Revelation Study: Introduction

Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Revelation Study: Introduction
Many people who read the Bible treat it more like a “puzzle-picture,” whereby they start their reading with a personal agenda looking for scripture to validate their opinions. This is known as eisegesis. This is a dangerous approach to Bible study because the individual using this approach does not prayerfully ask, seek, or knock to learn the truth of G-d’s Word. Rather, they take a load of mental baggage in the way of biases, misinformation, some or most of which may have come from clergypersons who are themselves ignorant of G-d’s Word to various degrees, or disinformation designed to “convert” or otherwise persuade people towards a church agenda, such as that taught by Church Replacement Theologians. Most Christian scholars and laymen alike, regardless of the portion of the Bible being read seem to be using eisegesis to “find the Church.” The promises and prophecies given to Israel have been replaced with only the curses remaining with “the Church” now becoming the “Spiritual Israel.”
Unfortunately, many clergypersons and orthodox rabbis do not understand, for different reasons, the difference in context of the word “Israel” throughout the Bible. In some places it refers to biological Jews. In some places it refers to the other name given by G-d to Jacob. Most importantly, most Christians and rabbinic Jews do not “see” the synonymous meaning of “Israel” to Jews and Gentiles who have repented, trusted in the sacrificial blood of Yahshua, who Christians call “Jesus,” and follow G-d’s commands out of love. To make things more difficult, rabbinic Jews do not read or study the B’rit Chadashah (refreshed, renewed Covenant) called the “New Testament” by Christians, and Christians disregard G-d’s commands, laws, and instructions in the Old Testament. Both “sides” if you will, are missing the complete story of G-d’s plan for mankind, both as YHVH and as Yahshua, who are One and the same G-d, not a trinity. The third manifestation of G-d is the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) who nurtures and guides our paths if we pray for such guidance.
This chasm between those who subscribe to one half or the complete Word of G-d and not the other precludes one from rightly dividing the Word, instead creating an enormous knowledge gap. Denying the truth of the Old Testament and the B’rit Chadashah (New Testament) ultimately leads to erroneous conclusions. No one has a patent on the Word of G-d and according to G-d’s Word, “ All scripture is given by inspiration of G-d, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). The Berean Standard Bible translation reads “ Every scripture is G-d-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Therefore, those who subscribe to only half of G-d’s Word are by default disregarding this statement along with only G-d knowing how much more of His Word/Instructions.
Early bibles, specifically the 1611 Edition of the King James Version begins Isaiah Chapter 30 with the following words “ The Prophet threatneth the people, for their confidence in Egypt and 8 contempt of G-d’s word. 18 G-d’s mercies towards his Church. 27 G-d’s wrath, and the peoples’ joy at the destruction on Assyria.
We can see specifically when looking at 30:18 where G-d speaks of restoring Israel with numerous other blessings described through verse 29. The Christians have coopted these blessings leaving the curses for Israel. This is just one example of Church Replacement Theology.
Employing this system of Bible interpretation is useless for the purposes of Divine revelation, becoming a stumbling block. Yet, it is on this same principle that the Apocalypse is usually addressed. Everywhere the Church is thrust in: John (4:1) represents the Church; the living creatures, or Cherubim are the Church; (Ch. 4) the four and twenty elders (Ch. 4-5) are the Church; the 144,000 (Ch. 7 are the Church; the great multitude (Ch.7) is the Church; the “woman clothed with the sun” (Ch. 7)is the Church; the man-child (CH. 7) is the Church; the bride (Ch. 19:7-9) is the Church; the “New Jerusalem” (Ch. 21) is the Church; the “seven churches” are the Church; and it goes on and on until the reader is either totally confused and disregards any further attempt to study the book, or is led to believe that if they belong to a “church,” they have it made, taking the place of Israel and all of the promises G-d made specifically to her as in Isaiah 30. Complicating the issue is that many Christian seminaries do not delve into the book of Revelation with a plethora of reasons.
In addition to my Jewish education, I attended a Christian seminary only to find what I have shared with you thus far concerning Church Replacement Theology is a dominant theme. Some clergypersons maintain the Book of Revelation is history, others that is symbolic and that we cannot know its truths at this time in history. I submit neither answer is acceptable nor is a disservice to parishioners seeking answers.
The lack of credible interpretation and teaching of the Book of Revelation is the reason I am presenting this study, which is quite extensive. I pray this study will lift up those who desire to understand this prophecy and rescue it from the quagmire of tradition. Ultimately, G-d will be glorified and his Name will spread however far throughout the nations as he wills.
May those who undertake the challenge of studying the book of Revelation be blessed with wisdom from above, knowledge, and a closer relationship with the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
To accomplish our objectives, we must depart from the usual custom of expositors, leaving the interpretation of words, sentences, and verses until we have learned the scope of the book and have ascertained the great principle on which all interpretation must be based. I will emphasize at once that we must believe that G-d means what He says, and that there is often more than one meaning for every word in His Torah/Bible/Instructions/Law. I know some of you are already skeptical with the word “ Law” in the previous sentence. Let me assure you that G-d’s Word is Law and transgression of such is defined as sin “ Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). A deeper investigation of this truth is for another study but I will address it along with any other questions throughout your study of this material.
All G-d’s works and all of His words are perfect, in the order in which they were written and in their specific places. If one word or expression is used, there is a reason, often times several reasons no other word would have sufficed. For instance, when we read of the 144,000 expressly stated to be “ of all the tribes of the children of Israel” there is no way we should ever read or believe that these 144,000 are “the Church” if it had been for judgment that they had been sealed. This is an intentional deception by the Church that continues today.
Along these lines I shall proceed to put forth and explain these theses or propositions according to Messianic Judaism which I believe is the faith system Yahshua taught to his disciples and other followers, including Paul: imploring you not to start at the initial statement of them, but prayerfully test the reasons which are given; to remember that, while some are sufficient of themselves to establish our position, although we depend on the cumulative evidence of the whole of them taken together. This is another concern with Christianity. Many church doctrines are built around sentences that standing alone would seem to support some of the Chrisitan beliefs that all food is clean and that G-d’s dietary laws were abrogated on the execution stake, although there is nothing to support that belief.
If one carefully reads the complete narrative in Acts 10, the vison Peter had is explained in verses 27-29. The narrative referred to humans, that Peter, and all true believers are not to consider any human unclean or common. This narrative has nothing to do with G-d’s dietary laws!
The fundamental proposition that:
The Church is not the subject of the Apocalypse
However startling or offensive this may sound, I implore you not to dismiss it, but to test the reasons given by the word of G-d and to weight them in “the balances of the sanctuary.” Try to place aside all you have “received by tradition, and ask from whom you learned your basic system of beliefs and values. Remember the Apostle Paul admonished those he taught not to adhere to the traditions of men (Matt. 15:1-9; Col. 2:8). Prepare your heart and mind to learn a new set of values and beliefs that are consistent with G-d’s Word and no other. After all, when all is said and done, Yahshua is the One who will judge us for all of our deeds according to His Instructions/Law/ Torah. (Rom. 2:6; Rev.20:12).
The Hebrew Character of the Book
Though some people may consider this a minor point, but this point is so important that we cannot neglect to investigate it. Most critical commentators cannot avoid addressing this fact because from the earliest times the enemies of this Book have made use of this undeniable fact to support the argument that it has no “right” to a place in a Canon of other Greek Books of the B’rit Chadashah (“New” Testament). Subsequent scholarship has shown along with hindsight from previous critics and scholars, that the fact that there is evidence of use of Hebrew and Aramaic, specifically used by Yahshua in the Gospels( Mark 5:41; 7:34;15:34;Ps. 22:1;John 1:42; Matt. 5:22;6:24).
The evidence of the use of Aramaic and Hebrew in the B’rit Chadashah within a mainly Greek text shows that the words of Yahshua were most likely spoken in Hebrew or Aramaic and that the Greek texts of the Gospels were not all translations from original Hebrew or Aramaic texts. Indeed, if the original B’rit Chadashah were originally written in Hebrew or Aramaic, it would not have made sense to add selected words or phrases out of an original Aramaic text. Rather, it is more logical that if the B’rit Chadashah were written in Greek, quoting Yahshua’s words in Aramaic would serve to place special emphasis on His words in the original language He used. I encourage those who are listening to the podcast or reading this transcript to go to the website https://www.logos.com and read an excellent article by Drew Longacre entitled “Was the New Testament Written in Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek?” that addressed this subject.
The crux of the matter is that whether written in Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic, the Hebrew character of the Book of Revelation is shown in its use of idioms, expressions, words, and phrases, which cannot be called Greek; and indeed is called by many scholars “bad Greek.” Professor Godet wrote on his study entitled Studies on the New Testament stated
“ The only serious objection that can be urged against the authenticity of the Apocalypse lies in the difference which is observable between its style and that of the fourth Gospel. The latter is free from Aramaic expressions, the former saturated with them”(p. 331).Furthermore “ the Apocalypse bears, from one end of it to the other, the character of Hebrew prophecy” (p.351).
The argument based on this fact by the opponents of the Apocalypse is addressed by scholars in various ways. But the subject is not one which would be of general interest to grammar. I encourage interested readers/listeners to read the Commentary on the Apocalypse, specifically (pp.190-210), written by Moses Stuart.
There is another side to this issue and that is while the enemies use the fact against the Book itself, we use it against the popular interpretation os it. Though the language is Greek, the thoughts and idioms are Hebrew, linking it to the Old Testament and shows us that its dominant theme is the process and “grand finale” of G-d’s plan for Jew and Gentile, whether for salvation or for damnation, and not the Church.
Connected with this fact, there is another that emphasizes it in a remarkable manner. It is not only Hebrew in character as to its linguistic peculiarities, but especially in its use of the Old Testament. Only those who have an intimate acquaintance with the Old Testament can properly understand the Apocalypse. But all who know anything of Old Testament history cannot miss the constant reference to it.
All the imagery- the Temple, the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the Altar, the Incense, the heads of the twenty-four courses of Priests( the pattern of which David’s was a copy[ 1 Chron. 28:19, see Chap. 25, and compare Heb. 9:23, etc.]), are all associated specifically with Israel. The same may be said of the judgments, which follow on the lines of the plagues of Egypt, and therefore are just as real. Indeed, they are to exceed in dread reality those who were killed by G-d for their rebellion and disobedience in the Exodus from Egypt. For it is written (Ex. 34:10)- “ And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, which have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among which thou art shall see the word of the L-d; for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.” It is the fulfillment of this covenant with Israel which is the great subject of the Apocalypse.
But it is when we look at the literary connection between the Old Testament and he Apocalypse that we discover evidence of the most striking kind. Such evidence cannot be obtained without prayerful study and the giving of wisdom from above by the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). Are recognized as connected to Israel in a special way. Matthew, is universally admitted
If we count the number of Old Testament passages that are quoted or alluded to in the “New” Testament, we find that the gospel of Matthew has 92. The Epistle to the Hebrews reveals 102 quotes from the Old Testament or those that are alluded to indirectly. Both Matthew and Hebrews are recognized as connected to Israel in a special way. Matthew , is universally admitted, stands out among the four Gospels as being especially Jewish in character. And the Epistle to the Hebrews was specifically written to the Hebrews, and they are addressed as such.
When we turn to the Apocalypse, what do we find? The answer is overwhelming. No less than 285 references to the Old Testament. More than three ties as many as in the Gospel of Matthew; nearly tree times as many as in the Epistle to the Hebrews. So we must ask whether this connection is inextricable between the Book of Revelation and the Old Testament, and with Israel. It is undoubtedly written about the people of the Old Testament who are the subjects of its history. Those who have been taught to understand it as referring to the Gentile Christians 9the Church), can never hope to understand the Apocalypse. There are specific important facts that must be considered by any who are seeking to find out the true meaning of the Book of Revelation. We can start by establishing the fact that there is no “ New” Testament. The second half of G-d’s plan for the history of Jew, Gentile, and Israel is accurately called the B’rit Chadashah; the Refreshed Renewed Covenant. This may be acquainted to the concept of adding amendments to the Constitution. That is, Yahshua (Jesus) came to show us how to relate to him and worship him through his Law with compassion, with intent, with heart, rather than by the letter of the law only as did the Sadducees and Pharisees.
Once we have the relationship between the Old Testament and the B’rit Chadashah straight in our minds, we may now examine the Book of Revelation as it relates to the “rest of the story; G-d’s entire Word.
Let us set our “plumb line” before us, that is G-d’s Word, prayerful study and an open heart and mind to discover all that the Book of Revelation has to offer those who want to be included as the bride of Yahshua, not the Church!
The Church is not the subject of Olt Testament Prophecy
Intricately connected with the fact that the Book of Revelation is Hebrew is in character is another undeniable fact that the Church is not the subject of the Old Testament neither in history, type, nor prophecy.
Because of the “Mystery” or the secret concerning the Church, we are told that it “was kept secret since the world began” (Rom. 16:25-7). That “ in other ages it was not made known unto the sons of men” (Eph. 3:5). That is, “from the beginning of the world, hath been hid in G-d” (Eph. 3:9).That it “hath been hid from ages and from generations, but is now made manifest to the saints” (Col. 1:26). These statements are the true sayings of G-d. With that we must either believe it or reject it. If any maintain that, in spite of the abundance and consistency of Scripture that the Church was not “hid” in G-d, but was the subject of Old Testament prophecy, then these must go their own way and submit as all men must to G-d’s judgment on the matter and all of their deeds.
But, believing G-d, we ask whether the Church is likely to be the subject of prophecy in the Apocalypse, especially when its future is clearly foretold in the Epistles which contain the revelation of the Mystery. There we learn the future and end of the “Body of Christ.” This “body of Christ” is in reality the Messianic Jewish Community of the living G-d, the pillar and support of the truth. Great beyond all question is the formerly hidden truth underlying our faith: He was manifested physically and proved righteous spiritually, seen by angels and proclaimed among the nations, trusted throughout the world, and raised up in glory to heaven” (1 Tim.3:16). They are continuing to pursue the “goal in order to win the prize offered by G-d’s upward calling in the Messiah Yahshua” (Phil. 3:14). , They are “citizens of heaven and it is from there that we expect a Deliverer, the L-rd Yahshua the Messiah. He will change the bodies we have in this humble state and make them like his glorious body, using the power which enables him to bring everything under his control” (Phil:3:20-21).
But I submit all of this takes place before the Apocalypse opens. There we have, not the coming of the L-rd to take away His people, but the revelation of the events which shall take place after the called-out ones have been “received up in glory.” These events will take place during “ the day of the L-rd,” when He shall come not in grace, but in judgement, not in mercy, but in wrath. But this brings us to ask the meaning of “the L-rd’s Day,” in Revelation 1:9?
In our next class I will begin with the definition of “the L-rd’s Day” and will introduce titles of the Messiah.
Shalom,
Rabbi Tamah Davis-Hart