The Story of Nimrod and the Tower of Babel

Genesis 10:8-12

Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord.” And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. From that land he went to Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah, and Resen between Nineveh and Calah (that is the principal city).

Genesis 11:1-9

Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

Jasher 7:23-51

And Cush the son of Ham, the son of Noah, took a wife in those days in his old age, and she bare a son, and they called his name Nimrod, saying, At that time the sons of men again began to rebel and transgress against God, and the child grew up, and his father loved him exceedingly, for he was the son of his old age.

And the garments of skin which God made for Adam and his wife, when they went out of the garden, were given to Cush. For after the death of Adam and his wife, the garments were given to Enoch, the son of Jared, and when Enoch was taken up to God, he gave them to Methuselah, his son. And at the death of Methuselah, Noah took them and brought them to the ark, and they were with him until he went out of the ark. And in their going out, Ham stole those garments from Noah his father, and he took them and hid them from his brothers. And when Ham begat his first born Cush, he gave him the garments in secret, and they were with Cush many days. And Cush also concealed them from his sons and brothers, and when Cush had begotten Nimrod, he gave him those garments through his love for him, and Nimrod grew up, and when he was twenty years old he put on those garments.

And Nimrod became strong when he put on the garments, and God gave him might and strength, and he was a mighty hunter in the earth, yea, he was a mighty hunter in the field, and he hunted the animals and he built altars, and he offered upon them the animals before the Lord.

And Nimrod strengthened himself, and he rose up from amongst his brethren, and he fought the battles of his brethren against all their enemies round about. And the Lord delivered all the enemies of his brethren in his hands, and God prospered him from time to time in his battles, and he reigned upon earth. (Reign means to be king)

Therefore it became current in those days, when a man ushered forth those that he had trained up for battle, he would say to them, Like God did to Nimrod, who was a mighty hunter in the earth, and who succeeded in the battles that prevailed against his brethren, that he delivered them from the hands of their enemies, so may God strengthen us and deliver us this day.

And when Nimrod was forty years old, at that time there was a war between his brethren and the children of Japheth, so that they were in the power of their enemies. And Nimrod went forth at that time, and he assembled all the sons of Cush and their families, about four hundred and sixty men, and he hired also from some of his friends and acquaintances about eighty men, and be gave them their hire, and he went with them to battle, and when he was on the road, Nimrod strengthened the hearts of the people that went with him. And he said to them, Do not fear, neither be alarmed, for all our enemies will be delivered into our hands, and you may do with them as you please.

And all the men that went were about five hundred, and they fought against their enemies, and they destroyed them, and subdued them, and Nimrod placed standing officers over them in their respective places. And he took some of their children as security, and they were all servants to Nimrod and to his brethren, and Nimrod and all the people that were with him turned homeward. And when Nimrod had joyfully returned from battle, after having conquered his enemies, all his brethren, together with those who knew him before, assembled to make him king over them, and they placed the regal crown upon his head.

And he set over his subjects and people, princes, judges, and rulers, as is the custom amongst kings. And he placed Terah the son of Nahor the prince of his host, and he dignified him and elevated him above all his princes. And whilst he was reigning according to his heart's desire, after having conquered all his enemies around, he advised with his counselors to build a city for his palace, and they did so.

And they found a large valley opposite to the east, and they built him a large and extensive city, and Nimrod called the name of the city that he built Shinar, for the Lord had vehemently shaken his enemies and destroyed them. And Nimrod dwelt in Shinar, and he reigned securely, and he fought with his enemies and he subdued them, and he prospered in all his battles, and his kingdom became very great.

And all nations and tongues heard of his fame, and they gathered themselves to him, and they bowed down to the earth, and they brought him offerings, and he became their lord and king, and they all dwelt with him in the city at Shinar, and Nimrod reigned in the earth over all the sons of Noah, and they were all under his power and counsel.

And all the earth was of one tongue and words of union, but Nimrod did not go in the ways of the Lord, and he was more wicked than all the men that were before him, from the days of the flood until those days.

And he made gods of wood and stone, and he bowed down to them, and he rebelled against the Lord, and taught all his subjects and the people of the earth his wicked ways; and Mardon his son was more wicked than his father. And every one that heard of the acts of Mardon the son of Nimrod would say, concerning him, From the wicked goes forth wickedness; therefore it became a proverb in the whole earth, saying, From the wicked goes forth wickedness, and it was current in the words of men from that time to this.

And Terah the son of Nahor, prince of Nimrod's host, was in those days very great in the sight of the king and his subjects, and the king and princes loved him, and they elevated him very high. And Terah took a wife and her name was Amthelo the daughter of Cornebo; and the wife of Terah conceived and bare him a son in those days. Terah was seventy years old when he begat him, and Terah called the name of his son that was born to him Abram, because the king had raised him in those days, and dignified him above all his princes that were with him.

Jubilees

And in the three and thirtieth jubilee, in the first year in the second week, Peleg took to himself a wife, whose name was Lômnâ the daughter of Sînâ’ar, and she bare him a son in the fourth year of this week, and he called his name Reu; for he said: "Behold the children of men have become evil through the wicked purpose of building for themselves a city and a tower in the land of Shinar." For they departed from the land of Ararat eastward to Shinar; for in his days they built the city and the tower, saying, "Go to, let us ascend thereby into heaven." And they began to build, and in the fourth week they made brick with fire, and the bricks served them for stone, and the clay with which they cemented them together was asphalt which cometh out of the sea, and out of the fountains of water in the land of Shinar. And they built it: forty and three years were they building it; its breadth was 203 bricks, and the height (of a brick) was the third of one; its height amounted to 5433 cubits and 2 palms, and (the extent of one wall was) thirteen stades (and of the other thirty stades). And the Lord our God said unto us: "Behold, they are one people, and (this) they begin to do, and now nothing will be withholden from them. Go to, let us go down and confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech, and they may be dispersed into cities and nations, and one purpose will no longer abide with them till the day of judgment." And the Lord descended, and we descended with Him to see the city and the tower which the children of men had built. And He confounded their language, and they no longer understood one another's speech, and they ceased then to build the city and the tower. For this reason the whole land of Shinar is called Babel, because the Lord did there confound all the language of the children of men, and from thence they were dispersed into their cities, each according to his language and his nation. And the Lord sent a mighty wind against the tower and overthrew it upon the earth, and behold it was between Asshur and Babylon in the land of Shinar, and they called its name "Overthrow." In the fourth week in the first year in the beginning thereof in the four and thirtieth jubilee, were they dispersed from the land of Shinar.

Jasher 9:20-39

And king Nimrod reigned securely, and all the earth was under his control, and all the earth was of one tongue and words of union. And all the princes of Nimrod and his great men took counsel together; Phut, Mitzraim, Cush and Canaan with their families, and they said to each other, Come let us build ourselves a city and in it a strong tower, and its top reaching heaven, and we will make ourselves famed, so that we may reign upon the whole world, in order that the evil of our enemies may cease from us, that we may reign mightily over them, and that we may not become scattered over the earth on account of their wars. And they all went before the king, and they told the king these words, and the king agreed with them in this affair, and he did so.

And all the families assembled consisting of about six hundred thousand men, and they went to seek an extensive piece of ground to build the city and the tower, and they sought in the whole earth and they found none like one valley at the east of the land of Shinar, about two days' walk, and they journeyed there and they dwelt there.

And they began to make bricks and burn fires to build the city and the tower that they had imagined to complete. And the building of the tower was unto them a transgression and a sin, and they began to build it, and whilst they were building against the Lord God of heaven, they imagined in their hearts to war against him and to ascend into heaven.

And all these people and all the families divided themselves in three parts; the first said We will ascend into heaven and fight against him; the second said, We will ascend to heaven and place our own gods there and serve them; and the third part said, We will ascend to heaven and smite him with bows and spears; and God knew all their works and all their evil thoughts, and he saw the city and the tower which they were building.

And when they were building they built themselves a great city and a very high and strong tower; and on account of its height the mortar and bricks did not reach the builders in their ascent to it, until those who went up had completed a full year, and after that, they reached to the builders and gave them the mortar and the bricks; thus was it done daily. And behold these ascended and others descended the whole day; and if a brick should fall from their hands and get broken, they would all weep over it, and if a man fell and died, none of them would look at him.

And the Lord knew their thoughts, and it came to pass when they were building they cast the arrows toward the heavens, and all the arrows fell upon them filled with blood, and when they saw them they said to each other, Surely we have slain all those that are in heaven. For this was from the Lord in order to cause them to err, and in order; to destroy them from off the face of the ground. And they built the tower and the city, and they did this thing daily until many days and years were elapsed.

And God said to the seventy angels who stood foremost before him, to those who were near to him, saying, Come let us descend and confuse their tongues, that one man shall not understand the language of his neighbor, and they did so unto them. And from that day following, they forgot each man his neighbor's tongue, and they could not understand to speak in one tongue, and when the builder took from the hands of his neighbor lime or stone which he did not order, the builder would cast it away and throw it upon his neighbor, that he would die.

And they did so many days, and they killed many of them in this manner.

And the Lord smote the three divisions that were there, and he punished them according to their works and designs; those who said, We will ascend to heaven and serve our gods, became like apes and elephants; and those who said, We will smite the heaven with arrows, the Lord killed them, one man through the hand of his neighbor; and the third division of those who said, We will ascend to heaven and fight against him, the Lord scattered them throughout the earth.

And those who were left amongst them, when they knew and understood the evil which was coming upon them, they forsook the building, and they also became scattered upon the face of the whole earth. And they ceased building the city and the tower; therefore he called that place Babel, for there the Lord confounded the Language of the whole earth; behold it was at the east of the land of Shinar. And as to the tower which the sons of men built, the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up one third part thereof, and a fire also descended from heaven and burned another third, and the other third is left to this day, and it is of that part which was aloft, and its circumference is three days' walk. And many of the sons of men died in that tower, a people without number.

Cause of the Great Flood!!!

We are only given a very small piece of the puzzle in the Holy Bible. YHWH did not leave us to imagine or guess what was going on during this time. He has given us great detail on what was going on during that time. We can find this information within the apocryphal writings of Jubilees, Enoch, and Jasher. These three books give a detailed story that completely matches up with what the book of Genesis tells us. Check it out.

Genesis 6:1-8

Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.

And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

Then YHWH saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Jubilees

And it came to pass when the children of men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born unto them, that the angels of God saw them on a certain year of this jubilee, that they were beautiful to look upon; and they took themselves wives of all whom they chose, and they bare unto them sons and they were giants.

And lawlessness increased on the earth and all flesh corrupted its way, alike men and cattle and beasts and birds and everything that walks on the earth-all of them corrupted their ways and their orders, and they began to devour each other, and lawlessness increased on the earth and every imagination of the thoughts of all men (was) thus evil continually.

And God looked upon the earth, and behold it was corrupt, and all flesh had corrupted its orders, and all that were upon the earth had wrought all manner of evil before His eyes. And He said: "I shall destroy man and all flesh upon the face of the earth which I have created."

But Noah found grace before the eyes of the Lord. And against the angels whom He had sent upon the earth, He was exceedingly wroth, and He gave commandment to root them out of all their dominion, and He bade us to bind them in the depths of the earth, and behold they are bound in the midst of them, and are (kept) separate.

And against their sons went forth a command from before His face that they should be smitten with the sword, and be removed from under heaven.

And He said "Thy spirit will not always abide on man; for they also are flesh and their days shall be one hundred and twenty years." And He sent His sword into their midst that each should slay his neighbor, and they began to slay each other till they all fell by the sword and were destroyed from the earth. And their fathers were witnesses (of their destruction), and after this they were bound in the depths of the earth for ever, until the day of the great condemnation when judgment is executed on all those who have corrupted their ways and their works before the Lord. And He †destroyed† all from their places, and there †was† not left one of them whom He judged not according to all their wickedness.

And He †made† for all His works a new and righteous nature, so that they should not sin in their whole nature for ever, but should be all righteous each in his kind always. And the judgment of all is ordained and written on the heavenly tables in righteousness--even (the judgment of) all who depart from the path which is ordained for them to walk in; and if they walk not therein judgment is written down for every creature and for every kind. And there is nothing in heaven or on earth, or in light or in darkness, or in Sheol or in the depth, or in the place of darkness (which is not judged); and all their judgments are ordained and written and engraved. In regard to all He will judge, the great according to his greatness, and the small according to his smallness, and each according to his way. And He is not one who will regard the person (of any), nor is He one who will receive gifts, if He saith that He will execute judgment on each: if one gave everything that is on the earth, He will not regard the gifts or the person (of any), nor accept anything at his hands, for He is a righteous judge.

And of the children of Israel it hath been written and ordained: If they turn to Him in righteousness, He will forgive all their transgressions and pardon all their sins. It is written and ordained that He will show mercy to all who turn from all their guilt once each year.

And as for all those who corrupted their ways and their thoughts before the flood, no man's person was accepted save that of Noah alone; for his person was accepted in behalf of his sons, whom (God) saved from the waters of the flood on his account; for his heart was righteous in all his ways, according as it was commanded regarding him, and he had not departed from aught that was ordained for him. And the Lord said that He would destroy everything which was upon the earth, both men and cattle, and beasts, and fowls of the air, and that which move on the earth.

Jasher 4: 16-21

And all the sons of men departed from the ways of the Lord in those days as they multiplied upon the face of the earth with sons and daughters, and they taught one another their evil practices and they continued sinning against the Lord.

And every man made unto himself a god, and they robbed and plundered every man his neighbor as well as his relative, and they corrupted the earth, and the earth was filled with violence.

And their judges and rulers went to the daughters of men and took their wives by force from their husbands according to their choice, and the sons of men in those days took from the cattle of the earth, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and taught the mixture of animals of one species with the other, in order therewith to provoke the Lord; and God saw the whole earth and it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted its ways upon earth, all men and all animals.

And the Lord said, I will blot out man that I created from the face of the earth, yea from man to the birds of the air, together with cattle and beasts that are in the field for I repent that I made them.

And all men who walked in the ways of the Lord, died in those days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which he had declared, for this was from the Lord, that they should not see the evil which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men.

And Noah found grace in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord chose him and his children to raise up seed from them upon the face of the whole earth.

Enoch 6:1-10

And it came to pass when the children of men had multiplied that in those days were born unto them beautiful and comely daughters. And the angels, the children of the heaven, saw and lusted after them, and said to one another: 'Come, let us choose us wives from among the children of men and beget us children.' And Semjâzâ, who was their leader, said unto them: 'I fear ye will not indeed agree to do this deed, and I alone shall have to pay the penalty of a great sin.' And they all answered him and said: 'Let us all swear an oath, and all bind ourselves by mutual imprecations not to abandon this plan but to do this thing.' Then sware they all together and bound themselves by mutual imprecations upon it. And they were in all two hundred; who descended ⌈in the days⌉ of Jared on the summit of Mount Hermon, and they called it Mount Hermon, because they had sworn and bound themselves by mutual imprecations upon it. And these are the names of their leaders: Sêmîazâz, their leader, Arâkîba, Râmêêl, Kôkabîêl, Tâmîêl, Râmîêl, Dânêl, Êzêqêêl, Barâqîjâl, Asâêl, Armârôs, Batârêl, Anânêl, Zaqîêl, Samsâpêêl, Satarêl, Tûrêl, Jômjâêl, Sariêl. 8. These are their chiefs of tens.

Enoch 7:1-6

And all the others together with them took unto themselves wives, and each chose for himself one, and they began to go in unto them and to defile themselves with them, and they taught them charms and enchantments, and the cutting of roots, and made them acquainted with plants. And they became pregnant, and they bare great giants, whose height was three thousand ells: Who consumed all the acquisitions of men. And when men could no longer sustain them, the giants turned against them and devoured mankind. And they began to sin against birds, and beasts, and reptiles, and fish, and to devour one another's flesh, and drink the blood. Then the earth laid accusation against the lawless ones.

Enoch 8:1-2

And Azâzêl taught men to make swords, and knives, and shields, and breastplates, and made known to them the metals 〈of the earth〉 and the art of working them, and bracelets, and ornaments, and the use of antimony, and the beautifying of the eyelids, and all kinds of costly stones, and all coloring mixtures. And there arose much godlessness, and they committed fornication, and they were led astray, and became corrupt in all their ways. Semjâzâ taught enchantments, and root-cuttings, Armârôs the resolving of enchantments, Barâqîjâl, (taught) astrology, Kôkabêl the constellations, Ezêqêêl the knowledge of the clouds, 〈Araqiêl the signs of the earth, Shamsiêl the signs of the sun〉, and Sariêl the course of the moon. And as men perished, they cried, and their cry went up to heaven.

Enoch 9:1-11

And then Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel looked down from heaven and saw much blood being shed upon the earth, and all lawlessness being wrought upon the earth. And they said one to another: 'The earth made without inhabitant cries the voice of their crying up to the gates of heaven. ⌈⌈And now to you, the holy ones of heaven⌉⌉, the souls of men make their suit, saying, "Bring our cause before the Most High.".' And they said to the Lord of the ages: 'Lord of lords, God of gods, King of kings, 〈and God of the ages〉, the throne of Thy glory (stands) unto all the generations of the ages, and Thy name holy and glorious and blessed unto all the ages! Thou hast made all things, and power over all things hast Thou: and all things are naked and open in Thy sight, and Thou see all things, and nothing can hide itself from Thee. Thou sees what Azâzêl hath done, who hath taught all unrighteousness on earth and revealed the eternal secrets which were (preserved) in heaven, which men were striving to learn: And Semjâzâ, to whom Thou hast given authority to bear rule over his associates. And they have gone to the daughters of men upon the earth, and have slept with the women, and have defiled themselves, and revealed to them all kinds of sins. And the women have borne giants, and the whole earth has thereby been filled with blood and unrighteousness. And now, behold, the souls of those who have died are crying and making their suit to the gates of heaven, and their lamentations have ascended: and cannot cease because of the lawless deeds which are wrought on the earth. And Thou know all things before they come to pass, and Thou see these things and Thou dost suffer them, and Thou dost not say to us what we are to do to them in regard to these.'

It is at this point where Noah is commanded to build an Ark and preach to all who will hear and obey the Word of YHWH. The story does not exactly end here, the book of Jasher goes into detail about the preaching of Noah and Methuselah. They pretty much tag teamed and where able to bring men back to YHWH, while others continually ridiculed them. Then, when Methuselah died, the flood waters began.

Philippians Chapter 4 Breakdown

1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Because we are not part of the citizenship of this current Earth, persist in the ways of YHWH.

2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Paul begs these two women to be in the same mindset, which is of YHWH.

3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Paul asks the church in Philippi to help these women. These women had labored with Paul as well as others, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Always celebrate in the name of YHWH.

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be kind and gentle toward all men because YHWH is near.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Do not worry about anything, but instead, pray about everything. When you pray be thankful for everything YHWH has already given to you. Make your prayers known to YHWH. His peace will guard your heart and mind and have faith that He will take care of all your worries.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Meditate only on the things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Paul is saying focus on the positive things and let go of the negative things.

9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Do as Paul does. He studies the Tanakh, which is the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. He kept and followed every commandment that applied to him. If you do these things, YHWH will be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Paul celebrates in YHWH because the Philippians care for Paul has grown again. They did not have the opportunity to show they cared.

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Paul did not need them to care for him, because he is satisfied in any situation he is in. He can handle being humiliated. He also knows how to be successful. He has been on both sides, both hungry and full.

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

It is these experiences that have shown Paul he can do all things through Christ because He strengthens him.

14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

The Philippians have shared in suffering with Paul.

15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.

The Philippians were the first church to share in giving and receiving with Paul.

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

They even sent help for Paul when he was in Thessalonica.

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

Paul says he isn’t worried about getting the aid, but he desires the fruit that is added to the Philippians.

18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

He has everything he needs, he attained it from Epaphroditus, everything sent from Philippi. Including the sacrifice they sent.

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

YHWH will give them everything they need.

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Glory to YHWH.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.

Be sure to welcome and receive every saint in Yeshua.

22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

The saints send their greetings.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

May the grace of YHWH be with you.

Philippians Chapter 3 Breakdown

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

Celebrate YHWH, it is not a boring task to write the same things to you, but it is for your safety.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!

Be careful of men of impure mind, and those who commit evil deeds, and of those who disfigure themselves.

3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

This is very interesting, Paul says “We” as in the believers and himself included, “are the circumcision”. It is the people who worship YHWH in the Spirit who are the circumcision. Remember, worshiping in the Spirit means keeping the commandments and/or Law of YHWH. We know this because we are told in the book of the Prophet Ezekiel YHWH will place His Spirit within us and that Spirit will cause us to walk in, or keep His commandments. Then Paul says we have no confidence in the flesh. He then states he does mess up and sometimes does show confidence in the flesh and feels he does this moreso than other believers, and goes on to explain why he thinks that way. He was circumcised according to the law, born from the tribe of Benjamin, making him a Jew. He was a Pharisee and he persecuted the believers who called themselves the church. Then he says concerning the righteousness from in the law, he is considered blameless.  

Ezekiel 36:27

I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

There is no other prophecy about the Spirit of YHWH being placed within us that makes a separate claim.

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

The things I thought I was gaining for myself, before I believed in Christ, are now counted as a loss in terms of Christ.

8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Paul claims everything is a loss for the gain of the knowledge of Yeshua. Everything lost should be considered trash. In the loss of these things, there was the gain of Christ because it led me to be found by Him. I am not righteous because I keep the law, or have kept the law as a Jew, but by the Grace of YHWH through the faith I have in Him. I have faith in that I know Him, by His word, which is the scriptures, and the power of His resurrection. I am a fellow sufferer with Him, and am conformed to His death. In this, I can have faith in my own resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

I have not already attained this salvation and I am not already perfect, but I continue to work toward that goal. To be perfect, we must avoid sin. To avoid sin, we must follow the Law YHWH has given to us.

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Brothers, I have not caught this salvation. What I do is forget the life I used to live, the things of the flesh, I leave those things behind me and reach forward to those things of YHWH. I strive to attain the goal, to be called up by YHWH.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

There are some who are striving to be perfected, be like them. Yeshua says we should do this as well. When you have thoughts that contradict this mindset, YHWH will reveal it to you.

Matthew 5:48

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

But, we already have a rule given to us to walk by. This law is the Law of YHWH. Let us be of the same mind.

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

Paul says follow his example, Paul claims himself that he keeps the law of YHWH. He also suggests we take not of others who also keeps His law. They are to be an example or the pattern in conformity to which you must be made.

Romans 7:22

For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.

18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

There are a lot of men who claim to be believers, which makes Paul sad enough to cry, that are enemies of Yeshua. Their end will come about in destruction. These people find glory in shameful acts. They are only focused on thing of the flesh and earth.

I personally, know people just like this. I even think I can fall into this category once in a while.

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

We are not part of the citizenship of this current Earth. We are citizens of Israel from above. We wait eagerly to see our Savior. When He comes we will be transformed and obtain a new glorious body.

Philippians Chapter 2 Breakdown

1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

If there is any comfort in Yeshua, any security of love, any fellowship in the Spirit, do the same job as Paul. Be like minded.

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Do not do things out of selfish ambition, or conceitedness. Rather do things in humbleness and look upon others as being better than yourself.

4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Look out for your own interests as well as the interests of others.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Have the same mind as Yeshua. That is, do not set yourself equal with YHWH. You should make yourself low, not a man of high reputation.

8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Not only did Yeshua, YHWH in the flesh, show up on earth in the form of a man, he humbled Himself and was obedient to the word of YHWH, even to the His own death.

9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Due to that, YHWH glorified Him, and gave Him a name above every name. At the name of Yeshua, every knee will bow, both in heaven and on earth, and even under the earth. Every tongue will eventually confess glory to YHWH. I would like to point out this sentence mentions those under the earth. That is a topic for another discussion, but it is quite interesting to think about.

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Just as you have always obeyed YHWH, not only when I am with you but also when I am not, you should work on your own salvation using the fear and trembling of YHWH. When Paul speaks of obeying, he is always referring to YHWH’s given law. It is the law of YHWH that keeps us from sin. YHWH works in us and through us. He wills us to do things for His good. If we do this, that is keep His law, it pleases Him.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Do all these things, again Paul was just speaking about keeping YHWH’s law, in order to become blameless and harmless, without fault even within a wicked population. If you are keeping His law, you will shine as a light of the world. You are to secure yourself to the word of life. The word of life is the Torah.

1 John 1:1-3

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

We see in 1 John it is the word from the beginning, which is the Torah, that is the Word of life.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Paul says his works are similar to a drink offering on the sacrifice. That is, his works go hand in hand with the teachings and death of Yeshua.

18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

You should be doing the same and you would be rejoicing with Paul.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.

Timothy will be sent to Philippi soon. Paul is eagerly awaiting the news of Philippi.

20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

Paul doesn’t have anyone like-minded besides Timothy, who cares for Philippi.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

Everyone Paul knows seeks to work with their own people, instead of spreading the word to all the nations such as what Yeshua wanted.

22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

You people know Timothy and his character. Timothy has served with Paul in the gospel.

23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.

Paul plans to send him as soon as possible.

24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Paul then says he also plans to come to Philippi.

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

Paul also is sending Epaphroditus, another worker of the word. He longed for Philippi because of his distress.

27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Epaphroditus almost died. Paul would have been tremendously upset and sad if he would have died.

28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

Paul has sent Epaphroditus due to his eagerness.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Be happy to see him and rejoice with him. Because of the work of Yeshua, Epaphroditus came close to death.

Philippians Chapter 1 Breakdown

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul and Timothy are writing to all the saints in Philippi.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

Paul thanks YHWH every time he remembers to pray for them. He is confident that YHWH will complete the good work He has started within the Philippians. Paul holds these people in his heart.

8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

Paul says he longs for these people with the love of Yeshua.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Paul prays their love may abound in knowledge and discernment. Before we go further, think about that. Paul wants them to love knowledge and discernment. To love knowledge is to continually seek out the knowledge of YHWH. Many times I am told I focus too much on the knowledge of the Bible and not enough on the “spirit”. I, however, disagree and believe they are closer than most tend to believe. Paul wants this because he wants these people to be able to approve the things considered admirable, in order to be truthful and without offense, as in without sin, until the day Yeshua returns. He then relates that directly with being filled with the fruits of righteousness. So, considering these couple verses, Paul says he prays these men will grow in the knowledge of YHWH, that is knowing all that comes within the Old Testament, in order to discern what YHWH calls right from wrong, so they can live a life without sin, which is to be filled with the fruits of righteousness. How amazing is this that it is never taught this way?

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Paul wants the Philippians to know all the things that have happened to him have turned out for the continuance of the good news. Everyone now knows Paul’s chains, that is his imprisonment, is due to Christ. Most of the believers are more confident because of his chains. They speak out and are embolden and without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

There are people who will preach the word of YHWH, and the good news of Yeshua from the standpoint of jealousy and anger, while other do so out of goodwill. Selfish ambition drives some, that is, they don’t preach Christ out of genuine love for others.

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Either way, Yeshua is being preached, and because of that Paul says he will rejoice.

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

Because the word is being preached and Paul is appointed to defend the good news, and Christ is being preached by more people for whatever reason, this will turn into Paul’s salvation. Paul asks for prayer in order to not be ashamed of anything, and to have all boldness to always be magnified in Christ and have Christ magnified in his body, whether this is through Paul’s life or death.

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

To live means to live for Christ, and to die means to gain Christ.

22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.

Reiterating what he just said, living means he will produce more fruit from his labor. But, he doesn’t really know what is better.

23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

It’s a tough decision, either live and produce more fruit or die and be with Yeshua.

24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

Being alive, and remaining here is beneficial for others who need Paul and his teaching to bring them closer to YHWH.

25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

Paul is confident of this, he intends to remain alive and continue working with these believers.

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.

Your actions must be worthy of the good news of Christ. This means you should act according to the word Yeshua taught. Paul wants to hear of their good deeds as well as be able to witness them if he shows up. These people should be staying together in the one single spirit of YHWH, all having the same mindset working together for the faith of the good news. Do not be frightened by your enemies, this gives them proof of hell. They should be afraid of you and your salvation, that comes from YHWH.

29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Your salvation has been granted on behalf of Yeshua, not simply to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. You have the same conflict I had and still have.

Colossians Chapter 4 Breakdown

1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Be honest to those who are working for you. You do also have a master who resides in heaven.

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Be sincere in your continuous prayer. Be attentive in your prayer and always be thankful to YHWH. Paul then requests the Colossians also pray for the Apostles. He wants to be able to speak the word, and the mystery of Christ. Paul want to make the word and the mystery manifested in the world.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

Keep the word and spread it to those who are outside the faith.

6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Always speak in a graceful manner. Be prepared to always have an answer for those who question your beliefs.

7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

Tychicus is a fellow believer and a companion who Paul trusts.

8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.

Tychicus is sent by Paul to Colosse in order to learn what they are struggling with and to help comfort them. Paul also sends Onesimus with Tychicus. Onesimus was a former slave in Colosse, with his master being Philemon.

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.

Aristarchus is a fellow prisoner with Paul during the time of the writing to Colosse. Paul says this man, as well as Mark and Justus may come to Colosse, and they should be welcomed. Paul then says these men are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of YHWH who are of the circumcision. These men are born Jews and are a comfort for Paul. Most likely these are the only men Paul is around on a daily basis who know the law of YHWH. Paul is teaching YHWH’s law to many non-Jewish peoples.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Epaphras, who is from Colosse, also a servant of Yeshua, is with Paul and greets the people of Colosse. He passionalately prays for these people of Colosse.

13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

Epaphras has great enthusiasm for Colosse, as well as Laodicea and Hierapolis.  

14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.

Both Luke and Demas greets the people of Colosse.

15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

Greet those brothers who are in Loadicea and Nymphas as well as the church.

16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

This letter is not only for those in Colosse, but also Laodicea. Paul then says he has written a letter to Laodicea. This is interesting because his letter to Laodicea is lost. We do not have access to this letter as of now. I would assume it teaches a similar message but maybe covers different topics due to Paul wanting both letters read by both groups of people.

17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

Paul tells the leaders of the church at Colosse to tell Archippus to pay attention and follow the ministry he received. By doing so he can be sure to fulfill it.

18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

Paul ends the letter by telling them to remember he is in chains because he was preaching the word.

Colossians Chapter 3 Breakdown

1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Paul says if you have been raised up with Christ, then you should be focused on the things above, those things, as we saw in the last chapter, are the laws of YHWH. The laws in which YHWH has given to us to live by in order to bring ourselves closer to Him.

2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Now, because of this, you should set your mind on the things above and leave behind the things of the earth, the things of the flesh.

3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

You are dead to this earth and the chains of sin. You are now hidden in Yeshua.

4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

When Yeshua appears, at that point you shall appear with Him in glory.

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

You should no longer allow your flesh to sin. Put it to death. These things you are to kill, fornication or sexual acts with random people. Uncleanness is anything that can cause you to be considered unclean. These things are found in the Torah. Passion, this word should be translated as lust, kill that lustful desire you have within the flesh of this body. Kill the evil desires within you. Kill the covetousness which is also idolatry.

6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

It is these things that bring on the wrath of YHWH. All of these things are defined and explained in the Old Testament. Do you not think it is important to know exactly what these things mean? Considering these are the things that cause YHWH to emit His wrath upon the earth, it seems vital to know and understand. Then Paul goes on to say, before you knew YHWH, you partook in each of these things, as in you walk in them. If we really take the time to think about all this, it only makes sense that Paul is teaching these people to keep, know, and follow Torah.

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

Paul says as believers you should be getting rid of anger, wrath, hatred, blasphemy, and filthy language. Continuing in these actions are also sin, and can be found in the Old Testament.

9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Do not allow yourself to lie. You have gotten rid of the old man, which is the man who lived in sin, without YHWH. You are now a new man, who should be walking in the knowledge of the Word. There is no longer a Greek or a Jew. Believers are now all part of Israel, believers are all one group under one rule of law, and that law is the Law of YHWH.

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Believers are the elect of YHWH, they are holy and loved. Believers should be merciful, kind, humble, modest, and forgiving. Understand, not everyone is in the same place in their walk with YHWH. Be forgiving of them and help them.

14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

First and foremost, love one another.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Allow YHWH’s peace rule your heart. He called you to His rule and you are part of His body. Be thankful for this opportunity.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Let Yeshua’s word live in you richly. His word is wisdom and teaching, and good for reproof of one another. Yeshua continually taught the Torah.

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Whatever you do or say, do it in the name of Yeshua. Always giving thanks to the Father through Him.

18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Wives, submit to your husband, just as your husbands should submit to YHWH.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

Husbands, be sure to always love your wives and do not be unpleasant toward them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

Children, always obey your parents in everything. Doing so makes YHWH happy.

21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Fathers should not do things to irritate your children because it causes discouraged behavior.

22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.

If you are a bondservant do as your master assigns you. Do these things with all sincerity, fearing YHWH.

23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Always do things enthusiastically, knowing that YHWH will grant you reward of inheritance for your service to Yeshua.

25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

If you continue doing wrong, you will be repaid for that wrong, there will be no favoritism given by YHWH.