Part 1: Yeshua, Noahide Laws & Divine Council – A Scriptural Response

My Position on the Noahide Laws

The Noahide Laws system, often promoted as the universal moral code for Gentiles, is primarily a post-Torah development emerging from Talmudic rabbinic traditions rather than direct Torah revelation. This legal framework artificially separates Gentiles from full covenant blessings, imposing extra-biblical obligations and forbidding worship of Yeshua as Lord, under threat of idolatry charges. Our series roots itself firmly in Scripture’s original worldview, emphasizing one law for all who enter covenant with YHVH (Exodus 12:49; Numbers 15:15–16).

The Divine Council: A Biblical Worldview of Heavenly Government

Psalm 82 gives us a unique peek into the heavenly court where YHVH, the top deity in the Hebrew Bible, runs the show with a group of divine beings called elohim. This term can mean “gods” or “divine beings,” and it’s important because it shows that while these beings have some power, they’re always under YHVH, the one true God. This divine council setup is pretty fascinating because it gives us a glimpse into how divine justice and governance work.

This council is like a divine courtroom, where cosmic justice and moral order are hashed out. The psalmist kicks things off with a bold statement: “God has taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods He holds judgment.” (Psalm 82:1, ESV). This line not only sets up YHVH's authority but also shows He’s actively involved in keeping these elohim in check. The imagery paints a picture of grandeur, with the ultimate judge gathering lesser divine beings to tackle earthly justice issues.

These elohim have big responsibilities, especially when it comes to justice on earth. They’re supposed to be the protectors of righteousness, making sure the vulnerable get fair treatment. But the psalm points out a big problem: these beings have dropped the ball. They’ve ignored their duties and let injustice thrive, messing up the moral order among humans. YHVH doesn’t let this slide and asks them a sharp question: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?” (Psalm 82:2). This question drives home how serious their failures are and that they should be upholding justice, not twisting it.

Because of their failures, YHVH delivers a harsh judgment on these elohim: “You will die like men, and fall like one of the princes.” (Psalm 82:7). This serves as a strong reminder of the consequences of their actions. Even with their divine status, they’re not above being held accountable; their fate is to face mortality and fall, just like human rulers who misuse their power. The image of falling like princes highlights just how serious their mistakes are and the downfall that comes from not upholding justice and righteousness. This powerful message hits home, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity and the serious consequences when those in power ignore their responsibilities.

Footnote 1: The Hebrew elohim is a plural noun, but its exact meaning depends on context. It can refer to divine beings, angels, or earthly judges. The Divine Council concept aligns with Ancient Near Eastern ideas of a supreme deity ruling over lesser divine beings, but here firmly monotheistic with YHVH as Sovereign.

The Division of Nations and Israel as YHVH’s Portion

The Tower of Babel event, as described in Genesis 11, stands as a significant moment in biblical history, illustrating the profound impact of human ambition and divine intervention. This narrative recounts how humanity, united by a single language and a common purpose, endeavored to construct a towering structure that would reach the heavens. Their intent was not merely to create a remarkable architectural feat but to make a name for themselves, seeking to challenge the limits of their existence and perhaps even to rival God’s authority. In response to this collective hubris, God intervened by confusing their language, causing a breakdown in communication that led to chaos and misunderstanding among the people. As a result, they were unable to continue their construction project, and ultimately, God scattered them across the earth, leading to the formation of diverse nations and cultures.

This event not only serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and disobedience but also sets the stage for understanding the divine order of nations as articulated in Deuteronomy 32:8-9. In this passage, we gain insight into the theological perspective on the distribution of peoples and the establishment of boundaries. The text states, “When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when He divided mankind, He fixed the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.” This verse suggests that the division of humanity into various nations was a deliberate act of God, who assigned each nation its own territory and identity. The reference to the "sons of God" may imply a celestial council or divine beings involved in the governance of the earth, indicating that the order of nations is not merely a human construct but a part of God's sovereign plan.

Furthermore, the passage highlights a crucial theological point: while God has allotted different nations their own inheritances and boundaries, His ultimate focus and special relationship lie with Israel, referred to as “the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance.” This indicates that amidst the diversity of nations, God has chosen a particular people for Himself, setting them apart for a unique purpose in His divine narrative. The implications of this choice resonate throughout the biblical text, showcasing God's ongoing commitment to His covenant with Israel and the unfolding story of redemption that extends to all nations through Christ.

In summary, the Tower of Babel event is not merely a historical account but a profound narrative that encapsulates themes of human ambition, divine sovereignty, and the establishment of nations. It underscores the complexity of language and culture as tools of both unity and division, while also revealing God's overarching plan for humanity, where every nation has its place, yet His heart remains with His chosen people. This intricate relationship between divine authority and human agency invites us to reflect on the nature of our own identities and the significance of our cultural heritages within the broader tapestry of God's creation.

Footnote 2: “Sons of God” (Hebrew bene Elohim) here references spiritual beings entrusted with nations. Israel’s designation as YHVH’s portion highlights their unique covenant status and special relationship with YHVH.

Israel’s Special Calling and YHVH’s Visible Presence

YHVH shows up to Israel time and again with real, visible signs to prove He's there and guiding them. One of the most epic moments is at Mount Sinai when the mountain was covered in fire (Exodus 19:18). This wasn't just for show; it was a powerful symbol of YHVH's holiness and strength, setting the scene for giving the Torah, which would guide the Israelites' moral and spiritual lives. The fiery scene on Sinai was a clear sign of God's direct involvement with His chosen people, highlighting the sacredness of the covenant being made.

Besides the fire at Sinai, YHVH also led the Israelites through the desert with a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night (Exodus 13:21). This guidance was crucial as they navigated the unknown desert terrain. The cloud offered shade and protection from the scorching sun, while the fire lit up their path at night. These visible signs not only showed them the way physically but also reassured them of YHVH's constant presence and care. The cloud and fire together symbolize both the mystery of God's presence and His guiding truth leading His people to their promised land.

Moreover, the Shekinah glory that filled the Tabernacle after it was built (Exodus 40:34-35) is another powerful way YHVH made His presence known among the Israelites. The Tabernacle was meant to be a place where God lived among His people, showing His desire to be close to them. The Shekinah glory, seen as the visible presence of God, filled the space, proving that YHVH wasn't some far-off deity but one who chose to live closely with His people. This glory was awe-inspiring, reminding the Israelites of the holiness of worship and the need to keep their relationship with God pure.

These early signs of God's presence hint at the ultimate moment when YHVH “tabernacled” among humanity in Yeshua. This key event is summed up in the Gospel of John: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The Greek word eskēnōsen here literally means “tabernacled,” linking directly to the idea of God’s presence among His people, just like in the Tent of Meeting. Just as the Tabernacle was a place where heaven met earth, Yeshua embodied God's presence in human form.

This incarnation marks a turning point in the relationship between God and humanity. In Yeshua, the divine and human come together, and through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, God's ultimate love and redemption are revealed. The presence of God, once limited to the Tabernacle, is now open to everyone through Yeshua, who invites people into a personal relationship with the Creator. This amazing truth changes how we see divine presence, moving from a specific place like the Tabernacle to a worldwide invitation to connect with God through faith in Christ.

Footnote 3: This incarnation is not the addition of a new divine person but the visible embodiment of YHVH’s self-revelation. It affirms the unity of God’s being while distinguishing roles.

Yeshua as YHVH Incarnate: Clarifying Identity and Unity

Yeshua’s “I AM” declarations profoundly align Him with the YHVH of Exodus 3:14, who, in a pivotal moment of revelation, proclaimed:

“I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This statement is not merely a declaration of existence; it encapsulates the essence of God's eternal nature and unchanging character. It signifies self-sufficiency, independence, and the divine authority that transcends time and space. In this context, Yeshua’s use of the phrase “I AM” serves as a powerful affirmation of His divine identity and mission.

In John 8:58, Yeshua boldly declares:

“Before Abraham was, I AM,” which not only asserts His eternal pre-existence but also emphasizes His divine identity as part of the Godhead. This profound statement reveals the timelessness of Yeshua, indicating that He existed before the patriarch Abraham, a foundational figure in Jewish history. By using the present tense “I AM,” Yeshua connects Himself directly to the divine name revealed to Moses, thereby affirming His status as the eternal God who has always existed, is currently involved in the world, and will continue to be forever.

Footnote 4: The phrase “I AM” (ehyeh) carries deep covenantal and eternal connotations, signifying not just existence but a relational aspect of God’s nature. Yeshua’s deliberate use of this terminology asserts His oneness with YHVH’s identity, establishing Him as the embodiment of the divine presence among humanity. This connection invites believers to understand Yeshua not merely as a historical figure but as the living God who interacts with His creation in a personal and transformative manner.

The Torah is of YHVH - Yeshua/Jesus

Furthermore, John 1:18 clarifies His unique nature and role in revealing God to humanity:

“No one has ever seen God; the only begotten God [monogenēs theos], who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” This verse underscores the unparalleled nature of Yeshua as the unique God made flesh. The term “only begotten” emphasizes that Yeshua is not just a created being or a subordinate entity but rather the very essence of God incarnate. This theological assertion supports the view of the monotheistic incarnation, where God takes on human form to reveal His character and purpose to mankind.

Footnote 5: The textual variant “only begotten God” serves to stress Yeshua's uniqueness and divine authority. It highlights that He is not merely a messenger or a prophet but the divine Son who reveals the Father’s heart and intentions. This understanding reinforces the Christian belief in the Trinity, where Yeshua shares in the same divine essence as the Father, while also being distinct in His personhood.

The unity between Yeshua and the Father is beautifully likened to the intimate relationship of marriage:

“I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). This profound declaration speaks to the deep and perfect unity that exists within the Godhead. It suggests a relationship that is both intimate and cooperative, reflecting the oneness of purpose and essence without losing the individuality of each person in the Trinity.

Footnote 6: This unity is perfect yet relational, emphasizing that it does not collapse into an impersonal identity. The husband-wife analogy serves to illustrate the relational distinction and unity that exists within the Godhead, highlighting that while Yeshua and the Father are one in essence, they maintain distinct roles and identities. This understanding is crucial for avoiding the pitfalls of both division and polytheism, affirming a monotheistic faith that recognizes the complexity of God's nature while celebrating the relational dynamics inherent within it.

Why This Matters: Foundations for the Entire Series

This whole Divine Council idea pushes back against the Noahide view that worshiping Yeshua is idolatry because they see Him as "just a man." It's important to get that Yeshua isn't just some historical guy or regular man; He's actually YHVH in the flesh, showing God's essence and authority. This means that worshiping Yeshua isn't idolatry—it's genuine monotheistic worship. In this light, Yeshua isn't just seen as a prophet or teacher but as God’s presence on Earth, doing God's will in a totally unique way.

Furthermore, getting a handle on spiritual governance and the covenant in Scripture helps us see how inclusive God’s people and laws really are. The idea that the covenant and laws were just for the Jewish people is way off course. These promises are for everyone, inviting Gentiles to join this covenant community through faith, as shown in Romans 11. This part of the Bible highlights that Gentiles can enjoy the covenant's blessings too, showing that God’s plan includes all of humanity, not just a select few. This understanding brings believers together, encouraging them to embrace their shared identity in Yeshua and appreciate the depth of their faith as part of a bigger divine story.

Don't Miss Part 2!

The Incarnation - YHVH Made Flesh

We'll be covering:

·         John 1:18 — “No one has ever seen God; the only begotten God (monogenēs theos) who is in the bosom of the Father, He has made Him known.”Key textual evidence for Yeshua as the unique Elohim, not merely “Son.”

• John 8:58 — “Before Abraham was born, I am.”

  
  

  Yeshua’s self-identification with the divine Name YHVH.

• John 10:30 — “I and the Father are one.”

  
  

  Marriage-like unity (functional oneness) rather than ontological identity.

• Philippians 2:6-8 — Christ Jesus... made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant.

  
  

  The incarnation involves YHVH voluntarily limiting Himself.

• Colossians 1:15-19 — The image of the invisible God, firstborn over all creation.

  
  

  Yeshua’s divine preeminence and role in creation.

• Hebrews 1:3 — The exact representation of His being.

  
  

  Yeshua perfectly reveals YHVH to humanity.

Topics: Incarnation | Unity with the Father | Visible Image of God

• John 1:1–3, 14, 18 – The Word was God, became flesh; “only begotten God” (monogenēs theos)

• John 8:58 – “Before Abraham was, I AM”

• John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one” (marriage-like unity)

• John 14:9 – “He who has seen Me has seen the Father”

• Philippians 2:6–8 – Yeshua humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant

• Colossians 1:15–19 – Image of the invisible God; all things created through Him

• Hebrews 1:3 – Radiance of YHVH’s glory; exact representation of His being

• Exodus 3:14 – “I AM who I AM” (basis for John 8:58)

The insights ahead will challenge assumptions and reveal layers of meaning you may never have considered. This is exactly the kind of content I create for subscribers who are serious about biblical truth, so if that's you, hit subscribe right now.