A Pure Language

A Pure Language

“But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge,” (Daniel 12:4). These words spoken by the angel of Yahweh to Daniel have certainly come to pass. The vast amount of information available today on virtually every subject has significantly increased man’s general understanding of the world in which we live. Due to the “information super highway,” access to that information is unprecedented.
One area of increased knowledge is the subject of the Sacred Names of our Heavenly Father and His Son1. Most scholars and religious leaders readily acknowledge and accept “Yahweh” as the most accurate transliteration of the four letters of the Tetragrammaton (that is, the four Hebrew letters that comprise the name of our Heavenly Father). The hybrid form “Jehovah,” which has been more accepted and in common use for centuries, has been widely cast off as a poor substitute for the true name of Yahweh. Yahweh’s name has been used in pop songs, on weekly television shows, in movies, textbooks, newspapers, magazines, and in many personal discussions throughout the world.

Today, even the correct name of our Savior, Yahshua, is more recognized. We must remember that He had the same name as the Israelite general and judge who is more familiar to most as Joshua, the son of Nun. (See Hebrews 4:8-9.) However, the most accurate English transliteration of this name is Yahshua.

Perhaps the greatest contribution to the increase and availability of knowledge was the invention of the printing press. Prior to this innovation, knowledge, study, and instruction were for the most part limited to religious leaders, royalty, and scholars. The common man had little access to learning, and in most societies the average citizen could neither read nor write. The printing press made it possible for information to be passed on efficiently and affordably to the common man. With literacy rates higher than ever, nearly everyone can obtain information on almost any subject.

One of the major problems the sincere seeker of truth faces in this era of increasing knowledge is the negative influence of the world around us. The pervasive effects of radio and television, and the internet’s intrusions into everyday life, seem to be leading to a one world culture—a culture which is diametrically opposed to the worship of Almighty Yahweh. We can witness the popularity of oriental writing on shirts, sweaters, coats, and jackets in every nation even though the wearer is usually unaware of the meaning. We note the increase of slang terms and expressions, which are generally—but not always—American in origin, being used in even the most remote villages around the world.

Living in a non-Hebrew or non-Israelite society is not a problem in and of itself, nor is dealing with potential influences of these cultures something new. We remember Lot living in Sodom, Joseph in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon and the Apostolic Assembly under Roman governance. In fact, Yahweh tells us that we must make every effort to live as normal a life as possible while living in such circumstances (Jeremiah 29:4-9).

The True Worshiper makes every effort to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh (Deuteronomy 4:4; Matthew 4:4). One of the problems with the explosion of cultural influences imposed on us is complying with the command given in Exodus 23:13. “And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods (Hebrew Elohim i.e. mighty ones), neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” (KJV)

This same warning appears in Yahshua 23:6-7. “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods Hebrew Elohim) or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them.” (NIV)

How do these verses harmonize with the prophetic message in Zephaniah 3:9? “For then will I turn to the peoples of a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of Yahweh, to serve him with one consent.” (ASV)

How do we obey the command of Exodus 23:13 and practice the pure language of Zephaniah 3:9 while living in today’s world with all of its contrary influences?

PAGAN INFLUENCES IN DAILY LANGUAGE
The modern English language is built on the foundations of other languages. Latin, Greek, French, and German roots form the basis for most of the words we use today. Even those words thought to be based on Old or Middle English are generally traced back to these same four sources.

Frequently, we use terms with no concept of the full range of their actual meaning. In many cases words are used to express ideas which are diametrically opposed to biblical principles. One example of this is the common expression, “Good Luck.” When people use this phrase, it is usually with the intent of wishing a good outcome to someone else on a particular matter. However, a close examination of the roots and origins of this phrase reveals that the speaker is actually requesting intervention or blessings from Fortuna, the Roman goddess of chance, fortune and good luck. Her worshipers regularly petitioned her for intercession in their personal affairs. This tradition continues today whenever one wishes “good luck” to someone else.

Another example involves the names applied to the days of the week. The Bible names only one day, the Sabbath, which is the 7th day of the week. All other days are referred to sequentially—1st day, 2nd day, etc. But if we, as True Worshipers, were to use these terms exclusively instead of the more recognized names used by nearly all around us, who would understand? If one sets an appointment for the Third Day at 9:30 a.m., would all parties know when to meet? Would they even know which day is the Third Day? How far would an explanation go in resolving the issue? Yet, using the common English name for the third, Tuesday, would seem to be forbidden based on Exodus 23:13.

Did you realize that all of the names of the days of the week are rooted in idolatry? Sunday is name for the Sun, Monday for the moon. Tuesday is named for the ancient Norse and German idol of war, Tiu or Tyr. Wednesday owes its name to Woden or Oden. Thursday is named after Thor, the Norse idol of thunder, weather, and crops. Frigga is the Norse equivalent of the Roman idol Venus and has Friday named after her. Saturday is identified with Saturn who was the father of Jupiter in the Roman Pantheon.

Such idolatrous intrusions into the everyday language make it difficult to conduct personal and professional business without using terms that are obviously at odds with Exodus 23:13. Yet the above examples merely scratch the surface. Consider other phrases and expressions that permeate conversation today. Slang and conversational idioms are commonplace. Sadly, most have no idea of the origins of such terms, but ignorance does not make these terms any less idolatrous. Look at the following list:

Doggone jeez clothes
Jiminy cricket jiminy echo
Jeepers creepers siren cereal
Good-bye (by) Jove church
Gee gee whiz Lord
Diva divine God
Golly gosh crucified
Gospel fortunate atlas
Hymn enthusiastic lucky
Consider the various terms on the above list. You may not even have realized that some of these words have questionable origins. As True Worshipers of Yahweh Most High, we try to avoid the use of words which are derived from paganism. However, we also recognize that it is necessary at times to use these words when presenting the truth to others and as a means of communicating with others.

We know that there is but one name acceptable to use in reference to our Heavenly Father and Creator. That name is Yahweh. Because of its pagan origin of the word “God,” we reject referring to our Heavenly Father with that word and all of its forms including some of the terms above. If you check a dictionary, you will find that terms such as golly, gosh, gee whiz, golly, good-bye all refer to the unacceptable term god. As a people who strive to serve Yahweh in spirit and truth, we must reject these terms and cling to the name Yahweh has given us to use when calling on Him.

Just as there is only one name for our Father, there is but one acceptable name for our Savior. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be save.” Acts 4:12 (NKJV) That Name is Yahshua, not Jesus Christ. Some of the terms above are forms of Jesus Christ, including Jiminy Cricket, jiminy, and jeepers creepers. We must take care, as we are told in Acts 4:12 to use the correct and only Name of the Savior if we desire to have His blood atone for our sins. No other name is connected with salvation.

What about other common terms that we hear and use every day? When one desires to eat a bowl of grains that have been processed and dried in some way we call it cereal—which comes from the name of the Roman idol for agriculture. When someone is in a cave and speaks and their words reverberate throughout, we call this an echo—named after a Greek nymph. Or we could consider singing or playing songs of praise to Yahweh, which is referred to as music—so named to refer to the nine Greek idols (muses) of song, poetry, arts and science. What about an exciting event that causes one to be overwhelmed with passion or zeal? People refer to this as enthusiasm, which has the meaning of possession by theos or god. And what about the device which makes the sounds heard from emergency vehicles to warn of their approach. In Greek mythology, the sirens were female creatures whose singing lured unwary sailors to crash their vessels onto rocks.

It would be difficult to provide a complete list of all the terms in English, but this sampling illustrates how extensively idolatrous terms have invaded the English language. In fact, all languages have the same problems, in that they too have been polluted with idolatrous words and phrases.

With these intrusions so extensive, it is easy to see how difficult it has become to totally eliminate all terminology which Yahweh would disapprove of from daily speech. Effective communication with those around us would be extremely problematical if we were to totally abolish such terms. However, difficulty alone is not sufficient reason to continue to use such terms. How then do we fully comply with Exodus 23:13 while living in Babylon?

EXODUS 23:13
Two key terms must be examined in this passage to understand its true meaning. First, let’s consider the term “mention.” It is translated from the Hebrew word zakar, which is #2142 in Strong’s Concordance. The basis meaning relates to memory on a mental level. It has been translated “remember or meditate,” and also has been used to indicate to remember or mention via burning incense (Isaiah 66:3).

In Exodus 23:13, zakar appears in the “hiphil’ conjugation of the verb, where it means “to mention, invoke or declare or to cause to remember.” Thus, the term “mention” indicates remembering the names of false mighty ones.

We should also consider the context. Verses 12-19 all relate to worshiping Yahweh. Note the reference to the weekly Sabbath and the annual holy days. Verses 18 and 19 specifically relate to sacrifice. We can therefore conclude that zakar in this context relates to the worship of Yahweh. He wants for us to remember or mention only Him in our worship. We must direct our worship to Him, and it must only be in His Name. Yahweh and Yahweh alone are to be worshiped (Isaiah 42:8; Hosea 11:2, etc.).

The second important term in Exodus 23:13 is “heard.” The root for this is the Hebrew word shama, #8085 in the Strong’s Concordance. It is defined as meaning “to hear, listen to, pay attention to, obey, understand, hear critically.” Note the association with obedience. The term indicates that one listens to or is attentive to someone with the intention to obey.

Combining these two vital definitions illustrates the intent of Exodus 23:13. Yahweh is telling us to refrain from speaking the names of foreign, vain, and pagan elohim with the intent of remembering them or offering worship to them. We must also abstain from obeying these false mighty ones. All worship must be directed to Yahweh and all obedience is due Him, the Creator of all life (Daniel 2:1-18).

We must remember that Israel received the Law prior to entering a land where pagan, idolatrous worship was rampant. They were commanded to eliminate all idolatry from the land in order to abolish its potential influence on them. Yahweh had given the land to them, Israel, to occupy and expected only pure, undefiled worship to exist there. “Now Yahweh spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them:’ When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places; you shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess.… But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. Moreover it shall be that I will do to you as I thought to do to them.” (Numbers 33:50-54, 55-56, New King James Version)

Today the True Worshiper sadly has no homeland. We are forced to live in nations where idolatry surrounds us and where we are unable to destroy the false systems of worship that exist. We patiently await the return of our Redeemer to establish our habitat with the Law of Yahweh formulating our worship and government. Until then, we are forced to struggle with idolatrous associations on every side. The world we live in is permeated with the corruption of spiritual Babylon.

We are in this world as witnesses of Yahweh’s Word of Truth. Even though we are in the world, we are not part of it because we have been sanctified by the truth and kept safe by Yahweh’s name. Yahshua declared Yahweh’s name to His disciples and prayed for them to be preserved and unified. The commandment in Exodus 23:13 is of special importance for those who know Yahweh’s name. “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled. But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” (John 17:5-18, NASU)

By knowing and using Yahweh’s name in worship, Yahshua keeps His disciples in Yahweh’s name and sanctifies them with the Truth.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES
We have already reflected on the difficulties of sidestepping all pagan terms that appear in our everyday conversations. There is a similar problem with regard to specifically reading and studying the Bible. If we were to take the approach of totally avoiding the use of any and all terms which are derived from or are associated with idols, a vast portion of scripture would be rendered unfit for use.

First of all, we would have to eliminate using all forms of elohim, including the many instances where Elohim is associated with Yahweh. From the very beginning, the term Elohim is used in the sacred Scriptures as a title for Yahweh. “In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth,” Genesis 1:1.

El was, in fact, a name given to the head of the ancient Canaanite pantheon. It is easy to see that this perversion resulted from the misuse of the descriptive title given to Yahweh. Genesis 11:1-9 tells us that the world originally spoke one language: the same language in which it was originally written—Hebrew. Every person on the earth knew and used the term el, and it was at some point appropriated by the Canaanites for the name of their main mighty one.

Since it has been also used for pagan purposes, some feel it should be discarded, an action some groups and organizations have taken. However, to do so would inhibit using Elohim in reference to Yahweh, the true creator. It is clear that various forms of el appear throughout the Hebrew Bible and these forms were used by faithful believers down through history (el, Elohim, elah, eloah, etc.). One such example appears in Matthew 27:46. Yahshua quoted this passage from Psalm 22:1. In quoting this verse, He used the term El without reservation and with no concern for any ill consequences in doing so. “And about the ninth hour Yahshua cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, My El, My El, why have You forsaken Me.’” (NKJV)

BAAL IN THE BIBLE, ANOTHER IDOL
Most recognize the name of the pagan mighty one, Baal, which is translated into English as Lord. Those that understand the original and its translation also rightly seek to eliminate it from their vocabulary. No true worshiper desires to call upon any idol at any time. However, consider Jeremiah 31:31-34. Many recognize this passage as the New Covenant that Yahweh makes with His people. This covenant is to be written on the hearts of the believer instead of on stones, as was the original. Look at verse 32, “But according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, which my covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them says Yahweh.” The term husband in this verse is baal in the Hebrew text. Almighty Yahweh declares Himself to have been a baal to Israel. He uses the term in reference to Himself.

While we do not advocate such use by the sincere believer, Yahweh’s use of the term baal in reference to Himself cannot be ignored. Yahweh was obviously making a point about the influence Baal had made on Israel and used the term to shame them. He could have used other terms such as “ish,” or “chatan,” which are also terms meaning husband. Yet, Yahweh chose to use Baal.

Yahweh’s choice of terms becomes even clearer when considering Hosea 2:15-16. “And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be at that day, saith Yahweh, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali.” (KJV)

History reveals that the Canaanites, who had originally occupied the land and worshiped various mighty ones who were called Baal, believed that they owed thanks to the Baals for crop increases and for all blessings they received. Sadly, Israel syncretised these pagan thoughts and ideas into the worship of Yahweh. Consider the quote from F.F. Bruce’s Israel and the Nations. “The worship of Melqart was essentially Canaanite in character, and its introduction into Israel led to a great revival of the old Canaanite worship of Baal and Asherah. Melqart himself was, from one point of view, the Tyrian counterpart of Baal, and fact is called Baal throughout the Biblical narrative. There was a large measure of syncretism between the Tyro-Canaanite cult and Israel’s religion, and a popular landslide away from the purer forms of Yahweh-worship.” (Page 44)

Yahweh was upset that Israel had given Baal respect and credit for the necessities He provided for them as a husband (Hosea 11:1-3). Through Hosea, Yahweh speaks of the time when He will receive the worship and reverence He deserves because worshiping the Baals (English—lords, see 1 Corinthians 8:5-6) will come to nothing.

We do not support calling on Yahweh or Yahshua by any term other than those used in the Scriptures. As previously stated, we have one Father who has but one acceptable Name, Yahweh. We have one Savior with but one Name, Yahshua. It is vital that we, as Bible believers, reject all terms of pagan derivation in reference to them. However, we cannot use human preference to determine what is appropriate to speak and what is not. If we were to totally avoid the use of the terms such as Elohim and Baal, as some suggest, we would be unable to read Jeremiah 31:31-34, which is a core passage describing the New Covenant. And we would be unable to proclaim Yahweh as our Elohim as the Shema commands us. “Hear, O Israel: Yahweh our Elohim, Yahweh is one! You shall love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-6, NKJV)

Look also at Matthew 12:22-32. “Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Yahshua healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?’ But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.’ Yahshua knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of Yahweh, then the kingdom of Yahweh has come upon you. Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house. He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.’” (NIV)

Yahshua the Messiah did not refrain from using the name of the pagan mighty one Beelzebub, which translates as “Baal of the flies” or “lord of the flies.” He was in a situation similar to what the modern True Worshiper is confronted with. His audience used a pagan name. In this instance, the audience, a group of learned Jews, had knowledge of the truth. They knew who and what Baal was and should have known better than to use his name to True Believers. However, they were obviously attempting to cast doubts among the people about who Yahshua was, as they tried to link Him to Baal worship. Today the True Worshiper faces audiences far less familiar with “Old Testament” passages and, frequently, not familiar with the origins of the names the world generally uses as substitutes for the proper names of our Creator and our Redeemer.

In this instance, Yahshua could have taken this opportunity to comment on their use of a pagan name. He could have rebuked them for mentioning the name of other Elohim—for speaking such an idolatrous name. Instead, He directly responded to the Jews and their accusations, which were of greater importance at that moment. Both He and the Jews that He was speaking with were familiar with Exodus 23:13. Yet, He did not chastise them for their use of Beelzebub. Again, He even used the pagan term in His response.

Yahshua hated this name and all other pagan names. He knew better than anyone else that the world gave, and continues to give, glory, honor, and respect to idols whenever these names are used. Today, such irreverent behavior continues as so many refuse to honor Yahweh and prefer instead to call on and use detestable names in poems, plays, television shows, and even in regular communication. We know that Yahweh and His Son, Yahshua, lament the fact that the world has turned so far from pure worship

WHAT ABOUT “HOLY, SACRED, HALLOW, SANCTIFY, ETC.?
There has been much discussion over the years concerning holy, hallow, sacred, sanctify and related terms. These terms have links to pagan use. Some of these links are clear and others are a bit cloudier. However, they should all be considered since they play such a prominent role in the worship of our Father Yahweh and our Redeemer Yahshua.

The basic Hebrew term to look at is qadash. It is generally translated as “holy, consecrate, hallow, sanctity, etc.” as indicated by the definitions in Strong’s Concordance (#6942). It carries the meaning of something or someone dedicated or devoted to something, frequently Yahweh, for a special purpose.

Some suggest that the fact that this term has the primary and basic meaning of separation. While the idea of separated for special or devoted purposes cannot be denied, consider the following definition from The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. “The suggestion that the root qdsh is derived from an original biliteral ‘qd’ “cut” is attractive but tenuous in view of the uncertainties surrounding the transmission of biliteral roots to the biliteral form. The meaning “to separate” is favored by many scholars, but the fact that qdš rarely, if ever, occurs in a secular sense makes any positive conclusion in this regard difficult because of the limited evidence on which to base philological comparison.”

The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament clearly states that despite the tendency of scholars to use the idea of separation as the primary definition of qadash is in error and not based on primary word usage. The extensive definition in this work includes the following of the noun form: “qœdeš. Apartness, holiness, sacredness, hallowed, holy (ASV, RSV, Similar).The noun qœdeš connotes the concept of ‘holiness,’ i.e. the essential nature of that which belongs to the sphere of the sacred and which is thus distinct from the common or profane.” This is the only instance where any connection with separation is used and even here, the editors state that the basic meaning is best understood by the concept of holiness.

Look also at Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. “Qadosh OT: 6918, “holy.” The Semitic languages have two separate original forms of the root. The one signifies “pure” and “devoted,” as in Akkadian qadistu and in Hebrew qadesh, “holy.” The word describes something or someone. The other signifies “holiness” as a situation or as an abstract, as in Arabic al-qaddus “the most holy or most pure.” In Hebrew the verb qadash and the word qadesh combine both elements: the descriptive and the static. The traditional understanding of “separated” is only a derived meaning, and not the primary.”

It is interesting to note that the above mentioned references are often cited to indicate that the idea of separation is the primary definition of the word qadash and yet, in both instances, the editors indicate that the idea of separation comes from the understanding of the word and not the other way around. Therefore, neither Vine’s Dictionary of the Biblical Words nor The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament form the foundation for not using sacred, holy, etc. While these terms may have some questionable roots, it is not necessary to totally avoid their use, especially since these terms convey ideas that go beyond merely separation.

Just as Yahshua did, Yahweh’s people today must reject paganism and idolatry in all of its forms, including its extensive intrusion into our everyday language. Those who worship Yahweh with a sincere heart strive to avoid using all objectionable terms in reference to Him, our Father and Creator, and to His Son, Yahshua our Redeemer. The True Worshiper seeks to witness the truth of the Bible and realizes that situations sometimes require using terms and phrases that he or she would otherwise avoid, just as Yahshua did.

Words are merely tools to be used for communication. It is up to each individual to be effective when communicating with others. There times when it is prudent to avoid terms and phrases that are objectionable. However, there are also instances where using those same terms are preferable. Baal is not Yahweh. El, as the head of the Canaanite pantheon is not Yahweh. We do not worship the sun on Sunday or even Saturn on Saturday. However, the use of these terms in and of themselves does not violate Exodus 23:13 because we understand who our Creator is.

We must remember that as Israel was about to enter the Promised Land, a land where pagan idolatrous worship was rampant, Yahweh delivered the Law to them, including the commandment to eliminate all such idolatry among its inhabitants in order to eradicate its potential influence on them. “When you come into the land which Yahweh your Elohim is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to Yahweh, and because of these abominations Yahweh your Elohim drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before Yahweh your Elohim. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, Yahweh your Elohim has not appointed such for you.” (NKJV)

The land was given to Israel to occupy. This was to be their new home forever—a home where the influence of pagan worship was not to exist. True Worship today sadly has no homeland. We patiently await the return of our Redeemer to establish our heavenly country here on the earth (Hebrews 11:13-16; Revelation 21:1-8).

We look forward to that day when Yahshua comes back to restore the Kingdom government of Yahweh and eliminate all detestable forms of worship that exist today. How beautiful it will be to no longer hear any references to idolatry in reference to our Creator and His Son. Until then, we live in Babylon and must communicate with Babylonians in a language they can understand. As we strive to teach them the proper way, we make every effort to avoid terms that are of pagan origin. However, we refuse to compromise the pure worship of Yahweh and our Redeemer Yahshua. The way we have chosen is a way of life. Every facet of our lives is dedicated to performing His will, in our actions, thoughts, behavior and speech. May Yahweh grant us the knowledge to do what is acceptable to Him each and every day. By carefully choosing our words, as Yahshua did, we can be assured that we will be well-pleasing to Yahweh our Father and living up to the terms of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-12). When that Kingdom is established, Yahweh’s pure language will be restored for all mankind.

All quotes are from the NIV unless otherwise noted. The Sacred Names have been inserted.

1For more information on the Sacred Names download the articles What is His Name? & What is His Son’s Name? Printed copies of these articles can be requested by contacting us at the address and phone number found on our contact page.