Israelology
The Birthright, House of Israel,
Kingdom, and Sons of God
Paul H Andree
Israelology
The Birthright, House of Israel, Kingdom of God, and Sons of God
Copyright © 2008 Paul H Andree
ISBN: 978-0-6152-0361-4
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means---electronic, mechanical. photocopy, recording, or otherwise---without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. Contact Paul H Andree by email at: pandree@netmender.net and reference Israelology in the subject. Book website - http://www.netmender.net/Israelology/
About the Cover
Num 1:52 And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.
The images of the ox and the lion represent the tribes of Ephraim and Judah respectively. God instructed Moses to have the tribes camp about the Tabernacle and the Levites, towards its four sides. The tribes were divided into four groups of three tribes each. One tribe was the lead tribe of the three and its banner (standard, ensign) represented those three tribes. (Numbers 2:1-31)
Judah was set to the East and represented Issachar and Zebulun with the banner of the lion. Reuben was set to the South and represented Simeon and Gad with the banner of the face of man. Ephraim was set to the West and represented Manasseh and Benjamin with the banner of the ox. Dan was set to the North and represented Asher and Naphtali with the banner of the eagle.
Judah = Lion Ephraim = Ox Dan = Eagle Reuben = Face of a man
Eze 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Rev 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
Scotland, England, and other countries use the lion on their coat-of-arms
Scripture references are taken from the E-Sword free software Bible program
King James Version Copyright 2000-2005 Rick Meyers
http://www.e-sword.net/
Israelology
Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................ 5
Preface ............................................................................................. 7
Introduction ..................................................................................... 9
Chapters
1. What is Truth ............................................................................. 11
2. The Birthright ............................................................................ 19
3. What is Israel ............................................................................. 55
4. The House of Israel – Historical Overview ............................... 83
5. The House of Israel – Scriptural Overview ............................... 99
6. The House of Judah – Historical Overview .............................. 145
7. The House of Judah – Scriptural Overview .............................. 179
8. Roots of Christianity ................................................................. 203
9. First the Natural ........................................................................ 217
10. The Kingdom of God ................................................................ 227
11. The Sons of God ....................................................................... 241
12. Summary and Conclusion ........................................................ 265
Appendices
A. What Is Truth – continued ........................................................ 274
B. Lost Chapter of Acts – 29 ......................................................... 285
C. The Annual Feast Days of God – Table ................................... 288
D. What is an Overcomer .............................................................. 289
E. How to Become a Hebrew ........................................................ 290
F. Huios Word Study .................................................................... 290
G. Joseph and the Fruit of the Spirit ............................................. 293
H. Chronology of History from Creation to the Present ............... 296
Bibliography ................................................................................... 312
Preface
This handbook is the result of many years of reading the Bible cover to cover and often coming across scriptures or topical subjects that I did not understand. I had questions that went unanswered for many years. Being a ‘teacher’ type of person, I wanted answers, so I started reading many topic-related books. Once I learned something on a subject, I wanted to inform everyone else, but the interest just wasn’t there. In fact, I was mildly chastised for not concentrating upon developing my relationship with God, or developing my understanding of the basic tenants of the faith. I was frustrated and discouraged because my interests were in less studied and more controversial areas.
I received some peace through a ‘still, small voice’ that indicated that I had relationship with God and could hear His Voice through His Word. It was a great release for me at that time, as I had put down my studies and even reading the Bible. Over time, I had asked the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me as to what I was to devote my time to; and He was faithful. I can’t point to any specific moment in time, but over several years in the late 1990’s, my interest in many different topical studies returned. People still didn’t want to get in discussions about what I was studying, but I was at peace. God had me where He wanted me and I accepted that whatever rejections came were allowed by God for His Purposes.
When I was an teenager in the late 1950’s, I didn’t listen very closely to the sermons at our local church, but one Sunday the pastor taught on the camel and the eye of the needle.
Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
It is impossible for that to happen, so I saw that it was impossible for me to enter the kingdom of God. The pastor showed that the ‘eye of the needle’ was an entry gate into a walled city. They would close the city gates at night for protection. If a traveler arrived too late, he would have to camp outside the city walls where it was unsafe. Walled cities, however, made provision for this with a very small, short entryway through the city walls. A man would have to stoop way down in order to enter, and he would have to unload his donkey or camel to bring his cargo into the city. Then the camel would have to get down on its knees to pass through the gate. That gate was called ‘the eye of the needle’. So, it was not impossible to pass through, just difficult and with much labor.
That teaching caught my attention. It showed me that the scriptures contained much more information than was available at first glance. I have since learned that this teaching on the ‘eye of the needle’ was not accurate and only gained recognition in the 15th century, and that there are no records of such a gate or the discovery of this gate in ancient ruins. This teaching arose from the translation of a word that became ‘camel’ rather than a ‘camel-hair rope’. But, God used it to capture my interest. I discovered that there was much more to be learned than that which was presented in Christian teachings. The use of the Greek language and historical events brought the scriptures alive to me in a way that grew and intensified since the 1980’s. It brought me to a place where I had much valuable scriptural information but still no outlet to share it. This frustrated me once again but through much tribulation (trials), I had learned of the sovereignty of God. He was and is in charge, and He showed me that I didn’t have to strive with people or with Him.
The thought that I should write a book about what I had learned crossed my mind several times over the years. Friends said that the material needed to be brought to both the church and the non-churched, because they had never been taught about these things. They recognized the events and some of the scriptures I talked about, but they had not known how they related to God’s Plan, nor how it related to them personally. I struggled with this for about 6 years because 1.) I did not like to write or type, 2.) I was not an expert in this field, and 3.) I was not an ordained minister with a church or with a base of support. Lately (2007), I came to terms with this when that ‘still, small voice’ showed me that if He had called me to write a book, He would ‘lead and guide me into all truth’.
So, here I am today, 5/27/2007, starting this handbook. I am calling it a handbook because I want it to be a resource book for others to gain a broad overview of the subject materials. The material that will be presented in this handbook does not result from my research alone, or bring a new concept into Christian literature. Others have done the time consuming study to bring these concepts to light. And many others have been inspired by the Holy Spirit with a revelation that was unique in itself. I have read and learned these concepts from many different sources, until what I have eaten has become a part of me. I want to introduce you to this material in a systematic way so that a proper foundation will be correctly laid down. I give credit to the many authors who have provided this spiritual food to me. The glory is God’s foremost but theirs secondarily. I will list all of the books that I have read that are relevant to this study in the Bibliography. My heartfelt thanks are sent to those many authors who have paved the way for our current understanding.
Thank you for taking the time to study and consider this material. It is all based upon the inspired scriptures. Some of the concepts will be new to you. If it is tough to chew, don’t spit it out just because you think it is a bone; chew on it awhile (meditate) because it may just be a tough piece of meat. Remember, the milk of the Word is for the unskillful, but the meat of the Word is for the mature.
Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Paul H Andree
Introduction
This handbook has been written for several purposes. 1.) To introduce you to some concepts and truths that you are either unaware of or are preconditioned against. 2.) To provide the subject material to you with the many proof-text scriptures that will establish these truths. 3.) To provide a quick and easy access to these many scriptures so that you may then teach from these scriptures on the many subjects presented here. 4.) To encourage you to study and read the many reference books that were used as source materials in this handbook.
This handbook will only introduce the concepts with their many relevant scriptures. The scriptures, in most cases, will speak for themselves and thus will stand-alone. We will not go to great lengths to prove or establish a theological treatise. Some scriptures will require additional information that is presented in the many source books. Some subjects are quite involved in that there is much background information required in order to fully appreciate those conclusions. Many of these source books are as large as this handbook, and contain a vast amount of information that cannot be reproduced here. The intent here is to stimulate further study and have you experience the Holy Spirit confirming these truths to you as He did to me. The scriptures are our source for all Truth.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Most students of the Word of God have experienced a quickening by the Holy Spirit. In the Greek language it is called a ‘rhema’, which means ‘a quickened word’ or ‘spoken word’ from God to us.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary states the following.
The significance of rhema (as distinct from logos) is exemplified in the injunction to take "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," Eph_6:17; here the reference is not to the whole Bible as such, but to the individual scripture which the Spirit brings to our remembrance for use in time of need, a prerequisite being the regular storing of the mind with Scripture.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
He, at the time of His choosing, reveals a deeper truth to us upon any particular scripture. Then we have a personal revelation that has specific meaning to us. This author sometimes experiences the hair on his neck or arms raising, or a quick tingling shiver, or an excitement deep in his spirit. Those to whom this has occurred know of which we speak. As one is committed to learning the acts and ways of God, he will experience this at some point in his reading of God’s Word. It is my prayer that this quickening will be accomplished in you through the reading of this handbook, and by the Spirit of God.
Chapter 1 - What Is Truth?
This chapter will prepare you to consider the material in the chapters that follow. It does not contain the material relevant to Israelology in itself, but is necessary to alert you to the hindrances that affect us all. If we are not aware of these traps, we will naturally short-circuit the learning process available to us. This first chapter will assist you to be ‘teachable’ in areas that are new to your understanding. We trust that you will then be challenged by what is presented in this handbook.
Our Traditions
We all have traditions regarding our flavor of Christianity; we can’t help it. We are what we are. We are a product of what we have been taught, what we have experienced, what we have read, the culture we were raised in, the denomination or religion our parents were, what the Holy Spirit has revealed to us, or even a product of the lack of any spiritual training. We often believe something because 'Granny' believed it, or our denomination says it is so. Maybe we were taught incorrect doctrine by a pastor that we loved and respected. We all have a belief structure that is unique to ourselves. It may be in agreement with 95% of others in our peer group, but there is still that 5% that is unique. Maybe it is 10% or even 50% that is unique to us; it doesn’t matter. We are a product of the events and information imparted into our lives since birth. It is accurate to say that some of these beliefs, or traditions, are good while others are doctrinally incorrect. Jesus said;
Mat 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Mat 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
Mat 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
Mat 15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Mat 15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
What traditions, or commandments of men, was Jesus referring to here? Was it just a cultural belief that evolved over time? No, it was much more than that, although it did evolve and increase over time. A simplified version of the extensive history follows here, and its effect upon what became the Jewish religion will be seen in later chapters.
The inhabitants of Jerusalem were taken into captivity to Babylon about 586 B.C.; which included the priests among the survivors of the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. While there for seventy years, the commandments of God contained in the Torah, the first five books of our Bible (Genesis – Deuteronomy), were influenced by the pagan religion of Babylon. The priests and religious leaders wrote extensively about what God was saying in the Torah. They were trying to explain what God really meant. In essence, they were attempting to improve upon God’s meaning, purpose, and words in the Torah. They were also attempting to relieve themselves of God’s righteous requirements upon their behavior. Unfortunately, while weakening God’s intent found in His Words, they were adding man’s rules and regulations upon the common man. These rabbinical writings were collected and known as the Talmud. It is reported to be more popular within Judaism today than is the Torah. This is what religion does. Jesus again stated;
Mat 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
Mat 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Mat 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Mat 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Mat 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Mat 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
The Talmud was a growing collection of these writings. The rabbis continued to write their opinions upon the Torah and even upon other rabbi’s opinions. The study of the Talmud continues onward to our time with many different schools of thought, each school will favor one rabbi’s thoughts over another’s. This is a vast study, which may be of interest to some, but its history is not our intent here. What is important to recognize is man’s ‘wisdom’, traditions, and doctrines superceding the Word of God.
A student of the Bible who compares God’s Words to the words of men in the Talmud will readily see why there is a major conflict between the two religions of Christianity and Judaism. They each have different and in some cases, opposing views of God’s Word. It is easy to see how a person who is influenced by his birth location and parentage arrives at a religious viewpoint that is resistant to change. We are a product of what we have experienced and what we have been taught. We tend to group together with others of the same opinions or beliefs. We accept our beliefs as the ‘only’ true belief and will not venture into ‘enemy’ territory.
Religious traditions that entrench a person into a dogmatic view can be destructive to that person’s spiritual growth. There are many ‘supposed truths’ in each religion. We are all victims of these ‘supposed truths’ whether in a religious or secular setting. Our beliefs on any subject may fit into this category. We accept certain beliefs as true with little or no supporting evidence. If we can point to something as evidence for our beliefs; can we be certain that those evidences are even true. We end up standing upon shaky ground. But, we all tend to do this, at times. When we accept what others say or tell us as truth, it becomes an accepted truth, because so many others accept it as truth. So it is with urban legends. We hear it so much that we accept that it must be true. The ‘legend’ picks up a life of its own and we end up promoting it as truth. In the church, we have some of these ‘legends’ in our belief system that seems to have scripture supporting them. But,
when there is a wealth of scripture that refutes these ‘legends’, we must seriously consider re-
examining these beliefs. The key then is to be schooled with this information contained in the scriptures.
How can we come to a ‘truth’ on anything, seeing there are so many divergent views on any one subject? One expert says, “This is true”, while another expert refutes it. How then are we to accept anything as Truth? There is only one way. There must be a ‘standard’ whereby we can measure all theological, doctrinal, spiritual or religious questions. The Bible is Truth. We will find our answers if we rely upon the Word of God and revelation by the Holy Spirit. To trust in what someone else says is dangerous, but to have faith in what God says will answer all questions and bring life. Jesus said,
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Traditions readily bring a separation between religions, but they also cause conflict and tension within any particular religion. These exist within Christianity as denominations, where churches avoid contact with each other because ‘they are wrong’ and ‘we know the truth’. Even within a denomination there are differences in beliefs that cause separation. Each person will hear or see something individual to their experience or teaching. Many will see several truths but not see other truths? How do we come to terms with this as regarding doctrines and the scriptures? How do we overcome these potential problems?
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
It is our intention here to challenge you to study this material. We feel strongly that you will be challenged in some of your beliefs. You may believe something that has little or no scriptural basis. It may be a wrong interpretation or it may have been taken out of context. Conversely, you may believe something that is right but not know why. We want you to become a little uncomfortable. We want you to question your, and our, beliefs upon this subject matter. Consider the ‘full counsel’ of God’s Word rather than retreating into a comfort zone of traditional beliefs. We also want you to be ‘teachable’. That does not imply that you lack intelligence or that your beliefs are faulty. However, it does ask you to be willing to face information that, on the surface, you are preconditioned against.
NOTE: This chapter was originally 16 pages long. We have shortened it to 6 pages for practical reasons. You may read the other 10 pages in Appendix A, at the end of this book. This material is very important to becoming ‘teachable’. We must become willing to consider that we may not be as informed as we ought to be. The key to wisdom is knowledge. Wisdom can be a spiritual endowment, but in most cases it comes from experience and knowledge. So it is with knowing God. The more revelation, knowledge of God’s Word, and experience with God we have, the more we know God and His Ways. We should all admit that we do not have it all figured out, and that there is much that we are not informed about or even aware of. Are you willing to be challenged? Are you accepting to change? Are you teachable?
Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Pro 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Pro 2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
Pro 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Pro 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Pro 14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
NOTE: The topics below comprise the remaining 10 pages of “What is Truth” and can be read in Appendix A. We encourage you to refer to it now, before proceeding, if you want to be challenged. If you feel comfortable about your ‘teachability’, then proceed. However, if you stumble at some of the material in the following chapters, please read Appendix A before discounting what is stated in this book.
Teachableness The Bereans Faulty First Premise
What Is Truth? History Eyes to See and Ears to Hear
Presentation
The presentation of the subject material to follow will be different from a book of light reading or one that is telling a story. There are other books on these subjects that do this very well, and are listed in the Bibliography. These books present much valuable information upon the subject matter and it is suggested that these resource books be read following the reading of this book. This handbook only introduces the material to demonstrate its scriptural validity, and as such, is more of a textbook. These other resources are the result of years of research by the authors, who have dedicated a lifetime to research, study, and exploration. Their material gives an exhaustive panorama of each particular subject, which will then fully develop each subject.
The Israelology Handbook will not attempt to duplicate the format of these earlier resources. Instead, we will present the topics and subtopics with brief introductions and the supporting scriptures. It is important that the many scriptures on the various subjects contained herein become familiar to all. The Holy Spirit did not place these scriptures in the Word to be overlooked or ignored. All scriptures are significant and have a vital part in the whole. We, as a church, function around our favorite familiar verses. We must become familiar with the ‘full counsel’ of the Word of God. Therefore, the full scriptures will be provided for verification, instruction, and familiarity.
The church has become fractured in some aspects of doctrine or pure scriptural Truth. Many of these aspects are valid and important for the Christian to believe and function in. Others are faulty, either because of a ‘faulty first premise’, misunderstanding, or error. This does not make the people who believe in these aspects of the scripture evil, bad, or enemies to be avoided. We all fit into this category, and in most cases, are just misinformed or uninformed. Remember that we all are products of what we have been taught or have experienced.
Churches can be classified, or self-proclaimed, as a faith church, a Word church, healing, missionary, tongues, gifts, five-fold, spirit-filled, apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, teaching, end-times, sonship, prayer, worship, prosperity, fundamental, etc. to name a few. What is needed is for every church to function in the truths of each of these aspects, or at least to inform their followers of these subtopics of the Word. Our approach will attempt to present a balanced view of a few of these aspects.
The Bible story is one complete story, carried out over the centuries with its many facets demonstrating and revealing God’s Plan of Salvation and Redemption. The church, as a whole, has not seen the inter-connectedness of many seemingly disconnected scriptures and concepts. A difficult passage or prophecy is often either skipped over in reading or interpreted by man’s reasoning; instead of allowing the scriptures to interpret themselves. Every word in the Bible has been placed there for a reason. God does not make mistakes; there is nothing wasted or irrelevant in anything He does. There is purpose in everything He says and does. We will attempt to draw together some of these apparently disconnected scriptures and demonstrate how it builds a topic to a relevant conclusion.
The intent is to introduce the reader to material that is foundational in the Bible, but that has not been popularized in the church or academic community. It is important that this be done as this age is drawing to a close and the next age approaches. God is revealing Himself in many new ways through the revelation contained in His Word. His Plans, concealed in the scriptures, are being released. We must become informed about this information.
Dan 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Many have rejected the Bible as fantasy, as many prophecies seemingly went unfulfilled. But those prophecies are coming to light as God lifts the veil on our understanding. Archaeology is regularly uncovering new evidence that verifies biblical information and historical events. This evidence answers and proves prophecies in ways that silence the critics of the Bible. God is using secular history and academics to reveal His Plans in many diverse areas. The Church, as a whole, has ignored, attacked, or has remained uninformed of this evidence. As more proofs are gathered, we will have a clear picture of the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
The task of presenting this material in an easily understood way is critical. The subjects and scriptural proofs must be relevant or the critics will dismiss them. It must be seen in a way that captures the reader’s attention and causes an interest in these subjects. It must demonstrate the awesome Wisdom of God. It must answer some of the questions that have kept man alienated from God throughout the ages. The ultimate purpose of this handbook is to draw one closer to God, to better understand His Ways. Ideally, after reading this handbook, one will say; “Great and marvelous are thy works, Oh God.”
Rev 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
God must be exalted as a result of this handbook. Therefore, it is very important that this material be presented correctly. Many reject information based upon a title without reading the content. A large portion of the content presented here will be scripture; all of which is from the Spirit of God. Jesus is the Word and thus the Word is God. If we rely upon the Word, we are hearing God speak to us. We want to hear what God has to say, and then learn what He has to reveal to us. We will let God speak for Himself. We do not want to put ‘words’ in His mouth that He would not say.
The Apostle Paul in several of his epistles exhorts upon sound doctrine, specifically to Timothy and Titus. Apparently, there were those who were perverting the teachings of Jesus and the other Apostles. These teachings were the doctrines of men; false teachers, if you will. They were not relying upon the scriptures but upon Greek and Gnostic philosophies. The teachings were a mixture of scriptural concepts expounded upon with a philosophical flavor. Truth was perverted and Paul was concerned about it. His admonitions are to be seriously considered today. One or two scriptures taken out of context cannot support a doctrine. A multitude of scriptures must be used to support and define a doctrine, and they must be in agreement with other doctrines. Consider what Paul said below.
1Ti 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
1Ti 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
1Ti 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Tit 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Tit 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Closing Thoughts
This introductory chapter, with Appendix A, has been relatively long but necessary. It was important to prepare us all to be ‘teachable’ and to be willing to be challenged regarding our present beliefs. This material is important and needs to be considered. Read the material, study it with an open mind, and accept what the Holy Spirit reveals to you. We don’t expect you to accept everything, but you will be exposed and informed about concepts that were previously unknown or unaccepted.
We will use what we term a ‘lawyer’s approach’ in introducing this material. A lawyer will state the case and then go about presenting the evidence to prove it. We will present the subject in the chapter title and then provide an introduction to each subject. Once introduced, we will lay a foundation of subtopics with supporting scriptures. We will then build upon this foundation a structure of other supporting scriptures that will tie it all together. You should then have a clear image and understanding of that subject. The ‘lawyer’, once presenting his evidence turns it over to the jury (you) for a decision, based upon the merits of the case. Hopefully, our evidence will be accepted and proved to you by scripture, and not by mental gymnastics. Material (our evidence) learned in the following chapters will lay a foundation to build upon. Deeper truth builds upon introductory concepts and principles. Hopefully, we can prepare an adequate basis in this material that will both interest and encourage one to pursue further study.
Consider this quote:
"When a well-packaged web of lies has been sold gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will seem utterly preposterous and its speaker a raving lunatic." John LeCarre
We do not believe that some of the concepts we will redefine in this study are lies, which are deliberate misdirection of truth; but we do believe that some of these concepts are just the result of wrong information or faulty thinking. We must also consider that God has not given us ‘eyes to see and ears to hear’ this material till now.
This lengthy Introduction was deemed necessary to assist you to realize the many pitfalls we all face when presented with information different than what we are used to. Concepts were presented to alert us to avoid these traps of the enemy, which keep us in religious traditions that deny the Word of God and make it of no effect. As we are teachable and desire His ways, He will meet us and reveal Himself to us. Let us now prepare our hearts as we enter into this study of the Word.
Our prayer is “that the Spirit of Truth will have precedence in our spirit and soul as we progress into this study. May Jesus be glorified in His Word and in each of us. We trust you Holy Spirit, to lead and guide us into all truth. We ask for your anointing upon your Word to us. Protect us from error as well as from fear as we explore different areas in the study the scriptures. We desire your truths, not man’s perceptions. We ask to know You in new ways. Show us Your Wisdom in Your Plan of Redemption. Reveal to each of us that which You desire for us to know about You and Your Ways. We want You, Lord. Amen.”
Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Chapter 2 - The Birthright
The birthright is a topic that is little known and not commonly practiced in American society today. It is almost as unknown in the church. We, in the church, are at least familiar with the term from the story of Jacob and Esau. We know that Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a pot of stew. We also know that Jacob deceived his father in pronouncing the ‘blessing’ upon him instead of Esau. Unfortunately, that is where our knowledge and understanding of the birthright ends for the majority. This lack of understanding has left the church devoid of one of the major principles in the whole Bible. Thus, it has left the church deficient in understanding other basic principles that should be basic doctrine. The intent of this study is to help you understand the birthright as the Holy Spirit inspired its presence in the Word. This understanding will prepare a foundation upon which to present the other topics in this handbook.
The birthright was a valuable entity in ancient and primitive societies. It is still in practice today in many foreign cultures, whether primitive or civilized. We, in America, have lost its use for all practical purposes. It can be loosely defined as
A privilege entitled to one’s descendants
A right gained from birth
A right to possessions gained by birth
The biblical context of the birthright demonstrates the ‘right of the firstborn’
Webster’s Dictionary defines it as follows:
BIRTH’RIGHT, n. [birth and right.] Any right or privilege, to which a person is entitled by birth, such as an estate descendible by law to an heir, or civil liberty under a free constitution. It may be used in the sense of primogeniture, or the privilege of the first born, but is applicable to any right which results from descent.
Smith’s Bible Dictionary defines it to a greater degree.
Birthright. The advantages accruing to the eldest son. These were not definitely fixed in patriarchal times. Great respect was paid to him in the household, and, as the family widened into a tribe, this grew into a sustained authority, undefined save by custom, in all matters of common interest. Thus the “princes” of the congregation had probably rights of primogeniture. Num. 7:2; Num. 21:18; Num. 25:14. (Num 7:2 That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered: ) Gradually, the rights of the eldest son came to be more definite:
(1) The functions of the priesthood in the family with the paternal blessing.
(2) A “double portion” of the paternal property allotted by the Mosaic law. Deu_21:16-17.
(3) The eldest son succeeded to the official authority of the father. The first-born of the king was his successor by law. 2Ch. 21:3. In all these, Jesus was the first-born of the father.
The ‘head of the household’ was the birthright holder. He had the rulership over his immediate family. This is the case with Abraham. As he aged and his sons had children, he was still recognized as the ‘prince ‘ of his clan. His father or grandfather, or beyond, may still have been the current birthright holder for the tribe. When Abraham’s ancestors died, Abraham was elevated into rulership position. Isaac, his firstborn son would be the birthright holder to his immediate family, but subservient to his father as the ‘prince’ of the clan (tribe). Isaac attained Abraham’s position upon Abraham’s death. Eventually, Isaac’s son Jacob became the ruler of his twelve son’s clans, which the Bible referred to as the Twelve Tribes. As each of these non-birthright sons of Jacob had children, their firstborn would be the inheritor of a birthright from their respective father, but not the ultimate birthright of tribal rulership.
The question may arise as to where this all began. We are glad that you asked, as we will now commence upon a journey that will begin with Adam and bring us to our current time. The Bible story in the Old Testament follows the trail of the Birthright. There are events that do not deal directly with the Birthright but their inclusion in the record relates to the Birthright. It is a fascinating story that demonstrates God’s Plan of Redemption in a way that is seldom considered. It also shows us God’s awesome sovereignty over mankind to work His Purposes in the Bible record and ultimately in our lives.
Adam is to be considered as the Son of God before his fall. He was God’s firstborn of men. How was the birthright principle initiated with him? It must be written in the biblical record somewhere. It is, but it is not referred to as the birthright, but the definition of a birthright is stated.
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Gen 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Did you see it? God gave them (man), initially Adam, “dominion .... over all the earth........ (v. 26). Dominion is rulership. The first aspect of the Birthright is the ‘blessing of dominion, or rulership’. Wikipedia.com defines dominion as; “A dominion is a territory or region under absolute ownership, and can also refer to supreme authority, or sovereignty.” God gave complete authority to Adam to rule over all of the creatures of the earth and over “every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (v. 28). Man is referenced by ‘every living thing’ and by the statement of “multiply”, which denotes future descendants. Adam was to rule over all of God’s Creation, which eventually included all of mankind.
The other aspect of the Birthright referred to in Genesis is “be fruitful and multiply”. This was the ‘blessing of fruitfulness’ contained in the Birthright. This is what Esau sold to Jacob, which will be described later in this study. God’s blessing was placed upon Adam and his descendants, and was inherent in all future birthright transferals. This birthright/blessing was passed on to every successive generation, and was recognized by all generations to come. Basically, Adam was the
ruler and the King of the Earth. It apparently carried with it a priesthood function, as we will see shortly. He was recognized as such. When Adam died, this birthright was passed on to Seth and on down to successive generations.
The Birthright contained these two aspects of ‘rulership’ and ‘fruitfulness’. Dr Jones refers to these aspects as ‘mandates’ in his book titled, “The Struggle for the Birthright”. We will now borrow the use of these terms and reference them as the Dominion Mandate and the Fruitfulness Mandate, as they accurately depict these two aspects of the Birthright. Dr Jones develops these mandates to a greater degree than we will, as we are only introducing you to these principles. We trust that you will become motivated to study these subjects more fully in other writings.
The Birthright Holders
There are a limited number of Birthright holders in the line of succession from Adam. If it were to continue through time until our present age, there would be about 150 males who could have held this position. This is not the case however, as we will see. The facts of this story are little known in spite of being easily recognized in a different context. Who were these God-ordained men and how do their lives give credence to the Birthright story? Genesis 5 records the ‘birthright’ descendants of Adam. Each of these men carried the birthright in their turn. We know that it was passed on to each firstborn son, if he was still alive, and we see Isaac passing it on to Jacob, even though it belonged to Esau. The birthright holders following Adam were:
Gen 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
Gen 5:6 And Seth lived an hundred and five years
Gen 5:9 And Enos lived ninety years
Gen 5:12 And Cainan lived seventy years,
Gen 5:15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years,
Gen 5:18 And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years,
Gen 5:21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years
Gen 5:25 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years,
Gen 5:28 And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years,
Gen 5:30 And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years,
Gen 5:31 And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.
Gen 5:32 And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Noah was the tenth generation from Adam, whom God told to ‘rule over the earth. In essence,
Adam was the ‘king of the earth’, the first ‘son of God’, and each of the birthright holders mentioned above had the rulership over all the earth. The population was relatively small at the time but they would have known these birthright holder’s’ position and authority. Adam died at the age of 930, 56 years after the birth of Lamech, Noah’s father. Thus, most would have heard from Adam, or indirectly, about Adam’s relationship with God. The memory of God as the Creator was common knowledge at the time.
These birthright holders successively held the position as ‘king of the earth’ after the death of Adam. The birthright was then passed to Seth, then to Enos; etc. as each birthright father died, his birthright son then assumed the position. As the scriptures in Genesis 5 show, Noah eventually received the birthright as the tenth ‘king of the earth’.
The names of each of these men are highly significant and demonstrate the level of sovereignty that God operates in. He ordained each man’s name to lay out His Prophetic Plan for His Creation. This is not relevant to our study of the birthright, but is added here to show God’s intimate attention to detail and His control over all creation. This concept was gleaned from the teachings of Dr. Stephen of God’s Kingdom Ministries. Many of Dr Jones’ books were source material for the development of this handbook.
Prophetic Names of the Patriarchs
- Adam means earthy, of the earth - named from the ground from where he was taken
- Seth means to place, or replace - he replaced Abel
- Enos means frailty, frail flesh - man in his capacity of frail flesh
- Cainan means fixed habitation, a house - as opposed to a tent
- Mahalaleel means praise of God - hallel from hallelujah
- Jared means descent
- Enoch means teaching, or initiation
- Methusalah means when he is dead it shall be sent
- Lamech means powerful, powerful one
- Noah had two names - also referred to as Menachem - means comfort
- Noah means rest – the Bible says “this same shall comfort us”
When we put all these names together, it demonstrates to us that God had a plan from the beginning. This is the meaning of these birthright holder’s names;
“Earthy man was placed in frail flesh as his fixed habitation, but the praise of God (Jesus) will descend to initiate (teach), and when He is dead it shall be sent, the powerful one, the Comforter, (the Comforter who causes us to enter into His rest)”
Shem
Shem inherited the birthright upon Noah’s death. He was not the first-born but was the third-born son of Noah. It has been suggested that he and his brothers were triplets, and he was just named third. He received the birthright nonetheless. We know this because the birthright continued down through his descendants. This Shem is named in the bloodline of Jesus found in Luke 3.
Luk 3:36 Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,
Luk 3:38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
Sem named in Luke is Shem. There is an interesting statement made in the Book of Jasher, which obviously is not a book of the Bible, but a valuable source, nonetheless. However, it is mentioned twice in the Bible, which according to the rules of the Canon of the Bible gives it authenticity.
Jos 10:13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher?
2Sa 1:18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
The Book of Jasher mentions Shem quite often surrounding events that are not mentioned in the Bible. He is referred to there as Adonizedek, which is a name/title to the ruler of Salem, later known as Jerusalem. Adonizedek is Melchizedek, thus Shem is Melchizedek. Shem was the King of Salem, King of Jerusalem, King of righteousness, King of Peace, and the priest of the most high God; as indicated below. (The Book of Jasher may be purchased from Artisan Publishers; listed in the Bibliography; or read online at: www.sacred-texts.com/chr/apo/jasher/index.htm . It is fascinating reading about the events of the Book of Genesis in an expanded version. It is reported to have been written prior to Moses’ record of Genesis.)
Jasher 16:11 And Adonizedek king of Jerusalem, the same was Shem, went out with his men to meet Abram and his people, with bread and wine, and they remained together in the valley of Melech.
12 And Adonizedek blessed Abram, and Abram gave him a tenth from all that he had brought from the spoil of his enemies, for Adonizedek was a priest before God.
Jos 10:1 Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek (not Shem) king of Jerusalem ........
Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Heb 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
Heb 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Abram went to live with Noah and Shem when he was 10 years old and was trained in the ways of God by them for 39 years. This is stated in the Book of Jasher. They knew each other very well and we find that Abram and Shem; i.e. Melchizedek, were related although separated by nine generations. The trail of the birthright certainly would have been a topic of instruction to Abram.
Jasher 9:5 And when Abram came out from the cave, he went to Noah and his son Shem, and he remained with them to learn the instruction of the Lord and his ways, and no man knew where Abram was, and Abram served Noah and Shem his son for a long time.
Jasher 9:6 And Abram was in Noah’s house thirty-nine years, and Abram knew the Lord from three years old, and he went in the ways of the Lord until the day of his death, as Noah and his son Shem had taught him;
Shem died at 600 years of age, which was 500 years after the flood. He outlived all nine generations of his descendants including Abraham. Shem held the birthright until his death, unless he passed it on before his death to one of his descendants. There is no record of this that we are aware of. Thus, it is possible that Abraham never officially held the Birthright, although it was his by right of birth and succession. We do know that Isaac passed it on to Jacob, although through Esau’s indifference and Jacob’s deceit. The Birthright was officially Isaac’s as Shem had died before this time.
Gen 11:10 These are the generations of Shem: Shem was an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood:
Gen 11:11 And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.
The descendants of Shem are listed below in a computer generated Outline Family Tree on page 23 showing the successive generations that were eligible to carry the birthright. The names are given in the Bible record and some of the dates were found in the Book of Jasher.
The Outline on page 23 also shows the descendants of Terah, Abraham’s father, and how the descendants of Abraham were all related. We do not know why God ordained this, but it is clear that it was ordained. In reading the record of the events in these marriages in Genesis, we find Eliezer (a type of the Holy Spirit), Abraham’s servant, praying for favor from God in finding a wife for Isaac.
Gen 24:12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
Gen 24:13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:
Gen 24:14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
Gen 24:15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.
The scriptural records and historical records of the Book of Jasher verify these familial relationships and these marriages.
Jasher 9: 1 And Haran, the son of Terah, Abram’s oldest brother, took a wife in those days.
2 Haran was thirty-nine years old when he took her; and the wife of Haran conceived and bare a son, and he called his name Lot.
3 And she conceived again and bare a daughter, and she called her name Milca; and she again conceived and bare a daughter, and she called her name Sarai.
4 Haran was forty-two years old when he begat Sarai, which was in the tenth year of the life of Abram;
Descendants of Shem, Son of Noah
B.C. B.C.
1 SHEM b: 2337 d: 1737
. 2 ARPHAXAD b: 2237 d: 1799
.. 3 SALAH b: 2202 d: 1769
... 4 HEBER b: 2172 d: 1708
.... 5 PELEG b: 2138 d: 1899
..... 6 REU b: 2108 d: 1869
...... 7 SERUG b: 2076 d: 1846.
....... 8 NAHOR b: 2046 d: 1898
........ 9 TERAH b: 2017 d: 1812
......... 10 ABRAHAM - BROTHER OF NAHOR AND HARAN b: 1947 d: 1772
+ HAGAR – DAUGHTER OF PHARAOH, PRINCESS OF EGYPT
.......... 11 ISHMAEL
*1st Wife of ABRAHAM:
+SARAH - DAUGHTER OF HARAN, 11 BELOW b: 1937 d: 1810
.......... 11 ISAAC b.: 1847 d: 1667
+ REBEKAH – G. DAUGHTER OF NAHOR, ABRAHAM’S BROTHER
........... 12 ESAU b: 1787
........... 12 JACOB b: 1787 d: 1640
+ RACHEL - GG. DAUGHTER OF NAHOR, ABRAHAM’S BROTHER
+ LEAH - GG. DAUGHTER OF NAHOR, ABRAHAM’S BROTHER
*2nd Wife of ABRAHAM:
+ KETURAH-MOTHER OF 6 SONS-PROGENITORS OF MANY ARABS
......... 10 NAHOR - BROTHER OF ABRAHAM AND HARAN
+ MILCAH - DAUGHTER OF HARAN, NAHOR'S BROTHER
.......... 11 BETHUEL
........... 12 REBEKAH - WHO MARRIED ISAAC, HER COUSIN
........... 12 LABAN
+ ADINAH
............ 13 LEAH - TWIN SISTER TO RACHEL WHO MARRIED JACOB
............ 13 RACHEL - TWIN SISTER TO LEAH WHO MARRIED JACOB
......... 10 HARAN - BROTHER OF ABRAHAM AND NAHOR
.......... 11 LOT
.......... 11 SARAH - WIFE OF ABRAHAM, HARAN'S BROTHER
.......... 11 MILCAH - WIFE OF NAHOR, HARAN'S BROTHER
Gen 11:26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
Gen 11:27 Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.
Gen 11:29 And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran,
Gen 24:15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother,
Gen 24:29 And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.
Gen 25:20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.
Gen 29:10 And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother,
Jacob and Esau
Isaac was the father of Esau and Jacob through his wife, Rebekah, the sister of Laban. He was the current holder of the Birthright, since his father and Shem had died. Abraham never held the Birthright as he died prior to Shem. Isaac was 110 years old when Shem died, and 13 years later he blessed Jacob with this Birthright. We do not know when Shem actually blessed Isaac with the Birthright, but we do know that it was done as Isaac passed it on to Jacob. Isaac was not to die until 57 years later when Joseph was already in prison in Egypt. These ages and dates are established in ‘Chronology of History from Creation to the Present’ compiled by Dr Stephen Jones and can be found in his book, “Secrets of Time”. It is also included in the Appendix of this handbook. This establishes a brief introduction to the transfer of the Birthright to Isaac and then to Jacob.