Exploring the Historical and Theological Aspects of Noahide Laws – Part 2
Greetings, saints of the Most High! Welcome to another installment of the Messianic Torah Observer. Today, we delve into the second part of our discussion on the Noahide Laws, a concept originating from Rabbinic Judaism and the Talmudists around the 4th to 6th centuries CE.
In our previous discussion, we explored the origins and development of the Noahide Laws. These laws, although linked to Torah, are not biblically mandated but rather a Rabbinic invention. Modern Orthodox Judaism teaches that non-Jews who keep these laws will be granted a place in the world to come, a principle not found in the Torah or the whole of scripture.
The True Purpose of Noahide Laws
The Noahide Laws were developed to guide Jewish society in dealing with non-Jews, both legally and socially. The Tosefta Avodah Zarah, a compilation of Jewish oral law, reveals that these laws were conceived with a bias against Gentiles, viewing them as idolaters who cannot be trusted. The Rabbis aimed to instruct Jewish communities on how to interact with non-Jews, especially in legal matters.
The Controversy and Modern Implications
The Noahide Laws have influenced various Western governments’ judicial systems and social norms, particularly in the United States. However, there is a conflict within Judaism regarding the exact precepts of these laws. Some believe that no Gentiles can have a part in the world to come, even if they keep the Noahide Laws, due to an erroneous interpretation of Torah.
Practical Messianic Insights
For Messianic believers, the Noahide Laws hold no bearing. We answer only to our Rabbi and Master, Yahoshua Messiah, and not to Rabbinic authority. The concept of one law for both Hebrews and Gentiles is emphasized in Torah, and we must be cautious of any teachings that suggest otherwise.
Conclusion
The Noahide Laws were developed to maintain Jewish distinctiveness and to guide interactions with non-Jews. However, they are not biblically mandated and hold no significance for Messianic believers. Our focus should remain on following the teachings of Yahoshua Messiah and the Torah.
Tithes and Offerings Related to Torah and Messianics
This week’s Torah Reading touched upon the Firstfruits’ offering and the Tithe. The Firstfruit Offering or Tithe (Dt. 26:1-11) The issue and topic of giving offerings and tithing are always controversial, both within and without our Faith Community. As Torah Observant...
Messianics Engaged in Political and Social Activism
A speaker at a recent prophecy conference denounced apathy in the body of Christ and demanded Christians wake-up from their apathy and engage in political and social activism, so to speak. Given the mixed Faith Communities represented at this conference,...
Torah Portion Re’eh–See–I Set Before You a Blessing and a Curse
Torah Portion Re'eh--(See) I Set Before You a Blessing and a Curse--11:26-16:17 This week's Torah Reading, entitled “Re’eh” or “See—I Set Before You a Blessing and a Curse,” is found in Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17. I found this reading to be rich in...
Torah Portion ‘Ekev–On the Heel Of–Because
This week's Torah Portion (i.e., Reading/Parashat) was entitled, 'Ekev--On the Heel Of--Because. It is found in Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25. [If you follow the Torah Portions or Readings, I invite you to check out my post entitled, "Hebrew Roots and Torah Portions--Are...
Torah-Keeping–When it is Practiced in Sin
This Week's Torah Reading--D'varim This week's Torah Reading was D'varim. A section of it addressed our eventual abandonment of Father's Torah after we were established in the land. As a result of our abandonment of Torah, the land would be overrun by Gentiles and we...
As It Was In The Days of Noah
Do recent advancements in DNA manipulation and Artificial Intelligence portend the return of Yahoshua Messiah? Are they elements of modern day spin-offs to the Days of Noah? Each week it seems, we receive more and more disturbing news about the existential dangers...
Sacred Oaths and Vows–The Wages of Sin–The Spoils of War
In today’s post, I wish to reflect upon elements of this week’s combined Torah Portions entitled Mattot (or Tribes) and Masei (or Journeys). This Portion ends our journeys through the Book of Numbers and sets the stage for our historic and long-awaited conquest of the...
The Red Heifer–Parashah 39–Hukkat–Numbers 19
I pray that you had a meaningful Sabbath Rest. This week's Torah Portion was yet again an amazing journey into the Things and Ways of YHVH that defy anything that humanity could ever imagine. This 39th Portion addresses the "Mystery of the Red Heifer," which is a...
Hebrew Roots and Torah Portions–Are Torah Portions Valid for Messianics
I have always been one to think: if one person has a question on a particular topic or issue that I have posted on this program, it stands to reason that there are others out there who have the same question. Recently I received feedback from a dear listener of this...
Messianic Lessons From The Revolt of Korah
The Players of this Torah Portion The players of this passage are: Moshe, Aharon (Cohen Gadol); Korah (a Levite of which he and his family and lineage served with the Aaronic Levitical Priesthood--he was not a priest but a most blessed assistant and servant to YHVH);...