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

It is now important for us to consider the name "Judah." In the Hebrew it is hdwhy (yod (y), hei (h), waw (w), dalet (d), hei (h).). The interesting thing about this name is that the yod, hei, waw, hei are the exact Hebrew letters which make up the holy name of the Creator YAHWEH (hwhy). Furthermore, Hebrew letters not only represent letters and numbers, but they also are pictograms. The "dalet" (d) is added to YAHWEH'S holy name in order to obtain the name Judah (hdwhy).

The interesting thing about this letter "dalet" (d) is that it is a pictogram for a door. Thus, the name Judah is the "door" to the name YAHWEH.

YAHshua the Messiah, Who was born of the tribe of Judah, presented Himself as the "door" of the sheep, "Then said YAHshua unto them again, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep’," Jn. 10:7.

The tribe of Judah, being the first and chief tribe of the East, which was also placed before the door, gate or opening to the tabernacle’s courtyard was a type of YAHshua the Messiah Who was the true door to the heavenly tabernacle made without hands.

YAHshua also told His disciples, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me," Jn. 14:6. The tabernacle and its arrangement speaks of YAHshua Who is the door and way into the throne room of the Father of lights, HALLELUYAH!!

What a picture Bezaleel portrays, even if he is only a shadow! But YAHshua is so far greater than this man Bezaleel just as any item which casts a shadow is far greater and more detailed than its shadow can ever be.

YAHWEH continued in His instructions to Moses, "And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; the tabernacle of the congregation, and the Ark of the Testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, and the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot, and the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office, and the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do," Ex. 31:6-11.

Aholiab son of Ahisamach is another interesting name. Aholiab means "tent of his father" while Ahisamach means "brother or kindred of support or establishment." Aholiab is a type first off, of the apostles whom YAHshua commissioned to go and publish the good news about Him, "And He said unto them, ‘These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me.’ Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it behoved the Messiah to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things," Luke 24:44-48. The apostles are the ones that He utilized to establish the Assembly of the New Covenant.

Secondly, He is also a type of all those who are called in this day and age who follow the apostles in publishing the good news about YAHshua, how He fulfilled the Scriptures, and proclaiming the good news of the coming Kingdom of Elohim. This whole treatise is dedicated to doing as much of that purpose as the Spirit will allow.

Through them (and us) and the words that they speak many are called, baptized and converted in order to provide a dwelling place for the Spirit of YAHWEH, which today is only a temporary dwelling place (like a tent), but in the resurrection they will be a permanent dwelling place for they will have received the new body, the heavenly body prepared for them and eternal life (1 Cor. 15:47-58).

Truly, Paul reveals that we are to be helping in building YAHWEH'S house, "For we are labourers together with Elohim: ye are YAHWEH'S husbandry, ye are YAHWEH'S building. According to the grace of YAHWEH which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is YAHshua the Messiah. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of Elohim, and that the Spirit of Elohim dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of Elohim, him shall YAHWEH destroy; for the temple of Elohim is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with YAHWEH. For it is written, ‘He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.’ And again, ‘YAHWEH knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.’ Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are the Messiah's; and Messiah is YAHWEH'S," 1 Cor. 3:9-23.

Yes, let us be very careful how we build. We must truly focus on YAHshua's words of wisdom, understanding and knowledge recorded for us. We also must carefully focus on the words written by the apostles, comparing it all with the words given to us by Moses, the prophets and the psalmists. If we are in tune with and led by the Spirit then we will build with the precious items made available to us, the items of gold, silver and precious stones. If we are not in tune with the Spirit then we will build the works of wood, hay and stubble. While there are some good qualities in wood, for men utilize it as a framework for buildings and rooms and even as beautiful panellings, cabinets, etc., when it is tested with fire it will perish. And even hay is good for food for animals (YAHWEH calls His people His sheep), yet it perishes more readily and quickly than does the wood. But stubble is good for nothing.

The most qualitative materials to utilize in building YAHWEH'S house is gold and silver for they are purified in fire. Let us pray that we will build with these substances (spiritually speaking).

Aholiab was of the tribe of Dan. Dan means "to judge." Those who are called to this category will be the future judges of the world and of angels, "Do ye not know that the Saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life?" 1 Cor. 6:2-3.

Peter asked YAHshua, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee; what shall we have therefore?’ And YAHshua said unto him, ‘Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel’," Mat. 19:27-28.

Aholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan can certainly represent YAHshua first and foremost for YAHshua is truly the one in Whom the Heavenly Father dwells, thus making Him the "tent of His Father." He is also the One, the Stone upon Whom YAHWEH establishes the New Covenant Congregation, but it is also easy to see how he represents all those to whom the Father and Son come to dwell in. YAHshua's works are continued in those who submit to Him through the Holy Spirit. Today, we can also be a tent for a dwelling place for YAHWEH, albeit a temporary dwelling place just like the tabernacle of old. Let us rejoice in that we have been called to such a wondrous and magnificent calling. Let us rejoice in the true heavenly tent of the Father Who is first and foremost, YAHshua the Messiah.

Finally the tabernacle and its appurtenances were completed, "And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that YAHWEH commanded Moses. And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and in fine linen," Ex. 38:22-23.

Once Moses set all things in order, YAHWEH commanded, "And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy. And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it. And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto Me in the priest's office. And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats: And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto Me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations. Thus did Moses: according to all that YAHWEH commanded him, so did he," Ex. 40:9-16.

We must understand the importance implied here. This tabernacle with its appurtenances, priesthood and sacrifices was an example, shadow, type and parable of the heavenly tabernacle, "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...Which was a figure ( Gk. = parabole = parable) 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; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation," Heb. 8:1-5; 9:9-10.

They were all "anointed" with the holy anointing oil. This signifies that they were a type of the Messiah which also means "Anointed." Thus, as we study deeply and carefully into the tabernacle with its furniture, coverings, sacrifices, priesthood, etc. we will receive a greater understanding of YAHshua the Messiah and how He fulfilled Scripture and especially how the Scriptures do speak of Him.

There was only one entrance into the tabernacle’s court. That entrance was called the gate or in Hebrew the sha’ar (r[;v;). YAHWEH'S instructions to Moses concerning this entrance were, "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," Ex. 27:16.

Since this entrance was a parable of the Messiah we need to allow His word to witness to us just how it spoke of Him, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake YAHshua unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said YAHshua unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture," Jn. 10:1-9.

The Greek word employed for "door" is "thura." It simply means a portal or entrance. It is generally translated as door or gate.

Just as there was only one entrance into the courtyard of the tabernacle, there is only one entrance, one way into eternal life or into the throne room of the Heavenly Father. That one entrance into the courtyard depicted YAHshua the Messiah, the only way, the only door or gate into the heavenly tabernacle.

Any messiah who came before Him was a thief. Neither can there come any after Him. There is no other way. Thieves and Robbers may strive to climb in or enter in some other way, but they are just that, thieves and robbers.

Just as the gate into the courtyard was a parable, YAHshua spoke a parable concerning Himself being the door or gate. In this parable of His, He is the Shepherd, the Door and He also is the Porter or Doorkeeper as He proclaimed to the Philadelphian Assembly, "These things saith He That is Holy, He That is True, He That hath the key of David, He That openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth," Rev. 3:7. YAHshua is the Porter, the One Who opens and shuts.

The next thing to focus on is the colors of this particular entrance. They were to be blue, purple and scarlet. These colors also hold the key of identification concerning YAHshua and Who He is, was and always will be.

Blue is the color of heaven and according to Jewish scholars, it is the color of the throne of YAHWEH. Blue carries the idea of being puritanical and rigorous according to Webster’s New World Dictionary.

A blue blood is a person of nobility or royalty and is utilized of an aristocrat or a nobleman. YAHshua utilized several parables wherein He was describing Himself as a nobleman.

We utilize the words "blue chip stock" to designate stocks that have exhibited the characteristics of stability, strength and productiveness. It has to do with that which is excellent and valuable.

The Levitical high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year with a mitre on his head which had a blue ribbon around it and a plate of gold which read "qodesh laYAHWEH" or Holy to YAHWEH. Thus the blue has to do with the very name YAHWEH itself when worn upon the headdress of the high priest.

The blue, therefore, designates YAHshua as Elohim and/or the Son of Elohim. When YAHshua was baptized, "...the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, "Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased," Luke 3:22.

The scarlet or crimson color designated YAHshua in another very important capacity. If we cut open our flesh then we will find that it is a nice pink or scarlet color and especially with the blood which will issue out of the cut. The name Adam actually comes from a Hebrew word "adamah" which means soil from its general redness (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). The name Adam itself means to show blood in the face, flush or turn rosy (IBID). Thus, the scarlet is representative of man. There is a first "Adam" who is of the earth and a second Adam the Sovereign from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:45-47). The scarlet truly represented YAHshua in His role as the Son of man.

YAHshua declared to the people of His day, "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified," Jn. 12:23.

The purple represents Him in another very important capacity. To put the blue and red side by side brings quite a contrast. To bring Elohim and man together also brings quite a contrast. Scarlet can represent sin and whorishness which does describe man in his natural sinful state. In this instance, Elohim and man cannot get along, for the wrath of Elohim will wax hot against man for his sinfulness and destroy him. This would be the contrast between the blue and the scarlet. The two, truthfully, cannot get along. However, as any artist or painter can tell you, if we combine the blue and the scarlet colors together, the resulting color is purple. Then when we place the purple between the blue and the scarlet there is no contrast.

The purple represents YAHshua in His capacity as Mediator between Elohim and man. It is through YAHshua's atoning sacrifice that we can have the indebtedness for our sins appeased and thereby bring about peace between us and YAHWEH.

Paul writes concerning this capacity as Mediator, "For there is one Elohim, and one Mediator between Elohim and men, the Man the Messiah YAHshua, Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time," 2 Tim. 2:5.

That YAHshua has existed as both Elohim and man is testified in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments. While there may be those who resist this knowledge, the time is coming when they will have to admit that such is the case. The entrance to the courtyard of the tabernacle certainly witnesses to this wondrous fact. The point in His ability to successfully mediate is that He has existed as both Elohim and man. Therefore, He understands how to bring about peace between the two.

He understands Elohim in His holiness and righteousness, but He also understands man in his weakness. He took on the weakness of the flesh (without sin) in order to be able to better supplicate on our behalf before the Heavenly Father. Thus, the gate told a story of YAHshua in parabolic form which is not readily available to the eyes of flesh. It can only be discerned through the eyes of the Spirit.

YAHWEH commanded Moses, "And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits. And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass. And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass. And thou shalt make for it a grate of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings in the four corners thereof. And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar. And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass. And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it. Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make it," Ex. 27:1-8.

This altar of sacrifice was extremely important. No Israelite could approach the tabernacle without a sacrifice or offering in their hand in order to appease YAHWEH. At least a portion of every sacrifice was burnt upon the altar as a burnt or holocaust offering.

The altar was made of shittim wood which some have deemed as incorruptible or indestructible wood. It was then overlaid with brass or bronze. It was to be 5 cubits wide and 5 cubits long. Five is the number of grace. Being 5 cubits square, or 5 X 5, the symbolism is grace squared or grace multiplied. There were four sides and four horns, one side and one horn representative of the four corners of the earth which is representative of the power and out-flowing of YAHWEH'S grace to eventually cover the whole earth.

There were 5 principal offerings or sacrifices 1) the burnt or holocaust offering, 2) the meat or meal (flour) offering, 3) the peace offering, 4) the sin offering and 5) the trespass offering, along with 5 types of living creatures which were acceptable to be offered 1) oxen, 2) sheep, 3) goats, 4) turtledoves and 5) pigeons. Again, the number 5 is representative of YAHWEH'S grace.

There were also two other items which were offered upon and around the altar. They were flour (usually wheat or barley) for the meat or meal offering and wine (yayin) for the drink offering.

All of these offerings were foreshadows of YAHshua the Messiah and His most important sacrifice of all.

The altar was to be 3 cubits high. This would be one cubit each for the 3 major races of men who stemmed from Noah. Shem, Ham and Japheth were the sons of Noah. They and their descendants replenished the earth after the deluge. We might interject here that even though the first covenant was made with Israel, it foreshadowed the second covenant which was to break down the barrier or middle wall of partition between Hebrew and Gentile. Thus, the parameters of the altar of sacrifice spoke of YAHWEH'S desire to eventually include all nations of the earth in His Covenant.

The material with which the altar was to be overlaid was bronze or brass. The Hebrew word for bronze, brass or copper is "nechosheth." Nechosheth is a derivative of the Hebrew word "nachash" which is generally interpreted as "serpent."

Adam and Eve’s original sin was initiated by the deception of the serpent (nachash). The offerings upon the altar were for the purpose of purifying the flesh of sin, "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh…," Heb. 9:13.

The brazen (nechosheth) altar was for the negation of the effects of the serpent (nachash) on the flesh. This is similar to our proverb today which says "Fight fire with fire."

This brazen altar was a foreshadow of the only truly acceptable sacrifice of the Messiah YAHshua. While the brazen altar was for the purifying of the flesh, YAHshua's sacrifice went past the flesh by purifying the conscience, "How much more shall the blood of the Messiah, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to YAHWEH, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living Elohim?" Heb. 9:14.

The brazen altar and the brazen serpent were two items which were closely linked together in foreshadows of the Messiah. YAHshua told His disciples, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life," Jn. 3:14-15. The brazen altar and the brazen serpent on a pole foretold of YAHWEH'S intent to negate the effects of the deceptive serpent Satan through YAHshua's sacrifice. First comes flesh and then comes Spirit (1 Cor 15:42:49).

Some have proclaimed that certain sacrifices placed on the brazen altar were tied because of Psa. 118:27, "...Bind the sacrifice with cords unto the horns of the altar." However, the word "bind" comes from the Hebrew word "acar which means to yoke, hitch or join. The word "cords" comes from the Hebrew word "oboth" which also means thick boughs or branches. The sacrifices were bound to the altar through the wood that was burnt on it which consumed the sacrifice yielding smoke of a sweet smelling savor and ashes, "And YAHWEH called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, ‘Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto YAHWEH, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before YAHWEH. And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. And he shall kill the bullock before YAHWEH: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces. And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and lay the wood in order upon the fire: And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar: But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto YAHWEH, " Lev. 1:1-9.

The offering, the wood and the fire all symbolized YAHshua's entry into Jerusalem and the binding of His sacrifice to YAHWEH'S heavenly altar for as He entered Jerusalem riding on the ass, "And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He That cometh in the name YAHWEH; Hosanna in the highest."

YAHshua was coming to offer Himself as the only acceptable sacrifice and the people bound, joined, hitched, yoked His sacrifice to the altar with thick boughs, branches or cords just as Psa. 118 declares. Notice that the people were proclaiming the very words of Psa. 118:25-26.

The whole tabernacle with its many appurtenances, the priesthood, etc. were examples and 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 priest 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’," Heb. 8:1-5.

It is awesome and overwhelming to be able to understand just how this shadow was cast. The Apostle John describes YAHshua in the book of Revelation, "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire; and His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters," 1:13-15.

Notice it! His feet were like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace. YAHshua is the One Whom the tabernacle represented. It was a shadow, an example of Him. YAHWEH proclaims, "The Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool," Isa. 66:1. YAHshua proclaimed, "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, ‘Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto YAHWEH thine oaths:’ but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by Heaven; for it is YAHWEH'S throne: nor by the earth; for it is His footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King," Mt. 5:33-35.

How is a shadow cast? Let’s take the example of a tree, a building, or a person. A tree is rooted in the earth and grows upward toward heaven. A building has its foundation on earth and rises upward into heaven. A man stands with his feet upon the earth and his head goes upward toward heaven. The sun shines upon each of these things and a shadow is projected upon the earth. The treetop, or the top of the building or the head of the man will be projected outward. Given the correct angle, such as the evening sun, the shadow can be projected quite a distance. If a person sees the projected image but doesn’t know where it is coming from, all he has to do is follow that shadow to the base of the tree, the base of the building or the feet of the man and he will discover from whence the shadow originates.

Again, YAHshua is the One of Whom the tabernacle is a shadow. The altar was brass or bronze. It had the fire of Elohim burning upon it. Its final resting place was in Jerusalem. The altar of bronze/brass was YAHWEH'S footstool. The Holy of Holies was the place wherein the Ark of the Covenant, YAHWEH'S earthly throne, was placed. This typified YAHWEH'S true heavenly dwelling place and His throne. It was a shadow being projected upon the earth, first by the tabernacle and then by the temple at Jerusalem.

YAHshua's feet were fine brass as if they burned in a furnace of fire. This typified the footstool, the place where the sacrifice would be offered, the shadow being the bronze/brass altar of sacrifice. YAHshua's head was projected into heaven. This is the place where YAHWEH'S throne, the Holy of Holies is located. His head and His hairs were white like snow and His eyes were as a flame of fire. The white signifies unblemished righteousness, while the flames of fire in the eyes represents YAHWEH who is a consuming fire.

All that was burnt on the altar was called a holocaust or the Hebrew word is "olah". The definition for "olah" is a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke). It comes from another word "alah" which means to ascend.

It is YAHshua Who has the power and ability to ascend into the heavens (Jn. 20:17, 6:62). But the smoke going up from the altar of sacrifice provided another very important link between heaven and earth typifying YAHshua as the Mediator between the two (1 Tim. 2:5).

Just as the gate with its three colors (blue, purple and scarlet) signify heaven, earth and mediation between the two, the altar, which was just inside the gate also speaks of that same mediation. It all speaks of YAHshua and the power, honor and glory revealed in Him.

To be continued….by Jerry Healan

The offerings are very important to consider and understand. While we have prepared an article in advance entitled "The Parable Of The Offerings" (available free of charge), we will briefly touch on them here. One thing to keep in mind as we do address the offerings is that the animals provided for the offerings were to take the place of the one submitting the offering. These offerings were all types and forerunners of the one sacrifice of YAHshua the Messiah Who died for us, "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to YAHWEH by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in YAHWEH through our Sovereign YAHshua the Messiah, by Whom we have now received the atonement," Ro. 5:10-11. "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that the Messiah died for our sins according to the scriptures," 1 Cor. 15:3. "For the love of the Messiah constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if One died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him Which died for them, and rose again," 2 Cor. 5:14-15. "For YAHWEH hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Sovereign YAHshua the Messiah, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him," 1 Thes. 5:9-10.

The offering system was established so that the worshipper could come near to or approach YAHWEH. This is revealed in the statement YAHWEH made to Moses, "Speak to the Children of Israel, and say unto them, ‘If any man of you bring an offering unto YAHWEH, Ye shall bring your offering of the cattle even of the herd, and of the flock," Lev. 1:2. The word "bring" is taken from the Hebrew word "qarab" which means to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose:--(cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take, etc.

The Hebrew word "offering" is "qorban" which means something brought near the altar, i.e. a sacrificial present:--oblation, that is offered, offering. The word "qorban" (offering) actually comes from the preceding word discussed (qarab). Notice that both have to do with bringing or coming near. When coming near His dwelling place, they were not to approach Him empty handed.

As stated, there were 5 (the number of grace) principal offerings ; 1) holocaust, 2) meat [grain], 3) peace, 4) sin and 5) trespass.

Four of these offerings required a living animal or thing to be sacrificed which were the holocaust, peace, sin, and trespass offerings. There were only 5 (the number of grace) types of living animals or birds which were deemed to be acceptable; 1) oxen [cattle], 2) sheep, 3) goats, 4) turtledoves and 5) pigeons.

The oxen were work animals and considered to be the most valuable animal of sacrifice due to their importance to agricultural production, as the proverb states, "Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox," Prov. 14:4.

Not only was the ox a very strong and productive work animal, but due to its size, it could provide a tremendous amount of food for consumption. Truly, the ox was a sacrifice which typified the abundantly rich, productive and powerful.

Sheep and goats are not productive work animals in fashion like the ox, but they are still very important and valuable farm animals. They were utilized for milk, meat and clothing production. They served as a sacrificial animal for the less rich, a middle class or lower middle class people.

The turtledoves and/or pigeons were provided for the very poor, those who couldn’t afford to offer an oxen, sheep or goat, "And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean," Lev. 12:8.

The first offering addressed in Lev. 1 is the holocaust or burnt offering. This animal was totally consumed on the altar. The Hebrew word employed for holocaust or burnt is "olah" which also means a step, or collectively; stairs as ascending. It was to be offered of one’s own voluntary will (Lev. 1:3). The Hebrew word for "voluntary" is "ratsown" which also means pleasure, delight, to set affection, etc.

The one offering the sacrifice is expressing his delight and affection toward His Creator and Elohim YAHWEH. YAHWEH, in turn, receives it as a sweet smelling savour. As the smoke ascends into Heaven, it forms a link or stairway not only between heaven and earth, but between YAHWEH and the one offering the sacrifice. Atonement and/or reconciliation is achieved.

This offering was totally dedicated to YAHWEH. It was for His satisfaction, thus it typified the first great commandment, "Thou shalt love YAHWEH your Elohim with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might," Dt. 6:5; Mt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30; Luke 10:27.

YAHshua certainly exemplified the holocaust offering and the first great commandment, for He came to do His Father's will above all. In the first place, consider the great sacrifice that He made as revealed by the Apostle Paul, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in the Messiah YAHshua: Who, being in the form of Elohim, thought it not robbery to be equal with Elohim: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross," Phil. 2:5-8.

Consider this great sacrifice! He was in the form of Elohim! He was Elohim. His abiding place was in Heaven! He sat on the throne in heaven beside the Father!

The Apostle John confirms this, "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...And the Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth," Jn. 1:1-3, 14.

I have emboldened the word "with" in order to bring it to your attention. This word is translated from the Greek word "pros". "Pros" is defined as; a prep. of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genit. the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dat. by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accus. the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated).

According to YAHshua's own words, He came down from heaven, "Then YAHshua said unto them, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of Elohim is He Which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world...For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him That sent Me...This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven...This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever," Jn. 6:32-33, 38, 50-51, 58.

The holocaust or "olah" was like a stairway which linked heaven and earth. We can understand the concept of the stairway by looking at structures which have multiple stories. A two story house has two chambers, the upper and the lower. They are linked together by a stairway. All structures with multiple stories must be linked together in order to gain access to the upper stories.

YAHWEH'S house has multiple stories. The tabernacle was a replica of His heavenly dwelling place, "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’," Heb. 8:1-5.

The tabernacle was simply a model, a manmade replica of the heavenly tabernacle which YAHWEH made and not man. This tabernacle was divided into three chambers. The first chamber was the gate (already addressed) wherein was contained the altar of sacrifice. The first chamber of YAHWEH'S heavenly dwelling place was the place where the sacrifices took place, to wit: Jerusalem and the earth’s atmosphere above it. The second chamber of YAHWEH'S dwelling place on earth was the sanctuary wherein was contained the menorah (golden lampstand) and the table of shewbread. This chamber was a type of the second Heaven wherein are contained the sun and moon.

The third chamber of YAHWEH'S earthly dwelling place was the Holy of Holies wherein was contained the Ark of the Covenant. This is a type of the third Heaven wherein is YAHWEH'S throne. The Holy of Holies was beyond the vail which is typified by the stars. YAHWEH'S dwelling place is beyond the starry veil of the nighttime sky.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Sovereign. I knew a man in the Messiah above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: YAHWEH knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third Heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: YAHWEH knoweth;) how that he was caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter," 2 Cor. 12:1-4.

Whether this man was the Apostle Paul or someone else, we do not really know because of the way he has written here, but what is revealing about this is that the third heaven is the third chamber of YAHWEH'S dwelling place wherein is located His throne. As stated, the tabernacle in the wilderness was a manmade model or type of the heavenly dwelling place of YAHWEH. There were three chambers or sections to the manmade tabernacle and Paul reveals that there are three chambers or sections to YAHWEH'S dwelling place.

The smoke of the holocaust offering connected the manmade tabernacle to Heaven as it provided a connecting stairway thereto. The blood of the sacrificial animal, which was offered before the altar, was brought into the other two chambers and sprinkled upon the various items which connected them into one. Thus, through the holocaust sacrifice, we see mediation and unity.

What an apt example or type of the sacrifice of the Messiah Who has the greater power of mediation and unity as Paul writes, "In Whom (YAHshua) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; that in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in The Messiah, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him…," Eph. 1:7-10.

"For there is one Elohim, and one Mediator between Elohim and men, the Man the Messiah YAHshua," 1 Tim. 2:5.

By the total (holocaust) sacrifice of YAHshua the Messiah and His shed blood, we have a connecting stairway between us and YAHWEH, between heaven and earth. It is through this selfless sacrifice that sometime in the future the very throne of YAHWEH will descend from heaven to the earth. In that day the whole plan of salvation will be complete.

The holocaust offering was wholly dedicated to YAHWEH which represented the first great commandment, "Thou shalt love YAHWEH thy Elohim with all thine heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy might," Dt. 6:5. This commandment is a commandment for us to express our zeal toward our very Maker and true Father. We are to put YAHWEH first in everything. He is supposed to come second to nothing.

YAHshua certainly fulfilled this commandment first and foremost in His life as He stated, "I can of Mine Own Self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father Which hath sent Me," Jn. 5:20.

Again, He stated, "For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him That sent Me," Jn. 6:38.

"YAHshua saith unto them, ‘My meat is to do the will of Him That sent Me, and to finish His work," Jn. 4:34.

When facing His hour of greatest trial, YAHshua prayed, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt," Mt. 26:39.

The book of Hebrews records, "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered, because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, ‘Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me) to do Thy will, O Elohim.’ Above when He said, ‘Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin Thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein:’ which are offered by the law; Then said He, ‘Lo I come to do Thy will, O Elohim,’ He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of YAHshua the Messiah once for all," Heb. 10:1-10.

YAHshua was totally consumed with zeal toward YAHWEH in seeking to put Him first and do His will. Thus, the Apostle John writes, "And His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘The zeal of Thine house hath eaten Me up,’ Jn. 2:17.

The holocaust offering was an offering of zeal for YAHWEH and His will or purpose. It was the offering that put YAHWEH first in all things. Most of the other offerings had a portion that was burnt on the altar to YAHWEH, but the holocaust was totally dedicated to Him. It was fulfilled by YAHshua on a much grander scale, a more infinite scale than the animal sacrifice could ever have done. The animal sacrifice was only a picture, a fore-runner, a type, a model of the much greater sacrifice that YAHshua was able to perform!

All animals offered were to be without blemish (Lev. 1:3). The words "without blemish" are translated from the Hebrew word "tamiym." The definition of "tamiym" is: from 8552; entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #8549). It is variously translated as: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole.

Noah was perfect (tamiym) in His generations (Gen. 6:9). Abram was told to walk before YAHWEH and be perfect (tamiym) in Gen. 17:1). Israel was supposed to be perfect (tamiym) in her walk with YAHWEH (Dt. 18:13).

Peter encourages, "And if ye call on the Father, Who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of the Messiah, as of a Lamb without blemish (amomos) and without spot (aspilos). While two Greek words are utilized here, one for without blemish and one for without spot, the simple fact of the matter is that the single word for both expressions in the Hebrew is tamiym. YAHshua is doubly tamiym!

Those who are baptized in Him also become without fault as Rev. 14:5 declares, "And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault (amomos/tamiym) before the throne of YAHWEH."

What is not revealed in the first 7 chapters of Leviticus concerning the offering is that each of the animals offered, especially the bullock, sheep and goats, required a meat, oil and drink offering to be offered with them, "And YAHWEH spake unto Moses, saying, ‘Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, ‘When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you, and will make an offering by fire unto YAHWEH, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto YAHWEH, of the herd, or of the flock: Then shall he that offereth his offering unto YAHWEH bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil. And the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb. Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third part of an hin of oil. And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third part of an hin of wine, for a sweet savour unto YAHWEH. And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto YAHWEH: Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oil. And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto YAHWEH. Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid. According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number. All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto YAHWEH," Num. 15:1-13.

The blood of the animal was to be sprinkled round about the altar (Lev. 1:5) with the residue poured out upon or under the altar (Dt. 12:27). The blood of animals killed in the field was also to be poured out upon the earth (Dt. 12:14-15). This is because it was forbidden to eat or drink blood (Dt. 12:16; Lev. 7:26-27), the reason being that the life of all flesh is in the blood (Lev. 17:10-11) and life comes from and belongs to YAHWEH the Creator.

The drink offering, which consisted of wine, was also to be poured out to YAHWEH (Num. 28:7; 2 Kings 16:13, 15).

The wine or issue of the grape was acceptable for man to drink while the blood was not, "He made him (Jacob) to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock; butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape," Dt. 32:13-14.

While the Old Covenant was instituted with the blood of bulls, sheep and goats (earthly animals), the New Covenant has been instituted by the Lamb YAHshua (the Heavenly Lamb).

A New Covenant had to be brought about for several reasons. In the first place, Israel failed to keep their part of the covenant as they had promised (Ex. 19:7, 24:3, 7).

In the second place, it wasn’t possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (Heb. 10:4) nor could they purge the conscience (Heb. 9:9).

In the third place, the pattern of the Scriptures outlines that there is first, the short, temporal, fleshly, carnal and second, that which is eternal, and spirit.

But it was forbidden for us or any man to drink the blood of animals, much less man. Thus, when YAHshua began to introduce the New Covenant in His blood, He substituted that which was expulsed from the fruit of the vine, "And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's Kingdom," Mt. 26:27-29.

The drink offering, which was wine, was poured out along with the blood of the animal. The drink offering was to take the place of the blood which was poured out. YAHshua, the Lamb of Elohim from heaven, poured His blood out for us at the place of the sacrifice (Jerusalem). Before He was nailed to the tree, He entered into the garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane is a combination of two words "gath" which is the Hebrew word for ‘wine press’ or vat for holding the grapes in processing them. The other word is "shemen" which means grease, espec. Liquid.

The press was utilized to press grapes or olives. The expulsion from the grapes, of course, is the grape juice which is later converted into wine, while the expulsion from the olive yields olive oil.

The expulsion from the grape is called "the pure blood of the grape" in Dt. 32:14. The olive oil is a type of the Holy Spirit.

YAHshua was under such heavy pressure in the garden of Gethsemane as Luke records, "And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground," 22:44. Here was YAHshua, under pressure like a grape in a press with His blood being expelled similar in fashion to the grape.

The holocaust offering and its accoutrements was only a type of the sacrifice of the Savior YAHshua the Messiah. There is so much more to write about, but there is so little space available for such.

The second offering dealt with in Lev. 2 is the meat or grain offering. This offering generally consisted of fine flour, olive oil, frankincense and salt (Lev. 2:1, 13). This offering was brought to the priests, the sons of Aaron. They would take a portion of it and burn it on the altar (holocaust) as a memorial and the rest of it belonged to the priest. There could be no leaven in this offering for it was forbidden to burn any offering containing leaven upon the altar.

Leaven typifies sin for it "puffs up" the dough. The Apostle Paul confirms this by writing, "It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, in the name of our Sovereign YAHshua the Messiah, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Sovereign YAHshua the Messiah, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Sovereign YAHshua. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened," 1 Cor. 5:1-7.

Fornication is sin. Sin is the transgression of the law (1 Jn. 3:4). The sin, like leaven, was puffing them up. They were to purge the sin (leaven) from them so that they might remain as a new lump (unleavened).

Thus the second class of offering, the meat offering, was to be offered without leaven. Since leaven typifies sin, for sin is the transgression of the law, this second offering also had to do with fulfilling the law of liberty, the 10 commandments. In this offering, there was a portion that was burnt on the altar as an holocaust which satisfied YAHWEH and therefore, fulfilled the first great commandment which is, "Thou shalt love YAHWEH thy Elohim with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might," Dt. 6:5.

Secondly, man (the priesthood) was also satisfied for a portion of the offering was retained for the priests. Thus, the second great commandment was fulfilled which is, "...thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am YAHWEH," Lev. 19:18 (see also Mt. 22:39)

On these two commandments hang the rest of the law and the prophets. On these two sacrifices hung all the rest of the offerings.

YAHWEH, the Elohim of the heavens, Creator and Possessor of Heaven and Earth was to be satisfied first and foremost. Then man, albeit the priesthood, was to be satisfied second. The priesthood officiated or mediated between Elohim and man. They were also satisfied. Once this was accomplished, then the rest of the body could be served and fulfilled. This will be touched on in the next offering, the peace offering, but we must explore this offering somewhat closer in detail.

As stated, the Aaronic priesthood was raised up in order to officiate or mediate between Elohim and man. Of course, we have already touched on YAHshua and His role of Mediator between Elohim and man. However, these two offerings, the holocaust and meat offerings, reveal that YAHWEH is first to be satisfied and then man can be satisfied, as the meat offering suggests. But the men who were satisfied were those of the priesthood.

True to Scripture, after the holocaust offering of YAHshua, the second portion of YAHWEH'S offering was begun to be fulfilled, for YAHshua, the Heavenly High Priest, raised up another priesthood in the spirit of the meat offering, "We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore YAHshua also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By Him therefore let us offer the SACRIFICE OF PRAISE to YAHWEH continually, that is, the FRUIT OF OUR LIPS GIVING THANKS TO HIS NAME. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices YAHWEH is well pleased," Heb. 13:10-16.

YAHshua was not only Elohim, He was the heavenly High Priest after the order of Melchizedek which is a much greater priesthood for it is an eternal priesthood (Heb. 7:1-12). He raised up the New Testament priesthood (after the order of Melchizedek) on the day of Pentecost (Act 2). Thus, YAHWEH and man were begun to be satisfied as the first two classes of offerings, the holocaust and the meat offerings, foretold.

A portion of the meat offering was burnt upon the altar as a "remembrance or memorial" (Lev. 2:2). There were three primary "memorials" given to the children of Israel. The first memorial was the very name of the Creator which is YAHWEH (Ex. 3:13-15).

The second memorial was the Passover which was the night and day that Israel left Egypt (Ex. 12:14, 42; 13:4).

The third memorial was the seventh day Sabbath (Ex. 16; 20:8).

Both of the last two memorials mentioned were associated with bread. The Passover was observed with unleavened bread (Ex. 12:8) and the knowledge of the Sabbath was brought about by the manna (Ex. 16, esp. v. 4-5, 22-26) which was called "bread from heaven" (Ex. 16:4).

Both of these memorials are brought together in YAHshua for He is our Passover sacrificed for us (1 Cor. 5:7,) and the true bread from heaven of which the manna was a type (Jn. 6:32-33, 48-50, 58). In His last night before His suffering, "YAHshua took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, ‘Take, eat: this is My body," Mk. 14:22. In this instance, we have YAHshua, the true bread from heaven, offering the unleavened bread associated with the Passover as His body.

The meat or grain offering, therefore, was also a type of YAHshua and His sacrifice. The "memorial" burnt on the altar as a holocaust typified His total dedication and zeal to the will of the Heavenly Father YAHWEH. The portion that was given to the priests typified Him in His ability to serve and satisfy His neighbour and brethren who were men. Again, we see His ability to mediate between Elohim and man exercised in this offering (1 Tim. 2:5). The disciples who received the bread in that last night and the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost were the new Melchizedek priesthood that was raised up.

The first offering, the holocaust offering, covered in Lev. 1 typified the fulfillment of the first commandment which was "You shall love YAHWEH your Elohim with all your heart, mind and soul." The second offering, the meat offering, while having a portion representing the first commandment, typically, represented the second commandment, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself."

While YAHshua brings both of these commandments together in His one sacrifice, fulfilling the sacrifices themselves as well, He also brings forth the "Memorial Name YAHWEH" and seals it upon those who are His! YAHshua prayed, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name: those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled," Jn. 17:11-12.

When one is baptized in YAHshua, he is sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:11-14; Rev. 7:1-4). The Holy Spirit not only seals one until the day of redemption to the eternal inheritance, but it also imparts or seals the "memorial Name YAHWEH" in one’s forehead (Rev. 7:1-4; 14:1). Thus, the three memorials are consummated in the Sovereign YAHshua the Messiah.

To be continued…….

The ingredients of the meat offering were to be flour, oil, frankincense and salt. Andrew Jukes (1815-1901) authored a book entitled The Law of the Offerings. His view of the ingredients and how they applied to YAHshua are quite exemplary. I will utilize his writings in their explanation.

"The meat-offering, then, to speak of it generally, is [the Messiah] presenting Himself to [YAHWEH] as man’s meat. Most sweet it is, most precious to the soul of the believer who can thus see [YAHshua]. We shall see this preciousness as we examine particularly the typical import of each of the materials of the meat-offering.

I. The first is ‘flour;’ and the type is significant, in exact accordance with the word, ‘Bread corn must be bruised.’ (Isa. 28:28). Bread is the staff of life, and [the Messiah] our staff of life is here represented as the bruised One. The emblem, corn ground to powder, is one of the deepest suffering. It is not the blade springing up in beauty, green and flourishing with the rain of heaven, or ripening into full maturity under the influence of the summer sun. The thought is one of bruising and grinding; of pressing, wearing trial. [YAHshua] was not only tried by ‘fire;’ [YAHWEH'S] holiness was not the only thing that consumed Him. In meeting the wants of man, His blessed soul was grieved, and pressed and bruised continually. And the bruising here was from those to whom He was ministering, for whom He daily gave Himself. Who can read the Gospels without seeing this? [YAHshua] lays Himself out for others; He spends Himself for others; but they cannot understand Him. His soul is grieved, His spirit bruised with the blindness and hardness of their hearts.

Oh, what a picture of devotedness does His lowly service present to us! Look at Him beginning His course, knowing each sorrow that was to befall Him; foreseeing the whole course of rejection, and the shameful end of His pilgrimage: rejected when He would minister blessing; misunderstood when He gave instruction; suffering not merely at the hands of enemies, but more acutely from those around Him; ― to them alone He said, ‘How long shall I suffer you?’ (Mk. 9:19) ― rejected, misunderstood, suffering, He goes forward without the slightest faltering; He never stops for a moment in His devoted service to all around Him. To the very end of His course, as at the beginning, He is the meat of all who need and will accept Him. We think when trouble or sorrow comes on us, that it is time to care for ourselves. Not so [YAHshua]. We think there must be a limit to our self-sacrifice. Not so our blessed [Sovereign]. We think that our interests, our credit, or at least our life, must not be touched or endangered. We think when our kindness is rejected we need not repeat it; we think our times of rest and relaxation are our own. Oh, how unlike to us in all was our blessed, lowly Master! Oh, how far above us in all things! Nothing moved His steadfast heart, or turned Him from doing good. In vain was the stupidity of His disciples, the rage of His enemies, or the craft of Satan. [YAHshua] never wavered nor hesitated; His course of self-surrender was complete.

But are we to suppose He did not feel all this? [YAHWEH] only knows the measure of His sufferings, or how deeply He was bruised and broken. As a man He was ‘in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin;’ this aggravated His sufferings. The Psalms here and there give us a glance of His sorrows, though no murmur ever escaped His lips. ‘Reproach,’ He says, ‘has broken My heart. They lay to My charge things I know not. It was not an enemy that did this, for then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated Me that did magnify himself against Me, for then I would have hid Myself from him; but it was thou, a man Mine equal, My guide, and Mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of [YAHWEH] in company.’ (Psa. 69:20, 35:11, 55:12-13) It may be, some of [YAHWEH'S] children cannot enter into this; they know not as yet the trials of service. Only let them follow [YAHshua] in spending and being spent for others, and the emblem of this type, ‘bruised corn,’ will not be altogether strange to them. And, indeed, how much is there of [the Messiah's] suffering which we have no idea of until through grace we are in measure brought into His circumstances, and feel the bruising which our brethren, oft unconsciously, inflict on us, while we would minister to, and be spent for them.

I have just glanced at some of the bruisings of [the Messiah's] spirit, but as respects His body also how much was He bruised! What labours, what pains, what weaknesses did He suffer to feed others! (Psa. 22:15, 102:4-5) So much was He worn by labour, that He could not even bear His cross. Another was compelled to bear it for Him. (Mk. 15:21) Doubtless this was not kindness but necessity. [YAHshua] was already ground and broken. He was now ready to be put upon the altar.

And what a lesson is there here for the believer who wishes to give himself in service to his brethren! This scripture, as in fact all Scripture, testifies that service is self-surrender, self-sacrifice. [The Messiah], to satisfy others, was broken: and bread corn must still be bruised: and the nearer our ministry approaches the measure of His ministry, ― immeasurably far as we shall ever be behind Him, ― the more shall we resemble Him, the bruised, the oppressed, the broken one.

But there is another thought brought out in this emblem. The Meat-offering was not only flour; it was to be ‘fine flour.’ (Lev. 2:1) In fine flour there is no unevenness, fit emblem of what [YAHshua] was. In Him there was no unevenness. Perhaps in no one respect does He stand out more in contrast to His best and most beloved servants. [YAHshua] was always even, always the same, unchanged by circumstances. In Him one day’s walk never contradicted another, one hour’s service never clashed with another. In Him every grace was in its perfectness, none in excess, none out of place, none wanting. Firm, unmoved, elevated, He was yet the meek, the gentle, the humble One. In Him firmness never degenerated into obstinacy, or calmness into stoical indifference. His gentleness never became a weakness, or His elevation of soul forgetfulness of others. With us our very graces are uneven, and clash and jostle with each other. Our very attempts to live and die for Him who loved us only shew how unlike Him we are.

Take His most devoted followers, a Paul, a John, a Peter. In each of them there is unevenness, one grace preponderates; in Paul energy, in Peter zeal, in John affection. And even in their very graces we see their failings. Paul’s energy leads him to Macedonia when a door is opened in Troas: (1 Cor. 2:12-13) he repents of his letter to Corinth, and then again he does not repent. (2 Cor. 7:8) Peter too, through zeal, once and again takes a place he has not grace to occupy: he steps out on the water and sinks; (Mt. 14:28-31) he follows [YAHshua] but to deny Him. (Mt. 26:58, etc.) So, too, in the beloved disciple, his very affection to his Master does but bring out his unlikeness to Him: he would be the highest, next to His [Master], in the kingdom; (Mt. 20:20-24) he would call down fire on all who dared to reject Him. (Luke 9:54)

And to turn from apostles to ourselves, we need not, I think, be shown our unevenness. One thing when alone before [YAHWEH], we are quite another thing before our brethren. In solitude striving and praying against the very folly we commit in public. In one circumstance backward, in another hasty; in this place steadfast, in that wavering. Nor is it our sins alone which shew our unevenness: our very graces are uneven: and our possessing one more than another only shows our deficiency. Why is it that in Paul, John, and Peter, we mark one grace peculiarly, while such a thought never so much as occurs to us in considering our blessed [Sovereign]? Is it that His servants surpassed Him in energy, or zeal, or tenderness? The reason is, [YAHshua] was perfect. In His devotedness there was no unevenness. No one grace to be singled out where everything and all were perfect.

II. The next material in the Meat-offering is oil. ‘He shall pour oil upon it;’ (Lev. 2:1) this was a necessary ingredient: without it the offering was incomplete. The typical signification of this will be familiar to many, for the New Testament is full of allusions to it. Oil, in its nature nourishing and healing, is the constant emblem of the Spirit’s actings. [YAHshua] as the obedient man was filled with the Holy Spirit, and His oblation of Himself as Meat-offering was in the unction and power of the Spirit. Luke, the Gospel of the Son of Man, gives abundant information on this point. Accordingly we read,―when His public ministry commenced, when, to speak typically, He began to bring His Meat-offering,―"The Holy Spirit descended on Him visibly,’ (Luke 3:22) the oil was poured on the flour. Immediately after, we read again, ‘[YAHshua], full of the Holy Spirit, returned from Jordan.’ Again, in the fourteenth verse, ‘[YAHshua] returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee.’ Then immediately, (v. 16) in the synagogue of Nazareth, when the book of the prophet Esaias is delivered to Him, He finds the place which describes His anointing and its consequences: and whether He heals the sick, teaches the poor, or feeds the hungry, it is all done in the power of the anointing. "The Spirit of [YAHWEH] is upon Me, because [YAHWEH] hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor, and to heal the broken-hearted.’ ‘[YAHWEH] anointed [YAHshua] of Nazereth with the Holy Spirit and power; and He went about doing good;’ (Acts 10:38) this is exactly the Meat-offering. And the Gospels from one end to the other in every page are full of it. To take one example from the chapter referred to: no sooner had our [Sovereign] commenced His ministry, than they rose up and thrust Him out of the city. (Luke 4:29) Go where He would, He was still the Meat-offering; the bruised corn and the oil are always together.

What a contrast to us in all this is [YAHshua] our blessed Master! In Him, viewed simply as a man, the bruised corn is fully anointed. For this reason, bruised as He may be, He never lacks power. How different with us! We are not bruised, we are not broken, but we are powerless: and what little is attempted or done for others if too often in the energy of our flesh rather than in the power of the Spirit. If ‘we go about doing good,’ is it, I ask, in the power of the anointing from above, or in the power derived from some earthly advantage or circumstance, or station, or natural ability? Is it not thought right to seek these things to give power where we feel power is wanting? But this is not the strength [the Messiah] walked in: the Meat-offering was ‘anointed with oil.’

The truth is, that the greatest zeal and knowledge are useless towards others without the Spirit. Look at [the Messiah's] last interview with His disciples! (Luke 24:44-49) We read, ‘He opened their understandings that they might understand the Scriptures:’ He then shewed them ‘what was written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Him.’ He tells them further, that of these very truths that they are the constituted ‘witnesses.’ He then ‘lifts up His hands and blesses them.’ Are they then fitly equipped for the work appointed them? No:―He says, ‘Tarry till ye be endued with power.’ They have knowledge of [the Messiah], they have His commission, they have His blessing; but they lack power, and the word is, ‘Tarry.’ They must wait for ‘power from on high,’ and that power is the Spirit. When shall we learn that we require not only truth but power: and that the only power which avails in ministry is the power of the Holy Spirit?

I have one other remark to make here. The ‘oil’ is in the Meat-offering, not in the Burnt-offering. In the Burnt-offering we have the Spirit as ‘water:’ (Lev. 1:9) in the Meat-offering it is seen as ‘oil.’ It is in relation to man, in service to our neighbour, that the Spirit is specially needed in grace and power. There is the flesh in our brethren to try us, and the thousand difficulties of intercourse with evil. How is this to be met aright, save in the grace and unction of the Spirit? But could [YAHshua] in His offering of Himself be so dependent as to need this anointing? Could He require the Spirit of power for His walk and service to those around Him? Yes, He humbled Himself even to this, to take, as a lowly dependent man, the grace which He manifested to others. Blessed [YAHshua]! May we learn more and more to be dependent like Thee.

III. The third ingredient of the Meat-offering is frankincense:―‘he shall put frankincense thereon;’ (Lev. 2:1) in connection with which, and yet in contrast, it is commanded,―‘ye shall burn no honey unto [YAHWEH].’ These emblems, like all the others, are at once simple yet most significant. Frankincense is the most precious of perfumes, of enduring and delightful fragrance: fit emblem of the sweetness and fragrance of the offering of our blessed [Sovereign]. Honey, on the other hand, though sweet, is corruptible; soon fermented, and easily turned sour. In frankincense the full fragrance is not brought out until the perfume is submitted to the action of fire. In honey it is just the reverse; the heat ferments and spoils it.

The bearing of this on the offering of [YAHshua] is too obvious to require comment. The fire of [YAHWEH'S] holiness tried Him, but all was precious fragrance. The holiness of [YAHWEH] only brought out graces which would have escaped our notice had He never suffered. Yea, much of the precious odour of His offering was the very result of His fiery trial. How different is it in believers! There is in many a sweetness of nature,―very sweet for a while it may seem to our taste,―which yet will not stand the test of fire: the first trial is enough to sour it. Who is there that has been cast into sifting circumstances, where [YAHWEH'S] holiness and our ease or interests have come into collision, without feeling how much there is in us which could not be a sweet savour on the altar? And have we never found, in setting even before saints some plain but neglected command of our Master, that much of the sweetness in them, which we have taken to be frankincense, has at once shewn itself to be fermenting honey. It was not so with the blessed [YAHshua]:―‘Anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows, all His garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia.’ (Psa. 44:7-8) ‘Because of the savour of His good ointments, His name is like ointment poured forth.’ (Song 1:3) Sweetness there is in abundance, but the sweetness of frankincense, not honey. Well might the bride exclaim, ‘My beloved is a bundle of myrrh; my beloved is to me as clusters of camphire.’ (Song 1:13-14) And not to her alone: for her He has been a sweet savour unto [YAHWEH].

IV The fourth and last ingredient of the Meat-offering is salt:―‘Every oblation of the meat-offering shalt thou season with salt.’ (Lev. 2:13) And to bring out the typical import more clearly, another emblem by way of contrast is added:―‘No meat-offering shall be made with leaven:’ (v. 11) there must be salt; there must be no leaven.

The import of these emblems is obvious: the one positively, the other negatively, bringing but one and the same thought before us. ‘Salt,’ the well-known preservative against corruption, is the emblem of perpetuity and incorruptness; while ‘leaven,’ on the other hand, composed of sour and corrupting dough, is the as well-known emblem of corruption. Thus, when the Apostle would sum up in a word ‘the incorruptness, gravity, and sincerity,’ befitting a [believer], he says, ‘Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt.’ (Col. 4:6) Thus again, when a covenant is described as perpetual, it is spoken of as ‘a covenant of salt.’ (Num. 18:19; 2 Chron. 13:5) The use of the word ‘leaven’ is even more familiar. We read of ‘the leaven of the Pharisees,’ (Lk. 12:1) ‘the leaven of the Sadducees,’ (Mt. 16:6) and ‘the leaven of Herod.’ (Mk. 8:15) So, too, in the Epistles, we are enjoined to ‘purge out the old leaven.’ (1 Cor. 5:7) Here we have a key to these emblems. [YAHshua] in His blessed offering brought that with it which not only secured its own incorruption, but which supplied a preservative against corruption to whatever He might come in contact with. It might not always be sweet to man’s taste, but it was the seasoning of the offering to [YAHWEH].

How different is it with the most devoted [believers]! Leaven is mixed with their choicest offerings. Thus at the offering at Pentecost, and the oblation with the Peace–offering, (appointed emblems of the [assembly’s] offering,) leavened cakes were offered to [YAHWEH], but though accepted, they could not be burnt as a sweet savour. These offerings I shall notice as I proceed; I do not therefore here enter into them, further than to observe, that no measure of oil, that is, the Spirit, could counteract the effect of leaven. A cake might be anointed again and again, but if there had been leaven in its composition, it could not be put upon the altar. What a lesson for those who are looking to the Spirit in them rather than to [the Messiah] for them as the ground of acceptance! The Spirit’s operations in the greatest power will never alter or destroy the old nature. As soon may we expect the nettle to yield us olives as for sinful flesh to be ought but sinful. Salt water cannot be washed sweet: you may pour oil on it, but they will not mingle; ‘that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’ (Jn. 3:6) The flesh is still in Paul, after he has been caught up to Paradise; he therefore needs the thorn in it to humble him. (2 Cor. 12:4, 7) The power of the flesh in us may be controlled, and its active energy restrained or weakened, but the leaven is still within us, only waiting its opportunity to rise. "The root of bitterness’ is there, though it may be out of sight and kept from budding.

It was not so with the blessed [YAHshua]. Even by natural birth He was born of Elohim. His nature, as well as His walk, was sinless; for ‘He was conceived by the Holy Spirit.’ Thus, when, after a trial of centuries, both Burnt-offering and Meat-offering had failed in man’s hand, [YAHshua] in ‘the body prepared for Him’ came to do His Father's will. These offerings in type shew us how He did it. And He was accepted for us." (pp. 80-92)

I feel that Andrew Jukes has effectively explained all of the ingredients except the salt. While this last ingredient has been referred to as a preservative and has been linked to the "Covenant of salt," which identifies YAHWEH'S covenant as an everlasting covenant, a covenant which will endure forever for those who are blessed to become a partaker in it; it also serves to identify to us who we are and what we are to be doing.

YAHshua said, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men," Mt. 5:13.

YAHshua is the ultimate and true sacrifice and also the true bread from heaven, the meat offering. While the salt typifies the everlasting covenant that we are able to receive through Him, it also refers to the true believers who not only follow Him, but take part in His sacrifice.

How can we take part in this most important sacrifice? Paul writes, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of YAHWEH, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto YAHWEH, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of YAHWEH," Ro. 12:1-2.

Peter also writes, "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 YAHWEH is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of YAHWEH, 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," 1 Pet. 2:1-5.

The book of Hebrews also encourages, "We have an altar, whereof they (the Levitical priesthood) have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore YAHshua also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to YAHWEH continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices YAHWEH is well pleased," Heb. 13:10-16.

We are to be the salt of YAHshua's sacrifice! We are to take part in His sacrifice and we are to offer the sacrifices of praise, doing good, communicating, etc.

Paul gives us an inkling as to how this is accomplished, "Blessed be YAHWEH, even the Father of our Sovereign YAHshua the Messiah, the Father of mercies, and the Elohim of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of YAHWEH. For as the sufferings of the Messiah abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by the Messiah. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation," 2 Cor. 1:3-7.

A true believer will be undergoing persecution and affliction because of their faith in the Messiah. The world is not able to see and understand the truth of YAHWEH'S word in the Messiah. The world chooses to go the false way and to persecute, antagonize and belittle the believers of truth. But there are also many in the assemblies who do the same thing. They cannot understand Who YAHshua was, is and will be. They cannot accept the truth revealed in the Scriptures concerning Him. Understanding becomes confused and corrupted and many are misled into falsehood and doubt.

The Hebrew word for salt is melach (xlm). It originates from another Hebrew word malach (xlm) which is defined as; a primitive root; properly, to rub to pieces or pulverize; intransitively, to disappear as dust; also (as denominative from 4417) to salt whether internally (to season with salt) or externally (to rub with salt).

Salt is to be pulverized and scattered. We scatter salt on our food in order to season it making it more palatable. If too much salt falls in one place the food cannot be eaten. True believers are scattered throughout the world in order to make it a more palatable world. Thus, the life of a true believer is rather lonely, because, as salt, they are few and far between.

YAHshua said, "...it is written, ‘I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad’," Mt. 26:31.

The history of the New Testament Assembly is that whenever they begin to increase in numbers, persecution comes upon them from without and they are scattered abroad. Thus, the apostles had to begin to write epistles to the scattered brethren, encouraging them to keep the faith.

Peter writes, "Peter, an apostle of YAHshua the Messiah, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of YAHWEH the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of YAHshua the Messiah: grace unto you, and peace be multiplied.

While persecution, which scatters the flock (or the salt in this case), appears to be evil and also works hardship on YAHshua's sheep, YAHWEH utilizes this situation to obtain positive results. The interesting thing about the word salt in the Hebrew is that it sounds so much like another Hebrew word mall's (&alm) which means angel or messenger. It is defined as; from an unused root meaning to dispatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of Elohim, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher).

Notice what happened when the New Testament Assembly was scattered, "And Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen’s) death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the Assembly which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the Assembly, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word," Acts 8:1-4.

"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Sovereign YAHshua. And the hand of the Sovereign was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Sovereign. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the Assembly which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of YAHWEH, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Sovereign. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Sovereign," Acts 11:19-24.

It is so vitally important for true believers to publish the true message concerning YAHshua the Messiah. YAHshua told the people of His day, "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 YAHWEH 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 YAHWEH 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.

He told His disciples, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved the Messiah to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things," Luke 24:44-48.

"But when the Comforter is come, Whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, Which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning," Jn. 15:26-27.

"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He , the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself ; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you," Jn. 16:12-14.

We, as salt, are to be proclaiming the true message about YAHshua the Messiah through the Spirit of truth. Not only are we to be proclaiming the true message, but we are to be preserving this message of truth in its original purity. The world does not love the truth. It loves falsehood, deceit, lies, etc. But the followers of the Messiah must love the truth and must struggle to keep, to preserve the message of truth and also to proclaim it to all who will hear.

It is imperative that we search the Scriptures in order to discover how they witness to Him. Such is the purpose of this Assembly and this treatise. YAHshua has been revealed in the Scriptures. The Scriptures are written in a manner wherein, unless one has the Spirit of the Messiah, he cannot understand. While the world proclaims a mystery of the Messiah, the truth is that the message concerning Him has been so blended with paganistic mythology that He has been extremely corrupted.

Paul wrote, "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 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 the Sovereign of glory. But as it is written, ‘Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which YAHWEH hath prepared for them that love Him.’ But YAHWEH hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of YAHWEH. 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. 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. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of YAHWEH: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned," 1 Cor. 2:6-14.

We, as the salt, are given to preserve the truth concerning the Messiah. We are to preserve the promise of the New Covenant. We are to take part in His sacrifice. We are to preserve a world that hates us and actually cannot receive our message at this time (except those whom YAHWEH calls). We are to proclaim the message about the Messiah and also of the coming Kingdom of Elohim. But YAHshua warned, "If the salt loose his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men," Mat. 5:13.

We must be willing to suffer, to face persecution, to be belittled and suffer ignominy for the sake of the Messiah, the Covenant, the Kingdom, the truth and our Heavenly Father YAHWEH. YAHWEH has given us His word, the Holy Scriptures and His Spirit to be able to do this. Let’s get on with His work!

The first two sacrifices have been effectively dealt with. They have to do with satisfying both YAHWEH and man. In the first two sacrifices, we see the fulfillment of the commandments of YAHWEH for the first sacrifice, the holocaust, has to do with the fulfillment of the command to love YAHWEH with all our heart, our mind and soul, while the second commandment, the meat (mincah) offering, has to do with loving one’s neighbor as himself.

The first sacrifice deals with YAHWEH only. The second sacrifice (offering) deals with YAHWEH and man, albeit the men who are satisfied, are the priesthood. The next sacrifice will deal with all of mankind.