Leigh Caruthers: The Dangers of Jealousy and Envy: How They Destroy Compassion and Corrupt the Heart. A lesson from The Testament of Shim'on

Photo by Leigh

The Dangers of Jealousy and Envy: How They Destroy Compassion and Corrupt the Heart.

A lesson from the Testament of Shim'on (Simeon).

"The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs"

Leigh Caruthers

Jealousy and envy have been at the heart of humanity's struggles since the very beginning. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent’s envy of Yahuah's authority and man’s perfect relationship with Him fueled its desire to corrupt mankind. By tempting Chuah (Eve) with the allure of being like Elohiym, the serpent introduced jealousy into the human heart. This same destructive force has continued to plague us, driving wedges between people and even between us and our Creator. As seen in the story of Shim'on from The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, unchecked jealousy and envy can strip away compassion, harden the heart, and lead us down a path of destruction. It is a timeless warning that we must guard against these emotions, lest they erode our connection to others and to Yahuah.

 

A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. 

MISHLEI (PROVERBS) 14:30 את CEPHER

The Testament of Shim'on begins with such a warning directed at his children upon his sick bed. Chapter 2 of the Testament of Shim'on (page 253 in Bere'shiyth from Cepher library) we read: 

HEARKEN, my children, to Shim'on your father, and I will declare

unto you what things I have in my heart. 2 I was born of Ya'aqov as my father's second son; And my mother Le'ah called me Shim'on, Because YAHUAH had heard her prayer. 3 Moreover, I became strong exceedingly; I shrank from no achievement, nor was I afraid of ought. 4 For my heart was hard, and my liver was immovable, and my bowels without compassion. 

Shim'on reflects on the hardness of his heart, which led to a lack of compassion and empathy for others. He acknowledges his strength and fearlessness, but these qualities were tainted by an internal hardness—his "heart was hard," and his "liver was immovable." In Hebraic thought, the heart often represents the seat of emotions and morality, while the liver and bowels (or inward parts) symbolize deep emotional responses, particularly compassion. Shim'on’s confession reveals that, despite his physical strength and success, his inability to feel compassion and his inner stubbornness had devastating consequences. It's obvious that what Shim'on describes is life walking daily in the works of the flesh.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of Elohiym.  GALATIYM (GALATIANS) 5:19-21 את CEPHER

The works of the flesh can create a hardened state in our own lives, affecting not only our spirit but also our body. Chronic emotions like jealousy and rage can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues. When we allow the flesh to dominate, we find ourselves experiencing emotional distress that may manifest in our physical health—hardened hearts can turn into high blood pressure, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. Just as Shim'on's jealousy and rage stripped him of compassion and hardened his inner being, allowing these works of the flesh to control us creates imbalance and dis-ease within our body.

He that has no rule over his own ruach is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.  MISHLEI (PROVERBS) 25:28 את CEPHER

"The liver is essential for digestion, but it is also vital for the circulation of emotions. Emotions are energies that need to circulate throughout the body and not get trapped in one body system, especially the liver. The liver is considered the seat of negative emotions such as anger, envy, irritability. Possessing negative emotions like anger, envy, irritation, and frustration weakens the liver. Positive emotions such as willpower, courage, and enthusiasm need to circulate as well for healthy wellbeing. Both hyperactive and underdeveloped capacities for will, courage, enthusiasm also affect the liver’s health (Gallagher 2008)."  https://preacherhead.org/liver-and-emotions/

 But the fruit of the Ruach is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law put in place. And they that are Yahusha Ha'Mashiach's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Ruach, let us also walk in the Ruach.  GALATIYM (GALATIANS) 5:22-25 את CEPHER

When we walk by the Ruach, these fruits can soften our hearts, bring healing, and restore balance to both our Ruach and body. I can say that I have had issues in my life with these negative emotions associated with the works of the flesh. It is so hard to turn away from them if you let them take hold of you. Often times this kind of oppression can only be reversed by repentance, fasting, and prayer. Sometimes, we need to empty ourselves so that we can be filled with the Ruach Ha'Qodesh. Interestingly enough, fasting helps heal our liver. Studies have shown that even intermittent fasting can improve the liver's ability to metabolize and burn fat. Through fasting we are, in a sense, presenting to Yahuah a pleasing smell of sacrifice as we burn fat which is symbolically similar to the fat burned upon the altar in the Tabernacle.

The Day of Atonement is coming. It's 24 hours of afflicting our souls. Tradition has it as a time to fast, pray, repent and seek the correction of Yahuah in all areas that need to be addressed and/or plucked out. This can be seen as a reset for our liver and bowels and a time to offer a sacrifice denying our flesh. 

Also on the tenth day of this seventh month is Yom Kippuriym: it shall be a holy assembly unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto Yahuah. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is Yom Kippuriym, to make an atonement for you before Yahuah Elohaykem. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that does any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a Shabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening unto evening, shall ye celebrate your Shabbath.  VAYIQRA (LEVITICUS) 23:27-32 את CEPHER

Continuing Testament of Shim'on Chapter 2:6-8; and 12-13

     6 For in the time of my youth I was jealous in many things of Yoceph, because my father loved him beyond all. 7 And I set my mind against him to destroy him, because the prince of deceit sent forth the ruach of jealousy and blinded my mind, so that I regarded him not as a brother, nor did I spare even Ya'aqov my father. 8 But his ELOHIYM and the ELOHIYM of his fathers sent forth His angel, and delivered him out of my hands. 

12 But YAHUAH restrained me, and withheld from me the power of my hands; for my right hand was half withered for seven days. 13 I repented and wept; and I besought YAHUAH ELOHIYM that my hand might be restored, and that I might hold aloof from all pollution and envy and from all folly.  

The "prince of deceit" and "father of lies" wants to destroy us at all costs. He knows what our buttons are and when it's best to push them. He watches from the sidelines for any hint of an emotion he can capitalize on. Pride comes before the fall but how so popular is jealousy and envy? Jealously blinds the mind from what is righteous and holy. It can even make a person not recognize a brother as a brother nor a father as a father. Jealousy is red hot like a consuming fire that leaves no survivors. Envy is green and putrid like a gangrenous wound that eats away healthy flesh. 

For wrath kills the foolish man, and envy slays the silly one.  IYOV (JOB) 5:2 את CEPHER

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.  YA`AQOV (JAMES) 3:16-18 את CEPHER

The symbolism of Shim'on's withered right hand carries deep spiritual significance. The right hand, especially in biblical terms, is often associated with strength, power, authority, and blessing. It represents the hand used for righteous actions, for making oaths, and for demonstrating honor. In many biblical contexts, the right hand is symbolic of divine favor and Yahuah's power at work through an individual. His jealousy toward his brother Yoceph had corrupted him, stripping him of the ability to act justly and in alignment with Yahuah’s will. The withering of his hand could be seen as a direct consequence of his inner spiritual rot—a visible manifestation of the hardness of his heart and the destruction caused by his sinful actions. His inability to show compassion, coupled with his envy, rendered him spiritually paralyzed, just as his right hand became physically useless.

Jealousy and envy are destructive forces that, if left unchecked, can erode our hearts, relationships, and connection to Yahuah. As we’ve seen in the story of Shim'on, these emotions can harden our spirits, strip us of compassion, and lead us down a path of spiritual and even physical decay. The warning is clear: we must guard against these feelings and seek the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and kindness—to transform our hearts and keep them aligned with Yahuah’s will. Only then can we walk in true strength, reflecting His love and compassion to the world.

As for me, I am repenting of any negative emotions that the "prince of deceit" has capitalized on in my life as we head towards The Day of Atonement at the end of this week (for the calendar we observe). I am praying to be able to fast and pray for Yahuah to continue his work in me and I pray that Yahuah lead you as is His will for you, whatever that may be. I am lifting the body of Yahusha and all called out assemblies. Yahuah's will be done. Let's end with the prophecy given by Shim'on to his children and to us shortly before he passed. Please keep in mind The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs is believed to have been written between 350 and 50 BCE. Fragments of the Testament of Naphtali and Leviy were found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Chapter 6: BEHOLD I have told you all things, that I may be acquitted of your sin. 2 Now, if ye remove from you your envy and all stiff-neckedness, as a rose shall my bones flourish in Yashar'el, and as a lily my flesh in Ya'aqov, and my odour shall be as the odour of Lebanon; And as cedars shall holy ones be multiplied from me forever, and their branches shall stretch afar off. 3 then shall perish the seed of Kena'an, and a remnant shall not be unto Amaleq, and all the Cappadocians shall perish, and all the Chittiym shall be utterly destroyed. 4. Then shall fail the land of Cham, and all the people shall perish. Then shall all the earth rest from trouble, and all the world under heaven from war. 5 Then the Mighty One of Yashar'el shall glorify Shem, for YAHUAH ELOHIYM shall appear on earth, and Himself save men. 6 Then shall all the ruachoth of deceit be given to be trodden under foot, and men shall rule over wicked ruachoth. 7 Then shall I arise in joy, and will bless EL ELYON because of his marvelous works, [Because ELOHIYM has taken a body and eaten with men and saved men].

Andrea L. Sims PhD: "Unfolding Death for the Kingdom-Minded" Part Two: Death for the Righteous

"Unfolding Death for the Kingdom-Minded" 

Part Two: Death for the Righteous

Andrea L. Sims PhD.

Introduction

In my journal, I sketched four simple words and then penciled in a spiral around them: before, then, now, and next. At the time, I only vaguely knew what was simmering on the back burner of my mind, but I went on and lived my life for a while without giving the words much thought . . . until one day I went back to check on them. They had melded into one word, fully integrated, that looked very much to me like this journey we call life—the events that spin us around and cause us to take note, or take a new route, or take us off track. There was this life we were living rather unintentionally “before,” which is no longer; “then” something happens; “now” we have to ignore it or face it; if we face it, we then must take action. This now time is the most important step in the cycle—this spiral—for the now determines the next (The Truth about Lies, Sims (2020, pg. 13). 

I wrote the above over ten years ago about a now time I had experienced some years prior. I didn’t really even understand it at the time I wrote it. I thought it must be that moment in time being experienced presently. But I came to discover that a now time is an attitude—a position I take about what I am discovering, how I will incorporate it into my being, and what I will do differently as a result of it. A now time could extend over a few moments or over several years, depending on what you decide to do with it, how big the discovery is, and how much cognitive dissonance comes with it. 

I faced this discovery willingly and began a journey I had not expected, leading to this now time for me: I responded to the promptings I felt and find myself in previously unexplored territory. Because I responded, I am in my next . . . and I am taking you along with me. 

I chose as my guiding Scripture for the whole Kingdom study 4 Ezra 7:16-18: 

Why have you not considered in your mind this thing that is to come, 

rather than that which is present? 

Then answered I and said, O Yahuah Adonai, 

you have ordained in your Torah, 

that the righteous should inherit these things, 

but that the wicked should perish. 

Nevertheless, the righteous shall suffer strait things, 

and hope for wide: 

for they that have done wickedly 

have suffered the strait things, 

and yet shall not see the wide.  

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:16-18 את CEPHER

We know that among “ . . . this thing that is to come . . .” is death, both for the Righteous and for the wicked. 

TO everything there is a season, 

and a time to every purpose under the heavens: 

A time to be born, and a time to die; 

QOHELETH (ECCLESIASTES) 3:1-2 את CEPHER

And that time is ordained by Yah: 

“. . . in Your book all the days [of my life]

were written before ever they took shape, 

when as yet there was none of them.”

Psalms 139:16 [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition]

For all men have one entrance into life, 

and the like going out.  

CHOKMAH SHALOMAH (WISDOM OF SOLOMON) 7:6 את CEPHER

Death is the door that leads to what follows next, and what follows next is what I am unfolding for us. The following Scriptures seem to apply both to the righteous and the wicked. And it may give us some additional understanding about the shared “near death experiences” of so many of late. 

Now, concerning death, the teaching is: 

When the decisive decree has gone forth from El Elyon 

that a man shall die, 

as the ruach leaves the body to return again to him who gave it, 

first of all it adores the glory of El Elyon. 

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:78 את CEPHER

I took note of this portion of the reference above:

“… the ruach leaves the body to return again to him who gave it …” 

Did we know that the Ancient Path was provided for us so we could return to the One who gave us life? 

To those who have believed there shall be the good 

which was spoken of aforetime, 

and to those who despise 

there shall be the contrary of these things. 

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 42:2 את CEPHER

[Angel] For the judgment of El Elohiym 

shall thereby be made known 

and his ways, 

which though past finding out, 

are right.  

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 44:6 את CEPHER

Yah’s judgment and his ways are right—even though we may not understand them or even agree with them. In using the word “right” here, I’m reminded that Yah decides what is “right;” as our Creator, he defines the terms; he sets the rules; he, in his sovereignty decides “when.” Yah reigns. It is his dominion that we find ourselves under—by his hand. As this study unfolds, we will see with great certainty that Yah requires his creation, his people, to walk according as he has instructed for our good. To have the right word at the right time with the right heart—this is Righteousness—being “right with Yah”! 

We have looked at the Kingdom, who enters and who does not, their characteristics, and then we began looking at what it is to be “Kingdom-Minded.” This, we discovered, is to have a mind that shares the thoughts and intentions of the heart of the King. 

The Righteous Defined

For these are they who shall inherit that time 

which has been spoken of 

and theirs is the inheritance of the promised time. 

These are they who have acquired for themselves treasures of wisdom 

and with them are found stores of understanding 

and from mercy have they not withdrawn 

and the Truth of the Torah have they preserved. 

For unto them shall be given the world to come, 

but the dwelling of the rest who are many shall be in the fire.  

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 44:13-15 את CEPHER

You who reveal to those who fear you 

what is prepared for them that thenceforth they may be comforted. 

You show great acts to those who know not; 

you break up the enclosure of those who are ignorant 

and light up what is dark 

and reveal what is hidden to the pure 

who in faith have submitted themselves to you 

and your Torah.  

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 54:4-5 את CEPHER

Let us keep in our hearts what the Apostle Paul wrote to the qodeshiym in Corinth:

For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore, glorify Elohiym in your body, 

and in your ruach, which are Elohiym's.  

QORINTIYM RI'SHON (1 CORINTHIANS) 6:20 את CEPHER

I have mentioned before that we are not perfect—we are purchased. And that price was very great.

Yah did his part—and it is huge! Our part is in receiving from Yah once we come to understand and then choose what he has instructed us, going back to Yah’s Torah, Deuteronomy 28:1-14. I’m providing a list for us to simplify it:

Our part:  

1. to hearken diligently to his voice
2. to guard and do all his commandments
3. and then receive what he promises:

a) to set us on high

b) to be blessed in the city

c) to be blessed in the field

d) to be blessed of the fruit of our body

e) to be blessed of our ground

f) to be blessed of the fruit of our livestock

g) to be blessed in our baskets and our storehouse

h) to be blessed in our coming in and our going out (travels)

i) to be blessed by being protected from our enemies

j) to be blessed in the work of our hands (our occupations)

k) to be blessed in the land (where we abide)

So, you see, do you not, that being “Perfect” is not of our doing: it is Yah who causes our spiritual growth into maturity; it is Yah who protects and provides for us, and we have nothing to boast about except that we know and love Yah, and that we love his Messiah unto believing all that is written to us. 

Do we understand that death is only the Door to the next, not the end, and that Machiach is that Door? 

Then said Yahusha unto them again, Amein, Amein, 

I say unto you, 

I am the door of the sheep. 

All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: 

but the sheep did not hear them. 

I am the door: 

by me if any man enter in, 

he shall be saved, 

and shall go in and out, 

and find pasture.  

YOCHANON (JOHN) 10:7-9 את CEPHER

All that the Father gives me shall come to me; 

and him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out. 

For I came down from heaven, 

not to do my own will, 

but the will of him that sent me. 

And this is the Father's will which has sent me, 

that of all which he has given me 

I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again at the last day. 

And this is the will of him that sent me, 

that everyone which sees the Son, 

and believes on him, 

may have everlasting life: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.  

YOCHANON (JOHN) 6:37-40 את CEPHER

No man can come to me, 

except the Father which has sent me draw him: 

and I will raise him up at the last day. 

It is written in the prophets, 

And they shall be all taught of Elohiym. 

Every man therefore that has heard, 

and has learned of the Father, 

comes unto me. 

Not that any man has seen the Father, 

save he which is of Elohiym, 

he has seen the Father. 

Amein, Amein, 

I say unto you, 

He that believes on me has everlasting life.  

YOCHANON (JOHN) 6:44-47 את CEPHER

Let us move on to get a glimpse of the Reward of the Righteous from Yah’s word.

The Great Reward of the Righteous 

Moreover, by them [Yah’s ways] is your servant warned: 

and in guarding of them there is great reward.  

TEHILLIYM (PSALMS) 19:11 את CEPHER

[Angel] Now this is the order of those who have guarded the ways of El Elyon, 

when they shall be separated from their mortal body. 

During the time that they lived in it, 

they laboriously served El Elyon, 

and withstood danger every hour,

that they might guard the Torah of the Torah giver perfectly. 

Therefore, this is the teaching concerning them: 

First of all, they shall see with great joy

 the glory of him who receives them, 

for they shall have rest in seven orders. 

The first order, 

because they have striven with great effort to overcome the evil thought 

which was formed with them, 

that it might not lead them astray from life into death. 

The second order, 

because they see the perplexity in which the souls of the wicked wander, 

and the punishment that awaits them.  

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:88-93 את CEPHER

The third order, 

they see the witness which he who formed them 

bears concerning them, 

that while they were alive they guarded the Torah 

was given them in trust. 

The fourth order, 

they understand the rest which they now enjoy, 

being gathered into their chambers and guarded by angels in profound quiet, 

and the glory which awaits them in the last days. 

[Note for 2 Baruch 76:2: The Righteous “depart from this earth—not to death—but to be preserved to the consummation of the times.”] 

The fifth order, 

they rejoice that they have now escaped what is corruptible 

and shall inherit what is to come; 

and besides they see the straits and toil from which they have been delivered, 

and the spacious liberty which they are to receive and enjoy in immortality. 

The sixth order, 

when it is shown to them how their face is to shine like the sun, 

and how they are to be made like the light of the stars, 

being incorruptible from then on. 

The seventh order, 

which is greater than all that have been mentioned, 

because they shall rejoice with boldness, 

and shall be confident without confusion, 

and shall be glad without fear, 

for they hasten to behold the face of him 

whom they served in life 

and from whom they are to receive their reward when glorified.

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:94-98 את CEPHER

That’s quite a great deal to take it, is it not? And there is more to come! I have listed the following as they came to mind—not in the order that they may occur—for I do not know the order. 

Just a reminder: Death is the door to the next, not the end.

The Resurrection of the just and the unjust

The Millennial Reign of Mashiach

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Finding our “Place” – the Mansion Prepared for us

The Great White Throne Judgement

Witnessing the Consummation of Time

The Last Day

Entering into Eternity

The Conclusion of the Matter

It seems we have come to this—a very sobering word regarding this world in which we now find ourselves—but, perhaps, not for long:

For the youth of the world is past, 

and the strength of the creation already exhausted, 

and the advent of the times is very short, 

yea, they have passed by; 

and the pitcher is near to the cistern, 

and the ship to the port, 

and the course of the journey to the city, 

and life to its consummation. 

And again prepare your souls, 

so that when ye sail and ascend from the ship 

ye may have rest and not be condemned when ye depart. 

For lo! when El Elyon will bring to pass all these things, 

there shall not there be again a place of repentance, 

nor a limit to the times,

 nor a duration for the hours, 

nor a change of ways, 

nor place for prayer, 

nor sending of petitions,

 nor receiving of knowledge, 

nor giving of love, 

nor place of repentance for the soul, 

nor supplication for offences, 

nor intercession of the fathers, 

nor prayer of the prophets, 

nor help of the righteous.

 For there is the sentence of corruption,

 the way of fire, 

and the path which brings to She'ol.

 

On this account there is one Torah by one, 

one age and an end for all who are in it. 

Then he will guard those whom he can forgive, 

and at the same time 

destroy those who are polluted with sins. 

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 85:10-15 את CEPHER

I want to share with you one last things: 

Many of us walked with James and Leigh Caruthers as they stood by James’ grandmother, Meme, at her passing. 

On April 25 of this year, at 1:40 a.m., I wrote this. I titled it:

“Our ‘Meme’ Moment.”

“We all will come to that time of passing into the “next”—unless Yahusha returns or Yah just takes us. There is a miracle at birth; and, for the set-apart ones, there is a miracle at death. For all the days ordained for us were written in Yah’s book before ever one of them came to be. May it be said of each of us at that time as was said over Meme: ‘There was a life well lived!’ according to Yah’s plumbline and not the world’s. 

O death,

where is your sting? 

O She'ol, where is your victory? 

QORINTIYM RI'SHON (1 CORINTHIANS) 15:55 את CEPHER

This is Kingdom-Mindedness!

All scripture references are taken from the Cepher.

https://www.cepher.net/shop.aspx?itemid=2406&prodid=97023&pagetitle=%d7%90%d7%aa-Cepher-Scriptures-Millennium-Edition-2022-

If you would like to support FFM or the Tseviyah Widows fund 

please visit our Bonfire Storefront.

https://www.bonfire.com/store/fiery-faith-ministries/

 

Please download our free app (in all app stores) 

So we can stay in touch!

https://get.theapp.co/2nmm 

Andrea L. Sims PhD: "Unfolding Death for the Kingdom-Minded" Part One: Death for the Wicked

 

"Unfolding Death for the Kingdom-Minded:

Part One: Death for the Wicked

Andrea L. Sims PhD.

Introduction: 

The guiding Scripture for “The Kingdom Study”

'Why have you not considered in your mind this thing that is to come, 

rather than that which is present? 

Then answered I and said, O Yahuah Adonai, 

you have ordained in your Torah, 

that the righteous should inherit these things, 

but that the wicked should perish. 

Nevertheless, the righteous shall suffer strait things, 

and hope for wide: 

for they that have done wickedly 

have suffered the strait things, 

and yet shall not see the wide.  

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:16-18 את CEPHER

We know that among “ . . . this thing that is to come . . .” is death, both for the Righteous and for the wicked. 

What a topic to tackle! 

But we have all known, have we not, that one day it will happen to us. So many, though cannot bring themselves to consider what death may mean for them. So many are caught up in “. . . that which is present,” whether that is the chaos in the world or the business of the day, or the thoughts and plans for the future, etc. Many things occupy our minds these days. Yah is saying, I believe, that we should stop and reconsider some things . . . about death.

My “unfolding” doesn’t mean I understand it all or that I can explain it all; that would be presumption on my part. I am opening this topic up for examination with questions of my own and my searching for Truth. I see the topics I am “unfolding” as a type of origami—many folds creating multiple layers that are both intricate and intriguing. The topic of “death” is assuredly made up of multiple layers and quite a challenge to approach in this manner. But that is what I have attempted to accomplish because there are people in my life who have died; there are people in my life right now who are dying. I am of the age to take a good hard look at my own life in light of what may not be too far off. I have recently written a will and created legal documents as to what I would like done (and not done) when that time comes for me. 

TO everything there is a season, 

and a time to every purpose under the heavens: 

A time to be born, and a time to die; 

QOHELETH (ECCLESIASTES) 3:1-2 את CEPHER

And that time is ordained by Yah: 

“. . . in Your book all the days [of my life]

were written before ever they took shape, 

when as yet there was none of them.”

Psalms 139:16 [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition]

For death is the door that leads to what follows, and what follows is what I am unfolding for us. The following Scriptures seem to apply both to the righteous and the wicked. And it may give us some additional understanding about the shared “near death experiences” of so many of late. 

Ezra asked many questions of the Angel who was sent to him with answers, which provide great insight for us who have ears to hear.

[The Angel] Now, concerning death, the teaching is: 

When the decisive decree has gone forth from El Elyon 

that a man shall die, 

as the ruach leaves the body to return again to him who gave it, 

first of all it adores the glory of El Elyon. 

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:78 את CEPHER

[Baruk] As for what you said,

 to whom will these things be, 

and how many will they be? 

[Angel] To those who have believed there shall be the good 

which was spoken of aforetime, 

and to those who despise 

there shall be the contrary of these things. 

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 42:2 את CEPHER

[Angel] For the judgment of El Elohiym 

shall thereby be made known 

and his ways, 

which though past finding out, are right. BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 44:6 את CEPHER

Yah’s judgment and his ways are right—even though we may not understand them or even agree with them. In using the word “right” here, I’m reminded that Yah decides what is “right”; as our Creator, he defines the terms; he sets the rules; he, in his sovereignty decides “when.” Yah reigns. It is his dominion that we find ourselves under—by his hand. As this study unfolds, we will see with great certainty, that Yah requires his creation, his people, to walk according as he has instructed for our good. To have the right word at the right time with the right heart—this is Righteousness—being “right with Yah!”

I [Ezra] answered then, and said, I know, Adonai, that El Elyon is called merciful, in that he has mercy upon them which are not yet come into the world, And upon those also that turn to his Torah; And that he is patient, and long suffers those that have sinned, as his creatures; And that he is bountiful, for he is ready to give where it needs; And that he is of great mercy, for he multiplies more and more mercies to them that are present, and that are past, and also to them which are to come. For if he shall not multiply his mercies, the world would not continue with them that inherit therein. And he pardons; for if he did not so of his goodness, that they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them, the ten thousandth part of men should not remain living. And being Judge, if he should not forgive them that are cured with his word, and put out the multitude of contentions, There should be very few left perchance in an innumerable multitude. EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:132-140 את CEPHER

AND he [Angel] answered me [Ezra], saying, El Elyon has made this world for many, but the world to come for few. EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 8:1 את CEPHER

Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. TEHILLIYM (PSALMS) 19:13 את CEPHER

The Great Transgression of the Wicked

I dug a little deeper into this word “transgression”: It is pesa (peh shah) in Hebrew (Strong’s H6586) and means “rebellion” or “revolt” or “trespass.” 

The Wicked defined

And Chanoch also, the seventh from A'dam, prophesied of these, saying: 

Behold, Yahuah comes with ten thousands of his qodeshiym, 

To execute judgment upon all, 

and to convince all that are wicked among them 

of all their wicked deeds 

which they have wickedly committed, 

and of all their hard speeches 

which wicked sinners have spoken against him.

 YAHUDAH (JUDE) 1:14-15 את CEPHER

For this reason, therefore,

 those who dwell on earth shall be tormented,

 because though they had understanding 

they committed iniquity, 

and though they received the commandments 

they did not guard them, 

and though they obtained the Torah 

they dealt unfaithfully with what they received. 

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:72 את CEPHER

The transgression of the wicked says within my heart,

 that there is no fear of Elohiym before his eyes. 

For he flatters himself in his own eyes, 

until his iniquity be found to be hateful. 

The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: 

he has left off to be wise, 

and to do good. 

He devises mischief upon his bed; 

he sets himself in a way that is not good; 

he abhors not evil. 

TEHILLIYM (PSALMS) 36:1-4 את CEPHER

[Angel speaking [about] the wicked] 

For while we lived and committed iniquity, 

we considered not that we should begin to suffer for it after death.

Then answered he me, and said, 

This is the condition of the battle, 

which man that is born upon the earth shall fight; 

That, if he be overcome, he shall suffer as you have said: 

but if he get the victory, 

he shall receive the thing that I say. 

For this is the life whereof Mosheh spoke unto the people while he lived, saying, 

Choose life, that you may live. 

Nevertheless, they believed not him, 

nor yet the prophets after him, 

no nor me [Ezra] which have spoken unto them, 

That there should not be such heaviness in their destruction, 

as shall be joy over them that are persuaded to yeshu`ah. 

 EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:126-131 את CEPHER

He has both wrought iniquity so far as he could do anything 

and has not remembered my goodness 

nor accepted my longsuffering.

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 48:30 את CEPHER

And it shall come to pass at the selfsame time 

that a change of times shall manifestly appear 

to every man 

because in all those times 

they polluted themselves 

and they practiced oppression 

and walked every man in his own works 

and remembered not the Torah of El Elohiym. 

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 48:38 את CEPHER

And as regards all these 

their end shall convict them, 

and your Torah which they have transgressed 

shall requite them on your day. 

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 48:47 את CEPHER

For then they chose not for themselves this time 

which beyond the reach of anguish could not pass away: 

but they chose for themselves that time 

whose issues are full of lamentations and evils; 

and they denied the world which ages not those who come to it; 

and they rejected the time of glory 

so that they shall not come to the honor of which I told you before. 

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 51:16 את CEPHER

For over this above all shall those who come 

then lament that they rejected my Torah 

and stopped their ears that they might not hear wisdom 

or receive understanding. 

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 51:4 את CEPHER

But now, ye peoples and nations, 

ye are guilty because ye have always trodden down the earth, 

and used the creation unrighteously. 

For I have always benefited you. 

And ye have always been ungrateful for the beneficence [the doing of good; charity].  

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 13:11-12 את CEPHER

What “benefits” exactly is Yah speaking of here? And how deceived and blinded and stubborn and rebellious must the wicked be to disregard Yah’s benefits. Let’s take a look at what they rejected:

Bless Yahuah, O my soul: and all that is within me, 

bless his holy name. 

Bless Yahuah, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 

Who forgives all your iniquities; 

who heals all your diseases; 

Who redeems your life from destruction; 

who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 

Who satisfies your mouth with good things;

 so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

TEHILLIYM  (PSALMS) 103:1-5 את CEPHER

This, then, is what follows for the “wicked”:

Through the Door of Death for the Wicked

Now, concerning death, the teaching is: 

When the decisive decree has gone forth from El Elyon 

that a man shall die, 

as the ruach leaves the body to return again to him who gave it, 

first of all it adores the glory of El Elyon. 

And if it is one of those who have shown scorn 

and have not guarded the Way of El Elyon, 

and who have despised his Torah, 

and who have hated those who fear Elohiym; 

such ruachoth shall not enter into habitations, 

but shall immediately wander about in torments, 

ever grieving and sad, in seven ways. 

The first way, 

because they have scorned the Torah of El Elyon. 

The second way, 

because they cannot now make a good repentance that they may live. 

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:78-82 את CEPHER

The third way, 

they shall see the reward laid up for those who have trusted

 the covenants of El Elyon. 

The fourth way, 

they shall consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days.

 

The fifth way, 

they shall see how the habitations of the others 

are guarded by angels in profound quiet. 

The sixth way, 

they shall see how some of them will pass over into torments. 

The seventh way, 

which is worse than all the ways that have been mentioned, 

because they shall utterly waste away in confusion 

and be consumed with shame 

and shall wither with fear at seeing the glory of El Elyon 

before whom they sinned while they were alive, 

and before whom they are to be judged in the last times. 

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:83-87 את CEPHER

The Conclusion of the Matter

This is what it looks like leading up to the “consummation of time”: Sound familiar? Yah wants us to know this! 

For there shall be in every place, 

and in the next cities, 

a great insurrection upon those that fear Yahuah. 

They shall be like mad men, 

sparing none, 

but still spoiling and destroying those that fear Yahuah. 

For they shall waste and take away their goods, 

and cast them out of their houses. 

Then shall they be known, who are my chosen; 

and they shall be tried as the gold in the fire. 

Hear, O ye my beloved, says Yahuah: 

behold, the days of trouble are at hand, 

but I will deliver you from the same. 

Be ye not afraid neither doubt; for Elohiym is your guide,  

And the guide of them who guard my commandments and precepts, 

says Yahuah Elohiym: 

let not your sins weigh you down, 

and let not your iniquities lift up themselves.  

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 16:70-76 את CEPHER

FRET not yourself because of evildoers, 

neither be envious against the workers of iniquity. 

For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, 

and wither as the green herb. 

Trust in Yahuah, 

and do good; 

so shall you dwell in the land, 

and truly you shall be fed. 

Delight yourself also in Yahuah; 

and he shall give you the desires of your heart. 

Commit your way unto Yahuah; 

trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 

And he shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, 

and your judgment as the noonday.  

TEHILLIYM (PSALMS) 37:1-6 את CEPHER

Unfolding Death for the Kingdom-Minded Part Two will cover what occurs for the Righteous ones as they reach that door into the “Next.”

All Scriptural references taken from the Cepher

https://www.cepher.net/shop.aspx?itemid=2406&prodid=97023&pagetitle=%d7%90%d7%aa-Cepher-Scriptures-Millennium-Edition-2022-

Please visit our Bonfire store front if you would like to support

Fiery Faith Ministries or the Tseviyah Widow's Fund.

https://www.bonfire.com/store/fiery-faith-ministries/

Download our free app (found in all app stores) to stay in touch!

https://get.theapp.co/2nmm

Andrea L. Sims PhD: "Unfolding Trials for the Kingdom-Minded"

 

Painting by Andrea L. Sims

Unfolding Trials for the Kingdom-Minded

Andrea L. Sims PhD.

But he knows the way that I take:

when he has tried me,

I shall come forth as gold. 

IYOV (JOB) 23:10 את CEPHER

Introduction

When this topic began to unfold for me, I had notes of all sizes and kinds scattered all over my desk, and my mind was just as scattered, if I’m being honest about it!

I had gathered enough Scripture references to write a book, and I had several plans of attack to choose from . . . and then . . . and then . . . Job 23:10 surfaced in my mess. I have treasured that Scripture for years. You’ve heard me say (over and over) that I open my heart wide to Yah with nothing hidden, nothing secret, nothing held back. I know Yah knows everything. My declaration is one of acknowledging that I know that Yah knows . . . everything about me. And my life has been laid out there for others to see, too, in the books I have written about my life. It’s what Yah is requiring of me. 

My life is not a pretty story, by any means. I’ve been tried and failed. I’ve been tested and flunked the test; I’ve been afflicted and then moaned and groaned about it. Yes, I’ve committed all the wrong responses to being tried. I was wrong in so many ways. But, and the “but” is big: I did not stay wrong! I reconsidered with new understanding (another way of saying, “I repented”). It was when I began to walk on the Ancient Path that Yah began to show me the “why” of testing and trials.

Thus says Yahuah, 

Stand ye in the ways, 

and see, 

ask for the ancient paths, 

where is the good way, and walk therein, 

and ye shall find rest for your souls. 

But they said, We will not walk therein. 

YIRMEYAHU (JEREMIAH) 6:16 את CEPHER

Our fathers before us were the ones who said they would not walk therein. But I said, “Yes, I will walk in it!” I needed rest for my soul. The trials and troubles I had experienced so far had led me to this.

I had to chuckle, too, when I began to think about this topic of “trials.” If I were to ask for “testimonials” of trials you all have been through, I would have a line a mile long and each person would have hours of stories to share. Right? 

But I am not sure we all are aware of what Yah has to say about trials. . . and about us, in them. That’s what I want to get to.  

Thinking Right about Trials

בָּחַן bâchan, baw-khan'; a primitive root; to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate:—examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). (from Blueletterbible.org).

We know that everything that Yah does is good. Trials and testing, then, are good, albeit not fun or pleasant. But there is a purpose, and it is vital to know that going forward, knowing the times we are in now. And it’s not like he didn’t warn us ahead of time:

These things I have spoken unto you, 

that in me ye might have peace.

 In the world ye shall have tribulation:

 but be of good cheer; 

I have overcome the world. 

YOCHANON (JOHN) 16:33 את CEPHER

And he is so kind to explain to us his purpose. 

MY son, if you come to serve Yahuah, prepare your soul for temptation. 

Set your heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble. Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that you may be increased at your last end. Whatsoever is brought upon you take cheerfully, and be patient when you are changed to a low estate. For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity. Believe in him, and he will help you; order your way aright, and trust in him.

Ye that fear Yahuah, wait for his mercy; and go not aside, lest ye fall.

SIRACH (ECCLESIASTICUS) 2:1-7 את CEPHER

Echoes of Job are resounding down through the ages!

THESE are the words of that cepher which Baruk the son of Neriyahu sent to the nine and a half tribes, which were across the river Perath, in which these things were written.

Thus says Baruk the son of Neriyahu to the brethren carried into captivity:

Mercy and peace.

I bear in mind, my brethren, the love of him who created us,

who loved us from of old, and never hated us, but above all educated us.

And truly I know that behold all we the twelve tribes are bound by one bond,

inasmuch as we are born from one father.

Wherefore I have been the more careful to leave you the words of this cepher 

before I die, 

that ye may be comforted regarding the evils which have come upon you, 

and that ye may be grieved also regarding the evil that has befallen your brethren; 

and again, also, 

that ye may justify his judgment which he has decreed against you 

that ye should be carried away captives for what ye have suffered 

is disproportioned to what ye have done 

in order that, 

at the last times, ye may be found worthy of your fathers.

 Therefore, if ye consider that ye have now suffered those things for your good, that ye may not finally be condemned and tormented, 

then ye will receive eternal hope;

 if above all ye destroy from your heart vain error, 

on account of which ye departed hence.  

For if ye so do these things, 

he will continually remember you, 

he who always promised on our behalf 

to those who were more excellent than we,

 that he will never forget or forsake us, 

but with much mercy will gather together again 

those who were dispersed.

BARUK SHENIY (2 BARUK) 78:1-7 את CEPHER

Painting by Andrea L. Sims

Kinds of and Purposes for Trials

Trials have many purposes as seen throughout the Scriptures. 

Tribulations: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. YOCHANON (JOHN) 16:33 את CEPHER	But they bring with them comfort and peace.
Temptation, trouble, adversity: MY son, if you come to serve Yahuah, prepare your soul for temptation. Set your heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble. Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that you may be increased at your last end. Whatsoever is brought upon you take cheerfully, and be patient when you are changed to a low estate. For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity. SIRACH (ECCLESIASTICUS) 2:1-5 את CEPHER	These lead to preparation, heart condition awareness, increased patience, and cheerfulness.
Light affliction: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; QORINTIYM SHENIY (2 CORINTHIANS) 4:17 את CEPHER	These work for us a far more exceeding weight of glory!
Shaken in mind and body: That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by ruach, nor by word, nor by cepher as from us, as that the day of Yahuah is at hand. TASLONIQIYM SHENIY (2 THESSALONIANS) 2:2 את CEPHER	These work for us, too!
Wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, troubles of all kinds: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in diverse places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. MARQUS (MARK) 13:8 את CEPHER And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. MATTITHYAHU (MATTHEW) 24:6 את CEPHER	These let us know the times in which we find ourselves.
Narrow gate, troublesome way, sorrow and travail: Because narrow is the gate, and troublesome is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it. MATTITHYAHU (MATTHEW) 7:14 את CEPHER AND when I had made an end of speaking these words, there was sent unto me the angel which had been sent unto me the nights afore: And he said unto me, Up, Ezra, and hear the words that I am come to tell you. And I said, Speak on, my Elohiym. Then said he unto me, The sea is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great. But put the case the entrance were narrow, and like a river; Who then could go into the sea to look upon it, and to rule it? if he went not through the narrow, how could he come into the broad? There is also another thing; A city is built, and set upon a broad field, and is full of all good things: The entrance thereof is narrow, and is set in a dangerous place to fall, like as if there were a fire on the right hand, and on the left a deep water: And there is but one path between them, even between the fire and the water, so small that there could but one man go there at once. If this city now were given unto a man for an inheritance, if he never shall pass the danger set before it, how shall he receive this inheritance? And I said, It is so, Adonai. Then said he unto me, Even so also is Yashar'el's portion. Because for their sakes I made the world: and when A'dam transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done. Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, full of sorrow and travail: they are but few and evil, full of perils,: and very painful. EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:1-12 את CEPHER	These trials lead to LIFE!
Sins can weigh us down and iniquities can lift themselves up: And the guide of them who guard my commandments and precepts, says Yahuah Elohiym: let not your sins weigh you down, and let not your iniquities lift up themselves. EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 16:74 את CEPHER	These are words of instruction to avoid further troubles.
So much we can learn about trials in this section of Hebrews:  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: Elohiym having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. IVRIYM (HEBREWS) 11:35-40 את CEPHER	These are all waiting for perfection – along with us!

As we can see from the above, 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: 

but Yahuah delivers him out of them all.  

TEHILLIYM (PSALMS) 34:19 את CEPHER

What about the “righteous”?

First, let’s define the word!

Righteous just, lawful, righteous

1. just, righteous (in government)
2. just, right (in one's cause)
3. just, righteous (in conduct and character)
4. righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)
5. right, correct, lawful

(from BlueLetterBible.com)

We are reminded of the purpose in pursuing being “Kingdom-Minded”:

'Why have you not considered in your mind this thing that is to come, 

rather than that which is present? 

Then answered I and said, O Yahuah Adonai, 

you have ordained in your Torah, 

that the righteous should inherit these things, 

but that the wicked should perish. 

Nevertheless, the righteous shall suffer strait things, 

and hope for wide: 

[We have such a great promise of hope!]

for they that have done wickedly 

[and we are going to get to that next week!]

have suffered the strait things, 

and yet shall not see the wide.  

EZRA REVIY`IY (4 EZRA) 7:16-18 את CEPHER

For Yahuah has made all things; 

and to the righteous has he given wisdom. 

SIRACH (ECCLESIASTICUS) 43:33 את CEPHER

I don’t need to convince anyone that the righteous need wisdom from above as we walk in this season of chaos and destruction of all kinds.

In talking about wisdom, a little scene plays over in my mind. Back in my early days of believing, I tried to share my new life with those around me but the response I got almost without exception is, “Well, aren’t you ‘little miss perfect’!” 

(I must have been doing the Four Spiritual Laws wrong, or something!) And I didn’t really have an answer for them other than, “No, I’m not perfect!” 

But now my response would be so different: “No, I’m not perfect—I’ve been purchased.” And I’d be crying out in my heart to Yah for wisdom as to what might come next. If questioned on that retort, I would proceed with The Great Price paid by our Messiah. If not questioned, I would leave it for them to ponder if they had a heart to do so. For, you see, I’m longing to be “right with Yah”: Righteous. By his Ruach Chokmah, I long to have the right word, at the right time, with the right heart. He has given righteousness as a gift. We just need his Wisdom to know how to “wear it”!

Becoming aware of trials in our lives; becoming aware of their purposes; becoming aware of how important it is to respond rightly to them: these things are becoming more and more important as we move forward in this season. 

For which cause we faint not; 

but though our outward man perish, 

yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 

For our light affliction, 

which is but for a moment, 

works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 

While we look not at the things which are seen,

 but at the things which are not seen: 

for the things which are seen are temporal; 

but the things which are not seen are eternal.  

QORINTIYM SHENIY (2 CORINTHIANS) 4:16-18 את CEPHER

For the which cause I also suffer these things: 

nevertheless, I am not ashamed: 

for I know whom I have believed, 

and am persuaded 

that he is able 

to guard that which I have committed unto him 

against that day.  

TIMOTHEUS SHENIY (2 TIMOTHY) 1:12 את CEPHER

But he knows the way that I take:

when he has tried me,

I shall come forth as gold. 

IYOV (JOB) 23:10 את CEPHER

Painting by Andrea L. Sims 

All scriptural references from Cepher

https://www.cepher.net/shop.aspx?itemid=2406&prodid=97023&pagetitle=%d7%90%d7%aa-Cepher-Scriptures-Millennium-Edition-2022-

Please visit our Bonfire Storefront if you would like to support Fiery Faith Ministries or the Tseviyah Widow's Fund.

https://www.bonfire.com/store/fiery-faith-ministries/

Please download our free app to stay in touch. Available in all app stores! It's free!!

https://get.theapp.co/2nmm