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613 Commandments
GraspingGod.com: Bible Study Lesson #5.13
The 613 Commandments Bible Verses:
Who has believed our message? To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew
up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form nor comeliness.
When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised, and rejected
by men; a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering; as one from whom men hide their face,
and we despised him and we did not value him. Surely he has borne our sicknesses, and carried
our pains; yet we considered him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for
our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace
was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has
turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:1-6 NHEB.
Previous Bible study lessons: Jewish Ten Commandments #5.12.
Preliminary Bible Study Questions:
1) What are the Hebrew Scriptures?
2) What is the Torah?
3) What is the Talmud?
4) What is the Mishnah?
Chances are you've clicked on this Bible study because you're intrigued by the thought of 613
Commandments.
Most people realize Ten Commandments are difficult enough to obey, so how much harder
would it be to obey 613?!
Relax, relax... I can show you the secret for personal obedience to all of God's commands, from
the 1st Commandment to the 613th.
God's plan is a mystery, but to a humble soul this beautiful plan of redemption will bring eternal
life.
The same God who created Adam, led Abraham to Canaan, and called Moses and the Israelites
out of Egypt will introduce himself to you, if you come to him on his terms. God makes
covenants, people respond, that's the way it's always been done.
God bless you during this exciting, insightful Scripture study.
Jewish Holy Books
The Hebrew Scriptures, aka Tenach or Jewish Bible, are the original inspired writings for the
Hebrew people. God himself wrote a part of the Scriptures (Exodus 31:18), while he authored
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the remainder through many other appointed prophets, priests, and kings to record what he
wanted the Jews to know.
Moses wrote the Pentateuch, which relays God's 613 Commandments to the Hebrews in their
entirety. The Scriptures are sometimes called the Law and Prophets.
The Torah (pronounced toe-RAH) is the Jewish lifestyle which is grounded in the Scriptures.
The term "Torah" means "guidance or direction from God to His people." Jews were to listen and
understand the Law and strive to live by the Law. The Torah isn't so much a writing as it is a
lifestyle.
The Talmud derives its name from the Hebrew word talmud which means "to study" or
"learning." Jewish rabbis between A.D. 250-500 compiled a collection of Jewish writings and
commentary to form the Talmud.
The Mishnah is the first, and most basic part, of the Talmud. The Mishnah is a collection of
traditional laws (halakoth) orally handed down from teacher to student. It was compiled from
200 BC to AD 135.
Although the Talmud speaks about much of Jewish life, we're going to focus on what it says
about the Law. The Talmud informs us that there are 613 Torah commandments (Hebrew =
mitzvahs). Click here for a free printable list of the 613 Commandments (pdf download).
False Judaism
There are so many false teachings opposing true Judaism in the world. How does a true spiritual
Jew know what is right and what is real? How do they know what God has told them about their
personal salvation? Who can be trusted by Jews who are seeking salvation?
God affirms the human error through Isaiah, "The Lord said, 'Because this people draws near
with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but they have removed their heart far from me,
but in vain do they worship me, teaching the commandments and doctrines of men'" (Isaiah
29:13).
Take this following teaching about the 613 commandments for instance, "The commandments
were given to refine and heal the soul. They do this by connecting the self to varied channels of
G-d's light." Luria.
People like Rabbi Yitzchak Luria lead Jews astray because they teach unbiblical ideas, such as
reincarnation. It's a fiasco. That statement comes from one who applies his godless opinions to
two very important subjects - the 613 Commandments and salvation.
God spoke to the Hebrews directly, leaving his word with them in the form of the Law, Books of
Wisdom, and the Prophets. A true Jew will love and learn these great books that are inspired of
God. They will discern and refute false teachers because their doctrines end in eternal spiritual
death (Proverbs 16:25; Isaiah 55:6-7; 55:8-9).
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God didn't give the 613 Commandments to "heal the soul," he gave the commandments for other
reasons. One reason is that by learning and applying the Law the Hebrew nation would bring
glory to God before other nations of the world (Isaiah 43:20-21). Another reason for the Law is
that it shows individual men and women that they cannot possibly measure up to the holiness of
God (Jeremiah 17:9-10; 18:11) Therefore, they come to realize that they are in need of a Savior,
their promised Messiah (Deuteronomy 18:15-18).
The ceremonial and sacrificial system appeased God for a time, but those things looked forward
to the future Messiah. Yeshua stated, "For before John came, all the prophets and the law of
Moses looked forward to this present time" Matthew 11:13.
King David's Psalm 22 is a picture of the coming Messiah that became so real only God could
have been in control of it. The Book of Isaiah chapters 7-14 are also very messianic in nature and
should be studied by those spiritual Jews who are seeking their Savior. There is one very critical
chapter in the Scriptures, though, that requires its own section.
Jewish Commentary for Isaiah 53
Humble Jewish rabbis over the centuries have uncovered Isaiah 53 from its concealed position.
Historically, many false teachers of Judaism, in their failure to reconcile this chapter with the
truth, have instead buried it. Most Jews aren't aware of this practice by certain, befuddled Jewish
rabbis. Don't believe me? Walk into any synagogue during a Sabbath service and ask to read
Isaiah 53 - you'll be quickly hushed and ushered out of the service.
Rabbis with enlightenment, though, have rightly interpreted the Suffering Servant as the
Messiah. Even the recently deceased Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri spoke of the true Messiah, who
revealed himself to the respected rabbi. Watch this amazing short video.
You can also meet your Messiah like Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri. Here are some additional teachings
from Judaism from prior centuries proving that Isaiah 53 is real, and especially convincing of the
Messiah's nature and imminent return.
"But He was wounded" ... which means that since the Messiah bears our sins, thus producing
the effect of his becoming bruised, it naturally follows that whosoever fails to admit that our
Messiah thus suffers for our sins, that person must endure and suffer for his own sins himself"
(Rabbi Elijah de Vidas).
"I'll proceed in explaining these verses of our own Messiah, who G-d willing, will come speedily
in our days. I am surprised that Rashi and Rabbi David Kimchi have not, with the
Targums, applied it to the Messiah likewise" (Rabbi Naphtali ben Asher Altshuler, ca. 1650
A.D.).
"Our own rabbis of blessed memory with one voice accept and affirm the opinion that the
prophet is speaking of the King Messiah. And we ourselves shall also adhere to the same
view" (Rabbi Moshe Le Sheich, second half of the 16th century).
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"I am pleased to interpret it in accordance with our rabbis, of the King Messiah, and will be
careful, so far as I am able, to adhere to the literal sense: thus, possible, I shall be free from the
fancied and far-fetched interpretations of which others have been guilty. . ." (Rabbi Moshe
Kohen Ibn Crispin of Cordova and Toledo in Spain, ca. 1350).
This "unknown God" of Isaiah 53 is the Jewish Messiah. Okay, but has He already appeared?
The Messiah and the 613 Commandments
Many true Jews have already met their Messiah. You can be the next. The Messiah has come and
your Jewish brothers recorded the incredible event. Many misguided Jews don't believe that
their own God can deliver on his promises, and they're in the majority, but that doesn't make
them right, it only makes them numerous and comfortable. You can be different. You can meet
your God (Amos 4:12).
Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 36:26-27) and Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:13; 31:33) tells Jews of
the coming New Covenant which replaces the former covenant given to Moses. The coming
Messiah and his sacrificial death would usher in the New Covenant.
The New Covenant gives an individual Jew, i.e. not the Nation of Israel, the Spirit indwelling his
body and soul. God's Spirit possesses true spiritual Jews (and now Gentiles) with God's
enlightening Spirit and power to live according to the New Commandments.
God's book for real Hebrews confirms that the New Covenant has come. The New Covenant
arrived in a person who lived perfectly, died sacrificially, and rose to heaven to intercede on your
behalf (John 20:30-31). You can be totally forgiven by God through his Messiah! You can
then be raised to life (after your physical death) like your spiritual ancestors.
Both Moses and Elijah appeared in person to speak with the Messiah. God also spoke,
affirming that his Son is the Messiah who's word must be heeded (Matthew 17:3-6).
613 Commandments to Jesus' Commandments
God's Plan of Redemption had a major milestone during and immediately after Yeshua's earthly
lifetime. A New Covenant replaced the Old Covenant (Hebrews 10:9). The secret mysteries of
the Law and Prophets were revealed by God's Son (Matthew 5:17-19), and later by his new
prophets, aka apostles, such as Paul (1 Corinthians 2:1; 2:7).
God's authority was passed onto his Son, Jesus, during Christ's life (Hebrews 3:6; John 5:22-23).
Yeshua is the anointed One from God (Hebrews 9:14-15); and he established a system of new
commandments (John 13:34-35). And unlike the Jewish religious leaders' unbearable demands,
Jesus' Commandments aren't burdensome (Matthew 23:1-5).
True Jews who love God must, absolutely MUST, prove and display that love by accepting
and loving and following the Messiah, Jesus Christ. They MUST also accept and cherish the
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new words, or new commandments, that Jesus established in the New Covenant (Mark 8:38).
Fruit of the Spirit Response to the 613 Commandments:
Now that you believe God did what He said He would do you MUST respond to his New
Covenant. God is waiting for you to repent and turn to him and Jesus, his only begotten Son
(John 3:16). Jesus said, "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and
he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads
into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't
recognize him" (John 14:15-17).
The only way, dear friend, to obey God's 613 Commandments is to place pure faith into
God's one and only Son. Jesus wants to introduce you, his brother or sister, to God the Father in
heaven (Hebrews 2:10-12). Jesus came for you, to purchase your redemption, and to save your
soul for an eternity spent in heaven. Follow the path that Abraham walked, by placing your
faith in God alone (Hebrews 2:16).
613 Commandments - Grasp This!
There are 613 commandments by which God expected Jewish individuals, priests, and kings to
live. The laws were perfect and just guidelines by which to live, work, and worship; but NOT
ways to secure eternal forgiveness and salvation for one's soul. Faith in God and his Messiah
has always been the way to eternal life.
Jesus prophesied about himself through Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for
the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the humble. He has sent me to comfort the
brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners set free" (Isaiah
61:1).
Jesus knows that you're striving to please God by following all of these biblical commandments.
Today, he wants you to answer his call, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily
burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle
and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light" Matthew 11:28-30.
God wants YOU to live forever, please understand and accept his grace (Isaiah 51:6). But, like
so many others, you've probably forgotten about him (Isaiah 51:13); therefore, repent towards
God and live forever (Isaiah 57:15). You're invited to follow along in our (click) Sinners Prayer.
Next Bible study lesson: Jesus' Commandment #5.14.
613 Commandments Bible Study Questions:
1) What did Moses' Law and the prophets point to in the distant future? (see Matthew 11:13;
Romans 3:25-26). How was such a thing possible?
2) Do Jews believe in a resurrection to eternal life in heaven? (see Job 19:25-26; 2 Samuel
12:23).
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3) Faith believes in God, and faith obeys God, but not perfectly. Thankfully, repentance appeases
God after we commit sin, resulting in our forgiveness. What is repentance? (see Ezra 9).
More 613 Commandments Bible Verses:
Please realize you must stop believing false teachings coming from certain unbelieving rabbis.
Believe those spiritual rabbis who represent the true Jews. Believe God's pure word he gave you
in the Hebrew Scriptures. Isaiah 96-7 talks about Yeshua, who came in 4 B.C. to Nazareth and
Bethlehem:
"For to us a child is born. To us a Son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His
name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of
the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on
his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time
on, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this" (Isaiah 9:6-7).
"Oh come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker, for he is our
God. We are the people of his pasture, and the sheep in his care. Today, oh that you would hear
his voice!" (Psalm 95:6-7).
The 613 Commandments Prayer:
O mighty God of Israel, My soul is in anguish because I've been blinded to the truth of the
Messiah, Jesus Christ. Forgive me, LORD, please forgive my ignorance. You prophesied that
your Son would come and set us free, but I didn't believe you. Thank you for opening my eyes to
your Scriptures and New Gospel like you did for Job 38:36. I'm excited that I can know you, the
God who saved Abraham, Moses, King David, and all the saints of old. I'm unworthy, God, but
so very grateful that you have touched my soul with your sweet and gentle, but awesome power.
I resound with joy like your servant David, "Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done
wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving
power!" I pray in the name of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.
Read more: http://www.graspinggod.com/613-commandments.html#ixzz2HhCEZHBG
Author: Brad Johnson
Copyright: Grasping God Ministries, All Rights Reserved, 2013.
Do not publish for resale in any form. Rights granted to photocopy for small group Bible study.
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