Understanding Israel's Identity and Land Covenant

Oct 8, 2024

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Lecture Notes: Understanding the Land Covenant and the Identity of Israel

Introduction

  • Greetings: Begins with a warm greeting, emphasizing the importance of the shabbat.
  • Objective: Understanding the true identity of Israel and the significance of the Land Covenant through historical and biblical contexts.

The 430 Years Misconception

  • Misunderstanding: Common error that Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 430 years.
  • Clarification: Slavery lasted 210 years; the 430 years refer to the period from the promise to the breach of the promise (Golden Calf incident).

Land Covenant and Priesthood

  • Abraham's Covenant: Administered under the Melchizedek (Maled) order, not the Levitical priesthood.
  • Misinterpretation: Messianics and Talmudic Jews mistakenly believe the Levitical priesthood can administer the land covenant.
  • Historical Context: Under King David, the land covenant could not be fulfilled under the Levitical priesthood.

Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart

  • Biblical Reference: Exodus 7:13 and 10:1 discuss different Hebrew words for "hardened," reflecting on Pharaoh’s heart condition.
  • Lessons for Believers: Importance of having a heart inclined towards Yahweh's commandments.

True Identity of Israel

  • Definition Debate:
    • Option A: Any descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Israel.
    • Option B: Those who accept Yahusha as Messiah and follow his Torah.
  • Adoption: Non-Israelites can become Israelites through faith and are grafted into the vine of Israel.

Critique of Talmudic Judaism

  • Counterfeit Faith: Zionism and Talmudic Judaism are portrayed as counterfeits of true faith.
  • Messianic Misunderstandings: Many believers support what is viewed as a false representation of biblical prophecy.

The Duality of Israel

  • Two Israels: Physical (carnal) vs. eternal (awakened) Israel.
  • Biblical Distinction: Paul’s writings in Romans and Galatians highlight these differences.

Spiritual Israel

  • Natural vs. Supernatural: Importance of understanding physical Israel before grasping the spiritual.
  • Biblical References: Romans 9:6, 2:28, John 1:13 emphasize spiritual grafting in.

False Identity of Modern Israel

  • Ethnic and Religious Misidentifications:
    • Modern state of Israel is not equivalent to biblical Israel.
    • Kazar Theory: Many claiming to be Jews are actually descendants of Khazars, not true Israelites.

Warnings Against Modern Political Israel

  • Political Zionism: Critiqued as a false fulfillment of prophecy.
  • Call to Believers: Understand the true biblical identity of Israel, avoiding modern political entanglements.

Conclusion

  • Unified Israel: Emphasis on bringing Ephraim and Judah together under the melchizedek priesthood.
  • Identity and Prophecy: Encourages a return to biblical identification and understanding of Israel’s role in prophecy.

Overall Message: A call for a return to biblical truths regarding Israel’s identity and covenant, rejecting political and religious misinterpretations.