• Torah (T): Shemot (Exodus) 26:31 [30:1-10] – 27:19
• Prophets (P): Ezekiel 16:10-19
• Apostolic (A): Hebrews 8:1-6
• Additional (ADD): 2 Esdras 10:21-24

RELATED SCRIPTURES

• Matthew 27:50-54; Mark 15:37-39; Luke 23:44-47 (T)
• Hebrews 2:5-18 (T)
• Hebrews 10:11-23 (T)
• 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (T)
• 1 Chronicles 6:48-49 (T)
• Luke 1:5-23 (T)
• Leviticus 10:1-3 (T)
• Leviticus 16:1-2, 29-34 (T)
• Hebrews 9:1-28 (T)
• Hebrews 3:1-6; Hebrews 4:12-16; Hebrews 6:1-20; Hebrews 9:11-12; Hebrews 12:1-4 (A)

RELATED ADDITIONAL READINGS

• 2 Esdras 3:13-24 (T)
• Sirach 35:1-17 (T)
• Sirach 45:6-16 (T)
• Sirach 50:1-18 (T)
• 2 Maccabees 2:1-18 (T)
• The Coming of Melchizedek 11Q13 Column 2 (A)
• Exodus 26:31 [30:1-10] – 27:19 from the Jerusalem Targum aka Targum Pseudo-Jonathan (T)
• Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus 3.6.4-8 (T)

Note: (T) means the verse relates to that week’s Torah portion. (P) means the verse relates to that week’s Prophets portion. (A) means the verse relates to that week’s Apostolic portion. (ADD) means the verse relates to that week’s Additional portion.

Torah Portion (T)

14:1 YHWH spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea. 3 Pharaoh will say [to] of the sons of Israel, ‘They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.' 4 I will strengthen Pharaoh's heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies; and the Egyptians shall know that I am YHWH.” They did so. 5 The king of Egypt was told that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” 6 He prepared his chariot, and took his army with him; 7 and he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, with captains over all of them. 8 YHWH strengthened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the sons of Israel; for the sons of Israel went out with a high hand. 9 The Egyptians pursued them. All the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon. 10 When Pharaoh came near, the sons of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were very afraid. The sons of Israel cried out to YHWH. 11 They said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way, to bring us out of Egypt? 12 Isn't this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?' For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” 13 Moses said to the people, “Don't be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of [Elohim],^(LXX) which he will work for you today; for you will never again see the Egyptians whom you have seen today. 14 YHWH will fight for you, and you shall be still.” 15 YHWH said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Speak to the sons of Israel, that they go forward. 16 Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. Then the sons of Israel shall go into the middle of the sea on dry ground. 17 Behold, I myself will strengthen the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will go in after them. I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies, over his chariots, and over his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians shall know that I am YHWH when I have gotten myself honor over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over his horsemen.” 19 The angel of Elohim, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them. 20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. There was the cloud and the darkness, yet it gave light by night. One didn't come near the other all night. 21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and YHWH caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 The sons of Israel went into the middle of the sea on the dry ground; and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the middle of the sea: all of Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 In the morning watch, YHWH looked out on the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and confused the Egyptian army. 25 He [bound]^(LXX)(SP) their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, “Let's flee from the face of Israel, for YHWH fights for them against the Egyptians!” 26 YHWH said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may return on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” 27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it. YHWH overthrew the Egyptians in the middle of the sea. 28 The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh's army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them. 29 But the sons of Israel walked on dry ground in the middle of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 30 Thus YHWH saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great work which [Elohim]^(LXX) did to the Egyptians, and the people feared YHWH; and they believed in YHWH and in his servant Moses.

Prophets Portion (P)

16:10 “I clothed you also with embroidered work and put leather sandals on you. I dressed you with fine linen and covered you with silk. 11 I decked you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands, and put a chain on your neck. 12 I put a ring on your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. 13 Thus you were decked with gold and silver. Your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered work. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You were exceedingly beautiful, and you prospered to royal estate. 14 Your renown went out among the nations for your beauty; for it was perfect, through my majesty which I had put on you,” says the Lord YHWH. 15 “But you trusted in your beauty, and whored because of your renown, and poured out your whorings on everyone who passed by. It was his. 16 You took some of your garments, and made for yourselves high places decked with various colors, and whored on them. This shouldn’t happen, neither will it be. 17 You also took your beautiful jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself images of men, and whored with them. 18 You took your embroidered garments, covered them, and set my oil and my incense before them. 19 My bread also which I gave you, fine flour, oil, and honey, with which I fed you, you even set it before them for a pleasant aroma; and so it was,” says the Lord YHWH.

Apostolic Portion (A)

8:1 Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this: we have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a servant of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which YHWH pitched, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and slaughters. Therefore it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. 4 For if he were on land, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the Torah, 5 who serve a plan and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by Elohim when he was about to make the tabernacle, for he said, “See, you will make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain.” 6 But now he has obtained a different service, by as much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises.

Additional Portion (ADD)

2 Esdras, consisting of chapters 3-14, (also called 4 Esdras, Latin Esdras, or Latin Ezra) is the name of a book in many English versions of the Bible. Its authorship is ascribed to Ezra, a scribe and priest of the 5th century B.C., although modern scholarship places its composition between 70 and 218 A.D. It is reckoned among the apocrypha by Roman Catholics, Protestants, and most Eastern Orthodox Christians. The Ethiopian Church considers 4 Ezra to be canonical, written during the Babylonian captivity, and calls it “Izra Sutuel” (ዕዝራ ሱቱኤል). It was also often cited by the Fathers of the Church. In the Eastern Armenian tradition it is called 3 Ezra.

10:21 For you see that our sanctuary is laid waste, our altar broken down, our temple destroyed; 22 our lute is brought low, our song is put to silence, our rejoicing is at an end; the light of our candlestick is put out, the ark of our covenant is plundered, our holy are defiled, and the name that is called upon us is profaned; our freemen are despitefully treated, our priests are burned, our Levites are gone into captivity, our virgins are defiled, and our wives ravished; our righteous men carried away, our little ones betrayed, our young men are brought into bondage, and our strong men are become weak; 23 and, what is more than all, the seal of Zion—for she has now lost the seal of her honor, and is delivered into the hands of those who hate us. 24 You therefore shake off your great heaviness, and put away from you the multitude of sorrows, that the Mighty may be merciful to you again, and the Most High may give you rest, even ease from your travails.

Related Scriptures

Matthew 27:50 Yeshua cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. 51 Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The land quaked and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the holy ones who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Yeshua, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were done, were terrified, saying, “Truly this was the Son of Elohim!”

Mark 15:37 Yeshua cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit. 38 The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. 39 When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of Elohim!”

Luke 23:44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 Yeshua, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last. 47 When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified Elohim, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.”

2:5 For he didn’t subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels. 6 But one has somewhere witnessed, saying, “What is man, that you think of him? Or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don’t yet see all things subjected to him. 9 But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Yeshua, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of Elohim he should taste of death for everyone. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will declare your name to my brothers. Among the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 Again, “I will put my trust in him.” Again, “Behold, here I am with the children whom Elohim has given me.” 14 Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to Elohim, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself has suffered being tested, he is able to help those who are tested.

10:11 Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and offering often the same slaughters, which can never take away sins, 12 but he, when he had offered one slaughter for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of Elohim, 13 from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet. 14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,” says YHWH, “I will put my Torah on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;” then he says, 17 “I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more.” 18 Now where forgiveness of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Yeshua, 20 by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh, 21 and having a great priest over Elohim’s house, 22 let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and having our body washed with pure water, 23 let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.

3:1 The boy Samuel served YHWH before Eli. the word of YHWH was rare in those days. There were not many visions, then. 2 At that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see, 3 and Elohim’s lamp hadn’t yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down in the temple of YHWH where Elohim’s ark was, 4 YHWH called Samuel. He said, “Here I am.” 5 He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He said, “I didn’t call. Lie down again.” He went and lay down. 6 YHWH called yet again, “Samuel!” Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son. Lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel didn’t yet know YHWH, neither was the word of YHWH yet revealed to him. 8 YHWH called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” Eli perceived that YHWH had called the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down. It will be, if he calls you, that you will say, ‘Speak, YHWH; for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 YHWH came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.”

6:48 Their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of Elohim’s house. 49 But Aaron and his sons offered on the altar of burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the holy of holies, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of Elohim had commanded.

1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zechariah, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a woman of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisheva. 6 They were both righteous before Elohim, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elisheva was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. 8 Now while he executed the priest’s office before Elohim in the order of his division 9 according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah, because your request has been heard. your wife, Elisheva, will bear you a son, and you will call his name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their Elohim. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am a bearded man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the face of Elohim. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” 21 The people were waiting for Zechariah, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. 23 When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.

10:1 Nadab and Abihu, the [two]^(LXX) sons of Aaron, each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and offered [foreign] fire before YHWH, which [YHWH]^(DSS)(LXX) had not commanded them. 2 Fire came out from before YHWH, and devoured them, and they died before YHWH. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what YHWH spoke of, saying, ‘I will show myself holy to those who come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified.’ ” Aaron held his peace.

16:1 YHWH spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they came near before YHWH, and died; 2 and YHWH said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the holy within the veil, before the lid which is on the ark; lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud on the lid…29 “It will be a statute to you forever: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you will afflict your souls, and will do no kind of work, whether native or a stranger who sojourns among you; 30 for on this day will atonement be made for you, to cleanse you. You will be clean from all your sins before YHWH. 31 It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you will afflict your souls. It is a statute forever. 32 The priest, who is anointed and who is consecrated to be priest in his father’s place, will make the atonement, and will put on the linen garments, even the holy garments. 33 Then he will make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary; and he will make atonement for the Appointed Tent and for the altar; and he will make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. 34 “This will be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the sons of Israel once in the year because of all their sins.”

9:1 Now indeed even the first (tabernacle) had ordinances of divine service and an earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared. In the first was the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the presence, which is called the Holy Place. 3 After the second veil was the tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, 4 having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was a golden pot holding the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it keruvim of glory overshadowing the lid, of which things we can’t speak now in detail. 6 Now these things having been thus prepared, the priests go in continually into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the services, 7 but into the second the high priest alone, once in the year, not without blood, which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people. 8 The Holy Spirit is indicating this, that the way into the Holy Place wasn’t yet revealed while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 This is a symbol of the present age, where gifts and slaughters are offered that are incapable, concerning the conscience, of making the worshiper perfect, 10 being only, with foods and drinks and various washings, fleshly ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation. 11 But Messiah having come as a high priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify to the cleanness of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without defect to Elohim, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living Elohim? 15 For this reason he is the mediator of a renewed covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of him who made it. 17 For a covenant is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while he who made it lives. 18 Therefore even the first has not been dedicated without blood. 19 For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Torah, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which Elohim has commanded you.” 21 He sprinkled the tabernacle and all the vessels of the service in the same way with the blood. 22 According to the Torah, nearly everything is cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 It was necessary therefore that the copies of the things in the heavens should be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better slaughters than these. 24 For Messiah hasn’t entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into the heavens itself, now to appear in the face of Elohim for us; 25 nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place year by year with blood not his own, 26 or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the slaughter of himself. 27 Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment, 28 so Messiah also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Emissary and High Priest of our confession: Yeshua, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, as also Moses was in all his house. 3 For he has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, because he who built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone; but he who built all things is Elohim. 5 Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a witness of those things which were afterward to be spoken, 6 but Messiah is faithful as a Son over his house. We are his house, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of Elohim is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. 14 Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Yeshua, the Son of Elohim, let’s hold tightly to our confession. 15 For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tested like we are, yet without sin. 16 Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Messiah, let’s press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward Elohim, 2 of the teaching of immersions, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 This will we do, if Elohim permits. 4 For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and tasted the good, spoken word of Elohim and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of Elohim for themselves again, and put him to open shame. 7 For the land which has drunk the rain that comes often on it and produces a crop suitable for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receives blessing from Elohim; 8 but if it bears thorns and thistles, it is rejected and near being cursed, whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we speak like this. 10 For Elohim is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the holy ones, and still do serve them. 11 We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end, 12 that you won’t be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherited the promises. 13 For when Elohim made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 Thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men indeed swear by a greater one, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation. 17 In this way Elohim, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for Elohim to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil, 20 where as a forerunner Yeshua entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of Elohim Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all, being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”, 3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, and taking an exact image to the Son of Elohim, remains a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth out of the best plunder. 5 They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have a commandment to take tithes from the people according to the Torah, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham, 6 but he whose genealogy is not counted from them has accepted tithes from Abraham, and has blessed him who has the promises. 7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 Here people who die receive tithes, but there one receives tithes of whom it is witnessed that he lives. 9 We can say that through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes, 10 for he was yet in the body of his father when Melchizedek met him. 11 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people have received the law, what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law. 13 For he of whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. 15 This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest, 16 who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life; 17 for it is witnessed, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” (cf. Psalm 110:4) 18 For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect, and a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to Elohim. 20 Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath, 21 for they indeed have been made priests without an oath, but he with an oath by him that says of him, “The Lord swore and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’ ” (cf. Psalm 110:4) 22 By so much, Yeshua has become the guarantee of a better covenant. 23 Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death. 24 But he, because he lives forever, has his priesthood unchangeable. 25 Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to Elohim through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them. 26 For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up slaughters daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself. 28 For the Torah appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.

Hebrews 9:11 But Messiah having come as a high priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Yeshua, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of Elohim. 3 For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to blood, striving against sin.

Additional Readings​

2 Esdras, consisting of chapters 3-14, (also called 4 Esdras, Latin Esdras, or Latin Ezra) is the name of a book in many English versions of the Bible. Its authorship is ascribed to Ezra, a scribe and priest of the 5th century B.C., although modern scholarship places its composition between 70 and 218 A.D. It is reckoned among the apocrypha by Roman Catholics, Protestants, and most Eastern Orthodox Christians. The Ethiopian Church considers 4 Ezra to be canonical, written during the Babylonian captivity, and calls it “Izra Sutuel” (ዕዝራ ሱቱኤል). It was also often cited by the Fathers of the Church. In the Eastern Armenian tradition it is called 3 Ezra.

3:13 And it came to pass, when they did wickedly before you, you did choose you one from among them, whose name was Abraham; 14 and him you loved, and to him only you showed the end of the times secretly by night: 15 and made an everlasting covenant with him, promising him that you would never forsake his seed. 16 And to him you gave Isaac, and to Isaac you gave Jacob and Esau. And you did set apart Jacob for yourself, but did put by Esau: and Jacob became a great multitude. 17 And it came to pass, that when you led his seed out of Egypt, you brought them up to the mount Sinai. 18 You bowed the heavens also, and did shake the land, and movedst the whole world, and made the depths to tremble, and troubled the course of that age. 19 And your glory went through four gates, of fire, and of earthquake, and of wind, and of cold; that you might give the law to the seed of Jacob, and the commandment to the generation of Israel. 20 And yet took you not away from them their wicked heart, that your law might bring forth fruit in them. 21 For the first Adam bearing a wicked heart transgressed, and was overcome; and not he only, but all they also that are born of him. 22 Thus disease was made permanent; and the law was in the heart of the people along with the wickedness of the root; so the good departed away, and that which was wicked abode still. 23 So the times passed away, and the years were brought to an end: then did you raise you up a servant, called David, 24 whom you commanded to build a city to your name, and to offer oblations to you therein of your own.

Sirach, or Wisdom of Sirach, and also known as the Book of Ecclesiasticus (abbreviated Ecclus.) or Ben Sira, is a work of ethical teachings, from approximately 200 to 175 B.C., written by the Jewish scribe Ben Sira of Jerusalem, on the inspiration of his father Joshua son of Sirach, sometimes called Jesus son of Sirach or Yeshua ben Eliezer ben Sira. The Sirach was almost completely uncovered in Hebrew in the Dead Sea Scrolls, at Masada, and the Cairo Geniza. The multiplicity of manuscript fragments uncovered in the Cairo Genizah evidence its authoritative status among Egyptian Jewry until the Middle Ages. Quotes from Sirach can be found in Rabbinic literature in multiple places  including the Talmud in Bava Kamma 92b:13 and Hagigah 13a:2. Additionally, the Gospels and other Apostolic Scriptures quote from the Book of Sirach including the Song of Miriam in Luke 1:52 (cf. Sirach 10:14); the description of the seed in Mark 4:5, 16–17 (cf. Sirach 40:15); the statement by Yeshua in Matthew 7:16,20 (cf. Sirach 27:6); and Ya’aqov (James) 1:19 (cf. Sirach 5:11).

35:1 He that guards the Torah makes many offerings; He that takes heed to the commandments slaughters a peace offering. 2 He that returns a kindness offers fine flour; And he that gives alms slaughters a thank offering. 3 To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to YHWH; And to depart from unrighteousness is an atoning slaughter. 4 See that you appear not in the face of YHWH empty-handed. 5 For all these things are to be done because of the commandment. 6 The offering of the righteous makes the anoints the altar; And the sweet savor thereof is before the Most High. 7 The slaughter of a righteous man is acceptable; And the memorial thereof will not be forgotten. 8 Glorify YHWH with a good eye, And diminish not the first fruits of your hands. 9 In every gift show a cheerful countenance, And dedicate your tithe with gladness. 10 Give to the Most High according as he has given; And as your hand has found, give with a good eye. 11 For YHWH recompenses, And he will recompense you seven-fold. 12 Do not offer him a bribe; for he will not accept them: And set not your mind on an unrighteous slaughter; For YHWH is judge, And with him is no partiality. 13 He will not show partiality against a poor man; And he will listen to the prayer of him that is wronged. 14 He will in no wise ignore the supplication of the fatherless; Nor the widow, when she pours out her story. 15 Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek? And is not her cry against him that has caused them to fall? 16 He that serves Elohim according to his good pleasure will be accepted, And his supplication will reach to the clouds. 17 The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds; And till it come near, he will not be comforted; And he will not depart, till the Most High will visit; And he will judge righteously, and execute judgment.

45:6 He exalted Aaron, a holy man like to him, Even his brother, of the tribe of Levi. 7 He established for him an everlasting covenant, And gave him the priesthood of the people; He beautified him with comely ornaments, And girded him about with a robe of glory. 8 He clothed him with the perfection of exultation; And strengthened him with apparel of honor, The linen trousers, the tunic, and the ephod. 9 And he compassed him with pomegranates of gold, And with many bells round about, To send forth a sound as he went, To make a sound that might be heard in the temple, For a memorial to the children of his people; 10 With a holy garment, with gold and blue and purple, the work of the embroiderer With an oracle of judgment, even with the Urim and Tummim; 11 With twisted scarlet, the work of the craftsman; With precious stones graven like a signet, in a setting of gold, the work of the jeweller, For a memorial engraved in writing, after the number of the tribes of Israel; 12 With a crown of gold upon the mitre, having graven on it, as on a signet, HOLINESS, An ornament of honor, a work of might, The desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful. 13 Before him there never have been any such; No stranger put them on, but his sons only, and his seed perpetually. 14 His slaughters will be wholly consumed Every day twice continually. 15 Moses consecrated him, And anointed him with holy oil: It was to him for an everlasting covenant, And to his seed, all the days of the heavens, To minister to him, and to execute also the priest’s office, And bless his people in his name. 16 He chose him out of all living To offer slaughter to the Lord, Incense, and a sweet savor, for a memorial, To make reconciliation for your people.

50:1 It was Shimon, the son of Onias, the high priest, Who in his life repaired the house, And in his days strengthened the temple: 2 And by him was built from the foundation the height of the double wall, The lofty underworks of the enclosure of the temple: 3 In his days the cistern of waters was diminished, The brazen vessel in compass as the sea. 4 It was he that took thought for his people that they should not fall, And fortified the city against besieging: 5 How glorious was he when the people gathered round him At his coming forth out of the sanctuary! 6 As the morning star in the midst of a cloud, As the moon at the full: 7 As the sun shining forth upon the temple of the Most High, And as the rainbow giving light in clouds of glory: 8 As the flower of roses in the days of new fruits, As lilies at the water spring, As the shoot of the frankincense tree in the time of summer: 9 As fire and incense in the censer, As a vessel all of beaten gold Adorned with all manner of precious stones: 10 As an olive tree budding forth fruits, And as a cypress growing high among the clouds. 11 When he took up the robe of glory, And put on the perfection of exultation, In the ascent of the holy altar, He made glorious the precinct of the sanctuary. 12 And when he received the portions out of the priests’ hands, Himself also standing by the hearth of the altar, His kindred as a garland round about him, He was as a young cedar in Libanus; And as stems of palm trees compassed they him round about, 13 And all the sons of Aaron in their glory, And the Lord’s offering in their hands, before all the congregation of Israel. 14 And finishing the service at the altars, That he might adorn the offering of the Most High, the Almighty, 15 He stretched out his hand to the cup, And poured out the cup of the grape; He poured out at the foot of the altar A sweet smelling savor to the Most High, the King of all. 16 Then shouted the sons of Aaron, They sounded the trumpets of beaten work, They made a great noise to be heard, For a remembrance before the Most High.

2:1 It is also found in the records, that Jeremiah the prophet commanded those who were carried away to take of the fire, as has been signified above: 2 and how that the prophet charged those who were carried away, having given them the law, that they should not forget the statutes of the Lord, neither be led astray in their minds, when they saw images of gold and silver, and the adornment thereof. 3 And with other such words exhorted he them, that the law should not depart from their heart. 4 And it was contained in the writing, that the prophet, being warned of Elohim, commanded that the tabernacle and the ark should follow with him, when he went forth into the mountain where Moses went up and saw the heritage of Elohim. 5 And Jeremiah came and found a chamber in the rock, and there he brought in the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense; and he made fast the door. 6 And some of those that followed with him came there that they might mark the way, and could not find it. 7 But when Jeremiah perceived it, he blamed them, saying, Yes and the place will be unknown until Elohim gather the people again together, and mercy come: 8 and then will the Lord disclose these things, and the glory of the Lord will be seen, and the§ cloud. As also it was showed with Moses; as also Solomon implored that the place might be consecrated greatly, 9 and it was also declared that he, having wisdom, offered a slaughter of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple; so we would have it now. 10 As Moses prayed to the Lord, and fire came down out of the heavens and consumed the slaughter, even so prayed Solomon also, and the fire came down and consumed the burnt offerings; 11 and Moses said, Because the sin offering had not been eaten, it was consumed in like manner with the rest; 12 and Solomon kept the eight days. 13 And the same things were related both in the public archives and in the records that concern Nehemiah; and how he, founding a library, gathered together the books about the kings and prophets, and the books of David, and letters of kings about sacred gifts. 14 And in like manner Judas also gathered together for us all those writings that had been scattered by reason of the war that befell, and they are still with us. 15 If therefore you have need thereof, send some to fetch them to you. 16 Seeing then that we are about to keep the purification, we write to you; you will therefore do well if you keep the days. 17 Now Elohim, who saved all his people, and restored the heritage to all, and the reign, and the priesthood, and the hallowing, 18 even as he promised through the law,— in Elohim have we hope, that he will quickly have mercy upon us, and gather us together out of§ all the land to the holy place: for he delivered us out of great evils, and purified the place.

Col. 2 […] And concerning what Scripture says, “In [this] year of jubilee [you will return, every one of you, to your property” (Leviticus 25:13) and what is also written, “And this] is the [ma]nner of [the forgiveness]: every creditor will remit the claim that is held [against a neighbor, not exacting it of a neighbor who is a member of the community, because Elohim’s] forgiveness [has been proclaimed” (Deuteronomy 15:2): [the interpretation] is that it applies [to the L]ast Days and concerns the captives, just as [Isaiah said: “To proclaim the jubilee to the captives” (Isaiah 61:1)… just] as […] and from the inheritance of Melchizedek, f[or… Melchizedek, who will return them to what is rightfully theirs. He will proclaim to them the jubilee, thereby releasing th[em from the debt of a]ll their sins.

[He will pro]claim this decree in the fir[s]t [wee]k of the jubilee period that foll[ows nine j]ubilee periods. Then the “D[ay of Atone]ment” will follow af[ter] the [te]nth [ju]bilee period, when he will atone for all the Sons of [Light] and the peopl[e who are pre]destined to Mel[chi]zedek. Melchiz[edek]’s favor” (Isaiah 61:2, modified), [and] by his might w[i]ll judge Elohim’s holy ones and so establish a righteous ki[n]gdom, as it is written about him in the Songs of David, “A godlike being has taken his place in the council of Elohim; in the midst of the divine beings he holds judgement” (Psalms 82:1). Scripture also s[ays] about him, “Over [it] take your seat in the highest the heavens; A divine being will judge the peoples” (Psalms 7:7-8).

Concerning what Scripture s[ays, “How long will y]ou (plural: you-all) judge unjustly, and sh[ow] partiality to the wick[e]d? [S]el[ah]” (Psalms 82:2), the interpretation applies to Belial and the spirits predestined to him, becau[se all of them have rebe]lled, turn[ing] from Elohim’s precepts [and so becoming utterly wicked.] Therefore, Melchizedek will thoroughly prosecute the veng[ea]nce required by Go14 statu[te]s. [Also, he will deliver all the captives from the power of B]elial, and from the power of all [the spirits predestined to him.] Allied with him will be all the [“righteous] divine beings” (Isaiah 61:3). [The…] wh[ich…al]l the divine beings.

The vi[sitation] is the Day of [Salvation] that He has decreed [through Isai]ah the prophet [concerning all the captives,] inasmuch as Scripture sa[ys, How] beautiful upon the mountains are the fee[ t of] the messeng[er] who [an]nounces peace, who brings [good] news, [who announces salvat]ion, who [sa]ys to Zion, Your [di]vine being [reigns’” (Isaiah 52:7).] This scripture’s interpretation: “the mounta[ins” are the] prophet[s], they w[ho were sent to proclaim Elohim’s truth and to] proph[esy] to all I[srael]. The “messenger” is the [An]ointed of the spir[it], of whom Dan[iel] spoke, [“After the sixty-two weeks, an Anointed one will be cut off” (Daniel 9:26). The “messenger who brings] good news, who announ[ces salvation”] is the one of whom it is wri[tt]en, [“to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor, the day of vengeance of our Elohim;] to comfo[rt all who mourn” (Isaiah 61:2). This scripture’s interpretation:] he is to inst[r]uct them about all the periods of history for eter[nity…and in the statutes of] [the] truth. […] […dominion] that passes from Belial and ret[urns to the Sons of Light…] […] by the judgement of Elohim, just as it is written concerning him, [“who says to Zi[on ‘Your divine being reigns’” (Isaiah 52:7). [“Zi]on” is [the congregation of all the sons of righteousness, who] uphold the covenant and turn from walking [in the way] of the people. “Your di[vi]ne being” is [Melchizedek, who will del]iv[er them from the po]wer of Belial.

Concerning what Scripture says, “Then you will have the trumpet [sounded loud; in] the [seventh m]o[nth…”] (Leviticus 25:9.)

The above excerpt is from Wise, Michael Owen, et al. The Dead Sea Scrolls: a New Translation. HarperSanFrancisco, 2005.

---

Josephus was born Joseph ben Mattathias in 37 AD in Jerusalem of a priestly and royal family. He excelled in his studies of Jewish law and studied with the Sadducees, Pharisees, and the Essenes, eventually aligning himself with the Pharisees. In 62 AD he went to Rome to free some imprisoned priests. After accomplishing this mission through the intercession of Nero’s wife, Poppaea, he returned to Jerusalem in 65 AD to find the country in revolt against Rome. Josephus shrewdly reinterpreted the Messianic prophecies. He predicted that Vespasian would become the ruler of the ‘entire world’. His prophecy became true in 68 AD when Nero committed suicide and Vespasian became Ceasar. As a result, Josephus was freed; he moved to Rome and became a Roman citizen, taking the Vespasian family name Flavius. Vespasian commissioned Josephus to write a history of the war, which he finished in 78 AD, the Jewish War. His second major work, the Antiquities of the Jews, was completed in 93 AD. The extant manuscripts of the book Antiquities of the Jews contain two references to Yeshua of Nazareth (18.3.3. and 20.9.1.) and one reference to the imprisonment and death of John the Baptist (18.5.2.).

3.6.4. As for the inside, Moses parted its length into three partitions. At the distance of ten cubits from the most secret end, Moses placed four pillars, the workmanship of which was the very same with that of the rest; and they stood upon the like bases with them, each a small matter distant from his fellow. Now the room within those pillars was the holy of holies; but the rest of the room was the tabernacle, which was open for the priests. However, this proportion of the measures of the tabernacle proved to be an imitation of the system of the world; for that third part thereof which was within the four pillars, to which the priests were not admitted, is, as it were, the heavens peculiar to Elohim. But the space of the twenty cubits, is, as it were, sea and land, on which men live, and so this part is peculiar to the priests only. But at the front, where the entrance was made, they placed pillars of gold, that stood on bases of brass, in number seven; but then they spread over the tabernacle veils of fine linen and purple, and blue, and scarlet colors, embroidered. The first veil was ten cubits every way, and this they spread over the pillars which parted the temple, and kept the holy of holies concealed within; and this veil was that which made this part not visible to any. Now the whole temple was called The Holy Place: but that part which was within the four pillars, and to which none were admitted, was called The Holy of Holies. This veil was very ornamental, and embroidered with all sorts of flowers which the land produces; and there were interwoven into it all sorts of variety that might be an ornament, excepting the forms of animals. Another veil there was which covered the five pillars that were at the entrance. It was like the former in its magnitude, and texture, and color; and at the corner of every pillar a ring retained it from the top downwards half the depth of the pillars, the other half affording an entrance for the priests, who crept under it. Over this there was a veil of linen, of the same largeness with the former: it was to be drawn this way or that way by cords, the rings of which, fixed to the texture of the veil, and to the cords also, were subservient to the drawing and undrawing of the veil, and to the fastening it at the corner, that then it might be no hinderance to the view of the sanctuary, especially on solemn days; but that on other days, and especially when the weather was inclined to snow, it might be expanded, and afford a covering to the veil of divers colors. Whence that custom of ours is derived, of having a fine linen veil, after the temple has been built, to be drawn over the entrances. But the ten other curtains were four cubits in breadth, and twenty-eight in length; and had golden clasps, in order to join the one curtain to the other, which was done so exactly that they seemed to be one entire curtain. These were spread over the temple, and covered all the top and parts of the walls, on the sides and behind, so far as within one cubit of the ground. There were other curtains of the same breadth with these, but one more in number, and longer, for they were thirty cubits long; but these were woven of hair, with the like subtilty as those of wool were made, and were extended loosely down to the ground, appearing like a triangular front and elevation at the gates, the eleventh curtain being used for this very purpose. There were also other curtains made of skins above these, which afforded covering and protection to those that were woven both in hot weather and when it rained. And great was the surprise of those who viewed these curtains at a distance, for they seemed not at all to differ from the color of the heavens. But those that were made of hair and of skins, reached down in the same manner as did the veil at the gates, and kept off the heat of the sun, and what injury the rains might do. And after this manner was the tabernacle reared.

3.6.5. There was also an ark made, sacred to Elohim, of wood that was naturally strong, and could not be corrupted. This was called Eron in our own language. Its construction was thus: its length was five spans, but its breadth and height was each of them three spans. It was covered all over with gold, both within and without, so that the wooden part was not seen. It had also a cover united to it, by golden hinges, after a wonderful manner; which cover was every way evenly fitted to it, and had no eminences to hinder its exact conjunction. There were also two golden rings belonging to each of the longer boards, and passing through the entire wood, and through them gilt bars passed along each board, that it might thereby be moved and carried about, as occasion should require; for it was not drawn in a cart by beasts of burden, but borne on the shoulders of the priests. Upon this its cover were two images, which the Hebrews call keruvims; they are flying creatures, but their form is not like to that of any of the creatures which men have seen, though Moses said he had seen such beings near the throne of Elohim. In this ark he put the two tables whereon the ten commandments were written, five upon each table, and two and a half upon each side of them; and this ark he placed in the holy of holies.

3.6.6. But in the holy place he placed a table, like those at Delphi. Its length was two cubits, and its breadth one cubit, and its height three spans. It had feet also, the lower half of which were complete feet, resembling those which the Dorians put to their bedsteads; but the upper parts towards the table were wrought into a square form. The table had a hollow towards every side, having a ledge of four fingers’ depth, that went round about like a spiral, both on the upper and lower part of the body of the work. Upon every one of the feet was there also inserted a ring, not far from the cover, through which went bars of wood beneath, but gilded, to be taken out upon occasion, there being a cavity where it was joined to the rings; for they were not entire rings; but before they came quite round they ended in acute points, the one of which was inserted into the prominent part of the table, and the other into the foot; and by these it was carried when they journeyed: Upon this table, which was placed on the north side of the temple, not far from the holy of holies, were laid twelve unleavened loaves of bread, six upon each heap, one above another: they were made of two tenth-deals of the purest flour, which tenth-deal [an omer] is a measure of the Hebrews, containing seven Athenian cotyloe; and above those loaves were put two vials full of frankincense. Now after seven days other loaves were brought in their stead, on the day which is by us called the Sabbath; for we call the seventh day the Sabbath. But for the occasion of this intention of placing loaves here, we will speak to it in another place.

3.6.7. Over against this table, near the southern wall, was set a candlestick of cast gold, hollow within, being of the weight of one hundred pounds, which the Hebrews call Chinchares, if it be turned into the Greek language, it denotes a talent. It was made with its knops, and lilies, and pomegranates, and bowls [which ornaments amounted to seventy in all]; by which means the shaft elevated itself on high from a single base, and spread itself into as many branches as there are planets, including the sun among them. It terminated in seven heads, in one row, all standing parallel to one another; and these branches carried seven lamps, one by one, in imitation of the number of the planets. These lamps looked to the east and to the south, the candlestick being situate obliquely.

3.6.8. Now between this candlestick and the table, which, as we said, were within the sanctuary, was the altar of incense, made of wood indeed, but of the same wood of which the foregoing vessels were made, such as was not liable to corruption; it was entirely crusted over with a golden plate. Its breadth on each side was a cubit, but the altitude double. Upon it was a grate of gold, that was extant above the altar, which had a golden crown encompassing it round about, whereto belonged rings and bars, by which the priests carried it when they journeyed. Before this tabernacle there was reared a brazen altar, but it was within made of wood, five cubits by measure on each side, but its height was but three, in like manner adorned with brass plates as bright as gold. It had also a brazen hearth of network; for the ground underneath received the fire from the hearth, because it had no basis to receive it. Hard by this altar lay the basins, and the vials, and the censers, and the caldrons, made of gold; but the other vessels, made for the use of the slaughters, were all of brass. And such was the construction of the tabernacle; and these were the vessels thereto belonging.