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Showing posts with label Yom Kippur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yom Kippur. Show all posts

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Azazel; the Scapegoat Offering; Rebuke Not Debate; Competing and Measuring Up


For humans to grow spiritually we have to move past primal rituals, and  base feelings and emotions, to recognizing who we are in Yahweh. As we studied last week, the giants, the heirs of the Nephilim, worshipped Astarte/Ashtaroth, a fallen principality. But there is another story that may help us understand the hidden secrets of the fallen watchers. Israel was led into the worshipping of false deities many times over the years. This worshipping of idols and groves with demonic spirits is simply the way humans are misled into believing they are nothing more than dirt instead of the superhuman creation our Creator made us to be. The devil deceives people into believing that if one tries hard enough they will get a spiritual being to do something for them. But worshipping the devil is like playing slot machines. It becomes addicting to “try and win”, so the player must continue to up the ante to get a result. What starts out as reciting prayers to idols develops into actions that include rape and bloodshed. Human life is not honored as sacred, instead there becomes a competition to be “better” than everyone else. 

Humans are not considered an “evolved” species to fallen angels, demons, and other rebellious sons of God. When the adam lost his spiritual vision of the heavenlies, he also lost the companionship of Yahweh, as Yahweh used to walk and talk with the adam on the earth. The humans who worship the devil also believe that the rest of humanity are of a lower class. Yet quite the opposite is true. Those who have a personal relationship with Yahweh are more advanced and spiritually evolved than those who worship a created being. The goal of the fallen spiritual sons of God is for humans to kill one another. The womb, or as the Bible calls it, the matrix, is not sacred or holy. Humans are the only beings that produce life. Humans create life. As far as we know, the other spiritual sons of God are not life givers. What then is the goal of those who are rebellious against the Almighty, Eternal, Living God? What is the motivation of the spiritual sons and earthly sons of God who now worship the devil and the satan? To kill and destroy the Creator’s creation.  

We have seen that the problems for humanity regarding the giants was not eradicated during the flood. There is one fallen watcher who  is remembered through yearly ritual service.  An offering during Yom Kippur was observed by Israel for Azazel, one of the fallen angels before the flood. This is called the scapegoat offering. But more specifically it is the attributing of mankind’s sins to Azazel. 

Leviticus 16:8 H5414 ונתן shall cast H175 אהרן And Aaron H5921 על upon H8147 שׁני the two H8163 השׂעירם goats; H1486 גרלות lots H1486 גורל lot H259 אחד one H3068 ליהוה for the LORD, H1486 וגורל lot H259 אחד and the other H5799 לעזאזל׃ for the scapegoat

H5799
עזאזל 
‛ăzâ'zêl az-aw-zale' From H5795 and H235; goat of departure; the scapegoat KJV Usage: scapegoat.

Brown-Driver-Briggs' Hebrew Definitions
עזאזל
1. entire removal, scapegoat 
a. refers to the goat used for sacrifice for the sins of the people 
b. meaning dubious
Origin: from H5795 and H235
TWOT: 1593
Parts of Speech: Noun Masculine

TBESH:
עֲזָאזֵל
a.za.zel
H:N-M
scapegoat
1) entire removal, scapegoat
1a) refers to the goat used for sacrifice for the sins of the people
1b) meaning dubious
Leviticus 16:7 (KJV) 
7  And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 

The Amplified translates this scapegoat offering as Azazel. 

Leviticus 16:8-10 (AMP) 
8  Aaron shall cast lots on the two goats—one lot for the Lord, the other lot for Azazel or removal. 
9  And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the Lord's lot fell and offer him as a sin offering. 
10  But the goat on which the lot fell for Azazel or removal shall be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement over him, that he may be let go into the wilderness for Azazel (for dismissal). 

Leviticus 16:26 (AMP) 
26  The man who led the sin-bearing goat out and let him go for Azazel or removal shall wash his clothes and bathe his body, and afterward he may come into the camp. 

The scapegoat offering was to be observed every year. Even Josephus mentions it. Hyperberetaeus is a month around September and October during Yom Kippur.

Josephus 3:10:2.  But on the seventh month, which the Macedonians call Hyperberetaeus, they make an addition to those already mentioned, and sacrifice a bull, a ram, and seven lambs, and a kid of the goats, for sins.

Josephus 3:10:3.  On the tenth day of the same lunar month, they fast till the evening; and this day they sacrifice a bull, and two rams, and seven lambs, and a kid of the goats, for sins. And, besides these, they bring two kids of the goats; the one of which is sent alive out of the limits of the camp into the wilderness for the scapegoat, and to be an expiation for the sins of the whole multitude; but the other is brought into a place of great cleanness, within the limits of the camp, and is there burnt, with its skin, without any sort of cleansing. With this goat was burnt a bull, not brought by the people, but by the high priest, at his own charges; which, when it was slain, he brought of the blood into the holy place, together with the blood of the kid of the goats, and sprinkled the ceiling with his finger seven times, as also its pavement, and again as often toward the most holy place, and about the golden altar: he also at last brings it into the open court, and sprinkles it about the great altar. Besides this, they set the extremities, and the kidneys, and the fat, with the lobe of the liver, upon the altar. The high priest likewise presents a ram to God as a burnt-offering.
The Works of Flavius Josephus.

We see that the sacrifice is to attribute the sins of the people onto one goat, and send it out of the camp, while the other goat is burnt before Yahweh. The scapegoat which is sent off into the wilderness carries the burdens of the sins of the Israelites and also the sins of all humans. Enoch tells us about Azazel and why the sins of humanity are attributed to him. 

Enoch 8:1 And Azazel taught men to make swords, and knives, and shields, and breastplates, and taught them about metals of the earth and the art of working them, and bracelets, and ornaments, and the use of antimony, and the beautifying of the eyelids, and all kinds of precious stones, and all coloring and dyes. 2 And there was great impiety; they turned away from God, and committed fornication, and they were led astray, and became corrupt in all their ways.
Lumpkin, Joseph. Enoch, Jubilees, Jasher: Banned from the Bible (p. 21). Fifth Estate. Kindle Edition. 

Azazel was one of the high ranking watchers who led other watchers into sin and taught mankind about weapons and war. He also taught the beautifying of one’s self. This would be the point in history that started a ranking or scale to measure and compare all humans to one another. Instead humans were not to compare themselves to one another. This in itself is primal and not spiritual. Humans were to recognize their own personal value before Yahweh. This spiritual understanding gives value to all humans. All humans are valuable before the Lord their Creator. 

Teaching beautifying and weaponry turns people against one another. It simply takes our eyes off the spiritual and fixes them on the physical. Once we are focused on the physical we are ranking ourselves, comparing ourselves, and judging our outward appearances, among other created beings. How do we gain more, how do we look better, how do we become better than others? All we need is a genie in a bottle, to grant our wishes. But the Creator creates in uniqueness, not in cookie cutter mass production. A personal relationship with the Creator takes us back to the garden of eden in a sense, where the Lord communes with us. Even though the world is inhabited by evil humans, fallen beings, demonic beings, principalities, powers, and rulers, we are connected to the Eternal, Almighty, Most High, Living Father. Our age is short in comparison to eternity. Even as the antediluvian souls of men cried out to heaven, our postdiluvian souls do the same.  

Enoch 9:1 And then Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel looked down from heaven and saw much blood being shed on the earth, and all lawlessness being done on the earth. 2 And they said to each other: 'Let the cries from the destruction of earth ascend up to the gates of heaven. 3 And now to you, the holy ones of heaven, the souls of men make their petition, saying, "Bring our cause before the Most High."' 4 And they said to the Lord of the ages: 'Lord of lords, God of gods, King of kings, and God of the ages, the throne of your glory endures through all the generations of the ages, and your name holy and glorious and blessed to all the ages! 5 You have made all things, and you have power over all things: and all things are revealed and open in your sight, and you see all things, and nothing can hide itself from you. 6 Look at what Azazel has done, who hath taught all unrighteousness on earth and revealed the eternal secrets which were made and kept in heaven, which men were striving to learn: 7 And Semjaza, who taught spells, to whom you gave authority to rule over his associates. 8 And they have gone to the daughters of men on the earth, and have had sex with the women, and have defiled themselves, and revealed to them all kinds of sins.
Lumpkin, Joseph. Enoch, Jubilees, Jasher: Banned from the Bible (pp. 21-22). Fifth Estate. Kindle Edition. 

Azazel was one of many fallen watchers but it seems his sins were noted above many others. He taught unrighteousness. But he also revealed some  eternal secrets. What eternal secrets? There was something humans did not know, but were striving to learn, that he should not have shared. This tells us that the things he did against mankind were more destructive than simply impregnating earth women. Uriel will now tell Noah what will take place. Raphael is directed to bind Azazel.  

Enoch 10:1 Then said the Most High, the Great and Holy One, “Uriel, go to the son of Lamech. 2 Say to him: 'Go to Noah and tell him in my name "Hide yourself!" and reveal to him the end that is approaching: that the whole earth will be destroyed, and a flood is about to come on the whole earth, and will destroy everything on it.’ 3 ‘And now instruct him as to what he must do to escape that his offspring may be preserved for all the generations of the world.’ 4 And again the Lord said to Raphael: 'Bind Azazel hand and foot, and cast him into the darkness and split open the desert, which is in Dudael, and cast him in. 5 And fill the hole by covering him with rough and jagged rocks, and cover him with darkness, and let him live there forever, and cover his face that he may not see the light. 6 And on the day of the great judgment he shall be hurled into the fire. 7 And heal the earth which the angels have ruined, and proclaim the healing of the earth, for I will restore the earth and heal the plague, that not all of the children of men may perish through all the secret things that the Watchers have disclosed and have taught their sons. 8 The whole earth has been corrupted through the works that were taught by Azazel: to him ascribe ALL SIN.' 9 To Gabriel said the Lord: 'Proceed against the bastards and the reprobates, and against the children of fornication and destroy the children of fornication and the children of the Watchers. Cause them to go against one another that they may destroy each other in battle: Shorten their days. 10 No request that (the Watchers) their fathers make of you shall be granted them on their behalf; for they hope to live an eternal life, and that each one of them will live five hundred years.' 11 And the Lord said to Michael: 'Go, bind Semjaza and his team who have associated with women and have defiled themselves in all their uncleanness. 12 When their sons have slain one another, and they have seen the destruction of their beloved ones, bind them fast for seventy generations under the hills of the earth, until the day of the consummation of their judgment and until the eternal judgment is accomplished. 13 In those days they shall be led off to the abyss of fire and to the torment and the prison in which they shall be confined forever.’ 14 Then Semjaza shall be burnt up with the condemned and they will be destroyed, having been bound together with them to the end of all generations. 15 Destroy all the spirits of lust and the children of the Watchers, because they have wronged mankind.
Lumpkin, Joseph. Enoch, Jubilees, Jasher: Banned from the Bible (pp. 22-23). Fifth Estate. Kindle Edition. 

They have wronged mankind. They, the fallen watchers, have wronged mankind. We wonder why our world is filled with evil and wrong doing. We wonder why life is hard, why we cannot make sense of life. It is because they, the fallen watchers, have wronged mankind. We humans are told we are the lowest intelligent lifeforms in the universe, dull, and uneducated, compared to the deities we are to worship. However untrue, this is because they, the fallen watchers, have wronged mankind. They corrupted mankind. When we start to grasp what we have been up against our whole lives, we could use our authority on this planet to make positive changes. 

Azazel is bound in the desert in a hole and covered with jagged rocks. On the day of the white throne judgment, after the millennial kingdom, he will be cast into the lake of fire. We also see a place for the host of Azazel at the time of the flood. What is a host? It is an army or an angelic army. This gives us a clue that Azazel was more than an individual, he had his own army. 

Enoch 54:1 And I looked and turned to another part of the earth, and saw there a deep valley with burning fire. 2 And they brought the kings and the powerful, and began to cast them into this deep valley. 3 And there my eyes saw how they made their instruments for them, iron chains of immeasurable weight. 4 And I asked the angel of peace who was with me, saying: 'For whom are these chains being prepared ?' 5 And he said to me: 'These are being prepared for the hosts of Azazel, so that they may take them and throw them into the bottom of the pit of hell, and they shall cover their jaws with rough stones as the Lord of spirits commanded. 6 And Michael, and Gabriel, and Raphael, and Phanuel shall take hold of them on that great day, and throw them into the burning furnace on that day, that the Lord of spirits may take vengeance on them for their unrighteousness in becoming servants to Satan and for leading astray those who live on the earth.' 7 And in those days punishment will come from the Lord of spirits, and he will open all the storehouses of waters above heavens, and of the fountains which are under the surface of the earth. 8 And all the waters shall be come together (flow into or be joined) with the waters of heaven (above the sky), that which is above heavens is the masculine, and the water which is beneath the earth is the feminine. 9 And they shall destroy all who live on the dry land and those who live under the ends of heaven. 10 And when they have acknowledged the unrighteousness which they have done on the earth, by these they shall perish.
Lumpkin, Joseph. Enoch, Jubilees, Jasher: Banned from the Bible (pp. 45-46). Fifth Estate. Kindle Edition. 

The fallen rebellious watchers became servants of the satan, the adversary. Is it possible that Azazel was the “salesman” to the other watchers, of this plan of taking earth women to procreate with? Yahweh did not want to destroy mankind but mankind had been corrupted. The covenant made with humans (the rainbow) did not mean mankind would not be corrupted again, but it did mean that humanity would not be wiped out. The fallen watchers wronged mankind and led astray those who lived on the earth by serving the satan. Considering the satan had deceived the watchers, we now see that they have freedom of will just like humans do.  Now, at the end of the age there will be a tribulation period. 

Enoch 55:1 And after that the Head of Days repented and said: 'I have destroyed all who dwell on the earth to no avail.' 2 And He swore by His great name: 'From now on I will not do this to all who dwell on the earth again, and I will set a sign in heaven: and this shall be a covenant of good faith between Me and them forever, so long as heaven is above the earth. And this is in accordance with My command. 3 When I have desired to take hold of them by the hand of the angels on the day of tribulation, anger, and pain because of this, I will cause My punishment and anger to abide on them, says God, the Lord of spirits. 4 You mighty kings who live on the earth, you shall have to watch My Elect One sit on the throne of glory and judge Azazel, and all his associates, and all his hosts in the name of the Lord of spirits.'
Lumpkin, Joseph. Enoch, Jubilees, Jasher: Banned from the Bible (p. 46). Fifth Estate. Kindle Edition. 

As Enoch 56 explains, the fallen angels will be taken off the earth at the end of the tribulation and cast into he abyss. Then, after the millennial kingdom we will see the Messiah, Jesus (who is King of kings and Lord of lords), judge Azazel and his associates and hosts. This brings up another point. Who are Azazel’s associates?  Azazel has hosts, armies, but who are  those associated with him? Those that follow after his ways, whether human or spiritual. 

This is why the Jews were to make a scapegoat offering, they were to attribute all the sins of the world to Azazel. It was a reminder of the antediluvian world and the deterioration of humanity. The Jews understood Azazel was the  scapegoat. They understood Azazel corrupted humanity. The Jews understood that Azazel had armies and associates. If we look at the definition of the Scapegoat we see that there was a time after Moses where the scapegoat was actually taken out of the camp to a mountain, and thrown off the cliff so that the goat would not come back into the camp. 


Scapegoat
Lev 16:8-26; R.V., "the goat for Azazel" (q.v.), the name given to the goat which was taken away into the wilderness on the day of Atonement (Lev 16:20-22). The priest made atonement over the scapegoat, laying Israel's guilt upon it, and then sent it away, the goat bearing "upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited."
At a later period an evasion or modification of the law of Moses was introduced by the Jews. "The goat was conducted to a mountain named Tzuk, situated at a distance of ten Sabbath days' journey, or about six and a half English miles, from Jerusalem. At this place the Judean desert was supposed to commence; and the man in whose charge the goat was sent out, while setting him free, was instructed to push the unhappy beast down the slope of the mountain side, which was so steep as to insure the death of the goat, whose bones were broken by the fall. The reason of this barbarous custom was that on one occasion the scapegoat returned to Jerusalem after being set free, which was considered such an evil omen that its recurrence was prevented for the future by the death of the goat" (Twenty-one Years' Work in the Holy Land). This mountain is now called el-Muntar.
Illustrated Bible Dictionary: And Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography, Doctrine, and Literature.


As we can see from the next definition, unless one does extra Biblical research the study of Azazel is a mystery.


Azazel
((Lev 16:8, 10, 26), Revised Version only here; rendered "scape-goat" in the Authorized Version). This word has given rise to many different views. Some Jewish interpreters regard it as the name of a place some 12 miles east of Jerusalem, in the wilderness. Others take it to be the name of an evil spirit, or even of Satan. But when we remember that the two goats together form a type of Christ, on whom the Lord "laid the iniquity of us all," and examine into the root meaning of this word (viz., "separation"), the interpretation of those who regard the one goat as representing the atonement made, and the other, that "for Azazel," as representing the effect of the great work of atonement (viz., the complete removal of sin), is certainly to be preferred. The one goat which was "for Jehovah" was offered as a sin-offering, by which atonement was made. But the sins must also be visibly banished, and therefore they were symbolically laid by confession on the other goat, which was then "sent away for Azazel" into the wilderness. The form of this word indicates intensity, and therefore signifies the total separation of sin: it was wholly carried away. It was important that the result of the sacrifices offered by the high priest alone in the sanctuary should be embodied in a visible transaction, and hence the dismissal of the "scape-goat." It was of no consequence what became of it, as the whole import of the transaction lay in its being sent into the wilderness bearing away sin. As the goat "for Jehovah" was to witness to the demerit of sin and the need of the blood of atonement, so the goat "for Azazel" was to witness to the efficacy of the sacrifice and the result of the shedding of blood in the taking away of sin.
Illustrated Bible Dictionary: And Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography, Doctrine, and Literature.


Atonement was achieved from the blood of bulls and goats. In this specific sacrifice offering, the scapegoat is a reminder of the sin of Azazel. Why did Yahweh want to remind people of the sin of Azazel? So that they would not mimic the sins and corruption of Azazel. So that people would not become associates of Azazel.

An interesting book is The Apocalypse of Abraham, believed to be a part of the Essenes studies. This uncovering is part of a dream Abraham had. The conversation is interesting as it gives us some insights and understanding of the knowledge of the first century believers. In Genesis 15, we read about a sacrifice Abraham makes and a dream he has when Yahweh establishes that he will have heirs and they will posses the land of Canaan. An unclean bird comes down to the sacrifices, but Abraham drives it away. This is where we pick up this story.  

The Apocalypse of Abraham 13. And it came to pass, when I saw the bird speak, I said to the angel, "What is this, my lord?" And he said, "This is ungodliness; this is Azazel." And he said to it, "Disgrace upon you, Azazel! For Abraham's lot is in heaven, but yours is upon the earth. Because you have chosen and loved this for the dwelling place of your uncleanness. therefore the Eternal Mighty Lord made you to be a dweller upon the earth, and through you every evil spirit of lies, and through you wrath and trials for the generations of ungodly men; for God, the Eternal Mighty One, has not permitted that the bodies of the righteous should be in your hand, in order that thereby the life of the righteous and the destruction of the unclean may be assured. Hear this my friend, and begone with shame from me. For it has not been given to you to play the tempter in regard to all the righteous. Depart from this man! You cannot lead him astray. He is an enemy to you, and to those who follow you and love what you desire. For, behold, the vesture which in heaven was formerly yours has been set aside for him, and the mortality which was his has been transferred to you."

Keep in mind that this is an apocalypse, “a revealing of something that was stolen and hidden by a kleptomaniac”. Abraham’s dream/vision is a revelation to him, the revealing of Yahweh and the revealing of Azazel. The angel just told Abraham by rebuking Azazel that Azazel’s heirs are on the earth while Abraham’s heirs are in heaven. Who are Azazel’s associates? Every evil spirit of lies and ungodly men, and they are doomed for destruction. Abraham is an enemy to Azazel. That makes those who are Abraham’s seed by faith, enemies to Azazel. Now Abraham will have eternal life while Azazel will lose his life like a mortal.

The Apocalypse of Abraham 14. And the angel said to me, "Know that from henceforth the Eternal One has chosen you. Be of good courage and use this authority so far as I bid you, against him who slanders the truth. Should I not be able to put him to shame who has scattered over the earth the secrets of heaven, and has rebelled against the Mighty One? Say to him, 'Become the burning coal of the furnace of the earth! Go, Azazel, into the inaccessible parts of the earth, for your heritage is to be over those who are with you, the ones brought forth with the stars and clouds, and with the men whose portion you are, even those who exist on account of your being. Justification shall be your enemy. Now depart from me by your perdition!’

Use this authority. If our father Abraham had authority, we have authority. Look at the rebuke Abraham is to speak forth. Then the angel tells Abraham not to converse with Azazel.

The Apocalypse of Abraham 15. And I uttered the words that the angel taught me. And then the angel said to me, "Answer him not! For God has given him power over those who answer him." And the angel spoke to me again saying, "However much he speak to you, answer him not, in order that he may have no free access to you, because the Eternal One has given him 'weight and will' in this respect." And I did that which was commanded me by the angel, and no matter how much he spoke to me, I answered him nothing whatsoever.

For our intents and purposes we rebuke demons, principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, but we do not converse with them. Rebuke, do not debate, do not answer. Can you see the difference between rebuking and conversing? Abraham’s revealing goes on, and it is quite interesting. As Abraham is before the Almighty, Eternal, Living God, he is learning that he will be the father of many heirs.

The Apocalypse of Abraham 28. And the Eternal Mighty One said to me, "Abraham! Abraham!" And I said, "Here am I!" And He said to me, "Consider from above the stars which are beneath you, and number them for me, and make known to me their number." And I said, "How can I? For I am but a man of the dust of the earth." And He said to me, "As the number of the stars and their power, so will I make your seed a nation and a people set apart for me as my own inheritance, as distinct from that of Azazel. And yet I include Azazel in my house.”

Abraham’s heirs will be distinct from Azazel’s followers and associates. Now Abraham’s heirs are not only genetically his heirs, but heirs by faith. Azazel is in the Father’s house? What does that mean? There will be people who are not genetic heirs of Abraham who came from the nations, and some of them came from Azazel. This tells us our heredity does not determine our eternity. If we came from a family line that was evil, we can leave evil and our family’s evil behind, for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

The Apocalypse of Abraham 29. And I said, "Eternal Mighty One! Let your servant speak before You, and let not your anger be kindled against your chosen one! For lo! before I came up hither, Azazel inveighed against me. How then, while he is not now before you, can you constitute yourself with him?”

Abraham says Azazel insulted him. Today everyone speaks against each other. Remember this was the corruption of Azazel, he gave humanity a way to compare themselves to one another and to judge one another.  Azazel said something to Abraham, but remember the angel told Abraham not to speak to him. Abraham asks the Father how the Father can establish himself with Azazel. If we understand that each and every being has the God given right to choose who we will serve and to choose our own eternal destiny of either eternal life or eternal death, we then understand that it is our own selves who control our own future. The Father gave this watcher, Azazel, people who love evil. If the Father forced us to love the Father we would resent Him. Abraham sees people on the right and people on the left and asks about them. 

The Apocalypse of Abraham 33. And I said, "Lord, Mighty and Eternal! Who are the people in this picture on this side and that?" And He said to me, "Those who are on the left side are all those, born before your day and afterwards, some destined for judgment and restoration, and others for vengeance and cutting off at the end of the age. But those on the right side of the picture, they are the people who have been set apart for me, and whom I have ordained to be born of your line and called my people, even some of those who derive from Azazel.

There are people who are from Abraham and people who are from Azazel. Some from Abraham will worship the Almighty and some will not. Some people from Azazel will worship the Almighty and some will not. Some from Abraham and some from Azazel will follow the Messiah and some from each side will not. Some from Abraham and some from Azazel will be righteous while some from each side will be unrighteous. Then at the end of the age, there will be people called Abraham’s heirs who are both from Abraham and from Azazel and they are the ones set apart for the Almighty Eternal Living God. Our lives are always about free will choice. 

This brings up an interesting point. People who are lovers of evil will always pretend that they are of a higher class than people who love the Almighty, Most High, Eternal, Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus. Evil people will conspire against the righteous. Evil people will commit evil acts against the righteous. Evil people will hate the righteous. And no matter how many generations of righteous or unrighteous people are birthed, the children can choose a different way from their forefathers. Everyone will be judged. 

If one would read the entire Apocalypse of Abraham and then read Romans 4, 9, and 11, Paul’s words will make more sense. Romans 11:25 then is quite understandable. This book was among the Essenes, and as we have studied Jesus was an Essene. After Paul accepted Jesus as his Lord Paul went into the desert for fourteen years to learn from the Essenes. Now we understand that those who live by faith (Galatians 3) are the true sons of Abraham. The unrighteous who follow Azazel will follow him all the way to the lake of fire. 

What did Jude tell us about fallen angels? He told us that the Lord knows how to deliver the righteous out from among the unrighteous and the wicked will suffer on the day of judgment.  

Jude 1:5 (AMP) 
5  Now I want to remind you, though you were fully informed once for all, that though the Lord [at one time] delivered a people out of the land of Egypt, He subsequently destroyed those [of them] who did not believe [who refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely upon Him]. 
6  And angels who did not keep (care for, guard, and hold to) their own first place of power but abandoned their proper dwelling place—these He has reserved in custody in eternal chains (bonds) under the thick gloom of utter darkness until the judgment and doom of the great day. 
7  [The wicked are sentenced to suffer] just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the adjacent towns—which likewise gave themselves over to impurity and indulged in unnatural vice and sensual perversity—are laid out [in plain sight] as an exhibit of perpetual punishment [to warn] of everlasting fire. 
8  Nevertheless in like manner, these dreamers also corrupt the body, scorn and reject authority and government, and revile and libel and scoff at [heavenly] glories (the glorious ones). 
9  But when [even] the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, judicially argued (disputed) about the body of Moses, he dared not [presume to] bring an abusive condemnation against him, but [simply] said, The Lord rebuke you! 

If we keep the idea of rebuke but do not converse we understand this. Joshua assumed Moses was going to be taken like Enoch, but Moses knew he would not be taken like Enoch. This is why Moses wrote about his death. Some believe the exact section of Michael contending for Moses’ body to have been part of the Assumption of Moses, as it was quoted in the first and second century. However, the portions we have today do not give us this information. 

The Assumption of Moses 11…And Joshua answered him and said: 'Why do you comfort me, (my) lord Moses ? And how shall I be comforted in regard to the bitter word which you hast spoken which has gone forth from thy mouth, which is full of tears and lamentation, in that you depart from this people? (But now) what place shall receive you?  Or what shall be the sign that marks (your) sepulcher? Or who shall dare to move your body from there as that of a mere man from place to place?  For all men when they die have according to their age their sepulchers on earth; but your sepulcher is from the rising to the setting sun, and from the south to the confines of the north: all the world is your sepulcher…

Moses’ body was covered with rocks by people near Baal Peor. 


Jude does talk about the associates of Azazel, just as in the Assumption of Moses. Corrupted men say they are just. They destroy the poor, claiming justice. 

The Assumption of Moses 7 And when this is done the times shall be ended, in a moment the (second) course shall be (ended), the four hours shall come.  They shall be forced. . . . And, in the time of these, destructive and impious men shall rule, saying that they are just. And these shall stir up the poison of their minds, being treacherous men, self-pleasers, dissemblers in all their own affairs and lovers of banquets at every hour of the day. gluttons, gourmands....  Devourers of the goods of the (poor) saying that they do so on the ground of their justice, but in reality to destroy them, complainers, deceitful, concealing themselves lest they should be recognized, impious, filled with lawlessness and iniquity from sunrise to sunset: saying: 'We shall have feastings and luxury, eating and drinking, and we shall esteem ourselves as princes.' And though their hands and their minds touch unclean things, yet their mouth shall speak great things, and they shall say furthermore: 'Do not touch me lest you should pollute me in the place (where I stand') . . .

The destructive and impious people rule over the righteous. They believe themselves to be just. What has been, still is. These are the evil sons of Azazel, the fallen watcher who is buried in a hole under the earth with sharp rocks. These crazy people believe we pollute them. If they only understood eternity.

Jude 1:10 (AMP) 
10  But these men revile (scoff and sneer at) anything they do not happen to be acquainted with and do not understand; and whatever they do understand physically [that which they know by mere instinct], like irrational beasts—by these they corrupt themselves and are destroyed (perish). 
11  Woe to them! For they have run riotously in the way of Cain, and have abandoned themselves for the sake of gain [it offers them, following] the error of Balaam, and have perished in rebellion [like that] of Korah! 
12  These are hidden reefs (elements of danger) in your love feasts, where they boldly feast sumptuously [carousing together in your midst], without scruples providing for themselves [alone]. They are clouds without water, swept along by the winds; trees, without fruit at the late autumn gathering time—twice (doubly) dead, [lifeless and] plucked up by the roots; 
13  Wild waves of the sea, flinging up the foam of their own shame and disgrace; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of eternal darkness has been reserved forever. 

Jude tells us that Enoch prophesied that the Lord will come with his saints to execute judgment. 

Jude 1:14  It was of these people, moreover, that Enoch in the seventh [generation] from Adam prophesied when he said, Behold, the Lord comes with His myriads of holy ones (ten thousands of His saints) 
15  To execute judgment upon all and to convict all the impious (unholy ones) of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed [in such an] ungodly [way], and of all the severe (abusive, jarring) things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. 
16  These are inveterate murmurers (grumblers) who complain [of their lot in life], going after their own desires [controlled by their passions]; their talk is boastful and arrogant, [and they claim to] admire men's persons and pay people flattering compliments to gain advantage. 
17  But you must remember, beloved, the predictions which were made by the apostles (the special messengers) of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 
18  They told you beforehand, In the last days (in the end time) there will be scoffers [who seek to gratify their own unholy desires], following after their own ungodly passions. 
19  It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions—merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life. 

We can see the reasons for the scapegoat offering. The fallen angels corrupted mankind. They wronged mankind. The earth was sent into decay because of the sins of the other rebellious sons of God. The adam’s sin cost the planet sound rulership, now being ruled by the god of this world. In turning over that rulership, it allowed a place for the other spiritual sons of God to sin. With the other fallen spiritual sons of God influencing our planet, humanity is in a disadvantaged position until we understand what is happening around us. Before Jesus became our scapegoat, the blood of an animal was used to purify Israel. Now we have the scapegoat offering through our Lord and Savior who bore the sins of humanity. Next week we will pull together all the information we have learned regarding fallen watchers and giants.  




Monday, October 3, 2011

The Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, Who Does Not Inherit the Kingdom of God, Eunuchs


The Day of Atonement is a day of remembering that God forgave the Hebrews of the sin of making and worshipping the Golden-Calf in the wilderness. Just 40 days before they heard the commandment about not having any graven images and then when they thought Moses had died they made an idol. Moses then begged God for the forgiveness of the Hebrews and God granted forgiveness on Tishri 9. On one hand it is a solemn day but it is also a joyous day as people are confident that God will forgive sins. It is also the time to plan for the year ahead, looking towards the future and the changes one may need to make to become better. This day it is believed that your name is written in the book of life, and the gates of heaven are open with you on the inside.  For the Christian it is a good time to connect with God.  The Jews fast from sundown to sundown, as a way of suffering and humbling before God.  We can do the same. If you are a Charismatic Christian you might spend time in your prayer closet, before the altar of God.  If you are a Catholic you might go to confession and proceed with the prayers recommended by the Priest.  Whatever way you come before God in worship, after confessing your sins from Rosh Hashanah, during the 10 Days of Awe, to the day of Yom Kippur that is what you would do to connect to God.  I know that some people would play the grace card in an effort to abstain from traditions and that is fine.  It is not a law for Christians, however having a clean heart before God is not a bad thing and just in case we get high minded regarding ourselves let’s look at what Paul tells us about the Kingdom of God.

When Paul writes to the Galatians he lists some things that, if done, will keep one from inheriting the kingdom of God. Galatia was in Asia Minor, where Turkey is today.  Their culture was different from that of the Jews.  They had not been following Levitical Law as a nation, so therefore these ideas were new to them, and needed to be mentioned. This was probably the first time they were told that their actions were wrong and that there were penalties for behaving in this way. 

Gal 5:14-21 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.KJV

Here are the definitions of verses 19-21; take note that the words adultery and the word murders do not appear in the Greek text, but were added to this list.  You can draw your own conclusions using the definitions and further research these words. Paul says the Spirit and the flesh are contrary to one another and those that do the works of the flesh do not inherit the kingdom of God.

Fornication NT:4202  porneia (por-ni'-ah); from NT:4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry: KJV - fornication.
Uncleanness NT:167  akatharsia (ak-ath-ar-see'-ah); from NT:169; impurity (the quality), physically or morally: KJV - uncleanness.
Lasciviousness NT:766 aselgeia (as-elg'-i-a); from a compound of NT:1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed selges (of uncertain derivation, but apparently meaning continent); licentiousness (sometimes including other vices): KJV - filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness.
Idolatry NT:1495 eidololatreia (i-do-lol-at-ri'-ah); from NT:1497 and NT:2999; image-worship (literally or figuratively): KJV - idolatry.
Witchcraft NT:5331 pharmakeia (far-mak-i'-ah); from NT:5332; medication ("pharmacy"), i.e. (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively): KJV - sorcery, witchcraft.
Hatred NT:2189 echthra (ekh'-thrah); feminine of NT:2190; hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition: KJV - enmity, hatred.
Variance NT:2054 eris (er'-is); of uncertain affinity; a quarrel, i.e. (by implication) wrangling: KJV - contention, debate, strife, variance.
Emulation NT:2205  zelos (dzay'-los); from NT:2204; properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively, of God], or an enemy, malice): KJV - emulation, envy (-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal.
Wrath NT:2372  thumos (thoo-mos'); from NT:2380; passion (as if breathing hard): KJV - fierceness, indignation, wrath. Compare NT:5590.
Strife NT:2052  eritheia (er-ith-i'-ah); perhaps as the same as NT:2042; properly, intrigue, i.e. (by implication) faction: KJV - contention (-ious), strife.
SeditionsNT:1370 dichostsis (dee-khos-tas-ee'-ah); from a derivative of NT:1364 and NT:4714; disunion, i.e. (figuratively) dissension:KJV - division, sedition.
Heresies NT:139 hairesis (hah'-ee-res-is); from NT:138; properly, a choice, i.e. (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion: KJV - heresy [which is the Greek word itself], sect.
Envyings NT:5355 phthonos (fthon'-os); probably akin to the base of NT:5351; ill-will (as detraction), i.e. jealousy (spite): KJV - envy.
Drunkenness NT:3178 methe (meth'-ay); apparently a primary word; an intoxicant, i.e. (by implication) intoxication: KJV - drunkenness.
Revellings NT:2970 komos (ko'-mos); from NT:2749; a carousal (as if letting loose): KJV - revelling, rioting.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Next we see that Paul scolds the people of Corinth because they bring their personal fights to the unbelievers in the courts to be judged. He says it would be better to be taken advantage of than to allow the heathen to judge these matters.  Corinth was in Greece and the Greeks did not follow the Levitical Law as a nation either.  These ideas are a little different compared to the list he gave to the Galatians.  Because of the Greek culture we will see a theme here that Paul has to confront. 

1 Cor 6:4-11 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.KJV

Fornicators NT:4205 pornos (por'-nos); from pernemi (to sell; akin to the base of NT:4097); a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e. (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine): KJV - fornicator, whoremonger.
Idolaters NT:1496 eidololatres (i-do-lol-at'-race); from NT:1497 and the base of NT:3000; an image- servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively):KJV - idolater.
Adulterer NT:3432 moichos (moy-khos'); perhaps a primary word; a (male) paramour; figuratively, apostate: KJV - adulterer.
Effeminate NT:3120 (mal-ak-os'); of uncertain affinity; soft, i.e. fine (clothing); figuratively, a catamite: KJV - effeminate, soft. **Catamite young partner of a gay man, a boy kept by a man for sexual intercourse
Abusers of themselves with mankind NT:733 arsenokoites (ar-sen-ok-oy'-tace); from NT:730 and NT:2845; a sodomite: KJV - abuser of (that defileself) with mankind.
Thieves NT:2812 kleptes (klep'-tace); from NT:2813; a stealer (literally or figuratively): KJV - thief. Compare NT:3027.
Covetous NT:4123 pleonektes (pleh-on-ek'-tace); from NT:4119 and NT:2192; holding (desiring) more, i.e. eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder):KJV - covetous.
Drunkards NT:3183methusos (meth'-oo-sos); from NT:3184; tipsy, i.e. (as noun) a sot: KJV - drunkard.
Revilers NT:3060 loidoros (loy'-dor-os); from loidos (mischief); abusive, i.e. a blackguard: KJV - railer, reviler.
Extortioners NT:727 harpax (har'-pax); from NT:726; rapacious: KJV - extortion, ravening.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Before we get the urge to wave our finger at others we have to look at this list from 30,000 miles up.  Forty percent of Paul’s list is correcting sexual practices among the people. Paul says that that some of them were among those who did those things but now they are cleaned. The Greek society became dominantly Patriarchal. We looked at this, previously but I want to develop this point further.  God intended balance between male and female. In a Patriarchal society men dominate everything from business, to church to home life to government.   Eventually the Greeks thought of women to be lower than dogs.  Today in some cultures that are highly patriarchal, spousal abuse, rape and pedophilia continue to increase and are hardly punished. We have seen in some countries today that the women who were raped are accused of the wrong doing. The problem with male domination is that once men who have high driving personalities have eliminated women as leaders in society, there is no one left to dominate but other men. Not all men want to dominate men sexually but some do.  We see this today in many secret societies in the upper echelons of ruler ship, whether religion or business or government. The Greeks used young boys to fulfill their desires rather than women, hence the effeminate (catamite) as well as the abuser or sodomite. This is intentional homosexuality, people making the decision to live in this way.

We have a group of people that are not intentional in their actions.  Hermaphrodites are born with both male and female reproductive organs. It is hard to say that God knit and formed us in our mother’s womb and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, but then we condemn people when they are not right physically. Jesus pointed out that some were born that way. Just as a person who is physically or mentally disabled, we have to understand that Hermaphrodites are loved by God.  Something corrupted our genetics; it is not just sinners and unsaved people but everyone.  How many good Christians have a disabled child? Are we to suppose that they must have sinned? Endocrinologists’ would explain that our hormones are complex and that they are not the same for all men or all women.  How many people need some type of hormone replacement? And when male or female hormones get out of balance what happens then? Do you know any women with polycystic ovarian syndrome or any balding men or women? This means we are to walk in love towards everyone, not point fingers.  Some people choose a homosexual lifestyle and some people are born without the correct combination of body parts. However the goal of each person is to deny ourselves and to die to ourselves.  Everyone can be made clean. And God has a plan for their lives, we just haven’t taught them about it.

Matt 19:10-12 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. 11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. 12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. KJV

Isa 56:3-5 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.4 For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.KJV

If some are born with mixed reproductive organs or some made that way (there are accidents in circumcisions as well as female genital mutilation) there is a great reward if they serve God celibate.  That is impressive.  In Levitical times eunuchs were not allowed to serve in the congregation because they were not whole.(Deut 23:1He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord.KJV) The same was true of the blind, lame, or someone with scabs; they were not allowed to serve in the priesthood. However Jesus says some want to become eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake, so that they can serve.  We cannot help how our bodies formed in utero, or how they might have become, therefore how can we condemn those whose reproductive organs were not properly developed or who were made deformed. Solomon writes:

Wisdom 3:14-15 And blessed is the eunuch, which with his hands hath wrought no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against God: for unto him shall be given the special gift of faith, and an inheritance in the temple of the Lord more acceptable to his mind.15 For glorious is the fruit of good labours: and the root of wisdom shall never fall away.KJV

I am not speaking of those who choose homosexual practices without the physical issues as having great rewards, only those who are born or have become as such.  Romans tells us that God gave people over to depravity when they denied him as creator, that is all of us.  For two hundred years we have allowed the idea of evolution, from monkeys to man, to infiltrate our society and we have forgotten our creator.  We are all to blame as we have allowed Darwinism into our schools as fact when we know there is only evolution within a species not from monkeys to man or apples to oranges.  Here is something we need to think about.  If someone who was born or became a eunuch or hermaphrodite has never heard about the rich rewards God gives to them if they live according to his plan, can we condemn them for living in homosexuality? We can’t ask people to drop their drawers, have an ultra sound and some blood tests before we decide if we can love them (agape).  I think if the church was not homophobic we would simply love and help everyone, and if we had read what Jesus and Paul teach then we could explain that everyone can be washed clean. So what does one do that has both male and female reproductive organs? I don’t have an answer other then living as a eunuch. That is where the reward is. But I do know that God loves them as much as anyone else and it would seem that they have special rewards for the hardships of this life. If you know of someone in this type of situation, love them, hug them and show them that God has not forgotten them. They have a reward with God if they so choose.

Jesus and Paul both dealt with the idea of the disciples leaving their wives to be celibate so they could preach, but both Jesus and Paul said that that is not for everyone. Self control is the issue whether food or sex, controlling our bodies is the key.

1 Cor 7:6-9 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.KJV

Mark 10:13-15 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.KJV

With innocence of heart we are to receive the kingdom of God.  The Day of Atonement is almost upon us. After reading over who does not enter the kingdom we can see if any of these negative things are in our lives and repent of them. We can also see if we have any hardness of heart towards others who may be living after the flesh.  This is our chance to get it right with God. Have we thought evil of others when we have no knowledge as to how they might have been born?  It is a hard question to face, but facing it before God, in humility is what Yom Kippur is for.  After repenting we set our sights on the year ahead, changing our behaviors as needed.  I’m pretty sure this topic has struck a nerve in everyone. That is because we have never really dealt with this issue in the church. Instead we have acted like the towns people in Frankenstein, with torches and pitchforks ready to attack the monster.  Yet Jesus said some are born without the right body parts and some have become that way.  This is not an excuse for abusive behavior; we are to die to self, every one of us. And when people don’t die to self they abuse themselves and sometimes others. It is revealing as to what is in our hearts, the hardness we may have and the opportunity to forgive, to be forgiven, and to get clean before God.

Peter tells us to be holy.
1 Peter 1:13-16 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.KJV

It must be possible if he tells us to do it.  We can start in our minds. Paul tells us how.

2 Cor 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.KJV

This is how we look to the year ahead and make changes to our lives.  Every day we cast down any thought that butts up against the knowledge of God.  Then we make sure we don’t act on any thoughts that are against the knowledge of God.  We get cleaned up on the inside and pursue a direct path to keep clean the entire year.   Asceticism is a call to all of us with everything and not just for the really bad things; cookies can be as bad as anything else.  Has this stirred up enough emotion to chuck the grace card for today and to make a valiant attempt at reconciling our hearts and lives to God? How about a year ahead of walking in agape? May your name be written in the Book of Life.