Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
This article is a continuation of the response to a question about the parable of the wedding feast described in Matthew 22:13, the wicked servant described in Matthew 25:30, and whether the destination for those two individuals and those who are separated to the left and are cursed (Matthew 25:41;46) are the same place. The place in question is found in three places, Matthew 22:13;25:30; 25:41; 25:46. The respective descriptions are as follows including a similar fate of the wicked servant described in Matthew 24:45-51:
But if that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is taking his time’; and he starts beating up his fellow servants and spend his time eating and drinking with drunkards, then his master will come on a day the servant does not expect, at a time when he doesn’t know, and he will cut him in two and put him with the hypocrites, where people will wail and grind their teeth” (Matthew 24:48-51).
“For everyone who has something will be given more, so that he will have more than enough; but from anyone who has nothing, even what he does have will be taken away. As for this worthless servant, throw him out in the dark, where people will wail and grind their teeth” (Matthew 25:29-30).
“Then he will also speak to those on his left, saying, ‘Get away from me, you who are cursed! Go off into the fire prepared for the Adversary and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).
“Yes! I tell you that whenever you refused to do it for the least important of these people, you refused to do it for me! They will go off to eternal punishment…” (Matthew 25:45-6).
In our search for the answer to the question of whether the places of separation from G-d are the same, we must place the narratives in biblical context. The phrase “outer darkness, or “darkness” appears mainly in the B’rit Chadashah (Matt. 8:12, 22:13, and 25:30). The concept of darkness as a place of punishment or separation from G-d originates from Jewish literature and thought. This darkness is associated with destruction, wickedness, and misery. Separation from G-d’s Light is to be thrown into darkness. The Hebrew word for darkness is “khoshek” which can also mean misery, destruction, sorrow, and death. This word is used in Genesis 1:1-5. In describing the darkness that was over the surface of the deep and where G-d separated the light from the darkness. Metaphorically darkness conjures an image as the dwelling place of evil as G-d created the light to counteract the darkness which came before the light in the Genesis account of creation.
In Job 24:13-18 we read “Others have been with those who rebel against the light; they do not want to know its ways nor abide in its paths.”
“In the dark [ba-khoshek] they dig into houses; they shut themselves up day by day; they do not know the light. For the morning is the same to him as the shadow of death, for he is familiar with the terrors of the shadow of death.”
Job 10:18-22 reads: “Would He not let my few days alone? Withdraw from me that I may have a little cheer before I go-and I shall not return- to the land of darkness and deep shadow [khoshek v’tsal’maveth], the land of utter gloom as darkness itself, of deep shadow without order, and which shines as the darkness.” The use of both words for death used in this sentence allude to a complete separation physically and spiritually from G-d. We may safely conclude by the use of the Hebrew words used in the scriptures described that the outer darkness represents a real physical place but also has metaphoric application. It also represents the spiritual state of those who are not part of G-d’s kingdom, separated from G-d’s love, light, and fellowship.
There are numerous other examples of scriptural use of the word “darkness, dark, outer darkness, which can be identified with careful study. However, I will now go to the next “place” to which Yahshua states those who live in contradiction to His Word. This place where there will be “wailing and gnashing of teeth” is also associated with being cast out into the dark.
Outer darkness and weeping and gnashing of teeth are often paired together and refer to the same place. This is a place of eternal punishment verified by Scripture such as Matthew 25:45-6. This eternal torment would surely cause continuous wailing and gnashing or grinding of teeth. This vivid description of intense sorrow, anguish, and despair provides one example of the extreme dichotomy between Heaven, living in G-d’s presence, versus eternal separation and isolation from G-d. The fire prepared for the Adversary (Lake of Fire) is described as the final and permanent destination for those who will not be saved when they stand before Yahshua in judgement. That is, those whose names are not found in the Book of Life. These include HaSatan and his angels. This is often seen as a more severe form of judgement, the second death.
The concept of various levels of Heaven and Hell are for another study. However, I believe I have sufficiently answered the original questions as they were introduced. I encourage the reader to undertake further exploration regarding biblical narratives and descriptions of eternal punishment and compare them with scripture describing eternal life. This information will reinforce the importance of using our G-d-given gift of free will to repent, accept Yahshua and His sacrifice as the only way to reconciliation with G-d, and lovingly follow His Word rather than being sent away from His presence for eternity.
Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
International Teaching Ministry
