Where Misunderstandings And Errors Arise
Where do some of these misunderstandings and errors arise?
Many WRONGLY assume that two covenants cannot exist side by side! Many assume that the New Covenant cannot exist while the Old Covenant is still in existence! But this view is wrong, even as seen by the scriptural evidence of the practices of the early Christians/Messianics. For the early church was largely composed of Israelites prior to the word going out to non-Israelites. These Israelites continued with Old Covenant practices, including sacrifices and feasts and temple worship. The book of Acts gives clear evidence of this (Acts 15). Even after the word had gone out to non-Israelites, those Israelite believers in Jerusalem continued to remain zealous for the Law (Acts 21). In fact, even Paul, who was alleged to be teaching Jews outside the land of Israel to abandon the Law continued to observe the Law, even partaking of a Nazirite vow and cleansing ceremony under the provisions of the Law (Acts 21)! All this taking place at a time after Yah'shuah's resurrection and the issuing of the Holy Spirit.
Israelite Believers Continued To Observe Circumcision And The Law Of Moses
Acts 15:1-35 reads,
15:1Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can’t be saved." 15:2Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some others of them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. 15:3They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers. 15:4When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all things that God had done with them.
15:5But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses."
15:6The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter. 15:7When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 15:8God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us. 15:9He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 15:10Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 15:11But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are."
15:12All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 15:13After they were silent, James answered, "Brothers, listen to me. 15:14Simeon has reported how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15:15This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,
15:16‘After these things I will return.
I will set it up,
15:17That the rest of men may seek after the Lord;
All the Gentiles who are called by my name,
Says the Lord, who does all these things.
15:18All his works are known to God from eternity.’
15:19"Therefore my judgment is that we don’t trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God, 15:20but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood. 15:21For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."
15:22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers. 15:23They wrote these things by their hand:
"The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings. 15:24Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law,’ to whom we gave no commandment; 15:25it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 15:26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15:27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth. 15:28For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things: 15:29that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell."
15:30So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 15:31When they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation. 15:32Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words, and strengthened them. 15:33After they had spent some time there, they were sent back with greetings from the brothers to the apostles. 15:34* 15:35But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Non-Israelite Believers Did Not Observe Circumcision And The Law Of Moses
15:1 notes that some believers from Judea were teaching the Gentile believers in Antioch that circumcision after the custom of Moses was necessary for salvation. It should be noted that the believers from Judea were Israelites, and were therefore circumcised after the custom of Moses. But the Gentile believers did not have this custom and were therefore not circumcised after this custom. There was therefore a physical distinction between Israelite believers and Gentile believers, with Israelite believers circumcised after the custom of Moses and Gentile believers not circumcised after the custom of Moses. And extrapolating from this point it is noted that Israelite believers continued to observe the customs of Moses while Gentile believers, who prior to receiving Christ had not been observing the customs of Moses, did not begin to observe them upon their receipt of Christ. There was therefore a distinction in customs among the two groups of believers, the Israelite believers and the Gentile believers, with the Israelite believers observing the customs of Moses while the Gentile believers did not observe these customs.
Is Observing Circumcision And The Law Of Moses Necessary For Salvation?
Some Israelite believers felt that observing the customs of Moses was essential for salvation, and therefore sought to impose this requirement upon the Gentile believers who did not so observe these customs. Other Israelite believers, such as Paul and Barnabas felt that it was not necessary for salvation for Gentiles to observe the customs of Moses. This matter therefore split Israelite believers, with some holding on to one view and others holding on to the other view.
The Holy Spirit Does Not Come Upon One On Account Of Observing Circumcision And The Law Of Moses
Peter's words made clear that the Holy Spirit did not come upon Israelite believers on account of their observing circumcision and keeping the law of Moses. The Holy Spirit came upon Israelite believers on account of their faith in Yah'shuah, and that salvation came to them through the grace of the Lord Yah'shuah. Likewise with the Gentile believers, even though they did not observe circumcision nor keep the law of Moses. In other words, even though Israelite believers were observing circumcision and keeping the law of Moses, this observance and law-keeping was not the manner both salvation and the Holy Spirit came to them.
The Holy Spirit Does Not Require Non-Israelites To Observe Circumcision And The Law Of Moses
It should also be noted from Acts 15:28 that the Holy Spirit felt it was good not to impose a burden of observing circumcision and keeping the law of Moses upon Gentile believers.
The status quo therefore remained. Israelite believers continued to observe circumcision and the law of Moses, even though they understood that salvation and the Holy Spirit did not come through observing circumcision and the law of Moses. Gentile believers continued in not observing circumcision and the law of Moses, clearly understanding that it was not essential for them to observe practices they did not previously observe, as salvation and the Holy Spirit did not come to them via these practices. All believers, both Israelite and Gentile, were united in the basis of their salvation and receipt of the Holy Spirit - through the grace of the Lord Yah'shuah. But there were differences in their practices in matters that did not pertain to salvation, matters such as circumcision and the law of Moses.
Yahweh's Household Accommodates Diversity In Matters Not Pertaining To Salvation
Seeing the distinction between Israelite and non-Israelite believers on matters not pertaining to salvation, despite their unity in matters pertaining to salvation, it appears to me that Yahweh's household allows for differences of service and practices in matters that do not pertain to salvation, yet is united in service and practices in matters pertaining to salvation.
It Is Troubling A Person To Impose Upon Him A Requirement That Yahweh Does Not Impose Upon Him
It should also be noted that it is indeed a troubling of another to require the other to observe something that Yahweh does not require of the other! Where Yahweh has not imposed a requirement on a person one should not impose a requirement on that person. And where Yahweh has imposed a requirement on a person one should not seek to remove that requirement on that person. In other words, the role of one is simply to ascertain what Yahweh requires of one or another, and to abide by Yahweh's requirement on one or another.
Acts 21:15-29 reads,
21:15After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem. 21:16Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.
21:17When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 21:18The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present. 21:19When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through his ministry. 21:20They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law. 21:21They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs. 21:22What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. 21:23Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have a vow on them. 21:24Take them, and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, that they may shave their heads. Then all will know that there is no truth in the things that they have been informed about you, but that you yourself also walk keeping the law. 21:25But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality."
21:26Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them. 21:27When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him, 21:28crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place. Moreover, he also brought Greeks into the temple, and has defiled this holy place!" 21:29For they had seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
Israelite Believers Were Opposed To Anyone Teaching Israelites To Forsake The Law Of Moses
It should be noted from Acts 21:20 that the thousands of Jewish believers in Jerusalem were all zealous for the law of Moses. In other words, not only did they believe in Yah'shuah as their Saviour, they also continued to observe circumcision and the law of Moses. Nevertheless, word had reached these Jewish believers that Paul was teaching their fellow Jewish brethren living among the Gentiles to forsake circumcision and the law of Moses. And being zealous for the law they were opposed to anyone teaching Jews to forsake circumcision and the law of Moses!
Distinctions In The Contexts Of Acts 15 And Acts 21
There is a distinction between the contexts of Acts 15 and Acts 21. In Acts 15 the issue is whether it is necessary for non-Israelites to observe circumcision and the law of Moses for salvation purposes. It is concluded there that it is not necessary for ANYONE, whether Israelite or non-Israelite, to observe circumcision and the law of Moses for salvation purposes, as salvation does not come by observing circumcision and the law of Moses, but by faith in Yah'shuah and through the grace of the Lord Yah'shuah. As observing circumcision and the law of Moses is not necessary for salvation purposes, non-Israelites are not required to observe these, seeing that they did not previously observe them, as there was no requirement upon them to do so.
Is It The Case That If Something Is Not Necessary For Salvation Purposes It Should Not Be Done?
In Acts 21 the issue is whether Israelites should abandon circumcision and the law of Moses, seeing that these are not necessary for salvation purposes, the implication of this view being that if something is not necessary for salvation purposes it should not be undertaken. But is it the case that the only things that anyone should do should be those that are necessary for salvation purposes? Is it the case that if something is not necessary for salvation purposes it should not be done?
Not All Of Yahweh's Word To Human Beings Is Essential For Salvation Purposes
If it is the case that humans should not observe laws or customs unless they are essential for salvation purposes then Yahweh would never have given the sons of Jacob both circumcision and the law of Moses. For both circumcision and the law of Moses are not essential for salvation purposes! But that Yahweh indeed gave the sons of Jacob both circumcision and the law of Moses, even though these are not essential for salvation purposes, clearly shows that it is not the case that the only observances that humans are to undertake are those that are essential for salvation purposes. Humans can indeed undertake observances and customs that are not essential for salvation purposes. And where Yahweh has commanded some humans to so undertake such observances, such as he commanded the sons of Jacob to observe circumcision and the law of Moses, then those humans are to observe such observances!
In other words, not all of Yahweh's word to human beings is essential for salvation purposes. And where he gives humans a word that is not essential for salvation purposes, those humans so given that word must indeed observe his word as given to them. For Yahweh gave the sons of Jacob the law of Moses even though it is not essential for salvation purposes, and he requires the sons of Jacob to observe this law. And when the sons of Jacob have in the past not observed this word not essential for salvation purposes he has punished them greatly! Likewise, when Yahweh gives humans a word not essential for salvation purposes and the humans so given that word do not abide by it, he punishes them for not abiding by his word, even though it is not essential for salvation purposes!
Israelite Believers Rightly Opposed Teachings That Israelites Should Forsake The Law Of Moses
Noting Yahweh's nature in this context it is indeed understood that Jewish believers in Jerusalem would have been rightly against any man teaching Jews not to observe Yahweh's word given to Jews, even though that word is not essential for salvation purposes. For their ancestors had not observed that word and had suffered greatly on account of their disobedience, with most of them having been sent into exile away from the land Yahweh had given them, and making them slaves in their lands of exile. And noting that Yahweh's nature remains the same, if they the children of their ancestors continued in their ancestors' rebellion against Yahweh, they too would be punished in the manner their ancestors were punished. The Jewish believers in Jerusalem were therefore right to oppose anyone teaching any of their brethren to forsake Yahweh's word as given to them, irrespective of whether or not it was essential for salvation.
Acts 21:24 notes that the elders among the Jerusalem Jewish believers did not believe the reports that Paul was teaching Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake circumcision and the law of Moses. They therefore advised Paul to act in a manner consistent with their belief of what Paul was not teaching, to prove to those who witnessed his conduct that he did not teach Jews living among Gentiles to forsake the law of Moses, but that he himself remained faithful in observing the law of Moses.
Paul Affirmed That He Was Not Teaching Israelites To Forsake The Law Of Moses
That Paul followed the advice given to him by the elders among the Jerusalem Jewish believers shows that Paul agreed with their word, including the testimony that Paul was not teaching Jews living among Gentiles to forsake the law of Moses.
Seeing that Paul testified, by his conduct in observing aspects of the law of Moses, that he did not teach Jews living among Gentiles to forsake the law of Moses, then who was teaching Jews living among Gentiles to forsake the law of Moses? And who was spreading reports, testified by Paul's conduct to be false reports, that Paul was teaching Jews living among Gentiles to forsake the law of Moses? And why were false reports concerning Paul's ministry widespread among Jews? Were those spreading these false reports out to create a wedge between Paul and other Jews, thereby turning his own Jewish people against him?
A Summation Of Yahweh's Dealing With Human Beings
In essence, the Law was given to Israel and not to non-Israelites. Prior to the issuance of the Law Yahweh already had a standard of righteousness that humans ought to have abided by. Men like Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob abided by this standard. When the Law was issued it simply incorporated within it Yahweh's righteous standard, in addition to other laws, such as the Levitical priesthood, that did not exist previously. It should be noted that even within Israel not all Israelites were allowed to observe all aspects of the Levitical laws, with certain categories of people required to observe certain laws. Likewise, the Old Covenant was not given to the entirety of the human family, but only to a certain category of it - Israelites. And just as non-Levites were not lesser Israelites on account of not being given certain aspects of Levitical laws, so also non-Israelites were not lesser humans on account of not being given certain aspects of the Old Covenant.
Non-Israelites Have Never Been Required To Observe The Law Of Moses
It does not make sense to tell a non-Israelite that he was previously required to abide by particular aspects of Levitical laws prior to Yah'shuah's coming, and that after his coming that requirement ceased. The truth of the matter is that the non-Israelite was never required to observe these Levitical laws, and therefore Yah'shuah's coming did not change that requirement upon him. Seeing that the non-Israelite did not have to observe these laws, why should anyone tell the non-Israelite that these laws had now been annulled with respect to him, and that he did not need to keep them. He was never required to keep them in the first place! Acts 15 shows that he was never required to observe them prior to Yah'shuah's coming, and that he was still not required to observe them after Yah'shuah's coming.
Israelites Are Presently, And Will In Future Be, Required To Observe The Law Of Moses
For the Israelite it should be noted that if indeed the Old Covenant was done away, including the Levitical priesthood, then why will Yah'shuah ensure that Levitical priesthood laws will be observed after his return to earth, as recorded in Ezekiel 40-48? Is not the time after Yah'shuah's return the time of the New Covenant entered into with the house of Israel and Judah, gathered from their various lands of exile? Yet even in this period when the New Covenant exists it is clearly seen that the Old Covenant is still in application, and in Yah'shuah's presence!
There Is No Conflict Between The Old And New Covenants
There is no conflict between the Old and New Covenants. They both came from Yahweh and there is no conflict in Yahweh. Both exist side by side. Each covenant serves a different purpose. The Old Covenant was not given for salvation purposes. The New Covenant is. In this sense the New is superior to the Old, but in no way does away with the Old. The Old was given only to Israel. The New is given to all human beings, including Israelites. There is no conflict between the Old and the New. They exist side by side and serve their respective purposes.
Taking on board what has been said above, it should indeed be clear that Yahweh's word in Malachi 3:6, that he does not change, surely stands. The word that he spoke to the sons of Jacob in the days of old, the ancient years, still stands to this day, and will continue to stand until the time that heaven and earth pass away. Even though his word to them as encapsulated in the law of Moses is not essential for salvation purposes, the sons of Jacob are still required to observe it, for all are required to observe Yahweh's word to them irrespective of whether that word is essential for salvation or not.
Even Though Yahweh Created Humans Capable Of Polygyny, He Does Not Require Polygyny Of All Humans
In the matter of polygyny it is noted that Yahweh is polygynous in nature, and created humans in his own image and likeness. Humans therefore are capable of living in polygyny, for so Yahweh created them.
Even Though Yahweh Created Humans Capable Of Marriage, He Does Not Require Marriage Of All Humans
Even though Yahweh created humans capable of living in polygyny he does not require all humans to live in polygyny. In fact, even though he created humans male and female, and spoke to them that they should become one flesh, that is be sexually united, he does not require all humans to marry.
Matthew 19:10-12 reads,
19:10His disciples said to him, "If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry."
19:11But he said to them, "Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given. 19:12For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it."
It should therefore be clear that not everyone marries. Some are physically incapable of marrying. Others are given the gift of remaining unmarried - for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. In other words, even though Yahweh made humans to marry, having made them male and female, he does not require all humans to marry, seeing that he gifts some to remain unmarried for the sake of his kingdom.
And in the context of polygyny it is noted that Yahweh allows Israelite men to take more than one wife. He does not generally insist that they do.
Marriage And Polygyny Are Not Essential For Salvation Purposes
Seeing that among Yahweh's people there are those who are married and there are those who are not married, it is indeed concluded that being married is not essential for salvation purposes. And among those who are married, seeing that there are those who live in polygyny and those who do not live in polygyny, it is indeed concluded that living in polygyny is not essential for salvation purposes. Nevertheless, even though marrying is not essential for salvation purposes, it should not be argued that humans should not marry on this ground. For Yahweh, who created humans, created them to marry or engage in an activity not essential for salvation purposes. It is therefore not wrong to marry. It is indeed good to marry, seeing that it is a blessing Yahweh gives human beings, even though it is a blessing not essential for salvation purposes.
How Can Polygyny Benefit Yahweh's People?
How can Yahweh's allowance of a man taking more than one wife be used for the benefit of his people?
A Man Should Not Spend His Time Alone But With A Helper Suitable For Him
Genesis 2:18-24 reads,
2:18Yahweh God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." 2:19Out of the ground Yahweh God formed every animal of the field, and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. Whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 2:20The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field; but for man there was not found a helper suitable for him. 2:21Yahweh God caused a deep sleep to fall on the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 2:22He made the rib, which Yahweh God had taken from the man, into a woman, and brought her to the man. 2:23The man said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She will be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." 2:24Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.
Genesis 2:18 notes that it is not good that man should be alone. It also notes that man needs a suitable helper.
Among Yahweh's creation are various animals and birds. Even though these can be helpful to a man, they are not the suitable helper that Yahweh intended man to have. The suitable helper that Yahweh intended man to have is woman. And the suitable helper that Yahweh intends for a particular man is a woman who is his wife, one whom he sexually joins with or becomes one flesh with.
Yahweh's Forsaken Wife Of Youth
Isaiah 54:1-8 reads,
54:1Sing, barren, you who didn’t bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, says Yahweh. 54:2Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of your habitations; don’t spare: lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. 54:3For you shall spread aboard on the right hand and on the left; and your seed shall possess the nations, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. 54:4Don’t be afraid; for you shall not be ashamed: neither be confounded; for you shall not be put to shame: for you shall forget the shame of your youth; and the reproach of your widowhood shall you remember no more. 54:5For your Maker is your husband; Yahweh of Hosts is his name: and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth shall he be called. 54:6For Yahweh has called you as a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a wife of youth, when she is cast off, says your God. 54:7For a small moment have I forsaken you; but with great mercies will I gather you. 54:8In overflowing wrath I hid my face from you for a moment; but with everlasting lovingkindness will I have mercy on you, says Yahweh your Redeemer.
It should be noted that the woman that Yahweh speaks about is a wife of his who is barren and desolate, a wife who was shamed in youth and incurred the reproach of widowhood or desolation. She was shamed by being forsaken by her husband, being cast off by her husband.
A Woman Cast Off From Her Husband Is Effectively A Widow
It should also be noted that the manner Yahweh refers to her as a widow is not that her husband is dead. For Yahweh, her husband, is very much alive. But since Yahweh cast her off or put her away from himself, her husband was effectively dead to her and she was effectively in widowhood and reproach.
Yahweh Says That It Is A Reproach For A Woman To Be Without A Husband
Yahweh's words here indicate that it is indeed a reproach for a woman to be without a husband, whether losing a husband through death or through being cast off by him. And the manner for this reproach to be removed from such a woman is by her having a husband, by her being a married wife.
Isaiah 3:16-4:6 reads,
3:16Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty,
3:17Therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion,
3:18In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, 3:19the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, 3:20the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, 3:21the signet rings, the nose rings, 3:22the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, 3:23the hand-mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls.
3:24It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness;
3:25Your men shall fall by the sword,
3:26Her gates shall lament and mourn;
4:1Seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, "We will eat our own bread, and wear our own clothing: only let us be called by your name. Take away our reproach."
4:2In that day, Yahweh’s branch will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the beauty and glory of the survivors of Israel. 4:3It will happen, that he who is left in Zion, and he who remains in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even everyone who is written among the living in Jerusalem; 4:4when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from its midst, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning. 4:5Yahweh will create over the whole habitation of Mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. 4:6There will be a pavilion for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge and for a shelter from storm and from rain.
The Daughters Of Zion Understand That It Is A Reproach For Them To Be Without A Husband
The prophecy above given to Isaiah speaks of a time just prior to Yahweh's branch - Yah'shuah - establishing himself in Zion and Jerusalem and shortly thereafter. Amongst the punishments Yahweh inflicts upon the haughty daughters of Zion is desolation. For their men shall fall by the sword, as seen in 3:25. 4:1 shows that men shall be so rare relative to women that seven women shall take hold of one man that they may all become his wives and be called by his name. And in the process of their becoming his wives the reproach they had previously experienced in not having a husband will have been taken away. In other words, these women at this prophesied time will indeed understand that it is indeed a reproach for a woman to be without a husband, a reproach taken away only by her having a husband, even if the husband she has is one she shares with other women.
The Reproach Of Unmarried Women Is Taken Away By Their Being Married
Seeing that both Yahweh in Isaiah 54 and the daughters of Zion in Isaiah 3 and 4 understand that a woman without a husband is indeed a woman in reproach, it should likewise be understood among the people of Yahweh that a woman without a husband is a woman in reproach! And the manner this reproach is taken away from such a woman is by her being married by a man.
Many Women In The Body Of Christ Are Presently In Reproach
It is my impression that in many churches or fellowship groups the number of women greatly outnumbers that of men. Many of these women are without husbands. They are therefore, according to Yahweh's word, in reproach, a reproach that is taken away only by their being married to a man.
Believing Women In Reproach Should Be Willing To Become Additional Wives To Believing Men
As these women are believers in Yahweh and Yah'shuah they are not to be married by men who are not likewise believers in Yahweh and Yah'shuah. And seeing that the women outnumber the men, the women should indeed be prepared and willing to be married by a believing man who already has a wife. For it is in this manner that their reproach of "widowhood" or desolation will be taken away from them.
Marriage Is An Appropriate Solution For Both Men And Women
Seeing that it is not good that a man be alone, requiring a helper suitable for him, and seeing that it is a reproach for a woman to be desolate or in widowhood, a reproach taken away by her being married by a man, both men and women should indeed marry. In so marrying the woman has her reproach taken away from her, and the man receives a helper suitable for him. And provided the woman fulfils her role of being a helper suitable for her husband she should indeed remain married to him, and therefore not suffer again the reproach she experienced prior to being married by him.
Where Women Outnumber Men They Both Should Apply The Lessons Of Isaiah 4:1
And in a situation whereby there are more women than men, requiring men to take more than one wife in order to facilitate the women not being in reproach, both the men and the women should learn a lesson drawn from Isaiah 4:1. It is not necessary that the husband provide for all of his wives if he has more than one wife. If an unmarried woman is willing and ready to provide for herself, and seeks a husband to remove from her the reproach she is experiencing by remaining unmarried, a man not capable of providing for an additional wife should indeed marry her, knowing that she will provide for herself.
A Blessing For Yahweh's People
Implementation of this word, allowed for by Yahweh's word, seeing that Yahweh allows a man to take more than one woman as wife, should greatly facilitate in the reduction of unmarried women in various churches and fellowship groups. And provided such polygynous households are managed in harmony with Yahweh's word, their polygynous families will indeed be a blessing to those belonging to them.
Shalom (Peace) in Yahweh and Yah'shuah
ISAAC ALUOCHIER
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