ZDK ASTARIA Cultures - EMUSPATEL Introductory Literature
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ToRaH, ToReL, or TaNaCh???
The Issue or Jewish Law...
God's Law and the 10 Commandments of the TeNahKh
As you may recall, the old joke is that if you get 4 Jews in a room,
you are going to have 16 opinions! So, while we all may agree that
keeping God's Law is our moral duty (Ecclesiastes 12:13), there is
quite a storm over just what that means. For, there are many opinions
on what God's Law is.
WILL THE REAL LAW PLEASE STAND UP?
Care to compare apples and oranges (with a few cherries and plums
thrown in)? Well, there are more than half-a-dozen different
definitions for LAW in Judeo-Christian thought! Now, in Hebrew the
word is ToRaH or Torah (pronounced toe-raw) and in Greek in is NoMoS
or Nomos, both of which have a variety of definitions. So, let us
consider them to better understand what is being discussed:
- PeNTaTuKh or Pentateuch:
These are the First Five Books of the Bible or Holy Scriptures,
which are authored by Moses.
- ToRaH V'NahVeheyM or Torah and Navi'im:
Literally, the Law (ToRaH) and the Prophets (NahVeheyM), which
includes the PeNTaTuKh and the works of the Major and Minor
Prophets. (Matthew 5:17-18, Luke 16:29-31, and John 1:45.)
- TeNahKh or Tanach:
The set of Sacred Jewish Scriptures formed by the acronym for
Law (T), Prophets (N), and Writings (Kh or Ch), which now compose
the 3 main divisions of the Old Testament for the modern
Bible. (See Luke 24:44.)
- Talmud:
This is refered to as the Oral Law (supposedly from Nehemiah 8:8),
the Teachings or Traditions of the Elders (Mark 7:3,5), the
Customs of the People (Acts 21:18-24), and the Rabbinic Law.
And, this LAW is also composed of two major parts:
- Mikkra, which is the TeNahKh plus various commentaries
by famous Rabbis on what the Passages mean. Unfortunately,
in interpreting the Passage, many Rabbis actually ended up
negating or breaching the orginal Commandment (Matthew
15:1-9).
- Middrash, which is a collection of Jewish myths and
legends, mainly from the Babylonian Period. These were
soundly condemned by Y'Sha or Jesus (Matthew 15:1-6)
and the Apostles (Titus 1:14).
- SePTuhaJeNT or Septuagent:
Literally, a translation of the 70, refering to when Alexander the
Great conquered the Holy Land and had a translation of the Jewish
Scriptures made into Greek, including the TeNahKh or Tanach and
several of the Jewish myths and legends, forming the Apocrypha
(and aiding the rise of Hellenistic Judaism).
- NoMoS or Law of Moses:
While one would expect that the Greeks use of this would refer to
the PeNTaTuKh, in fact, it was just as often used to refer to the
Talmud, and even (occassionally) to the SePTuhaJeNT! (Adding to
the confusion!)
- B'ReyT QahDaShaH or B'rit Chadashah:
The New Covenant or New Testament, composed of the Gospels (or
Stories about The Messiah or Christ) and the writings or Teachings
(T) of the main Apostles.
Now, as you can see, there are a lot of different meanings ascribed
to the term LAW of God (or as we say NoMoSeL). So, you need to read
carefully to find out which one is really being talked about. And,
one of the cues to help, is to understand who is speaking (or to which
group are they talking).
LAWYERS: JEWISH FACTIONS OF THE LAW
Not only are there a variety of definitions, but, down through history,
there have developed various groups or Sects that attempted to maintain
their view and opinion as to what LAW or Judeo-Christian Regulations
are! So, let us look at them, to understand what they are meaning
when they speak of the LAW:
- SAMARATIANS:
These were transplanted Peoples (Gentiles), moved to Samaria by
by the Assyrians when the Israelites were conquered and carried
away captive (thus Gentile Believers), who held that only the
PeNTaTuKh was sacred Scripture or the LAW of God.
- SCRIBES:
The Scribes were the recorders or secretaries of Divine Revelation,
thus they held that the Law and the Prophets was the only sacred
Scripture (and that contemportary revelation was superior to any
previous writing).
- SONS OF ZADOK or SADUCEES (Shaddox):
Orginally, these Chief Priests upheld and promoted the TeNahKh as
the only sacred Scripture (and facilitated its translation into
the SePTuhaJeNT)--Ezekiel 44:15. But, as time passed, their
intellectual pursuits led them captive to Greek Philosphies (and
promoted the rise of Hellenistic Judaism--with its noted site of
Dura-Europus), so that Y'Shua (or Jesus) rebuked them for their
secular materialism (and their Syncretistic heresey--mixing Greek
gods with Judaism)!
- PHARISEES or FayRaSheyM:
While the Saducees were sliding away to the Greeks, the Jews of
Babylon were developing the Talmud (under heavy Babylonian
influence and Pagan impact). Thus, these were Talmidic scholars
dedicated to teaching and upholding the Talmud as the only sacred
Jewish Scripture. Needlless to say, they were soundly condemned
by Y'Shua (or Jesus) and the Apostles (for their Babylonian
Syncretism--mixing Babylonian gods with Judaism).
- GahTSK or GOTHS:
At the time of the Samaritans, the People of the Northern Kingdom
of Israel were carried away captive to around Ninevah, where they
mixed with the Descendants of Keturah (Abraham's concubine). Later
they migrated into Eastern Europe (Western Russia) and then to the
Baltic Region (Scandinavia). They appear to have then followed in
the footsteps of the Sons of Zadok, holding to the TeNahKh for
centuries (and then incorperating the New Testament) as their
sacred Scriptures and Law of God. (A copy of these Scriptures in
runes was found by St. Cyril in the late 850s A.D.)
- CATHOLICS:
As Barbarian or Gothic Europe gave way to Feudal Europe, the Latin
Church rose in power, so that the Roman Catholics came to adopt
the Greek SePTuhaJeNT as their sacred Scripture (for the Old
Testament) and took up a Jewish Scribe attitude that current
revelations of Church Fathers (especially the Pope) are superior
to any written Passage. Thus, their Law of God is the current
teachings of the Catholic Church (and not always Scripture).
- KARARITES or FRIENDS OF GOD:
As the Saducees slid off to the Greeks and the Pharisees (or
Rabbinics) slid off to the Babylonians, there arose a new group
following in the footsteps of the Sons of Zadok, which held to the
TeNahKh and meticulously copied and preserved it, forming what is
called the Masoretic Text, even all the way down though history
to modern times.
- PROTESTANTS:
As the Renaissance transformed Feudal Europe into the modern world,
there arose Church Reformers, who followed in the line of the Sons
of Zadok, the GahTSK, and the Kararites, so that they held to the
TeNahKhT as sacred Scriptures, which is composed of the Law (T),
the Prophets (N), the Writings (Kh or ch), with the inclusion of
the New Testament (T), which is now our modern Protestant Bible,
as the Law of God. (And, they insist that these ancient written
Passages are superior to any current revelation or teaching!)
Now, with all of these factions battling to establish their view of
what the Law of God or ToReL (or NoMoSeL) is, should there be any
wonder that there is so much confusion over what the LAW really is?
And, to set the record straight, and clear up any confusion here,
Our Realm holds to the Protestant view, and maintains that the
TeNahKhT or modern Protestant Bible is the only sacred Scripture.
This is the only valid Law of God here, among us. (And we, like the
Sons of Zadok or Saducees, the Kararites, and the GahTSK or Ancient
Goths will fight to preserve it!) Consequently, though we hold to the
Hebrew Heritage of the Northern Nations, we do not teach nor uphold
the Talmud (though occassionally references to some of its teachings
may be made). It is just not viewed by us as being sacred enough to
be focused on. Whereas the Holy Scriptures of the TeNahKhT or
Protestant Bible are!
Now, don't lose hope! I know grasping the whole Bible is no
small task! (And beyond the scope of most average members.) And,
luckily, God is aware of this, too! For, HE has given us a short
summary of the LAW of God or ToReL (or NoMoSeL), for most of HIS basic
Laws can be summed up in the Ten Commandments or Decalogue.
DIVISION OF THE COMMANDMENTS
Now, not suprizingly, there is also controversy over how the
Commandments are counted! The listings of the 10 Commandments in the
Holy Scriptures (Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21) actually only
seems to list 9! So, the Pharisees claimed that there was a division
in the Commandment of Idolatry, that no false gods and no images were
both commanded--aimed primarily at the Saducees and their upper class
snobbery and patronization of artists who would depict Greek gods and
goddesses. The Saducees countered with claiming that there was a
division in the Commandment on Coveteousness--aimed primarily at the
Pharisees and their middle class materialism (and greed).
However, Y'shua (or Jesus) settled this controversy by holding that
the Sh'MaH was actually the 1st of the 10 Commandments (Deuteronomy
6:4-5 and Matthew 22:37) Which gives us...
DECALOGUE: the Ten Commandments
Unfortunately, with the modern world's attitude of ignoring God's
Law, plus the hot religious debate over what God's Law really is,
has made the average person lose track of what the Ten Commandments
are. So, let us enumerate them here for you, plus give you a few
related Scriptures that help explain what the Commandment actually
means (so that you can look them up and see what it is that God wants
you to do, or not do). Here they are:
- THOU (you) SHALL LOVE THE LORD THY (your) GOD!
For this is the First and Greatest Commandment, as
in the Sh'MaH (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Matthew 22:36-38); And, its
corolary, to Love your neighbor as yourself, summarizes all the
Law and the Prophets (Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39-40).
Moreover, it gives rise to the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12).
Consequently, it serves as Our Realm's PRIME DIRECTIVE!
- THOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME!
For Idolatry is a MAJOR Sin (Exodus 20:3-6 and Deuteronomy 5:7-10)
and we are sternly admonished to keep ourselves free from the
pollution of idols, images, or symbols of false-gods (Deuteronomy
7:2-5, Acts 15:20-21, and I Corinthians 10:14). Neither are you
to participate in their practices: Dark Arts, Psychic Sciences, or
the Occult (Deuteronomy 18:9-14); Nor the desecrations of
drunkenness (Hosea 4:11 and Ephesians 5:18) and sorcery, or the
use of hallucinogenic drugs (Isaiah 47:9, 12 and Revelations
9:20-21). (For more details, see Our article: THE IDOLACLASTIC
CALL, under the Current Messages section.)
- THOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN
VAIN!
Keep the Name(s) of God sacred and do not use God (and the sacred
Name YHVH or YaHaVayH), Christ, or Jesus (Y'ShuWaH) in profanity
(Exodus 20:7 and Deuteronomy 5:11). Especially do not blasphme
(belittle or speak evil of) God (Leviticus 24:11-16) and most
especially, not to blasphme the Holy Ghost--which is the only
unpardonable Sin (Matthew 12:24-32). And, in general, control your
mouth to avoid cussing and swearing, as much as you can (Matthew
5:33-37 and James 3:2-13).
- REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY, TO KEEP IT HOLY!
We are to rest from our labors every seventh day (Exodus 20:8-11
and Deuteronomy 5:12-15) and to especially attend the worship
services and Congregational gatherings (Hebrews 10:25). Moreover,
we should observe the other Holy Days and Sacred Celebrations,
especially the Scriptural ones of God's Calendar (see Leviticus
ch. 23 and Deuteronomy ch.16).
- HONOR THY FATHER (and thy mother)!
Children, no matter their age, are to be obedient to their Fathers
as their Family Ruler--Patriarchy (Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy
5:16), and to show proper care and respect for their mother, that
it may go well with them (Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20).
Correspondingly, to maintain Family Order, the wife is to be
obedient to her own husband (Genesis 3:16, Esther 1:22, Ephesians
5:22-24 and I Peter 3:1-6) in all things. And, the God Ordained
Chain of Command is to be respected so that all authorities are
obeyed (Romans 13:1-7 and I Peter 2:13-17). Never-the-less, no
authority has the Right to command you to do things against God's
Laws (Daniel 3:8-18 and Acts 4:19 and 5:29).
- THOU SHALL NOT MURDER!
Man was made in God's Image, so any unjust attempt to destroy
Man is a veiled attempt to destroy God (Genesis 1:26-27 and 9:6).
Therefore, murder is a Serious Sin (Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy
5:17), and it, like all Captial Crimes or Mortal Sins, should be
punished with forfeiture of life: either Captial Punishment
Exodus 21:12-14 and Numbers 35:31-33) or a life-time term of
slavery (Leviticus 25:44-46 and Ezekiel 18:23, 32 and 33:11).
Moreover, human life is sacred, so we must take care not to cause
the death of people through carelessness nor negligence (Exodus
21:22-36 and Deuteronomy 22:8). Nor are we to ignore the
adaquate care for the lives of the poor and needy (Deuteronomy
15:7-11 and Proverbs 19:17).
- THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY!
Marriage is holy and sacred (Proverbs 5:18-19 and Hebrews 13:4),
so the defilement of the wife by another man has long been an
abomination among the Hebrew Peoples for century after century
(Genesis 38:24, Leviticus 18:20 and 20:10, and Deuteronomy 22:22)
and thus a Serious Sin and Capital Crime (Exodus 20:14 and
Deuteronomy 5:18), primarily because it results in miscegenates or
ill-conceived children, who are born demented or with an
over-powering drive to do evil (Deuteronomy 23:2, Isaiah 57:3-5,
Hosea 2:4-5). Moreover, this Taboo gives rise to a ban on several
other sexual practices as being perverted and thus forbidden for
you to engage in. (For more details on this, see Our Article on
MOSAIC TABOOS under Commandment #7, in the Divine Law Library.)
- THOU SHALL NOT STEAL!
God has called us to honest labor and hard work (Genesis 3:19,
Ephesians 4:28, and II Thessalonians 3:7-12), so we must not take
from others things that do not belong to us (Exodus 20:15 and
Deuteronomy 5:19). For, God's warning is upon those who attempt
to live by thievery (Exodus 22:2-4, Proverbs 29:24, John 10:10,
and I Corinthians 6:9-10)! And we are admonished to
be careful with other people's things (Exodus 22:5-15
and Deuteronomy 22:1-4), not stealing from them in business
(Leviticus 19:35-36 and Proverbs 11:1 and 20:14) nor in the
witholding of wages (Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 24:14-15,
Jeremiah 22:13, and James 5:1-4). For, we must be careful not
to steal from the poor and needy (Leviticus 19:9-10 and 23:22,
Proverbs 6:30 and 28:27, and Matthew 12:1-4) nor committ sacrilege
and rob from God (Leviticus 27:30, Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi
3:7-12, Luke 6:38, I Corinthians 9:13-14, and II Corinthians
9:6-7).
- THOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS!
While this Commandment is aimed at perjury (and legal matters),
its practical application is that we are not to lie nor deceive
one another (Leviticus 19:11, John 8:44-45, Revelations 22:8 and
22:15). Neither are we to lower ourselves to vulgar gossip
nor the spreading of malicious tales (Leviticus 19:16, Psalms
64:2-8, I Timothy 5:13, and I Peter 4:15). Rather, we are to
pursue TRUTH and follow the DUE PROCESS OF LAW, with its:
Right to speak in defense (John 7:51), to be heard by your
peers (Matthew 18:15-17), to have an Advocate (I John 2:1),
to examin witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15-20), to collect
information on your behalf (Proverbs 25:2), and to receive
fair and impartial judgement (Deuteronomy 16:18-20), with the
punishment to fit the crime (Leviticus 24:19-21), and if
need be, the right to appeal (Exodus 18:19-23 and Deuteronomy
17:8-13). And, of course, do not committ perjury or lie in
Court--or to the Police (Exodus 20:16 and Deuteronomy 5:20)!
Lest the Curse overtake you (Zechariah 5:1-4).
- THOU SHALL NOT COVET!
This is not about simple envy nor keeping up with the Jones.
Rather, it speaks of an intense materialism (Matthew 6:19-33
and Mark 4:18-19) that replaces the Believer's dependence on
God with a reliance on things, rejecting God as in Idolatry
(Colossians 3:5-6). Thus, such sinners will stoop to taking
away from others what God has given them, in an attempt to
satisfy their own material cravings (James 4:1-3)! We are not
to do this! Moreover, this Commandment also means that those
who give in to this sinful desire, so as to stoop to plotting,
conspiring, or scheming to do evil are as guilty as those who
actually go ahead and commit the crime (James 1:14-15 also
Matthew 5:21-22 and 5:27-28). Therefore, do not yield to
temptation and fall into pursuing evil (even just a little)!
These Ten Commandments are GOD'S LAW!. They so strongly and
clearly express what God's Will is (and what HE wants you to do),
that HE even came down from Heaven and spoke these things directly
to HIS People. And, we have also listed related Scriptures which
help to explain the full meaning of each Commandmment, so that you
will have a good understanding of exactly what God wants. (As well
as the Judeo-Christian Regulations of Our Realm)
Therefore, we encourage all members to follow and obey them.
For, these form the basic Laws of Our World. (Our morality and
ethics!) And if you wish to be a good citizen here, then you need to
know them. And obey them. (However, if you do not wish to be a good
citizen among us, know full well that we will punish infractions--lest
the Curse fall on all of us for your sin). So, know the LAW. And
follow it.
Church Error: NOT UNDER THE LAW?
Unfortunately, many Church members insist that we are no longer under
the LAW but are under Grace, so we don't need to live by God's Law!
(???)
WOW!, this is a severe logical falacy! (Even though it is commonly
held.) For while it is true that we are no longer under the LAW to
SALVATION (for the Law can save no one--only the Messiah's sacrifice
can), we are still under the Law for SANCTIFICATION! For, it is
written:
-
Be ye (you) Holy, for I AM Holy! (Leviticus 19:2)
And, how are you going to expect to be Holy, if you do not do the
things that God has told you PLAINLY to do? In fact, the whole
thing about the 10 Commandments was that they were so imporatnt to
God, that we should do them, that HE, HIMSELF, came down on Mount
Sinai and told the People directly what they were suppose to do!
(Exodus 20:18-22) However, those who throw all the LAW out, are like
those who throw the baby out with the bath water! Rather, we must
separate our sheep from our goats.
Moreover, Y'Shua (or Jesus) sternly warned about this immoral
attitude of getting rid of God's LAW, saying:
-
Think NOT that I am come to destroy (do away with) the Law, or the
Prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill! For, Truly
I say unto you: Till Heaven and Earth pass away, one jot or one
tittle (dots) shall in no wise pass from the Law (till all be
fulfilled). Therefore, whosoever shall break one of the least of
these Commandments, and shall teach men to do so, he shall be
called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven; But, whosoever shall
do and teach them, the same shall be called GREAT in the Kingdom
of Heaven! (Matthew 5:17-19)
Moreover, HE directly told HIS followers:
-
If you Love ME, (then) keep MY Commandments! (John 14:15)
Thus, we believe it to be very clear that God wants you to keep HIS
Law, and especially the 10 Commandments (which summarize it). And,
while keeping them will not Save you (for that comes only from
belief on Messiah's sacrifice on that TREE), it will make you more
pleasing to HIM (and bestow upon you HIS favor).
Thus, in direct opposition to HIS own Words, would be those who
say that following God's LAW (the 10 Commandments) is too RELIGIOUS,
and we modern people no longer need to do so! And, in the same light
are those who claim that once they are saved, they will always be
saved, no mater what they do (so live it up)! For Y'Shua (Jesus) has
a very stern warning for them:
-
Not everyone who says unto ME, LORD, LORD, shall enter into the
Kingdom of Heaven; But (rather) he that does the Will of MY Father
(i.e. the Commandments) which is in Heaven! (For) Many will say unto
ME in that Day (Second Coming) LORD, LORD have we not prophesied
in THY (Your) Name? And in THY Name (we) have cast out devils?
And in THY Name done many wonderful works? And then I will Profess
(Proclaim) to them: I never knew you, DEPART FROM ME, YE (you)
WHO WORK INIQUITY! (Matthew 7:21-23)
So, heed the warning. And, if you need to, consider the warning of
Moses, as well:
-
Behold! I set before you, this day, a blessing and a curse: A
blessing if ye (you) obey the Commandments, which I command you,
this day; And a curse, if ye will not obey the Commandments of
the Lord your God...! (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)
And make no mistake about it. Those who obey God, and follow the
10 Commandments will be blessed. But, those who disobey God, and
break HIS Commandments (or teach others to) will be accursed!
Now, isn't it clear what you should do?
ENGIFTMENT???
However, with the pressures of the modern world, many (even People
of God) think that they can just live life as they please. And all
too many snub God and what HE said HE wanted. Which explains one
phenomena that many have observed, but few can explain. When someone
gets an Engiftment or the Outpouring of the Holy Ghost (see the
ENGIFTMENT Articles), they are full of energy and zeal for the Lord.
But, as the days pass, this fades and disapates. Why? Because,
if God is to dwell in you and Manifest HIS Presence there, then you
need to be sure that your Temple (body) is clean and wholely
sanctified (or HE'll go elsewhere). Thus, many may receive Engiftment,
but few retain it, because they do not walk a Holy enough life. They
have forgotten to obey God's Law and keep HIS 10 Commandments!
Therefore, it is for these reasons (and many more) that we
encourage Our People to obey God, follow HIS Laws, and keep HIS 10
Commandments (which summarize God's Law).
THE LAW HISTORICALLY:
Since Our focus tends to be on the Hebrew Peoples of the Northern
Nations, we see from Viking history that these Countries rose in power
and influence, until they dominated most of Northern Europe. Why?
Because, we believe the Holy Scriptures, which say:
-
Righteousness exalts (builds up) a Nation (or Peoples); But Sin
(evil deeds) is a reproach (or downfall) to any Peoples! (Proverbs
14:34).
So, as the Northern Nations did good deeds (followed the Laws of God),
they prospered and rose in power. But, when they slid away into evil
deeds (and fell back into Paganism), their power declined, until
they were swepted away and almost forgotten.
In light of this, Our Realm is wholely committed to following
Divine Law (the Laws of God)! For, not only are we calling Northmen
to RETURN to God, be we are CALLING ALL the Hebrew Peoples (Jews,
Christians, and Muslims) to make their ShuVaH or RETURN to God (and
HIS Ways). And, if we do what God wants, then surely we SHALL become
a new, rising power (KoReY and the future Astaria!). And see Our New
Hebrew Culture or Divine Culture (which we are developing) spread and
grow.
INDIVIDUALISM?
Now, while this seems aimed, philosophically, at Nations, Societies,
and Realms--in a more practical, down to earth vein--what holds true
for Nations also holds true for individuals. Thus, if you take up and
adhere to God's Law, then you (and your family) will come to grow and
prosper, too. (And, though you may still have storms and some
set-backs, occassionally, the over-all trend is going to be one
of rising fame and fortunes.) So, it is any wonder, then, that we
encourage Our People to follow God's Laws? Surely, they want God's
blessings!
MORE INFO ON GOD'S LAW???
So, if you are interested in more about God's Law, then check out
these links, below:
- LINKS TO GOD's LAW--A Directory of
the Articles in Our Web Site on God's Law (in differing cultural
versions--another one may be better for you)
- ZDK DIVINE LAW LIBRARY
-- God's Law from the 10 Commandments and related Scriptures (and
the Rules of Our Realm)
Further Contacts:
JOINING US?
Or, can't find what you are looking for? OR, have a comment or
suggestion? Then try the contact routes below:
E-MAIL us at: zdkf@gorge.net (Please, mark subject box EMUSPATEL!)
- Emuspatel Law
ZDK (Shaddox) Foundation
P.O. Box 44
Underwood, WA 98651 U.S.A.
Our phone number is: (509) 493-1674
COPYRIGHT 1999, 2001 (Net) by Daniel Shaddox. All rights reserved.
No unauthorized duplication!
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Filed: April '97 . . . Updated 05-31-01