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by Tom Moniz
I see Torah as the whole story, and the rest of Prophecy as magnification of Torah, giving us more details to the story. The book of Shamuel is prophecy concerning today. I see the characters as "acting out" prophecy to magnify Torah. Shamuel as Yahushua, Eli as Yochanan the Baptist, the Philistines are the Philistines, those who plugged up Avraham's wells with dust which represent erroneous doctrine (bad leavening), Shaul as Paul, David as us, the beloveds.
The question is why was a Benyamite the first King? Is this also magnification of Torah? When Yosef was in Mitzraim (Egypt) providing seed for the Gentiles, just as Yahushua is doing now, Benyamin was being set as leader of Yisrael by Yacov. When the Yisraelites realized that Yosef was alive, Yosef was placed where he belonged, as Head of the Tribes of Yisrael. How does Yahudah fit in? Well Yahudah had learned from his experience with Tamar about what it felt like to loose a son. He had the right heart, repentant, and obedient to his father Yacov. He had learned from what had happened to Reuven, Shimeon, and Levi and would not make the same mistakes they made. He would accept his fathers choice of leader and the smart brothers were those who followed Yahudah. Benyamin was not a strong leader and pretty much let his brothers do what they wanted out of fear, just as Shaul:
1Sam. 15:24 And Shaul said unto Shamuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of YHVH, and thy words: because I FEARED THE PEOPLE, and obeyed THEIR VOICE.
We are the Davids, the Beloveds:
2Sam. 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith YHVH Elohim of Yisrael, I anointed thee king over Yisrael, and I DELIVERED THEE OUT OF THE HAND OF SHAUL (SHEOL);
Line of Benyamin, brother of Yosef
I've put these thoughts together to get people to open up their minds to other possibilities than the traditional line or "teachings of the Fathers". I try to base my thoughts on Torah and build from there. Read at your own discretion.
Jer. 16:19 O YHWH, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, SURELY OUR FATHERS HAVE INHERITED LIES, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.
Amos 2:4 Thus saith YHWH; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of YHWH, and have not kept his commandments, AND THEIR LIES CAUSED THEM TO ERR, AFTER THE WHICH THEIR FATHERS HAVE WALKED:
Starting in Genesis, the foundation, we will follow some of the significant descendants of Benyamin. You may see a pattern. Let us start with Benyamin himself. He was the only Israelite who did not take part in selling Yosef into slavery. Not only that, all 12 of the Israelites were named by their mothers. Notice Benyamin is the only one with 2 names:
Gen. 35:18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Ben-oni: but his father called him Benjamin.
According to Young's Concordance Ben-oni means child of sorrow, whereas Ben-yamin means "son of my right". Quite a contrast, no? Right off the bat we have dual meaning and purpose. Not only that, it was Yacov who named him and NOT his mother as with ALL the other Israelites. How did Yosef say he was going to "prove" His brothers?
Gen. 42:15 HEREBY YE SHALL BE PROVED: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither. 16 Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be PROVED, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies.
Are the descendants of Benyamin used to "prove" us to this day? What does the blessing of Jacob say:
Gen. 49:27 Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; In the morning he DEVOURS THE PREY, And in the evening he DIVIDES THE SPOIL.
Notice how the next significant Benyamite uses deception to bring about good:
Judges. 3: 15 But when the children of Israel cried unto YHWH, YHWH raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benyamite, a man left-handed ("shut of his right hand" literally): and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. 16 But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh. 17 And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man. 18 And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present. 19 But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. 20 And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat. 21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
Shut of his right hand? Double Edged Dagger? ...hmmm. Let us now look at King Saul the next significant Benyamite and compare him with Paul. The first thing that MUST be mentioned is that his name in Hebrew is also the same Hebrew word translated Hell (SHEOL). Here is its first usage where KJV translates it "grave":
Gen. 42:38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the GRAVE.
Notice how King Saul was believed to be a prophet by some of Israel:
1Sam. 10: 11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? IS SAUL ALSO AMONG THE PROPHETS? 12 And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore IT BECAME A PROVERB, Is Saul also among the prophets? 13 And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.
1Sam. 19:23 And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD WAS UPON HIM ALSO, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, IS SAUL ALSO AMONG THE PROPHETS?
I have always believed that Paul was speaking of himself in this next reference, but even if he isn't it is quite clear from his letters that he thought he received revelation from Yahweh and was considered a prophet by the people, even today:
2Cor. 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
Notice how the people thought Paul was a god:
Acts 14:11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
And continuing, notice how Paul has an "angel of satan".
2Cor. 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the MESSENGER OF SATAN to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Messenger is translated from the same Greek word translated angel, actually even in the Hebrew the same Hebrew word is translated both messenger and angel depending on the whims of the translators. It would have been more faithful if the translators stuck with either physical or spiritual concepts when translating this verse. To be consistent it should be either "angel of satan" or "messenger of the adversary", not "messenger of satan" which is inconsistent. Notice how Saul also had an evil spirit from Yahweh troubling him:
1Sam. 16:14 But the spirit of YHWH departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from YHWH troubled him.
Was it Yahweh's will to use him to test men? Is this why Paul would need grace because of his doubletalk (double edged dagger), easy to misinterpret to what you want to believe? Did Paul know he would be misinterpreted? If you notice "grace is sufficient for Paul" it does NOT say "grace is sufficient for US"!
2Cor.
12:9 And he said unto me, MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in
distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 11 I am
become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I
ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very
chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
Notice how Yosef blesses Benyamin with grace before He frames him with the golden cup to test His brothers:
Gen. 43:29 As he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, he said, "Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? And he said, "May God be GRACIOUS to you, my son.
These "coincidences" seem to be adding up don't they? Notice how Saul built an altar, and a monument:
1Sa 14:35 And Saul buildeth an alter to YHWH; with it he hath BEGUN TO BUILD ALTARS to YHWH.
1Sa 15:12 And Samuel riseth early to meet Saul in the morning, and it is declared to Samuel, saying, `Saul hath come in to Carmel, and lo, he is setting up TO HIMSELF a monument, and goeth round, and passeth over, and goeth down to Gilgal.'
Notice how Paul gave his own opinions which were NOT from Yahushua:
1Cor. 7:12 But to the rest speak I (Paul), NOT THE LORD: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
1Cor. 7:25 Now concerning virgins I HAVE NO COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD: yet I give MY JUDGMENT, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. These are just 2 references, there are many others.
Next time you find yourself reading Paul's writings notice how often he makes a point of pointing out that some of the things he is saying are his opinion, there are many! Is this a test to see if we will follow Yahweh or the opinions of man? I am not saying that Paul is condemned or anything of the sort, just that he was used for a purpose, to test us.
Notice how Paul talks of people being judged according to HIS gospel.
Rom. 2:15 Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL. *Paul's Gospel*
Rom. 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to him that is of power to establish you ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL *Paul's Gospel*, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
What is the difference with Paul's gospel and Yahushua's? Is it for "dividing the spoil"? Yahushua NEVER spoke against the Sinai Covenant although He did speak against the added burdens placed on the Covenant by the Pharisees. Do these next 4 verses sound similar?
Gen. 42:34 And bring your YOUNGEST BROTHER unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffic in the land. (*youngest here from the Hebrew word "lesser"*)
1Sam. 15:17 And Samuel said, When thou wast LITTLE IN THINE OWN SIGHT, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and YHWH anointed thee king over Israel? ("little" here is the same Hebrew word as "youngest")
1Cor. 15:9 For I am the LEAST OF THE APOSTLES, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
1Sam. 9:21 And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benyamite, of the SMALLEST OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL? and my family the LEAST OF ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE TRIBE OF BENJAMIN? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?
Could this next reference be prophecy about Paul? If you read the context you may agree that it fits quite well. This first verse seems to be speaking of when the Kingdom was first split:
Zech. 11:14 Then I cut my second staff, Union, in pieces, to break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. (Now it seems that Yahweh is going to drive the "wedge" deeper, Judah representing the Law) 15 And YHWH said to me, "TAKE AGAIN for yourself the equipment of A FOOLISH SHEPHERD. 16 For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. 17 Woe to the idol shepherd that LEAVETH THE FLOCK! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: HIS ARM CLEAN DRIED UP, and his RIGHT EYE SHALL BE UTTERLY DARKENED.
"Take again"? Was Saul the 1st, and Paul the 2nd foolish shepherd? Now is it possible that there is a parallel here or am I seeing things? Was Paul "shut of his right hand" like Ehud? Is this why he had trouble writing? When he wrote, he wrote very large print. Is it possible that it was because he was right handed and because it was "shut" he had to write with his left hand? We also know Paul had trouble with his eyesight. Is it possible Paul was anointed but unfortunately turned from Yahweh just as Saul? Did he build monuments to himself like Saul? Was he just used to play a role? To "divide the spoil"? To use Paul's own words:
1Cor. 10: 11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that THINKETH HE STANDETH take heed lest he fall.
Do we "thinketh we standeth"? Don't forget, they even had the same name! Did Paul know that his words would easily be twisted so if a person who was unwilling to obey the 10 Words could easily interpret Paul's letters to justify their not keeping them? Was Paul used for the purpose of testing men to see if they would follow Yahweh or the teachings of men? Does Saul's Kingdom symbolize man's system whereas David's Kingdom the Kingdom of Yahweh our Elohim? Which Kingdom do you prefer? Do we repent (as David) of our ways, or do we continue deciding good and evil for ourselves (as King Saul)? Remember what Peter had to say about Paul's writings:
2Pet. 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things HARD TO BE UNDERSTOOD, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, SEEING YE KNOW THESE THINGS BEFORE, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
Do we "know these things"? I highly encourage Torah study for all Christians. How else would a person be able to determine if something contradicts Torah unless you KNOW it inside and out! How can we think we understand Paul who was a Torah Scholar, if we do not study Torah ourselves?
Notice this account of a descendant of Benyamin and Saul:
2Sam. 16:5 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family OF THE HOUSE OF SAUL, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. 6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: 8 YHWH hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and YHWH hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. 9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. 10 And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, BECAUSE YHWH HATH SAID UNTO HIM, CURSE DAVID. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? 11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benyamite do it? let him alone, AND LET HIM CURSE; FOR YHWH HATH BIDDEN HIM. 12 IT MAY BE THAT YHWH WILL LOOK ON MINE AFFLICTION, AND YHWH WILL REQUITE ME GOOD FOR HIS CURSING THIS DAY. 13 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust. 14 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.
Who "seems" to curse the Davids (beloveds) of the world who keep the Commandments more than those who follow Paul instead of Yahushua? Who causes others to curse Yahweh's Law? Is it not people who twist Paul's writings? Is Paul helping to identify the tares? Is this why David says Yahweh told Shimei to curse? Is good going to come from this? Are the Benyamites still testing us? Notice again what Yisrael's blessing is to Benyamin:
Gen. 49:27 Benjamin is a wolf that raveneth: In the morning (King Saul?) he shall devour the prey, And at even he (Paul?) shall divide the spoil.
Is it not evening? Is not Paul dividing the spoil? Was King Saul the morning? There is an interesting account in 1Sam. 14:24 thru 45, it concerns a vow made by Saul and honey being eaten by his son Yonathan. If you search "honey" I think you will easily see how it is symbolic of Torah (Life). Land of milk and honey: breast milk and meat, baby food and adult food? I will copy just 1 verse to hopefully encourage you to read the account for yourself and see what I mean:
1Sa 14:29 Then said Jonathan, My father (Saul) hath TROUBLED THE LAND: see, I pray you, how MINE EYES HAVE BEEN ENLIGHTENED, because I TASTED a little of this HONEY. (Saul had troubled the land with a decree to the nation to fast until he was given victory. Could this represent not eating of Torah today?)
Let us look at another thing that Paul says that I believe is misunderstood:
Rom. 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. People like to use this to say that Paul sinned. Paul clearly was given a large portion of Ruach HoChodesh (Holy Spirit), probably more than you and I combined. Why, with the spirit indwelling in him, would he sin? Especially when there is not one account in the NT of him ever breaking even 1 of the 10 Commandments! I believe he is talking of the thorn in his flesh, the "messenger of the adversary"! Notice he says in vs. 16: I CONSENT UNTO THE LAW THAT IT IS GOOD.
In my mind it is clear, he wanted to speak more clearly but that was not Yahweh's will for him. Paul had a different purpose, to "divide the spoil"!
Personally I believe that Paul was inspired to speak in a way that if you wanted to justify not obeying Yahweh that you could by twisting his words. His writings expose what is in our hearts, whether we are obedient to Yahweh, or trying to find a way around His Laws. This I believe was his "thorn in the flesh". But then, even though Paul never says "not to keep the 10 Commandments", if you believe that is what he said you would be following a man and not Yahweh. Ever notice how "Christians" who say the 10 Cpommandments are not binding rarely, if ever quote Yahushua? They always quote Paul. Does this make them Christians or Paulinians? I believe that Paul was quite aware of this and it troubled him. Yahweh however had a purpose for Paul and it was to "divide the spoil" as stated in Gen 49:27. Paul, being a willing servant, is accomplishing this role quite well, this is why he needed Yahweh's grace, it was sufficient for him. Now you may say, Yahweh would not inspire someone to do this, well I believe this says otherwise:
Deut. 13:1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 AND the sign or the wonder COME TO PASS, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: FOR YHWH YOUR GOD PROVETH YOU, to know whether ye love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
So what should I do if something seems to contradict Torah:
Deut. 13:4 Ye shall walk after YHWH your God, and fear HIM, and keep HIS commandments, and obey HIS voice, and ye shall serve HIM, and cleave unto HIM.
There are many examples of Yahweh testing His children. If He tempted righteous Abraham do we really think that we are exempt?
Gen. 22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that GOD DID TEMPT ABRAHAM, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
Notice Samuel's warning to the people when they asked for a king:
1Sam. 12:13 Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, YHWH hath set a king over you. 14 If ye will fear YHWH, and serve HIM, and obey HIS VOICE, and NOT REBEL against the commandment of YHWH, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following YHWH your God:
Did you notice how Samuel makes a point of telling the people to NOT REBEL AGAINST THE COMMANDMENT OF YAHWEH? To obey the voice of Yahweh over the King? Saul caused Israel to sin often. Be careful when reading Paul, if it seems to contradict Torah it is either a mistranslation or your own heart deceiving you. Next time you find yourself reading about King Saul look a little deeper and you will notice many parallels between his fruits and Paul's. I don't want to give the wrong impression, personally I believe that Paul is Yahweh's anointed, he is the Benyamite king that precedes Yahweh's Kingdom. I treat him just as David treated Saul: I may be guilty of cutting the edge of his garment, but I will NOT slay him. I also will not hold onto his coattails either. Just as David "cut the corner" of Saul's robe. Another interesting "coincidence" is how Saul summoned Samuel from the dead, just as Paul "saw" Yahshua:
1Sam. 28:14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.
Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Now getting back to the account of Yosef and His brothers. Notice how Yosef "frames" Benyamin for the crime of stealing the silver cup:
Gen. 44:1 And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. 2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.
Was Paul also "framed" for the crime of doing away with the 10 Commandments? If you look with an open mind, Paul never breaks any of the 10 Commandments after the road to Damascus. I say do as he did, not as he "seems" to say!
Paul's writings are for those who study Torah, reading his writings are like reading the writings of a 25 year Doctorate of Law from Harvard. I have much trouble with some of what he wrote, but I just put it aside until I can fit it into the context of what has been firmly established as a foundation. That foundation is the written instructions (Torah) and the living example Yahushua. I do know that there is much we can learn from his writings, but only when applied to Torah. Remember the prophecy:
Gen. 49:27 Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he (Saul) shall devour the prey, and at night he (Paul) shall divide the spoil.
Do not be deceived. Let us live by the example set by Yahshua the anointed! Let us live by the simple Law of Love, the 10 Commandments. Remember it is Yahushua we are supposed to follow:
Matt. 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
The heaven and earth remain. Remember our righteousness must EXCEED the righteousness of the Pharisees. Clearly, keeping the Commandments of our Father is part of righteousness:
Deut. 6:25 And it shall be our righteousness, IF we observe to do all these commandments before YHWH our God, as he hath commanded us.
This is from the Encyclopedia Britannica:
"The tragedy of Saul was that he was a TRANSITIONAL FIGURE who had to bear the burden of being the man who was OF AN OLD ORDER and at the same time OF A NEW WAY of life among a people composed of disparate elements and leading figures. Both Samuel, the last judge of Israel, and David, the future builder of the small Israelite empire, opposed him. Saul was more a judge--A CHARISMATIC LEADER--than a monarch. Unlike most kings of his time and area, he levied no taxes, depended on a volunteer army, and had no harem. He did not construct a court bureaucracy but relied rather on the trust of the people in his charismatic leadership and thus did not alter the political boundaries or structure of the tribal confederacy."
You must admit, it sounds much like Paul's mission, does it not?
