Why should we study the Old Testament? Or The Tanakh in Hebrew

We are walking in today:  Why should we study the Old Testament? Or The Tanakh in Hebrew 

Witness it is written throughout the Bible:   H3789 kathab to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on

Joshua 8:31; 1 Kings 2:3; Daniel 9:13; 2 Kings 23:21; 2 Chronicles 25:4; Ezra 3:4; 2 Chronicles 31:3; Matthew 2:5-6; Luke 4:4; Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:7; 1 Peter 1:16

II Timothy 2:15 King James Version (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

About Study

The understanding of the ancient sages concerning study is much more penetrating than today’s modern view. They compared study to life itself and saw it as something that must be pursued daily even to the last day of one’s life. They also recognized that study was a way to approach the Father in worship. All this is something that challenges contemporary attitudes towards study.

Study, FIVE AM  is about planting the word in the life of the believer. It cannot be done with a superficial or cursory reading of the Scriptures. Whatever is planted in the heart is what can be drawn from, especially in times of trouble and despair.

Wisdom versus Knowledge

These two concepts are sometimes used interchangeably but they are very different. Wisdom relates to practical application like common sense, reason, or decision-making. Knowledge is simply information and facts. Knowledge, in itself, does not lead to right conduct or behavior; it is only wisdom that can guide the believer to righteous living. Knowledge for knowledge sake can also lead to error. The goal, therefore, is to always gain wisdom.

Sound Teaching

There are numerous quotes in the Scripture from Rav Shaul (Paul) that relate to knowledge, wisdom and understanding, especially in both books of Timothy. Consider reading Timothy, He was very concerned that believers walk in right counsel in order not to be deceived by the latest teaching of the day. This is a problem that we still must battle today. In addition to Timothy, I recommend reading First and Second Peter.

The Pitfalls in Hebrew community and the biggest stumbling block for the Hebrew Roots and Messianic communities is acquiring knowledge that builds oneself up, rather than the Body. It is dangerous to elevate knowledge, FIVE AM  over our relationship with the Father,  We are called, therefore, we are to walk humbly before our God in all circumstances.

The Pitfalls in Christian community is that, there is a measure of laziness in the faith community that reflects the culture we live in. Sometimes it is easier to be fed then it is to dig. This is part of a class of dependency that exists in the culture at large and which has unfortunately crept into congregations. Those that are lazy with the word of God are those who are easily deceived.

The Pitfalls for Teachers is the tendency to put teachers on a pedestal. This is dangerous for the teacher as well as the student. A daily evaluation of one’s behavior, motives and sphere of influence is essential. A teacher must guard the heart closely to prevent unhealthy influences that can cause deception. A teacher must be held to account and a teacher must remain a willing vessel that the Father/Yahweh can use. Most of all, a teacher must remain humble.

Biblical hermeneutics is the study of methods of interpretation dealing with the books of the Bible, However Jewish Hermeneutics Traditional Hebraic hermeneutics is based on the Tanakh ( the Torah, The Prophets, and The Writings), which is considered by the sages to be without error.

Application, this is probably the most significant aspect of study, FIVE AM,  Remember the goal of study is to see lives changed and restored. It will take time to process all the material you have gathered, evaluate the patterns and uncover a Spiritual Truth. That Truth, Spiritual Truth,  will bring restoration in your life and in the lives of those around you. Allow The Holy Spirit to reveal the Spiritual Application, to you.

I would like to encourage those of you who do not know Hebrew, to make every effort to learn the Hebrew alphabet.

Your goal is to be able to recognize The 22 letters and the 5 final forms.

The Hebrew alphabet of 22 letters can be split into two groups of eleven letters. The first group indicates our “rescue” ... the fact that Yeshua rescued us out of the world, through our faith and His Faithfulness, in His atoning death on the cross/The Execution Stake.

And the second group of eleven letters points to our “race” ... the fact that we are called on to endure to the end, in faith in Jesus Christ, and that our strength in perseverance is drawn from Him.

Timothy 2:15 King James Version (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The Word of God, in The Tanakh/The Old Testament, promised that God would institute a new/ Renewed covenant with Israel. Jeremiah chapter 31 verse 31 promised: “Behold, the days are coming,” declares Yahweh, “when I will make a New Covenant (in Hebrew, A Brit Chadashah) with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah ...”

**The Tanakh/The Old Testament Scriptures end without the fulfillment of this promise. The Word of God is “incomplete” at this point, However, in Yeshua/Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, the Scriptures are completed – The circle is completed.

http://foundationsintorah.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Study_Final-May-25.pdf

Hebrew--Why study the Tanakh (Torah, God’s Teaching & Instructions); The Prophets; The Nevi’im, The Writings the Ketuvim

Answer: There are many reasons to study , The Tanakh/ The Old Testament. For one, the Old Testament lays the foundation for the teachings and events found in the New Testament/The Brit Chadashah. The Bible, It is a progressive revelation. If you skip the first half of any good book, FIVE AM and try to finish it, you will have a hard time understanding the characters, the plot, and the ending. In the same way, The New Testament/ Brit Chadashah only completely understood when we see its foundation of the Events, Characters, Laws, Sacrificial System, Covenants, and Promises of The Tanakh /The Old Testament. 

If we only had the New Testament/ The Brit Chadashah, we would come to the Gospels and not know why the Jews were looking for a Messiah (a Savior King). We would not understand why this Messiah was coming (Isaiah 53), and we would not have been able to identify Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah through the many detailed prophecies that were given concerning Him [e.g., His birth place (Micah 5:2), His manner of death (Psalm 22, especially verses 1, 7–8, 14–18; Psalms 69:21),

Psalm 22:1

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
    Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?

All who see me mock me;
    they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;
    let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”

14 I am poured out like water,
    and all my bones are out of joint;
my heart is like wax;
    it is melted within my breast;
15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,
    and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
    you lay me in the dust of death.

16 For dogs encompass me;
    a company of evildoers encircles me;
they have pierced my hands and feet[b]—
17 I can count all my bones—
they stare and gloat over me;
18 they divide my garments among them,
    and for my clothing they cast lots.

His resurrection (Psalm 16:10),

and many more details of His ministry (Isaiah 9:2; 52:3)].

History; we believe God ordained it, organizes it, and moves it towards a meaningful, definite, and certain purpose, RIGHT?

So, a correct understanding of The Tanakh/ The Old Testament history enables us to understand The original message to the original audience at the original time and place; Min. Jeanette and that having done this, The bridge to The present message is far easier and safer to construct. FIVE AM

Many history books simply relate The What, The When, The Where, and even The How of each event. Not many attempt to answer The “Why?” question, FIVE AM and those that do, usually prove laughably unreliable.

In contrast, Biblical History, It has a clear purpose: It is a Progressive Revelation of The mind and Heart of God for the benefit of needy sinners. Yahweh is the subject and The hero of The Bible. Therefore, when we read a Tanakh/ an Old Testament narrative, We should ask three questions:

1. What does this story reveal about God/Yahweh?
2. How is this intended to help needy sinners?
3. What role does this story play in the larger and longer biblical story?

The last question will help prevent us from reading the chapters as disconnected dots and unrelated atoms.

Psalm 40:7 is a key verse to understand, in the Bible. It will also be a foundational verse in our Bible Study.

     "Lo, I (Jesus/Yeshua) have come, in the volume of the book (The Bible) it is written of me"

           We know that this verse is speaking about Yeshua because it is quoted in Hebrews 10:7.

Hebrews 10:7

Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,
    as it is written of me in the Volume of the book.’”(The Bible)

So, therefore; (Psalm 40:7 = Hebrews 10:7)

           The volume (book) of the Bible is written about the Messiah and His role in the Redemptive Plan of God.

===>   Luke 24:44 

Luke 24:44 English Standard Version (ESV) Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

The Tanakh/The Old Testament, Confirms that the Law (Torah), Prophets (Nevi'im), and the Writings, Psalms, Proverbs etc… (Chetuvim) speak about Yeshua further confirming our understanding of Psalm 40:7.

Psalm 40:7 English Standard Version (ESV)

7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come;
    in the scroll of the book it is written of me:

            The Jewish people refer to the Old Testament as The TeNaCh.

           THE TeNaCh,  This is an acronym for the order which the Old Testament is laid out in a Hebrew Bible:

            a.  Law/Torah - First five books 
            b.  Prophets - Nevi'im (Isaiah, Jeremiah etc.) 
            c.  Writings - Chetuvim (Psalms, Proverbs etc.)

            Jesus/Yeshua referred to the Old Testament in this manner (Luke 24:44)

Luke 24:44 English Standard Version (ESV) Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

The Bible , FIVE AM is a book that communicates God's plan for the world   *  And the role that the Messiah (Yeshua/Jesus) will play in fulfilling   *  That plan.                                                     
         If the Bible is Yahweh, communicating his plan to us, we must understand The Laws of Communication, RIGHT? FIVE AM  How do we communicate? You ask?   We communicate through 1) Language  2) Culture   3) Customs  4) Idioms 
        A.  The original Biblical language ---> Hebrew

         B.  The culture is the Hebraic culture of the nation of Israel. The setting of this culture was the Middle East. In order to fully understand the Bible, we must understand the Geography and History of the land of Israel and its people.

               So, we need to Study the Hebraic heritage which Yahweh gave to His people which includes having an understanding of The Sabbath, The new moon, and The Biblical Feast Days so that we can better understand The first and Second comings of Yeshua/Jesus, the Messiah (Col 2:16-17).

Colossians 2:16-17 English Standard Version (ESV)

Let No One Disqualify You

16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

        C.  A custom is associated to the culture. We must understand the customs which God gave to the nation of Israel to fully understand His instruction to us (Romans 9:2-5, I Chronicles 28:11-13)

        D.  An idiom, is a phrase, a saying or slang that is understood in the language, culture, and customs of a given group of people at a given period of time.

Let's consider an example of how God/Yahweh gave the Hebrew language to communicate His spiritual truths.

***Consider the word translated into English as 'generation' as found in Genesis 2:4,

Genesis 2:4 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Creation of Man and Woman

4 These are the generations
of the heavens and the earth when they were created,
in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.

5:1, and Ruth 4:18. This is the Hebrew word "Toldah/Toldot". It is the word (#8435) in the Strong's Concordance.

             Regarding the words in the Old Testament (TeNaCh), Jesus/Yeshua said in Matthew 5:17-18  that every jot (Yod -- the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet) and tittle (Tagin -- the decoration crowns on some Hebrew letters in the Bible) will be fulfilled. Here, Jesus/Yeshua is highlighting the significance of the Hebrew language in communicating the truths in the Bible.

The Bible, It will define itself. We do not need to mix our own interpretation of the Bible.

METHOD OF INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE

        A.  Bible interpretation involves "comparing spiritual things with spiritual things" (scripture with scripture),

(I Cor 2:13)

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

        B.  This truth, It requires us to "study to show thyself approved" (II Tim. 2:15).

        C.  In comparing spiritual things with spiritual things (scripture with scripture), by the mouth of two or three witnesses is every scripture established (Deut. 19:15, II Cor. 13:1, Matt 18:16, John 8:16-17).

Deut 19:15 Laws Concerning Witnesses

15 “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.

2 Corinthians 13:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Final Warnings

13 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

              Jesus/Yeshua established that there are three witnesses which testify that He is the Messiah (Luke 24:44). These are: Law/Torah, Prophets (Nevi'im),  Writings; Psalms, Proverbs etc… (Chetuvim) – The TeNaCh. Which most known by most, as the Old Testament.

        D.  No scripture is of any private interpretation. (II Peter 1:20-21).

2 Peter 1:20-21 English Standard Version (ESV)

20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

        E.  This requires us TO STUDY the scripture so that we are not in error (Mark 12:24, Acts 17:11, Acts 18:24-28, I Cor 1:18,21-24).

Mark 12:24 English Standard Version (ESV)

24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?

Acts 17:11 English Standard Version (ESV)

11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Acts 18:24-28 English Standard Version (ESV)

Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus

24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit,[a] he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia (A-Ky-A), the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted (Discredited)  the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures,  that the Christ was Jesus/Yeshua.

 The Tanakh/The Old Testament History is Redemptive History, FIVE AM

God actively directs human history for the purpose of redeeming sinners to Himself. The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of The Old Testament/ The Tanakh to record what would graciously reveal that redemptive purpose, and even the Redeemer Himself (Luke 24:27). The Biblical history, then, is not just facts to teach us theology. These historical facts serve to bring in God’s elect. What greater motive do we need to study it than that these Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15).

A study of the Old Testament/The Tanakh is also important for understanding the Hebraic customs mentioned in passing in the New Testament/The Brit Chadashah. We would not understand the way the Pharisees had perverted God’s law by adding their own traditions to it, or why Yeshua/Jesus was so upset as He cleansed the temple courtyard, or where Yeshua got the words He used in His many replies to adversaries. 

The Old Testament records numerous detailed prophecies that could only have come true if the Bible is Yahweh’s Word, not man’s (e.g., Daniel 7 and the following chapters). Daniel’s prophecies give specific details about the rise and fall of nations. These prophecies are so accurate, in fact, that skeptics choose to believe they were written after the fact.

We should study The Tanakh/ The Old Testament because of the countless lessons it contains for us. By observing the lives of the characters of the Old Testament, we find guidance for our own lives. ****We are exhorted to trust Yahweh no matter what (Daniel 3). ****We learn to stand firm in our convictions (Daniel 1) and to await the reward of faithfulness (Daniel 6). We learn it is best to confess sin early and sincerely instead of shifting blame (1 Samuel 15). We learn not to toy with sin, because it will find us out (Judges 13—16). We learn that our sin has consequences not only for ourselves but for our loved ones (Genesis 3) and, conversely, that our good behavior has rewards for us and those around us (Exodus 20:5–6).

A study of The Tanakh/The Old Testament also helps us understand prophecy. The Tanakh/The Old Testament contains many promises that Yahweh will yet fulfill for the Hebrew nation. The Old Testament reveals such things as the length of the Tribulation, how Christ’s future 1,000-year reign fulfills His promises to the Jews, and how the conclusion of the Bible ties up the loose ends that were unraveled in the beginning of time.

The problem is, if we always play the commodity-time game, we lose touch with the sanity of organic time, Life Is Lived In Organic Time, Organic time is the voice of God.

To prevent this lost of touch with the sanity of Organic Time,  we have the Sabbath, a time to not do the things we do for commodity time.

Like, most people, I too play the commodity-time game, but only for six days of the week. On the seventh day, the Sabbath, I stop the game and return to Organic time. The dividing line between the two kinds of time is drawn by the sunset on Friday- and our acknowledgement of it.  That time is  the Sabbath.  Once a week, and Once a week on the Sabbath,  I’m placed in a full day of sane time, so that I don’t lose my contact with the real universe. Some might be asking how or what does this have to do with studying to show thou self approved, if the The Tanakh/The Old Testament was studied how Yahweh designed it to be Studied, we would know that Observing and Respecting the Sabbath once a week, is our Appointed Sane Time.

The Sabbath provides a weekly dose of sane time, but in the contemporary world most of us need more than that. If we are to survive the commodity-time demands of the nine-to-five (or eight-to six) work day, we need a daily dose of Sabbath or its equivalent.

If this sounds unrealistic or impossible, it is because we have bought the fiction that the nature of time is established only by external, objective forces. We’ve lost sight of our own control over certain aspects of time.

From the Inner, subjective point of view, time is our most malleable commodity. It is infinitely compressible and expandable. We have all had experiences that lasted only a second or two when measured by a clock, but were more eventful and “longer” than others that objectively could be measured in days or weeks. In an impending auto accident, between the moment when you know it’s going to happen and the moment it actually does, subjective time expands as if the event were taking place in slow motion.

****We can use time to fit our needs if we know how and if we remember to.

Timothy 2:15 King James Version (KJV)

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

HUMAN BEING AS CHILD OF GOD

The Psalms tell us this : “you are my child. Today I have begotten you.” When need to reconnect with this great awareness, we are regenerated. We need to reconnect with it every day, if only for a moment- it reestablishes our natural in the order of the universe. When this connection happens we are filled again with light,  and acceptance. For it to happen, we have to make time. Our ability to connect with the universe is especially strong at dawn and dusk, sunrise and sunset.

Whenever you can, spend that time walking your human being, walking your soul. This is how you can strengthen your connection with  Organic time, Yahweh’s Voice.

******The special quality of dawn and dusk doesn’t have to be taught. All of creation knows about it-the birds and beasts in the forest; the creatures of the sea, who rise and fall to different levels of the ocean; in the city, even the pigeons coo at daybreak. FIVE AM

In summary, the Old Testament allows us to learn how to love and serve God, and it reveals more about God’s character. It Teaches us about our Origin.  It shows through repeatedly fulfilled prophecy why the Bible is unique among holy books—it alone is able to demonstrate that it is what it claims to be: the inspired Word of God. In short, if you have not yet ventured into the pages of The Tanakh/ The Old Testament, you are missing much that Yahweh has available for you.

Timothy 2:15 King James Version (KJV)

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

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