders, the waters in heaven roar, he raises clouds from the ends of the earth, he makes the lightning flash in the rain and brings the wind out from his storehouses. 17  At this, everyone is proved stupid, ignorant, every goldsmith put to shame by his idol! The figures he casts are a fraud, there is no breath in them,18  they are nothings, ridiculous objects; when the day for their punishment comes, they will perish.

Job 9:2  "Indeed, I know that this is so; but how can a human win a case against God? 3  Whoever might want to argue with him could not answer him one [question] in a thousand. 4  His heart is so wise, his strength so great — who can resist him and succeed? 5  "He moves the mountains, although they don't know it, when he overturns them in his anger. 6  He shakes the earth from its place; its supporting pillars tremble. 7  He commands the sun, and it fails to rise; he shuts up the stars under his seal. 8  He alone spreads out the sky and walks on the waves in the sea. 9  He made the Great Bear, Orion, the Pleiades and the hidden constellations of the south. :10  He does great, unsearchable things, wonders beyond counting.

Psalm 75:2  "At the time of my own choice, I will dispense justice fairly. 3  When the earth quakes, with all living on it, it is I who hold its support-pillars firm." (Selah)

Proverbs 8:26  he had not yet made the earth, the fields, or even the earth's first grains of dust. 27  When he established the heavens, I was there. When he drew the horizon's circle on the deep, 28  when he set the skies above in place, when the fountains of the deep poured forth, 29  when he prescribed boundaries for the sea, so that its water would not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, 30  I was with him as someone he could trust. For me, every day was pure delight, as I played in his presence all the time, 31  playing everywhere on his earth, and delighting to be with humankind.

Luke 1:77  by spreading the knowledge among his people that deliverance comes by having sins forgiven 78  through our God's most tender mercy, which causes the Sunrise to visit us from Heaven, 79  to shine on those in darkness, living in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the paths of peace."

Deuteronomy 11:12  It is a land Adonai your God cares for. The eyes of Adonai your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. 13  "So if you listen carefully to my mitzvot which I am giving you today, to love Adonai your God and serve him with all your heart and all your being; 14  then, [says Adonai,] 'I will give your land its rain at the right seasons, including the early fall rains and the late spring rains; so that you can gather in your wheat, new wine and olive oil;

Psalm 104:10  You make springs gush forth in the vadis; they flow between the hills, 11  supplying water to all the wild animals; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12  On their banks the birds of the air build their nests; among the branches they sing. 13  You water the mountains from your palace; the earth is satisfied with how you provide - :14  you grow grass for the cattle; and for people you grow the plants they need to bring forth bread from the earth, 15  wine that gladdens the human heart, oil to make faces glow, and food to sustain their strength. 16  Adonai's trees are satisfied - the cedars of the L'vanon, which he has planted. 17  In them sparrows build their nests, while storks live in the fir trees. 18  For the wild goats there are the high mountains, while the coneys find refuge in the rocks. 19  You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set. 20  You bring darkness, and it is night, the time when all forest animals prowl. 21  The young lions roar after their prey and seek their food from God.22  The sun rises, they slink away and lie down to rest in their dens; 23  while people go out to their work, laboring on till evening. 24  What variety there is in your works, Adonai! How many [of them there are]! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creations. 25  Look at the sea, so great, so wide! It teems with countless creatures, living beings, both large and small.:26  The ships are there, sailing to and fro; Livyatan, which you formed to play there. 27  All of them look to you to give them their food when they need it. :28  When you give it to them, they gather it; when you open your hand, they are well satisfied.

Isaiah 42:5  Thus says God, Adonai, who created the heavens and spread them out, who stretched out the earth and all that grows from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk on it:

From this review we can easily understand how fragile we are. We depend on Adonai to literally sustain all life on this earth. Without HIM none of us could continue even one day. 

What would happen if HE decided to take the day off? Even one day….

Ecclesiastes 7:13  Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?

Before any nations were walking upon the earth..before any of the above Scriptures were even written down..Adonai declared the very first holy thing in the entire universe. It was not an object. It was not a person or an animal. It was not even a place. Adonai declared the seventh day HOLY. We know that day as Shabbat.

Genesis 2:2  By the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 God^H430 completed^H3615 His work^H4399 which^H834 He had done^H6213a, and He rested^H7673a on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 from all^H3605 His work^H4399 which^H834 He had done^H6213a. 3  Then God^H430 blessed^H1288 the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 and sanctified^H6942 it, because^H3588 in it He rested^H7673a from all^H3605 His work^H4399 which^H834 God^H430 had created^H1254a and made^H6213a.

The word Shabbat comes from the Hebrew word for seventh - shebı̂y ı̂y. That is the HOLY DAY during which Adonai rested after the days of creation. Adonai then proclaimed that as a day that would be set aside for rest. He was the first one to enjoy that rest. We know from Scripture that mankind was invited – a long time ago- to enjoy that day of rest with the King.

We know from practical human history and experience, that the world does not stop turning or come to an end every seventh day. We have all noticed that the seasons change right on time whether it is Shabbat or Saturday or not. Furthermore, the birds can be seen eating seeds on the ground on any Shabbat morning. Bumble bees and butterflies gathering nectar and pollen on the flower tops even continue to feed and work during the summer Shabbat afternoons.  We know that the rains pour down on us – even on Shabbat we have all had to bring an umbrella to Shabbat services. The new moon appears correctly in order to herald the new Hebrew month whether is falls on Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday. Every hospital nurse in every city and nation can bring you to a nursery and direct you to those babies that were born on Saturday. I have been attending Shabbat services for years –and I have never had to turn on the headlights of my car because the sun failed to rise that morning.

Is it possible that Adonai has been working on the day that HE proclaimed as a day of REST?

Ecclesiastes  8:17  then, on looking over all of God's work I realized that it is impossible to grasp all the activity taking place under the sun; because even if a person works hard at searching it out, he won't grasp it; and even if a wise person thinks he knows it, he still won't be able to grasp it.

In the Genesis scripture above the word for work that is used in the Hebrew is melakah…

H4399

מלאכה  m^elâ'kâh

From the same as H4397; properly deputyship, that is, ministry; generally employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor): - business, + cattle, + industrious, occupation, (+ -pied), + officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work ([-man], -manship).

From this Hebrew term, we can understand that Adonai does not take the issue of our labor or His own labor in a trivial way. This term is not demeaning or debasing. Adonai is recognizing the importance of all forms of work that is done with our hands. It is a form of ministry…all work is for Him, to Him, and provides advancement for His plans and His Kingdom.

Interestingly Adonai repeats an important concept twice in as many verses. Both Genesis Chapter 2 verses 2 and 3 heavily convey the same meaning…

(verse 2) His work^H4399 which^H834 He had done^H6213a …

(verse 3) His work^H4399 which^H834 God^H430 had created^H1254a and made^H6213a

Prior to resting, Adonai Eloheynu had taken the time, the energy and the care to prepare something. He had completed something in advance to that day of first Shabbat.  As we continue to read the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation….we can learn that He had done much more work (ministry) than we ourselves could ever plan or do in our lifetime. We discover that the work He had done was the beginning from the end…..the plan of salvation.

Genesis 3:15  I will put animosity between you and the woman, and between your descendant and her descendant; he will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel."

Genesis 12:2  I will make of you a great nation, I will bless you, and I will make your name great; and you are to be a blessing. 3  I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed."

Genesis 49:8  "Y'hudah, your brothers will acknowledge you, your hand will be on the neck of your enemies, your father's sons will bow down before you. 9  Y'hudah is a lion's cub; my son, you stand over the prey. He crouches down and stretches like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to provoke him? 10  The scepter will not pass from Y'hudah, nor the ruler's staff from between his legs, until he comes to whom [obedience] belongs; [or: until Shiloh comes] and it is he whom the peoples will obey.

Isaiah 46:8  Remember this, and stand firm. Keep it in mind, you rebels. :9  "Remember things that happened at the beginning, long ago — that I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10  At the beginning I announce the end, proclaim in advance things not yet done; and I say that my plan will hold, I will do everything I please to do. 11  I call a bird of prey from the east, the man I intended, from a distant country. I have spoken and will bring it about; I have made a plan, and I will fulfill it. 12  Listen to me, you stubborn people, so far from righteousness:13  I am bringing my justice nearer, it is not far away; my salvation will not be delayed, I will place my salvation in Tziyon for Isra'el my glory.

John 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2  He was with God in the beginning. 3  All things came to be through him, and without him nothing made had being.4  In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not suppressed it.

Act 4:26  The kings of the earth took their stand; and the rulers assembled together against Adonai and against his Messiah.' 27  "This has come true in this city, since Herod and Pontius Pilate, with Goyim and the peoples of Isra'el, all assembled against your holy servant Yeshua, whom you made Messiah, 28  to do what your power and plan had already determined beforehand should happen. 29  "So now, Lord, take note of their threats; and enable your slaves to speak your message with boldness!

Romans 16:25  Now to God, who can strengthen you, according to my Good News, in harmony with the revelation of the secret truth which is the proclamation of Yeshua the Messiah, kept hidden in silence for ages and ages, 26  but manifested now through prophetic writings, in keeping with the command of God the Eternal, and communicated to all the Gentiles to promote in them trust-grounded obedience 27  to the only wise God, through Yeshua the Messiah, be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 1:2  Grace to you and shalom from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah. 3  Praised be Adonai, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who in the Messiah has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4  In the Messiah he chose us in love before the creation of the universe to be holy and without defect in his presence. 5  He determined in advance that through Yeshua the Messiah we would be his sons — in keeping with his pleasure and purpose —6  so that we would bring him praise commensurate with the glory of the grace he gave us through the Beloved One.

Ephesians 3:2  I assume that you have heard of the work God in his grace has given me to do for your benefit, 3  and that it was by a revelation that this secret plan was made known to me. I have already written about it briefly, 4  and if you read what I have written, you will grasp how I understand this secret plan concerning the Messiah. 5  In past generations it was not made known to mankind, as the Spirit is now revealing it to his emissaries and prophets, 6  that in union with the Messiah and through the Good News the Gentiles were to be joint heirs, a joint body and joint sharers with the Jews in what God has promised.

Revelation 10:4  When the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, "Seal up the things the seven thunders said, do not write them down!" 5  Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted his right hand toward heaven 6  and swore by the One who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it: "There will be no more delay; 7  on the contrary, in the days of the sound from the seventh angel when he sounds his shofar, the hidden plan of God will be brought to completion, the Good News as he proclaimed it to his servants the prophets."

We cannot explore all that important work in this brief essay..but it is, nonetheless, important reading.

Part II: Adonai’s Rest

There is an excellent explanation and summary of this work of Adonai and the invitation that we all have to partake of the rest that was initiated after the creation….

Hebrews 4:1  Therefore, let us be terrified of the possibility that, even though the promise of entering his rest remains, any one of you might be judged to have fallen short of it; 2  for Good News has also been proclaimed to us, just as it was to them. But the message they heard didn't do them any good, because those who heard it did not combine it with trust. 3  For it is we who have trusted who enter the rest. It is just as he said, "And in my anger, I swore that they would not enter my rest." He swore this even though his works have been in existence since the founding of the universe. 4  For there is a place where it is said, concerning the seventh day, "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works." 5  And once more, our present text says, "They will not enter my rest." 6 Therefore, since it still remains for some to enter it, and those who received the Good News earlier did not enter, 7  he again fixes a certain day, "Today," saying through David, so long afterwards, in the text already given, "Today, if you hear God's voice, don't harden your hearts." 8  For if Y'hoshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later of another "day." 9  So there remains a Shabbat-keeping for God's people. 10  For the one who has entered God's rest has also rested from his own works, as God did from his. 11  Therefore, let us do our best to enter that rest; so that no one will fall short because of the same kind of disobedience. 12  See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword — it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart. 13  Before God, nothing created is hidden, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

Verse 9 states the main idea of the passage. Resting from work has a specific correlation to the work that Adonai had been doing during the creation week. If we have trust (faith) in His plan of salvation and accept Yeshua’s work on the tree that was done for us, then we will be free to obey the command to REST. The word rest is clarified here. Rest is accomplished once we are certain that we have prepared our hearts to be with Adonai, but free from the enemy (His enemy). Although Adonai did not need our help to defeat Satan – the opposite is not true. We, on the other hand, do need all of HIS help to defeat satan. But we know that Yeshua has accomplished all that and more.

The message is simple and clear. All the heavy labor that we can do with our hands will never achieve the salvation we need from our hateful enemy. All that we create with our hands will never achieve for us entrance into the Kingdom. Adonai had shalom once His plan for salvation was completed and the work was initiated (it took 6 days to put everything in place to defeat his enemy – hasatan).  This is truly something to celebrate. That is the inspiration of all our joyful worship dancing and singing every Shabbat together.

Verses 11 and 12 bring us to the central part of the message……the heart of the matter…

11  Therefore, let us do our best to enter that rest; so that no one will fall short because of the same kind of disobedience. 12  See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword — it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart.

This is the most consistent message that appears throughout all of the Scriptures! Adonai is looking at our hearts. He does not measure us by any outward appearances…He measures us where no one else can see – in the heart. All disobedience is measured in the heart..it is an attitude that is reflected outwardly by words and deeds- however its origin – its root – is in the heart.

 Are you able to enter into the day of rest with the King?

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Nehemiah 10:29 are joining with their kinsmen, their nobles, and are taking on themselves a curse and an oath to walk in God's law, which was given through Moses, God's servant, and to keep and to observe all the commandments of GOD our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes; 30 and that we will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons. 31 As for the peoples of the land who bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the sabbath or a holy day; and we will forego the crops the seventh year and the exaction of every d

Matthew 12:1 One Shabbat during that time, Yeshua was walking through some wheat fields. His talmidim were hungry, so they began picking heads of grain and eating them. 2 On seeing this, the P'rushim said to him, "Look! Your talmidim are violating Shabbat!" 3 But he said to them, "Haven't you ever read what David did when he and those with him were hungry? 4 He entered the House of God and ate the Bread of the Presence!" — which was prohibited, both to him and to his companions; — it is permitted only to the cohanim. 5 “Or haven't you read in the Torah that on Shabbat the cohanim profane Shabbat and yet are blameless? 6 I tell you, there is in this place something greater than the Temple! 7 If you knew what 'I want compassion rather than animal-sacrifice' meant, you would not condemn the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of Shabbat!" 9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue.

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Part III: Man’s Work

Leviticus 23:3  'For six^H8337a days^H3117 work^H4399 may be done^H6213a, but on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 there is a sabbath^H7676 of complete^H7677 rest^H7677, a holy^H6944 convocation^H4744. You shall not do^H6213a any^H3605 work^H4399; it is a sabbath^H7676 to the LORD^H3068 in all^H3605 your dwellings^H4186.

At first, this may seem to be an easy or obvious commandment -  Even a delightful instruction! What a pleasure to be commanded to STOP working so hard! But man has always struggled to follow even the simplest commandment – because our flesh fights and rebels against the pure and simple goodness of Adonai. As a result we complicate things – to the point of frustration!

Some basic thoughts can clear the way for proper understanding. First, that the Shabbat was intended to be an invitation to a blessing – not a problem, a burden, or a trap for us to get caught. Second, these instructions were intended to be timeless or perpetual. In other words, the teachings and concepts could be applied by ancient shepherds and farmers as well as followers of Adonai today.

The commandment in Leviticus 23 contains ideas or concepts that we must clearly identify in order to simply obey.

The first is the word WORK. The Hebrew word used in this particular scripture is melakah:

H4399  מלאכה melâ'kâh

BDB Definition:

1) occupation, work, business

1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship

1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious

This word is used for the specific term of work that is FORBIDDEN.

The idea of WORK is not as simple as it may seem…people have been debating about the meaning of this word for generations. People have had questions regarding exactly what kind of activities are included in the WORK that is forbidden on Shabbat. As is most often the case, the Scriptures clarify themselves for those who are diligent and patient enough to dig for answers.   The same word, melakah, is used in reference to the Shabbat in the prophesies given to Jeremiah. It is beautiful and clear – an explanation of the word melakah directly from Adonai:

Jeremiah 17:21  'Thus^H3541 says^H559 the LORD^H3068, "Take^H8104 heed^H8104 for yourselves^H5315, and do not carry^H5375 any load^H4853a on the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 or bring^H935 anything in through the gates^H8179 of Jerusalem^H3389. 22  "You shall not bring^H3318 a load^H4853a out of your houses^H1004 on the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 nor^H3808 do^H6213a any^H3605 work^H4399, but keep^H6942 the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 holy^H6942, as I commanded^H6680 your forefathers^H1.23  "Yet they did not listen^H8085 or incline^H5186 their ears^H241, but stiffened^H7185 their necks^H6203 in order not to listen^H8085 or take^H3947 correction^H4148. 24  "But it will come^H1961 about, if^H518 you listen^H8085 attentively^H8085 to Me," declares^H5002 the LORD^H3068, "to bring^H935 no^H1115 load^H4853a in through the gates^H8179 of this^H384 city^H5892b on the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117, but to keep^H6942 the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 holy^H6942 by doing^H6213a no^{H1115 H3605} work^H4399 on it.

So, from Adonai’s own Word, the issue should be settled. The burdens of heavy labor and the work of our hands for even survival and meeting our needs of ordinary living need to be stopped on Shabbat –for a rest. Building, pulling, lifting, making creating, cleaning, cooking, planting, plowing, harvesting. The same important understanding of labor or work as it applies to the Shabbat is again confirmed in the book of Nehemiah

Nehehiah 13:15  In those^H1992a days^H3117 I saw^H7200 in Judah^H3063 some who were treading^H1869 wine^H1660 presses^H1660 on the sabbath^H7676, and bringing^H935 in sacks^H6194 of grain^H6194 and loading^H6006 them on donkeys^H2543, as well^H637 as wine^H3196, grapes^H6025, figs^H8384 and all^H3605 kinds of loads^H4853a, and they brought^H935 them into Jerusalem^H3389 on the sabbath^H7676 day^H31

 With regards to the Shabbat another clarification is written in the Torah:

For our next set of scriptures this word in Hebrew is used;

H5647  עבד   âbad

A primitive root; to work (in any sense); by implication to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc.: -  X be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, + husbandman, keep, labour (-ing man), bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve (-ing, self), (be, become) servant (-s), do (use) service, till (-er), transgress [from margin], (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper.

Exodus 20:8  "Remember^H2142 the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117, to keep^H6942 it holy^H6942. 9  "Six^H8337a days^H3117 you shall labor^H5647 and do^H6213a all^H3605 your work^H4399

Exodus 34:21  "You shall work^H5647 six^H8337a days^H3117, but on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 you shall rest^H7673a; even during plowing^H2758 time^H2758 and harvest^H7105a you shall rest^H7673a.

In Sh’mot/Exodus H7673   שׁבת shâbath

A primitive root; to repose, that is, desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causatively, figuratively or specifically): - (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away.

This Hebrew word –abad – is used for distinct occasions.  

One is bondage or slavery. It is specifically a type of hard work or service for another’s gain

Genesis 15:13  God said^H559 to Abram^H87, "Know^H3045 for certain^H3045 that your descendants^H2233 will be strangers^H1616 in a land^H776 that is not theirs^H1992a, where they will be  enslaved^H5647 and oppressed^H6031a four^H702 hundred^H3967 years^H8141. 14  "But I will also^H1571 judge^H1777 the nation^H1471 whom^H834 they will serve^H5647, and afterward^{H310 H3651} they will come^H3318 out with many^H1419 possessions^H7399.

Another meaning is implied. Because of the concept of servitude, this word  - abad - is also used in the Hebrew text concerning our service unto Adonai. Modern translations render the word worship instead.

However, to Adonai , we are all HIS servants!

Psalm 2:11  Worship^H5647 the LORD^H3068 with reverence^H3374 And rejoice^H1523 with trembling^H7461b.

Lastly, the Hebrew Scriptures use this word – abad - consistently for a term of agriculture – such as plowing, tilling, cultivating  or working the land:

Genesis 2:15  Then the LORD^H3068 God^H430 took^H3947 the man^H120 and put^H5117 him into the garden^H1588 of Eden^H5731 to cultivate^H5647 it and keep^H8104 it.

Genesis 4:11  "Now^H6258 you are cursed^H779 from the ground^H127, which^H834 has opened^H6475 its mouth^H6310 to receive^H3947 your brother's^H251 blood^H1818 from your hand^H3027. 12  "When^H3588 you  cultivate^H5647 the ground^H127, it will no^H3808 longer^H3254 yield^H5414 its strength^H3581b to you; you will be a vagrant^H5128 and a wanderer^H5110 on the earth^H776."

This is consistent with our understanding of our relationship to our King…We are the laborers in His vineyard..are we not? We are planting and weeding and watching over the fields in His earth and He will soon come to gather in the harvest.

The modern translations of Scripture use the single term “work” interchangeably with several different Hebrew words. We must be careful to pause at this point. These other terms are not associated with the Shabbat in the Hebrew text of the Torah. The Hebrew terms also have significant variations in meaning:

For our next group of Scriptures this Hebrew word is used:

H4639  מעשׂה     ma‛ăśeh

From H6213; an action (good or bad); generally a transaction; abstractly activity; by implication a product (specifically a poem) or (generally) property: - act, art, + bake meat, business, deed, do (-ing), labour, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, X well, ([handy-, needle-, net-]) work, (-ing, -manship), wrought.

Genesis 5:29  Now he called^H7121 his name^H8034 Noah^H5146, saying^H559, "This^H2088 one^H2088 will give^H5162 us rest^H5162 from our work^H4639 and from the toil^H6093 of our hands^H3027 arising from the ground^H127 which^H834 the LORD^H3068 has cursed^H779."

Ecclesiastes 2:11  Thus I considered^H6437 all^H3605 my activities^H4639 which^H7945 my hands^H3027 had done^H6213a and the labor^H5999 which^H7945 I had exerted^H6213a, and behold^H2009 all^H3605 was vanity^H1892 and striving^H7469 after wind^H7307 and there^H369 was no^H369 profit^H3504 under^H8478 the sun^H8121.

 Isaiah 59:6  Their webs^H6980 will not become^H1961 clothing^H899b, Nor^H3808 will they cover^H3680 themselves with their works^H4639; Their works^H4639 are works^H4639 of iniquity^H205, And an act^H6467 of violence^H2555 is in their hands^H3709. 7  Their feet^H7272 run^H7323 to evil^H7451b, And they hasten^H4116 to shed^H8210 innocent^H5355a blood^H1818; Their thoughts^H4284 are thoughts^H4284 of iniquity^H205, Devastation^H7701 and destruction^H7667 are in their highways^H4546.6  and do not go^H1980 after^H310 other^H312 gods^H430 to serve^H5647 them and to worship^H7812 them, and do not provoke^H3707 Me to anger^H3707 with the work^H4639 of your hands^H3027, and I will do^H7489a you no^H3808 harm^H7489a.' 7  "Yet you have not listened^H8085 to Me," declares^H5002 the LORD^H3068, "in order^H4616 that you might provoke^H3707 Me to anger^H3707 with the work^H4639 of your hands^H3027 to your own harm^H7451b.

Ezekiel 16:29  "You also multiplied^H7235a your harlotry^H8457 with the land^H776 of merchants^H3667b, Chaldea^H3778, yet even^H1571 with this^H384 you were not satisfied^H7646."'" 30  "How^H4100 languishing^H535 is your heart^H3826," declares^H5002 the Lord^H136 GOD^H3068, "while you do^H6213a all^H3605 these^H428 things^H4639, the actions^H4639 of a bold-faced^H7989 harlot^H2181.

Therefore, the list of forbidden activities on Shabbat should be fairly short because of the simple intent or purpose given in the original Hebrew Scriptures in the Book of Leviticus. Activities such as changing a  baby’s diaper does not fall into this list because it is essential in caring for a child whom Adonai has given as a gift. It is also an activity that cannot be avoided no matter how conscientiously we may plan ahead or organize our belongings.

The last “work” detail we can address here is the concept of cooking. Praise Yah for His compassion on the women among His people! He immediately communicates His understanding of how much work is truly required to prepare a proper meal! Adonai specifically calls on His people to cook the manna on preparation day…There is clearly no cooking that is allowed on Shabbat! Adonai carefully avoids any confusion or miscommunication when he continues to deliver His mitzvots in Exodus 35:

Exo 35:3  "You shall not kindle^H1197a a fire^H784 in any^H3605 of your dwellings^H4186 on the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117."

Although we should have understood that cooking involves skilled work of the hands as well as carrying heavy loads of pots of water and baskets of produce, Adonai knows how confused our flesh becomes when we are faced with something new. Carrying bundles of heavy firewood and using manual tools to ignite a fire would simply be out of the question. That labor can be done with proper preparation on the day before the Shabbat. Therefore, He not only provides the food – manna – but our Abba also provides us with lots of instruction and guidance and knowledge. As we proceed in this study, we will also see that the pride of man will eventually try to provide his own understanding his own interpretations and explanations throughout the generations that followed this first Shabbat.

Ecclesiastes  2:11  Then I looked at all that my hands had accomplished and at the work I had toiled at; and I saw that it was all meaningless and feeding on wind, and that there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

Yeshua Himself addressed the pitfalls of misunderstanding the text of the Scriptures regarding the definition of “man’s work” and “carrying a heavy load”. The designated spiritual leaders of Israel had fallen into confusion of the flesh .

John 5:5  One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6  Yeshua, seeing this man and knowing that he had been there a long time, said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" 7  The sick man answered, "I have no one to put me in the pool when the water is disturbed; and while I'm trying to get there, someone goes in ahead of me." 8  Yeshua said to him, "Get up, pick up your mat and walk!" 9  Immediately the man was healed, and he picked up his mat and walked. Now that day was Shabbat, 10 so the Judeans said to the man who had been healed, "It's Shabbat! It's against Torah for you to carry your mat!" 11  But he answered them, "The man who healed me — he's the one who told me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.' "

We may easily become spiritually prideful and judge the Judeans, or even laugh at them. We may say, “How ridiculous for them to chastise the healed man!”. In this modern day, we must face the reality that these types of judgments are still happening, but it is even more widespread. The unsaved Jews have multiple sects that demand this type of strict adherence to multiple details of regulations that have been added to Torah via the multiple versions of the Talmud. There are also sects of Christianity that have very strict rules of dress, and ban women from gathering in the assembly if all of their skin is not covered, or even if they shave the hair from their legs. These are the exact reasons for the need for such a document as this one that forces us to review the pure Scriptures searching for the truth. Many people’s minds have been contaminated and  barred from the truth – the essence of the Torah- the Spirit of the Torah.

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Part IV:  Man’s “PLACE”

Adonai calls us-invites us-to take a break from all the hard work of surviving in the natural – in this fallen world. This is so that we can take a moment to remember Adonai and spend time with Him in the wealth and splendor of His Kingdom in the Spirit – where everything is still perfect. It is a place where we can join Him if we obey and BELIEVE.

Adonai foreknew that people would get tangled in the webs of their minds, so He also provided some specific directives to help us. To fully get a foundation for the idea of obedience and HIS provision we must go to the first observance of Shabbat that Adonai organized with HIS people.

Exodus 16:15  When the sons^H1121 of Israel^H3478 saw^H7200 it, they said^H559 to one^H376 another^H251, "What^H4478b is it?" For they did not know^H3045 what^H4100 it was. And Moses^H4872 said^H559 to them, "It is the bread^H3899 which^H834 the LORD^H3068 has given^H5414 you to eat^H402. 16  "This^H2088 is what^{H1697 H834} the LORD^H3068 has commanded^H6680, 'Gather^H3950 of it every^H376 man^H376 as much^H6310 as he should eat^H398; you shall take^H3947 an omer^H6016b apiece^H1538 according to the number^H4557 of persons^H5315 each^H376 of you has^H3947 in his tent^H168.'"17  The sons^H1121 of Israel^H3478 did^H6213a so^H3651, and some gathered^H3950 much^H7235a and some little^H4591. 18  When they measured^H4058 it with an omer^H6016b, he who had^H7235a gathered much^H7235a had no^H3808 excess^H5736, and he who had^H4591 gathered little^H4591 had no^H3808 lack^H2637; every^H376 man^H376 gathered^H3950 as much^H6310 as he should eat^H398.19  Moses^H4872 said^H559 to them, "Let no^H408 man^H376 leave^H3498 any^H4480 of it until^H5704 morning^H1242." 20  But they did not listen^H8085 to Moses^H4872, and some^H376 left^H3498 part of it until^H5704 morning^H1242, and it bred^H7426b worms^H8438 and became^H887 foul^H887; and Moses^H4872 was angry^H7107 with them.21  They gathered^H3950 it morning^H1242 by morning^H1242, every^H376 man^H376 as much^H6310 as he should eat^H398; but when the sun^H8121 grew^H2552 hot^H2552, it would melt^H4549. 22  Now on the sixth^H8345 day^H3117 they gathered^H3950 twice^H4932 as much^H4932 bread^H3899, two^H8147 omers^H6016b for each^H259 one^H259. When all^H3605 the leaders^H5387a of the congregation^H5712 came^H935 and told^H5046 Moses^H4872, 23  then he said^H559 to them, "This^H1931 is what^H834 the LORD^H3068 meant^H1696: Tomorrow^H4279 is a sabbath^H7677 observance^H7677, a holy^H6944 sabbath^H7676 to the LORD^H3068. Bake^H644 what^H834 you will bake^H644 and boil^H1310 what^H834 you will boil^H1310, and all^H3605 that is left^H5736 over^H5736 put^H5117 aside^H5117 to be kept^H4931 until^H5704 morning^H1242." 24  So they put^H5117 it aside^H5117 until^H5704 morning^H1242, as Moses^H4872 had ordered^H6680, and it did not become^H887 foul^H887 nor^H3808 was there any worm^H7415 in it. 25  Moses^H4872 said^H559, "Eat^H398 it today^H3117, for today^H3117 is a sabbath^H7676 to the LORD^H3068; today^H3117 you will not find^H4672 it in the field^H7704. 26  "Six^H8337a days^H3117 you shall gather^H3950 it, but on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117, the sabbath^H7676, there will be none^H3808." 27  It came^H1961 about on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 that some^H4480 of the people^H5971a went^H3318 out to gather^H3950, but they found^H4672 none^H3808. 28  Then the LORD^H3068 said^H559 to Moses^H4872, "How^H575 long^H5704 do you refuse^H3985 to keep^H8104 My commandments^H4687 and My instructions^H8451? 29  "See^H7200, the LORD^H3068 has given^H5414 you the sabbath^H7676; therefore^{H5921 H3651} He gives^H5414 you bread^H3899 for two days^H3117 on the sixth^H8345 day^H3117. Remain^H3427 every^H376 man^H376 in his place^H8478; let no^H408 man^H376 go^H3318 out of his place^H4725 on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117." 30 So the people^H5971a rested^H7673a on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117

Please focus on the simplicity of the directions, the swift consequences of disobedience, and the provision from Adonai so that His people could succeed if they would only apply themselves- or purpose themselves -to follow. The commandment to rest on the Shabbat was given to a group of people who were living in the desert among shepherds. There were no pagan rulers near them, surrounding them or lording over them. There were no businesses, nor was there any national or municipal currency used to measure income or wealth. There were no vineyards or wheat fields or olive groves. There was no Mishkan  - or Tabernacle  -yet. There were no city gates or even borders. .

When Shabbat regulations are stripped down to foundational concepts in this way, we can gain valuable understanding. Adonai expected the people to organize their efforts and their time in preparing for Shabbat. Those who failed to prepare could not enter into the beauty of HIS rest. Those who did not have any faith in Adonai’s provision also could not enter into that pure rest. The labor of going out to gather the manna echoes the Scriptures already quoted above. The physical act of lifting, gathering, hauling, creating or building with our hands, and cooking were forbidden on the Shabbat. These things could easily have been done the day before- by a person with a faithful willing heart.

The verse in Ex 16:29 speaks of every man remaining “ in his place”. Interestingly, there are two different Hebrew words used in that verse which are translated as “place”. Most of our modern translations assume the words to mean the man’s home or tent. However both of the Hebrew words convey the idea of subordinate status as in “humble state”or “status”. The modern expression might more accurately say,

“Each man must know his place (or status) before the King”.

Many times Adonai presents a play on words with deep meaning, but the meaning is only understood in the Hebrew context – it is utterly and frequently lost in the English translations.

29  "See^H7200, the LORD^H3068 has given^H5414 you the sabbath^H7676; therefore^{H5921 H3651} He gives^H5414 you bread^H3899 for two days^H3117 on the sixth^H8345 day^H3117. Remain^H3427 every^H376 man^H376 in his place^H8478; let no^H408 man^H376 go^H3318 out of his place^H4725 on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117."

H8478

תּחת tachath

BDB Definition:

1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas 1a) the under part (noun masculine)1b) beneath (adverbial accusative)1c) under, beneath (preposition)1c1) at the foot of (idiom)

H4725

מקום  /  מקמה  /  מקומה  /  מקם mâqôm  /  meqômâh

BDB Definition:

1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode

Here we can see that Adonai was teaching his chosen people to obey with respect and humility.  He is the King and you are not. You are dependent on Him – never the other way around. A simple understanding is a military unit. There is a sergeant incharge of the unit. The men under his command do not question their leader. They follow his orders and know their place.

Part V: Shabbat  -not just a day – It is also an Action

v  Part V section A:

The next concept to understand is the word Shabbat. Shabbat is the title specially given by Adonai to the seventh day of the week. Therefore, the first understanding of Shabbat is in the form of a noun. It is basic and very simple. It is listed below.

H7676

שׁבּת shabbâth

BDB Definition:

1) Sabbath  1a) Sabbath 1b) day of atonement 1c) sabbath year 1d) week 1e) produce (in sabbath year)

Part of Speech: noun feminine or masculine

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: intensive from H7673

Same Word by TWOT Number: 2323b

The seventh day was declared the Shabbat ever since the days of the creation. Very importantly, we see that Adonai Himself rested from His work on this day.

Genesis 2:2  By the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 God^H430 completed^H3615 His work^H4399 which^H834 He had done^H6213a, and He rested^H7673a on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 from all^H3605 His work^H4399 which^H834 He had done^H6213a.

Although HIS work was much grander in scope and scale than ours-the concept of stopping the creative process is the same. Adonai purposely paused and soaked in the grandeur and beauty of His creation – He spent some time among all of His living creatures. His Word consistently tells us that He still longs to do the same with us

H7637

שׁבעי  /  שׁביעי shebı̂y‛ı̂y  /  shebi‛ı̂y

BDB Definition:

1) seventh  1a) ordinal number

Part of Speech: adjective masculine or feminine

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: ordinal from H7657

Same Word by TWOT Number: 2318b

In the modern translations it is easy to differentiate the words in the Leviticus 23 command that we are studying. However, in the Hebrew, there is something a little difficult for us Westerners to understand. In the Hebrew text, the word Shabbat seems to be repeated in this sentence. That is because the first “Shabbat” is a title of the day. The second Shabbat word is a verb. That is important. Shabbat is something we must “do”

Leviticus 23:3  'For six^H8337a days^H3117 work^H4399 may be done^H6213a, but on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 there is a sabbath^H7676 of complete^H7677 rest^H7677, a holy^H6944 convocation^H4744

H7676  שׁבּת shabbâth

Intensive from H7673; intermission, that is, (specifically) the Sabbath: -  (+ every) sabbath.

H7673   שׁבת shâbath

A primitive root; to repose, that is, desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causatively, figuratively or specifically): - (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away.

H7677  שׁבּתון    shabbâthôn

From H7676; a sabbatism or special holiday: - rest, sabbath.

Exodus 31:16  'So the sons^H1121 of Israel^H3478 shall observe^H8104 the sabbath^H7676, to celebrate^H6213a the sabbath^H7676 throughout their generations^H1755 as a perpetual^H5769 covenant^H1285.'

H6213    עשׂה‛    âśâh

BDB Definition:

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make 1a2c) to prepare  1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order

             1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute

1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass

2) (Piel) to press, squeeze

Part of Speech: verb

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a primitive root

Same Word by TWOT Number: 1708, 1709

We can quickly learn many details about what Adonai wants us to know about Shabbat by simply referring to the Hebrew. The Scriptures teach us that Adonai was very concerned about the heavy burdens with which humans must cope because of the fall of man in the Garden. He repeatedly reminds the Israelites that they were forced to carry heavy burdens for 400 years in Egypt- He further explains that is one of the specific reasons He gave them the Shabbat. The Sabbath was intended to be an intermission- a break from labor in the earth - from the very beginning.

v  Part IV section B:

The modern translations render the word “rest” in many scriptures of the Biblical text. However, the single term rest is differentiated in the Hebrew text with several different words with variations in their meaning. A word search in the Scriptures for the modern word “rest” reveals that the word appears 281 times. The first of which is found in the account of Noah. The significance is accentuated by the translation of Noah’s name..which means REST…

Gen 5:29  Now he called^H7121 his name^H8034 Noah^H5146, saying^H559, "This^H2088 one^H2088 will give^H5162 us  rest ^H5162 from our work^H4639 and from the toil^H6093 of our hands^H3027 arising from the ground^H127 which^H834 the LORD^H3068 has cursed^H779."

H5146  נח     nôach  The same as H5118; rest; Noach, the patriarch of the flood: - Noah.

H5118 נוּח       nûach  From H5117; quiet: - rest (-ed, -ing place).

Genesis 8:4  In the seventh^H7637 month^H2320, on the seventeenth^{H7651 H6240} day^H3117 of the month^H2320, the ark^H8392 rested^H5117 upon the mountains^H2022 of Ararat^H780.

As we can clearly see there is a different word in Hebrew used here. This changes the understanding and the depth of our knowledge.

H5117  נוּח       nûach  A primitive root; to rest, that is, settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, intransitively, transitively and causatively (to dwell, stay, let fall, place, let alone, withdraw, give comfort, etc.): - cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down.

The next example of the word “rest” in the scriptures also appears in Genesis. In the account of Abraham’s visit by Adonai in the form of three men, he invites the three to rest beneath a tree.

Genesis 18:4  "Please^H4994 let a little^H4592 water^H4325 be brought^H3947 and wash^H7364 your feet^H7272, and rest^H8172 yourselves^H8172 under^H8478 the tree^H6086;

H8172   שׁען     shâ‛an  A primitive root; to support one’s self: - lean, lie, rely, rest (on, self), stay.

WE must be careful to apply the words chosen by Adonai IN THE CONTEXT in which they were written. Our study has shown that the Hebrew language text provides specific detailed variations of meaning for both the words work and rest. In our modern thinking and speaking we may use the same word “rest” for sleeping through the night, or sitting under a shade tree, or an apple resting on the kitchen table. Hebrew provides distinctly different words for each of these instances. Most importantly, for the sake of this study, none of these other words apply to the Shabbat according to Adonai’s first day of rest which He proclaimed holy. Moreover, these variations for the word rest do not appear in any of the subsequent commands for the Shabbat.

To specifically apply the instruction to Shabbat – to have an intermission - we again seek the Scriptures. For certainty and for clarity, Yeshua Himself reiterates the concern for the heavy burdens of life, and He emphasizes His intention to provide an intermission from that work as it applies to our SOULS.

Matthew 11:28  "Come^G1205 to Me, all^G3956 who are weary^G2872 and heavy-laden^G5412, and I will give^G373 you rest^G373. 29 "Take^G142 My yoke^G2218 upon you and learn^G3129 from Me, for I am^G1510 gentle^G4239b and humble^G5011 in heart^G2588, and YOU WILL FIND^G2147 REST^G372 FOR YOUR SOULS^G5590. 30 “For My yoke^G2218 is easy^G5543 and My burden^G5413 is light^G1645."

G5412  Φορτίζω phortizō

From G5414; to load up (properly as a vessel or animal), that is, (figuratively) to overburden with ceremony (or spiritual anxiety): - lade, be heavy laden.

G372  ἀνάπαυσις anapausis

From G373; intermission; by implication recreation: - rest.

“I want to draw your attention to G372 in the Greek how the word is the same meaning as the Hebrew for intermission. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT UNDERSTANDING” THIS IS ALSO BRINGING YOU TO THE UNDERSTAND OF G373

G373  ἀναπαύω  anapauō

 (reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication to refresh: - take ease, refresh, (give, take) rest.

Luke 11:38  When the Pharisee^G5330 saw^G3708 it, he was surprised^G2296 that He had not first^G4413 ceremonially^G907 washed^G907 before^G4253 the meal^G712. 39  But the Lord^G2962 said^G3004 to him, "Now^G3568 you Pharisees^G5330 clean^G2511 the outside^G1855 of the cup^G4221 and of the platter^G4094; but inside^G2081 of you, you are full^G1073 of robbery^G724 and wickedness^G4189. 40  "You foolish^G878 ones^G878, did not He who made^G4160 the outside^G1855 make^G4160 the inside^G2081 also^G2532? 41  "But give^G1325 that which is within^G1751 as charity^G1654, and then^G2400 all^G3956 things^G3956 are clean^G2513 for you. 42  "But woe^G3759 to you Pharisees^G5330! For you pay^G586b tithe^G586b of mint^G2238 and rue^G4076 and every^G3956 kind of garden^G3001 herb^G3001, and yet disregard^G3928 justice^G2920 and the love^G26 of God^G2316; but these^G3778 are the things^G3778 you should^G1163 have done^G4160 without^G3361 neglecting^G3935 the others^G2548. 43  "Woe^G3759 to you Pharisees^G5330! For you love^G25 the chief^G4410 seats^G4410 in the synagogues^G4864 and the respectful greetings^G783 in the market^G58 places^G58. 44  "Woe^G3759 to you! For you are like^G5613 concealed^G82 tombs^G3419, and the people^G444 who walk^G4043 over^G1883 them are unaware^{G3756 G3609a} of it." 45  One^G5100 of the lawyers^G3544 *said^G3004 to Him in reply^G611, "Teacher^G1320, when You say^G3004 this^G3778, You insult^G5195 us too^G2532." 46  But He said^G3004, "Woe^G3759 to you lawyers^G3544 as well^G2532! For you weigh^G5412 men^G444 down^G5412 with burdens^G5413 hard^G1419 to bear^G1419, while^G2532 you yourselves^G846 will not even touch^G4379 the burdens^G5413 with one^G1520 of your fingers^G1147. 47  "Woe^G3759 to you! For you build^G3618 the tombs^G3419 of the prophets^G4396, and it was your fathers^G3962 who killed^G615 them. 48  "So^G686 you are witnesses^G3144 and approve^G4909 the deeds^G2041 of your fathers^G3962; because^G3754 it was they who killed^G615 them, and you build^G3618 their tombs.

Matthew23:23  "Woe^G3759 to you, scribes^G1122 and Pharisees^G5330, hypocrites^G5273! For you tithe^G586b mint^G2238 and dill^G432 and cummin^G2951, and have neglected^G863 the weightier^G926 provisions^G926 of the law^G3551: justice^G2920 and mercy^G1656 and faithfulness^G4102; but these^G3778 are the things you should^G1163 have done^G4160 without^G3361 neglecting^G863 the others^G2548. 24  "You blind^G5185 guides^G3595, who strain^G1368 out a gnat^G2971 and swallow^G2666 a camel^G2574!

…..have neglected^G863 the weightier^G926 provisions^G926 of the law^G3551:

Yeshua is giving a powerful teaching here. He is teaching right discernment of Torah. He clearly states that there are teachings and provisions of the Torah that are fundamental or foundational. These areas of the Law cannot be forsaken or excluded in an attempt to force strict adherence to the details of the Torah. We are, however, careful to note that he is not advocating casual or flippant disregard of these details of Torah. He is giving a warning that stands the test of time. Man has a habit of trying to follow Torah in the flesh. Yeshua shows us the way back to the Spirit of the Law…..those saved by Yeshua and following the Way can obtain a Torah observant life by the help of the Ruach..not by “nit picking” and criticism or even peer pressure.

Scripture, this far, has taught us that Shabbat is a type of “rest”, but not the typical type of rest that we have understood in modern Western thinking or culture. The concept of Shabbat involves some surprising actions – to desist from exertion, leaving something, putting something down while also celebrating! We are not to leave something as if to be empty-handed or void. We are not to walk away from our work so that we have “nothing to do”. We are leaving our work and our burdens so that we can be free to be filled with His presence. So that we can freely serve Him without distractions. So that we can be refreshed and renewed. So that our congregations may be filled with fully restored and functionally strong workers for the Kingdom. Now we can better understand Adonai’s purpose and intent. He wants us to put down our tools and our loads and walk away from them so that we are free to celebrate in His presence!

Yeshua’s own words confirm this expectation of “doing” Shabbat:

Matthew 12:12  "How^G4214 much^G4214 more^G1308 valuable^G1308 then^G3767 is a man^G444 than a sheep^G4263b! So^G5620 then^G5620, it is lawful^G1832 to do^G4160 good^G2573 on the Sabbath^G4521."

Mark 3:4  And He *said^G3004 to them, "Is it lawful^G1832 to do^G4160 good^G18 or^G2228 to do^G2554 harm^G2554 on the Sabbath^G4521, to save^G4982 a life^G5590 or^G2228 to kill^G615?" But they kept^G4623 silent^G4623.

_ G4160 ποιέω  poy-eh'-o

Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct): - abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do (-ing), execute, exercise, fulfill, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Compare G4238.

G4238 πράσσω  pras'-so

A primary verb; to “practice”, that is, perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from G4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication to execute, accomplish, etc.; specifically to collect (dues), fare (personally): - commit, deeds, do, exact, keep, require, use arts.

Notice in these passages that Yeshua did not use the Greek word- - praso. This specific term refers to repeated or habitual labor that is specifically meant for personal gain or profit. In other words – doing our regular work at our jobs or place of employment.  It is clear that Yeshua is NOT teaching that these types of activities are allowable on Shabbat. Although Yeshua does not enter into a complete teaching on the subject of jobs here, or in any of His teachings, we need this information so that we can be discerning about the words He is actually teaching here. It is beneficial to briefly look at what was NOT said to strengthen our understanding of what was REALLY said.

Yeshua was careful in His choice of words. The Greek word poyeho refers to single powerful acts that are carried out by groups of people united under Yeshua to fulfill his commandments. In so doing these people are actively participating in the battle between Ha satan and Yeshua. These warrior’s actions are securing Yeshua’s followers within the advancing borders of Yeshua’s Kingdom on earth, battling (as in a spiritual “shoot out”) with enemy forces, and casting them out.

It is essential that we learn from the MASTER that He becomes offended when men confuse and burden people with the words of His Torah. We must adhere to His perfect instruction here. There are some activities that are allowable on Shabbat, within the context of Torah that will not prevent or distract a person from fulfilling their active participation on this Holy day.

Part VI: The Holy Convocation

Another new concept to mankind is introduced in the Leviticus scripture. The HOLY CONVOCATION:

Leviticus 23:3  'For six^H8337a days^H3117 work^H4399 may be done^H6213a, but on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 there is a sabbath^H7676 of complete^H7677 rest^H7677, a holy^H6944 convocation^H4744. You shall not do^H6213a any^H3605 work^H4399; it is a sabbath^H7676 to the LORD^H3068 in all^H3605 your dwellings^H4186.

What exactly is a holy convocation?

H6944

קדשׁ qôdesh

BDB Definition:

1) apartness, holiness, sacredness, separateness 1a) apartness, sacredness, holiness 1a1) of God 1a2) of places1a3) of things1b) set-apartness, separateness

Part of Speech: noun masculine

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H6942

Same Word by TWOT Number: 1990a

Therefore, the Hebrew understanding of HOLY means separate or set apart. It applies to Adonai Himself. It can also apply to places and things. In this Scripture it applies to a specific day of the week and it applies to convocation. This full meaning will be very important to the study later on.

H4744

מקרא miqrâ'

From H7121; something called out, that is, a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal: - assembly, calling, convocation, reading.

From the Hebrew text we can learn that our King is expecting our attendance at a public gathering in a place that is set apart for this purpose and for HIM. WE also see that this weekly gathering is viewed as a rehearsal..interesting….A rehearsal for what? Could it be that every Shabbat is our wedding rehearsal? For those who are betrothed to Yeshua , this rest – this Shabbat-has been preparing our hearts for the day when we will enter into the Final Shabbat. We will be gathered to Him for eternity..HalleluYah!

Here is a comparison in the different dictionary.

BDB

H4186

משׁב  /  מושׁב  môshâb  / 

BDB Definition:

1) seat, assembly, dwelling-place, dwelling, dwellers

1a) seat, sitting, those sitting, sitting company or assembly 1b) dwelling place, dwelling 1c) situation, location 1d) time of dwelling 1e) those dwelling, dweller

Part of Speech: noun masculine

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H3427; a seat

Same Word by TWOT Number: 922c

Strongs

H4186

משׁב    מושׁב

môshâb  môshâb

mo-shawb', mo-shawb'

From H3427; a seat; figuratively a site; abstractly a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication population: - assembly, dwell in, dwelling (-place), wherein (that) dwelt (in), inhabited place, seat, sitting, situation, sojourning.

How can we Shabbat at a public assembly if the same command says we are to keep the Shabbat in our homes? Does the command given in Leviticus 23:3 contradict itself? The Hebrew word for dwelling – moshab- indicates that a seat in an assembly is required for Adonai’s people on Shabbat –He is providing for you…a place in the crowd! Again, we see that the Hebrew text provides clarity and exactness where we need it most. Most modern translations of this word indicate that the Scripture and the mitvot refer to one’s home or one’s specific town. However, we can see from both the Strong’s and the BDB that the first and primary meaning of the word is not that narrow or defined -this particular Hebrew term indicates a much broader meaning of a population or a community. Adonai could have easily chosen a much more specific or well-defined term –such as house or tent -  but HE did not. Instead He wanted for His people to understand His clear intent.

Please read these definitions and their highlights before reading the next Scripture:

H226     אות  'ôth

Probably from H225 (in the sense of appearing); a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.: - mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token.

H1121    בּן      bên

From H1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like H1, H251, etc.): -  + afflicted, age, [Ahoh-] [Ammon-] [Hachmon-] [Lev-]ite, [anoint-]ed one, appointed to, (+) arrow, [Assyr-] [Babylon-] [Egypt-] [Grec-]ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, + kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+) people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, + spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous one, + valiant[-est], whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.

Exodus 31:16  'So the sons^H1121 of Israel^H3478 shall observe^H8104 the sabbath^H7676, to celebrate^H6213a the sabbath^H7676 throughout their generations^H1755 as a perpetual^H5769 covenant^H1285.' 17  "It is a sign^H226 between^H996 Me and the sons^H1121 of Israel^H3478 forever^H5769; for in six^H8337a days^H3117 the LORD^H3068 made^H6213a heaven^H8064 and earth^H776, but on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 He ceased^H7673a from labor, and was refreshed^H5314."

Any of us would look upon a picture of a flag with orange, green and white stripes, a kilt along side a set of bag pipes, a free standing harp, and a very green meadow with horses and sheep and immediately associate those items with the land, the people, and the culture of Ireland. Even when the Irish people relocated to foreign lands, these items and these skills have traveled with them. In Exodus 31, Adonai was declaring that the Shabbat would be the signal associated with Israel – not simply as any other group of people among the nations of the earth. The Shabbat would signal Israel’s relationship with the King Himself. They were to carry this signal with them where ever they lived.

Shabbat was to be observed no matter where or when his people were gathered together. Their numbers or their situation or even their political or social standing within a foreign land were all irrelevant details toward Shabbat. Shabbat was to be maintained regardless.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Part VII:The Details – According to Torah

The City Gates – The first time that the term “gates” is mentioned in Scripture in reference to the Shabbat is in Deuteronomy 5. The word “gates” is completely omitted in the NASB translation, but the context of the sentence is maintained with the word for travelers or sojourners. The original Hebrew text clearly includes the term sha’ar – which translates as “gates”.

HOT

Deu 5:14  ויום^H3117  השׁביעי^H7637  שׁבת^H7676  ליהוה^H3068  אלהיך^H430  לא^H3808  תעשׂה^H6213  כל^H3605  מלאכה^H4399  אתה^H859  ובנך^H1121  ובתך^H1323  ועבדך^H5650  ואמתך^H519  ושׁורך^H7794  וחמרך^H2543  וכל^H3605  בהמתך^H929  וגרך^H1616  אשׁר^H834  בשׁעריך^H8179  למען^H4616  ינוח^H5117  עבדך^H5650  ואמתך^H519  כמוך׃^H3644  

NASB

Deuteronomy 5:12  'Observe^H8104 the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 to keep^H6942 it holy^H6942, as the LORD^H3068 your God^H430 commanded^H6680 you. 13  'Six^H8337a days^H3117 you shall labor^H5647 and do^H6213a all^H3605 your work^H4399, 14  but the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 is a sabbath^H7676 of the LORD^H3068 your God^H430; in it you shall not do^H6213a any^H3605 work^H4399, you or your son^H1121 or your daughter^H1323 or your male^H5650 servant^H5650 or your female^H519 servant^H519 or your ox^H7794 or your donkey^H2543 or any^H3605 of your cattle^H929 or your sojourner^H1616 who^H834 stays with you, so^H4616 that your male^H5650 servant^H5650 and your female^H519 servant^H519 may rest^H5117 as well as you.

CJB

Deuteronomy 5:13  You have six days to labor and do all your work, 14  but the seventh day is a Shabbat for Adonai your God. On it you are not to do any kind of work - not you, your son or your daughter, not your male or female slave, not your ox, your donkey or any of your other livestock, and not the foreigner staying with you inside the gates to your property — so that your male and female servants can rest just as you do.

Taken within the original context, the issue in verse 14 emphasizes those who are to be included in the observance of Shabbat.  . There is no other instruction. There is no particular activity or function of the gates as related to the Shabbat in this scripture.

The city gates of Jerusalem, however, are given special detailed attention in Jeremiah 17…

NASB

Jeremiah 17:21  'Thus^H3541 says^H559 the LORD^H3068, "Take^H8104 heed^H8104 for yourselves^H5315, and do not carry^H5375 any load^H4853a on the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 or bring^H935 anything in through the gates^H8179 of Jerusalem^H3389. 22  "You shall not bring^H3318 a load^H4853a out of your houses^H1004 on the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 nor^H3808 do^H6213a any^H3605 work^H4399, but keep^H6942 the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 holy^H6942, as I commanded^H6680 your forefathers^H1. 23  "Yet they did not listen^H8085 or incline^H5186 their ears^H241, but stiffened^H7185 their necks^H6203 in order not to listen^H8085 or take^H3947 correction^H4148.24  "But it will come^H1961 about, if^H518 you listen^H8085 attentively^H8085 to Me," declares^H5002 the LORD^H3068, "to bring^H935 no^H1115 load^H4853a in through the gates^H8179 of this^H384 city^H5892b on the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117, but to keep^H6942 the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 holy^H6942 by doing^H6213a no^{H1115 H3605} work^H4399 on it,

This passage contains no new information regarding Shabbat within the Torah observant community. We see that the emphasis remains unchanged from the beginning of this study – the carrying of loads or burdens on Shabbat was the transgression of Torah to which Adonai reacted very strongly. We acknowledge with deep respect, the passion and zeal of Adonai toward HIS beloved city –Jerusalem. however, we can see from this study that anyone who had worked to glean, gather, thresh, or prepare bundles or loads of goods onto a cart or into baskets had clearly already transgressed the Torah whether they appeared at the city gates or not. The offense was made deeply personal to Adonai when the people actually had the audacity to perform such a rebellious act and then flaunt the sin publically in HIS HOLY CITY. Such outrageous humiliation going on in the city upon which Adonai had written His own name was deeply disrespectful and could not be tolerated by Him. This would be the same as any Father who gives careful instructions to his children. But then discovers his own children disobeying those instructions openly without any sign of guilt or remorse. In the face of That type of disrespect, one would  rightly expect that the head of the house would react with discipline and with zeal in his own house.

H8179  שׁער   sha‛ar

BDB Definition:

1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place)

1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven

Part of Speech: noun masculine

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H8176 in its original sense

Same Word by TWOT Number: 2437a

The gates at the temple are given particular attention in the Book of Ezekiel

Ezekiel 46:1  'Thus^H3541 says^H559 the Lord^H136 GOD^H3068, "The gate^H8179 of the inner^H6442 court^H2691a facing^H6437 east^H6921 shall be shut^H5462 the six^H8337a working^H4639 days^H3117; but it shall be opened^H6605a on the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 and opened^H6605a on the day^H3117 of the new^H2320 moon^H2320. :2  "The prince^H5387a shall enter^H935 by way^H1870 of the porch^H197 of the gate^H8179 from outside^H2351 and stand^H5975 by the post^H4201 of the gate^H8179. Then the priests^H3548 shall provide^H6213a his burnt^H5930a offering^H5930a and his peace^H8002 offerings^H8002, and he shall worship^H7812 at the threshold^H4670 of the gate^H8179 and then go^H3318 out; but the gate^H8179 shall not be shut^H5462 until^H5704 the evening^H6153. 3  "The people^H5971a of the land^H776 shall also worship^H7812 at the doorway^H6607 of that gate^H8179 before^H6440 the LORD^H3068 on the sabbaths^H7676 and on the new^H2320 moons^H2320. 9  "But when the people^H5971a of the land^H776 come^H935 before^H6440 the LORD^H3068 at the appointed^H4150 feasts^H4150, he who enters^H935 by way^H1870 of the north^H6828 gate^H8179 to worship^H7812 shall go^H3318 out by way^H1870 of the south^H5045 gate^H8179. And he who enters^H935 by way^H1870 of the south^H5045 gate^H8179 shall go^H3318 out by way^H1870 of the north^H6828 gate^H8179. No^H3808 one shall return^H7725 by way^H1870 of the gate^H8179 by which^H834 he entered^H935 but shall go^H3318 straight^H3318 out.10  "When they go^H935 in, the prince^H5387a shall go^H935 in among^H8432 them; and when they go^H3318 out, he shall go^H3318 out.

It should be noted here that this scripture confirms our findings regarding the need to assemble at a holy or dedicated place on the day of Shabbat. This offers further concerns for those who seek to “keep Shabbat” in homes without acknowledging the need to PUBLICLY ASSEMBLE in the place Adonai approves according to Torah.

It is significant to note that the same word sha’ar also refers to the mind or center of reason. Believers are taught that the mind is a battle ground for the enemy. In military terms, the “gate is where the leaders of a city or community would  face their  enemies. This idea is presented very thoroughly in the scriptures. The concept is applied as follows: Once Satan penetrates the gateway of your mind; he can gain access to your heart

Proverbs 23:6  Do not eat^H3898b the bread^H3899 of a selfish^{H7451a H5869} man^H7451a, Or desire^H183 his delicacies^H4303; 7  For as he thinks^H8176 within himself^H5315, so^H3651 he is. He says^H559 to you, "Eat^H398 and drink^H8354!" But his heart^H3820 is not with you.

HERE WE SEE SOMETHING VERY INTERESTING. IN ENGLISH WE SEE “THINKS” FOR THE WORD “GATE” THAT WAS USED IN THE PREVIOUS SCRIPTURE

 H8179  שׁער   sha‛ar

BDB Definition:

1) to split open, reason out, calculate, reckon, estimate  1a) (Qal) to calculate Pro_23:7

Part of Speech: verb

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: primitive root

Same Word by TWOT Number: 2438

Isaiah 66:18  "For I know their works^H4639 and their thoughts^H4284

It is clear from the Word of Adonai that only He can truly discern the heart of each person. He knows the reasons or the motivations of all our actions better than we know ourselves. Our Abba offers these comforts, promises and encouragements….to those who purpose themselves to serve Him and to follow His commandments….

Isaiah 56:2  Happy is the person who does this, anyone who grasps it firmly, who keeps Shabbat and does not profane it, and keeps himself from doing any evil. 3  A foreigner joining Adonai should not say, "Adonai will separate me from his people"; likewise the eunuch should not say, "I am only a dried-up tree." :4  For here is what Adonai says: "As for the eunuchs who keep my Shabbats, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant: 5  in my house, within my walls, I will give them power and a name greater than sons and daughters; I will give him an everlasting name that will not be cut off. 6  "And the foreigners who join themselves to Adonai to serve him, to love the name of Adonai, and to be his workers, all who keep Shabbat and do not profane it, and hold fast to my covenant, 7  I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

The Sacrifices & Offerings

Leviticus 24:5  "You are to take fine flour and use it to bake twelve loaves, one gallon per loaf. 6  Arrange them in two rows, six in a row, on the pure table before Adonai. 7  Put frankincense with each row to be an offering made by fire to Adonai in place of the bread and as a reminder of it. 8  Regularly, every Shabbat, he is to arrange them before Adonai ; they are from the people of Isra'el, as a covenant forever. 9  They will belong to Aharon and his sons; and they are to eat them in a holy place; because for him they are, of the offerings for Adonai made by fire, especially holy. This is a permanent law."

Numbers 28:9  " 'On Shabbat offer two male lambs in their first year and without defect, with one gallon of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with olive oil, and its drink offering. 10  This is the burnt offering for every Shabbat, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its drink offering.

The Torah indicates specific sacrifices and offerings that are required before Adonai on every Shabbat. The bread and grain offerings, the wine or drink offerings, the oil and incense – specifically frankincense - and the blood sacrifice - the animal blood that was spilled - and then the meat that was placed on the fire. The bread and grain offerings are prescribed as a permanent regulation twice within the directions given in Leviticus 24 between verses 5 to 9. 

A complete study on the priesthood will not be given here.  There is considerable scriptural debate that challenges the Body even to this day regarding the priesthood with or without the physical temple. There is insufficient space within the context of this discussion to add that topic. It is also not appropriate to this lengthy study. The Scriptures in the Brit HaDasha teach us that the earthly Temple has been temporarily placed in the heart of every follower of Yeshua (as “living stones”)and that those responsible for the workings of that Temple  are also the followers of the Way – by some astonishing power of faith in Adonai’s Word. Prophecy teaches us that a physical earthly Temple will be rebuilt before Messiah’s return. Scripture does not give specific details of the workings of that Temple as to whether the miracles that accompanied the glory of Adonai’s presence will be manifest. We will only deal with the specific teachings from Scripture that address the Shabbat and the details prescribed regarding the offerings that Adonai desired for the people of Israel to bring before Him.

Spiritual sacrifices – The Word is filled with clues for us regarding how we should approach the concept of sacrifices in this day. Even dating back to the days of the prophets, Adonai taught that sacrifices to HIM were first a matter of faith and of the heart and mind. The physical importance of the exact object being sacrificed and the exact procedures for each item were always addressed after those more important matters..

Isaiah 1:11  "What^H4100 are your multiplied^H7230 sacrifices^H2077 to Me?" Says^H559 the LORD^H3068. "I have had^H7646 enough^H7646 of burnt^H5930a offerings^H5930a of rams^H352a And the fat^H2459 of fed^H4806 cattle^H4806; And I take^H2654a no^H3808 pleasure^H2654a in the blood^H1818 of bulls^H6499, lambs^H3532 or goats^H6260. 12  "When^H3588 you come^H935 to appear^H7200 before^H6440 Me, Who^H4310 requires^H1245 of you this^H384 trampling^H7429 of My courts^H2691a? 13  "Bring^H935 your worthless^H7723 offerings^H4503 no^H3808 longer^H3254, Incense^H7004 is an abomination^H8441 to Me. New^H2320 moon^H2320 and sabbath^H7676, the calling^H7121 of assemblies^H4744—I cannot^{H3201 H3808} endure^H3201 iniquity^H205 and the solemn^H6116 assembly^H6116. 14  "I hate^H8130 your new^H2320 moon^H2320 festivals and your appointed^H4150 feasts^H4150, They have become^H1961 a burden^H2960 to Me; I am weary^H3811 of bearing^H5375 them. 15  "So when you spread^H6566 out your hands^H3709 in prayer, I will hide^H5956 My eyes^H5869 from you; Yes^H1571, even^H1571 though^H3588 you multiply^H7235a prayers^H8605, I will not listen^H8085. Your hands^H3027 are covered^H4390 with blood^H1818. 16  "Wash^H7364 yourselves, make^H2135 yourselves clean^H2135; Remove^H5493 the evil^H7455 of your deeds^H4611 from My sight^{H5048 H5869}. Cease^H2308 to do evil^H7489a,

We learn from these words from our King that we can outwardly appear to be obedient to His commands while profaning any part of the Torah  - including the Shabbat. When any of us walks down a crooked path – even unintentionally – we risk offending our beloved Yeshua. He tells us plainly that He distances His heart from us and views us as strangers…instead of His children – when we become like callous outsiders who are “trampling his courts”.

We rely on that truth in order to better understand the following Scripture verses.

v  Bread & Grain  offering

We see from Scripture that the offerings prescribed in Torah have a literal, physical meaning in paying our tribute and paying our debts to the King. However, they are also a powerful symbolic system that allows us to understand His heart and His Ways.

Isaiah 66:19  "I will set^H7760 a sign^H226 among them and will send^H7971 survivors^H6412b from them to the nations^H1471: Tarshish^H8659, Put^H6316, Lud^H3865, Meshech^H4902, Tubal^H8422 and Javan^H3120, to the distant^H7350 coastlands^H339 that have neither^H3808 heard^H8085 My fame^H8088 nor^H3808 seen^H7200 My glory^H3519b. And they will declare^H5046 My glory^H3519b among the nations^H1471. 20  "Then they shall bring^H935 all^H3605 your brethren^H251 from all^H3605 the nations^H1471 as a grain offering^H4503 to the LORD^H3068, on horses^H5483b, in chariots^H7393, in litters^H6632a, on mules^H6505 and on camels^H3753, to My holy^H6944 mountain^H2022 Jerusalem^H3389," says^H559 the LORD^H3068, "just^H3512c as the sons^H1121 of Israel^H3478 bring^H935 their grain offering^H4503 in a clean^H2889 vessel^H3627 to the house^H1004 of the LORD^H3068.

Followers today especially understand these prophetic words as referring to the harvest of souls in the End of Days. For us, these powerful words offer us guidance regarding the Way we should participate in this offering.  The redeemed of Adonai are the clean vessels professing the Gospel all over the earth. The sanctuaries in all of the places where they assemble each Shabbat are filled with new followers of Yeshua because of the seeds they are sowing and because of the harvest they are bringing to the King on his Shabbat.

 Yeshua confirms this dual meaning in the scriptures. He plainly stated that HE is the bread of life. Obviously He stood before His talmidim as a man – anyone could understand that he did not speak appearing as a talking loaf of bread…LOL.  By faith, we understand that he was teaching us about the importance of the life sustaining nutrtrition that is required for our souls – the bread of life. We also understand from the account of Yeshua’s sacrifice, that He became the bread offering when he gave his life on the tree at Golgatha

John 6:47  Yes, indeed! I tell you, whoever trusts has eternal life: 48  I am the bread which is life. 49  Your fathers ate the man in the desert; they died. 50  But the bread that comes down from heaven is such that a person may eat it and not die. 51  I am the living bread that has come down from heaven; if anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. Furthermore, the bread that I will give is my own flesh; and I will give it for the life of the world."

v  Blood atonement – the sin offering

The scriptures teach us that Yeshua’s blood sacrifice was total and complete. The atonement for sin has been completed in HIM. Furthermore, the required outcome of sin – death – has been made obsolete – it has been eliminated. To summarize –sin and death have been wiped clean from the account books of the children of Adonai through Yeshua’s total payment. The blood sacrifices were the one aspect of Torah fulfilled by Yeshua. Yeshua explains in the Book of Matthew that there would still be more aspects of Torah that needed to be continued “until heaven and earth pass away” Mat 5.

Romans 3:23  since all have sinned and come short of earning God's praise. 24  By God's grace, without earning it, all are granted the status of being considered righteous before him, through the act redeeming us from our enslavement to sin that was accomplished by the Messiah Yeshua. 25  God put Yeshua forward as the kapparah for sin through his faithfulness in respect to his bloody sacrificial death This vindicated God's righteousness; because, in his forbearance, he had passed over [with neither punishment nor remission] the sins people had committed in the past; 26  and it vindicates his righteousness in the present age by showing that he is righteous himself and is also the one who makes people righteous on the ground of Yeshua's faithfulness.

1Peter 2:3  For you have tasted that Adonai is good. 4  As you come to him, the living stone, rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him, 5  you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be cohanim set apart for God to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to him through Yeshua the Messiah. 6  This is why the Tanakh says, "Look! I am laying in Tziyon a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and whoever rests his trust on it will certainly not be humiliated." 7  Now to you who keep trusting, he is precious. But to those who are not trusting, "The very stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone"; 8  also he is a stone that will make people stumble, a rock over which they will trip. They are stumbling at the Word, disobeying it — as had been planned. 9  But you are a chosen people, the King's cohanim, a holy nation, a people for God to possess! Why? In order for you to declare the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

 In summary - death has been eliminated as a consequence of sin for the followers of Yeshua. Therefore neither people nor animals need to lose their lives by stoning or sacrifice for any purpose under Torah. The debt has been cancelled. However, Adonai had anticipated our confusion as in 1Peter2:8. Verse 9 in the same chapter confirms that the priest hood of today still has work to do according to Torah.

Who Should Keep the Shabbat

The work restriction applied to anyone within the Torah observant community  during the prescribed full 24 hour period of Shabbat– including visitors or strangers, and even the beasts of burden – there were to be no exceptions:

Exodus 20:8  "Remember^H2142 the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117, to keep^H6942 it holy^H6942. 9  "Six^H8337a days^H3117 you shall labor^H5647 and do^H6213a all^H3605 your work^H4399, 10  but the seventh^H7637 day^H3117 is a Sabbath ^H7676 of the LORD^H3068 your God^H430; in it you shall not do^H6213a any^H3605 work^H4399, you or your son^H1121 or your daughter^H1323, your male^H5650 or your female^H519 servant^{H5650 H519} or your cattle^H929 or your sojourner^H1616 who^H834 stays with you. 11  "For in six^H8337a days^H3117 the LORD^H3068 made^H6213a the heavens^H8064 and the earth^H776, the sea^H3220 and all^H3605 that is in them, and rested^H5117 on the seventh^H7637 day^H3117; therefore^{H5921 H3651} the LORD^H3068 blessed^H1288 the sabbath^H7676 day^H3117 and made^H6942 it holy^H6942.

Deuteronomy 5:12  ד " 'Observe the day of Shabbat, to set it apart as holy, as Adonai your God ordered you to do. 13  You have six days to labor and do all your work, 14  but the seventh day is a Shabbat for Adonai your God. On it you are not to do any kind of work - not you, your son or your daughter, not your male or female slave, not your ox, your donkey or any of your other livestock, and not the foreigner staying with you inside the gates to your property — so that your male and female servants can rest just as you do. 15  You are to remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and Adonai your God brought you out from there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore Adonai your God has ordered you to keep the day of Shabbat.

Punishment for Disobedience

Exodus 31:12  Adonai said to Moshe, 13  "Tell the people of Isra'el, 'You are to observe my Shabbats; for this is a sign between me and you through all your generations; so that you will know that I am Adonai, who sets you apart for me. 14  Therefore you are to keep my Shabbat, because it is set apart for you. Everyone who treats it as ordinary must be put to death; for whoever does any work on it is to be cut off from his people. 15  On six days work will get done; but the seventh day is Shabbat, for complete rest, set apart for Adonai. Whoever does any work on the day of Shabbat must be put to death. 16  The people of Isra'el are to keep the Shabbat, to observe Shabbat through all their generations as a perpetual covenant. 17  It is a sign between me and the people of Isra'el forever; for in six days Adonai made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and rested.' "

Exodus 35:2  On six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is to be a holy day for you, a Shabbat of complete rest in honor of Adonai. Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death.