EDITOR:  Jerry Healan ASSOCIATE EDITOR: John McCarty
PROOFREADERS:  Frances Healan, Jerry Healan, John McCarty

By Jerry Healan

PART II – DISCERNING THE SOVEREIGN’S BODY

 The Apostle Paul writes concerning partaking the symbols of Yahshua’s body and blood, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Sovereign’s body,” 1 Cor. 11:28-29.

We have learned about self examination and also about Yahweh’s righteousness, but let’s now learn what we can about discerning the Sovereign’s body in the remainder of this treatise.

Because of Adam’s sin and the subsequent inheritance of this law of sin, corruption and death, man needed a redeemer. Since we are conceived in sin and are a transgressor from the womb, man has no capability to redeem himself from sin and its consequences, “Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: both low and high, rich and poor, together. My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp. wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to Elohim a ransom for him: (for the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) that he should still live for ever and not see corruption. For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person shall perish, and leave their wealth to others. 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. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings, Selah. Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them…,” Psa. 49:1-14.

It is only Yahweh Who has the power to redeem us from the grave, “But Elohim will redeem my soul from the power of the grave,” Psa. 49:15. “I wait for Yahweh, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for Yahweh more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in Yahweh: for with Yahweh there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities,” Psa. 130:5-8.

The Apostle Paul writes of this redemption, “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before Yahweh. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of Yahweh without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of Yahweh which is by faith of Yahshua the Messiah unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Elohim; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in the Messiah Yahshua: Whom Yahweh hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of Yahweh; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Yahshua. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the Elohim of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one Elohim, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? Yahweh forbid: yea, we establish the law,” Ro. 3:19-31.

Yes! We delight in Yahweh’s law after the inward man, but if we understand Paul’s writings, with the mind we serve the law, but with the flesh, the law of sin. We love Yahweh’s law and with the Spirit given through Yahshua, we determine to walk in the righteousness of the law, but the flesh is still in subjection to the law of sin, corruption and death.

Again, Paul writes, “For after that in the wisdom of Yahweh the world by wisdom knew not Yahweh, it pleased Yahweh by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach the Messiah crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, the Messiah the power of Yahweh, and the wisdom of Yahweh. Because the foolishness of Yahweh is wiser than men; and the weakness of Yahweh is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But Yahweh hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and Yahweh hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath Yahweh chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in the Messiah Yahshua, who of Yahweh is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Sovereign,” 1 Cor. 1:21-31.

Man must be redeemed from the consequences of his lawlessness. Since he is born with a law of sin, corruption and death in his members as an inheritance from his forefather Adam, he has no power to redeem himself from sin nor the power of the grave. But Yahweh has obtained the power of redemption through Yahshua the Messiah.

THE DAY OF REDEMPTION

 Paul writes, “Paul, an apostle of Yahshua the Messiah by the will of Yahweh, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in the Messiah Yahshua: Grace be to you, and peace, from Yahweh our Father, and from the Sovereign Yahshua the Messiah. Blessed be the Elohim and Father of our Sovereign Yahshua the Messiah, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in the Messiah: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Yahshua the Messiah to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in the Messiah, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in the Messiah. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Eph. 1:1-14.

Notice it! We do have redemption in Yahshua which we are sealed unto through the earnest of the Holy Spirit! Paul declares that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise! A promise has to do with a future expectation. Paul says that we receive this Holy Spirit of promise until the redemption of the purchased possession.

We, who are called, must set our hearts on what Paul charges us in Ephesians chapter 4, “He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of the Messiah: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of Elohim, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of the Messiah: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even the Messiah: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify

in the Sovereign, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned the Messiah; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Yahshua: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after Yahweh is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of Yahweh, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as Yahweh for the Messiah's sake hath forgiven you,” v.v. 10-32.

Here are righteous commands from the Apostle Paul as he was stirred and inspired by the Holy Spirit. We are to forsake our former manner of life and be sealed by the earnest of the Holy Spirit of promise unto the day of redemption.

 YAHSHUA’S PASSION

 Mel Gibson has produced a movie entitled “The Passion of the Christ” which has stirred up a storm of controversy. We know that any Hollywood production is going to be corrupt. But Mel Gibson is a Catholic which will cause the movie to be even more corrupted. The only possible benefit from the movie for all peoples would be the understanding that because of our sins, the Messiah had to suffer. I would suggest that if anyone desires to go see this movie that they would at least read the Scriptural accounts of His sufferings before and after viewing it. This would be to compare the accuracy of the movie. But the violence done to Yahshua cannot be properly depicted by any manmade movie.

The prophet Isaiah was led to prophesy, “Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were atoned at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider,” Isa. 52:13-15.

Isaiah prophecies that many were astonied at thee. Astonied is translated from the Hebrew word “shamem” (pronounced like shaw-mame’). This word is defined as, a primitive root; to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e. devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense). If we could have seen the beatings and subsequent crucifixion it would have literally stunned, devastated, stupefied us. His visage (his handsome appearance or shape) was so marred (so disfigured) and his form (his fair or beautiful figure or appearance) more than any man. When nations and kings are shown the truth concerning this, they will behold in stunned silence.

It is reported that many, many of the people who see Mel Gibson’s movie sit in stunned silence because of the violence that is perpetrated on Gibson’s Christ, but they still don’t understand the half of it. I am sure that it is not explained to them that what is being perpetrated on that person that they are beholding is the result of our sins, our iniquities, our transgressions, our corruptions, our rebellion. Disobedience results in punishment. Disobedience results in all kinds of calamities, problems, troubles, sicknesses, mental problems and anguish untold. Yahshua took the punishment for the sins, iniquities, transgressions, corruptions, rebellion, the result of the disobedience of all mankind upon Himself.

Isaiah continues, “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of Yahweh revealed?” Isa. 53:1. Yahshua is the arm of Yahweh as is revealed by the Apostle John, “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Yahweh, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of Yahweh been revealed?” Jn. 12:37-38.

Isaiah continues, “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of Elohim, and afflicted,” 53:2-4.

Yahshua was/is despised. He was/is considered a vile, contemptible person. He was/is rejected (made destitute). He was/is not esteemed (highly regarded, valued). This is actually unbelievable and very few have truly understood and believed the depths of his suffering on our behalf.

Matthew writes, “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses,” 8:16-17.

Isaiah continues, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he

was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Yahweh hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased Yahweh to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Yahweh shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors,” Isa. 53:5-12.

 PSALM 22

 Psalm 22:1-21 is a prophecy of the suffering of the Messiah. An in-depth study into it, will help to reveal much more of the intense suffering and cruelty that Yahshua underwent on our behalf.

V. 1, “My El, my El, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring (moaning)?”

These are the very words that Yahshua spoke while hanging on the cross/tree, “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Yahshua cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is to say, ‘My El, My El, why hast Thou forsaken me?” Mt. 27:46.

It becomes obvious that when He became a sacrifice for our sins that the Father, for the moment, had to turn His back on, forsake Him. This was a most difficult thing that Yahshua had to endure.

v.v. 2-8, “O my Elohim, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,  He trusted on Yahweh that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.”

The Apostles confirm that these verses, especially verse 8, were fulfilled during the day of Yahshua’s suffering, “And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of Elohim, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in Elohim; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of Elohim. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth,” Mt. 27:39-44.

Through all of this pain and suffering Yahshua never took His eyes off of the Father, for He had come to do His will and knew that He was going to endure much suffering and pain. In anticipation of this great pain and suffering Yahshua prayed so fervently and was in such agony in the Garden of Gethsemane that He had sweat drops of blood (Lk. 22:44). Psa. 22 still portrays His attitude toward His Father, “But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my Elohim from my mother's belly. Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help,” Psa. 22:9-11.

After this interlude, the description of the suffering continues, “Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion…Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns,” vv. 12-13.

The word “bulls” is translated from the Hebrew word “par” which is defined as, a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength. The word “strong” is translated from the Hebrew word “abbiyr” which is defined as, angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. It is word #47 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance which states that it is for #46 “'abiyr” which is defined as, mighty (spoken of God). Tracing this word back one more step further we find that the primitive root word is #86 “‘abar” which is defined as, a primitive root; to soar. Finally, a look at the Hebrew word for “unicorns” we find that it is the word “re'em” which is defined as, a wild bull (from its conspicuousness). (See #7214)

What does this mean? When delivered from Egypt and in the wilderness, Israel made a golden calf and worshipped it as Yahweh their Elohim who had delivered them from Egypt.

The Egyptian Pharaoh had been worshipped by the Egyptian people as the son of god through the Apis bull. This golden calf would have been nothing more than a representation of the Apis bull of Egypt. When Israel and Judah were divided as nations, the northern Israelites made images of two calves placing on in Samaria and the other in Dan.

The word “‘abbiyr” has to do with a bull that can soar or fly, thus it would be a representation of a winged bull, or a cherub. We see depictions of these winged bulls on the Assyrian monuments. The “unicorn” was originally a one horned bull, in ancient days, which eventually evolved into being depicted as a horse.

Thus, these Scriptures have to do with both Yahweh and Yahshua being represented as heavenly bulls through the paganistic idolatrous systems. A trace of the word “God” reveals that it is associated with Taurus the Bull, a heavenly constellation. Even in today’s world both the Father and Son are compassed, surrounded by bulls.

THE SEVERITY OF THE BEATING

 Yahshua was beaten by the Jews (Mt. 26:63-68, Mk. 14:64-65, Lk. 22:63-65). This Jewish mob consisted of Sadducees, Pharisees and Scribes who were continually trying and testing Him so they could find fault in Him, but the Spirit always led Him to perceive how to frustrate their efforts. Yahshua continued to reveal their evil nature which frustrated them even more. They accused Him of blasphemy and were now able to vent their years of frustration on Him. They would not have been kind to Him.

He was beaten by Herod’s soldiers (Lk. 23:11). Herod had heard of Yahshua and was desiring to see Him perform some miracle, but when Yahshua wouldn’t even give him the privilege of answering his questions (Lk. 23:7-9) along with the vehement accusations of the priests and scribes, Herod and his men vented their wrath upon Him.

Finally, Pilate and his soldiers had their turn. Pilate had Him scourged which has to do with being publicly whipped with a cat-o-nine tails. The cat-o-nine tails has leather thongs which have pieces of metal and other sharp items (such as bones) in them which literally rips the flesh open. Then Pilate’s whole band of soldiers had their turn with Him (Mt. 27:26-31).

Yahshua was beaten so badly that most of His bones, though not broken, were out of joint, “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint…,” Psa. 22:14, first part. His skin had been stripped down to the bone so that He declared, “I may tell (count) all my bones…Psa. 22:17, first part.

But look again at verse 13 which says, “They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.” We know that the devil is as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” (I Pet. 5:8), therefore, Yahshua was surrounded by those who were going about the devil’s business. The word “gaped” also can be translated as “rend.” In other words, they were not only striking, whipping and flogging Him, but they were even biting Him with their mouths as a roaring angry lion bites his prey.

Yahshua was treated so cruelly, because He suffered for our sins, and sin is cruelty. As Isaiah had proclaimed, His visage was marred more than any man. He was sapped of all of His strength and energy. Psa. 22 proclaims, “I am poured out like water…my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels…My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws,” vv. 14-15. This is why He had no strength to carry His own cross/tree which was laid upon Simon of Cyrene (Mt. 27:32).

They pierced His hands and feet (Psa. 22:16) and hung Him on a tree which is a symbol of being accursed (Gal. 3:13, Dt. 21:22-23).

Next, it says, “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture,” Psa. 22:18. This is corroborated by the evangel accounts, “And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, ‘They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots’,” Mt. 27:35. “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Yahshua, took His garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also His coat; now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, ‘Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be:’ that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, ‘They parted My raiment among them, and for My vesture they did cast lots.’ These things therefore the soldiers did,” Jn. 19:23-24.

Yahshua had been stripped naked. While Christianity depicts a man hanging on a cross with nails in his hands and feed, a hole in his side and a crown of thorns on his head, they also depict him with a cloth around his loins. No one has the ability to correctly depict Yahshua as He was so severely beaten to the point that He didn’t even look human. But He had also been stripped of His garments and was hanging naked on the tree, a most helpless, humbling experience.

From the sixth hour (noon) until the ninth hour (about 3:00 p.m.) there was darkness over all the land (Mt. 27:45. After all, the One Who had made all things and was upholding those things by the word of His power (“Elohim, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,” Heb. 1:1-3.)was hanging on a tree as a curse.

This is when He cried out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is to say, ‘My El, My El, why has Thou forsaken Me?” Mt. 27:46. After this, the

Apostle John reveals, “Yahshua, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, ‘I thirst’,” Jn. 19:28. Psa. 22 again comes into play by saying, “My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws,” v. 15. John continues, “Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. When Yahshua therefore had receive the vinegar, He said, ‘It is finished:’ and He bowed His head, and gave up the spirit,” 19:29-30.  

 THE TABERNACLE’S WITNESS

 The entrances to the Tabernacle are the last witnesses that I would like to utilize in this treatise. The Tabernacle, of course, was made by Moses, Bezaleel, Aholiab and other inspired Israelites in the wilderness. A careful study of the scriptures will reveal that the Tabernacle and all of its appurtenances, sacrifices and priesthood were principally types or parables of Yahshua. There was a wall that enclosed the compound while the Tabernacle was located within this compound. There was only one entrance to this compound just as there was only one entrance into the Tabernacle and only one entrance into the Holy of Holies or the Holiest place. Each door or entrance was a type of Yahshua the Messiah.

Each door, gate or entrance was to be made of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen (See Ex. 26:31, 36, 17: and 16. We know that there is only one way into the very throne room of the Heavenly Father Yahweh and that is through Yahshua the Messiah. Yahshua proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me,” Jn. 14:6.

Yahshua also proclaimed, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Yahshua unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Yahshua unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture,” Jn. 10:1-9.

Notice that this is a parable and it is admitted in Heb. 9:1-9 that the divine service, the worldly sanctuary with its tabernacle, appurtenances, sacrifices and priesthood were “figures” (v. 9). The word “figures” is translated from the Greek “parabole” which is elsewhere translated as “parable/parables.” Parables were given in order to hide the true meanings (Mt. 13:1-17). Notice that in verse 11 the parables are the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

Paul writes that he and the other apostles were speaking the mystery of Elohim in a mystery (1 Cor. 2:1-7). Man with only the spirit in man cannot understand these heavenly mysteries (1 Cor. 2:11), but we can understand them because we are given the Spirit of Elohim/Yahweh (v. 10). How do we come to understand them? By searching out the hidden things of Yahweh (Prov. 25:2) with the Holy Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Cor. 2:13).

Many of these things have been covered in other articles, which are available upon request, thus, I will provide the meanings of these doors without a crucial, in-depth explanation. The blue in the openings represents Yahshua in His capacity as Elohim or the Son of Elohim. The Scarlet represents Yahshua in His capacity as Adam (the second Adam) and the Son of Adam (through the woman). The purple represents Yahshua in His capacity as Mediator between heaven and earth, between Elohim and man. The white in the “fine twined linen” represents His as the Righteous One. Any artist or painter can tell you that if you mix the colors blue and scarlet together, the result will be purple. Yahshua was Elohim. When He became flesh, a man successfully living the righteous life (white) then He qualified to become the Mediator between Elohim and man.

 THE FIRST OPENING

 The first opening was the gate to the compound. Its particular Hebrew name was “sha’ar.” Sha’ar is #8179 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance (Heb. Lexicon) which is defined as, from 8176 in its orig. sense; an opening, i.e. door or gate.

#8176 is the word “sha‘ar” which is defined as, a prim. root; to split or open, i.e. (lit., but only as denom. from 8179) to act as gate-keeper (see 7778); (fig.) to estimate.

This means that Yahshua is not only the door, but that He also is the door-keeper or gate-keeper.

This “sha‘ar” (gate/door) is what one passed through in order to enter the compound. Directly behind the “sha‘ar” was the altar of sacrifice. Anyone who approached the Tabernacle was required to bring a sacrifice or offering of some kind. The children of Israel were not allowed to proceed any further than the altar of sacrifice. Only the priesthood was allowed to proceed into the Tabernacle itself.

But there is also another word which is very closely associated with the “sha‘ar.” It is word #8175 “sa‘ar.”

The Hebrew characters for #8179 are “re[v.” The Hebrew characters for #8176 are “re[v.” The Hebrew characters for #8175 are “re[X.” “Sa‘ar” is defined as, a prim. root; to storm; by impl. to shiver, i.e. fear. Doesn’t this also have to do with the sacrifices? When the animals were brought to the place of sacrifice or slaughter, don’t you think that they had some kind of inclination of what was about to take place? Doesn’t Isaiah proclaim, “He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth,” 53:7. The animals would be shivering in fear and thus dumb. Is it possible that when Yahshua came to the place of slaughter, He also was shivering? It was, after all, a fearful place. We do know that when in the garden He did sweat great drops as it were blood. But He willingly laid down His life for the sheep. He sought the will of the Father and the opportunity to serve the sheep of His pasture. He is the door/gate (“sha‘ar”), He is the gate-keeper, and He is the sacrifice.

The most interesting thing about the relationship of the two words “sha‘ar” and “sa‘ar” is that while the door “sha‘ar” is related to the altar of sacrifice, “sa‘ar” is related to some of the animals and grains offered upon it. The Hebrew word for goat or kid is “sa‘iyr” “ry[X”, or “sa‘ir” “r[X” is the word for goat or kid, the principal animal associated with the day of atonement. This word “” is #8163 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and is defined as, from 8175; shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun.

The grain that was associated with the Passover and days of Unleavened Bread was barley. The Hebrew term for barley is “se‘orah” which is spelled as “hre[X”, or “se‘or” which is spelled as “r[X” and sometimes “rw[X”. But its definition is, from 8175 in the sense of roughness; barley (as villose).

The first opening had to do with sacrificing. That is what Yahshua was speaking of in John chapter 10 when He stated, “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture…I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep…I am the good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep…Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of My Father,” vv. 9, 14-15, 17-19.

When one truly understands Yahweh’s plan for mankind, and begins to compare it with the things written in the scriptures, he begins to understand that the overall majority of mankind will be able to come to the place of sacrifice, but it will be the priesthood, the Melchizedek priesthood, that is able to continue from the altar of sacrifice and pass through the second door.  

THE SECOND OPENING

 The second opening is named the “pethach.” It is #6607 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and is defined as, from 6605; an opening (literally), i.e. door (gate) or entrance way. It comes from #6605 “pathach” which is defined as, a primitive root; to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.

At the entrance of this door was the brazen laver which contained water for the washing of the hands and feet of the priesthood.  Water is a type of the Spirit (Jn. 7:37-39), thus, once the most important sacrifice of the ages was performed, then the Holy Spirit could be given.

Psalm 118 utilizes a combination of these two words “pathach” and “sha‘ar” in order to make very inspiring statements, “Open (pathach) to me the gates (sha‘ar) of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise Yah: this gate (sha‘ar) of Yahweh, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise Thee: for Thou has heard me, and art become my salvation,” vv. 19-21.

Do you see that? When the gate (sha‘ar) is opened (pathach) then salvation, which is true liberty, is the result.

Isaiah is inspired to proclaim, “In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will Elohim appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open (pathach) ye the gates (sha‘ar), that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in Yahweh for ever: for in Yah Yahweh is everlasting strength (or a rock of ages),” 26:1-4.

Isaiah also reveals, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open (pathach), and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open (pathach),” vv. 20-22.

“Eliakim the son of Hilkiah” has a tremendous meaning here. Eliakim is #471 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance (Hebrew Lexicon) and is defined as, God (Elohim) of raising. “The son” is translated from the Hebrew word “ben.” It is word #1121 and is defined as, a son (as a builder of the family name). Hilkiah is #2518 and is defined as, 'from 2506 and 3050; portion of Jah.

What does this mean? It has to do with the Son who is risen (resurrected) Whose portion or inheritance is the name Yah or Yahweh.

This, of course, is speaking of Yahshua. He personally reveals, “And to the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name,” Rev. 3:7-8.

Notice that! Yahshua is the One Who has the key of David spoken of in Isa. 22! Yahshua is the One Who has the power to open (pathach) and no man can shut and shut and no man can open (pathach).

It was Yahshua Who opened (pathach) the windows of heaven so that the Holy Spirit could be poured out on the FIRSTFRUITS assembly. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Liberty. It sets one free, opens (pathach) the gate (sha‘ar) of righteousness and salvation.

Again, only the Melchizedek priesthood has a right and the ability to go through the door (pathach) and enter into the holy place wherein is contained the menorah, the table of shewbread, etc.

THE THIRD OPENING

 The third opening or door to the Tabernacle was the one that opened into the Holy of Holies. The hanging or door was called a vail. Its Hebrew name is “poreketh.” It was beyond this vail that only the high priest was allowed to enter and only once a year at that.

“Poreketh” is #6532 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and is defined as, feminine active participle of the same as 6531; a separatrix, i.e. (the sacred) screen.

The one difference between this vail and the other two doors is that it had cherubim embroidered upon it (Ex. 26:31).

The book of Hebrews records, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Yahshua, by a new and living way which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and having an High Priest over the house of Elohim; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water,” 10:19-22.

Notice that carefully! Those who have come to the sacrifice and have been washed with pure water (the waters of baptism, but remember that the brazen laver was also at the pethach) are able to enter into the holiest by the blood of Yahshua. But it says that the veil is His flesh.

Let’s understand now. We repented of our sins and came to the sacrifice of Yahshua at the sha‘ar. We were washed, immersed in the pure waters of the pethach. Now we can enter into the Holiest place through the flesh (veil/poreketh) and blood of Yahshua.

This word “poreketh” comes from another Hebrew word which means the very same thing. It is #6531 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. It is the Hebrew word “perek” which is defined as, from an unused root meaning to break apart; fracture, i.e. severity:--cruelty, rigour.

Look at the definition! It has to do with breaking apart, fracturing, severity, cruelty, rigour. Yahshua blessed the bread and broke it. According to the Apostle Paul He said, “Tae, eat, this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance (as a memorial) of Me,” 1 Cor. 11:24.

We have defined for you the rigour, the severity, the cruelty that Yahshua had to go through because of our sins. But there is one final thing that must be pointed out. When we participate in the Passover symbols, and we are eating the bread, we must think of His body that is broken for us. We must think of our own sins that we have committed which brought this curse upon Him. As we eat that bread, we are fracturing, breaking apart (in symbolism, of course) the body of the Messiah. This is discerning the Sovereign’s body! As we bless and break the unleavened bread representing His body, it should remind us of the cruelty and severity that He suffered for each one of us. As we eat that bread, we fracture and break it apart even further, we should again be reminded of His suffering.

Who should be partaking of these most precious symbols? Those who can understand these thing written here! If you are not able to understand these things then you are not properly examining yourself, nor are you discerning the Sovereign’s body. We must be careful ere we eat and drink unworthily and be guilty of the body and blood of the Messiah.

May Yahweh bless you to see and understand these things and approach the Passover worthily.