This Article presents an intriguing perspective on the reason and purpose of the Epistle to the Hebrews.
We understand that this Epistle was initially written in the 1st century C.E. for an audience of Jewish or Hebrew converts to Christianity who needed encouragement to maintain their trust in Yahushua the Messiah.
This Article intends to demonstrate that the Epistle’s message was prophetic and also directed to the Hebrews of the House of Israel (commonly referred to as the Lost Ten Tribes) long after the death and resurrection of Yahushua.
We will also demonstrate that the House of Israel would be located far from the biblical land of Judaea, speaking in a foreign language differing from Hebrew or Hebrew/Aramaic.
Due to time and circumstance, we are approaching, or have already reached, a crucial period for the elect audience within the House of Israel to hear and understand Yahweh’s doctrine of the Eternal Inheritance, an indispensable theme throughout all of Scriptures.
This study aims to uncover the key found in the Epistle to the Hebrews, allowing those who are truly seeking to grasp how Father Yahweh, by means of Yahushua the Messiah, enables mankind to acquire the gift of salvation and eternal life.
To begin our quest, we will first highlight three noteworthy details:
(1) Mysterious Authorship
The Epistle to the Hebrews is notable in the New Testament for several reasons, one of which is its mysterious authorship. Unlike most other epistles in the New Testament that either directly state or allude to their authors, Hebrews does not explicitly reveal who wrote it.
Early church tradition sometimes linked it to Saul (Paul), but others suggested people like Barnabas, Apollos, or even Priscilla. When all of the evidence is considered, we are forced to conclude that the true author remains unknown to this day, which only adds to its intrigue.
(2) Style of Greek
One notable aspect of the Epistle to the Hebrews is its polished and sophisticated use of Greek, distinguishing it from other apostolic writings that typically have a more conversational or pastoral tone.
It is logically suggested that the Epistle was originally composed in Hebrew before being translated into Greek.
Jerome, assuming Paul was the author, states:
He being a Hebrew wrote Hebrew, that is his own tongue and most fluently while the things which were eloquently written in Hebrew were more eloquently turned into Greek… (Jerome, On Illustrious Men, 5)
Furthermore, the Epistle’s complex Greek wording and sentence structure show that the translator was well-educated in Greek rhetoric and highly knowledgeable about Scriptures, especially the Law and the Levitical priesthood, with all its Temple rituals.
(3) No Formal Introduction
The Epistle to the Hebrews is different among the New Testament epistles because it does not follow the typical structure of having a formal greeting or introductory statement. Unlike most other epistles, which begin with the author’s name, a title (such as “apostle”), and a greeting to the recipients, Hebrews begins directly with a theological statement about the Deity speaking through His Son.
The context of the first several passages relays a concerted effort to quickly address matters of utmost importance concerning the people referred to as the Hebrews.
Who Were the Hebrews?
Abraham was a Hebrew. His ancestor was Eber from which the term Hebrew comes from.
And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew (Gen. 14:13)
The Egyptians referred to the Israelites as ‘Apiru (sometimes written as Habiru), which many scholars have determined is the same as the term Hebrews.
Stuart A. West states:
Nonetheless this cannot detract from the clear indications which exist that the origins of the Hebrews are as Habiru.1
William Foxwell Albright concludes:
When the Egyptians speak of the Israelites they call them “Hebrews,” not “Israelites.”2
West and Albright are correct in their observations. The Israelites are Hebrews or Habiru!
The 1st century C.E.
When we fast forward to the 1st century C.E., the Israelites had already been divided into the southern House of Judah (Judah, Benjamin, and Levi) and the northern House of Israel (the remaining Israelite tribes).
It should be recognized that a remnant of the House of Judah occupied Judaea after the return from their Babylonian captivity in 538 B.C.E. However, the House of Israel never returned, for they had long since been deported by the Assyrians to a different land, Media and the East, at the end of the 8th century B.C.E.
It becomes abundantly clear that the House of Israel could not have occupied the territories of Judaea and Galilee, as this is where Yahushua traveled and taught.
Since Yahushua explicitly stated that he was sent specifically to the House of Israel—regardless of their location—we can conclude that His words were intended to be received and understood by them sometime after his death and resurrection.
Lost Sheep
A pertinent fact is that Yahushua the Messiah was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.
But he (Yahushua) answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel. (Matt. 15:24)
One cannot escape the circumstance that Yahushua never went to the House of Israel, for they had long since been gone, residing in another land during his ministry.
In discussing the location of the House of Israel during the 1st century C.E., we refer to the words of the Jewish priest and historian Josephus:
…while until now there have been ten tribes beyond the Euphrates—countless myriads whose number cannot be ascertained. (Josephus Antiquities 11:5:2)
On the other hand, in 30 C.E., Yahushua sent his apostles, who went many years later, beginning in 42 C.E., to the far-off lands where the House of Israel was.
These twelve Yahushua sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the nations, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. (Matt. 10:5-6)
Unique Characteristic
Scriptures emphasize that the House of Israel is located far from Judaea and also describe a unique characteristic that would be associated with them.
For with foreign lips and another language will he (Yahweh) speak to this people (Ephraim/Israel). (Isaiah 28:11)
In the law it is written, “By men of strange languages and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people (Ephraim/Israel), and even then they will not listen to me, says Yahweh.” (1 Cor. 14:21)
Importantly, it should be noted that when Yahushua spoke, he spoke the words of Father Yahweh:
Do you not trust that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. (John 14:10)
It is important to recognize that the words of Yahushua the Messiah were originally intended for the House of Israel, but they would ultimately not be conveyed in Hebrew or Hebrew/Aramaic. Instead, they would be expressed in a foreign language.
This suggests that the House of Israel had lost its identity and lacked knowledge of who it had become as a nation.
Consequently, Yahushua’s message from Father Yahweh, delivered in a language other than Hebrew, would reach the House of Israel at some point in the future while they were living in a distant land far from Judaea.
The Language of the Epistle to the Hebrews
The oldest surviving manuscripts of the Epistle to the Hebrews are written in Greek, as are the manuscripts of the entire New Testament.
However, it is important to remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean that the Epistle to the Hebrews was not originally written in Hebrew.
This leads to a significant question: Why would Yahweh choose to transmit the Gospels and Epistles of the New Testament to the House of Israel in Greek, a foreign language, instead of in Hebrew?
The answer lies in the fact that the House of Israel has lost knowledge of its Hebrew culture and language. Therefore, it would be much easier for them to understand the context and meaning of the New Testament when presented in a language they are more accustomed to.
It seems clear that Greek and English are the two leading foreign languages, alongside Hebrew, that the House of Israel uses to study the Scriptures.
Many also recognize the value of the Greek Septuagint when studying the Old Testament, as it can provide additional clarity when compared to the Masoretic Text.
Forgiveness of Sins
To understand the purpose of the Epistle to the Hebrews, one must grasp the relationship between Yahushua and Father Yahweh. When asked how to pray, Yahushua the Messiah provided his initial guidance:
Pray then like this: OUR FATHER who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matt. 6:9)
OUR FATHER . . . and forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. (Luke 11:4)
It seems straightforward that it is Father Yahweh who forgives us our sins.
Yet, Scriptures also present us with the following:
And when Yahushua saw their trust, he said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)
If someone asks Father Yahweh directly for forgiveness, why would Yahushua forgive our sins? Can one also direct their prayers to Yahushua for forgiveness, seemingly contradicting the original instructions? What do the Scriptures tell us?
Yahushua answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Yahushua emphasizes that no one can attain salvation without going through Him to reach Father Yahweh. This means that individuals must have their sins forgiven before they can approach the Father. Therefore, we can conclude that Father Yahweh has given Yahushua the authority to forgive our sins.
But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” –He then said to the Paralytic–“rise, take up your bed and go home.” (Matt. 9:6)
Why the Epistle to the Hebrews?
We now return to the title of our study: Why the Epistle to the Hebrews?
If Yahushua’s words are true—that he was sent only to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel—how does His message, which is conveyed in a foreign language, assist the House of Israel in achieving salvation and extending that message and ability to all of mankind?
To find the answer to this question, we can refer to the Epistle to the Hebrews, which contains a concealed message specifically directed toward the Hebrews of the House of Israel living far from Judaea.
Uncovering this hidden message is crucial for understanding the essential mechanism of Yahweh’s plan of salvation and eternal life for everyone. We will proceed to reveal this mechanism.
The Mechanism Revealed
The absence of a formal introduction in the Epistle to the Hebrews suggests that the author intentionally decided to present the main message right at the beginning of the letter.
As a result, readers should focus carefully on the first few verses of Hebrews.
Heb. 1:1 The Deity, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.
Heb. 1:2 Hath IN THESE LAST DAYS spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed κληρονόμον (kleronomon; HEIR) OF ALL THINGS, by Whom also He made the ages;
Heb. 1:3 Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Heb. 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath BY κεκληρονόμηκεν (keklēronomēken; INHERITANCE OBTAINED) a more excellent name than they.
In verse two, the Greek word for “heir” is κληρονόμον (kleronomon) and is used two times in the New Testament. (Rom. 4:13; Heb. 1:2)
• Definition of Heir – κληρονόμος (kléronomos) The term “kléronomos” refers to an heir, someone who receives an inheritance.
In verse four, the Greek word for obtaining an “inheritance” is κεκληρονόμηκεν (keklēronomēken) and is used once in the New Testament. (Heb. 1:4)
• Definition of Inheritance – κληρονομέω (kléronomeó) To inherit, to receive an inheritance, to be an heir.
The essence of these two Greek terms centers on the concept of an heir receiving an inheritance. As we know, an heir inherits only after the person who created the will or testament has died.
An astonishing revelation found in the Epistle to the Hebrews is that Yahushua the Messiah is not only the heir but also the testator of the inheritance covenant! This leads to an important question: How can one be both the testator and the heir?
Before we delve into that question, it is essential to recognize another important fact.
Heir of All Things
As indicated earlier, with the first four verses of Hebrews, the author clearly conveys the main message to the audience. This message also describes the crucial mechanism by which Yahushua the Messiah enables mankind to achieve salvation—through an inheritance.
One important point that many overlook is that in verse two, it states that Yahushua is not only an heir but also THE HEIR OF ALL THINGS. This implies that everything Yahushua has received—such as his resurrection, sitting at the right hand of Father Yahweh, and being given a more excellent name—was obtained through an inheritance, which required someone to die in order to pass it on to Him.
Most have overlooked the far-reaching implications of Yahushua receiving all things by an inheritance. Accordingly, the author formally addresses the ramifications of using the mechanism of an inheritance in Chapter Nine.
Before reaching Chapter Nine, the Epistle to the Hebrews discusses the different functions of the Levitical priesthood and their prophetic significance. This includes the Temple services of the Levitical priesthood, the role of animal sacrifices, the contrasting priesthood of Melchizedek, and how Yahushua relates to all these elements.
Covenants in Hebrews 9:15-17
The mystery regarding the concept of an inheritance that is found in the first four verses of the Epistle to the Hebrews is solved by addressing the concept of the Greek term διαθήκη (diathēkē) in Hebrews 9:15-17.
The term διαθήκη (diathēkē) is most commonly interpreted as a “binding agreement” or “covenant.” This reflects its frequent usage in the Greek Septuagint (LXX). The corresponding Hebrew term in the Masoretic Text is ברית (berith).
An example of διαθήκη (diathēkē) as a standard binding agreement can be found with the marriage covenant between the Israelites and Yahweh at Mount Sinai, as described in the Book of Deuteronomy:
And Yahweh said to Moses, Behold, you shall sleep with your fathers, AND THIS PEOPLE WILL ARISE AND GO WHORING AFTER STRANGE DEITIES OF THE LAND, into which they are entering: and they will forsake Me, AND BREAK MY διαθήκην (DIATHEKEN; MARRIAGE COVENANT), WHICH I MADE WITH THEM. (LXX, Deut. 31:16)
The following verse confirms that the διαθήκην (covenant), which was broken, was a marriage covenant:
And I (Yahweh) saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding ISRAEL COMMITTED ADULTERY I had put her away, AND GIVEN HER A BILL OF DIVORCE. (LXX, Jer. 3:8)
According to the above verse, Israel committed adultery and was subsequently divorced by Yahweh. A person can only commit adultery when in the state of marriage.
To clarify the different types of διαθήκη (diathēkē) given in Hebrews 9:15, consider the following:
Therefore, he (Yahushua) is the mediator of a (1) new διαθήκης (diathekes; marriage covenant), so that those who are called may receive the (2) promised Eternal Inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions under the (3) first διαθήκη (diathēkē; marriage covenant). (Heb. 9:15)
This verse can be confusing for many. In reality, it indicates three distinct covenants: two marriage covenants and one inheritance covenant.
(1) The New (marriage) Covenant will be established at the return of Yahushua at His second coming to the earth.
(2) The Eternal Inheritance Covenant was activated at the resurrection of Yahushua.
(3) The First (marriage) Covenant was entered into during the Exodus at Mount Sinai.
However, it must be recognized that there is a notable nuance, which cannot be ignored, with the Eternal Inheritance Covenant as further expounded upon in verses 16-17, where the author plays on the sense of diathēkē as a “testament” or “will,” thus highlighting the role of a death required of the testator for its enactment.
The Mechanism Defined
It is in Hebrews Chapter 9:16-17 where the mechanism utilized by Yahushua the Messiah for the salvation of mankind is precisely explained.
For where a διαθήκη (diathēkē; testament) is, there must also of necessity be the death of the διαθεμένου (diathemenou; testator). (Heb. 9:16)
For a διαθήκη (diathēkē; testament) is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the διαθέμενος (diathemenos; testator lives). (Heb. 9:17)
Hebrews 9:16-17 clearly explains the mechanism that Yahushua the Messiah uses for the salvation of mankind.
These two verses capture the essence of Yahushua the Messiah’s role and purpose, which has been established since the foundation of the world. As stated in 1 Peter:
But with the precious blood of Messiah, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: He (Yahushua) was destined before the foundation of the world… (1 Pet. 1:19-20)
It is evident that the verses of Hebrews 9:16-17 identify Yahushua the Messiah as the testator of the Eternal Inheritance. A question arises: How is it possible that Yahushua can be both the maker and the recipient of an inheritance covenant?
Our assistance in finding the answer is found in the Book of Galatians.
Galatians 3:16
Our key to resolving the dilemma of being both the testator and the recipient of the Eternal Inheritance lies with the following passage:
Now to Abraham and his σπέρματι (spermati; single seed) were the promises made. He said not, And to σπέρμασιν (spermasin; plural seed), as of many; but as of one, And to your σπέρματί (spermati; single seed), which is Messiah. (Gal. 3:16)
According to the Book of Galatians, the promises were made to Abraham and, more significantly, to his singular seed: Yahushua the Messiah.
Who made the promises to Abraham? Genesis 22:15-16 explicitly states that it was the angel of Yahweh, who was named Yahweh! This angel of Yahweh can only be the preexistent Yahushua the Messiah.
And the ANGEL YAHWEH called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, “By myself I have sworn, SAYS YAHWEH, because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your most beloved son. (Genesis 22:15-16)
Next, we turn to Chapter 8 of the Book of John.
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews to him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham? Yahushua said to them, Verily, verily, I say to you, Before Abraham was, I am (existed). (John 8:56-58)
In this chapter, Yahushua tells the Jews that He personally saw Abraham. Understanding the implications of His statement about who He was claiming to be, the Jews attempted to kill him.
Then took they up stones to cast at Him: but Yahushua hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. (John 8:59)
As we progress, we should ask: In Scriptures, where can we find another instance of Yahushua seeing Abraham, and for what purpose?
Yahweh Speaks to Abraham
In Genesis 15:18 and 22:18 we find that it is Yahweh who sees and speaks with Abram (Abraham).
In that day Yahweh made a διαθήκην (diatheken; inheritance covenant) with Abram, saying, To your σπέρματί (spermati; single seed) I will give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river Euphrates. (LXX Gen. 15:18)
And in your σπέρματί (spermati; single seed) shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because you have obeyed My voice.” (LXX, Gen. 22:18)
One can now understand why the Pharisees wanted to kill Yahushua. He declared to them that not only did he personally appear to Abraham, but he did so as Yahweh!
The use of the Greek term σπέρματί (spermati; single seed) completely aligns with both the Septuagint (LXX) translation of LXX Gen. 15:18 and 22:18, together with the New Testament passage of Acts 3:25.
You are the children of the prophets, and of the διαθήκης (diathekes; inheritance covenant) which the Deity made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your σπέρματί (spermati; single seed) shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. (Acts 3:25)
In addition, this indicates that the preexistent Yahushua, the son of Father Yahweh, appeared to Abram (Abraham) as Yahweh. He spoke to Abram, promising to grant him and his single descendant (who would later become Yahushua in human form) a vast tract of land as part of an inheritance covenant.
The Crucial Question
A fundamental question emerges: Why was Yahushua the Messiah required to endure death?
There are three reasons that Scriptures give:
(1) The descendants of Adam must die at least once.
For as in Adam ALL DIE, even so in Messiah shall all be made alive. (1 Cor.15:22)
(2) For Yahushua to become a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek and enter the Holy of Holies of the heavenly tabernacle, He had to become the sinless and perfect inauguration/dedication sacrifice, also being necessary for the eternal New Covenant.
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having secured eternal redemption. (Heb. 9:12)
(3) Because as the testator of the Eternal Inheritance, which contained the promises of eternal life, Yahushua had to die in order to pass it on.
For where a testament is, THERE MUST ALSO OF NECESSITY BE THE DEATH OF THE TESTATOR. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. (Heb. 9:16-17)
Remember that the testament or covenant will was passed on to the singular seed of Abraham, Yahushua the Messiah. He has not yet received all the promises of that will. When Yahushua returns at His second coming at the beginning of the Millennial Sabbath Day, He will take possession of the vast tract of land promised in Gen. 15:18 and fulfill his promise to Abraham when he raises him back to life at the First Resurrection.
With this in mind we also should be aware that Yahushua inherited ALL THINGS, which were contained in the promises of the Eternal Inheritance. (Heb. 1:2)
But, the crucial question still remains: How by Yahushua the Messiah dying, can he provide us salvation and eternal life?
The concise answer is given with Heb. 9:16-17. For any path to salvation, as testator of the Eternal Inheritance, Yahushua had to die in order to pass on all promises made to him by Father Yahweh. Being sinless, Yahushua qualified as the recipient of the covenant will and received all rights to the promises contained in it after His resurrection.
Because Yahushua inherited all things, He has legal rights to it all including the ability to give eternal life via joint-heirship. (Heb. 1:2)
If we repent, Yahushua will forgive our sins through grace, adopting us as joint-heirs with Him and, by Him, heirs of Father Yahweh.
And if children, then heirs; heirs of the Deity, and JOINT-HEIRS WITH MESSIAH; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Rom. 8:17)
This process relies on the principle of inheritance, which states that the testator of a will must die for the provisions of that will to take effect.
Amazingly, the verses of Hebrews 9:16-17 completely solve the mystery of how, by the death of Yahushua the Messiah, he can provide salvation and eternal life to all mankind.
Summary
For those who understand, the report from the Epistle to the Hebrews presents a prophetic message from Yahweh to elect individuals within the House of Israel, intended to be heard in the Last Days. As stated in Hebrews:
Hath IN THESE LAST DAYS spoken unto us by His Son. (Heb. 1:2)
During these Last Days, the House of Israel—commonly referred to as the so-called Lost Ten Tribes—will have lost their national identity, culture, and language. This situation requires Yahweh’s words to be communicated to them in a language other than Hebrew or Hebrew/Aramaic.
It is noteworthy that the nation with the most Bibles available for its people to read and study today is the USA. Furthermore, English is the predominant language of these Bibles, which is entirely strange and foreign to Hebrew.
If we are indeed in the Last Days, it is crucial to have a correct understanding of the doctrine of the Eternal Inheritance. How else could the elect or saints of Yahweh effectively fulfill their duties and responsibilities just before the second coming of Yahushua the Messiah?
Unfortunately, when the overwhelming majority of the House of Israel is confronted regarding their true identity along with Yahweh’s message to them, they will ultimately and knowingly reject Yahweh. It is of utmost importance that the following words are heeded:
Now come, write it before them (Israel) on a tablet, and note it in a book, THAT IT WILL BE IN THE LATTER DAYS, for until the eternal world-age. For this is a rebellious people, lying sons, sons who are not willing to hear the laws of Yahweh, who say to the seers (prophets), “Do not see.” And to those seeing visions, “Do not have a vision of right things belonging to us; speak to us smooth things, have a vision of trivial things; turn aside from the road, stretch from the path, cause the sacred one (Yahweh) of Israel to cease from before us.” Therefore, thus states the sacred one of Israel, Because of your rejection of this word, and your trust in oppression and perversity, and the reliance upon it, therefore this iniquity will be to you as a falling breach, bulging out in a wall made high, which suddenly, in an instant, its smashing comes. And its smashing is as a vessel of the potter smashing. when it is broken, he has no pity. And there is not found in its breaking a sherd to take up from the fire hearth or to skim water from a pool. (Isa. 30:8-14)
This brings to mind the pointed response from Yahweh:
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)
Fortunately, the Scriptures inform us that the message conveyed by the Epistle to the Hebrews will successfully reach those seeking Yahweh’s truth who wish to help establish Yahweh’s kingdom on earth.
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried, but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand, BUT THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND. (Dan. 12:10)
Footnotes:
1 – The Habiru and the Hebrews From a Social Class to an Ethnic Group. By Stuart A. West. Dor le Dor. World Jewish Bible Society. Vol. 7, No 3, Spring 1979. p. 106)
2 – From the Stone Age to Christianity. William Foxwell Albright. Baltimore. The Johns Hopkins Press,1946.
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