With this in mind, learning what the priests of the time of 300 BC thought regarding the law helps us to understand how and why Jesus came to fulfill the law. The reasons we have been given as to why we must follow the Law of Moses are man-made religions that truly have nothing to do with God’s reasons. Firstly, we have to understand, without televisions and movies, God had to paint a picture of what he wanted people to know using the things they would observe on a daily basis. If someone would say “don’t eat like a pig”, we would understand that to mean eating in a sloppy manner with a voracious appetite. We would also understand that in our society we would look bad and others would not want to associate with us. From that expression, we give ourselves a set of practices that ensures we are socially acceptable to others, such as using forks and knives, plates and napkins. Then we have an acceptable set of manners that also help ensure we do not eat like pigs when we sit at a table, politely ask for someone to pass a particular food item, eat in reasonable portions, and not make a lot of noises such as slurping and burping when we eat. That one simple phrase has a whole set of uncommunicated rules and ideas in our culture.
This first part is the translator’s notes regarding this
letter.
THE LETTER OF ARISTEAS
IN THE Letter of Aristeas,
one of the most noteworthy and ancient recoveries in this collection, we have
come a long way from Adam and Eve, a long way from the Flood. This writing
presents a spectacle of the resiliency of the human race, which has re-peopled
the Earth, with powerful nations living in pomp and splendor.
You will read here of the
first great bibliophile--Ptolemy Philadelphus. He desires to collect into his
library at Alexandria "all the books in the world." Finally in his
passion to secure one great work--the Jewish Laws--he trades 100,000 captives for
that book. This is probably the highest price ever paid for a single work. It
presents an unusual reason for the end of the Great Captivity.
The events of this narrative
took place during the lifetime of the famous Queen Arsinoe, who died 270 B. C.
The exact date of the writing is uncertain.
The details of court life,
the discussion of social problems of the day are of the utmost interest and
vividness. It is an odd discovery in this day and age to see the king and his
guests playing at questions and answers during their banqueting.
Another synopsis of the letter Aristeas wrote:
At the time of the Jewish
Captivity in Egypt, Ptolemy Philadelphus reveals himself as the first great
bibliophile. He desires to have all the books in the world in his library; in
order to get the Laws of Moses he offers to trade 100,000 captives for that
work exclaiming, "It is a small boon indeed!"
Ptolemy was willing to trade 100,000 Jews for the laws of
Moses, which shows that Ptolemy was serious about learning and gathering this
information, not just a self-absorbed ruler. Starting with chapter one for
context we will see a little background to the explanation of the law.
1:1 SINCE I have collected material for a memorable
history of my visit to Eleazar the High Priest of the Jews, and because you,
Philocrates, as you lose no opportunity of reminding me, have set great store
upon receiving an account of the motives and object of my mission, I have
attempted to draw up clear exposition of the matter for you, for I perceive that
you possess a natural love of learning, a quality which is the highest
possession of man--to be constantly attempting 'to add to his stock of
knowledge and acquirements' whether through the study of history or by actually
participating in the events themselves. 2 It is by this means, by taking up
into itself the noblest elements, that the soul is established in purity, and
having fixed its aim on piety, the noblest goal of all, it uses this as its
infallible guide and so acquires a definite purpose.
Now let’s look at what the people thought regarding the
Law of Moses. Eleazar explains the law. It was not meant for prohibitions but
the use of examples that would demonstrate the effects of sin. What he says
here is basically what Paul writes in Romans 1 regarding God as creator, but
Paul takes the argument that people were not glorifying God as Creator.
6: 5 Our lawgiver first of all laid down the principles
of piety and righteousness and inculcated them point by point, not merely by
prohibitions but by the use of examples as well, demonstrating the injurious
effects of sin and the punishments inflicted by God upon the guilty. 6 For he
proved first of all that there is only one God and that his power is manifested
throughout the universe, since every place is filled with his sovereignty and
none of the things which are wrought in secret by men upon the earth escapes
His knowledge. 7 For all that a man does and all that is to come to pass in the
future are manifest to Him. 8 Working out these truths carefully and having
made them plain, he showed that even if a man should think of doing evil--to
say nothing of actually effecting it,--he would not escape detection, for he
made it clear that the power of God pervaded the whole of the law. 9 Beginning
from his starting point, he went on to show that all mankind except ourselves
believe in the existence of many gods, though they themselves are much more
powerful than the beings whom they vainly worship. 10 For when they have made
statues of stone and wood, they say that they are the images of those who have
invented something useful for life and they worship them, though they have
clear proof that they possess no feeling.
Paul points out in Romans, because of people’s idolatry,
they are given over to an unsound mind. Remember we saw a few weeks ago that
idolatrous practices entered into the temple at or about the time of Solomon
and the Glory of God remained alongside those rituals of burning incense and
sexual ceremonies to other gods for over 300 years. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2014/03/passover-male-prostitution-in-temple.html
6:21 Among our people such whole life their main consideration
is the sovereignty of God. 22 Therefore lest we should be corrupted by any
abomination, or our lives be perverted by evil communications, he hedged us
round on all sides by rules of purity, affecting alike what we eat, or drink,
or touch, or hear, or see. 23 For though, speaking generally, all things are
alike in their natural constitution, since they are all governed by one and the
same power, yet there is a deep reason in each individual case why we abstain
from the use of certain things and enjoy the common use of others. 24 For the
sake of illustration I will run over one or two points and explain them to you.
25 For you must not fall into the degrading idea that it was out of regard to
mice and weasels and other such things that Moses drew up his laws with such
exceeding care. 26 All these ordinances were made for the sake of righteousness
to aid the quest for virtue and the perfecting of character.
I like the phrase “you
must not fall into the degrading idea that it was out of regard to mice and
weasels”. The laws were not about
the animals, but about the ways animals behaved as an illustration which was
similar to our character. At that time, people would have known and observed
animals and their personalities. They would have done this since the “beginning
of time” so to speak, as they were hunters and had to learn the skills
associated with hunting and how animals behaved. The Bold Type is my emphasis.
6: 27 For all the birds that we use are tame and
distinguished by their cleanliness, feeding on various kinds of grain and
pulse, such as for instance pigeons, turtle-doves, locusts, partridges, geese
also, and all other birds of this class. 28 But the birds which are forbidden
you will find to be wild and carnivorous, tyrannising over the others by the
strength which they possess, and cruelly obtaining food by preying of the tame
birds enumerated above. 29 And not only so, but they seize lambs and kids, and
injure human beings too, whether dead or alive, and so by naming them unclean,
he gave a sign by means of them that those, for whom the legislation was
ordained, must practise righteousness in
their hearts and not tyrannise over any one in reliance upon their own strength
nor rob them of anything, but steer their course of life in accordance with
justice, just as the tame birds, already mentioned, consume the different
kinds of pulse that grow upon the earth and do not tyrannise to the destruction
of their own kindred. 30 Our legislator taught us therefore that it is by such
methods as these that indications are given to the wise, that they must be just
and effect nothing by violence, and refrain from tyrannising over others in
reliance upon their own strength. 31 For since it is considered unseemly even
to touch such unclean animals, as have been mentioned, on account of their
particular habits, ought we not to take every precaution lest our own
characters should be destroyed to the same extent? 32 Wherefore all the rules which he has laid down with regard to what
is permitted in the case of these birds and other animals, he has enacted with
the object of teaching us a moral lesson.
No tyranny. We see John mention several tyrants in
Revelation. The Nicolaitans were people conquerors, they lorded over people
like tyrants. It was not just one group of people as Jesus relates to John, it
was a doctrine, or a creed, or a lifestyle of these people to be people
overcomers. The Beast and false Prophet will also be tyrannical rulers in the
future.
6:33
For the division of the hoof and the separation of the claws are intended to
teach us that we must discriminate between our individual actions with a view
to the practice of virtue. 34 For the strength of our whole body
and its activity depend upon our shoulders and limbs. 35 Therefore he compels
us to recognise that we must perform all
our actions with discrimination according to the standard of righteousness,--more
especially because we have been distinctly separated from the rest of mankind. 36
For most other men defile themselves by promiscuous intercourse, thereby
working great iniquity, and whole countries and cities pride themselves upon
such vices. 37 For they not only have intercourse with men but they defile
their own mothers and even their daughters. 38 But we have been kept separate
from such sins.
One of the things we learn from the Book of Jasher is
that the “party lifestyle” came about with the sons of Cain. Some of the sons
of Seth were led away by the party atmosphere, but a few were not, like Enoch.
In the days of Jared, as Genesis 4:26 tells us, people “began to call on” or
defiled the name of the Lord. Compare that to Jasher 2:3, that is when human
kind started a group rebellion against God the Creator. Later, after the flood,
the same problem arose. This tells us that the problem lies inherent in mankind
to be led astray. Thus the need for examples humans can see and relate to.
6:39 And the people who have been separated in the
aforementioned way are also characterised by the Lawgiver as possessing the
gift of memory. 40 For all animals "which are cloven-footed and chew the
cud" represent to the initiated the
symbol of memory. 41 For the act of chewing the cud is nothing else than the
reminiscence of life and existence. 42 For life is wont to be sustained by
means of food, wherefor he exhorts us in the Scripture also in these words:
"Thou shalt surely remember the Lord that wrought in thee those great and
wonderful things." 43 For when they are properly conceived, they are
manifestly great and glorious; first the construction of the body and the
disposition of the food and the separation of each individual limb and, for
more, the organisation of the senses, the operation and invisible movement of
the mind, the rapidity of its particular actions and its discovery of the arts,
display an infinite resourcefulness. 44 Wherefore he exhorts us to remember
that the aforesaid parts are kept together by the divine power with consummate
skill.45 For he has marked out every time and place that we may continually
remember the God who rules and preserves us. 46 For in the matter of meats and
drinks he bids us first of all offer part as a sacrifice and then forthwith
enjoy our meal.
God laid out markers for remembrances. Cattle, goats,
sheep, antelope, all repeat the process of regurgitation because cellulose is
difficult to digest. This regurgitation helps animals get better nutrients from
their food. The process of food repeating itself into the mouths of the animals
is the point regarding memory, meditation, and pondering our source of life,
God.
6:47 Moreover, upon our garments he has given us a symbol
of remembrance, and in like manner he has ordered us to put the divine oracles
upon our gates and doors as a remembrance of God. 48 And upon our hands, too,
he expressly orders the symbol to be fastened, clearly showing that we ought to
perform every act in righteousness, remembering our own creation, and above all
the fear of God.
Today, people display tzitzits
and mezuzahs so that they will
somehow gain a blessing from this religious practice. Jesus was very clear
regarding phylacteries in Matthew 23:5, in his woes to the Pharisees and Scribes.
We are not to do these things to be seen by men. While the original intent is
for an individual to remember God, people have distorted this by making it a
show for others to think more highly of them. Truly, anything that helps you
think of God throughout the day is a good thing, but the distortion is to make
others think you are “so spiritual”. Today, practicing the presence of God is
possible as Brother Lawrence illustrated, because of the Holy Spirit residing
in us. This is a change from the law because the lawgiver lives inside of us.
Therefore, the need to show off our spirituality is a woe, or a watch out,
rather than a pat on the back. People who wear costumes in order to represent
themselves as more spiritual, are in for a surprise, this is the same silliness
Jesus is talking about in Matthew 5.
6:49 He bids men also, when lying down to sleep and
rising up again, to meditate upon the works of God, not only in word, but by
observing distinctly the change and impression produced upon them, when they
are going to sleep, and also their waking, how divine and incomprehensible the
change from one of these states to the other is.
This is a good point for us today, remembering God before
sleep and upon waking keeps us centered in His will. This does help us to be
intentional about what we do.
6:50 The excellency of the analogy in regard to
discrimination and memory has now been pointed out to you, according to our
interpretation of "the cloven hoof and the chewing of the cud." 51
For our laws have not been drawn up at random or in accordance with the first
casual thought that occurred to the mind, but with a view to truth and the
indication of right reason. 52 For by
means of the directions which he gives with regard to meats and drinks and
particular cases of touching, he bids us neither to do nor listen to anything
thoughtlessly nor to resort to injustice by the abuse of the power of reason.
So far, these examples and admonitions help us to think
clearly. We are not to resort to injustice, and reason our way around sin.
Eleazar explains wild animals such as weasels and mice as destructive.
53 In the case of the wild animals, too, the same
principle may be discovered. 54 For the character of the weasel and of mice and
such animals as these, which are expressly mentioned, is destructive. 55 Mice
defile and damage everything, not only for their own food but even to the
extent of rendering absolutely useless to man whatever it falls in their way to
damage. 56 The weasel class, too, is peculiar: for besides what has been said,
it has a characteristic which is defiling: It conceives through the ears and
brings forth through the mouth. 57 And it is for this reason that a like
practice is declared unclean in men. 58
For by embodying in speech all that they receive through the ears, they involve
others in evils and work no ordinary impurity, being themselves altogether
defiled by the pollution of impiety. 59 And your king, as we are informed, does
quite right in destroying such men.' 60 Then I said 'I suppose you mean the
informers, for he constantly exposes them to tortures and to painful forms of
death.' 61 'Yes,' he replied, 'these are the men I mean; for to watch for men's
destruction is an unholy thing. 62 And
our law forbids us to injure any one either by word or deed. 63 My brief account of these matters ought
to have convinced you, that all our regulations have been drawn up with a view
to righteousness, and that nothing has been enacted in the Scripture
thoughtlessly or without due reason, but its purpose is to enable us throughout
our whole life and in all our actions to practise righteousness before all men,
being mindful of Almighty God. 64 And so concerning meats and things
unclean, creeping things, and wild beasts, the whole system aims at
righteousness and righteous relationships between man and man.'
Eleazar tells Aristeas that God’s law forbids them to injure
any one by word or deed, with a view toward righteousness, and remembrance of
God the Creator. Clearly we can see throughout the history of the books of the
Bible that not everyone practiced this. As beloved as David is, he is a prime
example of messing up. What was different about David as compared to others is
that David repented for his misdeeds. Hezekiah and Josiah weren’t perfect
either, but God did not hammer every sin, he instead abided as long as he was
welcome. Most of Israel and Judah’s leaders were purposeful and intentional
when it came to their own evil behaviors. The summation of the reasons for the
law in this letter were given at a time of both kingdoms gone into foreign
occupation.
Daniel knew from Jeremiah’s writings that the seventy
years of captivity were nearly over. Daniel prayed with that in mind when he
received visions of the future. Cyrus allowed the Jews to go back to Judah, but
Judah would remain under his governance. Only a small portion went back. Later,
Ezra and Nehemiah were allowed to go back to Judah and rebuild the temple, but
still, only a small portion of Jews went back to Israel. Alexander the Great
conquered the region, bringing some Jews into Egypt which is where we picked up
on Ptolemy and his library. The DNA of the line of Seth/Shem/Abraham is in
every nation today. Hence the understanding of all Jews being goy or goyim.
Diaspora Hebrews were the reason the apostles moved out all over the world.
This is how and why Christianity spread. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/12/gentiles-all-jews-are-goyim-multitudes.html
Christianity spread out over the world, but there is
something interesting that the first century church knew that has been hidden
from us today. Abraham prophesied regarding Jesus. While we have looked at
Jesus’ name in the Old Testament, this goes back further than Zechariah. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/12/jesus-name-in-old-testament-messiah.html
Let’s look at the book of Barnabas. Barnabas was a
diasporic descendant of the Levites from Cypress. I muse when I see people
attempt to discredit this writing as being written in Alexandria. Yes, all
writings prior to the burning of the library were re-written in Alexandria.
Thankfully they were re-written, or else we wouldn’t have them at all. What we
can learn about this letter is what they knew regarding the writings they had.
Remember, they did not have a nice neat pocket sized book of scriptures, they
had scrolls in the synagogues, and no one had their own private scrolls.
Barnabas 8:10 Understand therefore, children, these
things more fully, that Abraham, who was the first that brought in
circumcision, looking forward in the Spirit to Jesus, circumcised, having
received the mystery of three letters. 11 For the Scripture says that Abraham
circumcised three hundred and eighteen men of his house. 12But what therefore was the
mystery that was made known unto him? 12 Mark, first the eighteen, and next the
three hundred. For the numeral letters of ten and eight are I H. And these
denote Jesus. 13 And because the cross was that by which we were to find grace;
therefore he adds, three hundred; the note of which is T (the figure of his
cross). Wherefore by two letters he signified Jesus, and by the third his
cross. 14 He who has put the engrafted gift of his doctrine within us, knows
that I never taught to any one a more certain truth; but I trust that ye are
worthy of it.
(154:12
That many others of the ancient Fathers have concurred with him in this, see
Cot. in loc. Add. Eund. p. 31, 85, ibid. Ed., &c., &c.)
As we have studied the Aleph and Tav, we learned that
over 11,000 times a sign was given to the writers and readers of the scrolls.
They were to look for the “A-Z”, the Alpha and Omega, the first and last, the
beginning and the end. Aleph in the
Paleo Hebrew, the first letter or symbol which Moses wrote in, was an ox head,
meaning the strong man or strong one. Tav
the last letter or symbol was a cross, meaning marker or sign. People were to
look for the strong man on the cross, is one way to observe it. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-choice-aleph-and-tav-part-1-of.html
The “I” and the “H” are Greek letters. The Hebrew
letters, were “Y” and “H”. That translates as “YaH” which is “I AM” or “I am
myself, the one”. Now add the “T”, the sign or marker of the cross, and you
have “I AM” along with the cross, or “I AM on the cross”. This is something
that the first century church knew. It was a knowledge that has been hidden and
kept secret from the 21st century church.
Considering this knowledge, and the previous
understanding of the law, lets’ look at what other things Barnabas says.
Barnabas 3:12 Let us become spiritual, a perfect temple
to God. As much as in us lies let us meditate upon the fear of God; and strive
to the utmost of our power to keep his commandments; that we may rejoice in his
righteous judgments. 13 For God will judge the world without respect of
persons: and every one shall receive according to his works. 14 If a man shall
be good, his righteousness shall go before him; if wicked, the reward of his
wickedness shall follow him. 15 Take heed therefore lest sitting still, now
that we are called, we fall asleep in our sins; and the wicked one getting the
dominion over us, stir us up, 7 and shut
us out of the kingdom of the Lord. 16 Consider this also: although you have
seen so great signs and wonders done among the people of the Jews, yet this
notwithstanding the Lord hath forsaken them. 17 Beware therefore, lest it
happen to us; as it is written. 8 There
may be many called, but few chosen.
The Lord has forsaken the Jews because they rejected
Jesus, but if they were to believe on Jesus they would not be forsaken. We can
see why certain people hid this text. This is what Jesus told us in Matthew
22:14, many are called but few are chosen. The ones coming back with Jesus as
his army are called “chosen and faithful”, Revelation 17:14.
Barnabas 4:6 This he spake, because a man will justly
perish, if having the knowledge of the way of truth, he shall nevertheless not
refrain himself from the way of darkness.
Barnabas 4:10 But he, that he might abolish death, and
make known the resurrection from the dead, was content, as it was necessary, to
appear in the flesh, that he might make good the promise before given to our
fathers, and preparing himself a new people, might demonstrate to them whilst
he was upon earth, that after the resurrection he would judge the world.
Barnabas is telling us about Jesus abolishing death, Paul
said the last enemy to be destroyed is death. Paul also tells us that by man
came death but by man also comes resurrection from the dead, 1 Corinthians 15.
Jesus tells us that those who are counted worthy to attain to the resurrection
from the dead neither marry or are given in marriage, but are like the angels,
Luke20:35.
Jesus will come to earth with his armies wearing a
scarlet robe; Jesus is like the sacrificed goat and the scape goat
Barnabas 6:11 And why was that which was accursed
crowned? Because they shall see Christ in that day having a scarlet garment
about his body; and shall say: Is not this he whom we crucified; having
despised him, pierced him, mocked him? Certainly, this is he, who then said,
that he was the Son of God. 12 11 As
therefore he shall be then like to what he was on earth, so were the Jews
heretofore commanded, to take two goats fair and equal. That when they shall
see (our Saviour) hereafter coming (in the clouds of heaven), they may be
amazed at the likeness of the goats.
Barnabas 14:3 Let us now go on to the other kind of
knowledge and doctrine There are two ways of doctrine and power; the one of
light, the other of darkness. 4 But there is a great deal of difference between
these two ways: for over one are appointed the angels of God, the leaders of
the way of light; over the other, the angels of Satan. And the one is the Lord
from everlasting to everlasting; the other is the prince of the time of
unrighteousness. 5 Now the way of light is this, if any one desires to attain
to the place that is appointed for him, and will hasten thither by his works.
And the knowledge that has been given to us for walking in it, to this effect:
Thou shalt love him that made thee: thou shalt glorify him that hath redeemed
thee from death.
Very clearly Barnabas ascribes “powers of light and
darkness” to angels of God and angels of satan. We will love Jesus who redeems
us from death if we follow the knowledge of light. With this in mind, who has
hidden the knowledge we just saw regarding Abraham’s prophecy? If one chooses
darkness, he shall be destroyed.
Barnabas 15:8 But he that chooses the other part, shall
be destroyed, together with his works. For this cause there shall be both a
resurrection, and a retribution.9 I beseech those that are in high estate among
you, (if so be you will take the counsel which with a good intention I offer to
you,) you have those with you towards whom you may do good; do not forsake
them.
Barnabas 15:10 For the day is at hand in which all things
shall be destroyed, together with the wicked one. The Lord is near, and his
reward is with him.
Barnabas looked towards the day that the wicked one would
be destroyed. The things that Barnabas wrote are ideas that are reiterated
throughout the Bible. Also, all these ideas are expressed in the book of
Revelation. The knowledge of the first century believers was different than
ours. They understood the difference between spiritual light and darkness, and
they understood the tenants of heaven and hell. They also knew and understood
far more about the Old Testament than we do today. Today, we use the Old
Testament laws to hammer people, but they weren’t about constant judgment or
the flesh of the animal, they were a descriptive picture of how to develop our
character to become righteous. Aristeas and Philocrates pursued knowledge and
hungered for an infallible guide. We have an infallible guide to life, and it
is the Bible.
Prov 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but
the glory of kings is to search out a thing. [Deut 29:29; Rom 11:33.] AMP
When we put historical understanding into place with
scripture we can make better sense of these ancient writings and the
application to life over two thousand years later. Do not be destructive or tyrannical,
instead be timid or tame. Remember God when eating, waking and before sleeping.
Bad ideas and behaviors enter through the ears and exit the mouth, do not
intentionally injure others by words or actions. Recognize that Abraham
prophesied Jesus was the “I AM”, others looked forward to the “I AM“ coming,
and looking backwards they knew it was Jesus, the one on the cross. Jesus will
come again in scarlet, representing the scapegoat. Let’s become a perfect temple,
God will judge the world, and many are called but few chosen.
