'Comments' on Torah for The WatchMen. Collected 'comments' from different resources. This blog is an extension for the website: 'The WatchMen from Israel'.

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

That's Mine. That's Mine Too. Zechariah's Patrol Report

Can we do תפילות prayers for:

Key of David - Zechariah's Patrol Report?

That also through them The האור Light, רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?

 


Zechaiah Patrol Report
Prophetic Insights: Seeing Events From Heaven's Throne Room

 
That's Mine. That's Mine Too.
by Rick Erb
 
Shalom,

We've all seen it - kids in action with one another. Some kids are passive, and some are aggressive. Some are polite, and some are obnoxious. Some want to share, and some want to grab up everything in sight. Even if it obviously belongs to one of the other kids. Even when the other kid's name is plainly written on it. Even when the other kid's dad is standing right there. Some bullies will try and grab it away, no matter what. So it is with many religious folks. Sadly, so it has been, for far too long, in the Messianic movement.

The Bible teaches us about G-d's creation of all that is, and how that creation was corrupted long ago as sin entered in. It teaches us also of the future restoration of all things, as perfection is ultimately restored to the creation. Central to this story is Israel, and the specific promises which G-d made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to the descendants of Jacob, who would ultimately comprise the nation of Israel.

Israel, as we all know, was not blemish-free. G-d knew that as well. Even as He was speaking promises to and about the nation of Israel, He knew that the journey for Israel would not be a straight line to the promised restoration of all things. In fact, it wasn't even a straight line to the Promised Land. Even so, He made very specific promises to and about Israel prior to its division into two separate houses. Then, as Israel separated into those two houses, the House of Judah and the House of Israel/Ephraim, He also spoke promises which were sometimes applicable to both of these separate groups of Israelites, and sometimes applicable to only one or the other. G-d gets to pick and choose like that; He's G-d.

Along the pathway which leads to the restoration of all things there are some milestones - significant events which give us some sense for where we are in this process. G-d promised that we would be dispersed among all the nations. He promised us a Redeemer. He promised us an awakening. He promised us a regathering. The Northern Kingdom received some promises specific to its people, and the people of the Southern Kingdom received other promises which were specific to them. He also promised, one day, an end to the hostilities between the two houses of Israel.

The Northern Kingdom was dispersed before our Redeemer came, and the Southern Kingdom was dispersed after He left. And then, there was no longer a nation known as Israel. There were descendants of the people who had once comprised the nation of Israel, but there was no longer a nation; not a southern one, not a northern one, and certainly not a unified one - at least not in the natural sense of things. But, still, there were the promises of G-d, stated plainly and eternally in the volumes of the scrolls; permanently and irrevocably made to the descendants of Israel, and to those who would choose to be joined with them.

As news of the Redeemer's arrival traveled beyond the boundaries of Israel, throughout the various civilizations and societies of that time, the details about what had actually transpired became blended with religious customs and traditions which were already familiar to those other cultures. As a result, another religious system grew out of the dominant culture of that time, based in Rome, and though this hybrid outwardly appeared to have some elements of the truth, it was largely a departure from the message which had actually been delivered to humanity through the Hebrew prophets and through the Redeemer Himself.

This hybrid system became a dominant religious and political system, blending some truth with the worship of various iterations of the sun god, and other mythical members of the pantheon of Greek and Roman gods. Among the manmade teachings which came from the hybrid was the notion that G-d was "finished with those Jews." The hybrid also taught that the promises which were made centuries earlier to the people of Israel were no longer applicable to the literal physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Rather, according to the hybrid, those promises had been somehow "spiritualized" and were now the rightful property (so they claimed) of the adherents of the hybrid. According to many of the dominant "theologians" of that time, the promises no longer belonged to the people to whom they had actually been promised (Israel), but now belonged instead to the "theologians" and their faithful followers. So went the teaching of those "theologians," more or less.

This notion is known generally as "replacement theology" or alternatively as "supersessionism." There is apparently no singular or uniform definition for this doctrine, and its nuances and variations probably depend, to some degree, on the point which the religious proponent wishes to make. However, reduced to its most basic elements, replacement theology generally claims that the promises which G-d actually made to a specific group of people-the people of Israel, the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, all of Israel-are no longer applicable to that group of people, and now belong to a different group of people due to apparent default.

In some ways, replacement theology may have been an outgrowth of religious inquiry which struggled to explain what was being seen in society, and to reconcile that with what had been promised in Scripture. And, what were people seeing back then? Well, the people of Israel were no longer organized into an identifiable social/political structure. The Temple and Jerusalem had once again been destroyed. For the most part, the Jews had been driven from the land which had been eternally promised to Israel, and that land was being taken over by others to whom it was never promised.

Based on what was being seen, at that time, it may well have appeared as though G-d was finished with Israel. Since promises had been made by G-d, and the nation to which they had been made seemed to have ceased to exist, theologians of that early period came up with a handy little self-serving theory to fill this apparent theological vacuum; they began promoting replacement theology, which became a rather widely accepted teaching throughout much of the Christian empire. However, "widely accepted" is not synonymous with "legitimate," and legitimate this teaching most certainly was not.

At its core, replacement theology denies that G-d knows what He's talking about, and operates on the ridiculous notion that G-d made a mistake when He made eternal promises to Israel. It also introduces the frightening (and thoroughly unbiblical) idea that the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob cannot be counted on to keep His promises. Good little Christian soldiers everywhere were taught to march to this new cadence, and march they did, as we have seen through the annals of history. Replacement theology has been the basis (religious excuse), over the course of many centuries, for torturing, pillaging, raping, and murdering countless numbers of our Jewish brothers and sisters. It is an evil doctrine,  promoted by evil religious tyrants with evil intentions, and it has spawned evil results.

Fairly rough talk, to be sure, but it's the truth. Since the mere mention of this philosophy arouses within many (Jewish, mostly, and for very good reason) a palpable sense of dread, polite and civilized folks really do need to be careful about indiscriminately playing that card and accusing others of holding to this dark philosophy. Nobody who is "not one" should be accused of "being one." And yet, this sort of slanderous accusation has been the modus operandi of those who are intent upon sowing discord and division within the body of Messiah.

The Messianic Israel movement, also known by some as the Ephraimite movement,  has been accused by others within the Messianic movement of promoting replacement theology. This accusation has been made repeatedly against virtually all members of this fairly diverse movement. Those who make that accusation, for the most part, have never made any attempt to meet with or get to know any of the individuals against whom they have hurled this epithet. In fact, not only have they made no attempt to do so, they have utterly rejected interaction when members of Ephraim have attempted to seek them out and try to work through these matters.

Perhaps the most widely publicized and circulated accusation of this sort is the 1994 position paper, entitled: "The Ephraimite Error." It is still available for your reading pleasure on the official websites for the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC),  the International Messianic Jewish Alliance (IMJA),  and the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA).  The only logical conclusion that flows from that fact is that these organizations still hold fast to the positions espoused in that writing. While it does not seem to be linked anywhere on the website of Tikkun Ministries International, rest assured that the leadership of that organization wholeheartedly embraces and promotes it as well.

Nice folks who are in leadership positions within the Ephraimite movement have repeatedly made attempts to discuss this issue with the leadership of the Messianic Jewish organizations, and those attempts have been either ignored or rejected by the leadership of these Messianic Jewish organizations. Even some well known Evangelical organizations, such as Promise Keepers, have been drawn into this sort of unthinking accusation and unbiblical conduct. Even though the false accusations and erroneous conclusions have been soundly refuted for many years now,  these organizations and their leaders continue to promote the same false notions and the same hostility.

That sort of conduct ought to be setting off some alarms with people who genuinely walk with the L-rd. We are taught to test the spirits,  and we are taught to evaluate things on the basis of the fruit which is evident in the lives of people who claim to be walking with the Master.  And what fruit are we supposed to see? Well, we should see fruit in keeping with repentance.  We should see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  We should also see bond servants of Messiah loving one another,  esteeming one another more highly than themselves,  and walking in unity.  Such fruit has been largely absent among the major Messianic Jewish organizations and many of their adherents when the subject of Ephraim pops up.

A little Bible history now, if you please. Promises were made to the Northern Kingdom which were not made to the Southern Kingdom.  Similarly, promises were made to the Southern Kingdom which were not made to the Northern Kingdom.  Neither group should be attempting to lay claim to a promise which was made to the other group. Some promises were made to the members of both kingdoms, all Israelites, and neither group should be attempting to deny the applicability of such promises to the other group.

G-d promised the whole House of Israel, all twelve tribes and all of their descendants, forever, that if they would simply live in obedience, they would be blessed, and He also promised that if they became disobedient, they would be cursed.  Those promises were made to the whole House of Israel, all twelve tribes, long before Israel was divided into two separate kingdoms, and long before any part of Israel was referred to as "Jews." Even after the division, those promises applied to the descendants of both kingdoms; they did not suddenly become the exclusive domain of only the descendants of the Southern Kingdom.

This attitude is not unlike another attitude taught by some of today's Messianic Jewish teachers. According to some of them, the instructions set forth in Torah are "Jewish laws" and Gentiles should not be embracing them or living according to them. Let's try being a little more precise about that; those are not "Jewish laws" - they are words which proceeded from the mouth of G-d, and we are all to live by them.  True enough, they were spoken to Israel, all of Israel, the descendants of all twelve tribes, but they were entrusted to Israel for the reasons which G-d disclosed.

And why were those words of G-d entrusted to Israel? Was it because G-d was in an arbitrary mood one day and He decided to impose upon Israel a bunch of random and irrelevant rules just to show the rest of the world how ornery He could be? Did He call Israel out of Egypt, free them from slavery, lead them to Mount Sinai, and there speak to them of rules which had absolutely no personal application to the rest of mankind? Well, that's not what Moses said:

See, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it. So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today? Deuteronomy 4:5-8 NASB

It's also not what Isaiah said:

Now it will come about that
In the last days,
The mountain of the house of the LORD
Will be established as the chief of the mountains,
And will be raised above the hills;
And all the nations will stream to it.
And many peoples will come and say,
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
That He may teach us concerning His ways,
And that we may walk in His paths."
For the law will go forth from Zion,
And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:2-3 NASB

It's also not what Micah said:

And it will come about in the last days
That the mountain of the house of the LORD
Will be established as the chief of the mountains.
It will be raised above the hills,
And the peoples will stream to it.
Many nations will come and say,
"Come and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD
And to the house of the God of Jacob,
That He may teach us about His ways
And that we may walk in His paths."
For from Zion will go forth the law,
Even the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Micah 4:1-2 NASB

It's also not what Yeshua said:

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:14-19 NASB

That most certainly does include our Jewish brothers and sisters, but it also includes those of us who make up the rest of the family. And, they weren't given to Israel in order to burden Israel and prove to the rest of the world that G-d was random and oppressive. They were given to Israel so that Israel would walk them out, as a result experience a blessed society, and then the rest of the nations would see that result and believe and follow G-d as well.  In fact, as we just saw in Isaiah and Micah, during the Messianic Age, the instructions which proceeded from the mouth of G-d are supposed to go forth from Jerusalem to all the world-finally.

We who identify with Ephraim have for quite a while now been accused by quite a few Jewish believers of being "replacement theology" in our understanding and teaching. Excuse me? Let's evaluate the quality of that accusation. Just exactly who is it who's laying exclusive claim to promises which were made to someone else? And who is it who is laying exclusive claim to the instructions which were given to all of Israel for the benefit of all mankind? We of Ephraim honor and respect the fact that G-d made certain promises to the Southern Kingdom, and we are not laying claim to those promises. On the other hand, as descendants of the Northern Kingdom, it is right-in fact it is good-for us to embrace the promises and instructions which were made to our ancestors, and we are not attempting to replace our Southern brothers and sisters in so doing. Furthermore, we are all entitled to embrace the promises and instructions which were made to the whole House of Israel. So who is it who is actually promoting a form of replacement theology?

Let's evaluate the quality of the allegation from the perspective of the fruit which has been produced; let's follow the evidence and see where it takes us. What is the evil fruit which actual, genuine, unabashed replacement theology has previously borne in society? Well, as a result of replacement theology (the real stuff), Christians from Europe went on crusades to the Holy Land during the middle ages, murdering Jews and pillaging along the way. As a result of replacement theology, the Spanish Inquisition was characterized by Jews being tortured, murdered, and forcibly "converted" to Christianity; their children were stolen, and they were driven from their homeland. The pogroms of Russia were attributable, at least in some regard, to replacement theology, and the hostility which had been institutionalized in Christianity for centuries leading up to the pogroms. Arguably, replacement theology also laid the foundation for the anti-Semitism of the Nazis, and ultimately the Holocaust.

How much of that sort of conduct have we seen in the mainline Messianic Israel movement? None. Instead, we largely see people coming from Christian backgrounds, leaving behind the traditions and attitudes of the hybrid, and embracing and loving the Jewish people and the instructions which proceeded from the mouth of G-d. Rather than hostility toward Jews, which has historically been an integral part of replacement theology, we see the exact opposite; we see people who are not Jewish wanting to walk in unity and love with their Jewish brothers and sisters. Many of our Jewish brothers and sisters have reciprocated, however the formalized leadership of the major Messianic Jewish organizations have done just the opposite. Rather than seeking fellowship and unity, as the Bible clearly teaches us to do as bond servants of Messiah, they have been hostile, they have promoted false accusations, they have taught non-Jews to continue in the ways of the hybrid instead of embracing obedience, and they have threatened other Jews with retaliation and excommunication if they do not engage in the same hostility. Brothers and Sisters, this ought not to be.

"That's mine. That's mine too." Such an attitude is the very essence of replacement theology, it is unacceptable behavior, and it has sadly been the official policy of the leadership of the major organizations of the Messianic Jewish movement. It is time-no, it is past time-for this false accusation against Ephraim to be put to rest. "Replacement theology" is a shoe that simply does not fit Ephraim. Our Father is pleased that the prodigal son has come home. It would please Him even more if His other son would now join in celebrating the prodigal's return instead of treating him like some stranger to the promises.

Rick Erb
Post Office Box 36
Gillette, Wyoming 82717
307-682-0215
Rick@rickerb.com

View Rick's reecent article There is Another...
Visit The Errors of the Ephraimite Error A website dedicated to Seeking Unity Through The Promotion Of Truth.

  

Your thoughts and comments.   

    This is a team effort, so we would like to hear your thoughts and comments. 
To share them, go to ZechariahsPatrol.com.  Click on the title of the report you would like to comment on, then go to the end of the report. There, you can post your comments and review comments made by others. And if your comments contain questions we will answer them.


Over 3,500 copies shipped in the first week!!!   
Who Is Israel? - Redeemed Israel - A  Primer
    
At Key of David Publishing words are very important to us.  So it is that we are pleased to present to you our newest publication. It is a light, and yet most satisfying fare. It is economically priced at $2 per copy in quantity, so you can afford to feed it to the masses. It is pleasing to the eye and pleasant to the palate.
    It is our newest book, Who Is Israel? Redeemed Israel - A Primer.
    This powerful and concise 96 page book readily defines our Israelite faith. It lifts up the Messiah and points us toward the restoration of the whole House of Israel. It is an easy read that gets the essentials of our faith across in a short time. It includes charts and graphics, plus chapters that can be used as an outline for Bible Studies. Most importantly, this encouraging little book points the way toward the glory that lies ahead for those of Redeemed Israel. You will surely be blessed and inspired as you read this informative little book - so be sure to order additional copies for friends and loved ones! We believe you will want to give a copy of it to everyone you know!

    Who Is Israel? Redeemed Israel - A Primer is available as a 96 page paperback book, an audio book audio book on CD will soon be available, and it will also be down loadable to Iphones and similar devices, and as an electronic book that can be read on Ipads and similar devices, plus we are making a PowerPoint video teaching that is based on the book.
    In quantity this book is available for $2 per copy!!
 
    To order books go to Key of David Marketplace
   
To download the Table of Contents, Foreword, Introduction and the First Chapter at no cost go to Book Sample Chapters.


Previous Postings



I Am YHVH
 
   We encourage you to listen to a new song, written by Batya and recorded by our friend, Will Spires. The song is titled "I AM YHVH" and it is truly inspiring. You might want to listen to it before you pray. The song is about the Father's heart cry for His chosen people: Judah and Ephraim. You can hear it as you enter the Zachariah's Patrol website or Key of David Marketplace, and it can be downloaded for free at Key of David Marketplace. Several people have asked for the song on a CD so they can play it in their cars. So we have made available at Key of David Marketplace. a CD that has seven renditions of the song for $4 (to cover shipping and handling costs).
 

 


Upcoming Events
   
    The Messianic Israel Alliance Texas Regional Conference will be held in Irving, Texas, on Friday and Saturday, March 4-5, 2011.

    For more information go to
Upcoming Events

Contact Information

Key of David Publishing's Books are available at the Messianic Israel Alliance Marketplace (Phone 800-829-8777). They also are available at Key of David Publishing Marketplace, where Bookstores, Ministries, and Way Stations are eligible for a quantity discount.

 
Websites to visit:
 
Messianic Israel Alliance  The MIA will help you to understand the Hope of Messianic Israel plus Messianic Israel Inclusion Theology. The MIA gives you the options of being an Ally, Friend or a Partner in restoring the Kingdom to Israel.

Bnai' Ephraim International This is the premier online presence that advocates for this generation's sons and daughters of Ephraim.
 
Zechariah's Patrol Reports This exciting site offers an abundance of prophetic insights that will help you see how events on earth and in our own lives are viewed from Heaven's Throne Room.

The Errors of the Ephraimite Error
Seeking Unity Through The Promotion Of Truth.
 

 
Messianic Awakening is a site that allows you to view recent Key of David Newsletters.
 
 
To support Key of David and Zachariah Patrol Reports go to Key of David Marketplace. Or to the Messianic Israel Alliance. Or mail to Key of David, PO Box 700217, Saint Cloud, FL 34770. Or call us at 407-344-7700.

 
If Key of David books have changed your life we would appreciate your help in Key of David's outreach to change the lives of prisoners, and people and ministries - especially those in third world countries and in Israel. We give books to those who request them, but cannot afford to buy them.
 
 
Join Our Mailing List

 

Prophetic Regathering of TV! - The Book of Ester - Part I

Can we do תפילות prayers for:

Messianic Temple Beth El?

That also through them The האור Light, רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?




         
  January 30, 2011 / Shevat 25, 5771
   
 
Multicultural Spirit-Filled Nazarene Synagogue proclaiming the restoration of the 12 Tribes of Yisra'El: Beit Yehudah/House of Judah and Beit Ephraim/House of Ephraim.
 
We welcome Jewish people and non-Jews to worship Yahshua HaMashiach, the Messiah of Yisra'El with us.
 
Our Weekly Schedule:
 
Shabbat Service:
10:30 am on Saturday
 
   Yeshiva Classes:
Shabbat/Saturday 9:00 am
 Wednesday 7:30 pm

 Warriors for Yisra'El intercessory warfare group:
Monday 7:30 pm
For members only
 
We minister Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare. We are Shomer Shabbat/ Shabbat keepers and we observe all HaMoedim/Feasts of Yahweh. Please refer to our website for the dress code.
 
 
YouTube
 
 
   
 
 
Facebook
 
Start following
 messianictemple
on facebook! 
 
 
 
 
Prophetic Re-Gathering Of Israel TV
  

 Watch our program on
Internet Streaming TV.
Click the BCAT logo above 
then Launch BCAT 2,
Tuesday at 7pm (EST)
 
Contacts
 
Website:
Email:
  
Phone:
1-718-621-7399
 
Directions
 
Messianic Temple Beth El
1641 76th St
(corner of 76th Street &
New Utrecht Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11214  USA
 
 
 
By Car: Take the Belt Parkway to exit 5, which is Bay Parkway. Stay on Bay Parkway to 76th St.Turn left onto 76th St. Keep straight to New Utrecht Ave. The Temple is on the corner.
 
By Train: Take the D train to 79th St. and walk to 76th St.      
 
By Bus: Take the B4 to New Utrecht Ave  and walk to 76th St.  
 
Prophetic Regathering of Israel TV!  
 
This is a program about the Regathering of all 12 Tribes of Israel first in the spirit realm back to YAHWEH ELOHIM OF ISRAEL, and then in the physical realm making Aliyah. Aliyah means the returning of the Israelites back from the exile to Eretz Yisrael - Land of Israel. This program will teach you about the Messiah of Israel and how to be a part of the Messianic Nation governed by King Yahshua.
 
  
 
Hostess:   Rabbi Hadassah Ryklin    
Program: The Book of Esther - Part I
Time:       Tuesday, February 1st, 2011, 7 pm (EST) 
 
Description of the Program
 
    Rabbi Hadassah Ryklin gives an in depth study of the Book of Esther - Yahweh's Master End-Time Plan.
 
Purim is a Biblical Feast therefore the both groups, Yehudim/Jews and Ephraim/born from above Christians, must study the Book of Esther and keep Purim.
 
Purim means "lots" that the evil Haman tried to use to exterminate the Jewish people.
 
Persia is modern Iran.
 
Persian Jews are Sephardic Jews.
 
Jewish people were taken up to the Babylonian exile.  Then Babylonia was conquered by Persia.
 
Do not miss it!
 
Watch our program on Internet Streaming TV.
 
 
Click the BCAT TV logo above, then
Launch BCAT 2, Tuesday at 7 pm (EST)
 
 
 

 
                                                     ©Copyright 2011/5771 All Rights Reserved Messianic Temple Beth El                                                 

 

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Parashat Mishpatim, Ephraim

Can we do תפילות prayers for:

Ephraim and Remonah?

That also through them The האור Light, רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?

Apologies for sending yesterday the wrong Hebrew insights into the Parasha
 
Today's Parasha is Parashat Mishpatim

 

Letter 475 (word of promise)

Can we do תפילות prayers for:

Ephraim and Remonah?

That also through them The האור Light, רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?

Shalom Fellow Israelites,

I'm sure all of you have had fun with word studies from the scriptures.  Well, this week I got struck by the usage of another word that we hear a lot these days, and that is the word "promises."  The following scripture from 1 Kings 8:56 caught my attention:  "Blessed be YHVH, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised [Hebrew "da'bar" meaning speech, word, speaking]. There has not failed one word  ["di'bar"] of all His good promise ["dabar], which He promised ["da'bar"] through His servant Moses" (emphasis added).  What I found interesting, is the connection between YHVH speaking a word through Moses, or any of the prophets, and the revealing of it in the words and life of Yeshua, and the writings of the apostles. Thus, one could say that the "word" is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and when it comes to pass, it is always a revelation of YHVH's speech.  "For all the promises [d.b.r] of Elohim in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of Elohim through us"… "who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of Elohim, and the promises" [word, speech] (2 Corinthians 1;20; Romans 9:4, emphasis added). Notice that Paul was addressing "Israelites." Why didn't he use "Judahites" (Jews) instead?

When writing to the foreigners, aliens, strangers, those scattered in the nations Peter uses a very interesting word: "parepidemos" (1 Peter 1:1). The meaning of this word is very important, for it reveals YHVH's faithfulness to keep His promises, or the word that He spoke to the forefathers. Hence "parepidemos {par-ep-id'-ay-mos} is one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives."  We know that Peter was sent to the Jews, who were foreigners in the nations. But this apostle also uses excerpts from scriptures that had been specifically written to the House of Joseph/Israel (compare 1 Peter 2:10 with Hosea 1:10).  He declared that the believers he was writing to, both Jews and non-Jews came from the same race - "a chosen race a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9 – Exodus 19:6).  As far as YHVH's word is concerned, these are the recipients of the promises (ref. Romans chapter 4; Galatians 3:18; Hebrews 6: 13, 17).

"Only YHVH had a delight in your fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day," Deuteronomy 10:15).  Both Paul and Peter knew the identity of these believers/aliens out in the nations.  This means that an Israelite, living in any country or nation other than his own, would be classified as a "foreigner."  The apostles also knew that the word [d.b.r] of Elohim equaled the promises that were being fulfilled in the lives of the believers from the nations. In very simple terms - His words or promises do not fail: "Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise [Here the Hebrew word is "oh'mer"; meaning speech, word, saying] failed forevermore? (Psalm 77:8).  Because YHVH is His Word [d.b.r] He cannot deny Himself (see 2 Timothy 2:13).  Would He change His mind after He spoke out the promises (root "dabar")?

It is therefore very sobering to read Paul's exhortation to those who have received the promises:  "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of Elohim"  (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Shabbat Shalom,
Ephraim
Hebrew Insights into Parashat Trumah