Doctrine of the Sheeple

Doctrine of the Sheeple

Rabbi Yehudah ben Shomeyr

David, Isaiah and Messiah Yeshua all likened us to the gullible and dim-witted of all animals; the sheep.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. – Psa.23:1

All we like sheep have gone astray… -Isa. 53:6

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. - John 10:27

Sheep are so stupid; they can actually drown standing on dry land! This is because their noses are parallel with their mouths and that if they drunk from a swift moving stream they would drown. Why? Because as they drink, the rushing water would flow into the nose and into the lungs unnoticed until they drown. They literally do not know any better not to not drink from fast flowing waters. That is why David said…

…He leadeth me beside the still waters. – Psa. 23:2b

And I dare say that the sheep are running the Messianic/Natsari movement moreso than The Shepherd. Why do I say this? Well, because if we are dim-witted sheep, then God’s Word, His Torah, His Laws, His Instructions and the doctrine that lies therein has to be pretty simple for us to understand and follow. But all I am hearing is doctrine and theology that makes me furrow my brow, cock my head, curl my lip and say, “Whaaaaaaaaaat!?” “Theo-babel” that sounds a lot like the untranslatable, “Bwaaaaaah,” the bleating of a sheep. I’m no theological or intellectual slacker, I’m no dummy, I got high marks in my Systematic Theology class in Bible College and I can knock it around with the best of them, but choose not to because you rarely change anyone’s mind, end up making unnecessary enemies, and have a headache to boot. I hate battling over semantics and splitting hairs. There comes a point that you break things down even beyond their basic elements and theology and doctrine spills over into the realm of philosophy and quantum physics and one realizes that they tore it apart so much so that they cannot piece it back together again. This is the very thing that haunted Albert Einstein; he dubbed himself as the Jew who killed God.

Please forgive this crude, offensive and unrefined analogy, but it seems the only one I can think of that fits and the only one to really get my point across. Nonetheless, even with such declaimer and warning, I will still try to word it the most delicately yet blunt way possible. It’s the theological equivalent of a “pissing contest” or the measuring and comparing of each other’s manhood.  It’s ridiculously childish, flaunting ones insecurity for all to see, and a sorry waste of time. I will have no part of it.

For the wisdom of this world (this worlds doctrine of the sheeple) is foolishness with God. – I Cor. 3:19 – (parenthesize italics mine)

Sheep are so dumb and faulty that if they survived a barn fire and only had minor smoke inhalation they’d blame the oxygen for bringing the smoke to them and deciding to breath carbon monoxide instead! This is what is happening in Messianic/Natsari Judaism. Instead of taking the Scripture for what the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek say they mean, we are running ourselves through with a rusty, jagged, double edged sword. Many of us have come out of Christianity feeling anger and betrayed by the cover up and paganism with in it and run to Judaism thinking, “Ah, they are closer to Torah and so they must have it all figured out.” When they don’t even know who Messiah is and approximately a quarter or more of their doctrine was formed as a reactionary tactic to separate themselves from the Natsarim! Hence, the double edged sword. Then some try to marry the two while others create a whacked out reactionary doctrine that does not resemble Christianity or Judaism. This is the incubator in which cults are born and the sweat shop of red flag making.

Forget Calvin, forget the Rambam, why can’t we just NOT throw the baby out with the bathwater and look at the simple plain truth of Scripture instead of trying to determine who was right; Christianity or Judaism? Read it with new eyes as if you never set foot in a church or synagogue with such and such denomination or sect name over the door.

I’m all about Truth and I’m not saying I got it all 100% correct; as long as I am solid on the Torah, the virgin birth, deity of Messiah, His sinless life, atoning sacrificial death, burial, resurrection, ascension, soon return and reign of the divine Messiah; the rest is doctrine that has nothing to do with one’s salvation or personal standing with God and such differences in doctrine that vary from person to person or denomination to sect I can live with.

Tomaytow – Tahmahtow

Potaytow – Potahtow

That sort of thing.

Simplicity is not the same thing as stupidity and ignorance. Simplicity is happiness. Simplicity is Truth. I want to be a simple, happy, loving person, not some miserable tortured theological genius, preoccupied, wasting my time, always battling the next ridiculous doctrinal fad or firestorm that comes along in the movement. I want to focus on loving God, loving people and leading them to God through Torah and Messiah.

I’m done with hair splitting nonessentials.

I am held accountable to be a good steward of my time, for my time is on God’s watch. I don’t know about you, but I do not want to stand before Abba Father and Him asking me why I wasted so much time arguing over doctrine and theology instead of loving people as Messiah did and teaching Torah through Messiah.

The 12/70 Principle 9-10

12 Tribes 12 Disciples 2 Parallel Histories

Let us look other similarities between the Tribes and the Talmidim (Disciples).

·        Rachel had Joseph and Benjamin – Peter and Andrew were brothers from Galilee/Bethesda

·        Bilhah Rachel’s handmaid had Dan and Naphtali – James and John were brothers from Galilee/Bethesda and were fishing partners with Peter and Andrew.

·        Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid had Gad and Asher – James and Judah/Thaddeus/Lebbaeus were brothers from the same unknown town

·        Leah had Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun – The remaining Disciples were same in number; Phillip, Bartholomew, Judas, Matthew and Simeon

·        Jacob adopted Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh – Paul and Matthias were added to the Apostles

·        Ephraim though younger was given prominence – Paul was from Benjamin the smallest Tribe 

·        Manasseh like Matthias was not as prominent as Ephraim/Paul respectively 

Other miscellaneous similarities:

·        Just as “Simon” Peter was hasty with a blade and as an Apostle to the Jews reached out to Levi – The tribes Simeon and Levi were known for and cursed to be scattered due to their haste with swords

·        Just as James and John were called “Sons of Thunder” Simeon and Levi acted as such when they destroyed Shechem with swords

·        Just as Judah proposed to betray and sell Joseph so too Judas betrayed and sold Yeshua who Joseph was a type and shadow of

·        Just as Reuben attempted to save Joseph and failed, Peter tried to save Yeshua and failed

·        Just as Joseph loved his only brother Benjamin, Yeshua so loved John and at the cross Yeshua gave his mother into John’s care

·        Just as Joseph when in power in Egypt sat his brothers down for a meal in order of their birth, in similar manner Yeshua had a Passover meal and sat the disciples in a particular order

·        Judah offers himself a ransom for Benjamin’s life and Peter claims he would die for Yeshua

·        Joseph while in Egypt ruled the family and when he died Jacob confirmed in so many words that such a position Judah would now hold. In kind, Yeshua while living headed up the Disciples, but after Yeshua’s death Peter was commissioned by Yeshua to be the “Rock” for the others

·        Just as Yeshua forgave Peter for his betrayal, Joseph forgave his brothers for what they had done to him

I am sure there are more parallels you can make between the Tribes and the Disciples. But as you can see, even at a quick glance, the lives of the Disciples were in a way the Life of the Sons of Israel in miniature.

12 Stones 12 Gates 12 Foundations

We know the 12 Gates of Pearl in the New Jerusalem compares to the Encampment of the 12 Tribes around the Tabernacle.

Some have asked me if the Greek and Aramaic really do say pearl because they wonder why a product of an unclean animal would be found in the pure and holy New Heaven and New Earth. Simply put is that the animal is unclean to consume as a food source, not unclean as in it cannot be handled. If this were the case we could not have dogs and cats as pets, or ride a donkey or a camel which our Biblical ancestors certainly did. Oysters are unclean to eat but we may use the product of an oyster which is a pearl.

We know that during the times of the Tabernacle and Temple that the Tribes were represented by the precious stones on the Levitical breastplate and in the New Jerusalem the 12 Apostles are represented as precious foundation stones.

We will examine them both.

Exodus 28, 39: Levitical Breastplate and its Stones:

Row One: L-R

·        Reuben – Sardius - Red

·        Simeon – Topaz – Clear Yellowish Green

·        Levi – Carbuncle – Green

Row Two: L-R

·        Judah – Emerald – Greenish Blue

·        Dan – Sapphire – Greenish Yellow

·        Naphtali – Diamond – Clear/White

Row Three: L-R

·        Gad – Ligure – Orange Amber

·        Asher – Agate – Sky Blue

·        Issachar – Amethyst – Reddish Brown

Row Four: L-R

·        Zebulun – Beryl – Golden Yellow

·        Joseph – Onyx – Sea Green

·        Benjamin – Multi-Colored

Revelation 21: The 12 Apostolic Foundation Stones

·        Peter – Jasper – Multi-Colored

·        Andrew – Sapphire – Blue

·        James Zebedee – Chalcedony – Greyish, Purplish Blue

·        John Zebedee – Emerald – Green

·        Phillip – Sardonyx – White

·        Bartholomew/Nathaniel – Red Orange, Flesh Colored

·        Thomas – Chyrsolite – Golden

·        Matthew – Beryl – Pale Green

·        James Alpheus – Topaz – Greenish Yellow

·        Judah/Thaddeus/Lebbeaus – Chrysoprasus – Green

·        Simeon – Jacinth – Dark Blue

·        Matthias – Amethyst – Violet -

Now let us properly pair them up Apostle to Tribe and see what we get.

·        Peter – Jasper – Multi-Colored - Judah – Emerald – Greenish Blue

·        Andrew – Sapphire – Blue - Issachar – Amethyst – Reddish Brown

·        James Zebedee – Chalcedony – Greyish, Purplish Blue - Zebulun – Beryl – Golden Yellow

·        John Zebedee – Emerald – Green - Dan – Sapphire – Greenish Yellow - Reuben – Sardius - Red

·        Phillip – Sardonyx – White - Asher – Agate – Sky Blue - Simeon – Jacinth – Dark Blue

·        Bartholomew/Nathaniel – Red Orange, Flesh Colored - Naphtali – Diamond – Clear/White - Gad – Ligure – Orange Amber

·        Thomas – Chyrsolite – Golden - Benjamin – Multi-Colored - Joseph – Onyx – Sea Green

·        Matthew – Beryl – Pale Green - Joseph – Onyx – Sea Green

·        James Alpheus – Topaz – Greenish Yellow - Joseph – Onyx – Sea Green - Benjamin – Multi-Colored

·        Judah/Thaddeus/Lebbeaus – Chrysoprasus – Green - Gad – Ligure – Orange Amber - Dan – Sapphire – Greenish Yellow

·        Simeon – Jacinth – Dark Blue - Simeon – Topaz – Clear Yellowish Green - Asher – Agate – Sky Blue

·        Matthias – Amethyst – Violet - Reuben – Sardius – Red - Naphtali – Diamond – Clear/White

What could this mean, at first glance it seems pretty random, but note that like colors or complimentary colors are paired with one another. Granted the colors are debateable due to one precious stone can be represented and or come in many different colors. But generally we see an esthetic balance of the color palate.

If I could personally make but one confirmation is that Gad’s stone is the same color the Igbo chiefs (who come from Gad through his son Eri) wear in their necklaces and bracelets and Bartholomew’s stone is virtually the same color.

The 12/70 Principle 8

12 Tribes 12 Apostles 4 Mothers

Laban did not think much of his daughters or their handmaids. Their names mean as follows:

·        Leah – Wild Cow

·        Zilpah – A Drop

·        Rachel – Ewe (Female Sheep)

·        Bilhah – Simple or Foolish

Seeing as these are the Mothers of Israel the Matriarchal names describe the nature of Israel by the Prophets. When in rebellion a Wild Cow in heat, a Drop in comparison to the nations. A precious Ewe Lamb when Israel was in obedience or needed rescued by God. When in rebellion and when viewed by pagan nations seen as Simple and Foolish.

Rachel and Leah, competing sisters and opposite in personality are separated by East and West with the Tabernacle in between them.

We will also pair once again the Tribe to the Apostle

EAST:  Sunrise, Children of Leah, Leah first to give birth

·        Judah – Peter

·        Issachar – Andrew

·        Zebulun – James Zebedee

WEST: Sunset, Children of Rachel, Rachel last to give birth

·        Ephraim – James Alpheus and Thomas

·        Manasseh – Matthew

·         Benjamin - James Alpheus and Thomas

The Handmaids are North to South seen as equals, like a balance. When paired with the Apostles each Apostle is juxtaposed to its corresponding Tribe on both North and South!

NORTH: Trouble, Children of the Handmaids; Zilpah and Bilhah

·        Dan – John Zebedee, Judah/Thaddeus/Lebbeaus

·        Asher – Phillip and Simeon

·        Naphtali – Matthias and Bartholomew

SOUTH: Comfort, Children of Leah and Zilpah

·        Reuben - John Zebedee, Judah/Thaddeus/Lebbeaus

·        Simeon - Phillip and Simeon

·        Gad - Matthias and Bartholomew

Please note that the Encampment of the Tribes around the Tabernacle corresponds to the location of the Gates named after the Tribes in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21).

We have already paired Apostle to Tribe. In Deuteronomy 27 we witness Israel being divided, half to pronounce the blessings of keeping Torah on Mt. Gerizim and the other half to pronounce the curses of disobedience to Torah on Mt. Ebal. Will the Apostles and tribes line up?

Mt. Gerizim: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, Benjamin – Peter, Andrew, Thomas, Matthew, James Alpheus, Phillip

Mt. Ebal: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Dan, Zebulun, Naphtali – James and John Zebedee, Matthias, Simon, Bartholomew, Judah/Thaddues/Lebbeaus

The diving of the tribes is symbolic of several things; the onyx stones of the priests (Ex. 28:9-12, 39:6-14) as well as united Israel divided after the death of Solomon.

The following is the Mother, Tribes and Apostles paired in regards to the meaning of their names and see if a relevant message for or about Israel emerges.

Direction of Encampment: East, North, West, South

·        Leah, Judah, Simon Peter:  The wild cow praises God and the rocks hear

·        Leah, Issachar, Andrew: The wild cow is a manly man for hire

·        Leah, Zebulun, James: The wild cow dwells catching by the heel

·        Bilhah, Dan, Reuben, John: The simple judge is a beloved son

·        Zilpah, Leah, Asher, Simeon, Phillip: The wild cow is but a drop, a happy listening warrior

·        Bilhah, Zilpah, Naphtali, Gad, Bartholomew/Nathanel: Though but a  simple drop, the wrestling fortunate troop is a gift of YHWH

·        Rachel, Benjamin, Ephriam, Thomas: The Ewe lamb’s son of my right hand is a doubly fruitful twin/pair.

·        Rachel, Ephriam, Benjamin, James: The Ewe lamb’s doubly fruitful son of my right hand catches by the heel

·        Rachel, Menasseh, Matthew: The Ewe lambs gift of God causes me to forget my troubles.

·        Zilpah, Bilhah, Judah (Thaddeus/Lebbeaus): Even the simplest of drops gives hearty praise to God

·        Leah, Zilpah, Asher, Simeon: The wild cow is but a drop, happily hearing

·        Leah, Bilhah, Reuben, Naphtali, Matthius: The wild cows simple son wrestles for the gift of YHWH.

Direction of Juxtaposition: East, West, North, South

·        Leah, Judah, Simon Peter:  The wild cow praises God and the rocks hear

·        Leah, Issachar, Andrew: The wild cow is a manly man for hire

·        Leah, Zebulun, James: The wild cow dwells as a catching by the heel

·        Rachel, Ephriam, Benjamin, James: The Ewe lamb’s doubly fruitful son of my right hand catches by the heel

·        Rachel, Menasseh, Matthew: The Ewe lambs gift of God causes me to forget my troubles.

·        Rachel, Benjamin, Ephriam, Thomas: The Ewe lamb’s son of my right hand is a doubly fruitful twin/pair.

·        Bilhah, Dan, Reuben, John: The simple judge is a beloved son

·        Zilpah, Leah, Asher, Simeon, Phillip: The wild cow is but a drop, a happy listening warrior

·        Bilhah, Zilpah, Naphtali, Gad, Bartholomew/Nathanel: Though but a  simple drop, the wrestling fortunate troop is a gift of YHWH

·        Leah, Bilhah, Reuben, Naphtali, Matthius: The wild cows simple son wrestles for the gift of YHWH.

·        Leah, Zilpah, Asher, Simeon: The wild cow is but a drop happily hearing

·        Bilhah, Zilpah, Naphtali, Gad, Bartholomew/Nathanel: Though but a simple drop, the wrestling fortunate troop is a gift of YHWH

We are left with two dominate pictures; one of a Wild Cow and one of a Ewe Lamb, with a combination of attributes and messages. Both are symbolic of atonement of the Red Heifer and the Passover Lamb. A Third pictures ties these two together that it is a simple message of redemption which is seemingly Foolish to others but honed to a Singularity (a Drop). This double picture of redemption causes us to hear and obey, wrestle, obtain and rest. This is the message of the Apostles which were sent out to the Tribes to gather them back in the herd/flock.