Judah – The Lawgiver of God (Hebrew: Mechoqeck)

 

by OvadYah Avrahami

 

co-founder of KOL HATOR Vision for the Restoration of re-united 12-Tribed Kingdom of Israel

 

DISCLAIMER – The author is co-founder of the KOL HATOR Vision Promotion through this Web Site. These views are the personal conclusions of the author based on the Written Hebrew Scriptures at our disposal and the Rabbinic sources quoted in the article and elsewhere on this Web Site.

Amplification Note – To fully evaluate this Topic, the reader will gain much-expanded information by clicking on the links in this article (underlined and coloured) as well as following selected items from the wide list of ‘Related Topics’ at the foot of every article on this Web Site.

 

The following Scripture should raise no eyebrows:

Isaiah 33

כב  כִּי יְהוָה שֹׁפְטֵנוּ, יְהוָה מְחֹקְקֵנוּ; יְהוָה מַלְכֵּנוּ, הוּא יוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ.

22 For HaShem is our Judge, HaShem is our Lawgiver, HaShem is our King; He will save us.

Obviously, the Lawgiver does not break the Law by sitting in Judgment,  but His unauthorized subjects do.

Even opposers of G-d’s Law (Torah) would not think of denying that HaShem is the Lawgiver, as these Scriptures confirm.  They would however take exception to the following Scriptural statement and undoubtedly find, or create reasons for arguing it away.  The onus is on you though, as the individual reader, to consider the following statement and decide how you would accept it or interpret it.  This text uses the exact same Hebrew word Mechoqeck, and is written in the very same Bible,  the Word of HaShem.

This text will no doubt raise many eyebrows.- coming from the Mouth of HaShem Himself:

Ps 60:9 (vs 7 in Eng. translations)

ט…    יְהוּדָה, מְחֹקְקִי.

9 …  Judah is my Lawgiver (Sceptre).

For 50 English Bible translation versions of this text using the word Mechoqeck,  Ref.  https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Psalm%2060:7

And just in case someone may propose that this is an editorial error in the Bible,  it is repeated once more in Ps 108:8.

The word Mechoqeck appears 6 times only, in the Tanach (OT).

Once it refers directly to HaShem Himself,  as quoted in the introduction above – Isaiah 33:22

Twice it refers clearly to Judah (the Jews).

Ps 60:7   (vs 7 in Eng. translations), “Judah is My lawgiver.”  (Hebrew: ‘Yehudah Mechoqeqi’).  Some English translations render it ‘My Sceptre’.

Ps. 108:8 – the same –

Of the three remaining instances, twice it is a vague reference, but the final instance is an equally bold declaration regarding Judah, as recorded in the Word of HaShem.  Gen. 49:10

י  לֹא-יָסוּר שֵׁבֶט מִיהוּדָה, וּמְחֹקֵק מִבֵּין רַגְלָיו, עַד כִּי-יָבֹא שִׁילֹה, וְלוֹ יִקְּהַת עַמִּים.

10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.

This text and its bold declaration will form the theme of our further discussion.

Genesis 49:10 – Divine Appointment of Judah

The Blessing declared by Gen. 49:10  upon the Tribe and the descendants of Judah, was part of the Blessings pronounced by Ya’acov (Jacob) under Divine Inspiration, on his death bed,  over his 12 sons (fathers of the 12 Tribes of the nation of Israel which would proceed from them).  It was defined as being a declaration of  “what lies before them in time to come.”  (Genesis  49:1).

According to this Prophetic Blessing,  Judah (the Jews) would retain the ruling legal authority amongst the 12 Tribes of Israel “… UNTIL Shiloh comes,” to whom the ruling authority “over the nations” belongs.

There can be no doubt, that one of the main reasons why Jews (descendants of the Tribe of Judah) are disliked by other nations,  is because of their image of representing legalism, religious legalism,  which they portray. This dislike certainly protrudes from many Christians who regard themselves as ‘free from this legalism through the Grace of their Messiah.’  Even a major part, if not the majority, of Hebraic Roots Restorers  (a great awakening phenomenon of late), protests against what they regard as ‘the man-made legal obligations of the Rabbis’.

Notwithstanding this resistance, these Restorers of Torah, as they like to portray themselves (and which indeed they are identified by) are gradually partaking more and more of these Hebraic legal responsibilities themselves – like the Sabbath, Feast days, Jewish customs, etc.  The majority of these returnees to Torah principles, claim to uphold only the literal injunctions of the Bible, while vehemently rejecting the Rabbinic ‘man-made’ injunctions.  Yet, ironically, they are also adopting many of the salient Rabbinic Oral Torah directives for rituals and religious items for which the literal Word (the Bible) offers no directives at all. Examples of these are the Prayer phylacteries, Tefillin, the Talith, the Mezuzah, etc.

While vehemently rejecting Rabbinic ‘Oral Torah’ (which is simply Rabbinic interpretation of what the Word of God really says and requires) NT Messianics follow Rabbinic Oral interpretation in the Main theme of their Faith in a NT Messiah. They do this by applying the Rabbinic Oral interpretation of “A Messiah” whom they claim to be their Saviour. For nowhere in all the Tanach (OT) is the term ‘The Mashiach’ used to refer to such a Pesonage (Rabbi Skobac). Every prophecy that they claim to confirm their Messiah is part of ancient Rabbinic Oral  interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures. These Rabbinic conjectures of a Coming Messiah are all based on what the Rabbis refer to as “hints in Scripture” to such a Being. Every one of the 38 only usages of the word ‘Messiah’ in Tanach refers to a normal human being, king or priest, an ‘anointed’ – never to a Saviour Messiah. In fact, all these ‘hints’ that Rabbis applied to “A Coming Messiah” are pronouncements by G-d Himself of what He Himself will be doing for the Final Redemption of His People. This “Personal G-d Intervention” is a feature denied Him by both Jews (in the teaching of the Coming Messiah ben David as merely a man) and Christians – the latter though with confusing “multiple-God” definitions, all of which deny their Messiah being on The Throne (thus G-d) himself.  While they would reject any idea of him being ON the Throne, yet they would present their Messiah, whom they define as “the Son of God”, as superior to and above ‘the Creator, God of Israel’ Whom Jews worship.

In their restorative drive of Torah,  however,  they select only those laws which they believe they are obligated to, and even then, they choose to interpret and define these Laws according to their own understanding or, as many claim, ‘according to the leading of the Holy Spirit’- though they still vociferously differ with each other. This results in great discord and disunity in the Restoration Movement because of the great confusion amongst its adherents regarding the interpretation of these ‘Jewish’  Laws and practices and their rejection of Rabbinic interpretation.

Above all this confusion, one striking effect is indisputable: viz. the Power of the Word of G-d:

• That the Tribe of Judah (Jews) have indeed remained as the Guardians of Torah throughout the ages, since Moses received it from G-d and interpreted it for the people, notwithstanding all the persecutions and pogroms they had to endure for this Divine Mandate placed on them by G-d;
• That the Tribe of Judah would remain to blaze the Trail and, by example, set the Pace and be the Light unto not only the nations but also to those who, while opposing their interpretations of the Word of G-d, yet follow their guidance as they are no doubt led by the Spirit of G-d.

This ‘Royal’ rulership of Judah and its relation to the birthright owners, Ephraim and Mennahah, is also confirmed in a much-hidden spot in Scripture in 1 Chronicles 5:1 and 2.

The Most High certainly employs paradox and controversy to achieve His Purpose!

Christians claim that their Messiah replaced the authority of Judah

Let us consider at the outset, the claims of Christianity that the Christian Messiah, Jesus,  since his appearance 2000 years ago, has therefore replaced the ruling authority of the Jews, being Shilo who has come.  By far the greater majority of the Messianic Hebraic Restoration Movement, who proclaim a more authentic Jewish version of the Christian Messiah, and whom they call by his Hebrew name Y’Shuah, also erroneously believe that he replaced the authority of Judah.  By claiming that he is already ruling over the nations in his Kingdom, they also ridicule the reprimand in their NT Scriptures, contained in the “Lord’s Prayer,” that they are to pray for:  “Let thy Kingdom come,”  the opening phrase of this prayer.  Why pray for that if the Kingdom has already come?

Let us recall here our opening quotation regarding Judah as being the Lawgiver (Mechoqeck) of HaShem.  Has Jesus or Y’Shuah now replaced Judah as the Lawgiver, thereby ending its legal Mandate? Adherents of this claim are unanimous in their vehement denial and rejection of “Rabbinic authority”. Yet, it would be a great insult today, to credit any ‘Messiah’ with “Ruling over the nations” (as the latter part of the Prophecy and Divine Mandate of Gen. 49:10 specifies) while we observe the ever worsening ungodliness, rebellion, terror and sinfulness of the nations! Prophecy defines His Rule over the nations as a Rule with ‘a Rod of Iron’.

This has surely NOT been accomplished yet – but will most certainly be so, when God takes over the Rule of this world in the aftermath of the War of Gog Magog (Armageddon) – now well in sight!  Until then, Judah remains to be the Lawgiver (interpreter) by Divine Mandate (Gen. 49:10).

When the God of the Universe comes as Ruler over the Nations,  as the King of the World, then only will He take over the Law ‘faculty’ (Mechoqeck) from Judah.

Further Torah confirmation of Judah as the Lawgiver

The legal authority of Judah as the Mechoqeck of G-d, entails the issue of Law interpretation.  The Word of G-d makes clear provision for the nation of Israel for this Torah guidance:

Deut. 17: 8 -13   “If a case comes before you … any dispute at all … you must make your way to the place that HaShem your G-d chooses and approach the Levitical priests and judges then (today?  –  2012)  in office.  They will … give a decision for you.  You must abide by the decision they pronounce for you … you must take care to carry out all their instructions.  You must abide by the verdict they give you and by the decision they declare to you, swerving neither right or left of the sentence they have pronounced for you.  If anyone presumes to disobey either the priest who is there in the Service of HaShem your G-d, or the judge, that man must die.  You must banish this evil from Israel.  And all the people shall hear of it and be afraid and not act presumptuously a second time.”

How should this Torah Directive apply to Messianic followers – if their Messiah did appear 2000 years ago?  How does it apply to Hebraic Roots Restorers today who are gradually adopting more and more Jewish Torah injunctions?  Where should they turn for sound and proper Torah interpretation today?  Does the Messianic New Testament not in fact quote their Messiah’s command and confirmation (almost as a direct reference to Deut. 17 above) that they should listen to the Jewish Scribes and Pharisees and DO what they say (Matthew 23:2)?

One of the remarkable features of the Hebraic Restoration Movement is its Return to Torah observance – which is simply another Prophetic fulfillment.  In fact, they claim that this was one of the main mandates of their Messiah – to return the masses to Torah observance – to reconcile them to the Eternal Covenant.

To credit any Messiah with the designation of Mechoqeck for this lawless dispensation today, is nothing short of a grave insult against His capability as Law Interpreter.

The Torah Dispensation of the Messiah

That  ‘Shiloh’  refers to the Messiah, is almost unanimously agreed to by Jewish commentators throughout the ages.  Refer Notes:

So, are the Messianic claims that their Messiah has now replaced the Torah Law faculty of Judah valid – or is there another explanation?

Christians believe that Messiah will return at the End of Time – in a 2nd Coming to rule as King.  Jewish interpretation is also explicit about the existence of TWO Messiahs:

• Messiah ben Yosef – Who will regather the exiles of Israel, having reconciled them to Torah observance (concluding a Renewed Covenant with them), and
• Messiah ben David – Who will reign as King over Israel and the world.

For further details on this subject, refer to:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah_ben_Joseph Wikipedia
• http://britam.org/messiah.html Yair Davidy, Messiah Son of Yosef
• Tracing Mashiach ben Yosef – Rabbi Daniel Krentzman

The Rabbinic sages knew that the ancestral right to the kingly leadership rule, resting in the Davidic line of the tribe of Judah, would cease at the coming of the ‘Messiah, the son of David’ (a common appellation of King Messiah found in Rabbinic writings).

Conclusion:   ‘Shiloh’ must therefore refer to Messiah’s yet future Coming, when He will truly reign as King over the nations.  Until then, according to Gen. 49:10, Judah will retain its authoritative legal rule, having duly been mandated for this by HaShem “until Shiloh comes – unto Whom the nations would be obedient.”

Isaiah 11:10 – 13 “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.  In that day HaShem will reach out His hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of His people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the sea. He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel;  He will assemble the scattered people of Judah (Jews) from the four quarters of the earth.  Ephraim’s (Biblical compound term used for regathered 10 Tribes of Israel) jealousy will vanish, and Judah’s enemies will be cut off;  Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah,  nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim.” (Refer also to Ezekiel 37:15).

Though ‘the Root of Jesse’ is claimed by Messianics to refer to their Messiah who came 2000 years ago,  this Prophecy from Isaiah clearly refers to a yet future event – a time when Judah and Ephraim will be reconciled to each other.

UNTIL that Time of Reconciliation of the two divided Houses of Israel, Judah shall retain its Mechoqeck leadership through its Rabbinic authority over Torah interpretation – much to the vehement rejection of ‘Ephraim’ – the Ten Tribes and other Gentiles who have turned to the G-d of Israel yet reject His Torah with its ‘legalism’.

Jurisdiction of the Lawgiver  (the Mechoqeck)

Some amazing revelations await us as we delve deeper into the Hebrew Scriptures surrounding this topic of the Law of HaShem and Judah’s designation as the Mechoqeck of HaShem.

May the contents of this study assist in bringing some agreement and unity, by accentuating the Divine appointment of Judah as the Mechoqeck of HaShem, i.e. the ‘Law Giver’ or Law Interpreter and authority.

What does the Law of HaShem entail – of which Judah has been declared ‘the Mechoqeck (Lawgiver) of HaShem?

In its broader sense, the Law of HaShem is referred to as:

THE TORAH – “law; teaching, direction; instruction.” This noun occurs 220 times in the Hebrew Tanach (OT).  In Judaism it entails the first 5 Books of the Bible which specifies the 613 Laws of HaShem. Often referred to as ‘The Laws of Moses’ –  meaning, ‘as given through Moses’.

Ps 119 defines the Torah in finer detail:

Verse 1:  “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the Torah of  HaShem” – followed by 176 verses praising the Laws, Statutes, Judgments, Commandments, Decrees, Precepts etc. We will shortly define the total encompassment of His Torah (Instruction, teaching, direction, system).

G-d gave Israel the Torah in order that they might observe it and enjoy the Blessings of Life which come through observing it:

Deut 4:8 “And what nation is there so great, that has Statutes and Judgments so righteous as all this Law, which I set before you this day?”.

The Prophets called Israel to repentance by returning to the Torah Instructions: Isaiah 1:10.

Jeremiah prophesied of a future time when G-d would renew His Eternal Covenant with His People in terms of the ‘New Covenant’, according to which the Torah would be internalized:  G-d’s people would willingly obey Him, according to a loving spiritual obedience of their hearts and minds: “I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their G-d, and they shall be My people” Jer 31:33.

The closing paragraphs of the Tanach reminds and challenges G-d’s people to remember the “Law of Moses” in preparation for the coming of Messiah – Mal 4:4.

Is. 56:3-7 “And the foreigners who join themselves to G-d to serve Him and to love the Name of G-d to become servants unto Him, all who guard the Sabbath against desecration and grasp My covenant tightly- I will bring them to My holy mountain, and I will gladden them in My house of prayer; their elevation offerings and their feast offerings will find favour on My Altar, for My House will be called the house of prayer for all peoples.”

What does this Law of Moses entail, to which the people are admonished to return?

The word ‘Torah’ is derived from the Hebrew root verb yarah – (2 Chron 26:15) meaning to show the way, to shoot, to throw (like an arrow), to pour water, to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to teach, archer, direct, inform, instruct, to lay a cornerstone.

The word for a teacher, in Hebrew (Moreh), is a direct derivative of this verb.

Do we have an indication here, that by being appointed and declared the ‘Mechoqeck’ of HaShem (‘The Lawgiver’), that Judah has been Divinely intended to be the Law Teacher of the 12 Tribes and of the world?  Let us see if we find further references in our search for this answer,  by delving further into the meanings of the various Hebrew words used for ‘Law’ in the Bible.  Let us throughout our study also bear in mind the mandated pointers of Shevet (Scepter) and Mechoqeck given for Judah in Gen. 49:10.

Ps 119 confirms that the Law of HaShem entails various concepts which we will list under the section Notes 2 for those readers who want to make an in-depth study.

This wide encompassment of His Law, gives clear indication of how shallow the reasoning goes, which claims that G-d has no Law – or, that it is only the 10 Commandments which have to be observed.  HaShem’s Laws and System is for the purposes of running a country and a nation – and this requires as wide a set of laws, rules and regulations as any country requires.

It should resolve from this,  amongst the professing followers of HaShem across the world, who read and search the Bible,  that the authority regarding the spiritual operation and determination of this much wider encompassment of His Law has been given to the spiritual leaders of Judah – “until Shiloh comes, to Whom the Rule belongs,” … when nations will be subdued to His Rule of Law – as in any government in the world.

Many modern day Messianic Hebraic Roots Restorers (reawakening 10 Tribers) who are in the process of returning to Torah (as prophesied in Ezek. 37:15 and other Prophecies),  take great exception though to the suggestion, even in their own NT Writings (Math. 23:2, Romans 3:2), which sanction both Deut. 17 and the Divine Mandate to Judah  contained in Gen. 49:10.

Further divine mandates unto Judah

Gen. 49:10 “The Sceptre shall not depart from Judah … until Shiloh comes …”

The Hebrew word translated  Sceptre here, is ‘Shevet‘

Shevet  –  “tribe; rod.” – a rod denoting rule over a nation as defined in

Ezekiel 19:11, “And she had strong rods for the scepters of them that bare rule,…”

In modern Hebrew, Shevet mainly means “tribe”.  In the Tanach it is used 143 times to denote a “tribe,” a division in a nation. It is the preferred term used for the twelve Tribes of Israel  Gen 49:16; Ex 28:21.

As ‘a rod’, the word Shevet  is used as  ‘a symbol of authority in the hands of a ruler’.  As such it is translated ‘sceptre’ in Amos 1:5,8 and as ‘an instrument of warfare’ by Messiah at the establishment of His Kingdom.  “But with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod (Shevet) of His mouth…” Isaiah 11:4.

In Gen. 49:10,  Shevet is generally translated ‘Scepter’ – depicting the Rule and authority of Judah. This interpretation however, would result in duplicating the ‘ruling’ aspect of this Divine Mandate in this Scripture, viz.   “The Sceptre (ruling rod) shall not depart from Judah,  nor a Lawgiver (Mechoqeck) from between his feet,  until Shiloh comes to Whom the Rule belongs.”    We may therefore consider to use the alternative and more often used meaning of ‘Tribe’ for Shevet, in the first part of the text.  Thus:  “The Tribe (tribal identity) shall not depart from Judah, nor a Lawgiver (Mechoqeck) from between his feet,  until Shiloh comes.”  This would be perfectly valid in terms of the historic fact that, while the Ten Tribes of Israel disappeared because they rejected the Torah authority (Mechoqeck) of Judah and were resultantly cut off and exiled by HaShem. Judah remained identified throughout the 2000 years of their dispersion – all the time retaining and expounding their Mechoqeck  (Lawgiver) Mandate.

As for the word ‘Law’, where we have seen various alternative synonyms, the word Shevet also has a synonym:  ‘Matteh‘ – meaning both ‘rod’ and ‘tribe’. It occurs 251 times in Tanach.  As ‘staff’ it signifies authority or power over another nation. And as such it is used in ref. to the Messianic Rule Ps 110:2.  It refers to ‘Tribe’ 183 times.  The ‘tribes’ of Israel are each designated as ‘matteh’.

This dual meaning for ‘matteh’ therefore validates the probability that the Divine Mandate to Judah, in Gen. 49:10, could well refer to the maintenance of Judah’s Tribal identity as the ‘Lawgiver’ of HaShem, who should be recognized for it by the Returnees of the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel.

Prophecy predicted the re-identifying of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel in the End Time, when they would return to Torah and to the Land.  It should be clear from this, that their Return should then also be preceded by true repentance from their original arrogance and rejection of the authority of Judah and a recognition and subjection to Judah’s Divine Mandate as the Mechoqeckim  (Lawgivers) of HaShem.

For a clearer understanding of such a suggested probability,  it is necessary that we at this stage do a quick review of the conditions surrounding the historic rejection of Judah and its Divinely mandated Mechoqeck (Law Giver) status,  by the Ten Northern Tribes of Israel,

The Original Rebellion of the Ten Tribes of Israel

In the time of  King Solomon (970 – 931 BCE),  the ancient Kingdom of Israel split into 2 opposing sectors:  ‘Israel’ – the Northern sector, 10 Tribes, Main City Shechem;  and ‘Judah’ – the southern kingdom, 2 Tribes, with their Main City Jerusalem.  After this, the Tanach (OT) specifies and refers to the various sectors by referring to ‘Israel and Judah’.  It also refers to the Ten Tribes as ‘Ephraim’ or ‘Joseph’.  The alert reader should bear this division in mind and steer away from the general concept that the Jews of today represent all of 12-tribed Israel.  The Bible record is very distinct in its reference to this division.

(Ref. Bible confirmations of the Return )

The Northern Ten Tribes (10-Israel) vehemently rejected the religious authority of Judah and sunk into paganism under the rule of king Ahaz, Jezebel and others.  This soon earned 10-Israel the rejection of HaShem  and they were cut off from the Covenant with HaShem and exiled amongst the nations to become known as the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel.

For purposes of our topic, we are particularly interested in the historic cultural and religious attitude of 10-Israel towards Judah’s  Mechoqeck leadership, which led to their rejection by HaShem,  The seldom read books of Kings and Chronicles record this history of the two greatly divided Kingdoms in very interesting style – once one is aware of this great rift in G-d’s People and when comparing it with the culture and attitude today, of these Ten Tribes which,  in miraculous fulfillment of Ezek. 37:15 and other Prophecies, are being re-identified and slowly re-united with Judah.  The Divine Purpose?  To mould them into One nation again, who will worship Him in unity, and according to His Torah or Laws.  We will then relate it to our topic, in an effort to resolve the ever popular rejection of Judaism and its Rabbinical leadership in the light of their Divine appointment as the Mechoqeck of HaShem.

It should be stressed here, that this Reconciliation of the 2 Divided Houses of Israel, forms the main platform for the entire Message of Redemption (Hebrew: Geulah), or Salvation, of the Bible.  It is this Reconciliation which requires the return of 10-Israel to Torah – not a selective observance according to the notions and desires of individuals, but Torah as interpreted by the appointed Lawgivers (Mechoqeck) of HaShem according to a 3500-year Academy of Rabbinic interpretation.

Though ‘Redemption‘ has become somewhat of a cliche in the vocabulary of Rabbis, a quick review of its deeper meaning would receive the acknowledgement of any qualified Rabbi on earth, that it refers to “the re-establishment of the 12-Tribed Kingdom of Israel.”  For this purpose, almost every synagogue in the world will feature in its structure a reference to, or symbols of the 12 Tribes of Israel.  Just as the Board Room of the Municipality in Jerusalem in the striking features of its ceiling, features the 12 flags of the 12 Tribes – while only Judah is currently present on their board.

The Arrogance of 10-Israel against the Inviolable Covenant

1 Kings 11:9  records how HaShem became angry with the Judean King Solomon because his heart had turned away from HaShem who favoured him particularly. HaShem undertook to tear His Kingdom away from Solomon.

1 Kings 11:9  “For your father David’s sake however (from the Tribe of Judah): I will not tear the whole Kingdom (away).  For the sake of David, and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen,  I will leave one Tribe.”

This Tribe would be Judah, as both history and Scripture confirm:

2 Kings 17:18 “HaShem was enraged with Israel and thrust them away from Him. There was none left but the Tribe of Judah only.”

His Purpose with retaining one Tribe, is explained in 1 Kings 11:13

“So that My servant David will always have a Light in My Presence in Jerusalem, the City I have chosen as a Dwelling Place for My Name.”

This links up with His Divine Intention of selecting Judah as His Shevet (Tribe) and Mechoqeck.  This is part of the fulfillment of the Divine Blessing of Judah to remain an on-going, identified Tribe before Him.

This is re-affirmed in 2 Chronicles 13:5

“Do you not know, that HaShem the G-d of Israel, has given the sovereignty (Kingdom) of Israel to David for ever? It is an inviolable Covenant!”

In the chapters (1 Chron. 11-13) surrounding this monumental statement, we read of the straying of 10-Israel under their own appointed king Jeroboam, who disowned and rejected the Levites and Priests of Judah who were in Northern Israel. These priests returned to Judah and Jerusalem to serve HaShem with Judah. They were joined by “members of all the tribes (of 10-Israel) who were wholeheartedly devoted to the worship of HaShem.” (1 Chron. 11:15) .

Surely, here is a clear indication of the spirit of HaShem’s elect? To come OUT of paganism and anti-Judah opposers and to return to and join Judah, HaShem’s sole remaining Kingdom Tribe!

In these chapters (and many others in these “hidden records” of Chronicles and Kings) we also find clear defining of the spirit, attitude and actions of 10-Israel:

1 Chron. 12:1  They soon rejected the Law of HaShem.

1 Chron. 13:9  They drove out the priests of HaShem to make priests of their own liking.

1 Chron. 10:16  10-Israel called out: “What share have we in David?  We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse! Henceforth, look after your own House, David!”  They thus rejected the House of Judah and the Faith and Law of HaShem.

1 Chron. 10:19  “And the House of (10) Israel remained separated from the House of David until the present day.”

Micah 1:5-6  “For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the House of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? … Therefore I will make Samaria as an heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof.”

In these seldom read books we also find a clear description of the spirit that is so prevalent in 10-Israel today, sifted amongst the nations, from whence many of them are waking up to the Call of Return to their ancient Roots.  Thus, we read in 2 Kings 17:18 onward, how that the king of Assyria brought foreigners back to the land of Northern Israel (Samaria) to replace the exiled 10-Tribers.  It is said that because the once fertile land no longer provided its bountiful produce to the strangers, they were taught the Ways of “the G-d of the Land (of Israel).

2 Kings 17:33 “They worshipped HaShem and their own gods at the same time, with the rites of the countries from which they had (come) been deported … They did not … conform to the Statutes of HaShem, or the rituals, or the Law or the Commandments which HaShem had laid down for the sons of Jacob … Israel.”

10-Israel in exile amongst the nations would experience the opposite.  Having rebelled against and lost these Laws of HaShem, they would be exposed to the rites of the strange nations amongst whom they would be exiled.  At their return, it is obvious that they would return to the Way and Laws of HaShem, while retaining and clinging to some of these pagan rites.  It is for this very reason that HaShem has retained the Tribe of Judah to serve as His Lawgiver and Interpreter (Mechoqeck) at their Return. It is also logic that they would resist this corrective Guidance, due to their exposure to the pagan ways and their total loss of proper Guidance in His Ways.

Prophecy of Redemption

In these hidden books we also find a wonderful Prophecy:

2 Chron. 15:3  “Many a day Israel will spend without a faithful G-d, without priest (Cohen, Rabbi) to teach, without Torah (for they have rejected and pulled away from the Mechoqeck of HaShem).  But in their distress they will return to HaShem, the G-d of Israel.  They will seek Him, and He will let them find Him.”

But it will be in a time of trouble amongst the nations (verse 5-7).  There will be those who try to twist this as applying to the Jews (Judah). Verse 1-3 of this chapter however clearly defines that it refers to 10-Israel and not to Judah.

In 1 Kings 12:26 onward, we read about 10-Israel’s king Jeroboam, how he declared his anti-Judah religious practices, after rejecting the Judah leadership, for fear that 10-Israelites would return to the Jewish Faith and thus cause his death:

• he built a new non-Jewish Temple at Bethel
• he appointed priests from ordinary non-Levite families.
• he moved the “Jewish” feasts a month on, from the 7^th to the 8^th month.
• he erected two Golden Calves

This all sounds peculiarly familiar to the attitude of modern 10-Israelites who reject the Mechoqeck leadership of Judah and insist on having their own Beth Din’s, their own temples distinctly separated from Judah, their own ‘corrected’ Bible Calendar, and their own appointed teachers and priests.

It is also conspicuous how these rejecters of Judah’s Mechoqeck authority, generally will dodge these clear Scriptural records of ancient 10-Israel’s rebellion against Judah’s authority, by attributing their rejection to the higher taxes that Judah enforced on them. Closer analysis will show that they are simply persisting today in the very same rebellion of their forefathers.

Do they not know, that HaShem the G-d of Israel, has given the sovereignty (Kingdom) of Israel to David for ever?  It is an inviolable Covenant!

Is it not clear, also in light of the Prophecies of re-uniting 10-Israel and Judah into ONE nation, ONE House again, that the Divine Intent according to this inviolable Covenant must be to join His Kingdom, the rulership of which had been allotted to Judah – the Kingdom of David?

These rebelling 10-Tribers daily pray:  “Let thy Kingdom come” – Is there another Kingdom,  another inviolable Covenant? 

All that will change, and all that can possibly change in a future dispensation, is the leadership guidance.  When the Ruling Messiah comes, He will take over the Rule from Judah – until that Time, Judah is in charge!

Significantly,  10-Israel under the influence of their King Jeroboam, pronounced their own (temporal) doom when they proclaimed:

1 Kings 12:16 “What share have we in David?  We have no inheritance in the Son of Jesse!”

Every returning 10-Israelite today, stands before this vital decision:  Who will they join:

• that part of 10-Israel which rebels against Judah’s Mechoqeck appointment?
• or, will they return in humility to Judah to learn from its teachers?

An even higher calling yet

Psalm 78 gives a lengthy overview  of the history of Israel’s provoking of G-d (read the entire Psalm) and concludes with G-d’s election of Judah in preference to Israel (Ten Tribes).  Yet, in this He provided a Way of Escape  for 10-Israel:

Ps. 78:67 “Moreover He refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim (10-Israel):   But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.  And He built His Sanctuary, a copy of High Heaven, founding it firm like the earth which He established for ever.  He chose David also, His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: From following the ewes great with young, He brought him to feed Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance / heritage.”

Judah would oversee His Sanctuary on Mount Zion,  where His Holy City Jerusalem is built.  By maintaining the Sanctuary of HaShem and its inherent religious ‘System’, Judah would spiritually lead, feed, teach and care for 10-Israel – His heritage or dominion.

This is also confirmed in Ps. 114:2    “Judah was His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion.”  This is a much quoted portion in the Jewish Pesach ceremony,  saying that at the sight of the 12 Tribes leaving Egypt during the Exodus, “the mountains and hills skipped like rams” (verse 6). At the sight of the Purpose of G-d, to rule through His elect over the world, was being set in process.

Of course, we know today, that the final fulfillment would be achieved in the 2^nd Exodus, at the Return of all 12 Tribes from across the world where they have been exiled and dispersed amongst the nations – Jeremiah 16:14;  23:7 “However, the days are coming, declares HaShem, when men will no longer say, ‘As surely as HaShem  lives, who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,  but they will say, ‘As surely as HaShem lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them.’ For I will restore them to the land I gave to their forefathers.”

Just as in any country, kingdom or domain, there has to be a legal judicial body.  In the Kingdom of HaShem on earth, it is Judah. In the future Kingdom it will be His elect, under direct leadership and guidance of Messiah (G-d) Himself.

Just as the citizens of any country will always have criticism and dislikes with certain issues of the ruling law system, so, in the Kingdom of HaShem there is a majority of professing citizens who criticise,  object and even reject the judicial rule instituted by HaShem Himself. Just as citizens in any country take the rule of law in their own hands, so the citizens of HaShem’s Kingdom do try and temporarily get away with making their own adaptations of the law of the country.

“Judah his sanctuary” – G-d set up and mandated His true System of worship under the guidance of His Mechoqeck, the Jews.  He made them His peculiar people who would be settled in the Land of Israel, controlling the City which bears His Name and His favour –  Jerusalem.  His Temple would be in Jerusalem, controlled by Judah. This would be His abode; His sacred dwelling-place. While the Temple was there. Judah was the principal or leading tribe, recognized as the tribe where power and leadership was to be concentrated, and from which the ruling Messiah was to proceed.

“Judah was his Sanctuary.” The verb  “was” in the original Hebrew is  in the feminine conjunction. Judah is therefore here personified as a virgin (Isaiah 22:4), “the daughter of My people” (Ps 45:12). The choice of Judah as “His sanctuary” or holy dwelling, denotes the elect nation’s separation from the world and consecration as “holy unto HaShem her G-d” (Deut. 7:6; Ex 19:5-6). Judah is chosen as being, from the time of the carrying away of the Ten Tribes, the surviving heir of the ancient Divine Promises belonging to it (Ps 76:1).

Blessed are the people who have G-d’s Sanctuary among them (Ex 25:8; Ezek 37:26).

Ezek 37:26-28  “I (HaShem) will put My sanctuary among them forever.  My dwelling place will be above them; I will be their G-d, and they will be My people.  Then the nations will know that I,  HaShem, make Israel holy, when My Sanctuary is among them forever.'”

While it is generally accepted that this Sanctuary refers to G-d’s Personal Physical Presence and Rule in His Kingdom,  the question may now arise whether this “Sanctuary” could refer to Judah in any way.  There may be a hint in favour of this reasoning by the emphasis in the Hebrew word meanings represented in bold above, viz.

Among them – Hebrew b’tochem – literally “within their midst”.

Above them –  Hebrew uleihem – Over above them, as in the Israeli airline El-Al  (lit. “to and above”) This text is generally translated as “with them”.

Our next section further down will shed some further light on this probability.

and Israel His dominion – over whom, or through whom, He would rule His Kingdom. The Hebrew word used here for dominion, is memshalot, i.e. the plural form “and Israel His dominions.” The plural denotes them being “many nations” according to the Promises to the patriarchs: Abraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov.

And then the Ultimate

The most amazing revelation awaits us as we consider yet another Divine Declaration in the Hebrew Scriptures regarding Judah’s designation and calling in the Plan of HaShem for humanity.

Our study thusfar has given us some deeper insight into the Divine Mandate decreed upon Judah, as defined in our main text under review – Gen. 49:10 above.  A golden rule of Bible study, is to read any quoted texts in their wider context within a paragraph, chapter or section.  In applying this to our theme text, Gen. 49:10, we find, in the verse just prior (verse 8),  a staggering bold Prophetic declaration about Judah – the Jews:

Gen 49:8  “Judah, your brothers will praise you;  your hand will be on the neck of your enemies;  your father’s sons will bow down (mishtachaveh)  to you.”

The Hebrew word  “mishtachaveh” means “to bow down in worship”. The 1^st Command, a most logic one, acceptable to even those believers who regard themselves as totally free from the Law, decrees that:

Ex 20:3-5  “You shall have no other gods before Me – You shall not worship (mishtachaveh) them or serve them.”

“The children of Judah’s father” who would bow down (worship?) before Judah (the Jews) could refer to Judah’s 11 brothers, viz. the 10 Northern Tribes and Benjamin.  It could also possibly refer to  even all 12, including  a sector of Judah, if perhaps the object of this bowing down would refer to a select sacred segment within Judah.

Do we have a Scriptural suggestion of a total absurdity here, or is there more to it than meets the eye at first glance?

“For you are ‘gods’ (Elohim)!”

The Bible applies the term ‘god’ (elohim) also to human beings – His nation!

Let us read this statement straight from the Scriptures:

Psalm 82:1  “G-d (Elohim) stands in the divine assembly (amongst His elected). Among the gods (elohim) He dispenses Justice”  (v. 6)  “I once said, ‘You too are gods (Elohim) – sons of the Most High, all of you!'”

Note, that HaShem is addressing His elect with this bold statement.  But, of whom did He say this, “You too are gods”?

Exodus 7:1  “HaShem said to Moses,  ‘See, I make you god (elohim) to Farao, and Aaron your brother is to be your prophet'”

From Exodus 21:7 and  Deut. 19:17 it is clear that the judges and rulers of Judah of old, in these designations, were referred to as ‘Elohim’ (gods).  HaShem mandated them with His own Rulership, as a King designates his authority and rule to his subordinates; as a CEO of a business corporation designates the management of his company to his board of directors.

The question that those Messianics who reject Rabbinic authority has to answer to, is whether such subordinates have to be obeyed and consulted for leadership and execution of the will and requirements of their superiors?

NOW – For the ultimate of ultimates!

Scripture seems to hint that the overcomers will ‘become G-d’ themselves.

Daniel ch. 7:13 – 23. “I gazed into the visions of the night,  and I saw coming on the clouds of Heaven, one like a Son of Man (the obvious general conclusion from this is that it refers to Messiah – but read on).  He came to the One of Great Age (the normal conclusion here is that it refers to ‘G-d the Father’ – thus, Messiah approaching the Father – read on!) and was led into His presence.  On him (the son of man?) was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship and men of all nations and languages became his servants.  His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away nor will his empire be destroyed.”

Who is this “Son of Man” who will have an eternal sovereignty?  Most Messianic believers and Hebraic restorers assume that we have here a prophecy of “the Messiah taking the Kingdom Rule which the Father appoints Him.”

But is that truly what the Word says?

No!  And when we discover what the implication of this prophetic vision truly is, then we will also realize the error of these Messianics who interpret this section of Scripture as a “duality of the Father and the Son”, making “2 G-ds” – which is totally an unscriptural and pagan concept, gravely insulting and dethroning the One True G-d!

Let us read directly from the Scriptures what this vision of Daniel entails – to discover who this “one like the Son of Man coming to the Ancient of Days” really refers to.

Dan. 7:15  “Daniel was deeply disturbed and the vision alarmed him.  (Daniel is a Jew who believes in One True G-d only).  So I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him to tell me the Truth about all this.  And in reply he revealed to me what all these things meant.  … Those (like a son of man, coming on the clouds) who are granted sovereignty,  are the saints of the Most High and the Kingdom will be theirs for ever, for ever and ever!

In inquiring after the little Horn in the vision, which persecuted these overcoming saints, it is confirmed once more in verse 21,22 that the persecution  would continue  “… until the coming of the One of Great Age Who gave Judgment in favour of the saints of the Most High, when the time came for the saints to take over the Kingdom.”

A third confirmation follows in verse 27 “And the sovereignty and kingship, and the splendours of all the kingdoms under heaven, will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High.  His sovereignty (the one like unto the Son of Man, coming on the clouds) is an eternal sovereignty, and every empire will serve and obey him.”

Accordingly, our main text for this study, Gen. 49:10, becomes a microcosm for this often misinterpreted Prophecy of Dan 7 – as we will suggest in our final conclusion.

Do you realise what the mind shattering implication of this ‘Secret’ is?  I say it with great trepidation, fearing what some humans will do in accepting and applying this Revelation:
We shall be like G-d.  We shall become G-d!

– if we truly prove victorious.

Ps. 82:6  “I (G-d v.1) have said ‘You are Elohim’ (The title of HaShem) and all of you are ‘sons of G-d’ (the Most High).”

The true implication for Returning 10-Israel

For Returning 10-Israel, the implication and Message should be clear:

• Be Holy as HaShem is Holy
• Commit yourselves fully to the requirements of G-d – which is BACK into Torah Covenant together with Judah.  This will require in-depth knowledge of His Torah. The Body of Returning 10-Israel,  as the ‘dominion of HaShem’,  therefore has to subject themselves to the learning, teaching and the authority of Judah’s ‘Elohim’, the judges and rulers
  • the Mechoqeck of HaShem
  • the Sanctuary of HaShem

With this controversial interpretation, though strictly according to statements proclaimed by the Bible itself, we run the risk to be accused of deifying Judah; of presenting ‘strange gods’; of making man to be G-d!  This would be true if we rejected the clear directives in the Bible on this issue.

More Revelation on Gen. 49:10

Scripture interprets itself – and Truth is thereby confirmed:

There is a generally accepted and commonly quoted English translation, even in Jewish publications of our theme text,  which neither makes proper nor ethical sense.  We are referring to the actual section which refers to “the Mechoqeck” and which defines, seemingly, its position or nature, viz.

Gen. 49:10 “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Lawgiver (Mechoqeck) from between his feet …”

There is an alternative rendering in English publications, of the Hebrew  “mi’bein ruglaiv“, viz. “… from between (or amongst) his legs.”.  The word “ruglaiv” can refer to both his two feet or legs.  For obvious reasons, the Hebrew publications render the less coarse English alternative of “feet”.

Upon questioning the validity of this general translation, the following revealing alternative meaning was discovered – a meaning which makes far more sense and which, in fact, would confirm overall Truth in general.  A meaning which also would give depth and correct guidance to especially the returning 10 Tribers.  It would also be perfectly in line with the Mechoqeck theme that we have analyzed thusfar.  Most of all, it gives credence to the very sole fundamental source of anti-Rabbinism – i.e. the Oral Torah, or Rabbinic interpretation of the Torah.  The latter being the final obstruction in the way of re-awakening 10-Tribers and Hebraic Roots Restorers.  While this may be the very reason why this alternative meaning would therefore be objected against and rejected by the opposers and rejecters of Oral Torah, it will also serve as the convincing factor to serious returning 10-Tribers who struggle so much with all the confusion caused by resistance against this very Key factor on HaShem’s List of Truth Secrets!

So, what are we referring to?  What is the alternative, hidden meaning of “ruglaiv“?

In Hebrew, there is a word referring to “traditions, customs.” It has the same roots and the same spelling in Hebrew as our textual word under discussion.  It is related to the same basic “regal” which, strangely has an English alternative: “regular”.  Can you grasp the association already?  – regular – habitual – customary – traditional.  The same applies with the Hebrew alternatives of the same root format “r-g-l”. It refers to “(walking) according to traditions” as well as to physical feet and legs.  Thus, our Hebrew word “ruglaiv” could refer to “his customs”,  “his regular habits, traditions”.  The Alternative word in Hebrew for “Traditional Jewish/Rabbinic religious Custom” is “Halacha” (lit. The Walk) – from the root “to walk”.  The overall relationship is clear!

We therefore submit an alternative and, most likely, closer translation of the text as follows: “The Sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the Mechoqeck (Law Giver faculty) based on (or from amongst) his customs and traditional interpretations…”

Further confirmation

Gen. 49:10  “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Lawgiver (Mechoqeck) from between his feet …”

Now that we realize that this text could refer to Judah’s Customs or traditions rather than ‘feet’ or ‘legs’, let us have a closer look at the immediately preceding Hebrew word “mi’bein“, for which we have suggested the meanings of  “based on” or “from amongst.”

We have since come across amazing further evidence.  But first, let us place this discussion in proper context.

This whole in-depth discussion of Gen. 49:10 and its explicit Divine Mandate of the Tribe of Judah as G-d’s Lawgiver (Mechoqeck) has become necessary as a result of the world-wide awakening of Bible students to a Love for the Land of Israel and the Jewish people.  This again has lead Bible students and commentators to the discovery of age-old Prophecies in the Bible regarding the  End Time awakening of the Lost Ten tribers in exile across the world, to their original Hebraic Roots (in fulfilment of the Dry Bones Prophecy of Ezek. 37.

This Prophecy concludes:

Ezek. 37:11-14, “Then he said to me: ֨Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel (the context of the Bible clearly defines between ‘Judah’ – the Southern Kingdom of the Jews – and ‘Israel’ -the Northern Kingdom of the 10 Tribes, today the contested area of Shomron, referred to by the world as “the Occupied Territories”). They say, ֙Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.” Therefore prophesy and say to them: “This is what the Sovereign HaShem says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am HaShem, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I HaShem, have spoken, and I have done it, declares HaShem'”

Clearly, the Divine Intention is expressed of a Return to and settling of the Original Bible Land.  World-wide, there are today a multitude of such reawakening non-Jewish Bible students who are increasingly becoming aware of a craving to identify with and return to the Land.  Generally though, these people, who are no doubt reawakening 10 Tribers according to the Main Prophetic Message of the Bible, are strongly opposed to the “authority of the Rabbis” of Judah. This is no different from the rebellion of their ancient forefathers against the Mechoqeck authority of Judah – a rebellion which in fact caused their Exile and cut-off from the Covenant of HaShem with His People.

From the international political side, there is the world-wide pressure on the State of Israel to relinquish their ownership of the Shomron to their declared enemies, the Arabs.  The Shomron happens to be the Original Heart Land of the 10 Tribes after the allotment of the Tribal Territories by Joshua (long before the erection of Jewish Jerusalem even).

The process of any possible Return to and settlement of the Land by these re-awakened Ten Tribers thus become entangled with their recognition or not of Judah, who happens to be the national rulers of this highly contested piece of Land.  The entire Final Scenario of the Redemption and the Establishment of the Kingdom therefore hinges on this recognition!

Hence the importance of a correct interpretation of Gen. 49:10 – NOT to diminish from the importance of all else.

Having established the context and the importance of Gen. 49:10’s true meaning, let us now continue with our study – looking at the meaning of “from amongst”.

Recently, in searching for a Torah Command for the need and necessity “to settle the Land”, our attention was focused on the following Scripture:

Joshua 22:19. (The historic time setting for this statement was in the time of the Tabernacle erected in Shiloh, and the Tribes having been allotted their areas, taking possession of it).

“… if the land of your possession is unclean, then cross over to the land of the possession of HaShem, where His Tabernacle stands, and take possession among us; but do not rebel against HaShem, nor rebel against us, by building yourselves an altar besides the altar of HaShem our G-d.”

If we read the entire chapter in context, then it is clear that the issue was about Identity and the settling of the Land.  Because some of the Tribes lived East of the Jordan, they were concerned about retaining their identity with the nation of the Tabernacle in Shiloh.  They therefore built an altar across the Jordan river “as a witness” between them and the nation in Shiloh, that they were intricately ONE nation, which the people from Shiloh interpreted as a break away from centralized and pure Torah worship. It almost caused a war between them.

Joshua’s reprimand to them should be a wake-up Call to re-awakening 10-Israel today: “Take possession of the Land from amongst us – do not rebel against HaShem and against His appointed guardians of Torah (Mechoqeck) and do not build yourself an alternative religion to the established Faith of HaShem.”

Here we have that concept of “from amongst” again. While the Hebrew word “mi-bein” (as used in Gen. 49:10) conveys the same meaning, Joshua uses the word “b’tocheinu“.

When we trace the meaning of “b’tocheinu“, we discover an amazing concept, represented by both words in Hebrew: the concept of “being intrinsically part of.”  It becomes even more amazing when we find that the English words used for both concepts intertwine!  Modern concepts have aroused the need for new Hebrew words to be created – and all these Hebrew and English words intertwine in the effort to give proper meanings. And the common link between the two words, both in Hebrew and in the English equivalents, define “intricate and intimate UNITY”.

Let us explain:

“b’tocheinu” is the word used in Genesis 1 for “the Tree of Life in the midst of the Garden.”

In Hebrew it is used for “dwelling amidst my own people”.

And then there is a host of modern concepts listed in the Hebrew dictionary which are linked to the root of this word, like intra-cellular, intravenous (injecting food, medicine directly into the blood – life-stream), intra-state, intra-national, etc (all denoting “intricate unity”).

“bein” similarly, is used for words like international, inter-oceanic, inter-personal, interplanetary. inter-state, inter-marriage, intermediary, inter-denominational.

Note the concept of total interlocking, binding, linking or uniting together across barriers as one, interconnecting them, the urge for unity underlying all these words.

So, Joshua pleads here for intrinsically intimate association between contending sectors of the nation, in order to settle the Promised Land  It is this intimate relationship which seems so impossible to nurture between the two divided Houses of Israel today, much because of the opposing by 10-Israel of the concept which they abhor, i.e. to become intrinsically ONE with Judah.

Yet, ironically, these opposers of such intimate UNITY between the two Houses all have the same zeal and urge:
– to want to be one with Judah, but on their own conditions; according to their own likes and wishes which they want to base Torah on; according to their own interpretation, not Judah’s. Just like ancient 10-Israel!

Is this not what Joshua referred to and counseled against, viz. “building their altar beside the altar of HaShem our G-d, rebelling (like ancient 10-Israel) against HaShem, rebelling against (Joshua and Co.) Israel’s appointed leadership?”

This division has been evident for the last 2800 years between the two Houses of Israel – so much so, that the Shechinah (Visible Presence) of HaShem has departed from us.

The Return of the Shechinah awaits our Reconciliation!  If G-d ‘departed’ because of strife and rebellion against His Directives, then surely, He would NOT return amongst these same conditions?

Surely, the onus is on US, the contending parties in this Divide

What an awesome responsibility!  What a glorious achievement if we can bring it about!

Fine tuning our definition

So, let us venture an alternative, and hopefully the inspired and correct translation of this phrase in Gen. 49:10:

“The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the Mechoqeck (Law Giver faculty) (which should be) intricately part of, or based on, his customs and traditional interpretations …which means,  Rabbinic Oral Torah … until Shiloh comes …”

Reasoning from the common attack by opposers, that this refers to “Rabbinic man-made or self-made traditions,”, this interpretation will fall also.  However, a few moment’s contemplation on where these “Rabbinic traditions” really originate from, will give the lightning flash of Truth:  viz. that it stems from a 3500-year faithful conglomeration of interpretations for Bible injunctions, many of which are NOT defined in the Bible at all.  It comes from the time of Moses.  It includes the deliberations of men who dedicated their lives to faithful examination, thought and discussion with equally dedicated thinkers throughout more than 3 millennia.  Can you think of any other academic faculty that can make such claims?

Can we … shall we,  merely discard these interpretations and guidelines with one foul swoop from the able, as most anti-Rabbinists do?

G-d forbid!

Final Conclusion

Gen. 49:10 “The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Lawgiver (Mechoqeck) from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the obedience of the people (the nations) be.”

Summarizing our findings from this study, it would be reasonable to suggest a descriptive paraphrased alternate for this text as follows:

The rule and the tribal Identity shall not depart from Judah, nor his judicial and educational authority  (Mechoqeck) based on his customs and traditional interpretations, until One like the Son of Man (representing the oveccomers in the reconciled and re-united 12 Tribes of Israel) comes; and unto him (ultimate qualifying re-united 12-Israelites in the Likeness of G-d) shall the obedience of the nations be.

What a Calling!!!!  What a Great designation to miss out on if we fail!

 

For further confirmation and Related Study Materials:

“CHALLENGE AND TRANSFORMATION: SECOND TEMPLE AND RABBINIC JUDAISM – PART 2” –

by Prof. Lawrence Schiffman

The historic development of Rabbinic Judaism (Rabbinic Authority) bears witness to the faithful execution of their Divine Mechoqeck Mandate to the Tribe of Judah (the Jews) throughout history.  This laid the foundation for the preservation of the Torah (and therewith the Bible) throughout the ages, to this day. The fact that Judah achieved this throughout the millennia of persecution for their testimony to the Word of God, serves as probably the greatest testimony to His Glory. Whatever the outcome and effects of Rabbinic Authority may have resulted in to this day, it cannot diminish from the Divine Trust placed in the Patriarchs of this nation and their descendants to guard His Torah to this Day – and until He shall Return His Shechinah (Presence) to dwell amongst His People and to rule over the nations. May this Day come soon!

https://lessons.myjli.com/debates/index.php/lesson-2/challenge-and-transformation-second-temple-and-rabbinic-judaism-part-2/

 

Notes

Chock – “statute; prescription; rule; law; regulation.”

This word is generally used in Israel today for “the Law” (government. municipal, traffic etc). This noun is derived from the verb chakak, “determine, decree.”  to which Mechoqeck is linked.

Chock occurs 127 times in Biblical Hebrew.

Thus says HaShem, which gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances (Chockim – which is the plural form) of the moon and of the stars for a light by night. (Ps 148:6)

HaShem of hosts is His Name: If those ordinances (Chockim) depart from before Me, says HaShem, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before Me for ever. (Jeremiah 31:35-36)

These ordinances of the moon includes the determining of Times for Feasts, and months. (Gen. 1:14)

Moreover, the word chock denotes a “law” promulgated in a country: The Rabbis are constantly decreeing these also, according to their interpretations.

Our subject heading: “Lawgiver” (Mechoqeck) is derived from the same root (chakak): thus Lawgiver = “determine, decree by Laws, rules, regulations and Statutes”.  Is this not what the rejection of, and the opposition against Rabbinical rule is all about?

In Exodus 18:13-23 we read about the original institution of the Jewish Beth Din (Law Court). .  Moses, because of the pressure of having to attend to the inquiries and disputes of the nation, to hear their case and bring it before HaShem and make a decision to satisfy them,  appointed judges over 1000’s, 100’s, 50’s and 10’s in order to cope with the daily demands.  Like any other nation, Israel had to have their own Law and Justice System.  In their case, it was underwritten by the Laws of HaShem.  It was Moses and the judges’ duty to “settle the differences between the people and teach them the Statutes [Chockey] of HaShem, and His Torah”. Ex 18:16.

Should it be any different for modern Hebraic Restorers in the 21^st century?

The synonyms for Chock are: Mitzvah (Commandment); Mishpat (judgment); Brit (Covenant); Torah (Law); and Edah (Testimony). It is difficult to distinguish between these synonyms. They are often mixed and alternated – and translated differently by the various Bible versions.  For instance: Deut 6:17:  “You shall diligently keep the Commandments [mitzvot] of HaShem your God, and His testimonies [edut], and His Statutes [chockim], which He has commanded you”.

 

Chuqah – “statute; regulation; prescription; term.”

This noun occurs some 104 times in the Tanach.  It is also used for God’s “Law.” and is more specific in meaning than chock. denoting the “law” of a particular festival or ritual. There is the “chuqah” of the Passover Ex 12:14, Unleavened Bread Ex 12:17, Feast of Tabernacles Lev. 23:41, the day of Atonement Lev 16:29 ff., the priesthood Ex 29:9, and the blood and fat Lev. 3:17.

Deut 8:11  “Beware that you don’t forget HaShem your God, in not keeping His Commandments [Mitzvot], and His Judgments [Mishpatim], and His Statutes [Chockim], which I command you this day.”

Deut 11:1  “Therefore you shall love HaShem your God, and keep His charge [Mishmeret], and His Statutes [Chockim], and His Judgments [Mishpatim], and His Commandments [Mitzvot], always”