BE YE HOLY

Messianic Rabbi Ben Moshe- Ereb Shabbat: March 16, 2007

Shabbat Shalom 

Lev 11:44 For I am G-D your ELOHIM. Sanctify (Qadash) yourselves therefore, and be holy (Qadosh); for I am holy (Qadosh): neither shall you defile (tame- tawmay) yourselves with any kind of creeping thing that moves on the earth.

Lev 11:45 For I am G-D that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your Elohim: ye shall therefore be holy (Qadosh), for I am holy (Qadosh).

Lev 11:46 This is the law of the beast, and of the bird, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth;

Lev 11:47 to make a distinction between the unclean (tame- pronounced as taw-may) and the clean (tahor- taw-hore, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten.

Although we did not read verse 42, I thought it was interesting to tell you that in Vayikra 11:42, the Hebrew word “gachon” (H# 1512), spelled gimmel-chet-waw-final nun. The “waw”, which is used as the “O” vowel in ancient Hebrew, before vowel points were added, is much larger in the original Hebrew text and is considered the EXACT mid-way point of the Torah, in other words, the exact middle between Bereishith and Debarim (Genesis and Deuteronomy). Consequently, the Hebrew word “gachon” means “belly”, or middle, which is also considered the midpoint in humans. Now back to our study for this glorious Ereb Shabbat.

After Moshe and the Hebrew people crossed the Sea of Reeds (a.k.a. Red Sea) G-D set before them the high calling He had in view for His people. "Ye shall be holy (set-apart), for I am holy. . . " (Leviticus 11:44). In a world that was given over to the unholy living of heathenism that often characterized pagan nations, our holy ELOHIM G-D called upon His people to set new standards of righteousness that He put in place for those who would desire obedience – and these standards of holiness are required as He is holy! Should it be any surprise to us that the same language is used in reference to His assembly in the Brit Chadashah? G-D is unchanging and He asks and expects the CONGREGATION, you and I, His people, His bride today, to partake of His nature (2 Peter 1:4), to follow His teachings on holiness. "But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation: because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16).

The words "holy" or "sanctify" are often interpreted to mean "righteous" or "pure" or something similar. But the basic concept of the word qadosh (used in Leviticus 11:45) and its related words such as Qadash is that of "apartness" and "distinction", separated from impurity, set apart. Each of the nouns, adjectives and verbs from this root express these ideas with a view to a specific purpose or limitation.

Now, the Brown, Driver and Briggs (BDB) Hebrew and English Lexicon list the meaning of the word as "separation" or "withdrawal," and the denominative verb qadash, "to be set apart, consecrated." The dictionary by Koehler and Baumgartner (KBL) list the various meanings as "to be holy, withheld from profane use, to be treated with special care, fallen to the sanctuary's share." Others offers evidence from later Hebrew usage (post-biblical and Rabbinic) for the straightforward meanings of "be/become pure, holy, sacred."

In addition to the adjective, qadosh, "holy," and the denominative verb qadash, "to be holy," there is the noun qodesh that has the meaning of "apartness, sacredness." There are also the words qedesh, "sanctuary," and miqdash, "sacred place." These words clearly refer to places that have been set apart from common or secular use for the sole purpose of worship. When the verb "to be holy" is written in the piel, pual, hithpael verbal systems, the meaning becomes "causitive." That is, it then means "to make holy, to be made holy, and to make oneself holy," respectively, similar to a call of action that is a continual lifelong process. Here the translations usually use English words such as "sanctify" or "consecrate", which, if you are not careful, you can miss out on the point altogether. Consequently, when you are trying to define a Biblical Word, it’s ALWAYS best to use Biblical definitions for Biblical words instead of trying to place modern definitions to sooth the itching ears of the antinomians and their blind teachers.

WRONG STANDARD OF HOLINESS

One's daily life demands that he seek some standard for righteousness, but what is that standard? Unfortunately, in our rapidly growing secular and globalist world, rulers, men often use the wrong standard for righteousness. It would have been so easy for the nation of Yisra’el to have sought to be like the heathen, pagan nations that were all around them. However, the ELOHIM reminded them that they had been called out of Egypt (Lev. 11:45) for a specific purpose, and that they were not to base or determine their righteousness by being like those other nations. "After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do, and after the doings of the land of Canaan whither I bring you shall ye not do, neither shall ye walk in their ordinances" (Lev. 18:3). As the history of man has been a history of men not abiding by G-D's Torah, or teachings, it is madness to think that righteous standards are to be found in following what others are doing.

G-D's instructions, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil" (Exodus 23:2), should remind us that the standard of righteousness is not to be set by doing what most people are doing, as most people live their lives in complete sin, not caring if they are offensive to G-D or not. YESHUA himself shows that most people will not live by G-D's teachings when he says in Matthew 7:13-14:

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Some set as a standard of righteousness the standard taught them by their parents. If parents were sinless, then they could serve as the standard, but this simply is not the case as Romans 3:23 tells us:

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of G-D;

YESHUA envisioned that following him would sometimes mean turning from parents (Matt. 10:37) as the child grows becomes an adult. Parental teaching, as important as it is, cannot be the main standard. Now please children, don’t get me wrong and do not start to disobey your parents because that would be a violation if the fifth commandment. In other words, it would be sin, a transgression of the law. Some have thought that learned men should set and be the standard. However, Paul states the impossibility of men knowing the things of G-D apart from G-D. "What man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of man which is in him, even so the things of G-D knoweth no man, but the Spirit of G-D" (1 Corinthians 2:12). No man knows the things of G-D! Man cannot determine righteousness of G-D on his own! What this simply means that if your congressman or government, or even a global body makes a law that is against the Torah, against G-D, then you are not to follow it, even if it meant your imprisonment, loss of benefits, or in extreme cases, your death. Why?

THE ONE STANDARD OF HOLINESS

Because there is only one standard of holiness and that is found in G-D! G-D created man in His image (Genesis 1: 27) and when man fell, G-D brought about the true faith and designed it so that we would be conformed to His image. “As we behold the glory of the ELOHIM we". . . are changed into the same image” (2 Cor. 3:18). G-D wants us to be like Him and only Him! We are not to strive be like football stars, or rock stars, or movie actors. We are to be like our magnificent creator G-D. We are to partake of His nature! He and ONLY HE is the supreme and ONLY proper standard of holiness that we are to follow!

WHAT HOLINESS ISN'T

Now, there are a number of passages that clearly show the meaning of separation, and many of these passages are set in common life situations. For example, Isaiah 65:5 illustrates this specific aspect of the word clearly. The prophet describes those self-righteous or arrogant people who say, "Stand by yourself, come not near me, for I am holier than you." These are people who are wrapped up in pagan idolatry and false ideas of holiness. They sought after their own will and not G-D’s will. But the idea of physical distance and separation are clearly related to the idea of "holy."

Haggai 2:12 offers another usage that may amplify the meaning. The text says, "If one bear holy flesh in the bottom of his garment, and with the bottom of the garment touches bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any food, shall it become holy? And the priests answered and said, 'No'." As the next verse indicates, uncleanness or defilement can be caused by contact; holiness, on the other hand, cannot be transmitted by physical contact with that which is holy. The point of the passage is that it is separation that is at the heart of qadosh; contact and contamination are at the heart of impurity.

Galatians 5:19-21 lists many of the unholy practices that have destroyed men of long ago and are yet prevalent in our day. To show how serious these practices are, the list ends with these words, "They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of G-D" (Galatians 5:21).

MESHIKHA's (Aramaic for Messiah) CONGREGATION must abhor these, for to be found guilty of them will bar the doors of His Kingdom. These are the words of a holy Elohim telling us exactly what He wants us to avoid and what HE expects HIS true people to avoid and detest. There are sexual sins listed -- adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness. Adultery is unlawful sex between two people, with at least one of these being married. Fornication is immorality of every sort. It is the Bible word to describe any sort of sexual sin. Uncleanness literally means impurity and refers to those thoughts and actions that lead to immorality. Lasciviousness means absence of restraint, indecency, and includes unchaste behavior of how you dress, your speech and action and inaction. How unfortunate that men and women have left G-D's wonderful design of marital sex and have perverted it and set up their own standards in this area with all kinds of rancid filth.

There are the sins of idolatry and witchcraft. Idolatry can be either the outward worship and service of an image made with hands (see Psalm 115:3-7 for discussion of the folly of such worship) or the covetous service of any material thing (Colossians 3:5). Witchcraft refers to sorcery, superstition, the occult and horoscopes, or speaking thru a median . To follow such is to deny that G-D controls this world, that He determines what happens in our lives (Daniel 4:17).

There are sins of attitudes - hatred, variance, emulations, wrath. Hatred is the opposite of love and refers to bitterness of spirit and hostility toward others. Variance is the strife that results from hate. Emulations means jealousy and the uncontrolled desire to have what others have. Wrath is violent anger. Jealousy smolders in the heart, wrath is the same attitude outwardly shown.

There are sins of false teaching and division - strife, seditions, heresies, debate. Strife often brings about factions, and taking of sides and divisions into parties. Seditions literally means "standing apart" and refers to the divisions into selfish groups. Heresy is the teaching of one's opinions that give rise to division.

There are the sins of drunkenness and revelings. Drunkenness is the indulgence in strong drink to which so many are addicted. While wine is permitted, strong drink is not. Revellings are the wild drinking parties that are found in every society. There are other lists in the Bible (Rom. 1:26-32; Col. 3:5-10), but this list should help us to see that G-D expects His people to be holy, to have as their standard of righteousness His holy nature.

AN EXAMPLE OF HOLINESS

In Galatians the Holy Spirit has another list that shows us much of what is involved in holiness. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Gal. 5:21-22). These are attributes of our G-D that He expects us to have. Take each of these words, read the Old Testament and you'll find they describe our precious Elohim G-D. Take each of these words, read the New Testament and see each of them displayed in the life of YESHUA. G-D's standard for holiness has been lived on this earth, we can see it without fault in our Savior. As He was tempted in every way we are (Hebrews 4:15), it makes no difference when we live or where we live - we have the perfected example of holiness we need! Peter describes this perfect life in these words, ". . . MESHIKHA also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps; who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered he threatened not. . . " (1 Peter 2:21-23). MESHIKHA our example - this is G-D's visible standard of holiness! We are to be like him!

One of the common uses in this Holiness category concerns holy place--places are set apart. Certain places, spots of ground, hills, houses, even countries, came to be known as "holy" because they were set apart to G-D, or because they were places where G-D appeared, and therefore they could not be treated as common ground. In the presence of G-D at the burning bush, Moses was commanded to remove his shoes because the ground upon which he was standing was holy ground (Exod. 3:5). What made that patch of sand holy was the fact that G-D was there; it was unique.

One of the most frequent uses in the Bible concerns the temple mount, Mount Zion, G-D's holy hill. The only thing "holy" about a hill is that it was the place that G-D chose for his dwelling place. It was not a common hill; it was not like any others. It was set apart to G-D and his worship. To ascend the holy hill required a certain amount of purification ritual, because this was no ordinary mountain.

Along with this sanctification of the mountain, there was also the setting apart of the altar, tabernacle and utensils (Exod. 29:37, 30:29). Vessels and instruments were set apart to the service and could not be used for common or profane purposes. It is interesting to note that our word "profane," in spite of how we use it now, originally meant "outside the temple." That which is profane is simply common, and sometimes pretty base.

Another sub-category here is that times are set apart. Sacred seasons and days were those times of the year that were set apart for specific purposes, primarily to G-D's service. The first mention of "holiness" comes in Genesis 2:3 where we read that G-D "sanctified" (made holy, set apart) the seventh day. This day, known as the Sabbath day (for G-D "ceased" [shabat] from his work), was to be distinct from all others, just as each special season dedicated to worship was to be different. No common activities could be conducted on these days, and no pagan rituals either. The holy times were to be given over to the worship, service, and enjoyment of G-D.

THE CONGREGATION AND HOLINESS

We know that G-D is holy. The obvious starting place is in passages that describe G-D as "holy." The idea of holiness is a common description of G-D's unique power and position as the sovereign Elohim of the universe: he is distinct from all that is impotent and impure. Isaiah records many references to the holiness of G-D, such as this one: "For thus says the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy (qadosh): I dwell in the high and holy place, also with the one who is of a contrite and humble spirit" (Isa. 57:15). No one else could claim such things. There is no one like G-D in all the universe. It is important to remember here that Isaiah's context in the latter part of the book is filled with descriptions of G-D's unique character ("I am Yahweh and there is no one else," Isa. 45:5). It is His person and works that display his uniqueness. Isaiah records the words of G-D, saying, "Thus says Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel and His Maker . . . . I have made the earth and created man upon it; I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded" (Isa. 45:11-13a).

By definition one can say that G-D's holiness means that he is set apart. Specifically, He is distinct and separate from all created beings and false gods; there is no one like him in any way or in any place. The evidence for this is found in all the other attributes of G-D--all of them will clarify in what ways G-D is distinct or different than all the false gods and all creatures. For example, His righteousness and his power display that there is no one like him. He is not sinful and impure as people are, or as the false gods are; neither is he powerless as mortals or pagan deities. These and other contrasts between the nature of G-D and all of creation may be summed up in the description that "G-D is holy."

Due to the failure of G-D's people, however, the reputation of G-D has been tarnished in the eyes of some people. It wasn’t G-D’s fault, it was the fault of those who had a different ideal on how to serve him. Ezekiel tells how the ELOHIM will gather his people and fulfill his promises to them in order to prove himself holy (Ezek. 36:23). The nations will then know that by his power and in his faithfulness He keeps His word for He will be sanctified in their sight. Until then, the saints can only pray for this to happen with "Hallowed be thy name" (AV).

Many today have lost sight of G-D's holiness and the result is a chaotic, diseased prone world of sin. Some who claim to be religious may condone sin but the true CONGREGATION cannot be of this nature. The true believers, the true congregation serves the ELOHIM, she seeks His way and lives by His teachings of morality. When she ceases to do this, HE rejects her (Revelation 2:5) and she is as worthless salt, useless in his hands (Mat. 5:13). In an age when society is seeking new lifestyles, when it is seeking a new morality, the CONGREGATION of MESHIKHA upholds His standard of holy living.

The primary requirement for believers in both Testaments is that they be holy, because G-D is holy (Lev. 19; 1 Pet. 2). They are to be set apart from the world and from sin and from ordinary or profane lives; they are to be set apart to G-D. They are to be distinct. They can not be like the world. They must dress holy, walk holy, talk holy, be holy, with a pure heart with a desire to be pleasing in the sight of our almighty creator. They cannot serve two masters. Oftentimes, we speak of "holy matrimony" (a term that we may need to revive if the society keeps paganizing and corrupting marriage); that means the marriage is set apart from the world--it is different. In the Bible we also read how the praise and worship of the righteous is to be adorned with holiness (Ps. 29:1, 2); praise from people who live and love and choose as the world does is hypocritical and not pleasing to G-D. Holy worship comes from holy living. You’ve got to talk right, walk right, dress right, do right, all with a pure heart.

There is a simple illustration for this concept of holiness that may help people understand it better. You may have in your linen closet "holy towels." That is, those towels are set aside for company. Now if someone in the family came in from the garage and used one of those towels, that person would be guilty of desecrating that which is holy--and it goes without saying, that they would be dealt with rather severely. There are other towels and in this case rags that are for common, everyday use.

When some one is spoken of as living a worldly life, it is meant that he lives in a worldly manner, or in a manner like the world, far from the holiness required by G-D for His believers, His holy people. Likewise, when some one is spoken of as living a holy life, it is meant that he lives in a holy manner, or in a manner like that of G-D. To many this is a hard saying, but it is possible for man to live just such a life; in fact, it is the only right way of life. A holy life is the only true life. Such a life is demanded by the Scriptures. We are to live "soberly, righteously, and holy in this present world" (Titus 2:12).

G-D's dear children are told to be "followers of him" (Eph. 5 :1). In some translations this reads, "Be ye imitators of G-D," and in some others, "Be ye mimickers of G-D." From this we understand that to be a follower of G-D is to live or act in a manner like him. Again, it is said of those who abide in MESHIKHA, that they should walk even as he walked. Our manner of life should be as was the life of YESHUA. It is said of MESHIKHA that "when he was reviled, he reviled not again." Although He was treated most shamefully by His enemies, HE did not seek to avenge Himself. When insulting remarks were made to him, he gave no reply. He was not interested in defending himself. To live a holy life is to live in the same manner. When believers are reviled, they bless; when they are persecuted, they suffer meekly and patiently, and they pray for their enemies. When YESHUA was being put to death by his enemies, he prayed the Father to forgive them. When a man who had come to take YESHUA had his ear cut off, YESHUA in his tender compassion healed this bitter persecutor's wound. This is the true spirit of holiness.

The full standard of holiness is attained to only when the whole tenor of the life is in simplicity and holy sincerity. The apostle Paul said in testimony that his rejoicing was this: the testimony of his conscience that in simplicity and holy sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of G-D. He had had his conduct in the world. A holy life is wholly free from ostentation; every act is done in purest simplicity and truest sincerity. As G-D scrutinizes every act by his all-seeing eye he discovers no impure motive, as vain-glory or lifting up of self; for all is in holy sincerity.

The grace of holiness in the true believers character is capable of cultivation and increase. There is a law in both the material and spiritual that exercise is conducive to growth. The Spirit-filled apostle said, "Exercise thyself unto holiness." In the Emphatic state this reads, "Train thyself for piety." Here is something for every soul that has any aspiration to be more holy in life. Train yourself for piety. To become of deeper piety and more holy is the joy of the true believers heart. By training we become more pious. The lawn-tender forms an espallier by intertwining the branches of the vine. He keeps intertwining them as they grow, and by such training forms a lattice-work of shrubbery. The soul intertwined with the meek and lowly life of YESHUA will form a character of deep piety and sincere holiness. The daily life should be intertwined with the life of YESHUA. Let there be no reaching out for anything outside of Him.

For a proper development of the true believers grace there must be a constant training or intertwining of the soul with G-D. This linking more tightly is the result of growth, and growth is produced by exercise, and exercise consists in reading the Scriptures, in prayer, and in deep thought or heart-communion with G-D. The athlete takes such exercises and eats such foods as will most properly develop and strengthen his muscles. The soul that has any longings for more of G-D must exercise to have its yearnings gratified. To be conscious of a growing up into MESHIKHA, to feel the soul intertwining more and more with the life of G-D, is fullness of joy and perfect happiness. It gives you the peace that passeth all understanding. Friends, is there an ardent flame of pure love in your heart? Do you walk with YESHUA in a devout, trustful, reverential spirit? If not, then you should.

In closing, I want to mention the word Qadosh with all its related forms has the significance of being set apart for some specific, (normally) religious purpose. This necessarily involved a separation from certain things and a dedication to others. The holy person is one who is consecrated to the holy Elohim G-D and to spiritual service. This means that the life and the conduct of the believer is to be distinct from the common folk or profane. Of course this does not refer to the perfunctory or mechanical and routine necessities of life--believers use much the same measures for transportation, maintenance, and household matters as the unbelievers do. However, within all aspects of life they make choices; and if they live, love, and choose as the world does, for the reasons the world does, they are profane. They must seek ways to live out their faith. The standard for this sanctification is G-D himself: "Be holy because I G-D your Elohim am holy." G-D is distinct from all celestial and terrestrial beings and items by his nature and his works. And so the life of the believer is to imitate and reflect that holiness.

Do you oftentimes find your mind contemplating the wonders of creation and the glories of salvation? Is your soul habituated to breathe in the atmosphere of heaven deeply? Is that holy awe filling you? Is that tender sensibility of spiritual things filling your heart? Is that fine, keen edge upon your soul that gives you such hunger for holy things? Is to become more holy a sincere desire of your heart? Then diligently perform all the duties that belong to a holy life. Some give great diligence for a time and make spiritual gain and then lose it all in a day of slackness. But do not slack, be constant, be persevering, be encouraged, reach forth, press forward,-and the prize of meekness. peace. and the Holiness of G-D will consume and crown your life. AMEIN!