Chapter 8

Kippurym

Reconciliations

Answering the Summons...

When one contemplates the words of the prophets, it becomes abundantly clear that Yahweh will return to protect His family and His city on the Day of Reconciliations. The Miqra’ foretells of a time in which the souls of the Gentiles who have come to pillage Jerusalem, those without Yahweh’s Spirit, will be annihilated. As a result of having been beguiled by the Adversary’s deceptive religious and political schemes, this army will be cut off and then will be destroyed. But for awakened and restored Yahuwdym, it will be an emotional reunion as they look upon the very God their forefathers pierced.

This Miqra’, designated by Yahweh as Yowm Kippurym, has become known as the "Day of Atonement." With help from the religious establishment, God’s testimony was altered to suggest that "atonement," which is nothing more than a religious term for "reconciliation," could be achieved by "afflicting oneself"-and thus Yahweh’s reunion became a fast. Yahweh, however, asked for no such thing.

Merriam Webster tells us that "afflict" is from the Latin afflictus, meaning "to be struck and cast down." That’s the antithesis of the desired result, that of reconciling our relationship with God, of lifting us up so that we can stand beside our Heavenly Father. In fact, it is Yahuweh who afflicted Himself, serving as the Passover Lamb, so that we wouldn’t be cast down. In this light, it is certain that clerics and translators alike are wrong with regard to God’s purpose result relative to the sixth Called-Out Assembly.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, the preferred synonym for afflict is "profligate," which describes: "someone who is completely given up to dissipation (self-indulgent wastefulness leading to disintegration and dissolution), licentiousness (someone lacking moral and sexual restraint), and one who is "wildly extravagant." For those advocating "affliction" as the path to atonement, or even reconciliation, these connotations are very disturbing.

Various dictionaries use "humbled, overthrown, troubled, injured, tormented, and tortured," to define afflict. Of those, "humbled and troubled" are the only possibilities which are not sadistic. Yet humbled is described as "not assertive," which is the antithesis of Yahweh’s instruction with regard to this Miqra’, as He is calling us to answer a summons. Further, humbled means "low" which is the opposite result, "insignificant," which is the byproduct of not heeding His call, and "submission," a term Yahweh routinely denounces.

Moving from afflict to affliction doesn’t help. It’s defined as "the cause of persistent pain and distress," and as "great suffering." That may be the Devil’s means to reconciliation, but not Yahweh’s.

To understand the actual purpose of this day, and to better determine the means to God’s intended result, let’s turn to Leviticus. Immediately after concluding His thoughts on Taruw’ah, we find... "Then Yahuweh declared the Word to (dabar - talked with and spoke to) Moseh, saying (‘amar - declaring), ‘On the tenth (‘asor - from ‘asar, to enrich and become rich) of the seventh (shabiy’iy - from shaba’, to vow in a solemn oath) month (hodes - new moon or time of renewal) is the Day (yowm) of Reconciliations (kippurym - atonements, pardons, and forgiveness)." (Leviticus 23:26-27)

As reported earlier, kippuriym is usually translated "atonement." Cleansed of its religious connotations, atone means "to repair the damage done by an offense by way of expiation." To expiate is to "extinguish any guilt incurred so as to make amends." Atonement is therefore, "a very specific form of forgiveness which includes a pardon and leads to reconciliation." As such, the purpose of this day is completely consistent with the message of Passover and Unleavened Bread-of the Lamb of God taking away the sin of the world. These are related and sequential events, one flowing from the other.

Kippurym is therefore most accurately translated as the day of: "reconciliations, of pardons, or of forgiveness." While every lexicon I consulted correctly reveals that "atonement" is synonymous with "reconciliation," I see the later as a better choice because reconciliation is understood in a relational, rather than religious, context. To reconcile is "to resolve a dispute and to restore a relationship." Interesting too, is that kippuriym, with the "ym" ending, is plural. So this is the Day of Reconciliations. God already has a son; He’s building a family.

There is more to the Hebrew word kippuriym. Based upon kaphar, it means "to purge by covering." It is used to describe the "cover of the Ark of the Covenant which comprises the Mercy Seat." This is where Yahweh instructed the Levites to sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial lamb to atone for man’s sins. As a merciful cover, kaphar and kapporeth are symbolic of the Garment of Light Yahweh’s Set-Apart Spirit adorns us in when we are reborn from above and forgiven. This Garment of Light precludes God from seeing any of the offenses we commit so that we appear perfect in His eyes. Keep this connection with the Spirit in mind as we work through Yah’s instructions regarding this Miqra’.

Yahweh introduced the concept of "covering" very early, telling Noah to kapar, or "coat and cover" the Ark inside and out. Then to make sure we wouldn’t miss the metaphor, in the Genesis 6:14 passage, He called the entity being covered and coated a bayit, meaning "household, home, family, and tabernacle." You’ll want to keep this in mind because you will soon discover that Yowm Kippurym provides the opportunity for us to approach God by being covered and coated in the Set-Apart Spirit’s Garment of Light, which in turn transforms us into Yahweh’s home and tabernacle on earth.

 "This (hu) exists as (hayah - was, is, and will be) a set-apart and cleansing (qodesh) out calling (miqra’ - called-out assembly meeting for reading and reciting, based upon qara’, to call out, summon, and proclaim, and to be called out, to be summoned, and to be chosen) for (la - concerning) you (‘atem)." (Leviticus 23:27)

This means that the Day of Reconciliations "hayah-exists yesterday, today, and tomorrow." It is for all time. And like Yahweh’s Spirit, the Day of Reconciliations is "qodesh-set apart from God to set us apart from the world unto God. It is a miqra’-an out-calling, an assembly meeting in which we are invited to summon God. The purpose of the day is inherent in the word: we are "to read and recite" Yahweh’s Word, and "call upon" Him, asking Him to "call us out" of our sinful existence into His perfect world.

Because today’s bible translations are so erroneous, Christians miss the connection between the Hebrew miqra’ and the Greek word ekklesia. Miqra’ is usually translated "convocation" and ekklesia is errantly rendered "church." But, yet, properly translated, miqra’ and ekklesia convey the identical concept. Both mean "out-calling," or a derivative of that, a "called-out assembly." In this light, the Miqra’, rather than being "Jewish religious holidays," and Ekklesia, rather than being a Christian organization or building, are the same thing. They describe people being called out from the world, out of Babylon, and into a familial covenant relationship with Yahweh. There is one covenant, one family, one God, and no religions.

Also in the Leviticus 23:27 passage we find confirmation that the Day of Reconciliations isn’t for God. It is la ‘atem-for you and me. God has called a meeting, and He has defined its purpose.

Now, to accurately delineate that purpose, I have searched the Word. I have probed all of the scholastic tools in my possession, and I have considered every lexicon in the process of rendering what follows. But before you consider what I have discovered, I’d like you to read this verse as it appears in the King James: "And ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD." Knowing that "afflict" was wrong, the NASB substituted "humble," but otherwise only changed ye to you. The NIV replaced "soul" with "yourselves" and "afflict" with "deny."

Here is my translation: "And your soul (nepesh) shall respond and answer (‘awnah/’ownah - reply to the summons, making a declaration after engaging in thought, vocally communicating), appearing before and approaching (qarab - coming and drawing near, being present with) the adoptive mother who enlightens and elevates (‘iseh/‘isah) unto (la - toward, into, on behalf of, according to, and in relation to) Yahuweh." (Leviticus 23:27)

There is no question that nepesh was used to identify our mortal souls. But with ‘awnah we have a choice. Our souls can "answer" a "call" and "respond" to a "summons" by "replying" and "making a declaration," or they can "be afflicted, disturbed, and oppressed in a state of anxiety and distress, bending down and being miserable and wretched, being raped and violated in humility." A third option is akin to the first: our souls can be "concerned," which is "to be engaged in deep thought." A fourth consideration which can be derived from the Hebrew lexicons is: our souls can "sing, vocally communicating with" God. Rendered the same way in the consonant text, ‘ownah conveys the idea of "living together in a marriage."

Therefore, based upon the vowel pointing, there are five potential ways to translate ‘awnah-four of which are similar and consistent with the theme of reconciliation, and one which is diametrically opposed to it. The choice seems so obvious, it’s appalling that every English bible translation elected to go with the option which conflicted with God’s purpose and nature. Knowing Yah, I’m confident He said: "your soul shall respond and answer (‘awnah/’ownah - reply to the summons, making a declaration after engaging in thought, vocally communicating)..."

Moving on to the third word, qarab means "to draw near, coming into the presence of a judge in response to a summons." This serves to confirm that our rendering of ‘awnah is accurate. But some Hebrew dictionaries suggest that a secondary meaning of qarab could include "presenting an offering." Yet since there is no suggestion of "making an offering" in the word’s etymological roots, this definition is probably the result of clerics trying to justify existing translations and prior religious interpretations.

Up to this point, translating the passage has been relatively straight forward. All I’ve had to do was present the primary meaning of each word. It is immediately obvious what Yahweh intended to convey with His choice of: "nepesh/soul," "‘awnah/respond and answer," and "qarab/appear before and approach." The most literal rendering of each word is sufficient to understand the meaning. But that is where simple ends and simple investigation begins. So far, Yahweh has said: "your soul shall respond and answer (reply to the summons, making a declaration after engaging in thought, vocally communicating), appearing before and approaching (qarab - coming and drawing near, being present with) the..."

As we discovered initially in the "Matsah - Unleavened Bread" chapter, and then again in "Taruw’ah," ‘iseh (sometimes transliterated ‘isseh or ‘ishshah) is almost always translated "burnt offering" or "an offering made by fire," because it is indistinguishable in the text from the feminine noun for fire, ‘eseh. However, be aware that with either ‘iseh or ’eseh there is no etymological connection with any Hebrew word even remotely associated "making an offering."

"Fire," on the other hand, is used in Scripture as a metaphor for judgment, for the separation of good from bad. It is symbolic of light and enlightenment, and conveys the notions of warmth and comfort. And with regard to the Miqra’, fire is used to express the idea of something which elevates and uplifts-a reference to the primary direction a fire’s smoke and energy travel. But there is more to it than this. Based upon the consonant text, the word Yahweh selected could just as easily have been ‘isah, meaning "a female individual, a wife, woman, and non-biological adoptive mother." Other than context, there is literally no way to distinguish between the presence of ‘eseh or ‘iseh in the Torah, because the three Hebrew letters which comprise the words are identical.

These things known, it makes no sense to "appear before and approach" a "feminine fire" or a human "wife or woman" in the context of a Miqra’ dedicated to reconciliation with God. So, rather than investigate what ‘iseh/‘isah might actually mean in this context, most translators changed qarab to "present," and they rendered ‘iseh as "an offering made by fire" even though there is no support for "offering" or "made" in the Hebrew term.

But when one conveys the full meanings of both ‘iseh and ‘isah in a manner consistent with forgiveness, and in the context of "your soul shall respond and answer, appearing before and approaching (coming and drawing near, being present with) the...," it becomes clear that ‘iseh/‘isah was used to convey the purpose of the God’s Spirit vis-à-vis our soul.

Let me explain. Yahweh’s Set-Apart Spirit is our Adoptive Mother. Those of us who are born anew from above have Her to thank. According to the Word, She covers us in a Garment of Light which makes us appear perfect in Yahweh’s eyes. She nurtures us, comforts us, enlightens us, protects us, empowers us, and acts as our advocate before God. The Set-Apart Spirit not only embodies every metaphor associated with fire in Scripture, Her primary function is to provide us with access to our Heavenly Father, raising us up to heaven. Those who do not respond to Her call are disqualified from being in Yahweh’s presence, because to become God’s children we must be born anew spiritually.

Keep in mind that the Hebrew word used for Yahweh’s Spirit, ruwach, is feminine. And the Spirit’s responsibilities are all maternal. Further, by way of confirmation, ‘isah also means "to make relations friendly"-the principle function of the Spirit and a central ingredient in reconciliation.

Incidentally, for those who may be uncomfortable with Yahweh having a paternal as well as a maternal nature, contemplate why He said: "So God created ‘Adam in His image (tselem - resemblance, pattern, and model); in the image of God He created him. Male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:27)

Before we search Scripture to ascertain Yahuweh’s definition of the word ‘iseh/‘isah, let’s consider another translation of the Leviticus 23:27 verse, this time from an English Standard Interlinear. By doing so, you’ll be more aware of the variations which currently exist, and better appreciate the challenges others have encountered. They wrote: "It shall be for you a time of holy convocation, and you shall afflict yourselves and present a food offering to the LORD." In this case, their translation of "it shall be" as derived from hu hayah was reasonable. However, the translators included "you" twice in the verse, even though the pronoun only appeared once-which is why "you" was written in italics. In this same way, they also acknowledged that no word for "time" existed in the actual text, but they included it anyway.

Moving on, "holy" is a religious and misleading rendering of qodesh, which literally means "set apart." Further, "convocation" is a grossly inadequate translation of miqra’-the Hebrew title which actually means: "called out assembly for reading and reciting-a summons."

There were five options for translating ‘awnah, four of which were similar and consistent with the purpose of the "Day of Reconciliations," and yet, like so many others, the authors of the interlinear chose the only one which was in conflict with God’s nature and the Miqra’s purpose. Therefore, ‘awnah became "afflict" rather than "respond and answer." The ESV put "yourselves" in italics, indicating that they recognized that nepesh actually meant "soul."

These religious scholars then translated qarab, meaning "to appear before and approach," as "present." And while qarab does convey "to be present with," presenting something is an entirely different concept.

Next, the translators added the words "a food offering" without referencing any Hebrew terms in the text for support-in essence negating the explicit purpose of an interlinear. Then the ESV scholars suggested that ‘isah, or ‘ishah, designating the feminine word for "fire," or meaning "female individual, adoptive mother, wife, or woman," was untranslatable. And finally, adding insult to injury, they rendered YHWH as "the LORD."

While I do not claim to be inerrant, I can say for certain that the ESV is errant. But they are not alone. Every popular English Bible made many of the same mistakes. And this is no small point. Yahweh will go on to say that He will annihilate the souls of those who fail to answer His summons and appear before the Spirit on this day. And while that may sound harsh, it explains why Yahushua warned us, saying that blasphemy against (belittling and speaking ill of) the Spirit is the only unforgivable sin.

Let’s examine ‘isah/’iseh/‘ishah/’isheh (אִשֶּׁה......), written Alef-Shin-Heh, more closely to make sure we are on solid ground. As we have learned, ‘isheh is most commonly translated "an offering made by fire," or "burnt offering." This is because it is based upon ‘esheh, the feminine word for "fire," which is also rendered in the text Alef-Shin-Heh. That said, as you are now aware, the transition from fire to burnt offering is arbitrary and unsubstantiated.

‘Ishah is most always translated "wife, female, or woman." It can also mean "adoptive, non-biological mother, and bride." It is the feminine version of ‘ish, which designates "a male individual." Yahweh referred to Himself and His associates as ‘ish in His meeting with Abraham. Yahshua calls Himself an ‘ish during Ya’aqob’s transition to ‘Yisra’el-Individual-Who-Strives-With-God.

When we search the Word, we discover that every iteration of ‘ishah in Scripture is found in the Torah, and nowhere else. ‘Isheh’s first use is in Exodus 29:18. While it appears again in Exodus 29:25, 29:41, and 30:20, Yahweh usually defines His terms in their first application. For those interested in searching every instance of ‘isheh, most are found in Leviticus, beginning in 2:11, 2:16, 3:3, 3:9, 3:11, 3:14 and 3:16. You’ll find ‘isheh again in Leviticus 22:22 and 22:27, and then throughout the Miqra’ey discussion in 23:8, 23:13, 23:25, 23:27. It is rendered twice in 23:26 and in 23:37. Variations of ‘isheh, ‘ishe, and ‘isha are found beginning in Leviticus 1:9, in 23:18, and in 24:9.

Turning to the first use of the word in Exodus 29:18, we find qatar being used to convey the "burning" of an ‘ayil, or "male sacrificial lamb," which ‘olah, "rises up to" Yahweh. ‘Olah is the most common Hebrew word to convey "a burnt offering." The fact that it is used 286 times in this specific context is one of many reasons why I was unwilling to thoughtlessly render ‘isheh the same way. God has a perfectly good word to describe the nature of an offering which is burnt and thus rises.

To fully appreciate the meaning of ‘iseh in Exodus 29:18, let’s consider its use in the context of the whole verse: "Burn (qatar - rendering as smoke) the entire (kol) lamb (‘ayil - perfect atoning sacrificial ram) on (‘eth) the altar. It (huw’ - he) rises up (‘olah - as a burnt offering which elevates, from ‘alah, meaning ascends) toward (la - according to) Yahuweh as the spirit of soothing acceptance (reyach - pleasant and acceptable aroma based upon ruach - meaning spirit). The adoptive mother who enlightens and elevates (‘iseh/‘isah) serves as a councilor conciliating and reconciling (niyhoah - brings appeasement and acceptance, winning us over, resolving and settling outstanding issues between) us (huw’) unto (la - toward, concerning, on behalf of, or in relation to) Yahuweh." (Exodus 29:18)

In the context of the atoning sacrificial lamb, of a conciliating and reconciling councilor, of rising us up, and of the soothing spirit of acceptance, "the adoptive mother who enlightens and elevates" is perfectly appropriate. It defines the specific role the Set-Apart Spirit plays in resolving the issues which separate us from our Heavenly Father. And I suppose that is why the root of reyach is ruwach-"Spirit." And it is why niyhoah is related to nuwach, meaning "to settle down and rest as a beneficiary of amnesty." It is why niyhoah speaks of a "conciliatory councilor who makes us compliant" with God.

The only way we can rise up and be included in Yahweh’s family is through rebirth, courtesy of our Spiritual Mother. This is the profound meaning behind the Fifth Commandment: "Consider your [Heavenly] Father and [Spiritual] Mother significant and worthy so that your days will be prolonged in the [Promised] Land Yahuweh, your God, gives to you as a gift." (Exodus 20:12) Only Yah can prolong life. When we value, respect, revere, and rely upon Him, the Spirit carries us to the place God has provided. Yahuweh’s gift is eternal life with our Heavenly Father and Spiritual Mother.

While I strongly encourage you to do your own investigation, I am comfortable with rendering Leviticus 23:27: "And your soul shall respond and answer (reply to the summons, making a declaration after engaging in thought, vocally communicating), appearing before and approaching (coming and drawing near, being present with) the adoptive mother who enlightens and elevates unto (toward, into, on behalf of, according to, and in relation to) Yahuweh." (Leviticus 23:27) And even if my rendering of ‘iseh/‘isah is flawed, I am absolutely certain that Yahweh wants us to heed His summons and appear before Him on the Day of Reconciliations. Equally important, I am sure that God does not want us to "afflict ourselves," because He allowed Himself to be cast down on the Miqra’ of Matsah following His Pesach sacrifice so that we might stand with Him.

Scripture says that it is God’s desire for every soul to know Him so that none will perish, but it does not say that "all are personally invited" or that all will live. It is Yahweh’s prerogative to play favorites-reaching out to certain people because He enjoys their company or because He has a job which they are suited to perform. Paul was a great example. So were Moses and David. It is how and why the twelve were chosen by Yahshua. There may be a hint of this idea in this introduction to Yowm Kippurym.

Moving on to Yahweh’s next instruction regarding the Day of Reconciliations, the source of life says: "Do not (lo’) perform (‘asah - do, or profit financially from) any (kol) of the service of the heavenly messenger (mala’kah - the task of God’s envoy and the work of His representative) on (ba) this life sustaining and empowering (‘esem - very substantive, invigorating and healing, essential and corporeal) day (yowm). Indeed (kiy - because), this (zeh) is the Day of Reconciliations (yowm kippurym - the day of atonements, pardons, and forgiveness), for (‘al) you (‘aem) to be pardoned and forgiven (kapar - reconciled, released from guilt, having all offences annulled) in (la) the presence (paneh) of Yahweh, your God (‘elohym)." (Leviticus 23:28)

Since only those who are born anew from above and immersed in Yahweh’s Set-Apart Spirit, are forgiven and thereby allowed to come into the presence of God, the conclusion of this passage strongly suggests that the previous verse with regard to our Spiritual Mother, was accurately rendered. God is speaking of us coming into His presence for the purpose of forgiveness and reconciliation. It is this spiritual rebirth which transforms us from being flawed mortal souls to perfect immortal spirits.

The reason that we are told not to perform any of the service of the heavenly representative is to say, redemption is a free gift, one which cannot be earned or purchased-not at any price. Further, the notion of offering God a handful of useless change for a priceless sacrifice is demeaning and offensive.

There is only one way to God: "Because (kiy - for indeed) any (kol) soul (nepesh) who by way of relationship (‘asher - connection and linkage) does not (lo’) respond to the summons and answer (‘anah - reply to the call and make a thoughtful declaration, verbally communicating) on (ba) this life sustaining, corporeal, and empowering (‘esem - very substantive, invigorating and healing, essential, mighty, and abundantly powerful) day (yowm), these (zeh) shall be cut off and separated (karat - excommunicated and banished, uprooted and exterminated, vanquished and expelled) from (min) the family (‘am)." (Leviticus 23:29) To be cut off from Yahweh’s family is to die.

Speaking of those who do not answer His call being "cut off and separated," Yahshua said the same thing in Matthew 24, this time in the context of His return on Yowm Kippurym: "Then (at that time) the sign of (the miracle which transcends the normal course of nature, making manifest and known) the Son of Man will become visible (appear radiating light) in the sky. And then all the nations and races (related peoples [the Greek equivalent of Gowym or Gentiles]) of the earth will mourn and be cut off (kopto - be severed, wail and lament, displaying the sign of being stricken), and they will see (horao - visually inspect, look at, and be aware of) the Son of Man coming (erchomai - making an appearance) in the clouds of the sky with great (polus) inherent power (dunamis) and brilliant splendor exercising judgment (doxa)." (Matthew 24:30) We will visit Yahshua’s Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 again before this chapter is over because the Messiyah’s predictions in it parallel Zechariah’s portrayal of the Day of Reconciliations’ ultimate fulfillment. Much of the Olivet Discourse is written as if Yahshua was quoting from ZakarYah.

Consistent with the Fifth Commandment, forgiveness and reconciliation are gifts granted by Yahweh. It isn’t just that we can’t earn it and save ourselves, it is that by trying, we demonstrate that we are not reliant on God to provide our pardon. "And (wa) any (kol) soul (nepesh) who by association (‘asher) performs (‘asah - attempts to profit from) any (kol) of the business of the heavenly messenger (mala’kah) on this (zeh) life sustaining and empowering (‘esem - corporeal) day, that soul (nepesh) I will annihilate (‘abad - will cause to vanish and be exterminated, to be done away with and destroyed, perishing and ceasing to exist) from the midst of (min qereb - as part of) the family (‘am)." (Leviticus 23:30)

There is a consequence of choosing not to answer Yahweh’s call. And while it is not good, this fate is vastly superior to that preached from most every pulpit. These souls will not be tormented eternally in hell, but instead, they will be separated and then exterminated, ceasing to exist.

We will devote an entire chapter to the realization that there are three unique and vastly different outcomes awaiting human souls. At that time absolute proof will be provided to confirm that some souls will live forever with Yahweh in His home. Some souls will endure forever with Satan in his prison. But most souls will follow man’s artificial and unreliable, albeit popular path toward annihilation-the outcome depicted here.

According to this passage, and hundreds more like it, the fate of a soul is determined based upon whether a person has responded to and come into the presence of a spirit-of which there are two (Yahweh’s and Satan’s), or not. If a person responds to Yahweh’s summons as it is articulated on the Day of Reconciliations, coming into the presence of their adoptive Mother who enlightens and elevates, they will be forgiven, and they will live eternally in God’s home. Those who ignore the summons and try to save themselves will find death to be the end of life. But those who deceive, those who corrupt Yahweh’s message and tell people such things as God wants us to "be afflicted, disturbed, and oppressed, existing in a state of anxiety and distress, bending down and being miserable and wretched, being raped and violated in humility," will be found to have been born of serpents. They will spend eternity in a lightless prison designed for demons.

Since this decision is literally life or death, acceptance or expulsion, Yahweh reemphasizes: "Do not (lo’) perform (‘asah) any part (kol) of the business of the heavenly messenger (mala’kah). This is an eternal and everlasting (‘owlam - perpetual and enduring) clearly communicated prescription (huqqah -  an ordinance and statute, a regulation, resolution, and decree) throughout all time and all generations (dowr - among all people and all periods) in all of your assemblies and dwelling places (mowshab - time intervals and households, settlements and locations, even situations)." (Leviticus 23:31) There is no escape clause nor any exception. Religious institutions and church groups which don’t promote the observance of Yowm Kippurym lead their flock astray-to their annihilation. And that would be most all of them...

Yowm Kippurym is a special Sabbath, a time for us to pause and reflect on the fact that we cannot work for our salvation, recognizing that reconciliation is God’s business. It is a time to prioritize our relationship with Yahweh, communicating and walking with Him. That is why: "It is for you a time to rest and reflect (shabat - to cease from ordinary labor), a Sabbath observance (shabbathown - a celebration of the seventh day, set apart for reconciliation and relationship). And so your soul (nepesh) shall respond to the summons and answer the call (‘anah - reply and make a thoughtful declaration)." (Leviticus 23:32)

There are many essential truths encapsulated in the Sabbath that we miss when we corrupt Yahweh’s testimony, worshiping a nameless God on Sunday. The Sabbath reminds us that God’s plan is based upon six-plus-one-man-with-God equaling perfection. There are six eras of human strife, of man’s work, followed by the millennial Sabbath of perfect peace in Yahweh’s presence. If you want to get there, and camp out with God, answer His call.

There is nothing more to Yowm Kippurym than responding to Yahweh’s summons and coming into His presence. We are to set this day apart as a time to revere Yah, remembering that we cannot redeem ourselves. There is no fast, and there is no afflicting one’s self. There are no other requirements. Yowm Kippurym is symbolic of our salvation in that all we are required to do is to choose to be with God and to rely on His provision. He does all the rest.

Prophetically, Yowm Kippurym speaks of God’s return during a time of reconciliation with His family and of a day of judgment for His enemies. Unlike Yah’s previous six advents where He has manifest Himself in the diminished form of a man, this time Yahweh is arriving as God, in the form of light. Those who have responded to His summons will be protected by His Spirit, and will be saved. Those who come to fight against Him, His people, and His Land, will be annihilated. What follows is a detailed review of that time, the people involved, and the consequence of this choice.

The fulfillment of the Day of Reconciliations will bring a mixed reaction and result. Zechariah, whose name means "Remember Yah," explains what is going to happen and when. The prophet’s revelation was recorded in 520 BCE. It was the "eighth month in the second year of Darius [the famed Persian king] when the Word (dabar) of Yahuweh came to exist (hayah) with (‘el) Zakaryah (zakar Yah - to remember, recall, and record Yah, poorly transliterated Zechariah), the prophet (nabi - the one who proclaims God’s message)." (ZakarYah 1:1) It should be noted that ZakarYah is often written ZakarYahuw in the Scriptural text, consistent with Yahuweh (I Exist), Yahushua (Yah-Saves), YahshaYahu (Isaiah), NechemYahu (Nehemiah), MattitYahu (Matthew), Yahuchanan (John), and Yahuwdym (meaning Related-to-Yah).

This message is for all people and for all time. While God is not pleased with the fact we have separated ourselves from Him, He is consistent about calling us home, always promising and willing to reconcile the relationship. "Yahuweh was displeased and separated Himself from (qasap ‘al - broke away from, was cut off and was indignant with) your fathers (‘abotekem) because of their discord and dissension (qesep - their breaking away, fragmenting and splintering [the relationship]). So say to them (wa ‘amar ‘el hem - therefore, promise them) that this is what (koh) Yahuweh intends (‘amar): ‘Yahuweh promises (‘amar - declares), "Return (suwb - turn around, change your attitude, direction and behavior, and come back) to God (‘el); and Yahuweh prophetically declares (na’um - reveals this message with all due authority) that I (‘ani - the one who is here) will restore and renew (suwb - return to) you,"’ says Yahuweh." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 1:2-3) While all names are important to God, none is as meaningful as His own. In this timeless introduction proclaimed by a prophet named "Remember Yah" He has stated six times that His name is Yahweh. This is the message behind the Day of Reconciliations. It is the most important message in Scripture. Spiritually, God is giving us a summons to come home and be restored. But more than that, prophetically, Yahweh is speaking of His return for His people at the end of the age.

Addressing the religious and political climate which led to separation, Yahweh warned: "Do not be (‘al hayah - don’t exist) like (ka’ - the same way as) your fathers (‘ab) to whom (‘el ‘asher - concerning the relationship) the former (ri’son - first) prophets (nabi) spoke to (‘amar la) and summoned (qara’ - called)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 1:4) The passage could also read: "Do not be like your fathers against whom the former prophets spoke concerning and cried out." Either way, they did not listen or heed the warning.

The central thread of Yah’s message is about heeding His call, returning to Him, and being reconciled and restored. "This is what (koh) Yahuweh says (‘amar): ‘Please now, I beg you (na’ - urgently I exhort), return and be restored (suwb - turn around, reverse course, change your attitude, direction, and behavior) from (min) your immoral (ra’ - evil and harmful, undesirable, and malignant) ways (derek - path and conduct) and your disagreeable and displeasing (ra’ - unpleasant, unkind, and injurious) endeavors (ma’alal - actions and activities, practices and inventions).’ But they did not (wa lo’) hear (sama’ - receive the news) nor (lo’) listen to (qasab - accept or respond to) Me, declares (na’um) Yahuweh." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 1:4) It breaks my heart; what do you suppose it does to His?

Then in the context of His people’s restoration and His return on the Day of Reconciliations, Yahweh sets the future scene and establishes His credentials so that we would accept what He has to say. In this proclamation, you’ll notice that Yahweh confirms that the universe is expanding and that the fabric of space bends. While we know these things now, man circa 500 BCE didn’t. "The prophetic pronouncement (massa’) from Yahuweh’s Word (dabar) concerning (‘al) Yisra’el (yisra’el - individuals who strive with God): Yahuweh, who spread out (natah - expanded and stretched out, extending and causing to bend) the universe (samayim - the heavens and space), established (yasad - laid the foundation for and created) the earth (‘erets - world), and conceived and fashioned (yasar - devised and planned to place) the Spirit (ruwach) inside (ba qereb - in the inner part or midst of) ‘Adam / humankind (‘adam - the first human and mankind), predicts (na’um - issues a prophetic revelation based upon His authority):..." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:1)

Another piece of the puzzle just fell into place. The Genesis account explains that Yahweh gave man, like all other animals, a nepesh, soul, or consciousness to make him a living creature. Then Yahweh revealed that He gave ‘Adam a nesamah, conscience, to elevate ‘Adam into the likeness of God. The conscience, or nesamah, is the seat of judgment. It enabled ‘Adam, and us, to differentiate between right and wrong, to discriminate between good and bad, and to judge between the ways of Yahweh and those of man. Neither of these remarkable devices however, made ‘Adam, or us, immortal-nor perfect.

Using his nesamah poorly, ‘Adam chose evil one dark day in the garden and became flawed and mortal-separating himself from Yahweh. The cure was to immerse ‘Adam in the Set Apart Spirit, which would make this man-and all mankind-appear perfect, reconciling the relationship, restoring and renewing us to our previously perfect state. In Genesis, however, God did not tell us if ‘Adam had been restored to fellowship after he was exiled from Eden. Now we know. He was by way of the Spirit. We will meet ‘Adam in heaven.

With this revelation, one of Christendom’s biggest myths is busted. There is no such thing as "original sin." The Catholic Church’s position that a child must be baptized by them to be purged of Adam’s stain is erroneous. From Yahweh’s perspective, and that’s the only one which counts, ‘Adam was restored the moment the Spirit was placed inside him.

This known, let’s examine what God predicted would occur in our not too distant future. "...Behold (hineh - look here and see) I am preserving (sym) Yarusalayim by causing it to be a bowl (sap - or container) for all (kol) the family (‘am) around whose barriers (sabib - surrounding walls and perimeter) there is reeling and staggering (ra’al - stumbling and bumbling as if intoxicated). The swift (gama’) siege (masor - process of surrounding the city and blocking off access) against (‘al) Yarusalayim (the source of restoration) will also be (hayah) a siege (masor) against Yahuwdah (those who are related to Yah and who belong to Yah)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:2)

The use of "bowl" in this passage depicting the final siege of Judea and Jerusalem seemed a bit odd until I connected this verse with the sixth bowl judgment discussed in Revelation 16:12. "And the sixth messenger poured out his bowl upon the great River Euphrates, and its water dried up, so that the way might be prepared for the rulers from the rising sun [a metaphor for Satan and East (China and/or Japan, in league with one or more of: Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Caucasus and Caspian states, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and/or the Philippines)]. And I saw them coming out of the mouth of the serpent [Satan], the beast [Satan’s most demented demon who has possessed the anti-messiyah], and the false prophet [the world’s religious leader], three defiled and unclean spirits. For they are the spirits of demons, performing signs. They go out to the rulers of all the inhabited earth (holes oikoumene - the whole world, all mankind), gathering them together and leading them out (sunago) for the war of the great (megas - important and mighty) day of ΘΥ (placeholder for God) Almighty (pantokrator - the ultimate power, ruler, and authority)." (Revelation 16:12-14) The sixth bowl judgment is speaking of the same war being predicted by ZakarYah. It is being fought by the same people, at the same time, in the same place. Further, the "great, important, and mighty day of God Almighty" is the Day of Reconciliations, Yowm Kippurym, when Yahweh returns to earth in great power and glory to save His people, His land, and rid the world of evil.

Speaking of a time 2500 years in his future, and 25 years in ours, the prophet named "Remember-Yah" predicted: "It shall be (hayah) on this day (yowm) for all the family (kol ‘am), that I shall cause (sym - place and preserve, establish and constitute) Yarusalayim to be a heavy and burdensome, immovable (ma’amah) stone (‘eben - a rock). All (kol) who try to lift it and carry it’s people and property away (‘amas) will lacerate (sarat - cut) themselves, so all (kol) the Gentile nations (gowym - heathen animals, lifeless corpses, and uncivilized people) of the world (‘erets) will be divided and wounded (sarat)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:3) This is the final battle, the ultimate dividing line between life and death.

This "heavy, burdensome, and immovable stone" is described in Mark. There, speaking of the consequence of harming His family, Yahshua warns: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea." (Mark 9:42) Those who choose the Serpent over God and attack Israel will be without excuse. Yahweh has clearly delineated the consequence of doing so.

"On this day, Yahuweh declared prophetically (na’um - predicting the future), I will strike (nakah - smite and destroy, attack and defeat) every (kol) fast-moving and flying weapon of war (suws - swift horse-powered chariot and swooping swallow) and confuse (timmahon - bewilder and stupefy) the drivers (rakab - those seated in military vehicles), causing them to be irrational (sigga’on - to panic and be erratic, out of their mind and furious)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:4) The terminology is as advanced as the message. Don’t fight God.

Suws is most often used in correlation with swiftly moving military machines, especially mounted cavalry and chariots. It also depicts something which is "ridden in flight." All of which ties nicely into rakab/drivers, providing us with a glimpse into the weaponry which will be brought to bear against Yisra’el, Yarusalayim, and Yahuwdym.

The theme continues with..."Near (‘al - concerned about) the family and household (bayit - the home) of Yahuwdah (those who are related to Yah), I will keep my eyes open, and judgmentally (paqah ‘ayin) I will strike (nakah - smite and destroy, attack and defeat) every (kol) army and fast moving and flying weapon of war (suws) with disorientation and blindness (‘wrwn - a confused inability to perceive what is around them)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:4)

While God will strike down those who hate Him, Yahweh supports those who love Him. "Those who love Yahuwdah and are related family and close friends (‘allup Yahuwdah - allies, associates, companions, and Yahuweh’s children) shall say (‘amar) in their hearts (ba leb), ‘Those who live and remain in (yasab - inhabit and dwell in) Yarusalayim (the source of salvation) are supported and empowered (‘amsah - strengthened, equipped, and enabled) by (ba) Yahuweh, their God (‘elohym) and His conscripts who assist (saba’ - support team which is mustered and directed)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:5)

Here, God describes His relationship with those "who love Yahuwdah" as being familial and friendly. These people have read the Word, they know Yah, and so they understand what’s happening. This is a nice contrast to "war and disorientation."

Usually translated "of hosts," saba’ speaks of a regiment of conscripts, of spiritual individuals who are drafted and enrolled into service by compulsion, who serve in a command and control regimen. Yahweh’s mal’ak, messengers and envoys, whom we errantly call "angels," have no free will. They do what they are told.

Sides have been chosen. Now all that remains is completing the contest. "In that day, I will cause (sym) those who love Yahuwdah, who are related family and close friends (‘allup Yahuwdah - allies, associates, companions, and family members of those who belong to Yah) to be a container (sap - bowl or basin) of fire (‘es) surrounded by (ba - in and amongst) wood (‘es - timbers) a flaming torch (lappid - light) among stalks of fallen grain (‘amir), devouring (‘akal - consuming and destroying) to the right (yamin - south) and left (samo’l - north) all (kol) armies beneath (tahat) and surrounding Yarusalayim. And Yarusalayim shall continue (‘owd) to be inhabited (yasab - lived in as an established dwelling place)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:6) Yahweh will never again allow Jerusalem to be completely destroyed. And we know the reason why: life.

"Yahuweh will rescue and deliver (yasa’ - save) Yahuwdah’s households (‘ohel - tent-dwellers [speaking of Tabernacles] and dwelling places) first, (ri’sony) so that (ma’an - for the intent and purpose that) the splendor (tip’eret) of the house (bayit - home and family) of David (dawid - the beloved) and the splendor (tip’eret - beautiful shining appearance) of the inhabitants of (yasab - those who live in) Yarusalayim not be (lo’) greater than (gadal - honored or exalted above) Yahuwdah (the family of Yah)." (Zechariah 12:7) As the Promised Land, Israel is important to God. The city of Jerusalem is the apple of His eye-His favorite place on earth. But when it comes to value, Yahweh holds those who have been adopted into His family in the highest esteem.

"On that day, Yahuweh will protect (ganan - defend) Yarusalayim on behalf of (ba’ad) the inhabitants (yasab). The least capable (kashal - feeble, tottering, and weak) among them on that day shall be (hayah) like David, and the House of David shall be like God (‘elohym), like messengers, envoys, and representatives (mal’ak) in Yahuweh’s presence (paneh)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:8) Empowered by God, we become like God, His envoys and representatives. And the more we rely upon Yahweh rather than ourselves, the more effective we become. The least becomes the most. God delights in using those of us who are useless without Him.

It all comes down to choice, and good ones require being judgmental. Ultimately we are with God or against Him. The decision is literally life or death. "And it will come about (hayah - come to exist) in that day (yowm - time) that I will investigate and be judgmental of (baqas - seek out and hold responsible, search for and make accountable, procure information and interrogate) all (kol - the totality of, every one of) the Gentiles (gowyim - animalistic people, uncultured and uncivilized heathens, godless nations, swarm of adversaries, and lifeless corpses), destroying (shamad - exterminating, decimating, annihilating, demolishing, and wiping out) those who come against (bow’ - those who arrive with contempt, those who pursue and attack, demonstrating hatred toward) the Most High’s (‘al) Yarusalayim (yarusalayim - from yarah, the source of, and shalam, restitution, redemption, and renewal)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:9)

Yahweh is referencing the battle of Armageddon depicted in Revelation. By this time, most of those who were alive at the dawn of the Tribulation in November 2026, are dead. But there will be sufficient souls associated with Satan to make one final assault on Israel in early October 2033. However, it will not go well. Rather than allowing the Adversary to put an end to freedom of choice and to life on earth, destroying His land, city, and people, Yahweh will intervene personally on the Day of Reconciliations.

After seeking out all of the available evidence and rendering judgment, Yahweh immerses the remaining Yahuwdym who have finally elected to trust Him in His Spirit, awakening them, enlightening them, renewing them, saving them, adopting them, and protecting them-forever. This verse speaks directly to the ultimate prophetic fulfillment of Yowm Kippurym. "And I will pour out (sapak - cause an outpouring, profusely expending) on the (‘al - upon the Most High’s) household (bayith - family, home, and tabernacle) of Love (dawid - adored and beloved, transliterated rather than translated David), and on the inhabitants of (yasab - those who dwell in and are established in) Yarusalayim, the Spirit (ruach) of acceptance (chen - favor and grace) who pleads for mercy (tachanun - provides a supplication for what is required to save, requests grace, provides comfort, prays for forgiveness)..." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:10)

Chen, or hen, is "favor, a display of compassion and kindness." It is translated "grace" because the gift is unearned. The recipient becomes "favorably disposed, acceptable, and pleasing in the eyes of the provider." Hen is also "a beautiful garment or ornamentation," and thus is invocative of the Spirit’s Garment of Light. Yahweh’s promise to "pour out the Spirit of Acceptance upon the House of David and Yarusalayim, confirms the stated purpose of the Day of Reconciliations whereby we are to answer Yahweh’s summons so as to be embraced by the Set Apart Spirit.

The last word in the passage, tachanun, further confirms this interpretation. It is based upon chanan, meaning "to be gracious, to show favor, to plead for compassion, and to implore forgiveness." These concepts are related because one of the Spirit’s functions is to plead for our forgiveness. She is our advocate.

The next prophetic verse is among the most important in Scripture. In context, we now know that the Yahuwdym who have survived the Tribulation have come to yada’/know Yahweh. They have been adopted into God’s family. They have come to recognize that Yahshua was and is Yahweh in human form: "...so they will look (nabat - observe, consider, and regard; pay attention to, understand, and respond appropriately to, gazing) upon (‘el) Me (‘aniy - [Yahuweh is speaking]) whom by association (‘asher) they pierced (daqar - thrust nails through), mourning (caphad - lamenting) as one wails (misped - cries out) for (‘al) an only begotten son (yahid - unique child), grieving bitterly (marar) over Him as one suffers anguish (marar) over a firstborn (bakor)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:10) The thrice-repeated reference to "mourning" is one of many hints that Yahweh’s return will occur on Yowm Kippurym, known as the "Day of Mourning."

In addition to being one of Scripture’s most important verses, this passage is among the least assimilated. It single-handedly destroys the Jewish religion and the Christian concept of the Trinity. And while doing so, it affirms the identity of the Messiyah while confirming the place the Miqra’ play in Yahweh’s prophetic timeline.

In Isaiah we learned that the "son who is given to us" is "God Almighty." Then in this passage we discover that last generation of racial Yahuwdym have just come to recognize that the yahid, "only begotten son" is Yahweh in the flesh. This makes God corporeal. It means that the Messiyah has already been here. It means that Yahshua is Yahweh. It also confirms that man’s redemption was initiated when we nailed God onto Morriyah’s upright pole. Each of these conclusions violate the foundational planks of rabbinical Judaism. In other words, the Jewish religion is predicated upon a web of lies.

Speaking of lies, this verse attests to the fact that God does not exist in three persons. The Trinity is a myth. Yahweh is speaking in first person when He says "they will look upon Me whom they have pierced." Yahshua is a diminished manifestation of Yah. He is nothing more, nor anything less. This understanding is the only interpretation of Scripture which conforms to every verse.

While we are on the subject, the bible’s primary justification for the Trinity, 1 John 5:8 ("in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one"), was added by the Catholic Church, and then inserted under fraudulent pretences during the 17^th-century development of the Textus Receptus. That manuscript forms the basis of most every English translation of the "New Testament," and yet it is a fool’s folly from start to finish.

Since the concept of God being one, and yet manifesting Himself as the Set Apart Spirit and the Son is difficult for most to grasp, I like to share an analogy. It is one I’ve presented before and will share again. To understand the relationship between Yahweh, Yahshua, and the Spirit, picture yourself on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Dip two large buckets into the sea. Freeze one and carve it into the shape of a man. Place it in the light so that its form can be seen and felt during its brief physical existence. Then boil the seawater in the other barrel, allowing the steam to envelop those on your ship. Possessing more energy than the frozen form of salt water, steam not only moves up, it can be put to work empowering things, just like Yahweh’s Spirit. One radiates light and is easy to see. The other possesses more energy and thus enables great things to be accomplished. And yet, steam and ice are the same thing. Both are pure, albeit diminished, manifestations of the ocean, just set-apart from it.

The buckets of sea water in this analogy came from the same place and are thus identical in their composition. There is still only one ocean from which they emerged, a part of which now also exists set apart in the forms of ice and steam. The frozen water and water vapor were set apart from the whole for the express purpose of demonstrating and revealing the ocean’s nature. One was corporeal, or tangible, touchable in the form of a man reflecting light. The other was vapor, representing the Spirit’s power to raise souls and empower people to do the work of God.

This metaphor, while not perfect, helps us understand that Yahuweh is one in nature, one in personality, one in power, and one in purpose. He is one entity and consciousness, not three. Consistent with Yahushua’s words, the Spirit and the Son return to the midst of the living waters from which they came. That is what this passage is telling us.

Moving deeper into ZakarYah 12:10, we discover that caphad, the Hebrew word translated "mourning" can also mean "to be snatched and caught up, to be removed and gathered together, even to become assigned and attached." The word does not specify whether the collected and allied groups are saved or destroyed, and that’s important because the outcome of this day is very different for the foes and friends of God. But since Yahshua ties His return to a time in which "the whole earth mourns" in Matthew 24:30, we must not diminish the importance of wailing, anguish, and mourning in ZakarYah 12:10. On the occasion of Yah’s return to earth, there will be "mourning (caphad - lamenting) as one wails (misped - cries out) for an only begotten son, grieving bitterly (marar) over Him as one suffers anguish (marar) over a firstborn." Those who have sided with Satan will cry out in anguish, recognizing their fate. Those who have sided with God will have lumps in their throats and tears in their eyes as they gaze upon their Creator and Savior, knowing what we have done to Him. No one will be laughing. No one will be indifferent. No one will be unaffected.

"In (ba - on and during) the day (yowm) that (ha) He (hu) is great (gadal - exalted, honored, glorified, magnified in praise) the shouts (misped - voices crying out) in Yarusalayim, will be like (ka) the wailing of Hadad Rimmown in the valley (baq’ah - depression or plain) of Megiddo (Magiddown - the basis of Armageddon)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:11) Yahuweh’s prediction regarding the time and circumstance of His return is depicted identically in Matthew and Revelation.

Hadad Rimmown is the Anti-Messiyah. Hadad, as the name of a wind and storm god, was adopted as the name of several Edomite (Jordanian) kings, just as Ramses named himself after the sun god Ra. It is a derivative of ‘adad, which in turn is associated with ‘adown, "lord," and Adonis. Hadad was also the name of Ishmael’s son, but more on that later. Keep in mind that Yahweh referred to Satan as "the ruler and prince of the air," and thus as a "wind and storm spirit." And it is in this vein that the Adversary first tormented Job.

Rimmown was both the name of a Babylonian wind and storm god and the title bequeathed to the idol Hadad. In the ancient world, wind was synonymous with spirit, and thus Hadad Rimmown was a spiritual entity-just like Satan.

As an aid to understanding, the Hebrew word for spirit, ruach, also means "wind." Wind is something outside of us which is powerful. It can be beneficial or harmful, and it can be felt and inhaled, and yet it cannot be seen. Similarly, the Hebrew word for soul, nepesh, also means "breath." This is air warmed and changed by life. But unlike the wind which constantly continues to blow, man’s breath is temporal, signifying mortality. All spirits, good and bad, are immortal.

Coveting Yahweh’s symbols and counterfeiting them, the Rimmown title was chosen by Satan because it means "pomegranate." Yahweh used pomegranates to decorate the Tabernacle because of their blood red color and stain, which was symbolic of blood atonement. In Satan’s case, it was the symbol of death.

Yahweh listed the twelve tribes that would be derived from Ishmael, in Genesis 25:12-16. Hadad is not only one of them, this tribe came to inhabit Palmyra, the Arabian home of the moon-god cult which inspired the Ka’aba, Mecca’s shrine to the moon deities: Allah, Al Lat, Minat, and Al Uzza. It was this pantheon which gave rise to Islam. Each was represented by a sacred stone placed in the Ka’aba. Appropriately, Allah lived in the Black Stone.

Ishmael’s first born was Nabajoth. Josephus identified him with the Nabataeans, people who lived in the Arabian Desert east of the Red Sea. They spoke Arabic and occupied what is today, Mecca and Medina. After battling the Assyrians in 668 BCE and again in 703 BCE, these Hagarines (named after Ishmael’s mom) retreated into the Arabian Desert where they were safe from attack, but also isolated from the civilized world. Their only interaction with advanced cultures occurred as the result of camel caravans and trading. It was in this vacuum of knowledge and culture that Islam was born.

Moving on to the other important name in the passage, Magiddown was a Canaanite city associated with Jezreel, the Whore of Babylon, in I Kings 4:12. It is based upon gadad, meaning "to invade, penetrate, attack, and cut oneself." There is an inference in the name suggesting the "gathering of troops or large crowds into a fortified position." Gadad also means "to be cut down." Gaduwd is "a marauding band of warriors out on a raid." Other related terms are migbaoth, "turban headgear," meged, "choice," and migdol, "tower," Magiddown, with the addition of har, meaning "mountain or power, forms the basis of Armageddon. And while that term is familiar to many due to its inclusion in Revelation, we’re reading Zechariah.

That said, there is an additional level of detail provided for us regarding this attack on Jerusalem and Yahweh’s return in the 16^th and 17^th chapters of Revelation. That account includes the fall of Satan and the Whore of Babylon. These things are all related, and so we’ll cover the Renewed Covenant material in due time. But for now, I at least want you to consider the Armageddon passage before we complete the Zechariah narrative.

Revelation 16’s accounting is complementary and consistent. Starting with the 12^th verse, we learn that Satan, and the demon-possessed Anti-Messiah, in league with their False Prophet who is the Whore of Babylon, "are spirits of demons, performing signs which go out to the rulers of the world to gather the nations together for the war of the great day [the Day of Atonement] of Yahuweh, the Almighty. And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Megiddo." (Revelation 16:13-16) In Hebrew har means "hill." Megiddo is from Magiddown meaning "the gathering of armies who plot together in a conspiracy and who upon banding together are assembled, then cut down in mourning." The name "Har-Megiddo" is transliterated into English as "Armageddon."

John’s prophetic account goes on to explain the nature of the beast who will come to wage war at Magiddown. He chronicles Satan’s Babylonian ties. Then John tells us that this religious disease he fabricated will be destroyed along with the conspiring merchants who have supported the Whore’s activities. "There will be much weeping and mourning." We are told that those who know Yahuweh, the renewed and reconciled Yahuwdym, will sing "HalaluYah-radiating Yahuweh’s brilliant light" as Yahweh returns to annihilate those who have come to wage war against Him and His people.

Yahuweh has tied everything together for us. His return will be on the Day of Mourning, better known as the Day of Atonement-Yowm Kippurym. It is timed to end the battle of Armageddon. The Yahuwdym will celebrate His return while the Gentiles who are against God will be destroyed-their souls annihilated. The Jews, now Yahuwdym (those who are related to Yahuweh), upon seeing the Messiyah they caused to be pierced (having previously motivated Romans to nail Him to a pole), will mourn like one might at the return of an only begotten son whom they lost but have now found. Their adversaries will suffer the fate of the Adversary with whom they have plotted and allied. It will be a day of division, of taking sides, of choice and consequence, of being forgiven or being cut off.

Returning to ZakarYah, we discover that at the terminus of the Tribulation, the world will be divided and torn apart. "The world’s (‘erets) people and nations (mispahah mispahah - races and kingdoms) shall mourn (sapad), families (mispahah) by themselves (bad - separated and isolated), the house of David by themselves, and the families (mispahah) of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 12:12) Nathan was David’s son by Bathsheba. Nathan was also an eminent prophet in the time of David and Solomon. Another Nathan returned from Babylon with Ezra. While David’s name means "love," Nathan’s means "gift."

We are told that the House of Lewy (those who join), known as the Levites, will mourn among themselves, as do Shim’y (those who listen), known as the Shimeites. ZakarYah 12:14 reveals that every family, nation and people, all of those who are left, will mourn, each unto themselves.

The next line is very significant, but only after thoughtful scrutiny and reflection. By way of introduction, remember this is set into the context of the tenth verse which said: "And I will pour out (cause an outpouring, profusely expend) on the (upon the Most High’s) household (family, home, and tabernacle) of Dawid/Love, and on the inhabitants of (those who are established in) Yarusalayim, the Spirit of acceptance (and grace) who pleads for favor (provides a supplication for mercy, requests grace, provides comfort, prays for forgiveness, and provides what is needed to save)..." So, now..."On that day there shall be (hayah) a source (maqor - directed flow of fluid, a path of water, a fountain or spring) opened (patah - of unabated freedom) for the household (bayit - family, house, and temple) of David (dawid - love) and the inhabitants of (yasab - those who are established by) Yarusalayim (meaning, the source of restoration and renewal) concerning (la) the offer to purify and cleanse sin (hatta’t - atonement for iniquity which leads to reconciliation) and corruption (niddah - impurity and defilement, seduction and straying)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 13:1)

Cleansing and living waters represent one of seven tangible symbols Yahweh uses to convey His nature, and most especially, His Set Apart Spirit. A spring of acceptance will pour out from Jerusalem, both literally and figuratively.

The final word in the passage, niddah, speaks specifically of the "impurity of a woman, of her being seduced into infidelity." It also conveys "a detestable pollution which causes those poisoned thereby to become banished outcasts who are led astray." With that in mind, I think that there may more to the symbolism of this spring.

In Numbers 5:11-31, Yahweh delineated a procedure for determining the guilt or innocence of a person suspected of infidelity. The jealous husband was to bring the potentially wayward wife before a priest with an offering of barley meal (indicative of saved souls), but without pouring olive oil (metaphorical of the Set Apart Spirit) upon it or adding frankincense (a symbol of purity through atoning sacrifice). "The priest shall take set-apart and purifying water in an earthen vessel, and take some of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle and put it into the water." Of this Yahweh said: "It is a grain offering for jealousy, an offering for remembering, for bringing iniquity to mind." She would then drink the water. If she was guilty, she would get sick, but if she were innocent, she would be blessed with children. So what does this have to do with this purifying spring gushing forth upon Yahshua’s return on the Day of Reconciliations in 2033?

To answer that question, you need to know three things. First, the teaching in Numbers 5 was not conveyed because Yahweh wants you to get some temple dust and hunt down a Levite if you suspect your wife of infidelity. It’s prophetic, which is why God refers to it twice as a remembrance. He’s saying, if the waters coming from under the temple become poisonous, I’m accusing Jews specifically, and mankind generally, of infidelity.

Second, infidelity is what caused Yahweh to divorce Himself from Jews as documented by Hosea in around 700 BCE. When it comes to monogamy in the relationship and faithfulness, Yahweh isn’t into sharing. It is why the Numbers instruction was called an "offering for jealousy." I devoted many chapters to this act of infidelity and resulting separation.

Third, in 1033, a great earthquake shook Jerusalem. The Spring of Gihon (the sole source of water for the old city, located a stone’s throw from the temple mount) turned septic and poisonous-a condition that persisted for forty years. This was taken as a sign of infidelity by the Rabbis at the Jerusalem Academy, so they left town and set up shop in Damascus. The Islamic overlords then raised taxes for all non-Muslims, in hopes of finding and funding a new source of water. And with the water supply being poisoned by the dust under the tabernacle, the last remaining Jewish farmers were exiled from Jerusalem. Moreover, with masses of Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians pouring into Jerusalem to celebrate the thousand-year anniversary of the Passion, thousands were poisoned.

We discovered in chapter one that God’s plan of restoration will unfold in exactly 7,000 years. Each millennial milestone, spaced at precise one thousand-year intervals, is based upon twenty Yowbel, or fifty-year periods. This timeline starts with Adam’s fall in 3968 BCE. The first 1,000-year interval closed with Noah’s flood in 2968 BCE-year 1,000 on Yahweh’s calendar. Abraham’s Passover rehearsal with Isaac on Mount Mowriyah took place in 1968 BCE-year 2,000. The building of the First Temple by Solomon commenced in 968 BCE. It was now year 3,000.

Genesis one predicted that the "greater light would become visible as a sign" in the fourth millennia. Yahshua fulfilled that prediction on the Miqra’ of Tabernacles in 2 BCE. But it was His atoning sacrifice in 33 CE that marked the end of Yahweh’s year 4,000. (Remember there is no year 0 in the Gregorian calendar so 968 BCE is exactly 1000 years distant from 33 CE.)

While we can easily surmise from Scripture, that Yahshua will return on the Day of Reconciliations in 2033, because it is Yahweh’s year 6,000, and that the Millennial Sabbath-years 6000-7000 will commence on the Miqra’ of Tabernacles of that year, what about 1033? I think the poisoning of Jerusalem’s spring, per the Numbers 5 test for infidelity, represents the seminal event marking that year from Yahweh’s perspective. In 1033, Yahweh, the jealous Husband of Israel, and Yahshua, the Bridegroom of the wayward ekklesia/called out assembly, put us to the Numbers 5 test, and we were found unfaithful. This condition will be cured by the pouring out of His Spirit on the Day of Reconciliations in 2033.

In Hosea, Yahweh divorced the Chosen People. In Revelation, He said that the Roman Catholic Church, circa 1033, would marry the Whore of Babylon-committing the ultimate act of infidelity. "To the messenger of the called out in Thyatira [daughter of the whirlwind] write, ‘...I hold some things against you, because you permitted and tolerated (pardoned as part of a divorce and yielded to) that woman (whom you betrothed and married), Jezebel (Iezabel, a transliteration of the Hebrew ‘Yzebel), who calls herself (affirms of herself, maintains and teaches that she is) a prophet (female fortuneteller who claims to be able to predict the future and reveal oracles by inspiration), whose teachings (dogma and traditions) seduce and deceive, leading many astray (coercing them into error) so that My servants practice idolatry leading to an indulgence in immorality and infidelity (committing prostitution with whores) and eating things sacrificed to idols [consumption of the circular Eucharist wafer in the presence of a sunburst icon, crucifix, and Madonna carvings]." (Revelation 2:20-21) I detail the history of Jezebel in the God Damn Religion chapter named in her honor.

In the timeline of the seven prophetic letters depicting the future history of the "church," the infidelity of Thyatira aligns perfectly with 1033. In that light we continue to read: "And I gave her time to think differently (reconsider, feel compunction, and change her mind) about her adultery and perversion (idolatry and infidelity), and she did not reconsider. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed along with those who commit adultery with her, and into the great pressing together (squashing them under massive pressure that causes distress, affliction, and tribulation) unless they change their mind and amend their undertakings. I will separate them, ending their life, extinguishing her offspring in the separation of death. And all the ekklesia/called-out shall know (shall learn and understand) that I Am He who searches and examines hearts (man’s inner nature; thoughts and desires). And I will give to each and every one of you according to that which you produce." (Revelation 2:21-23) This is the judgment discussed earlier in Zechariah.

Fortunately, not everyone in Thyatira failed the Numbers 5 infidelity test. "Now to you I say, and to the rest (who remain) in Thyatira, who do not hold (possess or regard) this doctrine or teaching (explanation often delivered by a religious establishment) who do not know (who are not acquainted with, known by, or have a relationship with) the depths and essence (the inscrutable ways and stratagem) of Satanas/the Adversary, his character, his circumstance, his way (which proceeds from him) and his words (sayings, affirmations, advice, doctrine, and directions), I will place upon you no other heavy and serious task." (Revelation 2:24)

The waters which were used to determine infidelity, rendered their verdict in 1033 on Jews and Christians alike. Hosea said that this divorce decree would lead to reconciliation in two days, meaning two thousand years after the healing sacrifice: that being 2033.

Returning to Zechariah: "And it shall come to exist (hayah) on that day (yowm), declares Yahweh of the assembled conscripts (saba’ - command and control regimen), the names (shem - designation, renown, fame, and reputation) of the idols (‘asab - manmade objects of worship, images of reverence) made of the substance of (min - from or resembling elements of) the earth (‘erets - land and world) will be cut off (karat - uprooted and banished, ceasing to exist), recalled, proclaimed, and remembered (zakar - invoked or mentioned) no (lo’) longer (‘owd - never again). Moreover, I will quickly distance and destroy (gama’) from the world (‘erets) prophets (nabi’ - men who profess to be spiritual spokespeople and who speak as authoritative messengers) and the intoxicating (‘abar - hateful, arrogant, possessing and repulsive) spirit (ruwach) of uncleanness and infidelity (tum’ah - ethical immorality and religious rebellion)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 13:2)

Satan and his demons represent "the intoxicating, hateful, arrogant, and repulsive spirit of uncleanness and infidelity, ethical immorality and religious rebellion." You will find him behind the unethical replacement morality of Political Correctness and lurking within every religious and most political schemes. His arrogance caused him to hate God, thinking that he was superior. For this, he was and will be cast out and down. But on the way to the abyss, he will use his prophets to seduce as many lost souls as possible. Misery loves company.

As part of His return on the Day of Reconciliations, Yahweh’s family and the earth on which they live, will be restored to perfection-to the standard in Eden before the fall. As such, all evil must be expunged. Bye bye and good riddance.

And since the whole earth will be returned to the perfect state of Eden, albeit without the Serpent, false teachers will not be tolerated. For the sake of others, compassionately, they will be eliminated. "Indeed (kiy) it shall come to pass (hayah) that anyone (‘ysh) who speaks as a prophet (naba’ - claims to communicate on behalf of a deity) again (‘owd - thereafter), his father (‘ab) and mother (‘em) will say (‘amar) to the child they bore (yalad), ‘You shall not (lo’) live (hayah - recover, remain alive, or be restored to life), for indeed (kiy) you speak (dabar - tell) lies (seqer -mislead and deceive, testify falsely, disappointing and betraying others) in the name (shem - proper designation, renown, and reputation) of Yahuweh. And his father and mother who bore him shall pierce (daqar) him when he prophesies." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 13:3)

This will be the state of affairs throughout the Millennial Sabbath. Satan and his demons will be incarcerated before it begins. Everyone who has ever lived on earth up to this point in time who was not adopted by Yahweh will be put into a state of suspended animation awaiting the Great White Light Judgment one-thousand years hence. The only survivors left on earth will be Yahuwdym, Therefore, the only source for deadly doctrines will be those born during mankind’s seventh millennia. To maintain Eden-like conditions, false teachers will be eliminated swiftly, so that they don’t inspire a rebellion, causing another fall from grace. Then at the very end of the thousand-year time of bliss, Satan will be released to make sure those who were born during the Millennial Sabbath are given the choice to live with God or be separated from Him. After these decisions are made, in what is referred to as Magog II, the eternal destiny of all souls will be determined. Yahweh will destroy the universe, creating a new one, including a new Jerusalem.

Deceit leads to separation and death. For the sake of the many, the most merciful thing to do is to eradicate evil’s host before others are infected. Had this been done with Muhammad, a false prophet who was born 1,100 years after Yahweh provided this instruction, billions of souls would not have been damned by his lies.

Without punctuation or capitalization, and without word order being significant, it’s not always easy to translate a passage from an ancient language into a modern one. In the following verse, the words seem to indicate that the phrase "will be too ashamed" applies to all four subjects. So to avoid a run-on sentence in this amplified format, I elected to repeat the verb clause. "On that day, everyone who claims to speak on behalf of god (nabi’ - prophet who proclaims a spiritual message) will be (hayah) too ashamed (bows - be too humiliated and disgraced) to provide their divine message (naba’ - prophecy) or their destructive spiritual visions (se’ar chizzayowm - circular reasoning, tempest-like predictions, or stormy revelations). They will be too ashamed to deceive (kachash - lie while feigning obedience and yet offering malignant delusions) while dressed (labas - clothing themselves) in their rich robes and fine cloaks (‘aderet - garments of magnificent splendor)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 13:4) Yahweh is focused on exposing and condemning false prophets, because millions are victimized by their words. They and their doctrines are the most deadly WMDs-weapons of mass destruction.

The most insightful word in this passage, chizzayowm, is based upon chaziz, meaning: "dark storm cloud." It thereby associates these revelations with Satan, the prince and power of the air, and with Hadad Rimmown. This idea is reinforced by se’ar, which is "a strong gale-force wind." Oddly, it’s translated "hairy" in most English Bibles.

The continuation of this dialog is challenging to convey, but for a different reason. God uses three different terms for man. Still speaking of Satan’s nattily coiffed messengers, we read: "So (wa) he will say (‘amar), ‘I am not a divine messenger or prophet (nabi’). I am an individual (‘ysh - person) who serves (‘abad - works or is a slave to) the realm of mankind (‘adamah - the descendants of ‘Adam, the soil, the earth, or the world). For indeed (kiy), from (min) my youth (na’urim - childhood) I have made merchandise of (qanah - possessed and owned) humankind (‘Adam - mankind).’" (ZakarYah / Zechariah 13:5)

The most direct translation of the first part of the verse is "I am an individual who works the soil." But, since Hebrew has a specific word for "cultivated land, field, or tilled soil," I’m convinced that ‘adamah should properly be rendered with its secondary meaning which is the "realm of mankind." This is further advanced by the subject context and the choice of ‘ysh and ‘Adam on either side of ‘adamah.

Qanah can mean "have bought, have acquired, have purchased, have made merchandise of, and have acquired possessions in exchange for" ‘adam/mankind. Its root strongly suggests "jealousy and envy leading to ill will and anger." Further, qanah can mean "to create and produce offspring,"-symbolic of souls being "sons of serpents."

Satan was envious that man was created in Yahweh’s image, given freewill, and then adopted into God’s family. As a result, he has endeavored to separate as many souls as possible from Yahweh. Satan accomplishes his mission by encouraging religious men to make merchandise of others, selling humankind into slavery and submission. Therefore, the extravagantly attired religious and political leader could stay in costume and hypocritically say that he was a farmer and a slave to man, or he could be baring his true nature and confessing to his actual crime. Both renderings are acceptable.

"If he is asked, ‘What about (mah) those (‘elleh) wounded (makkah - injured, afflicted or slaughtered) around you (bayn - beside you and in your midst) by your hand (yad - under your power and influence, under your control and authority)?’ And he will say (‘amar), ‘Their crippling afflictions (nakah - savage beatings, utter destruction, vicious defeat, conquest and subjugation, and ultimate death) came by way of (‘asher - was related and linked to, was associated with) my lover’s house (‘ohab bayit).’" (ZakarYah / Zechariah 13:6) Satanic duplicity and hypocrisy ooze out of his every word. This bad boy reminds me of American politicians, especially presidents. But he also sounds like the pope.

To understand who is represented by the "lover’s house," it’s useful to know that bayit can convey three somewhat related concepts. Most often, the noun means: "house, home, household, clan, or related peoples." But it is very often used to describe a "temple or a place of worship," thus providing a religious bent. The third most common rendering for bayit is "possessions and property," moving us closer to what Scripture calls "the merchants of Babylon." These elitists are predicted to enslave the world, creating a master-serf system in league with Satan.

And since the proper designation for bayit is derived from the context, be aware that the Anti-Messiyah does not enjoy the company of women. Like his predecessor, Nero of Roman infamy, he will be a homosexual, making "lover’s house" invocative. The fact that this passage is speaking of the Anti-Messiyah’s top aid, his religious prophet, there may be more between them than just dogma and demons.

The noun ‘ohab, or the verb ‘ahab, depending upon vocalization, can be "love, affection, or desire." It can just as easily be rendered "friend, associate, or lover." ‘Ohab also conveys "to covet, to lust, and to engage in immoral sexual affairs."

These things known, to obfuscate responsibility for "those who were slaughtered under [the false prophet’s] influence," the religious and political scoundrel sounds as if he is blaming "the crippling afflictions, savage beatings, utter destruction, and death" on "his love for his place of worship," or "his lust for possessions," or even "his associate’s clan." Each possibility is intriguing.

As we press on through ZakarYah’s prophetic portrait of the last days, we find very little correlation between the lexicon definitions of the terms found in the Hebrew text and the verses as they are rendered in English Bible translations. And what little exists, is rendered completely absurd by the context of this discussion. So, I’m going to err on the side of caution and provide you with every conceivable alternative. In that regard, while considering the next verse, be aware that hereb can be translated "burned by the sun, sick with fever, desolate, or lifeless desolation," in addition to "sword, knife, dagger, and implement of war." Also, ‘awar means "to blind, to be blinded, to give false testimony, or to be unjust." The same letters vocalized ‘uwr, mean "to arouse, to awaken, to incite, to stir up, or to raise up," even "to be laid bare."

Therefore, I think Yahweh said: "They are burned by the sun and blinded (hereb ‘awar - diseased and lifeless, offering false testimony, and raising weapons of war) against the Most High’s (‘al) shepherd (ra’ah - best man, companion and associate), against the Most High’s (‘al) mighty man (geber - powerful individual) who is closely related to and associated with (‘amit - united in proximity and companionship to) Me, Yahuweh of hosts (saba’ - in command and control of conscripted envoys) prophetically declares (na’um - predicts with authority)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 13:7)

Satan’s name is Halal ben Shachar, meaning the arrogant and beguiling son of the rising sun. Satan’s most common guise throughout human history, starting with Babylon, is the sun. Sun-god worship permeates most every important aspect of Roman Catholicism today. Constantine did not convert from sun-god worship to Christianity. He converted Christianity to sun-god worship. Freemasonry, the religious scheme which provided the foundation for America and France, is also based upon worshiping Satan as the sun and true light-a blinding light. But Satan’s lifeless counterfeit and false testimony has been good at one thing: "raising weapons of war." And from the very beginning, the Adversary’s revolt has led directly to the rendezvous at Har Megiddo-Armageddon.

Based upon the context of this satanic battle against Yahweh’s return to earth, the quote which follows is a play on words, whereby God is saying that He is against this ra’ah/shepherd and ruler because he is a false prophet leading sheep to their slaughter. "Muster the conscripts and engage in battle (saba’ - follow orders and wage war) against the one leading (ra’ah - the one ruling, shepherding, and teaching) so that the flock (so’n) scatters (pus). Then I will use My power (yad - hand and authority) to restore (suwb - return, recover, and renew) the Most High’s (‘al) little ones (sa’ar - those who have become insignificant and are of a low status)."  (Zechariah 13:7)

In the next verse, the "land" is a reference to Jews. Sadly, two-thirds of those who were alive at the beginning of the Tribulation are gone. Only five, of approximately fifteen-million Jews have survived. "It shall come to exist (hayah) in the whole (kol - the entire) land (‘erets - world), prophetically predicts (na’um) Yahweh, two thirds shall be cut off (karat - be uprooted, banished) and die (gawa’ - perish violently) one third shall be spared (yatar - shall remain preserved)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 13:8) The good news is that those who have endured, are spared and preserved, and thus saved.

In this case, fire is used metaphorically of the crucible of the tribulation. "I will return to harvest (bow’ - come to pursue and include) this one-third. In the fire (‘esh) I will refine them (sarap - remove impurities making them flawless) as on refines (sarap - purifies) silver (kesep) and test them (bahan -verify their authenticity) as one does gold (zahab). They will summon (qara’ - call upon, invite, proclaim, read aloud, and recite) My personal and proper name (shem), and I will answer them (‘anah - reply)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 13:9) So much for Jews writing "G-d." Yahweh’s name will be on their lips and in their hearts.

Referring directly to the divorce decree issued in Hosea and to the prophetic names of the prophet’s children, we read: "And I will say (‘amar - confess), ‘You are my people (‘am - My family).’ And they will say (‘amar - confess), ‘Yahuweh is our God (‘elohym - Mighty One).’" (Zechariah 13:9) Out of the Holocaust, Israel was restored, so out of the ashes of Armageddon, the Yahuwdym will be reunited with their God.

Having been blinded since the days of Isaiah, and divorced since the days of Hosea, the Chosen People will see again and be restored to fellowship. This is the fulfillment of one of Scripture’s most oft-repeated promises: "Behold (hineh - open your eyes and see), Yahuweh’s day (yowm - time) of return and restoration is coming (bow’ - arrival for harvest of inclusion will come to pass)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:1) The "church" and "Christianity" have not replaced Jews. The ekklesia served only as a temporary stand-in while the prime actors in this drama were enduring a time-out for bad behavior and infidelity.

While I don’t understand it, twice before Yahweh has offered His people a spoil taken from oppressive peoples. The first occurred during the Exodus. The second, as the Chosen People were entering the Promised Land. Now, "The plunder (salal - property and possessions) will be apportioned and assigned (halaq) in your midst (qereb)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:1)

As man’s sixth millennia comes to a chaotic close, Yahweh will bring everything to a head. There will be no indecision. Those who remain will either be with God or against Him. Those who oppose Yahweh will be brought to Jerusalem for a rendezvous with their Maker. And they will provide evidence against themselves right to the bitter end. "I will gather (‘asap - assemble) all (kol) Gentiles (gowym - foreign nations and animalistic uncivilized peoples) to (‘el) Yarusalayim for the battle (milhamah - to wage war). The city (‘ir) will be seized (lakad - taken and captured). The houses (bayith - homes and temples) shall be plundered (sasas - raided and ransacked, pillaged and looted) and the women (‘yshah - wives and mothers) will be raped (sakab). Half (hasi) of the inhabitants of the city (‘ir) shall leave (yasa’) as exiles (golah), but the remainder (yeter) of the people (‘am - family) shall not (lo’) be cut off or banished (karat) from (min) the city (‘ir)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:2) Yahweh is telling us that during the final battle, Jerusalem will endure all Satan’s advocates and man’s stooges can throw at her, but a significant remnant of Yahuwdym will hold out and endure. This will be a hellish time. The last hellish time.

Once mankind’s final choices have been rendered and behaviors verified, "Then Yahuweh will come forth (yasa’ - extend Himself, descend, and arrive) to oppose (laham - show hostility to and fight against) the Gentiles (gowym - foreign nations and animalistic uncivilized peoples), engaging in battle (laham) that day (hem ka yowm)-this time (hu ba yowm) in their midst (qereb)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:3)

Yahweh is into the details. He will return to the exact place He left, exactly 40 Yowbel, or 2000 years later. "On (ba) that day (yowd) He will present Himself, His feet standing upon (‘amad regel - setting foot on and taking a stand) on the Mount (har) of Olives (zayit) which relationally (‘asher) faces (paneh) Yarusalayim on the east." (Zechariah 14:4)

The earthquake which results is described in each of Revelation’s final judgments. "And the Mount of Olives (har zayit) will split into two (baqa’ - be divided) down the middle (hasi - in half) from (min) the East Gate (mizrah) to the Sea (yam). Exerting a great force (ma’od - releasing enormous energy) half (hasi) of the mountain (har) will be felt moving (muwsh) southward (negeb - to report and inform) and half will move north (sapon - stored up treasure), creating a great (gadol) valley (gay’)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:4)

Especially pertinent to the next verse, gay’/valley, is based upon gewah, meaning both "to lift up" and also "valley gate." "Escape to safety (rus - depart in haste, flee, going to a secure place) through My mountain (har) valley (gay’ - which uplifts). For indeed (kiy), the mountain valley will reach (naga - make contact with and arrive at, extending to) the place where you will be set apart and taken away (‘asal - withdrawn). Depart in haste (rus - escape to safety) similarly to how (ka - in the same manner) you fled (nuws) from (min) the presence of (panah) the earthquake (ra’as - trembling and rumbling movement of the earth) in (ba) the days (yowm) of King (melek) Uzziyah (‘uzziyyah - Yah is Mighty or My Strength is Yah) of Yahuwdah (Yahuwdah - meaning, Related to Yah)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:5) The primary purpose of Scripture is to equip us for life-eternal life in Yah’s family. This instruction is no exception.

Since Yahweh mentioned him, Uzziyah was king of Judah from 811 to 759 BCE. He inherited the throne when he was only sixteen. The king died a leper for having violated Yahweh’s instructions. Serving during the time of the prophets Isaiah and Hosea, he fortified the Valley Gate, which is pertinent to this discussion.

Upon Uzziyah’s death, Isaiah professed to have witnessed a vision in which he saw Yahshua sitting on a throne with the train of His robe filling the Temple on Mount Mowriyah-a vision of this very day. Even the earthquake referenced here is connected to Uzziyah in Amos 1:1, although it is more completely developed in Isaiah 13 and throughout Revelation.

This next passage is also cited in the Olivet Discourse. "And (wa) Yahuweh, my God (‘elohym) will return (bow’ - arrive) and all (kol) of those who are set apart (qadosiym - purified, possessing essential divine qualities) with (‘im - those who are related beside) Him." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:5) Speaking of His return, God said: "He will send forth His messengers with a great trumpet and they will gather together (episynago - bring together into one place by His side) His chosen (eklektos - those who He picked out for Himself-selecting one out of many) from the four winds (anemos - cardinal directions in space), from one end (akron - the farthest bounds or uttermost parts) of the heavens (ouranos - the universe) to the other extreme (akron)." (Matthew 24:31) Many people misconstrue this account, errantly associating it with the "rapture," and thereby errantly concluding that the promised event will coincide with the Messiah’s return. But that’s not what these words say. The chosen are spiritual souls coming from one end of heaven to the other, not mortals from terrestrial earth.

In the ZakarYah rendition, qados, the singular of qadosiym, is usually translated "holy," but that religious term is only accurate so long as it is defined to mean "set-apart from the world and unto God." Based upon qodesh, meaning "set apart and purified," qadosh is related to qadash, meaning "to kindle a fire which provides light." As such, it provides another confirmation that Leviticus 23:27, the verse which provides Yowm Kippurym’s most essential instruction, was correctly rendered with: "And your soul shall respond and answer (reply to the summons, making a declaration after engaging in thought, vocally communicating), appearing before and approaching (coming and drawing near, being present with) the adoptive mother who enlightens and elevates (‘iseh /‘isah) unto (on behalf of) Yahuweh."

But there is more. This passage serves as an explanation for one of Yahshua’s least understood predictions. In Matthew 24:31, He states that upon His return, the qadosiym will join Him. "He will send forth His messengers with a great trumpet and they will gather together (episynago - bring into one place by His side) His chosen (eklektos - those who He picked out for Himself, selecting one out of many) from the four winds (anemos - cardinal directions in space), from one end (akron - the farthest bounds or uttermost parts) of the heavens (ouranos - the universe) to the other extreme (akron)." (Matthew 24:31) Many Christians incorrectly think that He is speaking of the rapture here, and thus assume that it coincides with the Messiyah’s final advent. But that is not what He is saying. The eklectos in Greek, qadosiym in Hebrew, are called from heaven. For the past decade or so, these previously harvested souls have been out exploring the far corners of the universe. But now, on Yowm Kippurym in 2033, year 6000 on Yahweh’s calendar, forty Yowbel from being pierced on Passover in 33 CE, we will be summoned to witness the most awesome day in human history.

ZakarYah explains: "This shall come to pass (hayah) on a day (ba ha yowm) in which there shall not be (lo hayah) a diminishing (qipa’on - reduction) of His (huw’) esteemed and beloved (yaqar - precious and valuable, splendorous and beautiful, rare, prized, worthy, influential, and magnificent) light (‘owr - illumination)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:6) In this extraordinary statement, God is revealing that He will return without dialing down His power. Since a Creator is greater than His creation, considering the size of the universe, it’s hard to fathom the scope of His energy. But this I know, everyone not enveloped in Yahweh’s Set Apart Spirit will be instantly incinerated-vaporized. The Spirit is the only protection. Properly applied, it is SPF 7,000.

Qipa’on, the operative word in this passage, could have been translated "make rigid, fixed, and immobile," had it not been used in conjunction with ‘owr/light. In relation to other substances, qipa’on communicates the "solidification of something from a fluid to a solid." But when associated with light, qipa’on always means "to diminish." This is consistent with nature. As matter is transformed from a gas to a liquid and then to a solid state, every substance other than water diminishes in volume. Since the solidification of light is an obscure concept, the related idea of diminishment applies.

Most English translations, like the ESV and NIV, render the passage: "On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost." In so doing, they ignore the first use of hayah, as well as huw’, ha, and yaqar. Then they render qipa’on as "cold or frost." The NASB writes: "And it will come about in that day that there will be no light; the luminaries will dwindle." The KJV tries: "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark."

Yahweh is light. In Matthew 24:27, Yahshua explained that He will be seen as light upon His return. Therefore, based upon His testimony, this day won’t be lightless. "Behold, I have told you in advance.... For just as (like and akin to) a brilliant shining constellation (a radiant and dazzling galaxy, a bright beam of light) comes forth (coming from one place to arrive in another) rising as a star in the east (the light which enables others to rise) to bring forth light, causing it to shine brilliantly and resplendently (making the light evident and manifest, appearing in plain view so as to be exposed, known, and clearly seen) to the far extent of (as far as) the setting sun in the west, so in this same manner (likewise, in exactly this way) shall the presence (the act of appearing in person, existing beside and near the audience, the arrival) of the Son of Man be." (Matthew 24:27) Like He said, there will be no diminishment of His light on His Yowm Kippurym return.

In each of His previous six appearances, Yahshua arrived as the diminished form of Yahweh. That is to say, with the exception of the Mount of Transfiguration episode, He appeared as a man rather than as light. To keep from incinerating mortal souls, He reduced His energy to a level we could productively experience. However, on His final advent, there will be no reason to dial down the amperage. All surviving Yahuwdym will be enveloped in the Set Apart Spirit’s Garment of Light, as will be the Laodicean assembly, and thus these souls will be unharmed. At the same time, all of those who came to savage Yisra’el were predicted to be incinerated anyway, so it won’t matter.

Also, keep in mind that matter is simply organized energy, or light, in a diminished state. That is why matter has to be multiplied by the square of the speed of light to determine its quotient of energy. So anytime Yahweh takes on material, human form, He has to reduce His status. But this time, during His seventh and final advent, Yahweh is going to be more light than matter-and perhaps all energy-and thus Spirit.

Revealing the timing of His return, God inspired ZakarYah to write: "This shall be (hayah - exist as) the one (‘echad - exclusive, unique, certain, and only) day (yowm) which (hu’) is known relationally (yada’ - personally revealed and respected, understood and acknowledged, distinguished and discerned) to (la) Yahuweh." (Zechariah 14:7) ‘Echad is a "single unity." It was first used to say that two people, Adam and Chavah, became "one" in marriage. It is based upon ‘achad, meaning, "to go one way or the other." It depicts a choice and its consequence.

By using ‘echad, Yahweh is telling us that there is something very "special, singular, and unique" about the timing of His final advent. In all of time, there is "only one day" which meets His requirements. Of that, we can be "certain."

This known, there are seven "special days" on Yahweh’s annual calendar. It is therefore reasonable to assume that His return will coincide with one of these unique days. Recognizing that the first four Miqra were fulfilled in order, the next on the list, Yowm Kippurym, must be the day of which He is speaking. But what year is the question?

Everything in Scripture points to the pattern of six (mankind) plus one (God) equals seven (perfection). We are told in the Old Covenant and Renewed Covenant that a day is like a thousand years to Yahweh. Between the genealogies revealed in Scripture, history, and archeology, we know that Adam was cast out of the Garden around 3968 BCE. The deluge of Noah’s day flooded the region of the world in which men with a nesamah lived in 2968 BCE. The Covenant was confirmed with Abraham on Mount Mowriyah forty Yowbel (fifty year periods signifying the Lamb’s redemption) after man’s fall in 1968 BCE. In 968, Solomon built Yahweh’s Temple on Mount Mowriyah as a symbol of that Covenant. Then exactly forty Yowbel after Abraham’s prophetic dress rehearsal, the Messiyah Yahushua fulfilled the Miqra’s of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and FirstFruits in 33 CE. That same Yowbel year, the fourth Miqra, Seven Sevens, was fulfilled on the exact date (Pentecost), further establishing a pattern. The waters under the Temple were poisoned in 1033 CE, reflecting the Numbers 5 divorce decree.

In Matthew 24 and Psalm 102, Yahweh told us that the generation which witnesses a rather extensive list of things will also witness His final advent. This list included: a world war (WWII), rumors of war (today’s mythical war on terrorism), major tsunamis, large earthquakes, super-sized hurricanes, pandemics, famines, global acts of terrorism, worldwide deception, the return of Israel to the land making it bud and grow again (in 1948 the state was established and in 1968 Jerusalem was reclaimed), the rise of anti-Semitism which leads to the death of many Jews, preaching the good news to the whole world, an onslaught of false prophets and wannabe Messiyah’s, it being a bad time to have children, the start of the Tribulation which nearly wipes out all life on earth, the darkening of the sun as the result of an asteroid strike, and Daniel’s abomination of desolation-all listed earlier in Matthew’s testimony. God even adds a reference to Yahuwdym "fleeing to the mountains," a citation from Zechariah 14:5.

The clock on that generation started ticking between 1939 and 1948. Today, there is but one Yowbel year remaining within the lifespan of that generation-2033. And not so coincidently, it is exactly forty Yowbel distant from His previous Miqra fulfillments. Forty is the Scriptural number for the completion of a time of testing. Moreover, 2033 will mark six-thousand years since the fall-when redemption’s time clock started ticking. The final one-thousand years begins five days after Yah’s return, on the seventh Miqra, Tabernacles, in which God camps out with mankind for a millennium.

Therefore, we can reasonably deduce that the "one, exclusive, unique, and certain day which is known relationally, being personally revealed and distinguished by Yahweh" is Yowm Kippurym in 2033-year 6000 on Yah’s timepiece.

So yes, God not only knows the day He is going to return, He made it possible for us to discern this date from His Word. (Converted to our pagan Gregorian calendar, it’s sometime between Sunday at sunset on October 2^nd and Monday, October 3^rd, 2033 at sundown.) In a moment, Yahweh will reveal the exact time.

While I think this is all clear, at least up to this point, there may be much more to this passage. There is a hint in Yahweh’s statement which helps unravel an enormous mystery. To put the pieces in place, we must first understand that every day, from the beginning of time to the end of time as we know it, is known by God. The day He will arrive in power and glory obviously isn’t the one and only day He knows. Last time I checked, He was personally involved in the fulfillment of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and FirstFruits in 33 CE. And while I think we have discerned what He meant, the question remains: why did God share this with us this way?

By comparing this intriguing line with the parallel passage in Matthew 24, we are required to do some serious thinking. Let’s begin that process by reviewing this portion of the Olivet Discourse in context, confirming what I’ve just shared with you: "So, too (houtos - in this same manner), when you see all (pas - individually and collectively every one of) these things, recognize (ginosko - know, understand and be aware) that I am near and nigh (eggus - close by and imminent), and indeed (kai) at the threshold (thura - opening of the passageway, doorway through which sheep enter). Indeed, I say (lego - advise and affirm), this is sure and true (amane): this generation (genea) will not pass by (parerchomai - pass away or perish) until all of these things take place (ginomai - come into existence, come to pass, becoming a reality)." (Matthew 24:33-34) Therefore, the absolute last possible year Yahushua can return and still be faithful to His Word must be within the life expectancy of the people born around World War II, something between 1939 through 1948.

In the context of His return, Yahushua’s next statement elevates the critical importance of searching Scripture for answers and of Yah’s Word being fulfilled-exactly as it is written. God is telling us where to look if we want to know when He’s returning. "The universe and the earth will disappear (pareleusetai - perish and pass away), but conversely (de) My Word (logos - declarations, teaching, message, and revelation) will not (ou) in any way (me) be disregarded (parelthosin - be transgressed, diminished, pass away, or perish)."

Moving on, Matthew’s Greek translation of Yahushua’s next statement in Aramaic throws everything into question. Translated twice, from Aramaic to Greek and from Greek to English, we find: "But nevertheless (de), concerning the immediate vicinity of (peri - regarding and referring to) that one specific and definite (ekeinos - unique, certain, emphatic, sequential, and distant) day (hemera - interval between sunrise and sunset) and (kai) hour (hora - a certain definite time) no one (oudeis - nobody) recognizes it (oida - appreciates, acknowledges, or is aware of, sees, perceives, discerns, notices, or knows it relationally), not even (oude) the messengers (aggelos) of heaven (ouranos), only the Father (pater) alone (monos)." (Matthew 24:36)

Of the 18 pre-Constantine manuscripts of Matthew, this passage was not included in any of them. There is a record, however, of those responsible for the creating the Textus Receptus altering Matthew’s alleged "not even the Son" remark so that it would match Mark 13:32. Therefore, when it comes to this passage, most scholastic tools are rendered unreliable. And unfortunately, there is only one manuscript of Mark dating to the first through third century CE, and it ends in the twelfth chapter. This reliability problem is further compounded by the fact that at best, English is a translation of a translation of what was said. And since most of the Olivet Discourse is quoted from ZakarYah, what we have is a translation three times over.

This leaves us with five different ways to explain these words. First, if we retain the "not even the Son" reference, Yahshua is neither divine nor Yahweh and all of Scripture is a hoax, as it would be impossible for "the Word made flesh" to be unaware of the Word or for the human manifestation of God not to know Yahweh’s thoughts. Further, as an eternal being, there can’t be a date Yahshua doesn’t know. As God, He was there during creation and He has already been to our future. In fact, in this very discussion, He has told us exactly what would happen prior to and during His return. So it’s absurd for Him not to know what He has just predicted. Therefore, I’m going to discard this interpretation and blame those who copyedited Yahweh’s testimony for the confusion. After all, current scholarship confirms over 300,000 known variations and alterations between the Textus Receptus and older manuscripts.

The second option, one predicated on the removal of "not even the Son," requires us to assume that Yahweh’s messengers, who are eternal spirits and thus able to see the past, present, and future simultaneously, have no interest in knowing the timing of the most important event in world history. And since Yahshua says in the same passage that these messengers announce His arrival, it’s not reasonable to assume they don’t know when to perform. This universally ignorant interpretation also requires us to question why God would provide an overwhelming amount of details specific to His plan and His timeline and yet not want us to understand any of it. Confronted with thousands of useful clues and one poorly rendered passage which seems to negate their purpose, Christian theologians have almost universally held up the grain of sand while ignoring the mountain behind them. Although religious men have earned the criticism, I don’t think God is saying, "You are so stupid, you’ll never figure this out no matter how obvious I make it?"

Our third alternative is so obvious, the first modern theologian to consider its implications within the context of God’s timeline, John Mill in 1707, concluded accurately that the verb oida in Matthew 24:36 was rendered in the present tense. So Yahushua was not saying that no one has ever known, or that no one would ever recognize, the day, but only that no one at that moment in time was aware of it. Worth noting is that not only did Mill close the case on closed mindedness with this analysis, his continued investigations prompted him to question the accuracy of the Textus Receptus. He himself found 30,000 errors in the universally accepted, and yet overwhelmingly flawed, document which still underlies all English bible translations.

Therefore, "no one" in Yahushua’s audience and population at the time of His revelation "recognized, appreciated, acknowledged, saw, perceived, discerned, noticed or knew relationally" the predicted day when He was planning to return. This was absolutely true then and almost universally so today. Virtually no one recognizes this "specific and definite, unique and certain, sequential day."

The reason for this is that as a rule, Christians don’t study Yahshua’s message in the context of the Old Covenant promises, and so they don’t connect important fulfillments to the Miqra’. They don’t even know what the Miqra’ are. Moreover, they don’t understand the Genesis one timeline or its prophetic implications. And not one in a thousand connects the parallel passages in Zechariah to Matthew. So Christians don’t recognize what’s going to happen or when, and most Jews, secular humanists, atheists, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists have no interest in this subject at all.

The fourth option relative to understanding this passage is tied to the fact that Yahshua quickly transitioned in the Olivet Discourse to a discussion regarding the Taruw’ah harvest. While the day of the year this ingathering will occur is known, the year is not known. And while Yahweh and Yahshua would know the year, there is no way for man to discern it from Scripture. All I know for sure is that it will occur on Taruw’ah/Trumpets some time between now and the fall of 2026.

In this regard, Yahshua’s answer was ingenious. Jews has substituted the Babylonian Rosh Hashanah (Head of the Year) for Yahweh’s Taruw’ah (Shout for Joy and Signal a Warning). Rabbis called it "the hidden day no one knows, only the Father." In their warped minds, it was the one day each year Satan accused Jews of being bad before God. So they blew their trumpets to confuse the Devil. And they kept the day a secret so that Satan would miss his appointment. Therefore, by saying that He would come for His family on "the day no one knows, only the father," Yahushua was telling His disciples that the harvest would occur on Taruw’ah, now religiously considered Rosh Hashanah.

The fifth consideration for interpreting this verse is based upon the similarities between it and its counterpart in ZakarYah. The subject, timing, context, and word selections are virtually identical, meaning that it is likely that Yahushua was answering His disciples’ question by citing the prophet He had previously inspired. So, speaking of the day He is going to return in Hebrew, He said..."This shall be (hayah - exist as) the one (‘echad - exclusive, unique, certain, and only) day (yowm) which (hu’) is known relationally (yada’ - personally revealed and respected, understood and acknowledged, distinguished and discerned) to (la) Yahuweh." (Zechariah 14:7) Know, only, God, one, and day are all in the text, but in a different order, and thereby providing an entirely different, and entirely preferable, meaning.

The translation of this Hebrew citation to Aramaic, then to Greek, to Latin, back into Greek, and finally to English, without the benefit of an early manuscript, and thus tormented by many centuries of religious tampering, changed it to..."But nevertheless (de), concerning the immediate vicinity of (peri - regarding and referring to) that one specific and definite (ekeinos - unique, certain, emphatic, sequential, and distant) day (hemera - interval between sunrise and sunset) and (kai) hour (hora - a certain definite time) no one (oudeis - nobody) recognizes it (oida - appreciates, acknowledges, or is aware of, sees, perceives, discerns, notices, or knows it relationally), not even (oude) the messengers (aggelos) of heaven (ouranos), only the Father (pater) alone (monos)." (Matthew 24:36)

Since the Father is Yahweh, with the exception of the messenger reference, the quotes are so similar I think Yahushua was telling His disciples that the answer to their question could be found in ZakarYah. It therefore isn’t about not knowing, but about recognizing the importance of the eternal Word generally, and Yowm Kippurym specifically.

In ZakarYah’s next line, we find: "There shall be (hayah) no (lo’) day (yowm - time reckoned from sunset to sunrise) and no (wa lo’) night (laylah - darkness or gloom). And then (wa) light (‘owr - brilliant illumination) shall exist (hayah - shall be) at (la) the point in time (‘et - the specific season and proper duration) of sundown (‘ereb - sunset, twilight, dusk, and early evening)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:7) The NIV Hebrew English Interlinear renders this passage in the Hebrew order and in the compound form as: "And-it-will-be day unique. It-is-known to Yahweh. No daytime or-no nighttime. And-it-will-be at-time-of evening He-will-be light."

All of Yahweh’s Miqra begin at sunset, the prior day. So the Day of Reconciliations, which is the tenth day of the seventh month, starts at twilight of the 9^th day and culminates at sunset on the 10^th. So, since Yahshua is returning to the Mount of Olives, His glorious final advent will occur just after sunset on October 2^nd, 2033, which will be at 6:23 PM or just prior to sundown on October 3^rd, which would ordinarily occur at 6:22 PM. It will be approaching lunchtime on the American East Coast-11:23 AM-based upon the seven-hour time-zone differential.

I said "ordinarily" because Yahweh has testified that on this day, the sun will not rise nor set, because He will arrive and His light will rise instead. It is symbolic of the darkness of Satan’s Ba’al-sungod and Allah-moongod guises being obliterated by Yahweh’s glorious enlightenment.

So to be completely consistent with His Word, God must touch down within the specified 24-hour period He designated for the Miqra of Reconciliations. And while that could be any time between sunset on the 9^th of Tishri and twilight on the 10^th (our October 2^nd and 3^rd, 2033), I think the reference to "sundown" is both literal and symbolic, and that means His return must occur at the beginning of Yowm Kippurym and not after it is over. Open your calendars and set your clocks: Yahweh will return to planet earth at 6:22 PM, Jerusalem time (11:22 AM EST) on October 2, 2033-the dawning of the Day of Reconciliations.

In the preceding verse, it is relevant to know that ‘et is from ‘ad, meaning in "eternity, especially concerning continued existence." Beginning with His return, time will never again be the same. Yahuwdym move from temporal to eternal. Life becomes everlasting. We are forever reconciled unto God.

In Matthew 24, there are two very similar statements, one of which we’ve already considered: "Behold, I have told you in advance...for just as a brilliant shining constellation (a radiant and dazzling galaxy or beam of light) comes forth, rising as a star in the east to bring forth light, causing it to shine brilliantly and resplendently (making the light evident and manifest) to the far extent of the setting sun in the west, so in this same manner shall the presence (arrival) of the Son of Man be." (Matthew 24:27) This is followed by: "Forthwith and straight away with the Tribulation (great affliction leading to oppression and anguish) of those days the sun will be darkened (obscured) and the moon will no longer provide light and celestial bodies (asteroids, stars, or comets which can be seen radiating or reflecting light) shall fall (descend, being thrust down) from space (the expanse of the sky, universe, or heavens) and the power (energy, force, and influence) of the universe will be set in motion and be unsettled. Then (at that time) the sign of (the miracle which transcends the normal course of nature and distinguishes, making manifest and known) the Son of Man will become visible (appear radiating light) in the sky. And then all the nations and races (related peoples [the Greek equivalent of Gowym or Gentiles]) of the earth will mourn and be cut off (be severed, wail and lament, displaying the sign of being stricken), and they will see (visually inspect, look at, and be aware of) the Son of Man coming (making an appearance) in the clouds of the sky with great (polus) inherent power (dunamis) and brilliant splendor exercising judgment." (Matthew 24:29-30) Most every word came out of the pages of ZakarYah. Yahweh takes His Word seriously and so should we.

As a sign that the prior infidelity has been reconciled, the poisoned waters shall be restored: "It shall come to pass (hayah) on that day (ba ha yowm) that living waters (chay mayim - life-sustaining, invigorating, nourishing, reviving and renewing waters) shall flow out of (yasa’ min - shall spring forth and disseminate from) Yarusalayim (the source of restoration and renewal)-half (hasi) of them toward (‘el) the eastern (qadmoni - ancient and former) sea (yam) and half (hasi) toward (‘el) the final (‘acharown - last and western) Sea (yam)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:8) From an interlinear with the Hebrew word order we read: "And-it-will-be on-that-day that they-will-flow-out, waters of-living-ones from-Jerusalem, half-of-them to the-sea eastern/ancient and-half-of-them to-the-sea western/final."

Living waters is one of seven metaphors Yahweh uses to describe Himself and His purpose. These symbols are: Light, the Bread of Life, the Upright Pillar, the Living Waters of the Set-Apart Spirit, the Rock of our Salvation, the Word, and Family. In the "Sheba - Seven" chapter I made the connection between these and Yahweh’s seven spirits as they are depicted in Isaiah 11:1-2.

The "eastern sea" is the Dead Sea, so this is another literal metaphor. The earthquake will probably open an exit for the salt and mineral-saturated waters which are fed by the Jordan River. Opening what is currently the world’s deepest fault, would cause what is now dead to support life. These living waters would flow down from Yarusalayim, which is perched several thousand feet above the mouth of the Dead Sea, and ultimately out through the Gulf of Aqaba and into the Red Sea. Moses and the Yisra’elites crossed the Gulf of Aqaba into the Arabian Peninsula when fleeing Pharaoh during the Exodus. The waters which Yahweh parted to save his people, will save them again.

There may be another layer to the symbolism here. While I could be wrong, it is something to ponder. The "sea" is an oft-used Scriptural metaphor for Gentiles. Yahuwdym crossed the Jordan River Valley just above the Dead Sea to enter the Promised Land. By indicating that "half of the waters" will flow in each direction we may have some indication as to how many Gowym/Gentiles will be saved at the conclusion of the Tribulation. That may be why yam was qualified by ‘acharown, meaning "final or last," in this case of the Gentiles. This reference is used both with regard to the "final generation" experiencing the Holocaust in Psalm 102 and of those who witness the rebirth of Israel, being "the last generation."

We have already been told that only one in three Yahuwdym will remain to see Yahshua’s return. That would be three- to five-million souls depending on who qualifies as a Jew, and how many Jews survive the increased anti-Semitism which will erupt between now and then. If I’m reading this correctly, the Laodicean Ekklesia harvest might be the same size. If this is a reasonable interpretation of why Yahweh shared this accounting, it suggests that of the seven-billion people who will be alive at the inception of the Tribulation in November of 2026, only six to ten-million souls will enter the Millennial Sabbath. That would mean that 99.9% of humankind will perish during the seven years of wars and plagues. There is a reason Yahweh and Yahshua refer to this time as a "day in which the whole world will mourn." And it is why he said in Matthew 24:22 that "unless those days are cut short, no life would be spared."

This conclusion is somewhat validated by the completion of the 8^th verse. While qayis is often translated "summer" and chorep rendered "winter," both terms speak of different harvests. "It shall exist (hayah) with (ba) the summer fruit (qayis) as with (ba) the autumn harvest (chorep)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:8) Qayis is used repeatedly in Scripture in reference to the summer harvest of figs and of wine. It serves as a symbol of saved, or harvested, Yahuwdym in Amos 8, Isaiah 16, and Jeremiah 40 and 48. The most prominent autumn harvest depicted in Scripture is Taruw’ah. It is a mostly Gentile gathering known as the "rapture." So, it might be symbolic of there being as many Gowym saved as Israelites.

A literal interpretation of this verse would indicate that after Yahshua’s return, summer and winter will be the same. It will be like the Garden of Eden, which was bathed in dew but bereft of rain, and so mild year round, day and night, clothing was optional. During the Millennial Sabbath which follows five days later on Tabernacles, conditions will replicate those enjoyed by Adam and Chavvah.

"And then (wa) Yahuweh (YHWH) will exist (hayah) as king (melek - the one who reigns, from malak, meaning the counselor and adviser) over (‘al) the whole (kol) world (‘erets - earth and land). On that day (ba ha yowm) He shall be (hayah - exist as) Yahuweh (YHWH)-His one (‘echad - first and exclusive) and (wa) only (‘echad - unique and exclusive) personal and proper name (shem)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:9)

In diminished human form, Yahweh as Messiyah and Savior, is Yahshua-Yah-Saves. But now, with only Spiritual souls remaining, there is no reason to ratchet down His power or to restrict Himself to a human anatomy. As such, God will only be known as Yahweh, and not as Yahshua. That is not to say that the physical manifestation of God we know as Yahshua will not continue to exist as the Son set apart from the Father, only that the Son and Spirit will be called "Yahuweh."

Yahweh has many titles. He is God, Father, the Messiyah, and the Savior. He is not restricting His use of titles here, just names. We can still call Him "Dad" if we wish.

As I add new chapters to Yada Yahweh, I have as a matter of policy rendered God’s current two names as Yahuweh and Yahushua when they appear in the Word and as Yahweh and Yahshua when they are inserted into my commentary. The evidence is overwhelming that the proper pronunciation of God’s name is Yah-oow-eh, transliterated Yahuweh. However, that is not how most people spell God’s name when searching for information on Him online. For search engines to direct seekers of truth to this seven-volume study of the Word, Yahweh’s name must appear frequently in the text as it is most commonly searched. Moreover, when we pronounce the "w" correctly, it renders the "uu" sound for which the letter is named.

These things known, in my quest for full disclosure, since Yahuweh told Moses that His name was based on the Hebrew verb hayah, "to exist," it is possible that Yah’s name is pronounced Yah-oow-ah. Although, it would also be reasonable to conclude that hayah was used to designate the beginning sound of God’s name (Yah) rather than the ending pronunciation.

Next, we discover that Satan’s army attacks Jerusalem from the north, but they are incinerated: "Encircled (sabab - surrounded and changed), the whole (kol) region (‘erets - land, the realm of Yisra’el) will be like (ka - will resemble) a desert wasteland (‘arabah - desolate plain) from (min) Geba’ to (la) Rimmon. But Yarusalayim south (negeb) shall retain her elevated status (ra’am - shall be lifted up) positioned and placed (tahat) as an established dwelling (yasab - inhabited abode to live) from the Gate (sa’ar) of Benjamin to the location (maqom) of the First (ri’son) Gate (sa’ar) to the Corner Gate (pinnah sa’ar), and from Hanan’el’s Tower (migadal - watchtower) to the wine and olive presses (yeqeb) of the Kings." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:10) While there may be multiple levels of symbolism here, on the surface, Yahweh is telling His family what areas are safe and which are not.

David "struck down the Philistines in Geba’" in 2 Samuel 5:25. "Geba’ of Benjamin was punished for all the disgraceful acts that they committed in Yisra’el" in Judges 20:10 (raping and dismembering a concubine and distributing her twelve body parts throughout Israel). The town was six miles northeast of Jerusalem. Following this disgraceful act, the last of Benjamin’s militia fell after "they fled to the wilderness rock of Rimmon" in Judges 21:45. The "rock" was named after the Babylonian, Arabian, Syrian, and Canaanite god of wind, rain, and storms. Rimmon’s rock was six miles northeast of Nazareth, making it 35 miles, north-by-northeast of Jerusalem.

"Benjamin’s Gate which was by Yahuweh’s Temple" was where "Jeremiah the prophet was beaten and put in stocks," in chapter 20, verse 2. He "was arrested at the Gate of Benjamin" a second time and "turned over to the Chaldeans [Babylonians]" in Jeremiah 37:13. Benjamin’s territory ran horizontally immediately north of Jerusalem starting ten miles west of the city to the point the Jordan River enters the Dead Sea, about twelve miles east. The Corner Gate and the Tower of Hananel are mentioned in Jeremiah 31:38: "Behold, days are coming declares Yahuweh when the city will be rebuilt for Yahuweh from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate."

At this point, we know that Yahweh’s foes do more than lay siege to Jerusalem. The north rim of the city is attacked, property is destroyed, and people are robbed and raped. But, with God’s direct intervention, much of the city is spared. "In (ba) her (hi) they will live (yasab - will dwell and abide established). Never (lo’) again (‘owd) will she be (hayah) destroyed (cherem). Yarusalaiym shall endure securely with confidence (betah - in safety, free of danger, trusting and trustworthy, relying and reliable)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:11)

Cherem is a rather provocative term and translating it as "destroyed" doesn’t do it justice. It conveys something which is "banned and prohibited," and thus in the negative, Jerusalem will never again experience a ban or prohibition as currently exists with the Temple Mount. Muslims prohibit Christians and Jews from visiting the most important place in the world.

Cherem conveys a "cultic devotion and dedication to consign a place to be utterly destroyed." Satan and his allies (Muslims, religious Christians, and Secular Humanists) want to subjugate and control Jerusalem, and barring that, to destroy what it stands for.

"And this (zo’t) shall be (hayah) the plague (maggepah - the destructive pandemic disease which kills those engaged in battle, the pestilence which slaughters) which Yahuweh will inflict upon (nagap - strike and afflict) all the nations and armies which (‘am - people who) organize to fight (saba’ - assemble a military to battle) against (‘al - the Most High’s) Yarusalayim: Now, at this time (henah - simultaneously) their flesh (basar - bodies) will dissolve (maqaq) while they are standing (amad) on their feet. Their eyes (‘ayin) will melt (maqaq) in their sockets (chowr) and their tongues (lason) will liquefy (maqaq) in their mouths (peh)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:12)

Since this passage speaks of a simultaneous and instantaneous event, each time maqaq is used it is conveying the same thought. The word can be translated "fester and rot" or "melt and dissolve," suggesting that which was once alive, will be substantially reduced in mass and liquefied. Based upon the fact Yahweh is returning without diminishing His energy, and the confirmation that this will occur rapidly, "their flesh will dissolve, melting away while they are standing on their feet." For those who came to destroy Jerusalem, death will come swiftly and there will be no bodies left to bury.

Revelation tells us that the first of the Tribulation’s wars, Magog, claims the lives of one in four people. The second phase of that war claims a third of those who remain, meaning that 3.5 billion of 7.0 billion souls will succumb. At this point, the plagues begin. Scripture does not specify how many more die, only that 200 million march upon Jerusalem at the end of the Tribulation, reaching and enacting Armageddon on the Miqra’ of Atonement. They will all die, but others will still be alive elsewhere on the planet...

"It shall come to pass (hayah) in (ba) that day (yowm) that Yahuweh’s greatness (rab/rob - enormity, exalted status, abundant power, awesome authority, and might) will cause (hayah) consternation and confusion (mahumah - bewilderment and dismay, anxiety and anguish) among them. Mankind (‘ysh - individuals) will be caught and bound (hazaq) by the hand (yad). They will roar (rea’ - shout out) ‘Allah (‘alah), hand (yad) to (‘al - at or on) hand (yad) thinking immorally (rea’ - and acting wickedly)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:13)

Mahumah is the opposite of comfort and confidence. It speaks of a state of utter bewilderment leading to emotional anguish. Those who were led to believe Allah, Satan, and/or the Antichrist were God, will be as confused and dismayed as will those who thought there was no god. They will have made a poor choice, and now they will recognize the consequence: death.

We have several choices with ‘alah. It can be translated "to ascend and be lifted up" and thus "to go up," but that clearly is the opposite of what is being described. It could be rendered "lifting up," making the sentence: "They will roar, lifting up hand against hand..." The problem with that is that they have been bound by the hand and ‘al doesn’t mean "against" as in hostility, but against as in proximity. So, I think that transliterating, rather than translating, ‘alah as Allah following "roar and shout out" is justified.

While Allah is the principle name of Muhammad’s Quran’ic god, a dark spirit modeled after Satan, Muslims have been leading a worldwide disinformation campaign to convince everyone that Allah is actually the Arabic word for "God." As such, Allah would be an ideal moniker for the Antichrist, and Islam would be the perfect religion to beguile people and compel them to fight. To this end, Revelation’s famous "666" passage most likely reads "the multitude of Allah," rather than designating a number. So what I’m saying is that the "mark of the beast" is Allah’s name written in Arabic. Moreover, when you examine the oldest manuscripts of this passage, that is the only logical conclusion based upon what we find there.

Depending upon how it is vocalized, ‘alah can be translated "to lift oneself up," meaning to be "prideful, haughty and braggadocios"-descriptive of Satan and his Islamic followers. This is the essence of the Islamic Prayer of Fear roared out before every terrorist attack: "Allahu Akbar!-Allah is Greater!" than Yahweh-or so they believe.

‘Alah is also translated "to be absent and driven away" which is to be separated from God-something that Islam does. ‘Alah means "to be conscripted and carried away," or "to be compelled into turning away." In this vein, it means "to be bound involuntarily into the service of another, and then stirred up on his behalf." These are all accurate depictions of Islam-the religion of submission.

‘Alah can mean "to ridicule and scorn, speaking in disparaging terms"-something Allah does to Yahweh and to mankind. Then, recognizing that the Qur’an’s third-most prevalent theme after "pain and punishment" and "disparaging ridicule" is "fighting in Allah’s Cause," ‘alah means "to fight battles, attacking in a military offensive." I could be wrong, but I believe those who will be "anguished and bewildered" will be "shouting out ‘Allah.’"

Other ‘alah connotations read like Satan’s biography: "wicked, unrighteous, unjust, and perverse." You should feel free to place any of these immoral words into the mouths of those who are confused and consternated.

Fortunately, Yahweh’s family will be cared for and protected. "Moreover (gam - indeed), Yahuwdah (those who belong to and are related to Yah) will eat food (laham/lehem - consume bread) in (ba) Yarusalayim." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:14) A derivative of gam is gama’, meaning "will be quick to consume, swift to swallow and eat up." And since lehem is "bread," The passage could read "Yahuwdah will quickly consume bread in Jerusalem."

For those puzzled by how their English Bible translations read "Even Judah will fight against Jerusalem," laham is sometimes rendered "engage in a military battle and attack." But, in the context of Yahweh’s return on the Day of Reconciliations, and the fate of those who fought against Jerusalem, that is senseless.

As you read what comes next, be aware that ‘asap insinuates that the collected material is to be "taken away and removed, ceasing to exist." "And they will gather up and collect (‘asap) the wealth (hayil - physical might and military prowess) of all the surrounding (sabib - encircling) Gentiles (gowym - heathens and pagans, foreign unrelated peoples, animalistic nations), gold (zahab), silver (kesep), and treacherous and faithless garments (begged - immoral apparel) along with (la) their enduring and abundant (rob/rab - long lived and enourmous) power, influence, and force (ma’od)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:14) This is akin to the Exodus, and the wealth Yahuwdym carried out of Egypt.

The military equipment and beasts maneuvered into Israel for the purpose of attacking Jerusalem will be melted and dissolved. "Indeed (ken) this plague (maggepah - the destructive pandemic disease which kills those engaged in battle, the pestilence which decimates) will befall (hayah) the swiftly flying war machines (suws - horse-powered cavalry chariots), serving as recompense upon (gamal - repayment to) the divided and scattered (parad - separated and isolated) asses (hamor - donkeys), and every kind (kol) of related (‘asher) beast (behemah) existing (hayah) in (ba) their military encampments (mahaneh), similarly (ka) inflicting (maggepah - destroying) them." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:15)

A pered is a "mule, an ornery, stubborn, backbiting, and unproductive beast of burden." It shares the same consonant root as parad. Likewise, gamal can be translated "camel" or "recompense-to receive what is deserved." Hamor can be rendered "large piles or heaps of material" in addition to "asses." But since "asses" fits Yahweh’s prophetic depiction of Ishmael’s descendants, today’s Muslims" being "wild asses of men, with their hands raised against their brothers while living in hostility with the whole world," the hoof seemed to fit the occasion. As for "horses, camels, mules, and donkeys," I’ll let you decide. But as you do, recognize that the difference between behemah/beast (בְּהֵמָה......) and behalah/terrorist (בֶּהָלָה......) is very small, and a "beast" in this context is often a person who allies with Satan.

Since those who came to attack Jerusalem are gone, turned into goo, there are only two or three groups of people left on planet Earth. There are racial Yahuwdym who have come to know, trust, and rely upon Yahweh and who are now looking forward to celebrating Tabernacles with Him. There is a remnant of adopted Yahuwdym represented by the Laodicean assembly. I believe they are the subjects of the next verse. They will be "an existing remnant." They hail from the "Gentile nations which will attack Israel," but will not take part in that battle which is one of two reasons they will be spared. Third, there may be people who are not saved but who did not come to fight in Israel. While this is unlikely, they could be the people who were said to be "bewildered and dismayed." If so, it is possible that they are being given the opportunity of a lifetime. But it is also possible, that Yahweh’s intense presence reached around the world and incinerated all who were not enveloped in His Spirit. If that is the case, God is speaking to the Laodicean Assembly. They will come home.

"The whole (kol) existing (hayah) remnant (yatar - those who remain and who were spared) from (min - out of) all (kol) the Gentile nations (gowym -foreign and unrelated peoples) who came to attack (bow’ ‘al) Yarusalayim in accord with the multitude (day - to inflict punishment) of (min) ‘Allah (‘alah - who fought unjustly, perversely, wickedly, and arrogantly) with (ba) repeated (sanah) and repetitious (sanah) prostrations (sahah - bowing down to and being repressed) in accord with (la - according to) their king (malak - their ruler), will celebrate (hagag - revel in) Yahuweh’s festival feast (hag) of Sukah (sukah - Tabernacles, Tents, and Shelter)." (ZakarYah / Zechariah 14:16)

While the Hebrew word day can mean "according to the multitude," it also means "sufficient" or "enough." Day can convey "to inflict punishment," or "to do something for naught, in vain, or for no reason." Similarly, ‘alah can be rendered as diversely as "to go up," "to fight," or "to be unjust." It should also be noted how well ‘Allah fits in front of "repeated and repetitious prostrations." Furthermore, sanah is often translated "year," because the seasons repeat on an annual basis. As such, many different renderings of this passage are possible-including variations of: "Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, to keep the Feast of Booths." Yahweh is now "King" of the earth and Tabernacles will be celebrated annually throughout time.

But regardless of the translation, the Tribulation is over. Yahweh has prevailed. Mercifully, evil has been obliterated. Five days have passed since God’s return on the Day of Reconciliations. The world is now celebrating "Yahuweh’s festival feast of Sukah." Mankind will camp out with God for one-thousand years, reconciled with their Maker.