171 The book of Ephesians expounded

The book of Ephesians expounded.

Even though Rav Shaul only became an apostle after Messiah’s death, resurrection and ascension to heaven, he explained the gospel of the coming kingdom of Elohim, as YHVH proclaimed to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob our fathers in the faith, to the exiles from the house of Israel scattered into the world because of idolatry, in his letters to those in Rome, Galatia, Corinth, Ephesians, Colossians and Hebrews. The same golden thread that runs throughout the Tanach is also found in the writings of Shaul, yet he is mistakenly seen by some as anti-Torah. This was also in accordance with the commission Yahshua gave His disciples including us (His modern day disciples or students), in Matthew 24: 14 and 28: 18 – 20, but also the job function Messiah prepared Him for as He told him when He engaged him on his way to Damascus, as witnessed in Acts 26: 14 - 18, as follows: ‘And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Shaul, Shaul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ (15) And I said, ‘Who art Thou, Master?’ And the Master said, ‘I am Yahshua whom you are persecuting. (16) But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen (meaning Judaism), but also to the things in which I will appear to you; (17) delivering you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles (as defined in Acts 15: 15 - 17[1]), to whom I am sending you, (18) to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to Elohim, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance (in the Promised Land) among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ His message is encapsulated in the statement in Ephesians 2: 13, in this way: “But now in Messiah Yahshua you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Messiah.” As a born Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, Rav Shaul knew Messiah’s main purpose during His first advent from the Tanach, but also as taught him by Yahshua during the three years in Damascus.

The phrase ‘far off’, as used in Ephesians 2: 13, was coined by Daniel when he confessed the sins of the commonwealth of Israel, near the end of the house of Judah’s captivity in Babylon in Daniel 9: 7, saying: “Righteousness belongs to Thee, O YHVH, but to us open shame, as it is this day—to the men of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and all Israel, those who are nearby and those who are far away in all the countries to which Thou hast driven them, because of their unfaithful deeds which they have committed against Thee.” This same phrase is used in Acts 2: 39, where Rav Kepha tells the returnees from the house of Israel (those who were far off, but were brought near to both YHVH and Brother Judah by the blood of Yahshua, by being immersed in His saving name) how they may also receive the Set-apart Spirit like Messiah’s disciples did on the first Pentecost after Messiah’s ascension to heaven and our Torah observant Jewish Brothers (those who remained near to YHVH and the covenant that He made with the commonwealth of Israel at Mount Sinai) get because of obedience. All of this is in agreement with Elohim’s two-fold promise to Abraham; firstly, that he and his descendants through Isaac and Jacob will inherit the Promised Land eternally, provided they remain loyal to Him and as the sign of the covenant circumcise their boys at the age of eight days old as a sign of the eternal covenant. Secondly, that a remnant of the lost sheep of the house of Israel, whom YHVH scattered into the world because of idolatry, will be able to return to the covenant that YHVH made with Abraham, through Abraham’s one seed Yahshua, through whom He will also save the rest of mankind after Messiah’s millennial rule, during the great white throne judgement period. This was also foretold by Isaiah in the prophecy about Elohim’s plan to bring a remnant of the house of Israel near to Him once again in Isaiah 57: 13 – 19, saying: “When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you. But the wind will carry all of them up, and a breath will take them away, but he who takes refuge in Me shall inherit the (Promised) land, and shall possess My holy mountain (be part of those who will govern under Messiah).” (14) And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstacle out of the way of My people.” (15) For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Set-apart, “I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. (16) For I will not contend forever, neither will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before Me, and the breath of those whom I have made. (17) Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry and struck him; I hid My face and was angry, and he went on turning away, in the way of his heart. (18) I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners, (19) creating the praise of the lips. Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near,” says YHVH, “and I will heal him.”

The theme of the second part of the promise made to Abraham is used by both Rav Kepha and Shaul throughout the pages of the Renewed Covenant, but because it appeared to be totally disjointed, it could not easily be understood by Churchianity, who according to Rav Kepha distorted it, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures to their own destruction. YHVH have chosen only the sons of Israel whom He brought out of the land of Egypt to be His people and a model nation to show the rest of mankind, how serving and obeying His Torah teachings will be for their good, as witnessed by Amos saying in Amos 3: 1 & 2: ‘Hear this word which YHVH has spoken against you, sons of Israel, against the entire family which He brought up from the land of Egypt, (2) “You only have I chosen among all the families of the earth; therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities.”’ However, we see according to the first chapter of the prophecy of Hosea, that YHVH eventually divorced the house of Israel and scattered her into the nations of the world, because of idolatry. As a result only the house of Judah remained (YHVH)’s chosen people, as witnessed from Psalm 78: 67 & 68, as follows: ‘He also rejected the tent of Joseph, and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim, (78) but chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which He loved.’ Even though the house of Israel sinned terribly against YHVH their Elohim and should all have been stoned to death according to the judgment due to their sins, He remains faithful to the promises that He made with both Abraham and David (to eventually bring the lost ten tribes back to the covenant with Him), as shown in Malachi 3: 4 – 6, as follows: ‘“Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to YHVH, as in the days of old and in the former years. (5) Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien, and do not fear Me,” says YHVH of hosts. (6) For I, YHVH, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.’

Because of (YHVH)’s love for His people Israel, He send His word, by whom He created the universes to become the Son of Man, thus providing us with a kinsman redeemer, to pay the penalty for our sins, but also to buy back the property we lost in the Promised Land because of idolatry. This is aptly described in John 1: 1 – 3 and 14, in this way: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. (2) He was in the beginning with Elohim. (3) All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (This clearly tells us that YHVH made the universe through His Word the creator of everything that exists[2]) (14) And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ Rav Yochanan gives us additional details about this in John 3: 14, 15, 17 & 36, saying: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent (on a pole) in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up (crucified); (15) that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life. (17) For Elohim did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. (36) He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of Elohim abides on him.” When YHVH originally approached Moses to assist Him in getting His people, the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob out of Egypt, He told Moses in Exodus 6: 2 – 8, saying: “I am YHVH; (3) and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as Elohim Almighty, but by My name YHVH I did not make Myself known to them. (4) And I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they sojourned. (5) And furthermore I have heard the groaning of the sons of Israel, because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage; and I have remembered My covenant. (6) Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, ‘I am YHVH, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage, I will also redeem you with an out-stretched arm and with great judgments. (7) Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your Elohim; and you shall know I am YHVH your Elohim, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. (8) And I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am YHVH.’”

When Yahshua first sent out disciples, He instructed them as recorded in Matthew 10: 5 – 8, saying: “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; (6) but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (7) And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ (8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons; freely you received, freely give.” Messiah did not forbid His disciples to preach to Gentiles if they encounter them as part of an audience, but they were to take the message first to His covenant people into the nations, amongst whom they were scattered. Later Yahshua confirmed His main purpose for coming to the earth the first time, when the Canaanite woman asked Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter in Matthew 15: 22, we see His response to her in verses 24 – 28, saying: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (25) But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Master, help Me! (26) And He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” (27) But she said, “Yes Master; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” (28) Then Yahshua answered and said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; be it done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.’

We read further from Rav Shaul’s message to the exiles in Rome in Romans 4: 13 – 25, saying: ‘For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith (obedience coming from the heart – the seat of our faith). (14) For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; (15) for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there violation. (16) For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be certain to all the descendants, not only those who are of the Law (Torah observant members of the house of Judah), but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham (returnees through Messiah from the house of Israel), who is the father of us all, (17) (as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”) in the sight of Him whom he believed, even Elohim, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. (18) In hope against hope he believed, in order that he might become father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.” (19) And without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; (20) yet, with respect to the promise of Elohim, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to Elohim, (21) and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform. (22) Therefore also IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. (23) Now not for his sake only was it written, that it was reckoned to him, (24) but for our sake also, to whom it will be reckoned, as those who believe in Him who raised Yahshua our Master from the dead, (25) He who was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.’

Rav Shaul similarly proclaimed the same good news to believers in Messiah from Ephesus, saying in Ephesians 1: 3 – 7: ‘Blessed be the Elohim and Father of our Master Yahshua Messiah, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Messiah, (4) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be set-apart and blameless before Him. In love. (5) He predestined us to adoption as sons through Yahshua Messiah to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, (6) to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (7) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.’ Rav Shaul also explains how those who from the lost sheep of the house of Israel are called and given the set-apart spirit through faith in Messiah in verses 13 & 14, saying: ‘In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Set-apart Spirit of promise, (14) who is given as a pledge of our inheritance with a view to the redemption of Elohim’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.’ Continuing to explain the promise made to Abraham and the blessing for us from the lost ten tribes to become part of the congregation of Messiah, also known as His body in verses 18 – 23, Rav Shaul, says: ‘I pray that the eyes of your heart (your belief system) may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Torah observant Jews and those who return to the covenant from the house of Israel), (19) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power (Yahshua) toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might (20) which He brought about in Messiah, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, (21) far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. (22) And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the congregation, (23) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.’

This is also what Rav Shaul made clear to the Jews and returnees to the covenant from the lost ten tribes through Messiah in Colossae in Colossians 1: 18 – 23, saying: ‘He (Yahshua) is also head of the body, the congregation; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. (19) For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, (20) and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace (between the two houses of Israel) through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. (21) And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, (22) yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death (for our sins), in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—(23) if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Shaul, was made a minister.’ Continuing with the same subject in his letter to the Ephesians, we read from Ephesians 2: 11 - 22, as follows: ‘Therefore remember, that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Un-circumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands—(12) remember that you were at that time separate from Messiah, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise (given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), having no hope and without Elohim in the world. (13) But now in Messiah Yahshua you who formerly were far off (from the house of Israel) have been brought near by the blood of Messiah. (14) For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, (15) by abolishing in His flesh the enmity (punishment due to us for breaking the commandments), which is the law of commandments contained in ordinances (the punishment described for transgressing various commandments and statutes), that in Himself He might make the two (houses of Israel) into one new man, thus establishing peace, (16) and might reconcile them both in one body (or congregation) to Elohim through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. (17) AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY (us), AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR (the Jews); (18) for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. (19) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of Elohim’s household.’

Both Rav Shaul and Rav Kepha use the prophecy in Hosea to explain how the ten tribes of Israel, even though they were scattered into the world because of idolatry will be gathered together as Hosea also prophesied in Hosea 1: 11, saying: ‘And the sons of Judah and the sons of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint for themselves one leader, and they will go up from the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.’ Rav Shaul explains the same in Romans 9: 24 – 27, saying: “Even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews (who were estranged from Judaism because of inter-marriage with non-Jews) only, but also from among Gentiles. (25) As He says also in Hosea, “I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, MY PEOPLE,’ AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, ‘BELOVED.’” (26) “AND IT SHALL BE THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, ‘YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,’ THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING ELOHIM.” (27) And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL BE AS THE SAND OF THE SEA, IT IS THE REMNANT THAT WILL BE SAVED.” Rav Kepha uses Hosea’s prophesy together with the royal priesthood that YHVH wanted the children of Israel to be from the time He gave them the original covenant at Mount Sinai, in 1 Peter 2: 9 – 10, saying: ‘But you are a CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR Elohim’s OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you (from the lost sheep of the house of Israel) out of darkness into His marvelous light (the light of the gospel of the coming kingdom of Elohim); (10) for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF ELOHIM; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.’ Rav Shaul continues in his letter to the exiles in Rome in Romans 11: 2 saying that Elohim has not rejected Jewish Israel but uses the account of Elijah when he plead against the house of Israel, saying they have killed the prophets and torn down Thine altars, YHVH told him that He has kept for Himself seven thousand others from the house of Israel, who did not bow the knee to Baal. Rav Shaul wrote in verse 5 of Romans 11, about those of us from the house of Israel called at this time, saying: ‘In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to Elohim’s gracious choice.’

However, He warns those of us from the house of Israel, who are being called back to the covenant that YHVH made with both houses at Mount Sinai, not to be arrogant towards our Jewish Brothers in Romans 11: 25 – 29, saying: ‘For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery; lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to (Jewish) Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles (from the house of Israel called by My name, who used to believe they are nothing but Gentiles, plus a number of real Gentiles) has come in; (26) and thus all Israel (from both houses) will be saved; just as it is written (in Isaiah 59: 20 & 21), “THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION (Judah), HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB.” (27) “AND THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.” (28) From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of Elohim’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; (29) for the gifts and the calling of Elohim are irrevocable.’ Rav Shaul continues to tell us in Ephesians 3 that the mystery which was hidden in Elohim, who created all things is now being made known, as the Prophet Daniel wrote in Daniel 12: 4, saying: ‘But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth (traveling at great speed from one country to another), and knowledge (about science, technology, medicine, and religious matters) will increase.” We read accordingly from Ephesians 3: 1 – 7: ‘For this reason I, Shaul, the prisoner of Messiah Yahshua for the sake of you Gentiles— (who are called by Elohim’s name – from the house of Israel) (2) if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of Elohim’s grace which was given to me for you; (3) that by revelation there was made know to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. (4) And by referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Messiah, (5)which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His set-apart apostles and prophets in the Spirit; (6) to be specific, that the Gentiles (Israelites who believed they are Gentiles plus a few real Gentiles) are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body (of Messiah or congregation of Elohim), and fellow partakers of the promise (that YHVH made to Abraham through Isaac and Jacob) in Messiah Yahshua through the gospel, (7) of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of Elohim’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.’

Even though this knowledge was known by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and many others including our Jewish Brothers, who always believed in a Messiah who will bring the lost sheep of the house of Israel back to the covenant that YHVH made with our forefathers, together with them; that He will come and rule the commonwealth of Israel from Jerusalem and will rebuild the temple and re-institute the seven year land Sabbath and the Jubilee, was taught by Rav Shaul, but was misunderstood because of what YHVH told Daniel in Daniel 12: 4. Rav Shaul also tells us in Ephesians 4, that now that we have been chosen, the same way YHVH chose our Jewish Brothers from the time He brought our forefathers out of Egypt, we should not continue to live like the Gentiles we used to believe we are, saying in verses 17 – 24: ‘This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Master, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, (18) being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of Elohim, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; (19) and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. (20) But you did not learn Messiah in this way, (21) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Yahshua, (22) that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, (23) and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, (24) and put on the new self, which in the likeness of Elohim has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.’ Rav Shaul explains in Kabalistic terms in Ephesians 6, how we as returnees should protect ourselves from the four types of Demons in verses 11 – 18, saying: ‘Put on the full armor of Elohim, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (13) Therefore, take up the full armor of Elohim, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (14) Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREATPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, (15) and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; (16) in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. (17) And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Elohim. (18) With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints (from both houses).’

This full armor is for our protection from head to toe; the Helmet of Salvation protects us from the evil spirits under heaven, known as principalities. The Breastplate of Righteousness protects us from powers, the Belt of Truth protects us from the rulers of darkness of this world, and the Shoes of Peace protect us from the forces of wickedness in heavenly places as shown below in detail. The fact that Rav Shaul taught the lost ten tribes in exile about the full armor of Elohim to protect us against Satan and His demons shows once for all that He definitely did not ever abolish Torah in any of His letters. The four pieces of armor, is put in place to protect us from the four strategies that Satan uses to deceive mankind. Each of the four items of the full armor of Elohim contrasts each of the basic tactics of Satan as expressed in the Tanach:

The Helmet of Salvation protects us from Satan’s tactics of accusation. In 1 Thessalonians 5: 8 it is referred to as the Helmet of Hope of Salvation. Accusation is the primary tactic of Satan. He accuses us day and night according to Revelation 12: 10. The Renewed Covenant refers to Yahshua as the head of the body. Therefore Yahshua is the Helmet of our Hope of Salvation. We read from James 1: 12, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which YHVH has promised to those who love Him.” Rav Shaul wrote in 2 Timothy 4: 8, “in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which YHVH, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” The apostle John wrote in the last part of Revelation 2: 10, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” We also read from Revelation 3: 11, “I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown.” The Helmet of Salvation is not only the crown, but also knowledge and as we read from Hosea 4: 6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Satan is the accuser of the brethren, but in Zechariah 3: 1 - 5 we see that Satan also accused Yahshua for wearing filthy garments. But, because Yahshua is the Helmet of Salvation and due to the fact that He overcame Satan’s temptation and accusations, YHVH clothed Him in clean garments and placed a clean Turban on His head. This Turban reminds us of the Helmet of the Hope of our Salvation and this knowledge defends us against the attack of accusation.

Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness protects us from the tactics of pride and temptation. Temptation is a major tactic of Satan as may be read from 1 Thessalonians 3: 5, ‘For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.’ Satan tempts us through our own pride. King David was made vulnerable to Satan’s attack as he took pride in Israel as we read from 1 Chronicles 21: 1, as follows: ‘Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel.’ We put the Breastplate of Righteousness on by doing righteous deeds described in Torah.

Putting on the belt of truth defends us from the tactic of deception. We read from John 8: 32, “and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Satan teaches lies (John 8: 44) and deceives the whole world (Revelation 12: 9). We read further from the last part of Psalm 119: 142: “And Thy law (Torah) is truth.” We put the Belt of Truth on by studying (YHVH)’s Torah daily.

Putting on the Shoes of Peace defends us from Satan’s tactic of oppression. Shalom means more than peace, it also means to be united, to be whole or complete and to be at peace. The shoes correspond to the feet which represents Kingdom. During the 1000 year rule of Yahshua we will have complete peace - the gospel of the coming kingdom of Elohim gives us peace, knowing that all the evil of the present age will come to an end.

This sheds light on what it means to put on the full armor of Elohim. If we believe in Yahshua the Helmet of Salvation, practice righteousness, study and obey Torah and believe in the true gospel, we will have put on the full armor of Elohim to protect us from all evil. This will also help us to overcome Satan, the world and ourselves, and ultimately after YHVH has perfected our spirits in heaven (Hebrews 12: 23) and Yahshua returns to resurrect our bodies and souls we shall be like Him, as witnessed in 1 John 3: 1 & 2, “See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of Elohim; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (2) Beloved, now we are children of Elohim, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is.”

We conclude with where Rav Shaul also shows his believe that ultimately at Messiah’s return YHVH will enter into a new marriage covenant with the commonwealth of Israel by quoting Jeremiah 31: 31 - 33 in Hebrews 8: 6 - 10, saying: ‘But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. (7) For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. (8) For finding fault with them, He says, “BEHOLD, DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS YHVH, WHEN I WILL EFFECT A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH; (9) NOT LIKE THE COVENANT WHICH I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS ON THE DAY WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT; FOR THEY DID NOT CONTINUE IN MY COVENANT, AND I DID NOT CARE FOR THEM, SAYS YHVH. (10) FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS YHVH; I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM UPON THEIR HEARTS. AND I WILL BE THEIR ELOHIM, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.’’’ Halleluyah!

[1] Act 15: 15 – 17: “And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, AFTER THESE THINGS I will return, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN, AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS, AND WILL RESTORE IT, IN ORDER THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK YHVH, AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, (meaning Israel)”

[2] The word power of YHVH was used to create the universes as witnessed in the first part of Psalm 33: 6, as follows: ‘By the word of YHVH the heavens were made.’