Some Jewish and Messianic scholars are feverishly debating whether the word “elef” (Strongs 504 and 505) in Numbers 1 and the counting of the fighting men of the 12 tribes means “clans” or “thousands.” There’s more controversy in Judaism over this one Hebrew word than any other Hebrew word in the Tanak. Richard explains the controversy and gives us some tools on how to wade through all the scholarly debates on this issue. Judges 6 and the book of Chronicles gives us some insight into this controversy as well.
Tag: criticism
Stephen, one of the seven servants the 12 picked to serve the Yerushalayim congregation, is brought before the Sanhedrin on a number of serious accusations that the law of God indicates are worthy of death. Before looking at his defense in Acts 7, we should look at what blasphemy is.
A prominent Bible teacher has challenged the validity of the Book of Hebrews in the Apostolic Writings because he thinks the writer was attacking the validity of the Torah, the law of God. In Hebrews 3-4, some see the teaching that the seventh-day Sabbath has been replaced with “daily rest in Yeshua,” but a careful reading reveals just the opposite.
Does the author of Hebrews replace the Levitical service in the temple with the New Covenant? Did the writer make a mistake about articles in the Holy of Holies, or the Most Holy Place? Does Hebrews change or cancel our obligations to Torah? This study explores Hebrews 9 and Leviticus 16.
Angels as described in the Bible are mysterious. They have great power and a dazzling appearance. Today, some are so enraptured with angelic beings that they seek to commune with them, and the situation wasn’t much different in the first century. Was Messiah Yeshua simply one of the mighty angels, elevated above the others for a certain role? The Book of Hebrews explains.
This discussion is “meat in due season,†because a noted Messianic teacher has written a couple of articles strongly questioning the canonicity of the Book of Hebrews. One unintended consequence of throwing out the Book of Hebrews would be to negate Yeshua’s (Jesus) role as the High Priest of His own sacrifice.