Transforming the Law to Love
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Covenants Presentation Part 3
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The first born & first fruits system preceded the Levitical system
Transforming the Law to Love
For the law was given by Moses, but Grace and truth came by Yahushua Messiah (Joh 1:17KJV)
If you have read parts one and two of this series, you know that there were three covenants, two at Mt Sinai and one that was put into place at Moab. We went through that detail in Part 2 and this time we are in Part 3, or session 3 of this presentation. We’re going to take a look at what is a real interesting topic. This topic got added late in the development cycle of this overall presentation. It became apparent that the first born and the first fruits were an integral part, an early part of YHWH’s covenant architecture. We’re going to take a look this time at the importance of the first born and the first fruits that YHWH brought into place even before Mt Sinai. This really started from creation, and we’ll look at the details of how far back this idea of first born and first fruits goes. What is significant about it is that it preceded the Levitical System. We will be going into that with this presentation.
Purpose and Scope
Examine the covenants at Sinai, Moab and the Upper Room
Determine if Yahushua modified, magnified or abolished the law
Discover what laws Yahushua fulfilled
Explore the terms of the new contract established by Yahushua
Detail the characteristics and attributes of The Way
Substantiate what law/laws are applicable today
We will continue on the first item because effectively, we are examining the covenants at Sinai, Moab and the upper room. The upper room will come into this presentation. The Upper Room of course being in 30 CE when Yahushua established a new covenant with His body and His blood just prior to his crucifixion.
With that, we will look at the first born and first fruits and the scriptures that have to do with that, and the importance of the first born and first fruits to Yahushua Messiah. What we will find is that the system has gone from a first fruit system, and it was changed to a Levitical system and then changed back to a first fruits system.
Common Assumptions
A couple of common assumptions, one of them being the Law of Moses, was given
at Mt. Sinai in Ex 20. Most people would say that’s true, that it happened when the 10 Commandments occurred. However, the book of Hebrews does not agree. Let’s take a look at some of the scriptures and discuss this particular topic first, this common assumption.
If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it G1909=superimposition of time, place or order, upon it (the Levitical Priesthood) The people received G3549=to have enactments enjoined, to legislate the law, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? (Heb 7:11 KJV)
Now when you read this scripture, that doesn’t maybe necessarily prove anything about when this Levitical priesthood was given. In Part 2 we examined the details of the 2 covenants that were established at Mt Sinai. Then we looked at the third that was established at Moab. You should now know that there was no Levitical system in the beginning of Mt Sinai. There were first fruits and a first born system. Those were the important leaders that YHWH had set in place. The Levitical system didn’t come until late in the Mt Sinai process.
“If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it,” or superimposed of time place or order. This is an important part of the scripture. The Levitical priesthood didn’t come until late in the stay at Mt Sinai. Just a couple of months before they left the Levitical priesthood was established. The other part about this, and we will get into more details, that the people received the law under this Levitical priesthood. The law was a part of this priesthood.
There are only 2 occurrences of this Greek word that you find in Strongs number G3549, ‘So the people received’ is G3549 it means to have enactments enjoined. The people had enjoined or legislated to them, through the Levitical priesthood, the law. The law came because the priesthood was there to give it. So there are only two occurrences of this particular word G3549 and the second occurrence happens also in Hebrews 8:6 another chapter later.
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established G3549= to have enactments enjoined, to legislate upon better promises. (Heb 8:6 KJV)
I found it interesting to find only two occurrences of this particular Greek word and they both happen to be about this subject and they both happen to be in Hebrews. The Message translations make Hebrews 7:11 crystal clear and it says:
I found The Message translation makes Hebrews crystal clear.
If the priesthood of Levi and Aaron, which provided the framework for the giving of the law, could really make people perfect, there wouldn’t have been need for a new priesthood like that of Melchizedek. (Heb 7:11 MSG)
There was no Levitical priesthood at Sinai in Version 1 is what the KJV is saying in clear English. Version 1 was a covenant that was direct from YHWH through Moses, not through the Levitical priesthood. The law was connected to the covenant in this example that’s given in Hebrews 7:11. The law was given through the Levitical priesthood, and the Levitical priesthood administered the law. These things came together.
The law is connected or enjoined to the Levitical priesthood is what this scripture is telling us. It ends up being covenants Versions 2 and 3 which were merged and became the Law of Moses or what we know as the Old Covenant. Some people would even say the Old Testament, although that generally may refer to the composite of the books or the Tanakh.
The Levitical covenant was imperfect that’s why it had to be replaced, and because of the Levitical imperfection it required a change. The answer to this first common assumption is that the Law of Moses was given at Mt Sinai in Exodus 20. That’s a false assumption. The Law of Moses wasn’t given till much later at the stay in Mt. Sinai and it was given by the Levitical priesthood and coming along with it was the law that the people received.
The Levitical Priesthood Were the First Priests. It’s another common assumption that the first born were the original priests in Version 1 at Mt Sinai. Part two goes into detail how YHWH sanctified the firstborn and they were the ones that YHWH put in place as the leaders. In fact, we will see in Exodus 22, and several places in Exodus, the importance of the firstborn, and the first fruits, for that matter.
Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors (juices) the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me. (This was during that covenant Version 1 at Mt. Sinai that he said this.) Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen and ye shall be holy men (priests) unto me. (Exo 22:29-31 KJV)
These were intended to be the priests unto YHWH. You also know the importance of the first born because of the events that took place in Exodus. Moses, through YHWH, said put the blood on your doorposts so that you’ll be protected.
Levitical priesthood did not exist in Exodus 20 Version 1. You need to understand that, and we went into that in some detail in part 2 of this presentation. It is an important foundation to have before the rest of this study will make sense. In fact, each part doesn’t stand alone without the previous session. It’s a building block, part one built the foundation that led to part two, which built part three, three leads to part four and so on. You need to listen to the sequential series of this study to understand the fullness of this topic.
Original priests were the entire nation of Israel. That may come as a surprise but that is what the scripture says in Exodus 19.
Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people, for all the earth is mine; and ye shall be unto me a kingdom H4467= dominion, reign, royalty of priests, and a holy nation. (The whole nation is a kingdom of priests and a holy nation) These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (Exo 19:21-24 KJV)
This was just before the giving of the Ten Commandments, they were at Mt Sinai, and they had just arrived. The Ten Commandments were about ready to be given likely on what we would call Pentecost today. YHWH makes this distinction that the whole nation is a kingdom of priests. Going on in Exodus 19:
And YHWH said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto YHWH to gaze and many of them perish. And let the priests (notice there are priests already) also, which come near to YHWH sanctify themselves lest YHWH break forth upon them. And Moses said unto YHWH, The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us. Saying Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it, And YHWH said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron (Aaron wasn’t a priest yet) with you; but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto YHWH lest he break forth upon them. (Exo 19:21-24 KJV)
These aren’t the Levitical priests; these are the first born priests that YHWH had sanctified.
Priests were already assigned, and they weren’t Levitical when they first arrived at Mt. Sinai. The other common assumption that the Levitical priesthood was the first priests is a false assumption.
The Firstborn Priesthood was outsourced, the firstborn were disqualified and the Levitical priesthood started 9 months later after the arrival at Mt Sinai. This would be during the period of time that we’ve labeled Version 2 of the old original contract or covenant.
And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. (Exo 40:13).
This is the beginning of the sanctification of Aaron as the chief, or head priest. Other details follow this about the rest of the Levites and their assignments.
And YHWH spake unto Moses, saying, bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they (the Levites) may minister unto him (Aaron). And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle. And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons; they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.
(Num 3:5-9 KJV)
What we are going to see in a few verses later in Numbers chapter 3, that the firstborn were outsourced, they were taken out. They were taken out because of sin. This is the job description YHWH gave the Levites, and their charge. Keep in mind Numbers 3 was late in the stay at Mt. Sinai and was penned about 9 or 10 months after they arrived. Once we get to chapter 10 in Numbers, they pick up and leave and go on with their next journeys for the next 39 years until they get to Moab.
Why the Change? Why did this occur? I’ll show you the reason why it occurred.
And I said unto them, whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: (says Aaron) then I cast it into the fire, (Aaron giving a status report of what happened when he was up on the mountain for his 40 day fast) and there came out this calf. (It just popped out!) And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies) Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, who is on YHWH’s side? Let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. (Exo 32:24-26 KJV)
It was only the sons of Levi that gathered to YHWH’s side when Moses asked which side of this line in the sand are you on. Only the Levites came over. All the rest of them did not, none of the rest of them came over it says here. That’s why YHWH picked the Levites and put them in charge of the tabernacle and priesthood.
The Levites were only tribe that didn’t worship golden calf in other words. Galatians should make better sense now.
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. (Gal 3:19 KJV)
The law was added because of the transgressions that probably started before the golden calf because there is a lot of murmuring. There is a lot of murmuring on top of the calf incident. In Ezekiel chapter 20, the history lesson that YHWH gives of the background of the Israelites. They brought their idols with them from Egypt, they couldn’t let them go. They brought them along the whole way. The golden calf was the manifestation of it and likely many other events that precipitated these transgressions that are not being mentioned.
What’s interesting is the law was added because of transgressions. This little word “till” the seed should come “UNTIL” the seed should come, and that seed is Yahushua of course. When the seed comes the law that was added, “Until” the seed would come is thought to be in some cases, the law stayed. I’m here to tell you that when the seed came, the law that was established in this Levitical system was disannulled. It was taken back; the entire Levitical system and all the associated laws that go with it were disannulled as the scripture says. We will come up to that during this study and throughout the other series and parts that I will present. Think about what the word “till” means. The law was added because of transgressions UNTIL the seed would come, which is Yahushua. That promise was made as far back as Abraham; that whole promise of Abraham is being talked about.
The firstborn in Version 1 was Decommissioned, The firstborn priesthood was outsourced. They were replaced. The priesthood that was in place was redeemed with a buyout clause. I would call this a redemptive buyout. They were paid for and transferred to a new organization.
The Levitical system established later after their stay at Mt Sinai in Version 2 of the covenant that was established there. Version 2 was established because Moses broke the tablets as he came down the mountain because of the golden calf incident. We will look at how this was established. Numbers chapter 3 is a good history lesson of the establishment of the Levitical system. If you only wanted to read one chapter, Numbers 3 gives a lot of information about it.
And YHWH spake unto Moses, saying, And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn…Therefore the Levites shall be mine; Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am YHWH. (Num 3:11-13 KJV)
This firstborn in Israel were as a result of what took place in Egypt is one of the foundation items that YHWH wanted the firstborn to be His. What’s why when he told Moses, to go tell Pharaoh that all the firstborn were going to be taken. It wasn’t just the people it was man and beast. All the firstborn were taken unless they had the protection of the blood of the perfect lamb on their doorpost and this firstborn in Israel were as a result of that. It was important to YHWH; it says so in Exodus 13 as or right after they were leaving Egypt
And YHWH spoke unto Moses, saying, sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast; it is mine. (Exo 13:2 KJV)
So yes, these were YHWH’s. You might just think about this a little bit. This was right after they were starting to leave Egypt. When we honor the Passover and we think of the Children of Israel and the blood that they put on their doorposts. If you don’t look at these scriptures a little more closely you might think the blood on the doorposts protects all of the people. NO! The protection was for the firstborn and that is what these scriptures are telling us in Exodus. The protection was to keep the death angel from killing the firstborn of the Israelites.
And YHWH spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, (this is late in their stay at Sinai) saying, Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families, and that number was = 22,000 (Num 3:14-15 & 39 KJV)
The Levitical house had 22,000 people in it, the children
And YHWH said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males + 22,273 (Num 3:40 KJV)
By contrast, how many first born males are there? These were the firstborn originally being sanctified. This of course was going back to Exodus 12 and 13; they were protected from the death angel. There were at this point 22, 273 of those the scripture says.
And thou shall take the Levites for me (I am YHWH) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel. (Num 3:41 KJV)
The Firstborn are being replaced here, they are being outsourced. He says to redeem and transfer difference to Aaron and sons and he says to do it at 5 shekels each, and there were 273 in the difference. Remember there were 22,000 Levites and there were 22,273 firstborn so the difference is 273 times 5 shekels is a total of 1365 shekels. So redeem that amount and transfer it to Aaron and his sons according to Numbers 3:46-48 KJV
It’s not clear the value of this particular shekel is, but it’s reasonably clear that it weighs about 4 tenths of an ounce. If we take that and multiply the numbers out, (It’s somewhat conjecture), 1365 shekels x .4 oz. = 546 oz. and if we take an arbitrary fixed number of $1500.00, (if gold) that comes out to about $819K and change or 3K for each firstborn, for the cost of their redemption. I don’t know if there is a scripture that tells us if it was a gold or silver standard for this shekel. If it was a gold standard, it’s a pretty high value, if it’s a silver standard today, that would move the decimal point over a couple of places and it would make the value at about $30.00 apiece rather than $3,000.00 apiece. I put this on as interest to see how much this would be. In any case, the firstborn were redeemed and their animals were redeemed also.
The Levitical system was set in place. This is an amazing find to see that the original firstborn were put there and the Levitical system took the place of the firstborn once they got into the situation of sinning, which if course they were.
Sinai Version 1 priesthood was decommissioned, and it was changed to the Levitical System. At Sinai, after the tabernacle became operational which is in Numbers 7 is when this occurs. It was just before 2nd Passover in the 1st mo., 2nd yr. according to Numbers 9:1. This happened late in their stay at Mt. Sinai, and only after the tabernacle became operational. You will see that sequentially in the chapters in Numbers. In chapter 3 the first born was outsourced, in chapter 7 the tabernacle became operational and the Levites took over the administration of the Temple and the leadership of the priesthood. In Numbers chapter 8 we find more interesting scripture.
And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them for an offering unto YHWH. Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine. (Remember YHWH said the firstborn are mine, not any more, this is a new system being put into place) And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation that thou shalt cleanse them and offer them for an offering. For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, (in other words the firstborn) even instead of the firstborn of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me. (Isn’t that amazing to see in the scriptures? The firstborn are replaced by the Levitical system) for all the firstborn of the children of Israel are mine, both man and beast; on the day that I smote every firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them for myself. (He said that’s what I did then; He wanted them to be the leaders and said it in several different places before and during the early stay at Mt Sinai when the first version of the covenant was established) And I have taken the Levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel (I took them instead) and I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel; that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary. (Num 8:13-19 KJV)
So the Levites are now in charge. Just a few verses additional from where this happened they departed Sinai in the 20th day, 2nd mo. 2nd yr. in Numbers 10:11 The Levitical system has taken place. Once they get to Moab, the Levitical system is in place but it was a temporary solution. Remember “until” the seed should come. The Levitical priesthood was abolished when the Seed came. Moab Version 3 priesthood was decommissioned It did not stay. All its associated support structure and all its legal implications have been decommissioned. The legal system was transferred back to Version 1 became a first fruits and a first born system again. The covenant is changed to a better contract.
By so much was Yahushua made a surety (pledge) of a better testament (Heb 7:22 KJV),
What it’s saying here is Yahushua gave us a better testament or a better covenant, or a better contract. This word “surety” is interesting because Yahushua was made a surety, which means a pledge of a better testament. On the business side of surety, the thought comes to mind of surety bonds. This gives us an indication that the word surety, or the pledge of something we use today called the surety bond, and I wanted to bring this up because it shows us what Yahushua is doing/has done for us in better covenant that is talked about in Hebrews 7:22.
A surety bond or a surety today is a promise by a surety, or a guarantor to pay one party a certain amount. That one party is the obligee which would be something like a project owner. If a second party (the principal or contractor) fails to meet some obligation, such as fulfilling the terms of a contract. The surety bond protects the obligee or the project owner against losses resulting from the principal’s failure to meet the obligation. Effectively, this surety bond system that we have today is like a 3 way partnership. A surety bond is issued by a party to guarantee the work of a contractor to some stakeholder. It’s a three way relationship that the surety bond is established in the business world today. You also have surety bonds for bonding out in the legal system for someone that’s been charged with a felony, as an example. They have to pay a surety to pledge their appearance in court, and a third party provides that.
Now the surety that’s made by Yahushua of a better testament is pretty interesting when you compare it to the surety bond system that I’m sure went back into the Greek and Roman society. They did these same kinds of things; in fact the basis of a lot of our legal system goes back that far. Yahushua is the one that makes the pledge or the surety bond for our salvation. Instead of having a project owner and a contractor that are being protected in this arrangement it is us. Two of the three parts are us. We are the ones that are the sinners; we’re the ones that are given the pledge of this surety by the grace of Yahushua. This scripture brings this out, it makes it crystal clear.
By so much was Yahushua made a surety He is the one that’s pledging his blood, he gave it, he died for us and he’s made this guarantee of forgiveness and eternal life for those that are willing to accept this surety bond from Yahushua. It’s an amazing parallel. The associated law is changed when Yahushua came. We see that in Hebrews 7 chapter verse 12:
For the priesthood being changed G3346= transfer, transport, exchanged, (In other words the Levitical priesthood is being changed again. Originally it was first born then it changed to Levitical, now it’s being changed again.) There is made of necessity a change G3331= transposition (swap) transferal, disestablishment, removing also of the law. (Heb 7:12 KJV)
These two words change or changed have two different Greek root words in them. The first root ‘change’ being the priesthood being changed means to transfer, transport or exchange. The priesthood is exchanged. It exchanged for Yahushua. There’s also by a necessity a change or a swap or a transferal or even a removing or disestablishment. You get the idea here that the law is going to change.
I’m going to divert here briefly to talk about these two words “changed” because they appear also in Hebrews chapter 11 verse 5. And an unrelated topic is about Enoch.
By faith Enoch was translated G3346= transfer, transport, exchanged that he should not see death; and was not found, because YHWH had translated G3346= transfer, transport, exchanged him; for before his translation G3331=transposition (swap) transferal, disestablishment, removing 1 he had this testimony, that he pleased YHWH (Heb 11:1 KJV)
There are a lot of people that think, I would say the majority of Christianity, thinks that when Enoch was translated, he went to heaven. Now that you understand what these two words mean, these are the same words that are used as translated for Enoch that mean changed in terms of exchange for the priesthood, and swapped according to the law.
If you read carefully the other couple of accounts of Enoch, what this scripture in Hebrews 11 is telling us that Enoch didn’t go to heaven, no man has ascended to heaven. John 3:13 says that only the Son has come down, no man has ascended to heaven everybody’s asleep in the Messiah right now waiting for his return. Enoch didn’t go to heaven; Enoch was translated, he was moved to a place of safety, to a different location because there were enemies around him. That is what this is talking about. Translated to a new location or transferred or transported to a new location. He wasn’t transported to heaven; he was transported to another location. I don’t want to deviate any further on the subject other than just to bring this up.
The priesthood was changed, it was transferred to a new priesthood and the law was swapped out. But changed to what? Swapped out to what? It was transposed, or I’m going to say swapped back. Originally the law of the firstborn is what YHWH had put in place, not only at Mt. Sinai but even before that. What was changed back is this original first born system. The firstborn after Sinai were fleshly they were humans, but the firstborn starting with and after Yahushua, they are spirit. Keep in mind the attributes of Version 1 of the covenant, the version that was established in Exodus chapters 20 to 24, that Version 1. It was the time that the Children arrived at Mt Sinai and YHWH spoke the 10 Commandments. He gave those four chapters of instruction and attributes. The people said “We will”. That is Version 1 of this covenant system that we’re talking about. In that covenant system, in Exodus 22:29, the first born sons to YHWH were to be given as holy men. They were to be the ones that were the priests then.
Covenant Version 1 attributes
10 Commandments (Ex 20:1-17)
1st fruits – agriculture & livestock to YHWH (Ex 22:29 – 30)
Firstborn sons to YHWH as Holy Men (Ex 22:29)
Sabbatical & land rest (Ex 23:10-11)
3 Holy Day Seasons (Ex 23:14-19)
Included in these were interpersonal and governance, slaves, personal injury, property damage, dishonesty, seduction, civil/religious and moral obligations (Ex 21-23:9) Protection and health
(Ex 23:20-23)
What’s being changed is back to this system… Back to the first born is what is important. The Levitical system was simply a period of time because of the sins of the people. It had to be that way. There was no sin offering in Version 1, sin offering had to be established in Versions 2 and 3 of the covenants later on at Sinai and Moab. Those two covenants were merged to what we know as the Law of Moses today.
The Firstborn and First Fruits System go back to creation because Adam was the first man created by YHWH. The first born system was relevant from the beginning. We don’t have to look too far to find it there with Cain and Abel.
And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto YHWH. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings (firstborn) of his flock and of the fat (The best) thereof. And YHWH had respect unto Abel and to his offering; but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. (Gen 4:3-5 KJV)
YHWH is honoring the firstlings and the best of the flock that Abel brought. The end result was that enmity developed and Cain slew Able.
Israel was the firstborn nation. We see that in Exodus chapter 4.
And YHWH said unto Moses, when thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand; but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith YHWH, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And say…Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn. (Exo 4:21-23 KJV)
This firstborn system is very important to YHWH. It goes back to the beginning. The first order of business after Egypt departure is to talk about the firstborn and the importance of it.
And YHWH spake unto Moses, saying, sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast; it is mine. And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand YHWH brought you out from this place; there shall be no leavened bread be eaten. (Exo 13:1-3 KJV)
A man from each family is the firstborn. And YHWH said that is what is important to me. I’m sure you remember that in Numbers chapter 3 that YHWH said the Levites are what were important in this temporary arrangement of the Levitical system, not the firstborn.
Keep in mind that the Spring Holy Days are memorials of the first coming of the Messiah, but also they have to do with the first fruits of the agrarian cycle. The Barley harvest is the first of the first fruits. The barley wave sheaf offering is representative of Yahushua and the New Covenant sacrifice that he provided. The second harvest is the wheat. That is memorialized by Shavuot or Pentecost and is also remembered by two leavened loaves. There was only one sacrifice that YHWH established that used leaven. That happens to be at Shavuot or Pentecost and it was two leavened loaves that were used. What does that represent? I would submit that it represents the Israelites and the Gentiles being brought to salvation once the new covenant is in place. The Spring Holy Days represent the first fruits with an agrarian focus.
The First Born First Fruits System Points to Yahushua; In Egypt the firstborn were redeemed by blood of the perfect lamb. Remember they had to select the perfect lamb on the 10th day.
And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste; it is YHWH’s Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment; I am YHWH. And the blood (of the perfect lamb) shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you (He’s not talking about passing over everybody in a mass slaughter, He’s talking about passing over you, (your firstborn) and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. (Exo 12:11-13 KJV)
This included all the firstborn of the people, the entire first born of Pharaoh’s family, including the firstborn of the animals. So the first born are redeemed by the perfect blood of the lamb. Obviously it points to Yahushua giving his blood as the perfect lamb as redemption for us. The timing is the same, its Passover when all of this happened. YHWH’s plan of salvation is absolutely amazing.
Yahushua is the first born and the first fruit; we see that in several places:
And Joseph knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son; and he called his name Yahushua G2424= Iesous-from H3091 Yahushua (Mat 1:25 KJV)
Most Bibles say “Jesus”. I want to request you take the time to look up the word Jesus in most of your Bibles and use Strongs Concordance you will find that it’s G2424 and it’s translated from the Greek “Iesous”. Because the Greek didn’t have the phonetics to translate from the Hebrew properly, “Iesous” is what developed. You will also see in Strongs this comes from the real name in the Hebrew number 3091. If you look at how that name is pronounced, it’s Yahoshua or Yahushua. You also see if you go back to the book of Joshua, Joshua’s name is H3091. Joshua is Yahoshua, Yahushua, and you will see that he’s the one that led the physical children of Israel into the Promised Land, just as Yahushua, the Messiah, will lead the Believers into eternity, into the Millennium and into the Kingdom of YHWH. It’s an amazing study by itself, but it’s not to be overlooked. The importance of calling our Savior by his proper name, not a Greek translation that doesn’t fit. His name is not Jesus, his name is Yahushua. There are many variations on how it’s pronounced, but it’s clear what it isn’t. It’s not Iesous, and it’s not Jesus, it is Yahushua, Yahshua, Yahoshua type of a name.
And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten (firstborn) of the Father, full of grace and truth. (Joh 1:14 KJV)
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible Eloah, the firstborn of every creature G293=creation. (Col 1:14-15 KJV)
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Col 1:18 KJV)
It should be clear that Yahushua is the firstborn, He’s the first fruit, and the scriptures point this out. There’s a new order to be established with Yahushua being the first born. Yahushua is the first of the Melchisedek order.
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of YHWH an high priest after the order of Melchisedek. (Heb 5:9-10)
Prototype of first born sons, in other words, a prototype is the first release, the first version.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love YHWH, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He (YHWH) did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed G4832=jointly formed, fashioned like to the image of his Son, (So those that he knows today, He predestinated. This has been thought through a long time ago. We have been predestinated to be conformed or fashioned like the image of His Son. And going on, the same scripture says) that He (His Son) might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified (past tense). What shall we then say to these things? If YHWH be for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:28-31)
Do you get that? The sequence of events and what is even more astounding to me as I read through this “moreover who YHWH did predestinate, He called, and when He called, He justified, and whom he justified them He also glorified.” This is a past tense comment. He’s not saying he will glorify, He did. To YHWH this is a done deal. He’s talking about this in the past tense and not talking about some future thing yet to happen. This is a done deal to Him.
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living Eloah, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church G1577 a calling out of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to YHWH the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Yahushua the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Heb 12:22-24 KJV)
Even that of Able, remember YHWH said he honored Abel’s sacrifice because it was his firstborn and it was the premium quality, it was of the fat of his herds. This is even better than that. The elect are part of this Firstborn, First Fruits system. After Yahushua the firstborn will be the elect, the Saints.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, (that would be us) even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Rom 8:23 KJV)
Likewise greet the church G1577= calling out, meeting that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia (Greece) unto Messiah.
(Rom 16:5 KJV)
Epaenetus is the first one that’s talked about as the firstfuit in this location in Greece. How about you or how about me? Are we firstfruits in our area? Are you among the first fruits where you are? There are first fruits being developed in many places. Are you actually one of those that are what the scriptures in the Millennium talk about? They talk about you, your name being saluted. Salute them as the first fruits. We want to be this first fruit.
But every man in his own order: Messiah the firstfruits; after they that are Messiah’s at his coming. (1Co 15:23 KJV)
The scripture likens this to an agrarian harvest, first the early harvest and then a little later another harvest. The barley representing Yahushua and the wheat represent the Messiah at his coming.
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. G2938= formation, product, created thing. (Jas 1:18 KJV)
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto YHWH and to the Lamb. (Rev 14:4 KJV)
The Priesthood is changed with the new contract.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, (Sounds like going back to the time in Exodus when YHWH told the Israelites they were a royal nation and a holy nation and a priesthood) a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Pe 2:9 KJV)
And from Yahushua Messiah, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. And hath made us kings and priests (we’re going to be kings and priests) unto YHWH his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (Rev 1:5-6 KJV)
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for thou were slain, and hast redeemed us to YHWH by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our Eloah kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth (Rev 5:9-10)
Should be no doubt what out titles will be and there should be no doubt, from this scripture where we’re going to reign, on the earth.
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on such the second death hath no part, but they shall be priests of YHWH and of Messiah, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Rev 20:6 KJV) – – – – on the earth.
This system, The Firstborn First Fruits System has come from a Levitical interim period, but that’s been replaced. Yahushua replaced that, we’re back to a first born first fruits system.
In Summary, The original priesthood was the firstborn of tribal families are some of the things we’ve learned.
The Levitical priesthood was established after golden calf because of sin. The Levitical system had to be initiated and expanded. The original firstborn were outsourced; we saw that in Numbers chapter 3.
The Levites were the only faithful tribe at Sinai. That is the reason this outsourcing happened.
The Levitical system provided temporary leadership “until” the promised Messiah Galatians 3:19 ………TILL the Messiah, till the seed should come.
Firstborn originally were intended to serve under Aaron as High Priest (Exodus 28:1). We saw early on that Aaron and his sons were to be the high priests and I believe that to be who was to be the head priest over the firstborn. But, it didn’t evolve that way because of sin. YHWH had to find another group to be sanctified in order to take care of the tabernacle and the administration and teaching. That other group was the rest of the Levites.
The Original old first contract intention was that a nation of priests would be led by first born and that was Version 1 of the contract. There would be oversight by a high priest and that would be the lineage of Aaron and they would become a nation of Priests that’s what the first version of the covenant was showing us. But the reality is, because of sin the whole situation morphed into a nation of priests. YHWH wanted a nation of priests but because of sin the Levitical system had to put in place. The beginning was they were supposed to be a nation of priests but what happened was they morphed into a nation with priests instead of priests.
New Contract needed to come into place because the Levitical system was inadequate and the new contract now is based on firstfruits – Yahushua is the first of the first. The saints/elect are firstborn and they are the ones that will follow Yahushua’s lead. This has come full circle- back to the firstborn administration
Also part of what we’ve learned is the Moab covenant or Version 3 has been cancelled. We see that in Hebrews.
If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it (the priest) the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
For the priesthood being changed G3346=to transfer, transport, exchange, there is made of necessity a change G3331=transferal; disestablishment also of the law G3551= Law of Moses. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Master sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident; for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there arises another priest who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he (YHWH) testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (From Psa 110:4) For there is verily a disannulling G115= cancellation, put away, set aside of the commandment going before for the weakness G772= feeble, impotent, without strength and unprofitableness G512= useless, inutility thereof. For the law made nothing perfect. G5048= accomplish, finish, fulfill, bit the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto YHWH. (Heb 7:11-19 KJV)
What Hebrews is telling us is the Levitical system came from the Levites. Yahushua didn’t come from the tribe of Levi. He was from the tribe of Judah. What is being said is that the tribe of Judah wasn’t represented originally at the tabernacle, but it is now.
I’d like to highlight a couple of things: It’s probably Paul who is writing this, but it’s certainly inconclusive that he’s the author of Hebrews. The writer says “For he (YHWH) testified you are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” This is a quote from Psalm 110, one of the other two places that you find the mention of Melchisedec. And here it is, out of Psalms.
YHWH hath sworn, and will not repent; Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Psalm (110:4 KJV)
This is a hallmark of Paul’s writings. By the way, Paul frequently quotes the Tanakh, the writings and the prophets, and the Psalms. We see that it’s a quote in Hebrews. “For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before” because of how feeble, impotent, without strength and unprofitable and useless it is. Now, there are some people that would take offense to that but that is what the scripture says. That didn’t come from me, that’s what the scriptures say.
The scriptures are saying this old system is feeble, and weak and impotent. It’s interesting to say there is a disannulling of the commandment. What this says is that it’s being put away or set aside, if you look at the Greek work G115 you see that it has a root that means to set aside. Set aside is an interesting term. When used in today’s vernacular is actually a legal term. It means if the judgment is set aside by the court, the proceedings go back to the claim stage and any enforcement action is also cancelled. You have a new opportunity to fill in the reply to the claim form, make an offer of payment or put in any defense or counterclaim. When something is legally set aside, you have an opportunity for a new slate, a new judgment. Disannulling is setting aside. Setting aside all those old laws, the Levitical laws and that system that made people do things to try to be righteous, but could never accomplish. That is all being set aside and we can make a new claim now. What is that new claim? It’s the claim of the blood of Yahushua Messiah. That’s the claim that I’m going to make
The law came with the Levitical system and the people received the law. “For under the Levitical system the people received the law.” It doesn’t say they received a covenant; they received the law under that system. The covenant that we receive now is under Yahushua Messiah. The better hope draws us to YHWH. It’s not the law that draws us, it’s the better hope.
We get to coming full circle. The word “redux” means brought back or revived. I’m not trying to insinuate the whole system is brought back, but the part about the first born and first fruits is what is brought back and revived in the covenant that we have today through the first born Yahushua.
In conclusion: Version 1 covenant was abandoned by Moses. YHWH didn’t abandon the first covenant, Moses did. The children broke what they said we will do, they broke that agreement. Moses abandoned that. In Exodus 32 it says:
And he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing…he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. (Exo 32:19 KJV)
He didn’t have much of a choice, people were sinning down there, Moses is bringing back the 10 Commandments on stone and some further instructions that they were originally to have, but there was no way they could accept being set aside because they had already broken what they said they wouldn’t break in the beginning. Moses was in a situation where he had to break those tablets and go back up the mountain and re-tool another set. Of course when the other set got re-tooled some other things were added to it.
This Version 1 of the covenant also though, had a first born priority. “All the first born of my children I redeem”. Remember we read that in Exodus 13:5. It was a voluntary participation also. “All that YHWH had spoken we will do.” The children of Israel said in Exodus 19:8 just before the giving of the 10 Commandments. This was voluntary on their part, they were going to do this and they said they would. Well, they didn’t.
Because they didn’t, Version 2 and 3 had to happen. Versions 2 and 3 were merged. I’ve kept the version numbers separate so I can describe these different covenants that were put together at Sinai and Moab. Effectively, the Version 2, the one that was done late ‘by the tenor of these words’ YHWH said in Mt. Sinai and then ‘according to these words’ at Moab some 39 years later, they are merged. You can see they are in Deuteronomy 29:1 which was written at Moab.
These are the words of the covenant, which YHWH commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb. (Deu 29:1 KJV)
This is in addition to the covenant that he made in Horeb. Here in Galatians, it says:
It was added because of transgressions till the seed should come to whom the promise was made. TILL is a little tiny word. (Gal 3:19 KJV)
All of this that’s being talked about in these two covenants, Versions 2 and 3 that were merged were until the seed should come and the promise was made. This covenant is the one we know as the old covenant or the old contract. It had a Levitical priority, it didn’t have first born. The firstborn were outsourced. The Levites took over; they became the priority of the priesthood.
In Numbers 3 it says:
I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn therefore the Levites shall be mine. (Num 3:12 KJV)
Things changed because of sin. These two covenants that were merged were mandatory, they were obligatory in their participation, and we see that in Hebrews 7.
If therefore perfection were of the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law) what further need was there. (Heb 7:11 KJV)
What further need was there for a better priesthood is effectively what this scripture is saying. These two versions that were merged Versions 2 and 3 were obligatory, if perfection was to come through the priesthood, and the laws that were given associated with the priesthood. What happened after this?
The Upper Room contract happened. This is a new contract. New means New, New doesn’t mean RENEW. We will get into that discussion a couple of sessions from now. The New Contract happened in 30 C.E. It was revolutionary, revolutionary in thought and in design.
In that he saith, a new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old (obsolete) is ready to vanish (abrogate=abolish) away. (Heb 8:13 KJV)
The original covenant, the first one which is Version 2 and 3 are abolished by this revolutionary New Covenant that Yahushua came to establish with His blood and His body and His sacrifice one time for all. He became the surety for us. He’s the bondsman that’s paying for our sin. It’s no longer the blood of bulls and goats. Again, this goes back to, revolutionary in attributes, but it shares one common attribute with the original covenant, Version 1 which was the firstborn priority. The first born system is back in play again. It says so in Romans 8:29. That He might be the firstborn among many brethren…..Yahushua is the firstborn and we are the firstborn among the saints. And it’s not a voluntary participation, nor is it mandatory, but it’s by grace through faith and not of yourselves as it says in Ephesians 2:8
Some people don’t like the word grace. I’ve run into that recently. Again this is a good word to look up in Strongs Concordance because grace is the divine influence upon your heart and it’s reflection in your life. Grace is the divine influence on your heart and reflection in your life, what’s wrong with that? Some people say it’s because its root is charis and charis was an idol in Greek mythology. Grace is grace, I want YHWH’s grace and I hope you do too. I want His Spirit to reflect in my heart and want that to be representative of the actions in my life. How about you? Do you want grace in your life? Grace should be a reflection of YHWH’s spirit in us.
With all this in mind, the New Contract was revolutionary and the old has become obsolete. That may be a surprise but, it’s the truth. That’s what the scripture are saying, this version two and three have been obsoleted they’re scratched out. They are no longer applicable. They are there for our learning and our admonition certainly. There is a lot to be learned from reading about them but they are no longer applicable.
The Levitical law and the foundation which they represent are no longer in force. Now that doesn’t say that there isn’t law because there is law. That law is holy and just and good Paul says. This is where we get into the question of what Paul is talking about. If you remember, going back to the last session of this presentation I showed you there were “golden items” that were common throughout all these versions of the covenant.
That golden law includes the 10 Commandments. It includes the first fruits of the land, the agriculture. The animals and the Sabbaticals are included in that golden part of the law. There are three Holy Days that are included in all of the versions of the covenant. Clearly these things have not been abolished. The Levitical system, the administration, the associated laws and rules and regulations going along with it has been abolished. The golden law has been sustained and is maintained and is holy and just and good. I’ve given you a lot to think about.
There may be some things you don’t agree with, and that is fine, but Acts 17:11 is significant scripture when we study something like this because you want to receive what you have heard with all readiness of mind. In other words you don’t want to have a bias to say that can’t be right because I’ve never thought it to be right. We all have preconditioning of what we’ve been previously taught.
Probably many of you have been previously taught that all of the laws of the Levitical system are covenants one, two, and three, you never thought of them as three separate covenants. You probably thought all this is applicable with the exception of stoning and sacrifices. I’m here to tell you that’s wrong but some other people, particularly mainstream Christianity would say that the law was fulfilled by Yahushua, the law is dead, and we don’t have to worry about that anymore. I’m also here to tell you that’s wrong too. That’s not correct.
Hopefully, if you are in either of those cases, you receive this word that you have heard today with readiness of mind. At least hear it, and then take on the project of going out and searching the scriptures whether these things are so. Search the scriptures and pray and you will find whether these things be so. Study to find yourself approved a workman that doesn’t need to be ashamed of the end result of which you are building. When I build something, I don’t want it to be a piece of junk. I want it to have the right dimensions, rightly dividing or making it straight with the word of truth. You should be the same way, go look and get your level and your saw and pencil and calculator and make all these scriptures line up. Show that they all line up perfectly. YHWH’s word is a masterpiece of truth and it’s wonderful to be able to search the scriptures and to come to YHWH’s truth and what He wants us to understand. Do your own homework. Don’t believe what I say. Don’t believe what anybody says on these subjects. Go prove them to yourself.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched G350=scrutinize; examine the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11 KJV)
Prove G1381=test, discern, examine all things; hold fast that which is good. (1Th 5:21 KJV)
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Master: walk as children of light: for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; proving G=fully agreeable, well pleasing unto the Master (Eph 5:8-10 KJV)
Study to shew thyself approved unto YHWH, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing G3718=make a straight cut the word of truth. (2Ti 2:15 KJV)
Transcribed from video
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