Introduction
Introduction to the Third Book of Meqabyan
The Shofar of Awakening in the Latter Days
The Third Book of Meqabyan arrives as a profound and thunderous shofar blast to the kehillah (assembly) in the latter days, sounding a clear, ancient cadence that summons the modern believer back to the narrow, ancient paths. Emerging from the faithful editorial and translational labors of Beit HaEmet-Brit Chadashah Publishing, this Hebraic Messianic Nazarene rendering strips away centuries of Hellenistic packaging to restore the native, scriptural framework of the texts. It re-centers our focus upon the sovereignty of Yahuah Elohim, the redemptive kingship of Yeshua ha'Mashiach, and the transformative empowerment of the Ruach ha'Qodesh.
Crucially, this book, along with its companions Book 1 and Book 2, stands as an integral part of the Ivri Heritage Bible. Together, these three books of Meqabyan recover the rich historical narrative and theological treasures of the Hebrew legacy, providing the kehillah with a restored inheritance of textual wisdom that belongs to the ancient lineage of the faith.
In a generation crowded by spiritual noise, theological novelty, and compromise, this text serves as a brilliant devotional and exhortational guide. It addresses the timeless realities of the cosmos: the arrogance of ha'Satan, the fall and redemption of Adam, the seductive deception of modern shedim (demons), and the absolute necessity of wholehearted teshuvah (repentance). The overarching theme is simple yet urgent: turn from chet (sin), endure through the tribulations of this world with unyielding emunah (faithfulness), and anchor your soul immovably in the certain hope of the bodily resurrection.
Significance and Weight within the Biblical Context
While the primary foundations of doctrine and halakhah (righteous walk) remain firmly anchored within the standard canon of the Tanakh (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim) and the Brit Chadashah (New Covenant), writings such as the Third Book of Meqabyan have long been cherished by ancient communities for their immense historical resonance and ethical fire. Within the context of the Ivri Heritage Bible, the trilogy of Meqabyan acts as a magnificent, intertextual bridge. It weaves a tapestry of wisdom that beautifully echoes the spiritual posture of the prophets and the early apostolic era.
Rather than seeking to alter or replace the canonical Scriptures, this Hebraic rendering enhances them by serving as an interpretive window into the second-temple mindset and early Nazarene thought. It provides critical context to the cosmic warfare described by the apostles, showing how the moral duties of the Torah—such as maintaining honest balances, executing mishpat (justice), and pouring out chesed (steadfast love) to the poor, the almanah (widow), and the yatom (orphan)—are the physical outworkings of a spiritual reality.
Why the Third Book of Meqabyan Demands Our Attention Today
As a vital component of the Ivri Heritage Bible collection, the contemporary importance of this book cannot be overstated. It directly confronts the modern structural decay of faith with distinct, striking authority:
Unmasking Rebranded Deceptions: In an era where the shedim have successfully rebranded ancient sins as "progressive options" and self-indulgent luxuries, this book strips away the glitter to expose the raw machinery of temptation.
A Standard for True Teshuvah: It brilliantly contrasts the defiant, stiff-necked pride of ha'Satan—who refuses to repent even when facing eternal fire—with the humble, weeping contrition of Adam, who returns to his Maker from dust and ash. It teaches us that perfect teshuvah is not a theoretical concept, but an active, physical turn toward the shining face of Yahuah.
The Blueprint for Holy Endurance: By pointing directly to historical cloud-of-witnesses such as Iyov, Mordekhai, Ester, Yehudit, Gid'on, Devorah, Yiftach, and Shimshon, the text provides a steadying anchor for those enduring modern trials. It reminds the believer that those who trust in Yahuah will never be put to shame.
An Antidote to Materialistic Slumber: The text fires a warning shot against the deceitfulness of wealth, comparing the riches of sinners to transient smoke on the wind. It demands that we cultivate an internal lev tahor (clean heart), chokhmah (wisdom), and binah (understanding) over the temporal, soft garments of this world.
The Absolute Concrete Hope of Resurrection: At a time when the ultimate hope of the believer is frequently reduced to mere self-improvement or vague, disembodied spirituality, Meqabyan sounds an uncompromising alarm regarding the reality of the judgment and the physical awakening of the dead. It demonstrates through the natural mechanics of creation—like the rain reviving dead soil—that the dew of Shamayim will absolutely awaken the sleeping.
A Call to the Reader
Let the message within these pages wound the pride that blinds, and heal the contrite who return. Read it slowly, trace its scriptural footsteps in a hard copy, turn its commands into living prayers, and let the Torah of life be written directly upon your heart by the Ruach ha'Qodesh.
Chapter 1 The Boast of ha'Satan and His Oath Before Yahuah Elohim
1
Yeshua ha'Mashiach shall bring joy to the land of Mitsrayim (Egypt). For in the latter days, He shall come to judge and destroy the shedim (demons) who have oppressed the innocent, who led astray the tzaddikim (righteous), and who despised the work of their Maker. He will bring vengeance upon them, casting down their false authority, for their hearts were lifted up in pride. He shall crush their power and bring them low.
2
For the Adversary said in his arrogance:
3
“I will rise up through the sea. I will ascend to the heights. I will see the depths and seize the children of Adam as easily as one catches birds. Who is higher than I? I have entered into their hearts to pull them away from the straight path of Yahuah. I have strengthened those who reject His mitzvah (commandment). None can strip me of this dominion.
4
“I shall be their guide down a smooth road that leads to Gehenna, and they shall walk with me into the fire. Those who love Yahuah and obey His Torah hate me, but those who forsake His word, they will run after me. I will twist their minds and corrupt their thoughts so they never return to their Creator. They will obey my voice instead of His.
5
“When I show them the riches of this world, I will draw them away from tzedakah (righteousness). When I parade beautiful women before their eyes, they will lose sight of the Torah. When I flash gold and gems from far-off lands, they will forget what is qodesh and follow my ways. When I tempt them with fine clothes, crimson silk, and gleaming linens, I will seduce their hearts away from their Maker. When they see herds beyond number and wealth without end, I will ensnare them further. When jealousy flares up because of women and rage leads to fighting, I will use all of it to pull them into my works.
6
“I will place false signs in their hearts. I will make them trust omens and strange wonders. To those I possess, I will show illusions in stars, in clouds, in fire, and in animal cries. For their hearts are mine, and I will lead them wherever I wish. They will pass these signs to others, becoming prophets of my deception. They will say, ‘Look at this one and that one—they foretold it and it came to pass. They see the truth; they speak for Shamayim.’ I will perform their words with lying wonders so the simple will be tricked. They will pay money to magicians and trust their lies. I rejoice in this, for many perish by my hand.
7
“I cause Adam’s children to fall. For Yahuah cast me down when I refused to bow before Adam, who is made of dust. I shall drag to destruction all who follow my voice.”
8
Yahuah gave him this by oath: that any soul he deceives shall be cast into Gehenna with him. When His wrath burned against him, and He commanded that the Adversary be bound and thrown down, the Adversary cried out, begging Him, “O Adon, grant me one final request.” He answered him, “Speak.” So the Adversary pleaded:
9
“Let those I deceive be punished with me in Gehenna. Let them suffer as I suffer. But to those who resisted me, who chose Your ways and obeyed Your word, give them what You took from me. Let them wear the crown You once gave to me. Let them be seated where once I sat. Let them take my place and give them the honor You denied me. Let them sing Your praises, for You have loved them and rejected me. Let them stand among Your heavenly ones, for You cast me down and exalted those made from dust and ash.”
10
And Yahuah answered:
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“If they choose your path over Mine, if they walk away from My word though they have seen and heard, then let them be yours according to your request. If they leave My book and turn away from My command to follow you, even though it grieves Me, then they shall fall with you into Gehenna. You shall suffer in torment forever, and those who followed your ways shall suffer with you. There shall be no escape for either of you.”
Chapter 2 The Temptations of ha'Satan and the Fall of Adam
1
“I will give your throne,” says Yahuah Elohim, who reigns over all, “to those you failed to corrupt—to My servant Iyov (Job) and to others like him.” I will give the Malkhut ha'Shamayim (Kingdom of Heaven) to those who withstood your schemes.”
2
But ha'Satan replied:
3
“I tempt the children of Adam in every way. If I can deceive them, I will never stop. I stir up every soul and make this world seem sweet to trap them. Whether it be the love of rich food or fine clothing, whether it be the craving to gather or the urge to withhold, whether it be the lust of the eyes or the longing for touch, the swelling of pride or the piling up of wealth.
4
“Whether it be dreams that make them slumber too long; whether through drunkenness or violent tempers, through endless arguing and idle talk, whether through fights and slander, or through craving the beauty of women or even through sweet‑smelling perfumes that cloud their minds—I use all of it to turn them from Yahuah’s Torah so that I can drag them with me into the same ruin that cost me my place in Shamayim.”
5
But the Navi (Prophet) rebuked him:
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“You destroyer of souls, be silenced! You turned from the Torah of Yahuah because of your arrogant heart and corrupt desire. You would not worship your Maker, and yet you think yourself greater than His creation. When your Creator cast you down, it was because of your pride and evil. So why now do you drag Adam into sin (חָטָא chata') or חַטָּאָה chatta'ah)—he whom Yahuah formed from the earth, cherished, and placed here to give Him glory?
7
“You were made with skill, a being of fire and wind. But in your pride, you declared, ‘I am the Creator.’ Because of your boast, Yahuah saw your wickedness, and since you denied Him, He made Adam in your place—one who would praise Him without ceasing. Since you lifted yourself up above all other malakhim, Yahuah created Adam and his children to give Him the worship you and your rebellious host refused to give. And so Yahuah rejected you and separated you from your fellow arch‑malakhim, those created alongside you, because your stiff‑necked and proud heart led you far from His praise.
8
“Because of this, Yahuah created Adam from the dust, that even broken men might glorify Him. He gave him a Torah and a mitzvah: Do not eat from the fig tree, or you will surely sorrow. Yahuah placed him over all creation and warned him, ‘Eat of every tree, but that one, for the fig will bring death if you take it.’
9
“But you, hearing this, crept in with cunning and whispered lies to Chavah, who was formed from Adam’s side. You tricked the innocent Adam, who had done no wrong, to make him break the command. Just like you, you deceived Chavah. She was gentle like a dove, unaware of your evil. You caused her to fall through your twisted words, and through her, you reached Adam, the handiwork of Yahuah. You caused him to stumble—not in pride, but in confusion—and led him to reject the word of his Creator.
10
“Through your malice, you separated him from the love of Yahuah. You drove him out of Gan Eden, the garden of shalom, and cut him off from its qodesh food. From the beginning, you have hated Adam, the one who was made in innocence, trying to drag him down to Sheol, away from the love that gave him life from nothing.
11
“But though he is made from the earth, Yahuah will raise him, turning him into a radiant being who praises Yahuah with body, soul, and mind. And Yahuah gave him thoughts and reason like many strings of a harp, each one singing praise in its own way.”
Chapter 3 Yahuah's Care for Adam and Chavah After the Fall
1
As for you, ha'Satan, you were given only one purpose: that you might learn reverence as you were cast down into Gehenna, the place your Creator appointed for you.
2
But Adam was different. Yahuah gave him ten thoughts—five that are tov (good) and five that are ra (evil)—to test his heart; indeed, his yetzer (form) is manifold. More than that, his thoughts are like the crashing sea, rising and falling without number, like dust caught in a whirlwind lifted up from the earth. His mind is ever turning like stormy waves. His heart is flooded with endless thoughts, like rain that never stops.
3
But you—your thought is only one. For you are not made of flesh, and you do not change. You have no struggle, no balance, only one aim: to deceive.
4
So you took shelter in the heart of the nachash (serpent), and through cunning and lies you led astray Adam, who was but a tender branch. And Chavah heard the serpent’s words, and she did exactly as she was told. She ate of the fig and then came to Adam, the first of Yahuah’s creation, and brought death upon them both and upon all their children because she broke the command of her Maker.
5
And though they were cast out of the garden by Yahuah’s righteous judgment, He still cared for them. He comforted them in the land where they were sent by giving them children and crops from the earth. When you, O enemy, drove them from that qodesh place, Yahuah let them plant seed and raise families, that their sorrow might be lightened and their hearts renewed through the fruit of the ground and of the garden which Yahuah had once given them.
6
In chesed (mercy), Yahuah gave them forests more lush than even the trees of Gan Eden. And Adam and Chavah, though banished for eating, found shalom and were calmed in their sorrow. For Yahuah knows how to comfort what He has made. And their hearts were filled again with joy through their children and the harvest of the land. Even though they were sent into a world of thorns and thistles, they learned to look for comfort in water and in grain, and to rest their hope in what the earth could now provide.
Chapter 4 The Arrogance of ha'Satan and the Teshuvah of Adam
1
“Yahuah had chesed (mercy) so that Adam might be redeemed. And He will shame you, ha'Satan, rescuing His sheep from your devouring mouth. But you will be dragged to Gehenna along with all those you ruled. Those who keep Yahuah’s Torah (Law) will rejoice with their Creator, who hid them from evil works so they could become His reward, praising Him with the qodesh malakhim (Holy Angels), who never broke His mitzvot (commandments) as you did.
2
“Yahuah had chosen you, lifting you above others like you to praise Him with His malakhim. But you lost your high place because of your pride. You made yourself renowned, and men said you reached for godhood. Your followers are now called "shedim" (demons). But those who love Yahuah will be called His family, like the qodesh (Holy) seraphim and keruvim, who never ceased to praise Him with their wings uplifted.
3
“Yet your arrogance and blindness destroyed your honor, and you lost the right to praise Elohim alongside those who were created like you. So that His praise would not lack a voice, He made a tenth order of beings. And when you refused to praise Him, imagining none could be created like you, He formed Adam to take your place that praise might not fall silent.
4
“But your proud heart turned you away from worship. So Yahuah was angered; He mocked your downfall, bound you, and cast you into Gehenna along with your host. He took dust from the earth with His glorious hands, added fire and water and wind, and made Adam in His image and likeness. He set Adam over all creation that he might fill the gap in worship left by your rebellion. Adam’s praise was joined to the malakhim, and their song became one.
5
“But in your stubborn pride, you lost your place, walking away from the lordship of Yahuah, who made you, and in doing so, you destroyed yourself. Still, His praise was not diminished. For Yahuah made Adam in wisdom, that His glory might be lifted up even after your fall. He knows all things before they happen. He knew you would break His command. Before He made the world, He had already prepared a Go’el (redeemer). And when you rebelled, He created Adam in His image to praise Him.
6
“As Shlomo said:
7
“Before the hills were shaped, before the world was made complete, before the spirit of the earth’s foundations was formed, before the mountains and hills were laid out, before the world took shape, before the sun and moon gave their light, and before the stars and times were set, before day and night began their course, before the sea was marked off by sand—before anything created came into being, before anything now seen was made or names were spoken into existence, He created me.
8
“Malakhim like you, and Adam too, were already in Yahuah’s thoughts. He made Adam so that His glorious Name would not go unpraised when you rebelled, and that He might be praised by a creature of clay when you, a creature of light, refused.
9
“For Yahuah listens to the prayers of the poor and delights in the praise of the brokenhearted. He saves those who fear Him, but He does not take pleasure in the strength of horses or in the lusts of men. The proud He overlooks, and they will groan and weep for the sin they have committed.
10
“But you did not plead with tears or return in teshuvah. Yet Adam, made from dust, repented and wept before Yahuah for his pesha (transgression). But your proud and stiff heart never sought teshuvah; you refused to mourn or grieve over your rebellion. Adam, made from earth and ashes, returned in sorrow and teshuvah; he humbled himself and walked again in love. But you never humbled yourself before the Elohim who made you.
11
“Adam humbled himself and confessed the wrong he had done. He did not grow proud. Though sin began with you, it was not Adam who invented it. Yet you dragged him into your ruin. Yahuah knew you both before He created you; He knew your actions and the pride that filled your heart. But Adam, who had no pride or malice, was returned in mourning and teshuvah (repentance).
12
“Whoever sins and does not repent adds more evil than the first, but in your arrogance, you would not seek forgiveness. But the one who weeps and returns in teshuvah before Yahuah—he repents sincerely and discovers works that lead to salvation. He fears Yahuah and bows in teshuvah, and Yahuah lightens his avon (guilt) so that the servant is not crushed. He forgives his former sin. If he does not go back to his old ways, this is perfect teshuvah.
13
“Adam never stops thinking on his Creator, nor asking forgiveness from Yahuah. As for you, return in teshuvah to your Creator. Do not harm others just because they are weak flesh and blood; Yahuah, who formed them, knows their frailty. Do not sin against those He made by His own authority. For when their souls leave their bodies, the flesh returns to dust until the day Yahuah commands otherwise.”
Chapter 5 The Dust of Man and the Deceitfulness of Greed
1
Know Yahuah, your Elohim. who made you in His own image and likeness, even though you are but dust. Do not forget the One who raised you up and rescued you—the One whom Yisra'el praises. He placed you in Gan Eden to rejoice and to gather fruit from the earth. But when you broke His mitzvah, He drove you out from that place into a cursed world, one that would now grow thorns and nettles because of your chet (sin).
2
For you are earth, and she is earth; you are dust, and she is dust; you are soil, and she is soil. You eat from her grain, and to her you will return. You will become dust again until the day He chooses to raise you.
3
And when that day comes, He will examine your avon (guilt) and every wrong you committed. What will you say then? Consider the good and the evil you have done. Measure them. Did your tzedakah (righteousness) outweigh your wrongdoing? Search your heart. If your works were good, then it will go well for you; you will rejoice on the day the dead rise again.
4
But if your works were evil, woe to you! You will face judgment in full for all your hands have done and for the wickedness of your heart. If you harm your brother and show no yirah (fear) of Yahuah, you will suffer the consequence. And if you betray your brother and swear falsely by the Name of Yahuah, you will be judged for your lies.
5
Woe to you if you speak lies to your neighbor while pretending it is truth—know that you will be held accountable. If you convince others to believe your falsehoods, if you multiply lies that are not from Yahuah, you will be judged accordingly. You make promises you will not keep and deceive your companion while saying, “I will give,” though you know you will not.
6
And even when your heart intends to give honestly, shedim surrounds you like hungry dogs. They cloud your mind and make you forget; they steal your good intentions. Then your greed consumes you. The riches of this world tempt you to hoard what will never benefit you, what you will not even live to enjoy.
7
As it is written, the children of liars use dishonest scales. They go from theft to theft; their hunger for gain drives them.
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But this world’s wealth is a snare. O people, do not place your trust in crooked balances, nor in stealing what belongs to your neighbor. Do not covet his wealth or steal his land. These lies are for your own gain, not for the love of your brother. If you live like this, your judgment will match your works.
9
O people, be content with the fruit of your honest labor. Do not hunger for what is not yours. Do not crave to consume what was stolen in injustice—even if you do, it will never satisfy you. And when you die, all your stolen gains will pass to another. Even if you fatten yourself, it will be of no benefit in the end.
10
And if your wealth increases, do not let your heart be led astray. The riches of sinners are like smoke rising from a pan, gone with the wind. Better is a little gathered in tzedakah (righteousness) than great gain gathered through sin.
Chapter 6 The End of the Flesh and the Fate of the Soul
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Think deeply on the day of your death, when your soul will be torn from your flesh, when your hands will let go of all you owned, and when your feet will walk a path you’ve never known. Remember the sorrow that will come upon you. For the shedim (demons) who meet you, then will be dreadful; their faces are twisted and dark with malice, and their glory is terror. They will not listen to your pleading, and you will not understand their voice.
2
You did not walk in the Torah of your Creator, Yahuah. So when you cry out to them, they will turn away; they will strike fear into your spirit with no mercy.
3
But the souls of the righteous have no fear, for shedim flee from those who keep Yahuah’s word. It is the wicked whose souls the shedim mock. The just shall rejoice among malakhim in joy beyond words; they will be surrounded in shalom because they cast away the pleasures of this fleeting world.
4
But the souls of sinners will be dragged off by dark malakhim. The souls of the kind and faithful are received by messengers of shalom, qodesh malakhim sent by Yahuah to comfort the righteous in their departure. But the wicked are met by shedim sent by evil ones to torment and deride.
5
Sinners, woe to you! Weep now while you still live. Mourn before the day comes when you meet your Maker. Turn back before your breath departs. Return in teshuvah now so that you may find joy without pain, and rest without disease. For once your time ends, it cannot be restored. Weep while you still can.
6
Let not your heart be drawn to luxury or greed. Do not crave rich foods or earthly pleasures. A soul that feasts without measure forgets the Name of Yahuah. Where gluttony grows, shedim dwell, but the Ruach ha'Qodesh will not rest there. Do not love indulgence.
7
Just as Moshe said of Yisra'el: Ya'akov ate and was full. He grew fat and tall and wide, and forgot the Elohim who made him. So too, a body fed without restraint will not remember Yahuah. A life without limits becomes like a wild pig or a horse without a rider. Let not your days be consumed in eating, drinking, or lust.
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The one who eats with self-control is grounded in Yahuah. His life is steady like a level plane, like a tower set firm in stone.
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But the man who forgets Yahuah’s Torah will flee from nothing, haunted by fear. The righteous stand tall, honored as a lion in its strength. But those who do not love Yahuah will not obey His Torah; their hearts are twisted and not upright. Yahuah will bring upon them fear and sorrow while they live. They shall tremble in chains, overwhelmed by troubles. Their wealth will vanish, and their strength will be broken. He will not allow them to rest in pleasure. Their joy will be turned to horror, their comforts will flee, and their days will be filled with terrors until each one bears his burden in full. Yahuah will bring sorrow and dread upon them.
Chapter 7 The Fearless Emunah (Faith) of the Tzaddikim (righteous)
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Just as Dawid declared, “I trust in Yahuah; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” So it is that those who believe in Yahuah know no fear or alarm. And again, as he said, “Though an army encamps around me, still I will trust in Him.” One thing I ask of Yahuah, this I seek.”
2
Those who believe in Him are never shaken. The one who places his emunah in Yahuah will live forever in true life, and no evil report will trouble him. Who has ever been put to shame for trusting in Yahuah, or who has turned their back on Him and gained anything of worth?
3
As He Himself has said:
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“I love those who love Me. I will honor those who honor Me. I will keep and guard those who return to Me in teshuvah.”
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Who then has ever been ashamed for believing in Him?
6
Uphold mishpat and hear the cries of the almanah. Defend the weak, that Yahuah may defend you from the hand of those who plot ra (evil). Protect them, for the children of the tzaddikim are baruch, made wise to prosper in good things. And even after you are gone, Yahuah will rescue your children, and they shall never beg for bread.
Chapter 8 Blessed Are They Who Endure
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Baruch (blessed) are those who endure. Iyov (Job) believed in Yahuah and did not stop praising his Creator. Though shedim (demons), enemies of the children of Adam, brought great tribulation upon him, he said:
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“Yahuah has given; Yahuah has taken. Let all be as Yahuah has ordained. Let His Name be praised in Shamayim and on the earth.”
3
Because his heart was not grieved, Yahuah delivered him. And when Yahuah beheld that Iyov’s heart was pure and free from chet, He received him with great honor. Yahuah restored to him possessions greater than those he had before, for Iyov had endured his trial faithfully. He healed his wounds because he remained steadfast through all that came upon him.
4
And if you, like him, endure the trial sent by the shedim against you, you too shall be called admirable. Bear the burden of your tribulation that Yahuah may become your strong refuge, protecting you from those who hate you and becoming a shelter for your children’s children through every generation.
5
Do not let sorrow overtake your heart. Trust in Him, and He will be your refuge. Call upon Him; He will answer. Place your hope in Him; He will forgive. Ask, and He will become a Father to you.
6
Remember Mordekhai (Mordecai) and Ester, Yehudit, Gid'on, Devorah, Barak (Barak), Yiftach (Jephthah), and Shimshon (Samson), and others like them who stood firm in their emunah in Yahuah—their enemies did not overcome them. For Yahuah is emet and shows no partiality. Those who suffer do so because they chase after Chet (sin), but all who fear Him and keep His Torah will be preserved. And Yahuah will honor them. He will make them blessed in their coming and their going, in their life and in their death, in their sitting and in their rising. For He saves and He shields; He brings sorrow and He also forgives. He humbles the proud and raises up the lowly; He allows affliction, and yet He exalts and makes joyful.
Chapter 9 All Creation Belongs to Yahuah and Idolatry Leads to Gehenna
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Everything in Shamayim and on the earth, whether mighty or delicate, moves by Yahuah’s command. For all things in His dominion obey His word; nothing escapes His Torah or His will. Even the eagle’s flight through the skies follows the path Yahuah set. He directs the snake through its dark cave, and He guides the drift of wood floating across the sea. No one but Yahuah knows where it will land. And no one but Yahuah knows the journey of a soul when it leaves the body—whether it be righteous or wicked, who can say where it turns? Does it roam the wilderness or ascend a mountain? Does it glide like a bird or fall like dew upon the heights? Is it like the breath of wind, or the lightning that cuts through the sky? Is it like stars shining in the deep, or like sand piled up on the shore? Or like roots that anchor deep in the earth? Or like fruitful trees planted by flowing springs? Or like reeds burned by the sun and scattered by the wind, leaving no trace? Or like the morning mist that vanishes without a mark?
2
Who can understand Yahuah’s deeds? Who has been His counselor? With whom has He shared His plans? For Yahuah’s thoughts are hidden from men. Who can search out His works?
3
He set the earth upon water and made it stand firm; none can comprehend His wisdom. He stretched the Shamayim with perfect design and held them in the winds like a great tent. He commands the clouds to bring rain. He causes grass and fruit to grow in abundance to feed mankind, so that they may rejoice and believe in Yahuah in unity.
4
Yahuah is the One who fills mankind with blessings, food, joy, and fullness, so that they may thank and praise Him, the Giver of all. He clothes them with beauty and pours out abundance. These joys are given to those who obey Yahuah in His Kingdom. He honors the children of the righteous who keep His Torah. He lifts up the faithful who remain rooted in His worship and truth; He made them famous and strong because they stayed true to His Torah.
5
I see how Yahuah provides for His friends, protecting their lives and weakening their enemies. He answers their prayers and fulfills their needs. So do not stray from Him. Keep His covenant. Do not abandon His Torah, or His anger may fall upon you. He may strike you down with the same affliction He once delivered you from. If you forsake your ancestors’ path, your place may be in Gehenna, from which no one returns.
6
Obey Yahuah’s Torah, so that when your soul leaves your flesh, He will deal kindly with you on the day you stand before Him. For both Shamayim and earth belong to Him. The Malkhut is His, the power is His, and mercy flows from Him alone. He lifts up and He brings low; He honors, He humbles. So walk in His Torah.
7
Dawid once said, “Man is but a breath; his years pass like a fleeting shadow.” And again, “O Yahuah, You endure forever, and Your Name is spoken through all generations.” He also declared, “Your Kingdom is above all kingdoms; Your reign lasts forever.” Yahuah gave Dawid the throne after taking it from Sha'ul. There is no one who can appoint Yahuah or dismiss Him. He sees all, but no one sees Him. His Kingdom shall never pass away. No one rules Him; He rules all. He watches all, but none watch Him. He made mankind in His own image and likeness, that they might worship Him with sincere hearts free of doubt. He knows the stirring of the heart and the secrets of the soul.
8
But they bow to stone, to wood, to silver, and to gold—works made by human hands. They burn offerings to idols, and the smoke rises to Shamayim; their sin rises with it. Still, they will not worship Yahuah, who made them. He will bring judgment for all their wickedness. They learned the ways of idolatry, star omens, sorcery, false worship, and all that Yahuah hates, yet would not learn His commands. They refused to worship Yahuah, the One who could have saved their souls from sin. Though His malakhim (angels) praise Him continually and offer His goodness, they chose wickedness.
9
But the day will come when the graves are opened, and the dead shall rise. All souls shall return to their bodies and stand before Yahuah. Just as they were born naked, so they shall stand before Him. All their sins from youth to old age will be exposed, and each one shall bear the consequence of their deeds—whether their sins were few or many, they shall receive a judgment to match.
Chapter 10 The Resurrection of the Dead and the Call to Timely Teshuvah
1
“The dead shall rise. So return in teshuvah while there’s time. The soul’s blood given by Yahuah still remains in the one who lived, and just as Yahuah gave it before, so will He restore it again.
2
“If you doubt the resurrection, consider this: Rain falls on the earth and causes life to spring up—life without a father or mother. These creatures die by the word of Yahuah, who spoke from the beginning. Their bodies rot and decay; yet, at His will, they are renewed and raised again.
3
“So too, when rain falls and soaks the earth, what once died lives again by the same power that created it the first time. Those who live with blood and breath, those formed from water, exist only because Yahuah said, ‘Let them be.’ His authority rests on the waters, and by His word alone, they are given life. They were created without parents, by His word alone.
4
“So how can you, O blind and dull-hearted, say that those who died will not rise? The dead who have become ashes and dust shall rise again by Yahuah’s command. Therefore, return in teshuvah and renew your faith. As He once spoke, so shall it be: A dew from Shamayim will fall and awaken the dead, and all shall be changed at His word.
5
“Know this: you will rise and stand before Him. Do not be deceived into thinking your body will rest forever in the grave. No, you will stand, and you will receive judgment. Whether your deeds were good or evil, you will reap what you have sown.
6
“On that resurrection day, your chet (sin) will rise with you. Every pesha (transgression, rebellion) from your youth to your final breath will be laid bare. You will not be able to hide behind lies or excuses. What you twisted into truth in this life will not save you then, for even this world you tried to fool will testify against you, and Yahuah’s word will stand as witness. There will be no defense. You will be ashamed of your chet (sin), but the time for thanks will belong to those who lived rightly.
7
“So turn back now! Return in teshuvah while there’s still time. Those who praised Yahuah alongside the malakhim shall rejoice without shame; their reward is with Him. But if you do not do good while you still have breath, you will not share in the joy of the tzaddikim.
8
“When you had time and wisdom and freedom, you did not prepare. You gave no bread to the hungry, though you had plenty. You clothed not the naked, though your closets were full. You did not rescue the oppressed, though you held the power to act. You did not correct the sinner, though you had the knowledge to save his soul. You did not resist the shedim who battled you, even though you had the strength to win. You did not fast or pray, though you had health in your body. You let weakness rule your flesh instead of submitting it to tzedakah.
9
“You loved luxury, rich food, fine drink, and soft garments. You decorated yourself with silver and gold; you adorned yourself with jewels, emeralds, and fashion from far places. But these are not the adornments Yahuah desires.
10
“A true adornment is purity of heart, chokhmah (wisdom), binah (understanding), and love without envy, doubt, or hatred. To love others as yourself is the crown of tzedakah (righteousness). To forgive those who wronged you, to return evil with good—this is the path that leads to the Malkhut (Kingdom). Those who endure hardship with love will inherit the reward.
11
“Never say we will not rise after death. This is the lie of shedim (demons) who cut off the hope of salvation from those who listen. The day of resurrection will expose every deed. Those who denied it shall see the truth and mourn what they have lost. They will weep because they did not do good works when they had the chance.
12
“How much better to weep now in this life, than to weep forever in Gehenna! If you will not weep now by your own will, the shedim will make you weep by force in the fire. If you will not return in teshuvah now, your cries later will be empty and in vain.
13
“So do good now. Pass from death into life. Leave this temporary world behind and look ahead to the Malkhut (kingdom) that shines with everlasting light. Reject the pleasures of this world so that you may find joy without limit in Shamayim (heaven)—joy that lasts forever with those who believe in the resurrection. Glory and praise be to Yahuah forever.”