Greetings, saints of the Most High! Welcome to another installment of the Messianic Torah Observer. Today, we delve into the intriguing topic of our Melchizedekian Priestly Pedigree, focusing on Jasher’s hidden chronicles.
In Part 3, we explored the theological implications of the Avram-Melchizedek encounter, discussing the dual offices of priesthood and kingship, the blessing conferred upon Avram, the significance of tithing, and the mysterious nature of Melchizedek. We also examined various religious perspectives on Melchizedek, including those from Catholicism, Islam, and Messianic Judaism.
Jewish legend and tradition often identify Shem, Noah’s righteous son, as Avram’s Melchizedek. However, there are several issues with this theory, including the lack of canonical biblical evidence and the improbability of Shem’s lifespan overlapping with Avram’s. Despite these concerns, the book of Jasher perpetuates this connection, presenting a narrative where Shem is indeed Avram’s Melchizedek.
Jasher’s account embellishes the biblical story, referring to Melchizedek as Adonizedek and describing a community meeting with Avram, bearing bread and wine. Interestingly, Jasher omits Melchizedek’s blessing of Yehovah, a curious detail given some ancient rabbinic opinions.
The narrative continues with Shem passing his prophecy school to Eber, his great-grandson, while the Melchizedekian priesthood is conferred upon Avram. This lineage, according to Jasher, includes notable figures like Adam, Enoch, and Noah, culminating in Avram.
However, the Jasher narrative raises questions about the authenticity and accuracy of these accounts. The Melchizedekian priesthood, as described in the Torah, operates outside biological heritage lines and temple sacrificial systems, foreshadowing the Spirit and Truth worship Yeshua spoke of.
Despite the conflicts between Jasher’s and the Torah’s accounts, we can glean significant insights into our Melchizedekian priestly pedigree. Concepts of righteousness, priestly conduct, obedience, and steadfast commitment to the faith form the foundation of our priestly calling. As students of Yahoshua’s Great School of Prophecy, we are in a season of training and preparation for our future roles in the Kingdom of Yehovah.
In conclusion, while I have my reservations about Jasher’s account, it offers valuable lessons about the godly elements that make up our Melchizedekian priestly pedigree. As we continue this series, we will explore these elements further, preparing us to serve as Melchizedekian kings and priests in the coming Kingdom of Yah.
May you be most blessed, fellow saints in training. Let us embrace our calling and prepare for the roles we are destined to fulfill.
The Love of a Father for His Creation
My Torah studies brought me to Deuteronomy 7: 8 this morning and the passage reads accordingly: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you...
Torah Living-Episode 43–5 Reasons to Observe Hanukkah (and Reject Christmas)
Many in the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Community reject Hanukkah as a legitimate time of observance and celebration. The primary reasons are that Hanukkah is not one of the mandated Feasts of Yehovah and that Hanukkah is not found in our Bibles. Both of these are sound...
In Yehovah’s Eyes, Size Doesn’t Matter
Continuing my Torah studies, I've come to Deuteronomy 7:7 &8: 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would...
Torah Living Episode 42–The Oneness of Yehovah–A Salvation Issue?
Dt. 6 speaks to the oneness/uniqueness of Yehovah and the love the nation must have for Yehovah. This is the basis of the Hebrew Faith. This mitzvah is not only central to the Hebrew Faith but also the Faith once delivered. All indications are that it is this creed....
The Shema is NOT a Precursor to the Trinity
Read each of these translations of Deuteronomy 6:4 and see for yourself how the Shema (incorrectly referred to by many) states the "oneness of Yehovah:" ASV Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah: (Deu 6:4 ASV) CJB Deuteronomy 6:4 "Sh'ma,...
Deuteronomy 6:5-Shema Yisra’el, Yehovah is Our God is One Yehovah
My Torah studies brought me today to The Shema, which remains the pearl--the gem--the beacon that stands out in the whole of the Holy Writ. It certifies that Yehovah is the one and only True God of the universe. It crushes (in my mind) any doctrine that insists that...
Speak to Us Yehovah as You did at Horeb
Continuing my Torah studies, I come to Deuteronomy 5: 24 (the corresponding Complete Jewish Bible's verse is 21). The CJB reads as follows: and said, 'Here, ADONAI our God has shown us his glory and his greatness! We have heard his voice coming from the fire, and we...
Commandment Keeping, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Spiritual Side to Torah Observance
My Torah studies has taken me to Deut. 4:41-5:18 Passage Outline: * vss 41-43--Moshe establishes 3 cities of refuge (love of neighbor) * vss 44-49--Taking and marking of the boundaries of the land of promise * 5:1-4--Moshe reminds the people of the covenant that...
Deut 4: 9-40–Avoiding Idolatry at any Cost
As I continue my daily Torah studies, I come to Deuteronomy 4:9-40. What follows is a summary for your reference and review, followed by commentary and application: vs 13--He proclaimed His covenant to you which He ordered you to obey, the Ten Words which He wrote on...
Torah Living Episode 39-Halloween, Christianity (Messianic Believer) and the Bible (Torah)
In the West, this coming Friday--October 31st--will be Halloween. It is a time deemed primarily for children, although many adults take great pleasure in celebrating that night as well. As the day wanes and night settles in, millions of children will emerge from...
