The Fullness of the Gentiles
The Multitude of Nations and the Greater Exodus
Traditionally, the phrase, “Until the Fullness of the Gentiles has come in,” has meant, “The Messiah won’t return until the whole world has had the opportunity to hear the Evangel.” But, Paul describes this phrase as a “mystery.” What’s so mysterious about taking the Word of Yahweh to the whole world? In fact, this traditional understanding has nothing to do with what Paul is trying to teach us. So entrenched is the world in its religious traditions that it cannot see what is printed in black and white, right in front of them. Anyone can see, if they would only read Scripture for what IT says; that is, for what Yahweh says.
For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the Fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written [in Isaiah 59:20, 21]: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away unrighteousness from Jacob [figuratively, all Israel]; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins," Romans 11:25-27 NKJV.
For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the Fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written [in Isaiah 59:20, 21]: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away unrighteousness from Jacob [figuratively, all Israel]; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins," Romans 11:25-27 NKJV.
Will All Israel Be Saved?
Ever wonder what mystery Paul was talking about here, the “Fullness of the Gentiles”? It must be extremely important, as he is connecting the “Fullness of the Gentiles” to the salvation of ALL Israel; and I take All Israel means ALL 12 Tribes.
The word “Gentiles” in the phrase, “the Fullness of the Gentiles,” is the Greek word, ethnos, which is identical to and clearly reflects Paul’s use of the Hebrew word, “Goyim,” which has also been translated “heathens,” “peoples” and “nations.” In like manner, the word “fullness” is the Greek word, pleroma, and has the same meaning as the Hebrew word, malo, which means “fullness” and is translated “multitude” in Genesis 48:17-19:
Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father's hand to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. And Joseph said to his father, "Not so, my father, for this one [Manasseh] is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head." But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He [Manesseh] also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother [Ephraim] shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations." [malo haGoyim – the fullness of the Gentiles.]
Ever wonder what mystery Paul was talking about here, the “Fullness of the Gentiles”? It must be extremely important, as he is connecting the “Fullness of the Gentiles” to the salvation of ALL Israel; and I take All Israel means ALL 12 Tribes.
The word “Gentiles” in the phrase, “the Fullness of the Gentiles,” is the Greek word, ethnos, which is identical to and clearly reflects Paul’s use of the Hebrew word, “Goyim,” which has also been translated “heathens,” “peoples” and “nations.” In like manner, the word “fullness” is the Greek word, pleroma, and has the same meaning as the Hebrew word, malo, which means “fullness” and is translated “multitude” in Genesis 48:17-19:
Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father's hand to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. And Joseph said to his father, "Not so, my father, for this one [Manasseh] is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head." But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He [Manesseh] also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother [Ephraim] shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations." [malo haGoyim – the fullness of the Gentiles.]
The “Fullness of the Gentiles” – Not “When” But “Who”
So, Ephraim will become the malo haGoyim – the fullness of the Gentiles! Is this the mystery that Paul was speaking of, pertaining to the salvation of all Israel? Well, of course it is!
Ephraim, is Strong’s #OT:669, the dual form of Ephrath, which means “fruitfulness” or “double fruit”; and, Ephrathah is another name for Bethlehem.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the one to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." Therefore He shall give them up, until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; then the remnant of His brethren shall return to the children of Israel. And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of Yahweh, in the majesty of the name of Yahweh His Elohim; and they shall abide, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth; and this one shall be peace, Micah 5:2-5 NKJV.
Is it a coincidence that the name of the town in which Yahshua was born means, “Fruitfullness”? I think not. Who is the firstfruit? It is Yahshua; however, the firstfruit is also Israel, since Israel is Yahweh’s Special Treasure – and always will be. This is a subject for another discussion, centering on the Book of Isaiah, of which the first 52 chapters are reputed to be about Israel, and the chapters beginning at 53 are about the Messiah. I suggest that Israel and the Messiah are synonymous in the entire Book of Isaiah, differentiating the physical from the spiritual, or in Hebrew “block-logic,” differentiating the P’shat from the Sod.
For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree [a euphemism for Israel and Yahshua (“I am the vine and you are the branches” – John 15:5)], do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you, Romans 11:16-18 NKJV.
So, Ephraim will become the malo haGoyim – the fullness of the Gentiles! Is this the mystery that Paul was speaking of, pertaining to the salvation of all Israel? Well, of course it is!
Ephraim, is Strong’s #OT:669, the dual form of Ephrath, which means “fruitfulness” or “double fruit”; and, Ephrathah is another name for Bethlehem.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the one to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." Therefore He shall give them up, until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; then the remnant of His brethren shall return to the children of Israel. And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of Yahweh, in the majesty of the name of Yahweh His Elohim; and they shall abide, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth; and this one shall be peace, Micah 5:2-5 NKJV.
Is it a coincidence that the name of the town in which Yahshua was born means, “Fruitfullness”? I think not. Who is the firstfruit? It is Yahshua; however, the firstfruit is also Israel, since Israel is Yahweh’s Special Treasure – and always will be. This is a subject for another discussion, centering on the Book of Isaiah, of which the first 52 chapters are reputed to be about Israel, and the chapters beginning at 53 are about the Messiah. I suggest that Israel and the Messiah are synonymous in the entire Book of Isaiah, differentiating the physical from the spiritual, or in Hebrew “block-logic,” differentiating the P’shat from the Sod.
For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree [a euphemism for Israel and Yahshua (“I am the vine and you are the branches” – John 15:5)], do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you, Romans 11:16-18 NKJV.
Commonwealth of Israel
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh – who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands – that at that time you were without Messiah [i.e., the Salvation of Yahweh], being aliens [being separated] from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from [again, a separation, from] the covenants of promise, having no hope and without Yahweh in the world. But now in Messiah Yahshua you who once were far off have been brought near [literally, arm-squeeze] by the blood of Messiah, Ephesians 2:11-13.
You have been brought near. Brought near to WHAT? Paul is clearly saying that, by following in the way of Yahshua the Messiah [to obey the Father], one is brought near to the Commonwealth of Israel [being in the household of Yahweh]. Are the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place?
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh – who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands – that at that time you were without Messiah [i.e., the Salvation of Yahweh], being aliens [being separated] from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from [again, a separation, from] the covenants of promise, having no hope and without Yahweh in the world. But now in Messiah Yahshua you who once were far off have been brought near [literally, arm-squeeze] by the blood of Messiah, Ephesians 2:11-13.
You have been brought near. Brought near to WHAT? Paul is clearly saying that, by following in the way of Yahshua the Messiah [to obey the Father], one is brought near to the Commonwealth of Israel [being in the household of Yahweh]. Are the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place?
Separation and Restoration
Let’s take a look at the Exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt, because some are speaking about the “Greater Exodus,” which I take to be the “Fullness of the Gentiles,” when the “Multitude of Nations” are restored to the land promised by Yahweh to the whole house of Israel. Now, you might be wondering, “What in the world does the Fullness of the Gentiles have to do with the Exodus of the Israelites?” What do the so-called, “Jews,” have to do with the so-called, “Gentiles?”
Well, as it turns out, everything! Everything you read in the Scripture has to do with separation and restoration. Yahweh made Adam. Then, He separated Adam’s rib from him, made woman and then brought them together to become echad, united in one entity. He separated Adam and Eve from the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden and will one day bring them and their Seed, their righteous progeny, back to the Tree of Life in the Paradise of Yahweh.
Let’s take a look at the Exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt, because some are speaking about the “Greater Exodus,” which I take to be the “Fullness of the Gentiles,” when the “Multitude of Nations” are restored to the land promised by Yahweh to the whole house of Israel. Now, you might be wondering, “What in the world does the Fullness of the Gentiles have to do with the Exodus of the Israelites?” What do the so-called, “Jews,” have to do with the so-called, “Gentiles?”
Well, as it turns out, everything! Everything you read in the Scripture has to do with separation and restoration. Yahweh made Adam. Then, He separated Adam’s rib from him, made woman and then brought them together to become echad, united in one entity. He separated Adam and Eve from the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden and will one day bring them and their Seed, their righteous progeny, back to the Tree of Life in the Paradise of Yahweh.
Then Yahweh Elohim said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil and now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" – therefore Yahweh Elohim sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life, Genesis 3:22-24.
The word “know” comes from the Hebrew root word “yada,” as in Genesis 4:1 – “Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived.” Knowing good and evil means “actively practicing” good and evil.
The word “know” comes from the Hebrew root word “yada,” as in Genesis 4:1 – “Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived.” Knowing good and evil means “actively practicing” good and evil.
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city, Revelation 22:14.
Joseph was separated from the family of his father, Israel, when he was sold into slavery by his brothers – only to be reunited together, or restored, to build the great nation of Israel, in Egypt. After great tribulation, Israel was separated from Egypt, saved by the parting, or separation, of the Red Sea, allowing Israel to pass through; then, the walls of the Red Sea were brought back together [restored] to drown the army of Egypt.
Yahshua was separated from the living in an act of sacrifice for salvation offered to all who would worship the Father and obey His Commandments. He will return to unite with those who kept His charge to keep His commandments.
Yahweh separated the House of Israel and the House of Judah from the land promised to all Israel, due to their wickedness in taking up the religions of the nations. However, one day, He will bring them back together. This is what Paul was referring to when he wrote, “... that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the Fullness of the Gentiles has come in, ” Romans 11:25. This is what Jacob called the “Multitude of Nations,” the blessing placed upon Joseph’s son, Ephraim. Now, let’s go back to the Exodus.
The Exodus, that everyone is familiar with, involved a nation consisting of 12 Tribes, the patriarchs of which were the 12 sons of a man by the name of Jacob, later renamed Israel. We know the story of how one of Jacob’s sons, Joseph, was sold into slavery by his brothers and how Jacob’s entire family, numbering 70 souls, was re-united prophetically and then hidden away in the fertile land of Goshen, in the land of Egypt, where the family prospered and eventually grew into a massive nation over the years. The family became so substantial that the ruler of the land, the Pharaoh, became frightened, thinking that these people would overrun and destroy their nation, Egypt.
Egypt was a land of many deities. Israel, on the other hand, was a nation of one Almighty Sovereign, Yahweh Elohim. Pharaoh instituted slavery and genocide against the Israelites to stem their continued growth. And we know the story of how the infant Moses was set adrift in a basket on the Nile River and was taken in by the daughter of Pharaoh. Moses grew up as an Egyptian, but was cared for by his own Israelite mother, of the tribe of Levi. He grew in his understanding, began to acknowledge his Israelite heritage and, having killed an Egyptian who was beating one of his own people, fled the country. He went to the land of Midian and prospered there with a wive and children. But he was commanded by the Angel of Yahweh, in the burning bush, to return to Egypt to bring the nation of Israel, all 12 Tribes, including a mixed multitude, out of bondage and into a land flowing with milk and honey.
Yahshua was separated from the living in an act of sacrifice for salvation offered to all who would worship the Father and obey His Commandments. He will return to unite with those who kept His charge to keep His commandments.
Yahweh separated the House of Israel and the House of Judah from the land promised to all Israel, due to their wickedness in taking up the religions of the nations. However, one day, He will bring them back together. This is what Paul was referring to when he wrote, “... that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the Fullness of the Gentiles has come in, ” Romans 11:25. This is what Jacob called the “Multitude of Nations,” the blessing placed upon Joseph’s son, Ephraim. Now, let’s go back to the Exodus.
The Exodus, that everyone is familiar with, involved a nation consisting of 12 Tribes, the patriarchs of which were the 12 sons of a man by the name of Jacob, later renamed Israel. We know the story of how one of Jacob’s sons, Joseph, was sold into slavery by his brothers and how Jacob’s entire family, numbering 70 souls, was re-united prophetically and then hidden away in the fertile land of Goshen, in the land of Egypt, where the family prospered and eventually grew into a massive nation over the years. The family became so substantial that the ruler of the land, the Pharaoh, became frightened, thinking that these people would overrun and destroy their nation, Egypt.
Egypt was a land of many deities. Israel, on the other hand, was a nation of one Almighty Sovereign, Yahweh Elohim. Pharaoh instituted slavery and genocide against the Israelites to stem their continued growth. And we know the story of how the infant Moses was set adrift in a basket on the Nile River and was taken in by the daughter of Pharaoh. Moses grew up as an Egyptian, but was cared for by his own Israelite mother, of the tribe of Levi. He grew in his understanding, began to acknowledge his Israelite heritage and, having killed an Egyptian who was beating one of his own people, fled the country. He went to the land of Midian and prospered there with a wive and children. But he was commanded by the Angel of Yahweh, in the burning bush, to return to Egypt to bring the nation of Israel, all 12 Tribes, including a mixed multitude, out of bondage and into a land flowing with milk and honey.
Today’s Egyptian and Babylonian Captivity
Yahweh led Israel out of bondage in Egypt. What an amazing story! However, did you know that Egypt and Babylon have begun to reign again, today, over the lives of the righteous? These nations are symbolic for a captivity of the mind and of the flesh – a captivity of the heart and of the soul – a captivity of false worship that Yahweh hates. It’s called idolatry, the worship of idols, which is the seat of false worship. The fact is that we are in the land of Egypt, or, if you will, Babylon, right now.
Yahweh led Israel out of bondage in Egypt. What an amazing story! However, did you know that Egypt and Babylon have begun to reign again, today, over the lives of the righteous? These nations are symbolic for a captivity of the mind and of the flesh – a captivity of the heart and of the soul – a captivity of false worship that Yahweh hates. It’s called idolatry, the worship of idols, which is the seat of false worship. The fact is that we are in the land of Egypt, or, if you will, Babylon, right now.
We are in a land where the predominant religions copy the religious worship of Nimrod, Tammuz, Mithra, Zeus and Ishtar. Those who hold no particular religious affiliation idolize actors, businessmen and athletes who hold seductive or “gifted” talents. They watch TV shows that vilify the spiritual values of the Word of Yahweh and promote transgression of the Law of Yahweh. They adhere to traditions held by paganinity, a pantheon of mystery religions, reading Tarot cards, consulting their horoscopes, and honoring the day of their birth as something precious.
Those who worship Yahweh, calling upon His name and honoring His Holy Gatherings (Yahweh’s Miqrai Qodesh) that He has declared to be Holy, are surrounded on all sides by, yes, many earnest and genuinely honest people, searching for truth, but being taught doctrines other than that of the Messiah they claim to follow. Yahweh will lead His people, Israel, out of this land of captivity again, but this time on a much greater scale. Will you be among those who will be rescued through the NEW COVENANT from this RENEWED CAPTIVITY?
Where do some of these doctrinal falsehoods come from? Here are several excerpts from an article I found on the website, “about.com,” on Judaism. They read:
“The Jews departed Egypt in haste ... the Jewish nation rose together to leave the land of Egypt ... The story of Passover recounts the birth of the Jewish people as a nation whose ultimate goal is to be a ‘light unto the nations.’ ”
This is an example of the distortion that exists when Scripture is interpreted according to manmade religions. There was no “Jewish Nation” at the time of the Exodus. Judah was, and still is, but one of the 12 tribes that grew to the status of a nation, the nation of Israel, while in Egypt. Yahweh led Israel, all 12 Tribes, out of captivity, out of the land of idolatry. An estimated 25% of those who left Egypt also included a “mixed multitude,” made up of people of other nationalities who apparently wished to remain with the Israelites.
“Mixed multitude” literally means “an abundant web,” as in the strands of thread that make up cloth. So, this was truly a mixture.
Where do some of these doctrinal falsehoods come from? Here are several excerpts from an article I found on the website, “about.com,” on Judaism. They read:
“The Jews departed Egypt in haste ... the Jewish nation rose together to leave the land of Egypt ... The story of Passover recounts the birth of the Jewish people as a nation whose ultimate goal is to be a ‘light unto the nations.’ ”
This is an example of the distortion that exists when Scripture is interpreted according to manmade religions. There was no “Jewish Nation” at the time of the Exodus. Judah was, and still is, but one of the 12 tribes that grew to the status of a nation, the nation of Israel, while in Egypt. Yahweh led Israel, all 12 Tribes, out of captivity, out of the land of idolatry. An estimated 25% of those who left Egypt also included a “mixed multitude,” made up of people of other nationalities who apparently wished to remain with the Israelites.
“Mixed multitude” literally means “an abundant web,” as in the strands of thread that make up cloth. So, this was truly a mixture.
Restoration
Now, why is it important to understand that the Exodus included more than just one group of people? Simply put, we must be able to see how all of these people later became divided – and how one group became “lost”; AND, we must be able to see that the entirety of Scripture is about the RESTORATION of the ENTIRE 12 Tribes of Israel. We have to remember that it is the WHOLE HOUSE OF ISRAEL that is the special treasure to Yahweh.
And Moses went up to Elohim, and Yahweh called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel,” Exodus 19:3-6.
Sound familiar? Who will be, to Yahweh, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation? ISRAEL! Not the modern nation of Israel in the Middle East, comprised of one or two tribes, but the Israel of Yahweh, twelve Tribes.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His Elohim and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever, Revelation 1:5-6.
Here, Yahshua is speaking to John, reiterating the promises to the children of Israel, the Special Treasure of Yahweh.
Now, why is it important to understand that the Exodus included more than just one group of people? Simply put, we must be able to see how all of these people later became divided – and how one group became “lost”; AND, we must be able to see that the entirety of Scripture is about the RESTORATION of the ENTIRE 12 Tribes of Israel. We have to remember that it is the WHOLE HOUSE OF ISRAEL that is the special treasure to Yahweh.
And Moses went up to Elohim, and Yahweh called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel,” Exodus 19:3-6.
Sound familiar? Who will be, to Yahweh, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation? ISRAEL! Not the modern nation of Israel in the Middle East, comprised of one or two tribes, but the Israel of Yahweh, twelve Tribes.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His Elohim and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever, Revelation 1:5-6.
Here, Yahshua is speaking to John, reiterating the promises to the children of Israel, the Special Treasure of Yahweh.
Yahweh’s Special Treasure – the Whole House of Israel
The hand of Yahweh came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of Yahweh, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Sovereign Yahweh,You know.” Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of Yahweh! [How does salvation begin? – by hearing the Word of Yahweh!] Thus says the Sovereign Yahweh to these bones: Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath [Ruach, Spirit] in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am Yahweh.’” So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Sovereign Yahweh: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” ’ ” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ [literally – “Our hope is lost and we are decreed to ourselves”] Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Sovereign Yahweh: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, Yahweh, have spoken it and performed it,” says Yahweh,’ ” Ezekiel 37:1-14.
So, how, or why, did this division take place – and how will Yahweh restore his Special Treasure, Israel? Here are several Scripture verses that demonstrate the reason for these separations.
The hand of Yahweh came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of Yahweh, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Sovereign Yahweh,You know.” Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of Yahweh! [How does salvation begin? – by hearing the Word of Yahweh!] Thus says the Sovereign Yahweh to these bones: Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath [Ruach, Spirit] in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am Yahweh.’” So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Sovereign Yahweh: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” ’ ” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ [literally – “Our hope is lost and we are decreed to ourselves”] Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Sovereign Yahweh: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, Yahweh, have spoken it and performed it,” says Yahweh,’ ” Ezekiel 37:1-14.
So, how, or why, did this division take place – and how will Yahweh restore his Special Treasure, Israel? Here are several Scripture verses that demonstrate the reason for these separations.
Israel’s Captivity (The 10 northern tribes)
In Jeremiah 16:11-15, Yahweh is speaking to the northern 10 tribes – The House of Israel – Ephraim – who began worshipping idols after Solomon’s death, when Israel became two nations:
“Your fathers have forsaken Me,” says Yahweh; “they have walked after other idols and have served them and worshiped them, and have forsaken Me and not kept My law. And you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, each one follows the dictates of his own evil heart, so that no one listens to [obeys] Me. Therefore I will cast you out of this land into a land that you do not know, neither you nor your fathers; and there you shall serve other idols day and night, where I will not show you favor. Therefore behold, the days are coming," says Yahweh, "that it shall no more be said, ‘Yahweh lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt [the Exodus] but, Yahweh lives who brought up the children of Israel [Now, hear this!] from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them.' [This is what is being referred to as the GREATER Exodus]. For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers. [“Bring back” is the Hebrew word, shuwb – to return to a starting point; to restore, to rescue, and to REPENT].
In Jeremiah 16:11-15, Yahweh is speaking to the northern 10 tribes – The House of Israel – Ephraim – who began worshipping idols after Solomon’s death, when Israel became two nations:
“Your fathers have forsaken Me,” says Yahweh; “they have walked after other idols and have served them and worshiped them, and have forsaken Me and not kept My law. And you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, each one follows the dictates of his own evil heart, so that no one listens to [obeys] Me. Therefore I will cast you out of this land into a land that you do not know, neither you nor your fathers; and there you shall serve other idols day and night, where I will not show you favor. Therefore behold, the days are coming," says Yahweh, "that it shall no more be said, ‘Yahweh lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt [the Exodus] but, Yahweh lives who brought up the children of Israel [Now, hear this!] from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them.' [This is what is being referred to as the GREATER Exodus]. For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers. [“Bring back” is the Hebrew word, shuwb – to return to a starting point; to restore, to rescue, and to REPENT].
Judah’s Captivity (The 2 southern tribes)
Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah. And he did evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh had cast out before the children of Israel. For he rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; he raised up altars for Baal, and made a wooden image, as Ahab king of Israel had done; and he worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. He also built altars in the house of Yahweh, of which Yahweh had said,"In Jerusalem I will put My name." And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of Yahweh. Also he made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witch-craft, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke Him to anger. He even set a carved image of Asherah that he had made, in the house of which Yahweh had said to David and to Solomon his son, "In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put My name forever; and I will not make the feet of Israel wander anymore from the land which I gave their fathers – only if they are careful to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that My servant Moses commanded them." But they paid no attention, and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than the nations whom Yahweh had destroyed before the children of Israel. And Yahweh spoke by His servants the prophets, saying, “Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations (he has acted more wickedly than all the Amorites who were before him, and has also made Judah sin with his idols), therefore thus says Yahweh Elohi of Israel: ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab; I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. So I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become victims of plunder to all their enemies, because they have done evil in My sight, and have provoked Me to anger since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day,’” 2 Kings 21:1-15.
Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah. And he did evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh had cast out before the children of Israel. For he rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; he raised up altars for Baal, and made a wooden image, as Ahab king of Israel had done; and he worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. He also built altars in the house of Yahweh, of which Yahweh had said,"In Jerusalem I will put My name." And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of Yahweh. Also he made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witch-craft, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke Him to anger. He even set a carved image of Asherah that he had made, in the house of which Yahweh had said to David and to Solomon his son, "In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put My name forever; and I will not make the feet of Israel wander anymore from the land which I gave their fathers – only if they are careful to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that My servant Moses commanded them." But they paid no attention, and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than the nations whom Yahweh had destroyed before the children of Israel. And Yahweh spoke by His servants the prophets, saying, “Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations (he has acted more wickedly than all the Amorites who were before him, and has also made Judah sin with his idols), therefore thus says Yahweh Elohi of Israel: ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab; I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. So I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become victims of plunder to all their enemies, because they have done evil in My sight, and have provoked Me to anger since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day,’” 2 Kings 21:1-15.
And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” It shall come to
pass in that day that Yahweh shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left, from Assyria and Egypt, from Pathros and Cush, from Elam and Shinar, from Hamath and the islands of the sea. He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. Also the envy of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not
envy Judah, and Judah shall not harass Ephraim, Isaiah 11:10-13.
Who is Yahweh speaking to? He is speaking to Ephraim and Judah. Even more clearly:
“In those days and in that time,” says Yahweh, “The children of Israel shall come, they AND the children of Judah together; with continual weeping they shall come, and seek Yahweh their Elohim. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces toward it, saying, ‘Come and let us join ourselves to Yahweh in a perpetual covenant that will not be forgotten.’ My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; they have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place,” Jeremiah 50:4-6.
So, is it possible that the New Testament (literally, the Renewed Covenant) confirms the story summarized in Jeremiah 50, verses 4 through 6? Whom did James and Peterwrite to?
James, a bondservant of Yahweh and of the Master Yahshua the Messiah, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings, James 1:1.
James was writing to the 12 Tribes scattered abroad. He was not writing to a “Jewish nation” that had been exiled by Rome, or to a Gentile nation, but to all the Tribes of Israel, including the ten tribes of the northern House of Israel and the two tribes of the House of Judah.
Peter [Kepa], an apostle of Yahshua Messiah, to the pilgrims [exiles] of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of Yahweh the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Yahshua Messiah: Grace to you and peace be multiplied, 1 Peter 1:1-2.
envy Judah, and Judah shall not harass Ephraim, Isaiah 11:10-13.
Who is Yahweh speaking to? He is speaking to Ephraim and Judah. Even more clearly:
“In those days and in that time,” says Yahweh, “The children of Israel shall come, they AND the children of Judah together; with continual weeping they shall come, and seek Yahweh their Elohim. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces toward it, saying, ‘Come and let us join ourselves to Yahweh in a perpetual covenant that will not be forgotten.’ My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; they have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place,” Jeremiah 50:4-6.
So, is it possible that the New Testament (literally, the Renewed Covenant) confirms the story summarized in Jeremiah 50, verses 4 through 6? Whom did James and Peterwrite to?
James, a bondservant of Yahweh and of the Master Yahshua the Messiah, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings, James 1:1.
James was writing to the 12 Tribes scattered abroad. He was not writing to a “Jewish nation” that had been exiled by Rome, or to a Gentile nation, but to all the Tribes of Israel, including the ten tribes of the northern House of Israel and the two tribes of the House of Judah.
Peter [Kepa], an apostle of Yahshua Messiah, to the pilgrims [exiles] of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of Yahweh the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Yahshua Messiah: Grace to you and peace be multiplied, 1 Peter 1:1-2.
By using the phrase, “sprinkling of the blood of Yahshua Messiah,” I believe Peter is referring to the atonement for the entire nation of Israel, as recorded in Leviticus 16:14-17:
He [the high priest] shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times. Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins; and so he shall do for the tabernacle of meeting which remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness.
Peter was writing to the “pilgrims of the Dispersion.” What dispersion? Well, it HAD to be the dispersion of the 10 tribes of the House of Israel, the lost sheep that Yahshua spoke of; and NOT the dispersion of the House of Judah from Jerusalem in 70 C.E.! Certainly, Peter would have mentioned the destruction of the Temple in his writings if he were referring to the events of 70 C.E.
Whom did Yahshua the Messiah come for; and, to whom did He send His disciples?
These twelve Yahshua sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand,' ” Matthew 10:5-7.
Then Yahshua went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Master, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Master, help me!" But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." And she said, "Yes, Master, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Yahshua answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour, Matthew 15:21-28.
This is a perfect picture of who “the lost sheep of the House of Israel” truly are – and has always been. Including the 12 Tribes of Israel, anyone who would believe, worship and obey the Elohim of Israel – becomes an Israelite.
One law shall be for the nativeborn and for the stranger who dwells among you, Exodus 12:49.
Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was the Messiah. But with most of them Yahweh was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play [to mock Yahweh]." Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt the Messiah, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11.
What did Yahweh tell Moses about the ends of the ages?
Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where Yahweh your Elohim drives you, and you return to Yahweh your Elohim and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, that Yahweh your Elohim will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the nations where Yahweh your Elohim has scattered you. If any of you are driven out to the farthest parts under heaven, from there Yahweh your Elohim will gather you, and from there He will bring you. Then Yahweh your Elohim will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. And Yahweh your Elohim will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live, Deuteronomy 30:1-6.
How great of an Exodus will this Multitude of Nations be, when the Fullness of the Gentiles comes up out of the ground to inhabit the land promised to Israel? May you be found in the Kingdom of Yahweh. HalleluYah!
He [the high priest] shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times. Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins; and so he shall do for the tabernacle of meeting which remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness.
Peter was writing to the “pilgrims of the Dispersion.” What dispersion? Well, it HAD to be the dispersion of the 10 tribes of the House of Israel, the lost sheep that Yahshua spoke of; and NOT the dispersion of the House of Judah from Jerusalem in 70 C.E.! Certainly, Peter would have mentioned the destruction of the Temple in his writings if he were referring to the events of 70 C.E.
Whom did Yahshua the Messiah come for; and, to whom did He send His disciples?
These twelve Yahshua sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand,' ” Matthew 10:5-7.
Then Yahshua went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Master, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Master, help me!" But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." And she said, "Yes, Master, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Yahshua answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour, Matthew 15:21-28.
This is a perfect picture of who “the lost sheep of the House of Israel” truly are – and has always been. Including the 12 Tribes of Israel, anyone who would believe, worship and obey the Elohim of Israel – becomes an Israelite.
One law shall be for the nativeborn and for the stranger who dwells among you, Exodus 12:49.
Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was the Messiah. But with most of them Yahweh was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play [to mock Yahweh]." Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt the Messiah, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11.
What did Yahweh tell Moses about the ends of the ages?
Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where Yahweh your Elohim drives you, and you return to Yahweh your Elohim and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, that Yahweh your Elohim will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the nations where Yahweh your Elohim has scattered you. If any of you are driven out to the farthest parts under heaven, from there Yahweh your Elohim will gather you, and from there He will bring you. Then Yahweh your Elohim will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. And Yahweh your Elohim will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live, Deuteronomy 30:1-6.
How great of an Exodus will this Multitude of Nations be, when the Fullness of the Gentiles comes up out of the ground to inhabit the land promised to Israel? May you be found in the Kingdom of Yahweh. HalleluYah!
-Elder John Fisher
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