The Ethiopian Bible - Necessary & Important to Know

The Ethiopian Bible - Necessary & Important to Know

 

1. Oldest Complete Bible: The Ethiopian Bible is considered the oldest and most complete Bible in the World. (There were other older manuscripts discovered but they were not complete, lost or Ingenuine). Carbon dating reveals the manuscript to be between AD 330 to AD 650. It is older than the King James Bible by more than 800 years! It has been kept in the Abba Garima Monastery in Ethiopia since then until now.

2. Written in Ge'ez: It is written in the language Ge'ez, an ancient South Semitic language of Ethiopia, on goatskin, and bound up in book form. Ge’ez is a language peculiar only to Ethiopia. This could explain why the Ethiopian Bible was not promoted to other regions because of the language barrier.

 

3. Garima Gospels: It is often referred to as the Garima Gospels (named after the monk who reportedly wrote the book after he arrived in Ethiopia from Constantinople (present day Istanbul) around AD 494. He would have a strong knowledge of the Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek languages, and was able to translate them into Ge’ez, which was the local language of Ethiopia at that time.

4. Two Volumes: Physically, the Ethiopian Bible contains 3 manuscripts in 2 Volumes, both of which are about 10 inches thick. The 2 books are named Garima 1 (cover made from copper) and Garima 2 (cover made from silver). Each book has about 400 pages. The Ethiopian Bible contains books like The Book of Enoch, Jubilees, and the three books of Maccabees, which are not included in the King James Version.

5. Only One Copy: There is only ONE copy of the Original Ethiopian Bible and it is kept locked up in a monastery about 7,000 feet high on the mountainside of the Tigrai Highlands. (Many people were astonished that it still exists after the centuries of invasions from Muslims, Italians and a fire around 1930 that destroyed the monastery church building).

6. Restoration: The Ethiopian Heritage Fund (set up to restore artifacts in Ethiopia) restored the Ethiopian Bible in 2010. Bookbinder Lester Capon took 3 weeks inside the monastery to restore the binding and cleaning some of the pages, because the monk caretakers would not allow the Bible to be taken outside.

7. Coloured Drawings: The Ethiopian Bible is vibrantly illustrated in colours, with some of the pages filled with drawings of saints, apostles, a temple and charts to help readers to cross-reference certain passages. (Interestingly, the drawings of Jesus and apostles were drawing as dark skinned). Experts believe the pristine condition of the manuscripts could be due to the fact that the book has always been kept indoors inside the monastery, and not exposed to sunlight.

 

8. Jewish roots: Scholars suggested that the Ethiopians accepted the writings of the Ethiopian Bible and Christianity easily due to their earlier Jewish roots arising from the original ties between their Queen of Sheba and King Solomon of Israel. Legend says that the Queen had a son with Solomon called Menelik, and he later became the First Emperor of Ethiopia. Genetics in the study of the origins of the Ethiopian Jews (who were already practising Judaism until today) suggest such a union. So much so that in the 20th Century the Ethiopian Jews (also called Beta Israel or House of Israel) were recognised by Israel as Jews and were given citizenship to those who migrated to Israel.

9. Early Christian beginnings: The Ethiopian Bible contains 88 Books, including some not found in other Christian bibles, and due to the age of the physical Book, it suggests that Christianity came to Ethiopia way before many other regions/countries in the world. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, as one of the oldest Christian churches in Africa, adopted only 81 books. It has a rich history dating back to the 4th century. In fact, history relates that Ethiopians were present in Jerusalem during the period of the Apostles. Remember the story of Philip who baptised the Ethiopian eunuch, the treasurer of Queen Candace of Ethiopia in Acts 8:26-40.

10. Why didn’t other Bibles have 88 books? In contrast, the Catholic bible has 73 books, the Eastern Orthodox bible has 76 books and the Protestant bibles have 66 books! This is besides the more than 450 different translations in English alone! (See: which is the correct version..?). Years ago, Emperor Constantine called a meeting of church leaders at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, and initiated an exercise to humanly determine what books should be in and what should be out. (In the process of elimination, history tells us that some leaders/bishops were murdered or exiled for their beliefs, by reducing their presence). Then down through the years, there were more Christian conflicts and wars (like the Roman Catholic Church vs the Eastern Orthodox Church; the Catholic Church vs Protestant Reformation) leading to more arguments on what is to be included in the collection of books called the bible. (Question: Can you still claim that the bible is the unerring Word of God?). It was the Political and Religious factors that influenced which books were to be included. The same goes for the translations: (timeline of translation history).

11. What is inside the Ethiopian Bible?

a. For a start, it describes Heaven differently. Heaven is described as a vast land with endless green fields, rather than a kingdom in the clouds. Angels are seen as spiritual energies, not winged beings. The relationship between humans and God is closer and more direct.

b. The Ethiopian Bible speaks about 7 heavens each with its own meaning and purpose: 

i. Sakai: A transitional space for departed souls.

ii. Cayama: A place for the purification of the soul.

iii. Ma'alt: The repository of cosmic knowledge.

iv. Baran: The realm of pure light.

v. Meus: The holy place of perfect harmony with the Creator.

vi. Zel'al: The realm of cosmic music.

vii. Ara: The highest realm of Heaven, where boundaries between human and divine become blurred.

c. The Ethiopian Bible has additional books compared to others such as:

i. The Book of Enoch (key book): It's an ancient Jewish apocalyptic text that describes the fall of angels and the Nephilim, and it influenced early Christian thought. 

ii. The Book of Baruch: This text focuses on divine justice and theodicy, offering explanations for suffering and the prosperity of the wicked. 

iii. The Ascension of Isaiah: This text describes Isaiah's journey through the heavens and provides insights into early Christian mysticism and eschatology. 

iv. The Book of Jubilees: This text retells the stories of Genesis and Exodus with a unique chronological framework and emphasizes the importance of Sabbath observance. 

v. The Kebra Nagast: This text is a national epic that traces the origins of the Ethiopian monarchy back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. It claims that the Ark of the Covenant resides in Ethiopia. 

vi. And many more other books.

Watch: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF1CUUYgd1k

Read:

https://ocl.org/ethiopian-bible-oldest-complete-bible-earth/

https://zehabesha.com/comparing-divine-texts-the-king-james-bible-vs-the-ethiopian-bible/

12. How to get hold of the Ethiopian Bible?

To obtain a copy of the Ethiopian Bible, also known as the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church canon, which consists of 88 books, you have several options:

1. Online Sources: There are various online platforms where you can find digital copies of the Ethiopian Bible, including PDF formats. 
2. Specialized Bookstores: Some specialized bookstores focused on religious texts may carry copies of the Ethiopian Bible. These bookstores often cater to specific religious denominations and may have sections dedicated to rare or unique religious texts. 
3. Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church: You can reach out to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church directly. They may have resources available that can help you obtain a copy of the Ethiopian Bible. 
4. Religious Communities: Engaging with religious communities or forums that focus on the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and its teachings could provide valuable insights and assistance in obtaining a copy of the Ethiopian Bible. 
5. Translation Services: If you specifically want an English edition of the Ethiopian Bible, you can look for translations of the text. 

Influence of Aramaic on the 4 gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

 Influence of Aramaic on the 4 gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

Aramaic/Hebrew.?

1. For a start, there is a big controversy on the actual number of gospels written in the bible. As more and more recent archaeological discoveries of ancient texts were exposed, the bible that we have today is considered to be incomplete or in factual error, maybe due to the generational translations and deliberate omissions. 

The bible is just a collection of books written throughout the centuries, and the group of men under the Emperor Constantine (through the Council of Nicaea in 325CE) were ordered to assemble the books (to prevent any more infighting among the various religious groups as to who is right and who is more authentic), so that the empire will not be fractured by the different religious groups. It was more of a political decision wielding control over the region via a common religious text. They determined what is acceptable and what is not. That’s why some gospels were omitted (like the gospel of Thomas, gospel of Mary, gospel of Judas, gospel of Peter, and gospel of Philip), and certain Old Testament books were removed.

2. The lack of original complete ancient scriptures or texts has hindered the findings whether all the scriptures were written in Aramaic, Hebrew and/or Greek. It is understandable since much of them have been destroyed by calamities, wear and tear, or just lost through the ages. Up till today, much archaeological work is still on-going, while those found are slowly and painstakingly being translated from the original into modern text for clearer comprehension.

3. From recent findings in the Old Testament, it was found that official documents related to the rebuilding of the ancient temple were entirely written in Aramaic (not Hebrew). The book of Ezra has big portions totally in Aramaic (Ezra 4:8 – 6:18; 7:12 – 26). The book of Daniel (Daniel 2:4 – 7:28) has large portions all in Aramaic (not Hebrew). Stories about Daniel and his friends, his visions were all written in Aramaic (not Hebrew). 

Way back in Genesis 31:47,

Genesis 31:47 And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.

“Jegarsahadutha” is an Aramaic (not Hebrew) term meaning “pile of stones”, while “Galeed” is a Hebrew term also meaning “pile of stones”. The meaning is the same, signifying a metaphorical “heap of witness” as a memorial to the covenant made between Jacob and Laban.

In Jeremiah 10:11, the ENTIRE verse is Written in Aramaic.! Not Hebrew!

 

Jeremiah 10:11 in Aramaic

4. Coming to the New Testament, we find many portions were in Aramaic (as far as recent archaeology shows). Below are just some of the more prominent verses.

“fool” (raka) Matt 5:22

“zealot” (kananaios, from Aram. kan’an) Matt 10:4; Mark 3:18.

“Save now” (hosanna) Matt 21:9 (2x), 15; Mark 11:9; John 12:13

“O God! O God! To what a purpose You have kept me!” (Eloi, eloi, lema sabaxthani) Mark 15:34; Matthew 27:46

“Little girl, rise.” (talitha koum) Mark 5:41.

“Be opened” (effatha) Mark 7:34

“Teacher/Rabbi” (rabbouni) Mark 10:51; John 20:16

“Father” (abba) Mark 14:36; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6

Maranatha meaning “Lord, come!” 1 Corinthians 16:22

5. The Greek influence on the Israelites were significant after the conquest of the Near East empires by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE. His 4 generals carved out his empire after his death to promote the Greek rule over his conquered lands including Eastern Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine (or Israel) and much of Mesopotamia. Then the Romans came and took over after the Greeks in 55 BCE, but much of the Greek culture and language remained after the conquest until today.

6. So, the people living during the time of the gospels were influenced by Aramaic, then Hebrew and then Greek. It was a period of mixture, as can be seen when Paul switched languages halfway in his presentation in Acts 21:37 – 22:2. (Paul used many Aramaic idioms too: https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2022/02/how-did-paul-used-aramaic-idioms-in.html.) The message of Jesus was originally proclaimed and taught in the Aramaic language all over. And due to Social and Political decisions communication both spoken and written were interspersed with Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek. To say the New Testament and gospels were entire written in Greek is NOT true, and likewise NOT in Aramaic entirely (until newer evidences can be discovered).

7. From then until today many believers of Jesus in Iraq (Mesopotamia), Iran, Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon have tried to keep the original Aramaic language alive both domestically and scholastically. Today they may not call it Aramaic but Syriac, but Syriac is just a Greek term for Aramaic. Many have become disillusion or disgust with the proliferation of Errors in Bible Translations, and there is a desire to return to the original context of the meanings of Jesus and scriptures, instead of relying on preachers or teachers who cherry pick scriptures to their whims and fancies to suit their egoistic pursuits of authority and superiority.

Jesus spoke in Aramaic

See a timeline of such human translations:

https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2021/04/timeline-of-written-translation-history.html

and why the Aramaic text and not the KJV or English text:

https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2023/08/aramaic-text-vs-kjv-text.html

8. The ability to understand Aramaic or Aramaic phrases, will greatly enhance your journey of true scripture discovery. You will be able to understand how Aramaic developed into what we have as modern languages. We can understand the rightful interpretation of the scriptural text. We can read it in its historical past events and within context and true meaning. We can determine whether what we read, heard preached or taught is genuine or forgery. We can understand many difficult passages or Semitic terms of speech which are not able to be explained in Greek or in modern languages. It will bring us back to a period of time very close to the time of Jesus and walk in that similar path. It will enable us to perceive more clearly Jesus and his teachings in the context of his own language, people and time. I hope these will inspire you as it has inspired me.

The Aramaic Language – brief history

 The Aramaic Language – brief history

1. Historically, the Aramaic Language was the common language used in the fertile region of the ancient Near East (Mesopotamia area) about the Second Millennium BCE (Before Common Era) i.e. years 2000 BCE to 1001 BCE. It was the Spoken and Written language of the Arameans, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Hebrews and Syrians.

2. The term Aramaic comes from Aram which according to Hebrew scripture, Aram was the son of Shem and grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:22). The Aramaic language is also called a Semitic (or Shemitic) language, and Shemitic comes from Shem, son of Noah (Genesis 5:32).

Assyrian and Chaldean empires

3. Aramaic language was practical, simple to write and speak, and widely used by officials, merchants and all classes of people (Jesus and all the common Israelite people speak and write Aramaic). It was the common language among different tribes and clans, and thus was used by the two great empires of Assyria and Chaldea (Babylon). Many countries including Egypt, Asia Minor, Pakistan and Persian (Iran), all used Aramaic for communication.

4. The Aramaic language evolved into major dialects, the Northern Aramaic dialect and the Southern Aramaic dialect, over a long period of time (more than 1000 years) when there were TWO Major Dispersion of the Twelve Tribes of Israel to Assyria and Chaldea.

5. According to history, the First Exile was around 721 BCE, where the Assyrians captured the Ten Northern Tribes of Israel and took them away to Nineveh, where they were eventually scattered all over Mesopotamia (Northern Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan). Then the Assyrian government repopulated Northern Israel with their own people, the Assyrians, who also spoke Aramaic, to inter-marry into the remaining Israelites that were not captured away. The descendants of these mixed marriages were known as Samaritans (See https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2021/08/who-are-samaritans.html). They speak a slightly different dialect of the original Aramaic language, derived from mixed Assyrian cultures, and local slangs.

6. The Second Exile happened around 587 BCE, when the Chaldean King Nebuchanezzar, captured the remaining Two Tribes of Southern Israel, particularly the prominent tribe of Judah, into Babylon, the capital of the Chaldean empire. The exiled Israelites assimilated Babylonian cultures, myths, and way of life easily due to similar Aramaic language, and thus we have many of the Hebrew Torah stories plagiarized from the Chaldean writings over the centuries (See: https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2021/06/are-stories-in-genesis-in-bible-taken.html). 

7. The Chaldean empire became weak after the death of King Nebuchanezzar, and the Persian (Iran) King Cyrus easily conquered Babylon around 539 BCE, and ended the Babylonian empire. Cyrus gave permission to the Israelites to return to their homeland, carrying with them the Southern Aramaic dialect and mannerism, up until the time of Jesus during the first century CE. The Southern dialect is slightly different from the Northern dialect (just like the Chinese have different dialects of Cantonese and Hakka). Knowing this, we can understand better now how the local Southern Israelites can identify Peter (who is from the north), just by listening to him talk Aramaic in the Northern dialect, when Peter denied knowing Jesus before the cock crowed (Mark 14:70). (Note: Jesus and his disciples are from Galilee, and spoke a Northern dialect of Aramaic).

8. However, after the First Century onwards Hebrew became more acceptable, and slowly became popular. Though Hebrew and Aramaic were two different languages, however they have similar grammar and vocabulary, and so both can commonly understand each other. Due to their close relations, some of the foreign Aramaic cultures and religious traditions from other nations were easily passed onto the later generation Israelites who speak Hebrew.

An Important Time in History - Separation of Judah and Israel

 An Important Time in History - Separation of Judah and Israel

The following is my perception of a very very important Time in History and i.e. the Separation of Judah and Israel.

If you can understand and recognize this Historic Timeline, then you will comprehend some of the confusion and turmoil that we have in so called "organized Christianity".

Why refer to "organized Christianity".? Because "organised Christianity" is linked to "bible writings", and "bible writings" is linked to Israel's history.

1. Judah and Israel were originally One

a. In the History of the Israel (in the beginning there was no separation of Judah and Israel), there was only 1 Israel, and all the people were called Israelites.

b. All the disputes and separation really began when the Israelites wanted a king, just like the other nations. So they asked God for a king and for a kingdom. 

c. God obliged and gave them a king, but He warned them about the challenges and consequences that will come. (1 Sam 8:12-22). Saul was their first king.

2. The Great Separation

a. In about the year of the 10 century BCE (or BC, approx. 975 BC), a very important shakening event happened that affected the Israelites. And this event is still affecting them today.

b. This dramatic event is called The Great Separation. It means that the Israelites (original Israel people) were separated into 2 kingdoms, i.e. the kingdoms of Judah and the kingdom of Israel.

c. This event is recorded in 1 Kings 12:16-19

1Kings 12:16 And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David. So Israel went to their tents.

... ...

1Ki 12:19 ... ... So Israel has been in rebellion AGAINST the house of David (Judah) to this day.

3. The Kingdom of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel

a. At that time before the split, there was a great disagreement in Israel about who was to become king over the nation. This was very important to them, because they believed that only their nation of Israel was chosen by God.

b. Rehoboam who is Solomon's son, was the rightful heir to be king, and reigned after Solomon's death. Jeroboam was a servant who rebelled against Solomon.

c. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin, together with the Levites, remained and made Rehoboam their king. The other 10 tribes of Israel made Jeroboam their king.

d. The 10 tribes made the northern land their kingdom (Kingdom of Israel), and the rest took the southern land their kingdom (Kingdom of Judah). 

4. The Great Separation was foretold by God

a. This Great Separation was prophesied by God. Read all about it in 1 Kings 11:11-13, 29-39. Important to read to understand.

b. Why did God prophesied about the Separation? It was because of Solomon's sin (1 Kings 11:9) and God was angry with Solomon.

c. At first there were 12 tribes named after the 12 sons of Jacob. Originally they were known collectively as the Kingdom of Israel (before the Great Separation). After the Great Separation, they were known as the Kingdom of Judah (from the tribe of Judah and Benjamin) and the Kingdom of Israel (from the rest of the 10 tribes). There are now 2 different nations, with different kingdoms and different kings. They were no longer united as 1 kingdom.

d. The following is a list of the kings of both kingdoms, before and after the Great Separation.

Kings Before Division of Kingdom

Saul: First King of Israel; son of Kish; father of Ish-Bosheth, Jonathan and Michal.

Ish-Bosheth (or Eshbaal): King of Israel; son of Saul.

David: King of Judah; later of Israel; son of Jesse; husband of Abigail, Ahinoam, Bathsheba, Michal, etc.; father of Absalom, Adonijah, Amnon, Solomon, Tamar, etc.

Solomon: King of Israel and Judah; son of David; father of Rehoboam.

Rehoboam: Son of Solomon; during his reign the kingdom was divided into Judah and Israel.

Kings of Judah (Southern Kingdom)

Rehoboam: First King.

Abijah (or Abijam or Abia): Son of Rehoboam.

Asa: Probably son of Abijah.

Jehoshaphat: Son of Asa.

Jehoram (or Joram): Son of Jehoshaphat; husband of Athaliah.

Ahaziah: Son of Jehoram and Athaliah.

Athaliah: Daughter of King Ahab of Israel and Jezebel; wife of Jehoram; only queen to occupy the throne of Judah.

Joash (or Jehoash): Son of Ahaziah.

Amaziah: Son of Joash.

Uzziah (or Azariah): Son of Amaziah.

Jotham: Regent, later King; son of Uzziah.

Ahaz: Son of Jotham.

Hezekiah: Son of Ahaz; husband of Hephzi-Bah.

Manasseh: Son of Hezekiah and Hephzi-Bah.

Amon: Son of Manasseh.

Josiah (or Josias): Son of Amon.

Jehoahaz (or Joahaz): Son of Josiah.

Jehoiakim: Son of Josiah.

Jehoiachin: Son of Jehoiakim.

Zedekiah: Son of Josiah; kingdom overthrown by Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar.

Kings of Israel (Northern Kingdom)

Jeroboam I: Led secession of Israel.

Nadab: Son of Jeroboam I.

Baasha: Overthrew Nadab.

Elah: Son of Baasha.

Zimri: Overthrew Elah.

Omri: Overthrew Zimri.

Ahab: Son of Omri; husband of Jezebel.

Ahaziah: Son of Ahab.

Jehoram (or Joram): Son of Ahab.

Jehu: Overthrew Jehoram.

Jehoahaz (or Joahaz): Son of Jehu.

Jehoash (or Joash): Son of Jehoahaz.

Jeroboam II: Son of Jehoash.

Zechariah: Son of Jeroboam II.

Shallum: Overthrew Zechariah.

Menahem: Overthrew Shallum.

Pekahiah: Son of Menahem.

Pekah: Overthrew Pekahiah.

Hoshea: Overthrew Pekah; kingdom overthrown by Assyrians under Sargon II.

5. From Brothers to Enemies

a. Once it was 1 nation, now they are 2 nations. Once it was 1 house, now they are 2 houses. Once it was 1 big family, now they are 2 divided families. Once they were a great nation feared by those surrounding. Now they are Enemies of each other.

b. The Old Covenant (or Old Testament) prophets wrote and wept about their separation. The prophets call them people of God but their own pride and desire for political power has resulted in bitter disputes and enmity. These prophets prophesied about the future re-unification of both the northern and southern kingdoms.

c. The southern Kingdom of Judah pride themselves as the righteous Jews, as protectors of God's moral Laws, and guardian of Jerusalem, the place of worship. The northern Kingdom of Israel have their own place of worship, away from Jerusalem, and consider themselves purer keepers of God's laws. These different practices and cultures are still found in modern Israel today.

6. Post-Separation development of Kingdom of Judah and Kingdom of Israel

a. Throughout the rest of the Old Covenant (Old Testament and other extra historical sources), we see the 2 kingdoms fought with each other. They were strong and independent and had 2 different lineage as shown in their history. They had their own kings and even their own prophets!

b. Their political strength did not remain long. Sadly, both the kingdoms of Judah and Israel fell into captivity. Both their kingdoms were captured by different conquerors and at different times. The Babylonian empire captured the kingdom of Judah and the Assyrian empire captured the kingdom of Israel.

c. The Babylonians captured the kingdom of Judah for a period of 70 years. Led by King Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonians attacked Judah and the city of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 24, it marks the "beginning of the end" for Judah. The Babylonian Captivity is discussed in the books of Jeremiah, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Daniel, and other apocryphal texts.

d. The kingdom of Israel had a worse fate. In 721 BCE, the Assyrians captured their land and took them away for good, until many of the tribes had lost their own identities. You can read about it in 2 Kings 18:5-18; 2 Kings 15:29; 2 Kings 17:5-6. They lost all their inherited lands, and their Judaistic culture was diluted or lost. The Samaritans who are from the kingdom of Israel, were considered as half-breeds, and had always been looked down by the Jews from Judah, to the extent of the Jews calling them "Gentiles". 

7. Jesus and the 2 kingdoms

a. At first the dispersion of the 12 tribes to Babylon and Assyria were called the "Diaspora" in Jewish records. This is a common term for those who lived far away from their own land.

b. Eventually the 10 northern tribes of Israel became known as the "lost sheep of the house of Israel". So the next time you read about the lost sheep, you will have a clearer understanding of what the bible writings actually meant. (The writings are actually more bias towards Judah instead of Israel).

8. Jesus talks about re-uniting the 2 kingdoms

a. From the historical and biblical records, we understand that the Messiah had to come from the kingdom of Judah (or the lineage of the house of Judah).

b. It was prophesied that Yeshua (Jesus in Hebrew) will come to bring about the unity. This was written many hundreds of years even before Yeshua was born. During the time of Yeshua, He brought up on many occasions about the tensions and separation between the 2 kingdoms. Some of them in parables and some in direct words.

c. For example, Yeshua brought up the issue of the 2 kingdoms when He was talking to the Samaritan woman at the well. Again Yeshua brought it up again in the "parable of the Good Samaritan".

9. The 2 Kingdoms in the Parable of the Prodigal Son

a. We read of the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, and we think it refers to an unbelieving family member coming back in relationship with the Father God. Have you ever consider that Yeshua had another message in the story? Have you looked at it from the perspective of the Context of the Israelites current situation, and their Historical events happening during that time?

b. Have you thought about the mind of their Messiah who wanted to bring to their attention to the situation of the two "brotherly" nations? Instead of speaking about events that will happen more than 2000 years in the future of their lifetime.?

c. In the parable, the younger son asks for his inheritance and departs from his father's house. The older son remained at home, even though he is not in total harmony with the father. There was anger and bitterness within the older son. When the younger son returned home, the older son was not willing to rejoice and celebrate the return of the younger son.

10. Reuniting kingdom of Judah and kingdom of Israel in the Prodigal Son

a. The Older Son is the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Judah had Jerusalem, and had never left the Father. The lineage of the kingship of David and Solomon comes all the way down through the kingdom of Judah. The kingdom of God had always been kept by Judah faithfully.

b. Bible writings and extra-biblical writings tells us that it was the kingdom of Judah who remained closer to God and God's ways, and not the kingdom of Israel. This was achieved through the Pharisaical and Levitical customs. But this does not mean that their hearts were godly. In fact, their hearts were evil and were far from God. Yeshua rebuked the self-righteous Jews on several occasions. Actually the prophet Jeremiah wrote in many writings about the great evil that is in both the the hearts of Judah and Israel.

c. What did the younger son do in the parable? He went out and committed many sins in a foreign country and lost everything before he came back to the father. The Kingdom of Israel was like that. It was the first to go out and did many wrongs, had chosen other gods, and moved in with the foreigners, and lost everything, even their identities, to the extent that the Jews from the kingdom of Judah called them Gentiles.

d. Yeshua is calling the older brother not to be angry and bitter of heart, but to celebrate because their younger brother has returned back to the family. Similarly, the kingdom of Judah should do the same as the kingdom of Israel comes back, in re-uniting back to the family. Yeshua was preparing the hearts of the Jewish people to receive back their brothers with joy and celebration.

e. The northern tribes had been scattered and lost for such a long time. They set up their own places of worship and idols, so that their people will not be lured back to the southern kingdom of Judah for their annual pilgrimage. They were abused in every way, and had everything taken away from them. They had no choice when they were living under the Assyrian captivity.

11. Yeshua re-united the kingdom of Judah and the kingdom of Israel

a. What did Jesus do? He gave His life on the cross to make a way for the "lost sheep of the House of Israel" to be brought back into relationship with the "House of Judah". And thus both re-uniting in relationship with God. Jesus took away the long standing enmity and replaced it with God's love.

Mat 15:24  Jesus answered, “I was sent ONLY to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 

b. God wants to re-unite His chosen people. That is His desire for all of Judah and Israel to be returned to His household. It is NOT about YOU or ME.!!! It is about the nation of Israel ONLY.

12. Conclusion

a. That is the gist and summary of the very important time in the history of Israel.

b. Do not read yourself into the stories in the bible writings. It was written NOT to you, but you can use it for your own edification and exhortation.

c. Basically, the many writings in the bible is a historical account of the people of Israel, and not about you or me.

Aramaic Text vs KJV Text

Aramaic Text vs KJV Text

Did you know there are over 450 translations of the Bible in the English language alone?

Question: WHICH IS THE CORRECT VERSION.??

Answer: There is NO Correct Version. All the versions are different from the Original (which is Aramaic/Hebrew).

(Note: For those interested to read further, I wrote a post on the "Timeline of Written Translation History" here:

 https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2021/04/timeline-of-written-translation-history.html

WHY SO MANY VERSIONS.?

Because:

a. They have language translation errors and mistakes. This happens when it is translated from 1 language to another language.

b. They have bias translation errors. That means they purposely translate it in such a way to favour their own denomination or community, and to discredit others.

c. Translation errors occur when the translators cannot decide to translate "word for word" or "thought for thought". As a result, there is a mixture of both. Others from other cultures or learning began to interpret the bible words wrongly leading to theological errors.

d. They are translated by a "one-man-show". That means it is the work of ONLY 1 person. It has not been tested by other bible scholars or bible peers. This results in an unscholarly or unprofessional translation, creating more mistakes. E.g.s are "The Message" a paraphrase by Eugene Peterson and "The Passion Translation" by Brian Simmons.

MAJORITY VIEW THE KING JAMES VERSION (KJV) AS MORE CORRECT.

In the christian culture that I was involved, the majority viewed the KJV as the "never incorrect version" or the "authentic version" or the "sanctified version".

Actually, if you just trace the Timeline of bible translations of just the KJVs ALONE, you will find that the translators are trying to cover up their mistakes, with newer and newer editions. Their mistakes and embarrassment are made more pronounced with new archaeological discoveries of old written texts written thousands of years ago.

If you do use Google, you will also find that there have been hundred of articles written and viewed in social media like Youtube, about the hundreds if not thousands of errors in the KJV. They were highlighted according to their own understanding.

COMPARING SOME OF THE DIFFERENCES

Here below I will attempt to compare some (just some, because there are so so many) of the bible texts found in the Aramaic text and those in the KJV text.

It is my attempt to compare the text with the original Aramaic. It is useless to compare translation with translation, that will lead to quarrelsome arguments about who or which is more correct. I will just show you the original and you decide, whether your KJV or other translations have errors or not.

Job 12:6

(KJV) The tabernacles of robbers PROSPER, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.

(Aramaic) The tents of robbers SHALL PERISH, and the assurance of those who incite God because there is no God in their hearts.

Job 31:10

(KJV) Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.

(Aramaic) Then let my wife grind (meal) for others and let her BAKE BREAD AT ANOTHER MAN'S PLACE.

Psalm 7:11

(KJV) God judgeth the righteous, and God is ANGRY WITH THE WICKED EVERY DAY.

(Aramaic) God is a just judge and He is NOT ANGRY EVERY DAY.

Psalm 23:2

(KJV) He maketh me to lie down in GREEN PASTURES; he leadeth me beside the STILL WATERS.

(Aramaic) And He makes me to dwell in PASTURES OF STRENGTH. He guides me by REFRESHING WATERS.

Psalm 23:6

(KJV) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER.

(Aramaic) Your loving kindness and compassion have pursued me all the days of my life; and I shall live in the house of the Lord for the LENGTH OF DAYS.

Psalm 46:10

(KJV) BE STILL and know that I am God!

(Aramaic) RETURN TO ME and know that I am God!

Isaiah 43:28

(KJV) Therefore I have PROFANED THE PRINCES OF THE SANCTUARY, and have given Jacob to the curse and Israel to reproaches. [meaning God Himself had defiled the princes]

(Aramaic) YOU PRINCES HAVE DEFILED THE HOLY PLACE (the sanctuary); therefore I have give Jacob to the curse and Israel to shame.

Jeremiah 4:10

(KJV) Then said I, ah Lord God; surely THOU HAST GREATLY DECEIVED this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

(Aramaic) Then I said, I implore you, O Lord God, truly I HAVE DECEIVED [meaning Jeremiah had deceived] this people and Jerusalem exceedingly because I have said, You will have peace, and behold, the slain sword reaches as far as the soul.

Matthew 5:3

(KJV)  BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Aramaic) DELIGHTED ARE THOSE WHO SURRENDER TO GOD, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 6:34

(KJV) TAKE THEREFORE NO THOUGHT for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the eveil thereof.

(Aramaic) Now DO NOT WORRY about tomorrow, because tomorrow will take care of itself. Enough for the day is its own trouble.

John 1:14

(KJV) And the Word WAS MADE FLESH, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only BEGOTTEN son of the Father) full of grace and TRUTH.

(Aramaic) And the Word TOOK HUMAN FORM and dwelt (tented) among us; and we say his preciousness (glory), a preciousness like that of an only BELOVED son of the Father, who is filled with loving kindness and JUSTICE.

2 Timothy 3:16

(KJV) All scripture is GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

(Aramaic) All scripture that is WRITTEN BY THE SPIRIT is useful for teaching, correction, right action, and for instruction in justice (piety).

2 Peter 1:21

(KJV) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spoke as they were MOVED by the Holy Ghost.

(Aramaic) For prophecy at no time ever came by the will of man, but hold men of God spoke when they were IMPELLED by the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 7:18

(KJV) Is any man called being circumcised? Let him not BECOME UNCIRCUMCISED.

(Aramaic) If any man were circumcised when he was called, let him not TURNED TO THE PARTY OF THE UNCIRCUMCISED.

And so on, and so on.

There are thousands of different translations in comparing the KJV and the original Aramaic.

For those interested, there is a book by George M. Lamsa, called "The Holy Bible from the Ancient Eastern Text", and he translated the ancient Aramaic manuscripts to English, beginning with Genesis till Revelation. He said that there are approximately 10,000 to 12,000 vital and major differences between the KJV and the Aramaic text.

Aramaic Idiom - A Thorn In The Flesh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Aramaic Idiom - A Thorn In The Flesh


This phrase "a thorn in the flesh" is an actual Aramaic Idiom that is often used by the Near Eastern people.

In fact, we in the English educated community also use this phrase to mean the SAME thing, as them.


This phrase appears in several bible verses.

Let us look at 2 Corinthians 12:7,


2Corinthians 12:7 (KJV)

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.


The original Aramaic writings read like this:

 

 

 

 

 
Qn: Why did Paul wrote this verse?

Ans: Basing on evidential historical records, wherever Paul went, he constantly met with great opposition, persecution and verbal and non-verbal attacks. Some of the listeners also questioned Paul as a real apostle and went against his authority among the believers. Paul also faced many false teachers, and his many writings of the New Testament books were meant to counter such teachings.

Because of these constant accusations and attacks, they were considered to be a source of irritation, and that's why he used the phrase "a thorn in his flesh".


Other examples of such use of "thorns" or "thorns in the flesh/body" are:


Genesis 3:18 (ESV) ... THORNS and thistles it shall bring forth for you; ...


Numbers 33:55 (ESV) But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and THORNS in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell.


Judges 2:3 (ESV) So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become THORNS IN YOUR SIDES, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”



This verse in 2 Corinthians 12:7 is very interesting. It was as if Paul didn't want his readers to misunderstand his Idiom, and so he explained himself by giving a further explanation on the idiom/phrase "a thorn in the flesh".


Side NOTE: Have you heard of the cult of "christian" believers in Philippines, where  they used all kinds of thorns to cut their own flesh (basing on this verse) because they believed that if Paul can be humbled by these thorns (which they believed to be "real" "physical" thorns from plants), so they too can whip their own flesh with thorns to make themselves humble and thus be acceptable by God. (God's acceptance of us has nothing to do with our futile efforts). These are people who believe in Jesus Christ and they numbered in the millions! This is an example of how a wrong interpretation of bible verse using contemporary languages (without looking accurately at the cultural, historical and linguistic relevance), can cause such massive damages and sway millions into danger and grave errors.



Qn: What was the further explanation of the idiom "a thorn in the flesh"?

Ans: Paul said that this "thorn in the flesh" is explained as "a messenger of Satan to buffet me". He meant "A TROUBLEMAKER".

In our modern English, Paul would have wrote "I AM HARASSED OR TROUBLED BY TROUBLEMAKERS."


Qn: What is the meaning "messenger of Satan" in 2 Corinthians 12:7?

Ans: It means a person who is a deceiver and a fraud who teaches wrong teachings and philosophies, to counter-attack on Paul. He is a Troublemaker. He is  a false teacher. His teachings are malicious and meant to harm Paul and to destroy his teaching and authority.

Paul’s thorn in the flesh wasn’t sickness or epilepsy or any other physical illness. It was the people who opposed and irritated him and continually caused him problems!
 

 

So now you know the meaning of "a thorn in the flesh".