faith

The Evil Inclination–How to catch a Snake before it Bites

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The Power of Choice

Among religions that embrace the Bible as God’s word, there are two approaches that attempt to explain the nature of man. Christians for the most part embrace Original Sin and this belief is backed by the current understanding which comes from the writings of the New Testament. Jews however do not embrace this theory, as the belief put forth in the Old Testament or Tanakh does not support it. We call what came upon humanity after eating of the tree in the Garden, the Evil Inclination. In this paper, I want to open discussion of these two beliefs and their effects on humanity.

So first off, what is Original Sin, and when was this doctrine formalized in Christianity?

The following quotes cite what is generally believed to be timing for the development and the definition of Original Sin:

“While the Genesis story lays the foundation for the concept of the Fall, St. Augustine was the first to use the term “original sin” and articulate its transmission through human reproduction. The Roman Catholic Church later formalized the doctrine at the Council of Trent, while figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin contributed to its development and spread, especially during the Protestant Reformation.” (See Reference here).

“The doctrine of original sin was developed by Saint Augustine in the 4th and 5th centuries and gained official acceptance in the Western Church at the Council of Carthage in 418 CE, leading to its incorporation into Roman Catholic doctrine. The doctrine was then formalized further by the Councils of Trent in the 16th century.” (Web Reference here).

“Original sin is an Augustine Christian doctrine that says that everyone is born sinful. This means that they are born with a built-in urge to do bad things and to disobey God. It is an important doctrine within the Roman Catholic Church. The concept of Original Sin was explained in depth by St Augustine and formalized as part of Roman Catholic doctrine by the Councils of Trent in the 16th Century. Original sin is not just this inherited spiritual disease or defect in human nature; it’s also the ‘condemnation’ that goes with that fault.” (Reference)

But is this an acceptable approach in the process of salvation?

I would guess that the majority of Christians accept the doctrine of Original Sin as undeniable truth.  I am uncomfortable with it.
The belief that Adam and Eve, by choosing to eat of the forbidden tree, now had no alternative but to receive a fallen nature– inherently sinful for their descendants from birth. It continues that all of humanity has carried this curse from that moment in the garden until this day. This obviously demands interference from Heaven in providing a substitute who cleans up the record of whomever will accept it. However, if we think through this theory and what it actually reveals, we will see things that do not fit the picture.

Sins that pass down:

There is the verse given in Exodus 20 in the command to abstain from idol worship which claims that the sins of the fathers pass down.

Exo 20: “5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I YHVH, thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Note that these are passed down from those who hate God.

So how do we fit that into our views? We know that an alcoholic or drug addict often passes down tendencies toward addictions to his or her children. We see it all the time. And a mother or father who justifies lying in their own life will see the same trend in the lives of their children. Is this a genetic weakness? Or is it learned behavior? If it is not genetic, then why do children who are adopted out as infants to different home often have the same traits? It is almost like hereditary weaknesses to disease. But regardless of our parents weaknesses and actual sins, we are challenged to overcome these things, no matter how difficult.

There is the question of why the Eternal would even place that tree in the garden and allow Eve to be seduced and lied to in her status of innocence. This creates a picture of a cruel and unjust God who purposely created mankind to fail. It also leads to a need for another substitute god who understands mankind by taking on human flesh and is able to present them to this angry God and justify them by his own blood.  But I cannot accept this theory because of what it does to distort the character of the God of the Universe!

If my last two articles are correct (See Here and Here), when the Creator said, Let US make man in Our image, after Our likeness, He was speaking to the man who would play a part by his own choice of which nature would dominate him. It also indicates that mankind, though created by the hand of God, was still made from the dust of the earth, which meant that he was created to be human and not in the image of the angels. His choices would decide if he would reflect the divine image, or if he would merely be as the beasts that perish. 

Those who strive for the divine image struggle with difficulties placed upon their nature by the choices their first parents made at the forbidden tree. Is this struggle all bad? It surely would have been easier for humans to live here on earth in luxury, not having to work, having everything they want bestowed upon them without a struggle on their part, but was that the divine plan?

So what actually happened at the tree? Is it possible that rather than God being harsh and exacting, He was planning through the cooperation of mankind after the fall to become the strongest race of beings that were ever created? Was the Yetzer Hara (Evil Inclination) really a condemnation of doom to the human race, or was it actually a test and process for the creation of man in the image of God? A program for the creation of people who would be trusted to rule the world and maybe even part of the universe?

A case was made by the serpent to doubt God’s word and His very character. Eve chose to offer the same temptation to Adam, who might have resisted but for her insistence, joined her in disobedience. At this point they opted for the right to choose for themselves against the instructions of the Creator. Was it right to choose for themselves at this point in their time on earth? I can’t answer that. The choice they made was clearly based on doubt towards their Creator and desire for something new and exciting. Isn’t this what is behind nearly every bad choice that humans make?  If we think of the sins that usually tempt us, most of them are irrational based on good judgment. Sins of lust, exploitation, self gratification, murder, thievery, abuse of drugs and every other temptation.

Judaism claims that the Yetzer Hara came into being when the couple chose to eat of the fruit. But how is the Evil Inclination different from Original Sin? 

So what is the difference in the two views?

Original sin is a burden mankind cannot deal with unless he has a substitute. He is born with a sinful nature and cannot be righteous by his own choices nor by suppression of his evil nature, nor of locking oneself in monasteries where self chastisement is practiced. 
The Evil Inclination, is an inherited tendency to obey one’s passions and lusts, that is, like Original Sin passed down from generation to generation, but contrary to the view of the helpless condition of mankind under Original Sin, the evil inclination can be suppressed by obedience to the Torah and humbly seeking help from the Almighty. So the Yetzer Hara can actually be a testing agent to prepare us for greater things. We think of kings who sent their young sons to learn sword fighting in past ages. They had to become strong and clever to be able to fight the wars that they must win when they became king themselves.

From Sefaria (a Jewish Reference website), the Way of God by the RaMCHal:
“Man is the creature created for the purpose of being drawn close to God. He is placed between perfection and deficiency, with the power to earn perfection. Man must earn this perfection, however, through his own free will…Man’s inclinations are therefore balanced between good [Yetzer Hatov] and evil [Yetzer Hara], and he is not compelled toward either of them. He has the power of choice and is able to choose either side knowingly and willingly...” Reference

There is a proof text for the idea that sin can be overcome before the evil inclination is acted upon in Genesis, where God interrupted Cain before he slew his brother:

Gen 4:”5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 6 Then the YHVH said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

So before Cain acted on his anger, he was told that he could and must rule over it. This does not sound like Original Sin, of which it is claimed that humanly we can do nothing about it and that is the reason for the need of a substitute to overcome for us.

Very early on in the history of the world, God Himself tells Cain that he can “do what is right”: and if he does, he will “be accepted”. Note that he is not condemned for his anger. This is that evil inclination that he received from his parents genetically. But Elohim continued:”you must rule over it.” Can we as humans rule over our passions? Christianity says we cannot without a substitute. The Bible says we can do it with God’s help and our own determination. This is how righteous men and women of old were formed–man rising above the dust of the earth to reflect in himself the divine image!

Before the flood, there were two distinct classes of people. The righteous Sons of God who exercised control over their passions and submitted to God’s leading, and the wicked rabble –those who chose to follow their passions. The world came to an end at that time for all but eight people. 

Are there other examples?  Does God offer strength to overcome?

So how do we explain Psalms 51:5?

“5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.” 

This verse is used to support the doctrine of Original Sin, yet, the Evil Inclination, (the desire to do evil) is also passed down from generation to generation. So what is David saying? That the temptation was overwhelming and he blew it. That it was natural for him to be tempted and though he does not excuse it, he reminds the Creator of this as if reminding Him of his human weakness, but David goes on to express his gratitude for God’s mercy. In a way, he blames his parentage for passing this temptation down to him. But in the words that follow, he takes the entire blame. 

Psa 51:”3 For I know my transgressions; And my sin is ever before me.  … 7 Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.  8 Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.  9 Hide thy face from my sins, And blot out all mine iniquities.  10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.  11 Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy Holy Spirit from me.  12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit. “14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you do not delight in sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering. “

It is interesting that while David pleads with God to forgive him and to restore to him a clean heart, he shows it has nothing to do with a blood sacrifice. This shows the trusting human response to God when after we have sinned. And the truly righteous God we serve who needs no middle man to stand for us as an advocate. Our Creator Himself is our Savior and the only one who can forgive sin. 

Mic 7: “18 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.”

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Nineveh: In the story of Jonah, the people of Nineveh put on sackcloth and repented from their sins after Jonah told them of the forthcoming destruction of their city. Then God repented of the wrath that he had towards them and forgave them, though it angered Jonah:

Jon 3: “6 When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.”

Jon 4:”1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. 2 And he prayed unto YHVH, and said, I pray thee, O YHVH, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.”

Are babies born sinners?

This belief, one of the most damning of them all, places sin in the genetics which cannot be overcome. It takes sin out of the realm of acting and places it in our flesh. In the case of Cain, above, when Elohim spoke to him, he was already angry and ready to kill his brother. But that thought and attitude was not sin, he was reminded to overcome the tendency to do evil. When we blame ourselves or others for what we or they think, then we are missing the entire picture. Sin is what happens after the temptation. 

How to stop smoking! Just do it? 

One desires to stop smoking (I am not referring to smoking here as sin). 

The urge is extreme. “Just let me have that next cigarette.” But you resist it this time. The urge gets stronger, You stop for two weeks, then someone lights up and offers you a rolled cigarette. This time you light up and enjoy it, but then you feel ashamed, but you don’t give up. You try again. Two months later the same thing happens, and you hate yourself for your weakness, but you determine to try again. Two years later the urge is a little less though still desirable, and you have learned to stay away from people at work who are taking a smoke break. Avoidance.

Ten years later, the smell of tobacco still affects you, but you have learned to resist and to avoid it. And now you are no longer a smoker. So good for you! Some people never muster up the courage to quit, and some don’t want to quit. But this is about choices and change. You can do anything, almost, that you set your mind to do!

What about words? What about an angry temper and cussing? If words unjustly hurt people, are they classified as sin? If cussing makes us look weak and evil, with no self-control, then maybe start a cuss jar. Put money into it each time. When it adds up, give it to charity. Turn something bad into something good, and if it hurts enough, maybe you will see a change. 

So, I believe that the evil inclination–the temptation to do things that are wrong, is not sin. It is what you do with it. And as to Original Sin, no baby is destined to hellfire without sprinkling. We die for our sins, not for our tendencies! 

May your path to the Divine Image be successful,

Please subscribe to my blog. like and comment when you have an opinion. It really helps.

Ariella Golani

Elohim: Let US Make Man? Part 2

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In my last article (see here), we discussed the singularity of God in the name Elohim. In Genesis 1:1, though Elohim is a plural word and can be plural in the case of judges or Kings, false gods or noblemen, in the case of creation the use of Elohim is singular shown clearly by the singular masculine verbs that accompany this name. 

Artist rendition from: https://www.kilkennychristianassembly.com/news/what-is-man/

However, when we get to Genesis 1:26, something seems to change in the fact that Elohim says, “let US make man in OUR image, after Our likeness.” How can this be? And what might this mean? For the previous acts of creation, the masculine singular is used for all the verbs that show God acting, showing that He acted as a singular person. So how do we suddenly switch from singular to plural?

Before we get into this discussion, let us look at Who actually performed the creation of mankind. Is this described in singular or plural. See Genesis 1:27-28:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them…”

(In the above verses I have highlighted the English verbs and the possessive pronoun followed by a singular noun: “his own image” and will highlight them in the Hebrew as well.) 

27 וַיִּבְרָא אֱלֹהִים אֶת־הָאָדָם בְּצַלְמוֹ בְּצֶלֶם אֱלֹהִים בָּרָא אֹתוֹ 

זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה בָּרָא אֹתָם׃

The word בָּרָא is a verb signifying that the action was done by a singular masculine character. The word is used 3 times in verse 27 above. 

28 וַיְבָרֶךְ אֹתָם אֱלֹהִים וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם אֱלֹהִים

In verse 28 we see highlighted the verbs “and blessed” וַיְבָרֶךְ (singular masculine), “and said”וַיֹּאמֶר (singular masculine). We see בְּצַלְמוֹ בְּצֶלֶם  (in his own image) also used in masculine singular, even though in verse 26 it uses the plural “our image and likeness.” 

So the entire chapter is consistent in that one person is doing the actual creating, blessing and speaking. Yet verse 26 shows Elohim speaking to someone as if to include them in the creative process. How can this be? 

In my research, I have found answers such as: “He was speaking to the angels.” And yet man kind was not created in the image of the angels, though they do take part in working between Heaven and earth. We see them working with Balaam when he was instructed that he could not speak other than what God put in his mouth. There are many Biblical examples of angel messengers working for mankind. But to say that the angels helped at that moment in the creation of man is denied in the rest of Genesis 1, for God acted alone. 

So who was Elohim speaking to? And one more question that comes from thinking outside the box of right at that time. Could it be that the creation of man was not complete at the time when he was formed of the dust of the ground? Was there something more for which the angels would participate? Or was God speaking to the man he was creating? Now, I know this seems strange. How could a man participate in his own creation?

Could it be that God was referring to the choices Adam and Eve would have to make at a later time? We know that man’s character was not formed until given the choice of which of the two trees he would eat from. Obviously, by eating of the forbidden tree, man was now subject to live with temptation. If he had abstained, he would have not had this nature. So in a way, Adam chose the evil tree and figured the destiny and weaknesses of mankind. I think this is what the verse means. And the angels also have a part to play in our lives even today, though we usually do not sense them. 

Was God speaking to the dust from which He formed the man? Was the image of the ground part of what man was formed? That seems a bit odd, if we think about it, but it makes some sense, and if he created everything else in the creation by speaking, why would he not be able to speak our DNA into the dust that formed us. And asking the dust to cooperate, though that seems a little weird, might just factor in if we think about it. And speaking of dust, we do have an earthly nature so He could have been speaking to the dust as well. So I have given two possibilities, and before you wipe this idea away, give it some thought. Can God animate anything he wants to? Obviously, He did animate the dust, for out of it he created a living soul. Did He need to ask permission for cooperation? 

Just some thoughts to ponder, but you will not find that the name Elohim when used for the Creator is ever accompanied by plural verbs in the entire Tanakh. 

I am happy to read your comments if you want to submit them. Also please like and share, it helps to get the word out!

Ariella Golani

Elohim–God, or Gods? Part 1

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And what about Human Mediation?

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In Exodus 32 we find the children of Israel pleading with Aaron to make them “gods” to go before them. They had been waiting for Moses to come down from the Mountain of God (Sinai) for several weeks and had grown tired of waiting. Their faith in what they had experienced seeing the lightning and hearing the thunderous voice of God was now weak, and apparently they were accustomed to having a visible, tangible god that they could experience in human terms. We see the same humanistic need for a touchable, feel-able God today in many religions. The idea of a God that is beyond comprehension is outside the scope of people’s understanding, it always has been. I want to get back to this idea, but first let us examine something that most versions of the Bible have wrong to my understanding. 

In verse 4, in the passage where Aaron has made the requested golden calf, we see words that the majority of Bible translations claim to say: “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.”

But it was not two or more calves. It was a single golden calf, so why is it referred to in the plural? Maybe a good look at the Hebrew will help us:

וַיִּקַּ֣ח מִיָּדָ֗ם וַיָּ֤צַר אֹתוֹ֙ בַּחֶ֔רֶט וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ עֵ֣גֶל מַסֵּכָ֑ה וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ אֵ֤לֶּה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֶעֱל֖וּךָ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

For those who do not read Hebrew, the highlighted words אֵ֤לֶּה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ can be translated as singular or plural. The first word “ele” is a participle that defines the word that follows, and can mean either “these” or “this” in English. The world “Elohim” is plural and is rendered “Elohecha” in this case, which is still plural but shows possession by adding the “cha” on the end. But why would something that is clearly singular in nature (a golden calf) be called “gods” rather than “god”? This stems from the use of the word “Elohim” and a common misunderstanding of what it means. When used for the God of the Universe, it is often understood in Christianity to refer to the “Triune Godhead.” But in the case of the Golden Calf, it is clearly one object. So does this lead to the idea that the calf was really more than one calf? Or does it help us to understand that the Eternal YHVH who is also called Elohim is not several entities, but One Entity with many aspects? I won’t go into defining God here, He is beyond comprehension to our human minds. But we do know that He is everywhere, He is all knowing, No secrets can be hidden from Him. He hears, sees, speaks, loves, judges….just to specify a few aspects. 

It is true that in the Bible there are times when Elohim is used to indicate human judges, leaders, or false gods. But in the case of the golden calf, it is clearly used in the singular as well as in the case of the Creator and His dealings. By the way, in Genesis 1:1 Christians claim that Elohim was all three persons creating mankind. But if you understand Hebrew and do not go to the English for understanding, you will see the following:

בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית בָּרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֑ים אֵ֥ת הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ׃

“In the beginning, Elohim (God) created the heavens and the earth.” 

(The words “in the beginning, are also misunderstood, but that is for another time since we need to focus on the highlighted words)

In Hebrew, biblical or modern, the words that accompany the noun, in this case “Elohim” must show whether it is expressed as singular or plural and feminine or masculine. In this instance, the word that precedes Elohim is bara בָּרָ֣א: “He created” or brought forth (masculine singular). 

To say that Jesus was in the beginning with God creating the universe, as is declared in John 1;1-3, does not fly when you look deeply into what is really said in the original Hebrew text of Genesis. 

If we look at other verses where Elohim is used in the plural, maybe we will see that the verbs, adjectives, participles, etc. verify the plurality of these verses. Here is one example: 

Psa 97:7 “Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.” In Hebrew:

 יֵבֹשׁוּ כָּל־עֹבְדֵי פֶסֶל הַמִּתְהַלְלִים בָּאֱלִילִים הִשְׁתַּחֲווּ־לוֹ כָּל־אֱלֹהִים׃

The highlighted words say “worship him all ye elohim” referring to the false gods mentioned in the verse.  Note the obvious plural in the English rendition. (Above) And to help simplify the words הִשְׁתַּחֲווּ־לוֹ  where (Hishtavu), the masculine plural is used in qualifying the word “elohim” which is used for the idols or false gods.

There are several more examples in the Bible where Elohim is used for angels, leaders, judges, wicked or righteous leaders, etc. 

I promised in the first paragraph that we would touch on the unfathomable nature of the Divine. Really there are no words other than what the Bible itself says. When Moses asked Yehovah to reveal Himself, Elohim told him a few things about himself:

Exo 34:6-7: ” And YHVH passed by before him, and proclaimed, YHVH, YHVH, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, 7 keeping loving-kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation.”

Basically that is all that was given for a definition as far a character goes. Perhaps that is enough for humanity other than knowing all the other things that describe the activity of the Almighty as revealed in Scripture. Can it be enough? It has to be!

Let us not raise another golden calf and claim that these be our god’s that have led us or saved us from the wrath of the Eternal! Or that these are the ones who deserve to lead us because they are like us, and we can understand them, and God forbid we claim that God needed a human to help him understand what people need! No! There is no one standing beside the Eternal in Heaven telling Him what humanity needs, nor is there (like some in Judaism claim) a famous Rabbi who has an office next to God in Heaven–someone who answers emails when we need instruction! 

May I ask what science people study that denies the Bibles clear instructions to not communicate with the dead? The belief in communication with the supernatural and out-of-body experiences comes from ancient pagan cults and is with us today in many religions including, sadly, some sects of Judaism. 

Kabbalah goes against much of what the Bible says, it includes spiritualistic practices including communication with the dead. See the following statement from Kabbalahexperience.com: 

“It has long been decided in Jewish law that talking with the dead (by oneself or through a medium) is only prohibited if you think that the dead body is in itself the conduit to the discussion. If one is communicating with the soul of the deceased, it is permissible.” But what does the Bible say?

Deu 18:10 “There shall not be found among you, he that makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, that uses divination, that uses auguries, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, 11 or a charmer, or one that inquires of a spirit of Python, or a soothsayer, or one that consults the dead. 12 For every one that does these things is an abomination to Yehovah, and because of these abominations Yehovah thy God doth dispossess them (the nations) from before thee.”

If, as I am asserting, our Creator is all knowing and all compassionate, forgiving and just and does not allow evil into his Kingdom, then why do we need human mediation? After all, He is the one with the manufacturer’s warranty on the universe!

For an unshakable faith,

Ariella

Will You Wear this Crown?

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Society today is an uncomfortable, if not outright frightening, atmosphere in which to find one’s bearings. Nearly everybody comes with the excuse of parents who were dysfunctional, and so we all were neglected. I do not say this tongue in cheek. I see the world spinning out of control, and all of us long for a safe place to grow and prosper. But growth is hard to find while constantly dodging emotional turmoil, either our own or others around us. Most likely both. It seems people have little opportunity to live in peace. The daily struggle just to survive is more than most can cope with, thus the field of psychology blooms and grows, but is psychology the answer? Cultivate yourself. Stop looking to others for love and approval. Well said, but there still is something lacking… 

Does anyone really get well doing that? Or do we produce a bunch of independent automatons? Needs are still there and nobody is filling them. We make mistakes as we live our lives, and family is the first to point the finger at how we have messed up. Children blame parents for their own difficulties and they are right, except when you look at the parenting that the parents had and left a vacant hole in their hearts which led them to be the way they were with their children. 

The Bible talks about the sins of the fathers passing down the to third and fourth generation, well that means everything has mounted up upon this generation to the point where we are fighting everything that we inherited and the animosity of those in our world who also carry the same burden and perhaps blame us for their own discomfort. Is there any hope? I hear people say, if only I had a million dollars so I could live comfortably and not need people! If money could fix the problem, we would have a lot of well-adjusted millionaires, but we see people like Howard Hughes locking himself up in his ivory tower suite! The quest for money is similar to the addiction to  alcohol, drugs or any other addiction. It feels good to succumb  for the moment but then you must pay dearly in emotional backwash! And the money game is about being on the hamster wheel, never having enough!

Someone I knew once asked me if I could be happy living off the interest from a well invested million dollars. At the time, it came to over $50,000 per year. That is the interesting question. And no, apparently money does not satisfy because it often leads to endless chasing after more and more. 

At this time of chaos, where is our Creator? It feels to some that He has gone away and left us to our own devices. Surely not! If we don’t find Him, maybe it is because we are not taking the time to connect with Him? If we never call out to Him, there is no way he will impose on us. He respects our free will. Can we believe that when all hell breaks loose? Do we blame him for the chaos in the world? Or can we be happy even if life does not go as planned? –That sometimes bad things come to us regardless of whether our Maker is in the picture or not, but having Someone to help shoulder the burden just might make it possible to endure. Right? 

When Moses spoke his last words to Israel before they crossed the Jordan, he told them:

Deu 31: “6 Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them: for YHVH thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” After 3000 plus years, is this still true? 

Mal 3: “6 For I, YHVH, change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”

But how do we disentangle ourselves from looking to people and from our sick dependence upon close relatives, (wives, husbands, children, parents, siblings). When we observe others carefully, we realize that  they are as broken or more so than we are and if they don’t know God, they won’t be able to give us a thing other than a temporary fix. But there are always consequences of getting a quick fix. When they give, they expect something in return—maybe more than we can give them. And then we may all find ourselves blaming one another.  Blame is not a game that works because it always comes back to accuse us. If we place the ball in the right court, so to speak-our happiness in Heaven’s court, then we will make it through. 

Psalm 138: 8: “YHVH will perfect that which concerns me, Your mercy, O YHVH endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” 

Zechariah 3 speaks of  Joshua the high priest, a historical figure at the time of the return from Babylon. I believe there is a message beyond the history of those times. Joshua stands before the Eternal as awaiting judgment. We see the Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. YHWH tells the attendants to take away Joshua’s filthy garments. I believe these garments represent the faults and mistakes that  we have committed over our lives and that continually dog our steps, the adversary (whether this be close friends, or relatives or our reputation in society) is quick to accuse us. But, in the text, the guilty garments are removed. Verse 4 says Joshua’s “guilt” is removed–the guilt of Joshua’s past failures. Does this mean that none can accuse him now? Probably not, but perhaps this is about restoration of Joshua’s self-image, which comes with the realization of God’s forgiveness! 

Proverbs 28:13: “He that covers his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall obtain mercy.”

So then what happens to Joshua? After the filthy garments (his sins and mistakes) are removed, his heavenly attendants cloth him in priestly garments and place a royal crown  on his head. He is commissioned to keep God’s charge and if he does, he will rule over the House of God and move among the other priests which he sees sitting before him. This is only a part of the Biblical story, but there is an application to this story for each of us today.  

When we realize that our filthy garments are removed, then we will be  immune to the accusations of others. That does not mean we can lean on them ever again for approval. If we have God’s approval, we need nothing more! We may not rule the courts of the Most High, but we can rule our own lives without regrets. 


Hab 3: “17 For though the fig-tree shall not flourish, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no food; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls:  18 Yet I will rejoice in YHVH, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  19 YHVH, the Lord, is my strength; And he makes my feet like hinds’ feet, And will make me to walk upon my high places. “

Ariella

Modern Descendants of the 10 Lost Tribes: Who Are They?

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Image Credit to: https://blog.nli.org.il/en/lost_ten_tribes

There are historians who claim that the story of the scattering of the Northern tribes of Israel was a myth. Others say or that it was somehow written into the Biblical account in the Tanakh. But I think, there is far too much prophecy that must be taken into account to dismiss the idea of 10 Lost Tribes. 

When I have spoken to other Jews about them, some express the opinion that these tribes are all represented today among the Jews, or that they became Gentiles and are permanently lost. Or that yes, they are important, but they are in places like India and Ethiopia, Evidence of the Silk Road Jews in India and China are well known but most of them have relatively recent history such as from about 800 CE to around 1100 CE, but there are others there who apparently have been there much longer and still observe much of the ancient Israelite religion. These are themselves the Bene Menashe and what they claim provides what I would claim as evidence that they are of the tribe of Manasseh.

“… the Bnei Menashe have come to believe that the legendary Hmar ancestor Manmasi[6] was the Hebrew Menasseh, son of Joseph.” These people struggled to be recognized by Israel for around 50 years until finally they were accepted by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to make Aliyah in 2005, provided they complete a ritual conversion. Link

Of the Falasha people in Ethiopia, some claim to descend from Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, but the general belief among them is that a group from the tribe of Dan fled to Ethiopia (the land of Cush) during the 10th century BCE. (See Link) How can we prove any of this? Is it mere hearsay, or does it follow what the Bible says? These may be facts that have been ignored and Israel has continually held anyone who claims to be of the 10 Tribes  at arm’s length, doubting their origins. Notice the verse in Isaiah 11:11, highlighted below. Cush is known in the Bible as Ethiopia. And what about all the other tribes, where are they?

Isa 11:11-14 -“11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that YHVH shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. 12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. – 13 The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and they that vex Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. 14 And they shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines on the west; together shall they despoil the children of the east: they shall put forth their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.”

And what can we say about the Samaritans who claim to be a remnant of what was left in the land of Israel at the time of the captivity? There are Cohanim (Levites) among these Samaritans who actually can prove their lineage. We remember that the Levites were assigned to cities across Israel in the days of Joshua after the conquest of the land. See the command for this in Numbers 35 and Joshua 21. It is interesting that Jeremiah was a Levite but lived in Anathoth (his birthplace) which was a Benjamite city. Perhaps antipathy towards the Samaritans’ assertion that they are from the original tribes has been fostered through works such as those of Josephus and even the Christian Bible’s story of the woman at the well and the Good Samaritan where the Samaritans are not seen as Jewish. And yet when we look at who were actually exiled among those captured by Assyria, we see that not everyone was taken. The artisans and the wealthy who could help establish the economy of Assyria were taken but the humble people were left in the land to care for it. How many were left is another question, but if we see that only the elite were taken, we may get they idea that many were left in the land. 

According to Wikipedia: “Around 720 BCE, Israel was conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire.[4] The records of Assyrian king Sargon II indicate that he deported 27,290 Israelites to Mesopotamia.[5][6] This deportation resulted in the loss of one-fifth of the kingdom’s population and is known as the Assyrian captivity, which gave rise to the notion of the Ten Lost Tribes.” 

27 thousand, if the above quote included all of them, “a fifth of the population” would leave a lot of the tribes in the land. The big question is, where did they go later? We know that some fled to Judah but when later explorers found Israel to be almost depopulated (people like Mark Twain), the question arises: Where were they hiding? Is it possible that they had gone to surrounding Arab nations? There are many myths of the ten tribes, including the American Indians, the English, the Irish. Silk Road discoveries found Jewish evidence even in China. Link

What I have found in the bible distinctly separates the tribes from the North of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim) who were first conquered and exiled by Assyria ( from the Jews who were later taken to Babylon. Bible students know the details of the separation of these tribes from Judah when Rehoboam, son of Solomon imposed unfair taxes upon them and the kingdom was divided around 930 BCE. (Link)

The two groups of Israelites that went astray and were taken into captivity were the northern tribes by Assyria in 720 BCE and later Judah to Babylon in 587 BCE: The prophet Jeremiah describes both Israel and Judah’s unfaithfulness in chapter 3. See link.

Prophecies speak of a people who were, for all extents and purposes, lost. And yet there is the indication that YHVH never forgot them and will bring back a remnant to the land of Israel. It is obvious from the writings of the prophets that there will be a remnant that returns from the nations. They may not even know who they are.


During the past couple of years since Hamas invaded Israel in the ensuing war since the October 7 massacre, I have seen many people across the globe take at least a verbal stand in support of Israel. This war seems to have created a dividing line between those who love Israel and its values and those who support the corruption of the terrorist regimes which threaten to annihilate not only Israel but all of Western Society.

Maybe I am thinking too far outside the box, but I believe there is a spark of Israel in everyone that stands with Israel. It is as if the blood of the descendants cries out against the evil onslaught against their brethren. Could these be those of the ten lost tribes, just beginning to recognize something that has been hidden ever since they went astray? Who is this remnant, and how will Israel recognize their lost brethren? Israel is not an easy place to immigrate to. What will change this? Perhaps we need a Messiah with Divine insight, or at least a Movement that opens the doors to all who support Israel and are willing to take their lot among the Jews of this nation.

Many of those who love Israel are found within the Christian Church. Some have converted to Judaism, maybe not because they see it as a pure religion, but because something inside them cries out to be with their brethren. But whether their religion is Judaism or not, these people stand with Israel. And it is interesting to note that, apparently according to the Bible the ingathering happens before these lost brethren wake up to some of their mistaken beliefs. Hosea speaks of this:

Hos 14:1-2, 4-9 – “Hos 14:1-2 “1 O Israel, return unto YHVH thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. 2 Take with you words, and return unto YHVH: say unto him, take away all iniquity, and accept that which is good: so will we render as bullocks the offering of our lips.”4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. 5 I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. 6 His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. 7 They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. 8 Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. 9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of YHVH are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.”

Below are a sampling of texts on the subject of the lost tribes and their return. There is still much to be discovered and as many others believe, I also am of the opinion that with or without a particular Messiah figure, these lost exiles will return. Whether it be a universal movement or an actual human figure that brings these things about, we will have to wait and see.

Isa 43:1, 5-6 “1 But now thus saith YHVH that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. … 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;”

Jer 31:7-11- “7 For thus saith YHVH; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O YHVH, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. 8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travails with child together: a great company shall return thither. 9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. 10 Hear the word of YHVH, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. 11 For YHVH hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.”

Eze 11:16-17:
“16 Therefore say, Thus saith YHVH GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. 17 Therefore say, Thus saith YHVH GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.”


Eze 28:25-26 – “25 Thus saith YHVH GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. 26 And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am YHVH their God.”

Eze 37: 11-23:  “And thou, son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: 17 and join them for thee one to another into one stick, that they may become one in thy hand.” (Link to whole passage)

Eze 45:8 – “8 In the land shall be his possession in Israel: and my princes shall no more oppress my people; and the rest of the land shall they give to the house of Israel according to their tribes.”


I for one am waiting with baited breath for the return of our lost brethren. May it be within my lifetime. And let me say that as I see Israel pushing back the borders and taking back land that was once given to them, I see this all unraveling. As it says in Isaiah 54:


Isa 54:1-3 – “1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith YHVH. 2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not: lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes. 3 For thou shalt spread abroad on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall possess the nations, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.”

Ariella Golani

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