THE WITNESS OF
YAHshua in the Scriptures
Concerning the Law and the Testimony

PART I  
PART II  PART III PART IV  

PART V  PART VI PART VII

The prophet Isaiah was inspired to write, "To the law and the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them," Isa. 8:20. Many men have given their interpretation as to what is being said here, claiming that such is what they are doing in their ministry. But if we analyze the original Hebrew words here we may find that these men are failing in their responsibility to really reveal the truth of the Scriptures.

What does it mean when it says, "To the law and to the testimony?" The Hebrew word for law is "Torah." The Torah is the first five books of Scripture inspired to be written by the hand of Moses.

YAHshua said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of Elohim in you. I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from Elohim only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" Jn. 5:39-47.

When we study the Torah or when we speak of YAHshua we must study and speak of Him in the light of the Torah which was written by Moses.

What was the "testimony?" YAHWEH told Moses, "And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee. And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat. And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee," Ex. 25:16-21.

We find that YAHWEH gave Moses the "testimony" and Moses carried it in his hands, "And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon Mount Sinai, the two tables of the testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of Elohim...And it came to pass, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him," Ex. 31:18, 34:29.

Furthermore Moses placed the testimony inside the Ark, "And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark," Ex. 40:20.

The book of Hebrews reveals that the ark, other appurtenances, and the testimony were parables, "Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the Ark of the Covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of Elohim. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience," Heb. 9:1-9.

The interesting thing about the word "figure" in this instance is that it is translated from the Greek word "parabole" elsewhere translated as "parable."

The Savior revealed that parables were for the purpose of keeping things hidden rather than for revealing, "And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand," Mat. 13:10-13.

When Moses received the tables of the testimony the second time, he came down from the mount with his face shining brightly. The Israelites were afraid to come near him, so he put a vail over his face when he went out among the people (Ex. 34:29-35). This vail did a similar job as to what the parables did. The only way to remove the vail is to turn to YAHshua as the apostle Paul writes, "For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Messiah. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Master, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Master is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Master is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Master, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Master," 2 Cor. 2:10-18.

We must come to understand the "parables" of the Scriptures by seeing how YAHshua fulfilled them if we are to completely understand the "mysteries of YAHWEH'S kingdom."

The Apostle Paul reveals that the apostles were speaking in mysteries, "Now to Him That is of power to stablish you according to my evangel, and the preaching of YAHshua the Messiah, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the command of the everlasting Elohim, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to YAHWEH only wise, be glory through YAHshua the Messiah forever. Amein," Ro. 16:25-27.

Furthermore, he wrote, "But we speak the wisdom of YAHWEH in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which YAHWEH ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified (impaled) the Sovereign of glory," 1 Cor. 2:7-8.

Paul had revealed that there are two types of wisdom which are contrary to one another (Chapter 1). There is the wisdom of the world which is imparted by the spirit of man and there is the wisdom of YAHWEH which is imparted by the spirit of YAHWEH. The spirit of man cannot understand the things of YAHWEH/Elohim, "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of YAHWEH knoweth no man, but the Spirit of YAHWEH," 2 Cor. 2:11.

Comparing this with Ro. 8:5-9 we find that the spirit of man is carnal, going the way of death, while the spirit of the Messiah is the way of peace, righteousness and life, "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against YAHWEH: for it is not subject to the law of YAHWEH neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please YAHWEH. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of YAHWEH dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of the Messiah, he is none of His."

Thus, if we have not received the Spirit of YAHWEH given through YAHshua the Messiah, then we simply cannot understand the Scriptures, the wisdom of YAHWEH, nor the things of YAHWEH. Therefore, the very first criteria is that in order to understand Scripture we must have the Spirit of YAHWEH.

The second criteria is that with the Spirit of YAHWEH we must compare spiritual things with spiritual, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of YAHWEH; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of YAHWEH. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual," 1 Cor. 2:12-13.

Now let’s go back to Isa. 8:20 and review what was said, "To the Torah and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." The Hebrew word for light is "shachar," which means; dawn (lit., fig. or adv.):--day (-spring), early, light, morning, whence riseth. Shachar is the early morning period of light which occurs just before the sun has risen.

Notice Luke 1:78-79, "Through the tender mercy of our Elohim; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." John the Baptist’s father is speaking here regarding the Savior YAHshua. The word "dayspring" is translated from the Greek word "anatole" and means essentially the same as "shachar."

It will be the purpose of this treatise to address the Torah and the testimony in order to receive the light that is contained therein as it applies to YAHshua.

Reviewing Heb. 9:1-9 we find that several things are spoken of as being parables. They are the ordinances of divine service, a worldly sanctuary, tabernacle, candlestick, table of shewbread, Holy of Holies, golden censer, Ark of the Covenant, golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, the tables of the covenant, the cherubim of glory, the priesthood, sacrifices, etc. These things were all parables of YAHshua, the true Israelite.

The tabernacle of witness was placed in the center of the tribes of Israel. It was to be a powerful witness to Israel and the rest of the world regarding YAHWEH and YAHshua. The best thing for us to do is to consider ourselves embarking on a journey. The first thing to do is walk around the whole encampment, to observe the way it was all laid out, then to take a journey through the encampment, through the gate, into the tabernacle itself. We must examine every detail that we possibly can as carefully as we can so that we will be able to be awe inspired at the glory that it reveals.

The first thing that must be addressed is that the world was then and is now heathenish, paganistic. The world of that day had been greatly influenced by the religion of Nimrod after the flood (Gen. 10:8-12). It was Nimrod who sought to control the world under his dictatorial rulership by attempting to establish a NEW WORLD ORDER, or a ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT, through the building of the great tower of Babel which would be a monument erected to the worship of the heavens (Gen. 11:1-9). This worship of the heavens contained the sun as the greatest of all the deities. It was represented in Egypt and all pagan religions as a point within a circle.

The worship of the rising sun was most prominent in the paganistic world. YAHWEH condemned such worship in the Ezek. 8:15-18, "Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. And he brought me into the inner court of YAHWEH'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of YAHWEH, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of YAHWEH, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east. Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke Me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: Mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in Mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them."

The tabernacle of YAHWEH had only one entrance. That entrance was placed facing the east so that the Holy of Holies was in the west. A pagan sun worshipper would be prevented from coming to YAHWEH for he would have to turn from the rising sun in the east to face the tabernacle in the west.

Even today, if one is to come to the truth of YAHWEH, if one is to dwell in His tabernacles, he must TURN or REPENT of the paganistic sun worship in which all religions of this world are hopelessly embroiled. He must TURN to the amiable tabernacle of YAHWEH, the heavenly tabernacle which that tabernacle in the wilderness was a type of.

John the Baptist cried out, "REPENT ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand," Mt. 3:2. YAHshua cried out, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of Elohim is at hand: REPENT ye, and believe the evangel," Mk. 1:15. The apostles warned, "REPENT, and be baptized every one of you in the name of YAHshua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38-39.

Yes, we must repent of our sins. We must turn from our own ways. We must turn from the paganistic sun-worshipping rituals and religion of this present evil world. We must turn to the tabernacle of YAHWEH. We must begin to search the Scriptures, the Torah and the Testimony to see what they really tell us concerning the Kingdom of Heaven, YAHWEH the Father, and YAHshua the Son.

Thus, the tabernacle was laid out in the fashion of a parable. It faced east with the holy place toward the west. If one is to worship YAHWEH, then he must turn (repent) from facing the sun in the east (worshipping the sun) to YAHWEH and His tabernacle in the west.

Figure #1 on this page gives a rough outline or sketch of the tabernacle in the wilderness with the placement of the tribes of Israel and the Levites.

The arrangement of the tribes of Israel and the Levites had a specific design and purpose which few people have understood. But when we look into it, the order is quite revealing and inspiring. The book of Numbers gives the order and arrangement of the camp. YAHWEH told Moses, "Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch," Num. 2:2.

Notice that he said they would pitch by his own standard with the ensign of his father’s house. "Standard" comes from the Hebrew word "degel" and simply means a flag or banner. "Ensign" comes from "owth" meaning a signal, as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, mark, sign, or token. The standard was simply a flag with the sign, mark, or symbol of each of the sons of Israel displayed thereon.

YAHWEH set the tribe of Judah in the east with their standard and the accompanying tribes of Issachar and Zebulun, "And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah. And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred. And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar. And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred. Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun. And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred. All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth," Num. 2:3-9. When commanded to strike camp and march, the tribe of Judah was always the lead tribe.

Next came those of the south, "On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur. And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred. And those which pitch by him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred. Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel. And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty. All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank. Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards," Num. 2:10-16.

The Levites were always located in the center of the tribes of Israel, whether on the march or during encampment. They carried the tabernacle and all of its appurtenances when moving. They were located between the tribes and the tabernacle when encamped. "Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards," v. 17.

The descendants of Rachel were placed in the western regions, "On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud. And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty thousand and five hundred. And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred. Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni. And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred. All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank," Num. 2:18-24.

Finally came the northernmost part of the camp consisting of Dan, Asher and Napthali, "The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred. And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran. And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and one thousand and five hundred. Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan. And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred. All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards," Num. 2:25-31.

Each tribe was to dwell around the tabernacle according to YAHWEH'S arrangement under their standard, but the chief tribe would possess the governing standard.

The standard of the tribe of Judah in the east was the lion. Jacob prophesied, "Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?" Gen. 49:9.

The standard of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh in the west was the ox, with one horn representing each tribe. The prophet Jeremiah writes, "I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; ‘Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn Thou me, and I shall be turned; for Thou art YAHWEH my Elohim,’" 31:18.

The standard for Reuben in the north was the face of a man. Jacob prophesied, "Reuben, thou art my first born, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power...," Gen. 49:3. The name Reuben means "See ye a son."

Finally, the standard for Dan in the south was a serpent, "Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward," Gen. 49:17.

Notice that three of the standards match three of the faces of the creatures that the apostle John saw around YAHWEH'S throne, "And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy, YAHWEH Elyown, Which was, and is, and is to come,’" Rev. 4:6-8.

Notice that each living creature (beast) had six wings which is a description similar to the one that the prophet Isaiah gave, "In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also YAHWEH sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is YAHWEH of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory,’" Isa. 6:1-3.

The Hebrew word for "seraphims" is #8314 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. It is the Hebrew word "saraph." The definition is given as: burning, i.e. (fig.) poisonous (serpent); spec. a saraph or symbol. creature (from their copper color); generally being translated as: fiery (serpent), seraph.

When Israel complained against YAHWEH and Moses because of their discouragement (Num. 21:5), YAHWEH sent fiery serpents among the people to bite them as is recorded in verse 6, "And YAHWEH sent fiery (seraphim) serpents (nachashim) among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died."

When the people came to Moses in repentance YAHWEH commanded that a fiery serpent should be put on a pole, "And YAHWEH said unto Moses, ‘Make thee a fiery serpent (#8314; saraph), and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live,’" v. 8.

It is our premise that the standard of the tribe of Dan would be an eagle with a serpent in its claws. This reveals that the standards surrounding the tabernacle in the wilderness were similar to the four faces of the cherubim that Ezekiel saw and the four beasts that John saw, a lion, an ox, a man and an eagle.

Balaam the son of Beor was called upon by the Moabite king, Balak, to curse Israel. But when Balaam saw this heavenly arrangement, all he could do was be inspired to bless (Num. 22 - 24).

The tribe of Levi was placed in the middle of the encampment between the Israelites and the tabernacle. They were placed according to the families of Kohath, Gershon and Merari. Each family was given a particular portion of the tabernacle and its appurtenances. The distribution according to families, along with their placement, also reveals the highest of purposes.

Moses, Aaron and Aaron’s sons were placed in the east between the tribe of Judah and his companions. The only opening to the compound which surrounded the tabernacle lay in the east. In order to approach the tabernacle, one would have to go through Moses and Aaron. Both Moses and Aaron were types of YAHshua.

Moses told Israel, "YAHWEH thy Elohim will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken," Dt. 18:15. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Peter confirmed that YAHshua was that Prophet, "And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, ‘Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The Elohim of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the Elohim of our fathers, hath glorified His son YAHshua; Whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go...Repent ye therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of YAHWEH; and He shall send YAHshua Messiah, Which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which YAHWEH hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, ‘A Prophet shall YAHWEH your Elohim raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the People.’ Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which YAHWEH made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, ‘And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.’ Unto you first YAHWEH, having raised up His Son YAHshua, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities,’" Acts 3:12-13, 19-26.

Aaron the High Priest was also a type of YAHshua for YAHshua became the High Priest after the order of Melchisedek, "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Messiah YAHshua; Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is Elohim. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Messiah as a son over His own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end," Heb. 3:1-6.

Moses the Prophet, Aaron the High Priest and Aaron’s sons the priests were between and adjacent to the tribe of Judah which was under the banner of the lion. This served the purpose of prophecy regarding YAHshua as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of Elohim sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne," Rev. 5:1-7.

The lion is king of beasts which was a representation of YAHshua, Who is to be King over YAHWEH'S Kingdom on earth, "Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called YAHshua, and said unto Him, Art thou the King of the Jews? YAHshua answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of Me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee unto me: what hast Thou done? YAHshua answered, My Kingdom is not of this world: if My Kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My Kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art thou a King then? YAHshua answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice," Jn. 18:33-37.

Judah’s position in the east, along with Moses’ and Aaron’s, from whence the sun arises, typified YAHshua as the dayspring from on high, "Blessed be YAHWEH Elohim of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of YAHWEH to prepare His ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our Elohim; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace," Luke. 1:68-79.

Moses, Aaron and Aaron’s sons were the overseers and rulers over Israel and the functions of the tabernacle. They were to give Israel the words from YAHWEH. They were to oversee the rituals. They were to make sure that everything was performed according to YAHWEH'S word and commands. Moses was faithful in all his house, as a servant (Heb. 3:5).

We find, therefore, that the placement of Judah and his companions, along with Moses and Aaron in the east was a type, prophecy and parable of YAHshua the Great Prophet, the Heavenly High Priest, the descendant of Judah and David Who would rule as the Great King being a glorious light for all to see.

Before we get into the placement of the rest of the families of Levi, it would be best to give a little bit of a description of the tabernacle and its appurtenances. We find an apt description of it in Ex. 25 - 27. The tabernacle and its appurtenances was divided into three divisions. There was the tent itself with its coverings, hangings, curtains, cords, etc. These were assigned to the family of Gershon, "And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof," Num. 3:25-26.

The next division of the tabernacle was its vessels. They consisted of the Ark of the Covenant, altar of incense, the table of shewbread, lampstand (menorah), laver of brass and altar of brass. The family assigned to these vessels was Kohath, "And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof," Num. 3:31.

The third division of the tabernacle was its framework, you might say the skeleton, the foundation, and the framework. This consisted of the boards, pillars, sockets, bars, etc. These were assigned to the family of Merari, "And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto, and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords," Num. 3:36-37.

Each of these families were placed on the western, southern and northern sides of the tabernacle, respectively. They were also placed between the central tribes of Israel with their companion tribes and the tabernacle compound. Their placement also was for the fulfillment of types, parables and prophecies concerning YAHshua and Israel.

The families of the Gershonites were to camp behind the tabernacle between the Ephramites and their companions, "The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward," Num. 3:23. Their charge was the tabernacle (tent), its coverings, hangings and cords. The chief standard of the west under the Ephramites was the ox.

The ox was one of the chief animals of sacrifice. The shedding of blood was for the expiation, atoning, covering of sin. The tent covered the sanctuary and the Holy of Holies. The ox, the coverings, hangings, etc. were a type, parable, prophecy, etc. of the impending sacrifice of the Savior YAHshua and also YAHWEH'S sacrifice of Israel on behalf of the nations of the world.

The chief of the Gershonites was to be Eliasaph. His name means; El (the) gatherer or El will add or augment. This is amazing since Ephraim and Manasseh were also on the western side, being of the tribe of Joseph which means; let him add or adding.

Ephraim was the second son of Joseph. His name means "double fruit." Manasseh was the first son. His name means "causing to forget" or "forget-fullness." It was through Joseph that another tribe was added to the sons of Israel, for Jacob adopted the sons Ephraim and Manasseh as his own.

However, these all have to do with YAHshua and His atoning sacrifice which will cause YAHWEH to forget Israel’s sins, and He will gather them a second time.

It was through Joseph that the house of Israel was preserved from the severe drought that was to plague the whole world. Joseph was hated by his brethren because their father, Jacob, loved him above the others. When Joseph began to have his dreams, which were prophecies of his rulership in the land of Egypt (Gen. 37:1-11), his brethren hated him all the more. They were going to slay him (a sacrifice [Gen. 37:18]), but they cast him alive into a pit (a type of the grave [Gen. 37:22]), and sold him into slavery. Yet Joseph’s rejection and suffering was for the preservation of life, specifically Israel’s, "And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for Elohim did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And Elohim sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but Elohim: and He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and sovereign of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt," Gen. 45:4-8.

Joseph was a type of YAHshua Who also was hated by His brethren, sacrificed and buried, but YAHWEH raised Him up for the salvation of His people Israel and the Gentiles also.

The theme continues to run throughout the Scriptures, for after Israel had inherited the land and become a kingdom first under Saul and then the Dynasty of David and Solomon, the northern ten tribes broke away from the southern kingdom ruled by the tribe of Judah. The ruler of the northern 10 tribes was Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephramite. Israel had become two kingdoms (double fruit) because of Ephraim (double fruit) and his companions.

Jeroboam caused Israel to turn to calf worship, "And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of YAHWEH at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their master, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy elohim, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense," 1 Kings 12:26-33.

Northern Israel under Ephraim had turned to Baal worship. Hosea was inspired to prophesy concerning Ephraim Israel, "The word of YAHWEH that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. The beginning of the word of YAHWEH by Hosea. And YAHWEH said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from YAHWEH. So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son. And YAHWEH said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel. And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel. And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And Elohim said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away. But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by YAHWEH their Elohim, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen. Now when she had weaned Loruhamah, she conceived, and bare a son. Then said Elohim, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not My people, and I will not be your Elohim. Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not My people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living Elohim," Hos. 1:1-10.

Isn’t it interesting that the standard of Ephraim was the ox and Ephraim led the northern 10 tribes into calf (ox) worship? Isn’t is also interesting that the calf or ox is an animal of sacrifice? Isn’t it interesting that the theme throughout the whole book of Hoshea is a theme of Ephraim Israel falling away into idolatry concerning calf and Baal worship, yet YAHWEH promises to have mercy on Ephraim Israel and return them to Himself?

Notice each chapter of Hosea for they usually begin denouncing Ephraim’s idolatry, yet end with Ephraim’s restoration. Notice also chapter 5:13-15, "When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early."

Do you now understand that Judah, being situated in the east with Moses and Aaron (the High Priest) were also under the standard of the lion? A lion will slay an ox or calf for food. The High Priest offers sacrifice. The casting away of Israel was from YAHWEH and His marvelous and wondrous plan. Just as Joseph was cast away for a time in order to preserve and save the house of Israel, Ephraim Israel was allowed to go into idolatry, be overthrown and sown among the Gentiles not only for Israel’s preservation, but for the preservation and salvation of the Gentiles.

Another interesting side note is found in the name of Gershon the Levitical tribe that was situated between Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin and the tabernacle. Gershon means "refugee!" Ephraim Israel was to be sent away as refugees.

The apostle Paul made an amazing revelation in the book of Romans, for he writes, " I say then, Hath YAHWEH cast away His people? Let it not be. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. YAHWEH hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? How he maketh intercession to YAHWEH against Israel, saying, YAHWEH, they have killed Thy prophets, and digged down Thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of YAHWEH unto him? I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a Remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the Election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded," Ro. 11:1-7.

How was Israel blinded? Through the parables of the tabernacle, priesthood, divine service, sacrifices, etc. (Heb. 9:1-9, Mt. 13:10-17, Ro. 11:8-10).

Paul continues, "I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? Let it not be: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness? For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?" Ro. 11:11-15.

Do you now understand that Israel was sacrificed so that the Gentiles might also have salvation? The casting away of Israel was for the reconciling of the world!

Paul adds, "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away unrighteousness from Jacob: For this is My Covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the evangel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the Election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of YAHWEH are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed YAHWEH, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For YAHWEH hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of YAHWEH! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of YAHWEH? Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen," v.v. 25-36.

The casting away of Israel was a sacrifice on behalf of the Gentiles. The casting away of His own Son was a sacrifice for the whole world, "For YAHWEH so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For YAHWEH sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved," Jn. 3:16-17.

Israel was made in the likeness of the Gentiles, full of sin and idolatry so that the Gentiles might be saved. YAHshua was made in the likeness of man (flesh), "And the Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth," Jn. 1:14..."Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage," Heb. 2:14-15.

Though Israel partook of the sins and idolatry of the Gentiles, the Savior was without sin, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin," Heb. 4:15.

From East to West, the arrangement of Israel and the tabernacle spoke of the priesthood and sacrifice. It was a prophesy which began with animal and plant sacrifices, but it foretold of YAHWEH'S eventual sacrifice of both houses of Israel, and the ultimate sacrifice of YAHWEH Himself, as the book of Psalms proclaims, "Gather My saints together unto Me; Those that have made a covenant with Me by (My) sacrifice," 50:5. The Hebrew reads thusly: `xb;z"-yle[] ytiyrIb. yter>Ko yd'ysix] yli-Wps.ai. The translation would be (yli-Wps.ai) Gather to Me, (yd'ysix]) My saints, (yter>Ko) those cutting (with) Me, (ytiyrIb.) My covenant, (xb;z"-yle[]) by (or upon) My sacrifice. Notice the yod (y) at the end of each Hebrew word or grouped words. This yod (y) signifies the personal pronoun My or Me.

As the Apostle Paul proclaims, "O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of YAHWEH! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of YAHWEH? Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amein," Ro. 11:33-35.

The families of the Kohathites were located on the south side, "The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward," Num. 3:29. Their responsibility concerning the tabernacle was the care of the ark, table, lampstand, altars and the vessels of the sanctuary (v. 31).

The Kohathites were situated between Reuben and his companion tribes which tabernacled under their standard of the man. The wisdom of YAHWEH is once again revealed concerning this placement, for the vessels placed in their charge required a tremendous intellect to handle and understand. All the other standards were animals, the lion of Judah, ox of Ephraim, and serpent/eagle of Dan. This standard on the south side was the standard of a man whose intellect and understanding far excels that of the animals.

The ark, table, lampstand, incense altar and their accompanying vessels (dishes, spoons, snuffers, etc.) consisted of the purest gold. The laver and sacrificial altar were brass. They symbolized, in parabolic form, some of the most deep, intimate secrets concerning YAHWEH and His people as we will find out later when they are addressed in detail.

The name of the chief of the house of Kohathites bears out the aspect of the importance of the vessels. He was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. "Elizaphan" is #469 in the Hebrew lexicon of Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. It is a combination of two Hebrew words; El and Tsaphan. Its meaning is given as: "El of treasure". However, "tsaphan" comes from #6845 which is defined as: to hide (by covering over); by impl. to hoard or reserve; fig. to deny; spec. (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk. It is variously interpreted as: esteem, hide (-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret (-ly, place). "Uzziel" simply means: the strength of El.

Therefore, the vessels of the tabernacle were the treasures of YAHWEH which contained the Hidden One Who was His strength.

The very name Kohath means "to ally oneself." YAHshua, the One of Whom the tabernacle and its appurtenances speak, was the Man Who allied Himself with the Heavenly Father.

There is a hidden one who is the strength of this world. There is a Hidden One Who is the strength of YAHWEH'S kingdom, the world to come. Since YAHshua (the hidden one of the vessels) came and revealed the Father to His followers, the hidden one of this world has also revealed himself and his father which the world serves, but does not understand.

YAHWEH'S Word is held in parables and mysteries, "He answered and said unto them, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given," Mt. 13:11… "But we speak the wisdom of YAHWEH in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which YAHWEH ordained before the world unto our glory," 1 Cor. 2:7. YAHshua is YAHWEH'S Word of Whom the Scriptures speak (Jn. 1:1-3, 14). He is the Hidden One of the Scriptures. Even though He came to be revealed and to reveal the Father to His followers, He is still hidden from the physical and spiritual eyes of the world.

The one who is the hidden one of this world, the strength of this world is also contained in hidden symbols, mysteries, allegories, etc. which the common observer and beholder is not able to readily or easily identify because the true facts are kept from him. The hidden one of this world has, through craft and subtlety, deceived the world into the worship of himself. He is a great counterfeiter. The best way to detect a counterfeit is to be able to readily identify the real thing. If one is familiar with the real item, then the counterfeit is easily distinguishable. It is the purpose of this series to acquaint ourselves with the True One of Whom the Scriptures speak through the true Scriptural representatives and parables. As the apostle Paul writes, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world but the spirit which is of YAHWEH; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of YAHWEH. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual," 1 Cor. 2:12-13.

If we will take the spiritual things that YAHWEH has given us in His word, and compare them with He of Whom the Scriptures speak (comparing spiritual things with spiritual), allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us these things, then we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.

May YAHWEH open our minds to see and understand the wondrous treasures held in store for those for whom they are prepared.

Reuben was the chief tribe in the south. Reuben means "lo or behold, a son." We will find, as we examine the inner workings of the tabernacle and its vessels, that YAHshua is the Son and the Man, the Hidden One of Whom all the vessels testified.

He is the only Man who had the intellect and understanding to be able to fulfil all of the purposes of which these things speak. The prophet Zechariah records, "Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of YAHshua the son of Yosedech, the high priest; And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh YAHWEH of hosts, saying, ‘Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the temple of YAHWEH: even He shall build the temple of YAHWEH; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both," 6:11-13.

The silver and gold are precious physical treasures, a type of the spiritual treasures and glory that belong to YAHWEH.

Yosedek means: the righteous YAHWEH. YAHshua is the Son of the righteous YAHWEH. It is He Who is in the process of building the temple of YAHWEH.

Today there is a division between church and state in almost all countries. There is the political organization that governs the civil affairs and the ecclesiastical organization that governs the religious affairs. There is no agreement nor peace between them. YAHshua, the Son of Yosedek will serve as King and Priest, bringing together both arms of government in peace.

To be continued...by Jerry Healan

The Merarites were placed on the north side of the tabernacle, "And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward," Num. 3:35. Their responsibilities entailed the care of the boards of the tabernacle, the bars, pillars, sockets pins, cords, etc. (v.v. 36-37).

These items, as already pointed out, were the base, foundation, skeletal framework of the tabernacle. The name "Zuriel" is very enlightening for it means: "Rock of El"!

YAHshua said, "And why call ye Me, Master, Master, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great," Luke 6:46-49.

Paul reveals that YAHshua is that Rock, "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Messiah," 1 Cor. 10:1-4.

The Merarites were encamped adjacent to the tribe of Dan and his companion tribes which were under the standard of the serpent/eagle. One of the favorite places for serpents is in, on or around rocks. One of the Proverbs states, "There be three things which are too wonderful for me, Yea, four which I know not: the way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid," Prov. 30:18-19.

It is interesting that the eagle, serpent and a rock are mentioned together here which tie in with Dan’s standard and Zuriel, chief of the Merarites.

YAHshua, Himself, said, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," Jn. 3:14.

Merari means bitter or bitterness. Truly, YAHshua had to suffer the bitter taste of death for every man in order to bring about their restoration and salvation.

Isaiah was inspired to write, "Thus saith Adonai YAHWEH, ‘Behold, I will lift up Mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up My standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders," 49:22. "Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, YAHWEH hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of YAHWEH: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken," 62:10-12.

YAHshua is that standard that must be lifted up for all the people to be gathered to. He is the Rock, the Redeemer, the Savior that must be proclaimed. He is the One represented by the serpent/eagle standard of Dan. He is the foundation upon which the house, the temple of YAHWEH must be built.

Thus, from south to north, the tabernacle and Israel’s arrangement speaks of the Man Who has the intellect to handle the hidden treasures of YAHWEH. This man is also known as the Rock. He was lifted up as a serpent on a pole, in sacrifice, and then resurrected from the dead in order to bear not only physical fleshly fruit to the Kingdom, but spiritual fruit as well, in other words, DOUBLE FRUIT!

There is much more that needs to be said concerning these things, but we must leave a great deal of information to be discovered when we search through the different items as pertaining to the tabernacle and its appurtenances.

As previously stated, the tribe of Levi was placed between the tabernacle and the tribes of Israel. There was a specific and special reason for this placement. "Levi" is #3878 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and means: attached. It comes from the root word "lavah" which means: to twine, i.e. (by Impl.) to unite, to remain; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (caus.) to lend. It is variously interpreted as: abide with, borrow (-er), cleave, join (self), lend (-er).

Moses, a Levite, was a go-between between the Israelites and YAHWEH. When YAHWEH descended upon Mount Sinai in the wilderness to give Israel His commands, the mount "...was altogether on a smoke, because YAHWEH descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly," Ex. 19:18. "And all the People saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the People saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, ‘Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not Elohim speak with us, lest we die’," Ex. 20:18. "And ye said, ‘Behold, YAHWEH our Elohim hath shewed us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that Elohim doth talk with man, and He liveth. Now therefore why should we die? For this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of YAHWEH our Elohim any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living Elohim speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? Go thou near, and hear all that YAHWEH our Elohim shall say: and speak thou unto us all that YAHWEH our Elohim shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. And YAHWEH heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and YAHWEH said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken’," Dt. 5:24-28.

Moses, the Levite (unite, attach, join) was the mediator between YAHWEH and the children of Israel. All of the Levites served in the same capacity. They were the mediators between YAHWEH and Israel. They served the purpose of being a buffer zone between YAHWEH and the People. They, in effect, united or joined the People to YAHWEH and His tabernacle.

The children of Levi had no inheritance among the children of Israel. YAHWEH was their inheritance, "At that time YAHWEH separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the Ark of the Covenant of YAHWEH, to stand before YAHWEH to minister unto Him, and to bless in His name, unto this day. Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; YAHWEH is his inheritance, according as YAHWEH thy Elohim promised him," Dt. 10:8-9.

The tribes of Israel were, in turn, located around the Levites and the tabernacle as a buffer between the rest of the nations of the world. Thus, layer is added upon layer. YAHWEH is the focal point and center of the tabernacle. He is surrounded by the tabernacle with its appurtenances as well as a wall of fine twined linen which surrounded His dwelling place. Outside the wall of fine twined linen dwelt the Levites who were utilized as a buffer between the tabernacle and the rest of the Israelites. They were also the mediators between Israel and YAHWEH. Outside the Levites were the tribes of Israel and outside of the tribes of Israel was the rest of the world. Israel, with YAHWEH in their midst was to be a shining light to the rest of the world and they were, to a point. The glory of this arrangement is amazing and wonderful. However, it first speaks of sacrifice and then life from the dead.

As pointed out, the tabernacle speaks first of animal and plant sacrifice. Next, it speaks of Israel’s sacrifice. Thirdly, it speaks of YAHWEH'S own personal sacrifice in the guise of YAHshua the Messiah. YAHshua was dead for three days and three nights after which He was resurrected. The next major resurrection and restoration will be the resurrection of those who belong to YAHshua along with the tribes of Israel. This will bring about the restoration of the Kingdom to YAHWEH and His people Israel. Upon this restoration, the nations of the earth will begin to be blessed.

YAHWEH declared to Moses, "See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the spirit of Elohim, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship," Ex. 31:1-5.

Bezaleel is another wondrous parable. His name has meaning that is extremely significant and very important for us to know. Bezaleel means "in the shadow of El!"

The book of Hebrews proclaims that the Levitical priesthood, the sacrifices and the tabernacle were shadows of heavenly things, "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which YAHWEH pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if He were on earth, He should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of YAHWEH when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, ‘See,’ saith He, ‘that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount’," 8:1-5.

Notice the words utilized to describe the priesthood, offerings and tabernacle once again. They were examples (Gk. = hupodeigma = an exhibit for imitation or warning [fig. speciman, adumbration]), shadows and patterns (Gk. = tupos = a die (as struck), i.e. (by impl.) a stamp or scar; by anal. a shape, i.e. a statue, (fig.) style or resemblance; spec. a sampler ("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning). (Definitions from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.)

The earthly tabernacle that the man built (whose name means "in the shadow of El") was a shadow, an example, a pattern, a type of the true heavenly tabernacle that YAHWEH pitched. Everything that YAHWEH says or does has deep meaning to it. We just have to examine it carefully in order to learn what the meaning is.

Bezaleel is a type of YAHshua the Messiah. However, while Bezaleel is just a shadow, YAHshua is the very image! "But if our evangel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the elohim of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious evangel of the Messiah, Who is the image of Elohim; should shine unto them," 2 Cor. 4:4…. "Who (YAHshua) is the image of the invisible Elohim, the Firstborn of every creature," Col. 1:15…. "Who (YAHshua) being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," Heb. 1:3.

Colossians 2:9 says, "For in Him (YAHshua) dwelleth all the fulness of the G-dhead bodily." A better translation or rendering of this verse would be, "For in Him dwelleth the fulness of Elohim physically."

YAHshua reveals that He is the builder of the New Testament Assembly, "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build My Assembly; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against her," Mat. 16:18.

Many people have become confused thinking that YAHshua is speaking of Peter in this verse, however, the Apostle Peter reveals Who He is speaking of in his own writings, "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Sovereign is gracious. To Whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of Elohim, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to YAHWEH by YAHshua the Messiah. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, ‘Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.’ Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed," 1 Pet. 1:1-8.

A good question at this point would be, How precious is YAHshua to you? Do you believe the fulness of His election and His preciousness or have you been led to disbelieve? YAHshua is of the true heavenly tabernacle as He witnessed to the people of His day, "And He said unto them, ‘Ye are from beneath; I am from above; ye are of this world; I am not of this world," Jn. 8:23.

YAHWEH proclaimed, "... I have filled him with the spirit of Elohim, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works…," Ex. 31:3.

The spirit of wisdom, understanding and knowledge is powerful indeed for elsewhere YAHWEH says, "YAHWEH by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens. By His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down (distil) the dew," Prov. 3:19-20.

Notice it! Wisdom has to do with the earthly things and the founding of it. Understanding has to do with establishing the heavens and knowledge had to do with the deep things of Elohim.

Wisdom, understanding and knowledge are three key elements required in the knowledge of Elohim, "My son, if thou wilt receive My words, and hide My commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of YAHWEH, and find the knowledge of Elohim. For YAHWEH giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of His saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: to deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her Elohim," Prov. 2:1-17.

If we seek for and are given wisdom, knowledge and understanding then we will have the knowledge of Elohim.

This is certainly the spirit that YAHshua has Who is in the process of building a new habitation for His Father and Himself. YAHshua has the Spirit without measure, "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He That cometh from heaven is above all. And what He hath seen and heard, that He testifieth; and no man receiveth His testimony. He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that YAHWEH is true. For He Whom YAHWEH hath sent speaketh the words of Elohim: for YAHWEH giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.," Jn. 3:35.

YAHshua has the fullness of the Spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. When He speaks of earthly things, the earthly man who has the spirit of wisdom can understand him, but when He speaks of heavenly things through the spirit of understanding and of the deep things of Elohim through the spirit of knowledge, the earthly man cannot understand Him and will deny and reject His words.

It is extremely important that we not only believe on the Son and also that we believe His words if we are to be His.

The English and Hebrew languages are quite different in their approach to things. Until the advent of computers, the English language had its alphabet which only represented the language sounds. When it came to the numbering system, the English language had its own symbols for that, such as 1, 2, 3,…., etc. With the advent of computer technology numbers were assigned to the English letters because original computer technology actually utilized numbers rather than letters. (Not being a computer whiz, this technology could have changed in today’s world, however, I would think that the same conditions exist.)

In the Hebrew language, the Hebrew letters served both purposes. The Hebrew alphabet served as both letters and numbers. The Jewish Rabbis utilize this numbering system time and again to compare words, phrases, etc. It can open up a whole new world to the Scriptures.

This numbering system can be compared to the scientific realm. While man knew a great deal about his environment, he certainly was ignorant of physics, chemistry, aerodynamics, etc. until he began to devise mathematical formulas in order to learn deeper things concerning the creation. Without numbers and mathematical formulas the use of electricity would be extremely limited if not impossible. Computers would be useless. Air flight would be impossible. So much of our modern day world would only be a dream. We actually would be reduced back to a very primitive state of living.

YAHWEH is the Almighty, All-wise, All-powerful Creator. He created this world to be subject to the sciences of physics, chemistry, biology, aerodynamics, etc. Thus, it should be no surprise if He also submitted His own inspired word to be subject to certain numbers, mathematical formulas, etc.

Let’s take a look at the name Bezaleel and see if we can’t discover even more hidden depths and truths concerning YAHWEH'S word.

Bezaleel is lael.c;B. in Hebrew. Each of these letters has a numerical equivalent. B = 2, c = 90, el = 30, a =1, l = 30. Adding the up 2 + 90 + 30 + 1 + 30 = 153.

After YAHshua's death, burial and resurrection, His disciples, not yet having received the Holy Spirit, evidently didn’t have anything better to do, so they went fishing (Jn. 21:1-3). The account declares that they fished all night, but caught nothing (v. 3). When morning came, YAHshua appeared on the shore and asked them if they had any food (vv. 4-5). After hearing their negative answer, YAHshua told them to cast the net on the right side of the ship which they did. They weren’t even able to pull the net into the ship because of the number and weight of the fish that they caught (v.6). When the disciples pulled the net onto the shore and counted the fish, they found that they had 153 fish in it (v. 11).

YAHshua began His ministry by calling Andrew, Peter, James and John who were fishermen by occupation, "And YAHshua, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him. And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him," Mat. 4:18-22.

Notice it. YAHshua told them that He would make them fishers of men! When the call goes forth to the people of this world and they respond to it, (the many will not respond to it at this time), repent, are baptized and receive the Holy Spirit then they become one of the Elect and a Disciple of YAHshua. The called and chosen who receive His Spirit are called the "Sons of Elohim." "For as many as are led by the Spirit of Elohim, they are the Sons of Elohim," Ro. 8:14. "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the Sons of Elohim," Phil. 2:14-15. "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the Sons of Elohim: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the Sons of Elohim, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is," 1 Jn. 3:1-2.

The Hebrew for "Sons of Elohim" is ~yhil{a/h'-ynEb. (beni-ha Elohim). Now let’s convert this into numbers and see what we get. b = 2, n = 50, y = 10, h = 5, a = 1, l = 30, h = 5, y = 10, ~ = 40. 2 + 50 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 30 + 5 + 10 + 40 = 153!

Here is the true builder of the Heavenly Father's house. Bezaleel, the builder of the tabernacle made with human hands, was a forerunner, a parable, a shadow, a type, a model of YAHshua, the true builder of YAHWEH'S house! If we are called, chosen and faithful, we can become a part of that house and be called "Sons of Elohim."

What an honor and blessing to be distinguished as such. While the world does not presently recognize the Sons of Elohim, it still is awaiting their manifestation, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of Elohim: and if children, then heirs; heirs of Elohim, and joint-heirs with the Messiah; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of Elohim. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of Elohim. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body," Ro. 8:16-23.

May YAHWEH bless you to be one of those who is called and chosen out of this world, to be come one of the fish in the net of the disciples of YAHshua and to become a Son of Elohim!

Bezaleel was the son of Uri. Uri comes from the Hebrew word "ur" which means flame, hence (in the plur.) the East (as being the region of light). It is translated in Scripture as fire and/or light.

Bezaleel was a forerunner, a parable, a type of YAHshua the Messiah. YAHshua was the "only begotten Son of the Heavenly Father YAHWEH. The Psalmist David cried out, "YAHWEH is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" Psa. 27:1…. "For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light," Psa. 36:9… "O send out Thy light and Thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacles," Psa. 43:3.

Notice it! YAHWEH was David’s light and salvation. YAHWEH is the fountain of life and in His light shall we see light. YAHWEH sends out His light and truth to lead us to His holy hill and His tabernacles (dwelling places).

The Apostle John writes about YAHshua (Who is the salvation of YAHWEH), "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. The same was in the beginning with Elohim. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from Elohim, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not," Jn. 1:1-10. (Note: verse 9 would better be translated as, "That the true Light Which enlightens every man was coming into the world.")

Notice what is being said about YAHshua, In Him was life and light. He was the true Light which lights or enlightens every man. John was sent to bear witness of that Light. What John is writing about concerning YAHshua is so similar to what was reported in the Psalms. As a matter of fact, it is One and the same.

YAHshua, Himself, proclaimed to His disciples that He was Light, "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness," Jn. 12:46.

As the Father imparts light, so also, the Son does the same. If we have seen the Son then we have also seen the Father for there is no difference between them. If you have seen one you have seen the other.

Bezaleel was the son of Uri, the son of Hur. Hur is another interesting Hebrew name for it comes from a word meaning "white" or "linen" or "white linen."

The whole compound of YAHWEH'S tabernacle was surrounded by a wall of fine twined linen, "And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side: And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets shall be of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings of an hundred cubits long, and his twenty pillars and their twenty sockets of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver. And for the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits: their pillars ten, and their sockets ten. And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits. The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three. And on the other side shall be hangings fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three. And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four. All the pillars round about the court shall be filleted with silver; their hooks shall be of silver, and their sockets of brass. The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass," Ex. 27:9-18.

The fine twined linen would have been white in color. The meaning for this "white linen" is mentioned in the book of Revelation, chapter 19, "And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia: for YAHWEH Elohim omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of Saints," vv. 6-8.

The fine white linen represented the righteousness of the Saints or the "holy." The word "saint" comes from the Hebrew word "qodesh" which means "a sacred place or thing, sanctity, clean," etc.

The Apostle Paul reveals that YAHshua is our righteousness, "But of Him are ye in the Messiah YAHshua, Who of YAHWEH is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, ‘He that glorieth, let him glory in YAHWEH," 1 Cor. 1:30-31.

Furthermore, he writes that we must put on and be clothed with the Messiah, "But put ye on the Sovereign YAHshua the Messiah, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof," Ro. 13:14…. "For as many of you as have been baptized into the Messiah YAHshua have put on the Messiah," Gal. 3:27…. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of YAHWEH, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked," 2 Cor. 5:1-3.

The wall of fine twined (white) linen that surrounded the tabernacle of old was a type of YAHWEH'S righteousness. That same righteousness can surround us if we have been called, repented, been baptized, and received YAHWEH'S Holy Spirit .

Bezaleel was of the tribe of Judah. This is another very important aspect to consider. The Apostle Paul writes, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of the Messiah: for it is the power of YAHWEH unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek," Ro. 1:16…. "Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile," Ro. 2:9-10.

This is a very important concept to consider. The tribe of Judah was the chief tribe in the East. They were in front of, or before the only opening into the courtyard of the tabernacle. As the sun would rise in the East, its light would first shine on the tribe of Judah, then the Levitical priesthood, then on the opening to the courtyard, then on the only opening to the tabernacle. Judah was the first and chief tribe of Israel. They were, are and should be the ruling tribe of Israel. King David was of the tribe of Judah. YAHshua was of the tribe of Judah.

Upon the dedication of the tabernacle, the first tribe to offer an offering on the altar was Nashon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah (Num. 7:12). When Israel was commanded to take up their journey in the wilderness, the tribe of Judah was the first to lead the way, "And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran. And they first took their journey according to the commandment of YAHWEH by the hand of Moses. In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nashon the son of Amminadab," Num. 10:12-14.

YAHWEH has not changed down through the ages. As Paul revealed, it is to the Jew first and then to the Greek or Gentile. YAHshua came to His own, the tribe of Judah, who did not receive Him as a majority. But those who did receive Him will receive eternal life. His Holy Spirit was first poured out on Judah, then it went to the Gentiles (Cornelius and his band). Thus, YAHWEH blesses the Jew first and then others. He also punishes the Jew first and then others.

to be continued...by Jerry Healan

PART IV