Understanding Hebrew roots – “God’s ways” not “Jewish traditions”

Far too many Christians are taught today in churches that the Old Testament is an interesting book of stories but not relevant anymore or that somehow the New Testament has completely replaced the Old Testament. This is simply not true. Seek to understand the Hebrew roots God Himself created as the foundation of our relationship with Him and how to place them in proper context in our lives today. Test what you have been taught by our culture and churches today against what scripture really says.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Let us also remember that Yeshua was judged perfect by obeying the law and instructions of YHWH laid out in the Old Testament. He should be our example and we should seek to better understand the ways he lived when he was among us physically, setting the example for us to follow. Then we can seek carefully to understand what elements have been fulfilled. Understanding the Hebrew roots of our faith draws us closer to Yeshua.

Do not accept the world’s assessment that these are “Jewish ways”, as if that is a bad thing. This is about understanding God’s ways, which He gave to the Jewish people and much of which Christians have discarded in favor of the ways of man.

There are great resources available online through ministries that are focused on understanding the Hebrew roots of our faith in Christ Jesus. Focused Ministries – Understanding Hebrew Roots

Additional resources I recommend include:

• Ancient Israel: Its Life and Institutions, by Roland De Vaux, is considered by many to be a modern classic, Ancient Israel offers a fascinating, full-scale reconstruction of the social and religious life of Israel in Old Testament times which can be valuable in understanding God’s word in proper context.
• Learn about the appointed times of YHWH at Bible.org or a PDF copy of Bible.org/ Leviticus 23, in a message preached by Don Curtis.
• The Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of The Bible, by Jeff A. Benner. Biblical Hebrew lexicons typically provide a modern western definition and perspective to Hebrew roots and words. This prevents the reader of the Bible from seeing the ancient authors’ original intent of the passages. This is the first Biblical Hebrew lexicon that defines each Hebrew word within its original Ancient Hebrew cultural meaning.
• Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Set (Old Testament), by John H. Walton. Many today find the Old Testament a closed book. The cultural issues seem insurmountable and we are easily baffled by that which seems obscure. Furthermore, without knowledge of the ancient culture we can easily impose our own culture on the text, potentially distorting it. This series invites you to enter the Old Testament with a company of guides, experts that will give new insights into these cherished writings.