Controversy rages as to the correct pronunciation of the name of the Creator. Can we prove which is correct? Or at least get to the closest form?

The most accepted and traditional pronunciation of the name of the Heavenly Father is "Jehovah." But is that the proper and correct way to pronounce His name and does it matter?

Let's take the last question first. How many of us have had our own name misspelled or mispronounced? I know that I have many, many times. People get very technical and touchy over the correct pronunciation of their names. I must admit that it gets to be aggravating when people misspell my name or mispronounce it. How about you?

Does it matter when a check is written or a deed to some type of property (e.g. house, car, etc.) whether the name is correct or not? If the name appears incorrectly on such items then you must first sign it incorrectly and then sign your proper name or initial it. Some won’t even allow this unless they personally know and trust you.

The point is that it is very important to us and to the system of legality that people get our names correct. If it is so important to us, then what about the name of the most important Being in existence? What about the name of our Great Creator? Shouldn't His name be very important not only to Him, but also to us? Once we think of it in these terms, doesn't it go without saying that His name is very important?

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia has this to say about the significance of names in the Scriptures, "In many places throughout the OT šem (Hebrew for name) serves no greater purpose than to identify some person, place, or thing, and to distinguish this one from other persons, places, or things. But it would be quite incorrect to say that in the OT a name was just an identity tag and no more. There, as in other ancient literature, the name of a person most of the time revealed his character, his personality, even his destiny. In fact, a person's name was often considered to be but an expression, indeed a revelation, of his true nature, as the many popular etymological explanations of names given to people in the OT makes clear.

Because a person's name is so closely related to what he is, šem comes also to mean `fame,' `renown,' `reputation.' For one's reputation, the name one makes for oneself, is but an extension of what that person is." (Vol. 3, p. 481.)

If names were important to people, places and things, then the name of the Creator had to have much more intrinsic value and importance.

WHENCE COMES JEHOVAH?

The New Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius Hebrew-English Lexicon has this to say about the name Jehovah, "The pronunciation Jehovah was unknown until 1520, when it was introduced by Galatinus; but it was contested by Le Mercier, J. Drusius, and L. Capellus, as against grammatical and historical propriety." (p. 218.)

Professor Anson F. Rainey of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, says, "The Anglicized form, Jehovah, is a `ghost word' based on four consonants YHWH, with the vowels of another word, adonai, meaning, `my Lord.' The Hebrew scribes of the Middle Ages put those vowels in to remind the reader to say adonai rather than pronounce the sacred Name. But in the first syllable, they nevertheless put in an e rather than an a so as not to cause anyone to see the syllable ya- and inadvertently blurt out the sacred Name!" (Biblical Archeology Review, 1985).

"The English form `Jehovah' arose by a latinized combination of the four consonants (YHWH) with the vowel points that the Masoretes used to show that they meant the reader to say `Adonai' when reading the tetragrammaton. That is, they left the consonants for `Yahweh' in the text but put with them the vowels for `Adonai' — a, o, a. Though the older English versions sometimes used this hybrid form with compound names (such as `Jehovah-Jireh' [Gen. 22:14]), usually the divine name has been rendered by `the LORD,' following the ancient Greek translations of the OT, which commonly rendered Yahweh by kýrios." (ISBE, Vol. 2, p. 507.)

The Encyclopedia Britannica, 14th Edition, Vol. 12 admits, "The pronunciation `Jehovah' is an error resulting among Christians from combining the consonants Yhwh (Jhvh) with the vowels of `Adhonay, `Lord,' which the Jews in reading the Scriptures substituted for the sacred name, commonly called the tetragrammaton as containing four consonants. It is first found in manuscripts of Martini's Pugio Fidei (1278), belonging to the 14th century; and Galatinus (1518) is found arguing against abbreviating it to `Jova,' on the analogy of the Latin Jovis (as proved by G. F. Moore)." (p. 995.)

Look at the various descriptions for the name Jehovah to wit, an error, a ghost word, a hybrid, an unknown, etc. Doesn't that send up a warning flag that something is wrong with that pronunciation?

THE GREAT ERROR

One of the major problems with the whole controversy and concept that those who use the names Jehovah or Yahweh fall prey to is that they are calling the tetragrammaton (the four Hebrew letters that make up the name) consonants. There are two men who set the record straight concerning this, Josephus and Rabbi Arthur Green.

Josephus writes concerning the high priest entering the holy of holies on the Day of Atonement, "A mitre also of fine linen encompassed his head, which was tied by a blue riband, about which there was another golden crown, in which was engraven the sacred name [of God:] it consists of four vowels," (The Works of Josephus, Book v., Chapter v., p. 556.)

Rabbi Green says, "I further betray my faith by the use of the English word `God,' rooted as it is in old Germanic paganism. I struggle with ways to replace this term in English but come up empty-handed. By `God,' of course, I mean Y-H-W-H, the One of all being. This name of God is the starting point of all Jewish theology. It is to be read as an impossible construction of the verb `to be.' HaYaH—that which was— HoWeH—that which is—and YiHYeH—that which will be—are here all forced together in a grammatically impossible conflation. Y-H-W-H is a verb that has been artificially arrested in motion and made to function as a noun. As soon as you try to grab hold of such a noun, it runs away from you and becomes a verb again. `Thought does not grasp you at all,' as the wise have always known. Y-H-W-H as noun can be the bearer of predicates, but those too become elusive as soon as the verbal quality of the divine name reasserts itself. Try to say anything definitional about Y-H-W-H and it dashes off and becomes a verb again. This elusiveness is underscored by the fact that all the letters that make up this name serve in ancient Hebrew interchangeably as consonants and as vowels. Really they are mere vowels, mere breath. There is nothing hard or defined in their sound. The name of that which is most eternal and unchanging in the universe is also that which is wiped away as readily as a passing breath." (Seek My Face, Speak My Name, p. 18.)

Look at the wondrous glory of Yahweh's name! He has taken the most versatile letters of the Hebrew alphabet because they serve as both consonants and vowels, yet in their weakest state, as vowels, to make up His name. It is a name of power for it carries with it the energy of action as a verb, and the glory of the nominative in the proper noun. In other words Yahweh's name has all of the attributes of a sentence, noun and verb, subject and predicate all wrapped up into one!

Men have been taking the vowels YHWH and adding more vowels to them thereby elongating the name and making something out of it that it is not (Jehovah, Yehovah, Iehovae, Iehova, Yahuwah, etc.).

A better and more simplified way of looking at the name in the form of vowels in the English would be IAUE or YAUE (pronounced Yahweh). We would prefer to utilize only these four letters, but so many people become confused and don’t understand how to pronounce IAUE or YAUE, so we continue to utilize YAHWEH for the present time.

The Oxford English Dictionary even sheds a little more light on the vowel nature of the letters under its definition of the name Jehovah (je-ho' vä), n. [The common European spelling (with j = y and v = w) of Yehowah or Yahowah, the Massoretic form of the Hebrew name previously written without vowels JHVH (YHWH)....

Thus, Peter Galatin didn’t coin the name Jehovah after all, but rather Yehowah. The problem is that the English language looks at the "J" and "V" and not understanding how these letters were pronounced in Latin and German, they instead utilize the hard consonantal "J" and "V" rather than the "Y" and "W."

CONFESSIONS OF THE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

The Jehovah's Witnesses have published a booklet entitled The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever. A vowel point system was added to the Hebrew Scriptures in order to retain pronunciation. In regards to the Name, they say this, "When it came to G-d's name, instead of putting the proper vowel signs around it, in most cases they put other vowel signs to remind the reader that he should say `Adho-nai'. From this came the spelling Iehouah, and eventually, Jehovah became the accepted pronunciation of the divine name in English." (p.8).

In the Kingdom Interlinear translation of the Greek Scriptures, we find the following admission on page 23 of the forward, "While inclining to view the pronunciation `Yahweh' as the more correct way, we have retained the form `Jehovah' because of people's familiarity with it since the 14th century. Moreover, it preserves equally with other forms, the four letters of the Tetragrammaton JHVH."

The gravity of the situation is that they admit a more erroneous form of the name (Jehovah) is preferred over the more correct one (Yahweh) simply because of familiarity and custom or tradition.

The Savior warned of clinging to erroneous traditions, "And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of Yahweh, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of Yahweh of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye," Mk. 7:9-13.

The correct pronunciation of the name is Yahweh. Jehovah is an Anglicized, hybridized, ghost word of erroneous tradition. Man, by his own tradition has made the true name "Yahweh," of none effect.

We have given you the truth. It is now your responsibility to uphold it. May Yahweh bless you to do so.

(NOTE: This article is available as a tract which can be easily distributed. If you desire to receive and distribute this important information to others, please contact us and we will seek to fulfill your requests.)

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They just don’t realize it, yet.)
By Johnny R. McCarty

NASA announced Thursday, March 16, 2006 that scientists working with the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) have new evidence to support the concept of universe inflation. This concept, first proposed 25 years ago, states that the universe expanded from the size of a marble to its current size in less than a trillion trillionth of a second. The current size is so large that we cannot observe all of it even with the most powerful devices.

Read that again! Scientific proof that the known universe expanded at a rate faster than the laws of physics allow! How can that have happened? As far as is known, the immutable laws of mechanics, physics, thermo-dynamics, and quantum physics all tell us that this is an impossibility. So, what could have possibly happened to cause this phenomenon? What power, what force was at work during the first instance of the creation of the universe?

"In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth," (Genesis 1:1). "By the Word of Yahweh were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathered the waters of the sea like a heap, setting the depths in storehouses. Let all the earth fear Yahweh; let all the people of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was; He commanded, and it stood," (Psalms 33:6-9 MKJV). "By the Word of Yahweh were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth," (Psalms 33:6 MKJV). Here is the Scriptural answer to that question. Yahweh the Almighty performed the miracle of creation! He spoke the universe into being!

Yahweh did not create the universe a vain, empty or chaotic thing. His creation was perfect from the beginning. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell if you have understanding! Who has set its measurements, if you know? Or who has stretched the line on it? On what are its bases sunk, or who cast its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of Yahweh shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7). The creation of the universe caused all the angels and heavenly creatures to shout for joy because the work of Yahweh was so perfect and beautiful! His creation declares His existence and power! "The heavens declare the glory of Yahweh; and the expanse proclaims His handiwork," (Psalms 19:1 MKJV). He alone has the power to transcend the physical laws of the universe He created and even now, maintains.

And by His Word, Yahshua the Messiah, He sustains it. "Yahweh, who at many times and in many ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds, who being the shining splendor of His glory, and the express image of His essence, and upholding all things by the word of His power, through Himself cleansing of our sins, sat down on the right of the Majesty on high," (Hebrews 1:1-3). Every second of every day, Yahshua sustains the universe in its present form.

Man has been given the ability and knowledge to study the most fundamental and most monumental things of the universe in which he exists. However, he is so blinded that even when he discovers evidence that only a supremely intelligent being could have created the universe, he fails to recognize it. Soon, however, the blindness will be taken away and he will be forced to acknowledge his Creator.

Praise be to Yahweh that His plan of Salvation will be carried to fulfillment. Yahshua the Messiah will soon return in Power and Glory such as mankind has never seen. He will usher in the Kingdom of Yahweh upon this earth. Every knee shall bow and every mouth acknowledge Him as King and Savior! At that time, the scientist who made the discovery of the events of the first instant of the creation of the universe will truly understand exactly how and Who caused this glorious event.

May His Kingdom come quickly!

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Redemption is such an important and powerful topic. When we look into this topic, an explosion of information takes place. There are so many avenues of exploration that it seems as if redemption becomes a heart with countless blood vessels issuing forth there from. Volumes upon volumes can be written and expounded upon concerning this extremely important topic. Let’s begin our journey into its many, many avenues, although this journey can only be a brief, thumbnail sketch, a small beginning of something that is so much greater than we can ever complete in our brief life span.

By Jerry Healan

The laws of redemption are given by Moses through Yahweh in the book of Leviticus, chapter 25, "The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me. 24 And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption2 for the land. 25 If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem2 it, then shall he redeem2 that which his brother sold. 26 And if the man have none to redeem2 it, and himself be able to redeem2 it; 27 Then let him count the years of the sale thereof, and restore the overplus unto the man to whom he sold it; that he may return unto his possession. 28 But if he be not able to restore it to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession," vv. 23-28.

We find in the above scriptures that an owner of land, if he became poor and destitute, he could sell all or a portion of it in order to sustain himself and his family. But this sale of the land would be more like a lease in our day. According to these scriptures, if the one who sold the land desires to redeem it or buy back the sale or lease, if he is unable to do so, he may go to a brother or kinsman (close relative) to buy it back. However, if none of his kinsmen are able or willing to help him, the land returns to him or his family at the occurrence of the jubilee year. Thus, we find that the jubilee year is the year of redemption of the land, which restores it to its rightful owners.

The law concerning houses was a different matter, however. Moses writes, "And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem2 it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year may he redeem2 it. 30 And if it be not redeemed2 within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be established for ever to him that bought it throughout his generations: it shall not go out in the jubile. 31 But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed2, and they shall go out in the jubilee," Lev. 25:29-31.

The walled city was treated differently from un-walled cities or houses in the open field. But when it came to the cities of the Levites, there was a different requirement, "Notwithstand-ing the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem2 at any time. 33 And if a man purchase of the Levites, then the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, shall go out in the year of jubile: for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel," vv. 32-33.

SLAVERY

One thing that is very odious to our people is the term slave or slavery. However, Yahweh, in sending Adam forth to seek his own way from the garden of Eden, knew that some would seek to enslave others. Israel became slaves to the Egyptians, but Yahweh delivered them from the house of bondage at His own chosen time. But the nations, as well as Israel, still continued the practice of slavery.

Moses writes concerning slavery, "And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger's family: 48 After that he is sold he may be redeemed2 again; one of his brethren may redeem2 him: 49 Either his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem2 him, or any that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem2 him; or if he be able, he may redeem2 himself. 50 And he shall reckon with him that bought him from the year that he was sold to him unto the year of jubile: and the price of his sale shall be according unto the number of years, according to the time of an hired servant shall it be with him. 51 If there be yet many years behind, according unto them he shall give again the price of his redemption2 out of the money that he was bought for. 52 And if there remain but few years unto the year of jubile, then he shall count with him, and according unto his years shall he give him again the price of his redemption2. 53 And as a yearly hired servant shall he be with him: and the other shall not rule with rigour over him in thy sight. 54 And if he be not redeemed2 in these years, then he shall go out in the year of jubile, both he, and his children with him. 55 For unto me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am Yahweh your Elohim," Lev. 25:47-55.

We find in the above two sections that the land can be redeemed by man and also that one could be redeemed from slavery by man. But the redeemer had to be either the man, himself, or a near kinsman as the terms "ga’al" and "geullah" suggest. (See definitions provided below.)

YAHWEH’S WIFE

Israel was Yahweh’s wife via the covenant that they made with Him in the wilderness (Ex. 19 ― 24). However, Israel was unfaithful to that covenant, was divorced and destroyed, "Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith Yahweh; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith Yahweh, and I will not keep anger for ever. 13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Yahweh thy Elohim, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith Yahweh. 14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith Yahweh; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: 15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding," Jer. 3:12-15.

"O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. 5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. 6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of Elohim more than burnt offerings. 7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me," Hos. 6:4-7.

Notice that it says that He has "hewed them by the prophets." Isn’t that what John the Baptist was declaring? "And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire," Mt. 3:10.

Isaiah writes, "Thus saith Yahweh, ‘Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, whom I have put away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away," 50:1.

Yahweh had recorded in His own law, "When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house," Dt. 24:1.

The Hebrew word from whence "uncleanness" is translated is "ervah." It is defined as; from 6168; nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish). (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance) Israel was committing adultery and whoredom against Yahweh which is definitely "uncleanness!" "And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. 9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. 10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith Yahweh," Jer. 3:8-10.

Hosea writes, "Say ye unto your brethren, Ammi; and to your sisters, Ruhamah. 2 Plead with your mother, plead: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts; 3 Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst. 4 And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms," Hos. 2:1-4.

Finally, Jeremiah is inspired to declare, "Then said Yahweh unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth. 2 And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith Yahweh; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity. 3 And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith Yahweh: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy. 4 And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem. 5 For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest? 6 Thou hast forsaken me, saith Yahweh, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting," Jer. 15:1-6.

Thus, in accordance with His own law, statutes and judgments made with Israel, He found uncleanness in Israel, His wife, gave her a bill of divorcement, and sent her away. Both Israel and Judah transgressed and sinned against Yahweh so greatly that they not only had to be cast out of His sight, but they were destroyed.

THE INJURY OF ADAM

Hosea 6:7 declares, "But they (Israel) like men have transgressed the covenant…" The word "men" is translated from the Hebrew word "Adam!" Adam was the first man. Yahweh made His covenant with Adam, but Adam transgressed that covenant, took of the forbidden fruit and brought death upon himself and his posterity, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned," Ro. 5:12.

The Apostle Paul stresses this time and time again, "For since by man (Adam) came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in the Messiah shall all be made alive," 1 Cor. 15:21-22.

It was Adam’s sin that caused a law of sin, corruption and death to be passed upon all men, all sons of Adam, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Elohim," Ro. 3:23. Paul reveals that there is a law of sin in the flesh, "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of Yahweh after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Ro. 7:21-24.

Adam was the first man. It was through him that all men receive their physical inheritance. Our inheritance through Adam is sin, corruption and death. Again, Paul writes, "For the love of the Messiah constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead," 1 Cor. 5:14.

Solomon, in his wisdom, declared, "For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not," Eccl. 7:20.

The book of Proverbs has this to say, "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?" Prov. 20:6. How true this is! So many go about thinking that they are OK, that they are good, or righteous, it’s everyone else who has the problem. But the Scriptures reveal that we have a law of sin in the flesh and even when we want to do good and right, we fail (read Ro. 7:14-25).

Verse 9 of Proverbs 20 asks, "Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?" In this same vein, one of the psalmists asks, "If thou, Yahweh, shouldest mark iniquities, O Yahweh, who shall stand?" Psa. 130:3.

David cried out, "Have mercy upon me, O Elohim, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me," Psa. 51:1-5.

Again, he pleaded, "Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts," Psa. 119:134. This statement that David made in Psalms 119 here is rather obscured by the English language. David is asking Yahweh to deliver him from the INJURY OF ADAM! The injury of Adam is that we are all born, live and die in sin. It is clear from the Scriptures that man has no power to cleanse himself from his sin, the power of corruption and death.

WHO CAN REDEEM!?

The Psalmist declares, "Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: 2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together. 3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. 4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp. 5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? 6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7 None of them can by any means redeem1 his brother, nor give to Elohim a ransom1 for him: 8 (For the redemption1 of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) 9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. 10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. 12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. 14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. 15 But Elohim will redeem1 my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. 16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; 17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. 18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. 19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. 20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish," Psa. 49:1-20.

What is this Psalm saying? It is saying that no man, no son of Adam, no matter the power and wealth that he possesses, can redeem his brother from the grave. The powerful and wealthy, themselves, think that they will live forever, but the price of their own redemption is so precious that they simply have no power to redeem themselves from the grave and the corruption that comes with it. Only Elohim has the power to redeem from the grave!

We find this statement in the book of Job, "Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. 19 Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength," 36:18-19.

We cannot be redeemed from our sins, our corruption, our death and the grave by corruptible things such as silver, gold and the power of man, "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers," 1 Pet. 17-18.

Another psalmist asks, "What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?" Psa. 89:48.

Yahshua asked, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Mt. 16:26.

Yes, what man lives and shall not see death? Who has the power and wealth to save himself from death and the grave? Even though a man might gain possession of the earth and everything that is in it, the price of his redemption is so much more costly and precious than the whole earth and everything in it!

YAHWEH IS THE REDEEMER

David declares, "But Elohim will redeem1 my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me," Psa. 49:15.

The Prophet Hosea is inspired to write, "I (Yahweh) will ransom (padah – redeem1) them (Israel) from the power of the grave; I will redeem2 them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes," Hos. 13:14.

Isaiah is a very powerful prophet with such an important message. Yahweh declares through him, "Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith Yahweh, and thy redeemer2, the Holy One of Israel," Isa. 41:14.

Again, he writes, "But now thus saith Yahweh that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed2 thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine…Thus saith Yahweh, your redeemer2, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships," Isa. 43:1, 14.

Again, he writes, "Thus saith Yahweh the King of Israel, and his redeemer2 Yahweh of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no Elohim…Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. 22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed2 thee. 23 Sing, O ye heavens; for Yahweh hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for Yahweh hath redeemed2 Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. 24 Thus saith Yahweh, thy redeemer2, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am Yahweh that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself," Isa. 44:6, 21-24.

Time and time and time again Isaiah witnesses that Yahweh is Israel’s Redeemer, "As for our redeemer2, Yahweh of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel…Thus saith Yahweh, thy Redeemer2, the Holy One of Israel; I am Yahweh thy Elohim which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go…Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, Yahweh hath redeemed2 his servant Jacob... Thus saith Yahweh, the Redeemer2 of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of Yahweh that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee…And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I Yahweh am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob…Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed (ga’al = Redeemed2) to pass over? Therefore the redeemed2 of Yahweh shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away…For thus saith Yahweh, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed2 without money…Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for Yahweh hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed2 Jerusalem…For thy Maker is thine husband; Yahweh of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer2 the Holy One of Israel; The Elohim of the whole earth shall he be called," Isa. 47:4; 48:17, 20; 49:7, 26; 51:10-11; 52:3, 9; 54:5. (See also Isa. 54:8; 59:20; 60:16; 62:12; 63:4, 9, 16)

The Prophet Jeremiah witnesses that Yahweh is the Redeemer, "For Yahweh hath redeemed2 Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he…Their Redeemer2 is strong; Yahweh of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon" Jer. 31:11; 50:34.

Finally, the Prophet Micah has this to say, "Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there Yahweh shall redeem2 thee from the hand of thine enemies," 4:10.

All of these prophets witness that Yahweh is the Redeemer of Israel. David and other psalmists witnessed that Yahweh is the Redeemer. There can be no other redeemer. Yahweh is the Redeemer.

THE KINSMAN REDEEMER

The English words redeem, Redeemer, redeemed, ransomed, etc., in the above scriptures are overwhelmingly translated from the Hebrew word "ga’al." Ga’al has to do with the Oriental law of kinship, to wit, a kinsman redeemer!

While Yahweh was Israel’s King, Elohim, etc., He also was their Father and their Husband. It is true that Yahweh was/is Spirit, while Israel was/is flesh. But the apostles witness that Yahshua is our Redeemer, "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of the Messiah, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in Elohim, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in Yahweh," 1 Pet. 1:17-21.

"The Messiah hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree…But when the fulness of the time was come, Yahweh sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons," Gal. 3:13; 4:4-5.

Paul wrote to Titus, "For the grace of Yahweh that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great Elohim and our Saviour Yahshua the Messiah; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works," 2:11-14.

Since the prophets witness that Yahweh is the Redeemer and the apostles witness that Yahshua is the Redeemer, the only conclusion to which we can come is that Yahshua is Yahweh, not Yahweh the Father, but Yahweh the Word. Thus, the Apostle John witnesses, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. 2 The same was in the beginning with Elohim. 3 All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In Him was life; and the life was the light of men….He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. 11 He came to His own, and His own received Him not. 12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of Elohim, even to them that believe on His name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of Elohim. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth," Jn. 1:1-4, 110-14.

Let’s understand, Yahshua could not have been a son of Adam through a man. He could be a son of Adam only through the woman. If He were a son of a man through a man, then He would have, through inheritance, had the same law of sin coursing through His body that we have. The Scriptures that proclaim that no man can redeem his brother, nor himself from the power of the grave would have applied to Him as it does to all men. He was conceived by the Heavenly Father Yahweh in the womb of the virgin Miriam through the power of the Holy Spirit. Since His Father was Yahweh the Father, His inheritance was the law of life.

Miriam was betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 1:18). Her virginity is not only confirmed by the Matthew account, but in Luke she states, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" 1:34. Yahshua, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was not only conceived in the womb of the virgin Miriam, but he, "…being in the form of Elohim, thought it not robbery to be equal with Elohim: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men…," Phil. 2:6-7. In other words, He emptied Himself of the glory that He had with the Father as Elohim, became a man, became flesh, was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. (Heb. 4:15)

This was the only way that the costly price of redemption, the ransom of Yahweh’s people, the ransom from the grave could be paid.

CONCLUSION

Yahweh established a law of redemption in order to be able to redeem land that was sold to others, especially strangers, and also to buy or redeem the children who were compelled to sell themselves into slavery. The law of redemption required either the owner of the land or a near kinsman to redeem it and to redeem them from slavery. If they weren’t able to be redeemed, the land and or the people were to be restored at the year of jubilee.

But no man, nor near kinsman could redeem one from the grave and death. The price was too costly. The only One Who could redeem the people from death and the grave was Yahweh. The prophets witnessed that Israel would be redeemed by their Husband Yahweh. The apostles witness that Yahshua was, in fact, the Redeemer. Yahshua was Elohim. He was Yahweh the Word.

In order to redeem His children, His people, His kinsmen, His bride, He had to, by the words of His own law, become flesh (Jn. 1:1-14, Phil. 2:5-8; Ro. 1:1-7; Gal. 4:4; 1 Tim. 3:16).

The book of Hebrews declares, "But we see Yahshua, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of Yahweh should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which Yahweh hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to Elohim, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted," Heb. 2:9-17.

We at Yahweh’s Evangelical Assembly testify to this marvelous truth. If you cannot see and understand these truths, then you simply do not understand the power, majesty and glory of Yahweh. May He bless you to see the truth of the matter.

DEFINITIONS:

Redeem1 = 6299. hdp padah, paw-daw': a primitive root; to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release, preserve:--X at all, deliver, X by any means, ransom, (that are to be, let be) redeem(-ed), rescue, X surely. (SEC [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance])

Redeem2, redeemed2, and Redeemer2 = 1350. lag ga'al, gaw-al': a primitive root, to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e. to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.):--X in any wise, X at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. (SEC)

Redemption1 = 6306. Mwydp pidyowm, pid-yome': or pidyom {pid-yome'}; also pidyown {pid-yone'}; or pidyon {pid-yone'}; from 6299; a ransom; --ransom, that were redeemed, redemption. (SEC)

Redemption2 = 1353. hlag g@ullah, gheh-ool-law': feminine passive participle of 1350; redemption (including the right and the object); by implication, relationship:--kindred, redeem, redemption, right. (SEC)

Ransom1 = rpk kopher, ko'-fer: from 3722; properly, a cover, i.e. (literally) a village (as covered in); (specifically) bitumen (as used for coating), and the henna plant (as used for dyeing); figuratively, a redemption-price:--bribe, camphire, pitch, ransom, satisfaction, sum of money, village. (SEC)

3722. rpk kaphar, kaw-far': a primitive root; to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel:-- appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). (SEC)

Redeem: 1. to buy back 2. to get back; recover, as by paying a fee 3. to pay off (a mortgage or note) j4. a) to convert (paper money) into gold or silver coin or bullion b) to convert (stocks, bonds, etc.) into cash c) to turn in (trading stamps or coupons) for a prize, premium, etc. 5. a) to set free by paying a ransom b) to deliver from sin and its penalties, as by a sacrifice made for the sinner 6. to fulfill (a promise or pledge) 7. a) to make amends or atone for b) to restore (oneself) to favor by making amends c) to make worthwhile; justify ―SYN. See RESCUE (Webster’s New World Dictionary)

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I want to express my sincere thanks to you all at YEA for continuing my subscription for Yahshua’s Witness Magazine after my recent release from the prison-industry complex here in Texas. YWM has been an invaluable source of edification and reinforcement of my convictions concerning how we who would "earnestly contend for the faith" should hold fast to the commandments of Yahweh our Saviour.
KR/TX

Elder Jerry Healan, hope this note will find you in the best of health and benevolent at all times my beloved friend in Yahweh. Make sure to tell all of the brother’s there that I said Shalom to them. My brother in Yahweh & Yahshua the Hebrew Messiah, thank you, my brother, for the recent magazine. It’s a blessing to all who see the whole truth.

I like the chapter about X-mas. I don’t even like to say that pagan word. There will be a lot of people that will take part in this pagan holy day, but there are also a lot of people that will not be a part of this as well.

My family here is all well. They just miss me some kind of bad. I did go up for parole, all the praises to Yahweh the Most High Creator of this whole universe. I have done over 13-1/2 years now for daytime burglary & grand larceny.

I am truly not the same person that I was many, many years ago. I have been writing to you now for over 11 years.

Well my friend, I just wanted to thank you again for the Yahshua’s Witness Magazine. Please take good care of yourself my friend and brother in Yahweh & Yahshua the Hebrew Messiah. Shalom,
JT/VA

I’m writing to let you know that I truly enjoy the YEA newsletters. They’ve blessed me in the knowledge, wisdom and laws of Yahshua-Yahweh. In fact, they’re the basis of my foundation of faith that I have obtained in the faithfulness of His word. They are priceless and meet my every need, want and desire.
RW/TX

I recently read an article of yours given to me by a member of your worship. I must admit I was terrified to know the extent of deception in the world. In my "limited research" I found that nearly, if not all, days of the week, months of the year, & American holidays (Holy Days) were derived from Pagan beliefs. This probably doesn’t surprise you as much as it did me, because you already knew. Anyway, I was raised on these holidays & thought them to be "good." So it was definitely a shock.
TP/AR

Thank you my friend and Elder Brother Jerry Healan for responding to Mr. Pinkston's Article, and warning the Brethren. You are truly a Great Man of Yahweh, and I pray and thank Yahweh for You.

We love your magazine and newsletter, they are great! Keep on following " The Way ", and again, thank you.
E&GC/KY

Shalom Brethren,

Please keep in mind that it was Yahweh that gave me the understanding and ability to answer this man. I am nothing. I know that you understand this and I do appreciate your accolades, but I just can't let those things go to my head.

Yahweh bless,
Jerry

Great answer to the Yahwist article of John A. Pinkston! Well done!

JF/TX

Dear Brother Healan, or the writer of the May – Aug. 2005 Vol. 9, Issue 2 (The Cult of Yahwehism). I am a Yahwist in Messiah. I have in possession several letters, and posted articles on line, several letters from so-called educated scholars like that (John A. Pinkston) fellow. They are disgusting and offensive. Anyway, I also have much on the Sacred Names defense, but my hat is off to you sir. This is the best article in defense of our Father’s precious name I’ve ever seen. PRAISE YAHWEH!!!
DRW/CA

I was blessed to read another inmate’s copy of the YEA Newsletter, May-Aug. 2005 which contained "An Answer to the Cult of Yahwehism." It was extremely informative and gave me a leg to stand on in regards to my faith/testimony/reason for my belief in the Sacred Name doctrine, etc.
CG/CA

I enjoyed every word of the YEA Newsletter May-August Issue. I’m requesting the free publications entitled "Yahweh Speaks Out Concerning the Importance of His name," and "The Scholars Speak Out Concerning the Importance of Yahweh’s Name."
JMc/TX

I really enjoyed your last Newsletter and the study on the Names. I’m working to show a person that works at Moody College in Chicago how important the Names are and I sent that part of the Newsletter to them to read and study on their own time. You put the study together really well. Thank you for all your help, and for the Newsletters and Magazine. I really enjoy them and also share them with others on our unit.
LE/TX

What you’re doing here is monumentally important. Your studies are some of the best anywhere now.
CG/MI

Greetings to all of Yahweh’s Evangelical Assembly in the precious name of our Savior Yahshua Messiah!

I am so very grateful to the family of believers at Yahweh’s Evangelical Assembly. I have a much more accurate understanding of the Scriptures and, of course, a more intimate relationship with our Husband and our Redeemer because of the teaching you make possible.

There have been a few men here who recently came out of the deception of Christianity and Islam…Praise Yahweh! In an attempt to defend one of them I was attacked and beaten. I believe my left eardrum is busted or certainly damaged in some way. I have not yet been to the infirmary to have it checked. To avoid more trouble I must be discreet in how it happened.

Could you please send me some literature so I may share it with those who are turning to Yahweh?

Please remember us convicts in your prayers; that our repentance will not be merely superficial but deeply heartfelt and abiding. We are so heavily entrenched in lawlessness. It truly takes a mighty move of the Set-Apart Spirit to tear our hearts and cause the necessary love for our Redeemer to sustain us.
MD/TX

Please send me one more year subscription of your "Yahshua’s Witness Magazine" and "YEA Newsletter." I really learn a lot from them both and consider it a blessing from Yahweh to receive them.

I am locked up in T.D.C. Prison and have no funds right now, but when I get out in Jan. 2007, I will give my tithe as dew.

Thank you for all your spiritual help and may Yahweh bless you with all of your needs in Yahshua HaMashiach’s Name. HalleluYah!
RS/TX

I would like to take this time to express my gratitude. Thank you so much for sending me TRUTH. This Correspondence Course is awesome. It really helped me to put into perspective the things that Yahshua has warned us about when it comes to deception. With lots of prayer and His Spirit, I’ve come to know Yahweh like I’ve never known Him before. All of the correspondence that I’ve received from you has made a great difference in my learning.
JM/TX

Your articles and booklets are helping me to truly understand how much I’ve been deceived since childhood. I am increasing my knowledge and growing spiritually with your help.
TG/TX

I think your format in these lessons is very informative and superb.
TL/TX

I want to thank everyone who has made this Bible study available to me, freely. I pray that Yahweh, our Elohim, will meet all your needs according to His riches in Yahshua. Thank you truly. Your brother in Yahshua.
SW/TX

Would you put me on your list to receive your magazine? I received it at one time. I would very much like to receive it again. I know this time it’s the truth I need in my life to help me grow.
JH/TX

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