Lost in Translation
T
he purpose of this article is to introduce the reader to the significant evidence of Hebrew and Greek Scripture word studies that are located on the menu bar entitled "Scriptural Evidence." These word studies are not intended to be exhaustive works. Rather, it is the intention of the staff at The Creator's Calendar to reveal that there are yet precious truths to be discovered that have remained hidden just below the surface of all the Scriptural translations specific to the Creator's time system.
The ancient Paleo Hebrew was in use thousands of years before the Jews adopted square letters with vowel points. As new copies were made, the old ones were destroyed, so the priestly scribes had the opportunity to add, modify, and omit what they wished without fear of any comparisons being made to earlier versions.
http://einhornpress.com/hebrew.aspx
Look, the false pen of the scribe certainly works falsehood. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken. Behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD; so what wisdom do they have? Jeremiah 8:8-9 NKJV
It is our belief that the entire Old Testament was written in Paleo Hebrew and that the modern square style Assyrian Script acknowledged today as "Hebrew," was introduced much later.
http://einhornpress.com/hebrew.aspx
Look, the false pen of the scribe certainly works falsehood. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken. Behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD; so what wisdom do they have? Jeremiah 8:8-9 NKJV
It is our belief that the entire Old Testament was written in Paleo Hebrew and that the modern square style Assyrian Script acknowledged today as "Hebrew," was introduced much later.
As truth is progressive, it appears the heavenly Father will bring His unadulterated Scripture truths to light in their intended Paleo Hebrew Script. Until then the staff at the Creator's Calendar will move forward using the best Hebrew sources available at this time, ever relying on the Spirit of Yahushua to guide us. These sources remain as the modern square style Assyrian Script. Although, we do not believe nor rely on the accuracy of the "vowel points," as these have been added more recently to determine both the pronunciation and the meaning of words.
We need to gather divine rays of light from Christ. We need to search the Scriptures, and dig deep in the mines of truth; for the precious jewels do not always lie on the surface; we should search for them as for hidden treasure. Signs of the Times, Dec. 8, 1890.
The most amazing revelations coming to light in these word studies tend to be on the theme of time, defining what the Creator ordained to govern and measure it. Is it possible that in His great wisdom He has allowed His time centric truths to remain hidden for a period, under the rubble of errors and "lost in translation," to fulfill His end-time purposes? If this is even a remote possibility, it would behoove every man, woman and youth to search this out to see if it is so, as great truths are being brought to light for such a time as this.
It is in the sacred writings of Scripture where the oracles of heaven have been kept down through the ages. This is where the principles of Yahuwah's divine laws and appointed times have been portrayed for humanity to not only live according to, but for the purpose of gaining a full and complete understanding of the works of salvation on their behalf.
So crucial are these to mankind's understanding of the love of the heavenly Father and His plan of redemption and restoration, that if thwarted or concealed, many would be lost. Satan, the enemy of souls is not unmindful of this as Scripture reveals his greatest aspiration is to receive the worship due the Creator. He knew that by changing, disguising or by claiming any of Yahuwah's laws were done away with, it would cause a break down in the relationship ties of mankind with their Maker. In addition, by changing all of the units of time ordained at creation and defined in Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus, it would ultimately create a shift in all assemblies for worship, from the Creators appointed times to his own. In this way he might cause mankind to worship, "he knows not what," but Satan, himself. Not surprisingly, Daniel 7:25 reveals this very method would be used by Satan and his followers in high places to take all of mankind unaware, as spoils of the greatest battle ever waged, a battle over the souls of men.
The problem was, how could an entire time system be stolen from the memory of mankind and be replaced with a counterfeit with the least resistance? It was to be accomplished in two phases. First, the Israelites (chosen of Yahuwah for a time and purpose) whenever unfaithful to the laws of Yahuwah, were always allowed to be taken captive. In captivity, they would become victim of the laws and time-keeping of the ruling powers and loose tract of the oracles of truth bestowed upon them, especially with regard to appointed times and Sabbaths. This is precisely what occurred over and over with Israel.
It is in the sacred writings of Scripture where the oracles of heaven have been kept down through the ages. This is where the principles of Yahuwah's divine laws and appointed times have been portrayed for humanity to not only live according to, but for the purpose of gaining a full and complete understanding of the works of salvation on their behalf.
So crucial are these to mankind's understanding of the love of the heavenly Father and His plan of redemption and restoration, that if thwarted or concealed, many would be lost. Satan, the enemy of souls is not unmindful of this as Scripture reveals his greatest aspiration is to receive the worship due the Creator. He knew that by changing, disguising or by claiming any of Yahuwah's laws were done away with, it would cause a break down in the relationship ties of mankind with their Maker. In addition, by changing all of the units of time ordained at creation and defined in Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus, it would ultimately create a shift in all assemblies for worship, from the Creators appointed times to his own. In this way he might cause mankind to worship, "he knows not what," but Satan, himself. Not surprisingly, Daniel 7:25 reveals this very method would be used by Satan and his followers in high places to take all of mankind unaware, as spoils of the greatest battle ever waged, a battle over the souls of men.
The problem was, how could an entire time system be stolen from the memory of mankind and be replaced with a counterfeit with the least resistance? It was to be accomplished in two phases. First, the Israelites (chosen of Yahuwah for a time and purpose) whenever unfaithful to the laws of Yahuwah, were always allowed to be taken captive. In captivity, they would become victim of the laws and time-keeping of the ruling powers and loose tract of the oracles of truth bestowed upon them, especially with regard to appointed times and Sabbaths. This is precisely what occurred over and over with Israel.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6 NKJV
Following the destruction of Jerusalem and Israel's captivity in A.D. 70 and later, the Old and New Testament began to be translated, as it was divinely ordained for the Gospel to go to the gentiles. Is it possible that while great effort was put toward translations among several groups, correct concepts in relation to the Creator's "time" could have been overlooked because the chosen who were given the oracles had gone into captivity and had lost the truths so necessary? Could it also be true that any world power at the time, such as Rome might have taken advantage of this situation, and began to veil the Creator's oracles of appointed times under the rubble of planned errors with the intent that thy become "lost in translation?" After all, Scripture's lunisolar time system with its New Moon's, lunisolar festivals, and lunar Sabbaths, was simply not in sync with either Rome's Julian (45 B.C.) eight-day successive-week calendar or its more modern (A.D. 324) seven-day unbroken-successive-week calendar, or any of her festivals.
If Rome was to be convincing as the successor of Peter and Vicar of Christ, the world must not find the Creator's lunisolar time-system plastered on every page of their translations. An easy remedy would be to leave the Hebrew or Greek words intact, as much of the "time" definitions had been lost, but also exchange the original definition with one that would make logical sense, but not expose the truth and betray their cover. Historical evidence reveals that the truths of Yahuwah's times and laws have been hidden beneath multiple layers of deceitful lies.
Ellen G. White confirms in her narrative that even as long ago as 457 B.C., the scribe, prophet and priest, Ezra, received a divine calling to seek diligently and restore the light of Scripture that had already been obscured. Ezra, Nehemiah and Daniel lived only one thousand years subsequent to Moses writing the grand, first five books of Scripture, yet, errors already existed. It has now been two thousand years since the time of the crucifixion/resurrection, yet, are we to believe that no errors exist at the very time when the "devil is going about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour?"
If Rome was to be convincing as the successor of Peter and Vicar of Christ, the world must not find the Creator's lunisolar time-system plastered on every page of their translations. An easy remedy would be to leave the Hebrew or Greek words intact, as much of the "time" definitions had been lost, but also exchange the original definition with one that would make logical sense, but not expose the truth and betray their cover. Historical evidence reveals that the truths of Yahuwah's times and laws have been hidden beneath multiple layers of deceitful lies.
Ellen G. White confirms in her narrative that even as long ago as 457 B.C., the scribe, prophet and priest, Ezra, received a divine calling to seek diligently and restore the light of Scripture that had already been obscured. Ezra, Nehemiah and Daniel lived only one thousand years subsequent to Moses writing the grand, first five books of Scripture, yet, errors already existed. It has now been two thousand years since the time of the crucifixion/resurrection, yet, are we to believe that no errors exist at the very time when the "devil is going about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour?"
The Return of the Exiles-Ezra the Priest, the Scribe
About seventy years after the return of the first company of exiles under Zerubbabel and Joshua, Artaxerxes Longimanus came to the throne of Medo-Persia. The name of this king is connected with sacred history by a series of remarkable providences. It was during his reign that Ezra and Nehemiah lived and labored. Artaxerxes Longimanus is the one who issued the third and final decree for the restoration of Jerusalem, 457 B. C. While on the throne, he saw the return of a company of Jews under Ezra, the completion of the walls round about Jerusalem by Nehemiah and his associates, the reorganization of the temple services, and great religious reformations instituted by Ezra and Nehemiah. During the long period when Artaxerxes held universal sway, he often showed favor to God's people, and recognized in his trusted and well-beloved Jewish friends, Ezra and Nehemiah, men of God's appointment, raised up for special work.
The experience of Ezra while living among the Jews who remained in Babylon, was so unusual that it attracted the favorable notice of King Artaxerxes, with whom Ezra freely conversed regarding the power of the God of heaven, and his purpose in restoring his people to Jerusalem.
Born of the sons of Aaron, Ezra, in addition to his priestly training, had acquired a familiarity with the writings of the magicians, the astrologers, and the so-called wise men of the Medo-Persian realm. But he was not satisfied with his spiritual condition. He longed to be in full harmony with God: he longed for wisdom to carry out God's will. And so he "prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it." This led him to apply himself diligently to a study of the history of God's people, as given in the writings of Old Testament prophets and kings. He was impressed by the Spirit of God to search the historical and poetical books of the Bible, to learn why the Lord had permitted Jerusalem to be destroyed, and his people to be carried captive into a heathen land. Review and Herald, January 30, 1908.
Ezra gave special study to the experiences of God's chosen people, from the time the promise was made to Abraham, to the deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the exodus. He studied the instruction given them at the foot of Mount Sinai, and throughout the long period of the wilderness-wandering. As he learned more and still more concerning God's dealings with his children, and began to realize how sacred was the law given at Sinai, Ezra's heart was stirred as never before. He experienced a new and thorough conversion, and determined to master the records of Old Testament history, that he might use this knowledge, not for selfish purposes, but to bring blessing and light to his people. Some of the prophecies were about to be fulfilled; he would search diligently for the light that had been obscured. Review and Herald, January 30, 1908.
The experience of Ezra while living among the Jews who remained in Babylon, was so unusual that it attracted the favorable notice of King Artaxerxes, with whom Ezra freely conversed regarding the power of the God of heaven, and his purpose in restoring his people to Jerusalem.
Born of the sons of Aaron, Ezra, in addition to his priestly training, had acquired a familiarity with the writings of the magicians, the astrologers, and the so-called wise men of the Medo-Persian realm. But he was not satisfied with his spiritual condition. He longed to be in full harmony with God: he longed for wisdom to carry out God's will. And so he "prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it." This led him to apply himself diligently to a study of the history of God's people, as given in the writings of Old Testament prophets and kings. He was impressed by the Spirit of God to search the historical and poetical books of the Bible, to learn why the Lord had permitted Jerusalem to be destroyed, and his people to be carried captive into a heathen land. Review and Herald, January 30, 1908.
Ezra gave special study to the experiences of God's chosen people, from the time the promise was made to Abraham, to the deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the exodus. He studied the instruction given them at the foot of Mount Sinai, and throughout the long period of the wilderness-wandering. As he learned more and still more concerning God's dealings with his children, and began to realize how sacred was the law given at Sinai, Ezra's heart was stirred as never before. He experienced a new and thorough conversion, and determined to master the records of Old Testament history, that he might use this knowledge, not for selfish purposes, but to bring blessing and light to his people. Some of the prophecies were about to be fulfilled; he would search diligently for the light that had been obscured. Review and Herald, January 30, 1908.
Even in Ezra's day the truth had been obscured, which required diligent effort to discover the hidden and eternal truths of the Father and restore them.
Ezra took pains with his studies. He endeavored to gain a heart-preparation for the work he believed was appointed him. He sought God earnestly, that he might be a workman of whom his Lord would not be ashamed. He searched out the words that had been written concerning the duties of God's denominated people; and he found the solemn pledge made by the Israelites, that they would obey the words of the Lord; and the pledge that God, in return, had made, promising them his blessing as a reward of obedience. Review and Herald, January 30, 1908.
Each person who is to be fit for the work ahead must endeavor to gain a heart preparation. Ezra believed he was being appointed to the specific role of restoring the original truths of Scripture that had been "lost in translation."
Ezra's Plan to Restore the Oracles
With painstaking effort Ezra sought to arrive at the true sense of the Old Testament scriptures, and to revive their original meaning. He became thoroughly conversant with the writings of Moses. His desire to please God led him to strive earnestly to learn the true significance of the Ten Commandments. He searched for all those statements in sacred history that relate to the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, and to the laws written in books, which the Israelites had been directed to preserve carefully as the commands of God. Review and Herald, January 30, 1908
Amazingly, something about the Old Testament Scriptures, so long ago, had already lost its original meaning. Is it any wonder that we are discovering similar errors in translation today?
The Laws Contained in Books
These laws contained in books were not a new revelation, but a repetition of the ceremonial laws given at Sinai. Before Moses left the children of Israel, at the command of God, to die in the land of Moab, the laws that had formerly been given were repeated and enlarged upon. Some methods for their enforcement were given; some precepts were explained, and the reasons why they had been given were made plain. Upon several occasions the judgments of God had fallen upon transgressors; the commands that had been transgressed at these times were repeated. Transgressors were to know that disobedience would surely bring the punishment of God. Review and Herald, January 30, 1908.
The laws contained in books were none other than the "ceremonial laws" as given at Sinai. These were repeated to the children of Israel just before they entered the Promised Land. Is it possible that history is being repeated? It is conceivable that the heavenly Father would repeat these same laws today and enlarge upon them, just as He did with Israel? It was these laws that declared heaven's timepiece to be beaconed by the New Moon and demonstrates lunisolar calendation. It is only upon this time-system the true Sabbath has been preserved.
Ezra, Restorer of the Breach
Ezra inquired into the oracles of God diligently, that he might exert an influence in accordance with the expressed will of God. He felt that, for himself, he must do the will of the Lord; for only as he should bring his mind into harmony with truth could he be taught to labor in harmony with the Word of God. As he learned to yield his mind and will to the control of God, there were brought into his life the principles of true sanctification, which, in latter years, had a molding influence not only upon the minds of the youth who sought his instruction, but upon all others who associated with him.
God chose Ezra to be an instrument of good unto Israel, that the Lord might put honor upon the priesthood, the glory of which had been greatly eclipsed during the captivity. Ezra developed into a man of extraordinary learning, and became "a ready scribe in the law of Moses." These qualifications made him an eminent man in the Medo-Persian kingdom.
Ezra became a mouthpiece for God, educating those about him in the holy principles that govern in heaven. To live according to the commandments of God,--this was the rule of his life, his purpose. He first learned, and then he taught. He learned to conduct his own life in accordance with truth and righteousness; then he set himself to teach Israel the statutes and judgments of God. That which he learned of truth he communicated to others, in order that the same living influence might work in their lives. During the remaining years of his lifetime, whether near the court of the king of Medo-Persia or at Jerusalem, his principal work was that of a teacher. With painstaking care he taught the law of the Lord, and urged the importance of obedience. His example in word and deed carried with it a weight of influence; for the Spirit of God was with him. Teaching thus, he educated his fellow men in the knowledge of truth that would live through eternal ages. Review and Herald, January 30, 1908.
God chose Ezra to be an instrument of good unto Israel, that the Lord might put honor upon the priesthood, the glory of which had been greatly eclipsed during the captivity. Ezra developed into a man of extraordinary learning, and became "a ready scribe in the law of Moses." These qualifications made him an eminent man in the Medo-Persian kingdom.
Ezra became a mouthpiece for God, educating those about him in the holy principles that govern in heaven. To live according to the commandments of God,--this was the rule of his life, his purpose. He first learned, and then he taught. He learned to conduct his own life in accordance with truth and righteousness; then he set himself to teach Israel the statutes and judgments of God. That which he learned of truth he communicated to others, in order that the same living influence might work in their lives. During the remaining years of his lifetime, whether near the court of the king of Medo-Persia or at Jerusalem, his principal work was that of a teacher. With painstaking care he taught the law of the Lord, and urged the importance of obedience. His example in word and deed carried with it a weight of influence; for the Spirit of God was with him. Teaching thus, he educated his fellow men in the knowledge of truth that would live through eternal ages. Review and Herald, January 30, 1908.
Just as Nehemiah is known for his leadership in repairing the breach in the physical walls and streets of Jerusalem, Ezra was proactively repairing the spiritual breach in the truths that had been obscured over time and their state of captivity.
The first line in this last paragraph from Ellen White's narrative is pregnant with meaning. For all the laws of Yahuwah are incorporated within "the principles that govern in heaven." These include the Ten Commandments, the ceremonial laws and the Creator's calendar, which has always been lunisolar. At creation, it was the sun, moon and stars together, that were appointed to govern time (Genesis 1:14-18).
While most of Scripture is translated correctly, much of it relating to time has been "lost in translation." Just like with Israel of old, He is raising up His faithful to restore and rebuild His ancient walls and paths of truth in preparation for entering the Promised Land, and through the gates into the heavenly city, New Jerusalem. Would you like to be counted among these builders and restorers of the breach? Refer to word studies in, "Scriptural Evidence."
The first line in this last paragraph from Ellen White's narrative is pregnant with meaning. For all the laws of Yahuwah are incorporated within "the principles that govern in heaven." These include the Ten Commandments, the ceremonial laws and the Creator's calendar, which has always been lunisolar. At creation, it was the sun, moon and stars together, that were appointed to govern time (Genesis 1:14-18).
While most of Scripture is translated correctly, much of it relating to time has been "lost in translation." Just like with Israel of old, He is raising up His faithful to restore and rebuild His ancient walls and paths of truth in preparation for entering the Promised Land, and through the gates into the heavenly city, New Jerusalem. Would you like to be counted among these builders and restorers of the breach? Refer to word studies in, "Scriptural Evidence."
Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. Isaiah 58:12 NKJV
May Yahuwah continue to bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Kerrie L. French
Freelance writer/Illustrator