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**Host:** Welcome, Brothers and Sisters, to Understanding the Scriptures I’m your host, standing as a watchman, here to proclaim Yahovah’s eternal word, as revealed in Genesis 5:32, 6:10, 9:18, and 10:1; 1 Chronicles 1:4; and insights from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Book of Jubilees. Today, we explore the profound legacy of Noah and his sons, the priesthood of Melchizedek, and the righteousness of Job—through whom Yahovah distinguishes the wheat of His covenant from the tares of apostasy. Join me as we uncover this divine truth to discern our place in His eternal plan. Before we dive, let me give thanks to you the listeners and those who have donated to this show, especially while we tweak the show format in these early episodes. So, with further delay, Let’s dive in!
Noah and the Flood: A New Beginning
Noah, a righteous man chosen by Yahovah, survived the Flood along with his family, as detailed in Genesis 6-9. After the waters receded, Genesis 9:19 declares that through his three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—the earth was repopulated. These sons became the fathers of all nations, and their names carry deep meaning, reflecting their roles in Yahovah’s plan.
The Meaning of Their Names
Shem: Meaning "name" or "renown," Shem’s name is tied to the eternal name of Yahovah, as revealed in Exodus 3:15: "This is my name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations." Shem symbolizes Yahovah’s enduring renown, a legacy of covenant faithfulness.
Ham: Meaning "hot" or "multitude," Ham’s name hints at the vast number of his descendants and perhaps their passionate or wayward nature.
Japheth: Meaning "expansion" or "beauty," Japheth’s name suggests the widespread reach and diverse cultures of his offspring.
These meanings are not mere labels but foreshadow the spiritual trajectories of their descendants.
The Table of Nations: Genesis 10
Genesis 10, known as the Table of Nations, outlines the descendants of Noah’s sons, mapping the origins of humanity’s tribes and peoples:
Shem’s Lineage: Shem’s descendants include the Hebrews, through whom Yahovah’s covenant was preserved. Genesis 9:26 blesses Shem, saying, "Blessed be Yahovah, the God of Shem," pointing to his role in carrying Yahovah’s promise. This lineage leads to Yeshua (Jesus), the promised seed, as affirmed in Matthew 1:1. Shem’s line represents fidelity to Yahovah’s truth.
Ham’s Descendants: Ham’s lineage includes nations like the Canaanites, who often turned to idolatry and false worship. Deuteronomy 7:1-4 warns the Israelites against intermingling with these peoples, highlighting their rebellious practices as a spiritual danger.
Japheth’s Nations: Japheth’s descendants spread widely, producing expansive civilizations. However, they frequently blended truth with error, as seen in Ezekiel 8:14, where women wept for Tammuz, a pagan deity—an act Yahovah condemned.
Each son’s legacy reflects a distinct path: Shem’s faithfulness, Ham’s rebellion, and Japheth’s mixture of truth and falsehood.
The Wheat and Tares Parable
The parable of the Wheat and Tares, found in Matthew 13:24-30, illustrates a key spiritual truth: the faithful (wheat) and the rebellious (tares) grow together until Yahovah’s final judgment. In this context:
Shem’s Line as Wheat: Shem’s descendants, particularly the Hebrews, are the wheat—preserving the "hidden manna" of covenant fidelity. This concept is echoed in the Dead Sea Scrolls, specifically 1QS 8:5-10, where a faithful community commits to Yahovah’s law amidst a world of unfaithfulness. Shem’s name, tied to Yahovah’s renown, remains untainted by apostasy.
Ham’s Line as Tares: Ham’s descendants, like the Canaanites, embody the tares—false worshipers who reject Yahovah’s ways.
Japheth’s Mixed Legacy: Japheth’s nations fall somewhere in between, blending truth and error, neither fully wheat nor fully tares until judged.
This parable reveals that humanity’s spiritual state mirrors these ancient lineages, coexisting until Yahovah separates them at the end.
A Call to Reflection
Beloved, the story of Noah’s sons is not just ancient history—it’s a mirror for our own spiritual journey. Study Genesis 10 diligently, tracing the roots of these nations and their paths. Ask yourself: Are you anchored in the wheat of Yahovah’s eternal truth, like Shem’s faithful line? Or are you swayed by the tares of falsehood, as seen in Ham’s rebellion or Japheth’s compromise?
As you reflect, remember that Yahovah’s judgment will one day distinguish the wheat from the tares. Strive to be among those who cling to His covenant, faithful to His eternal name, gathered into His kingdom at the harvest.
Introducing Melchizedek: A Divine Encounter
Host:
"So, picture this: Abram, fresh off a victory in battle, is met by this mysterious figure in Genesis 14:18-20. His name is Melchizedek, and he’s the king of Salem—which means 'peace.' His name itself? It translates to 'king of righteousness.' That’s no small title! He rolls up with bread and wine, blesses Abram, and Abram hands him a tithe—a tenth of everything. Then, poof, he’s gone. Just three verses, and yet, this brief encounter ripples through the rest of Scripture. Have you ever wondered why? Let’s unpack it."
A Name and a Role Packed with Meaning
Host:
"First off, let’s linger on those titles. 'King of righteousness' and 'king of peace.' Does that remind you of anyone? These aren’t just cool nicknames—they’re qualities that point straight to the divine. Righteousness and peace are hallmarks of Yahovah’s character, and later, we’ll see how they connect to Yeshua, the Messiah. But for now, Melchizedek steps onto the scene as this intriguing figure who seems to represent something bigger than himself."
Scripture Shines a Spotlight
Host:
"Now, Genesis isn’t the only place Melchizedek shows up. Fast forward to Psalm 110:4, where David, under inspiration, writes, 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.' This is a messianic prophecy, pointing to a priesthood that doesn’t end. Then, in the New Testament, Hebrews 7—oh, we’re going to camp out there a bit—dives deep into this. Hebrews 7:1-17 paints Melchizedek as a forerunner of Yeshua’s eternal priesthood. In verse 3, it says he’s 'without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.' Whoa. What does that even mean?"
Host:
"Here’s the deal: it’s not that Melchizedek was literally eternal. It’s that Scripture presents him without a backstory—no parents, no birth, no death. That’s intentional. He’s a type, a symbol, of an everlasting priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests who came from Aaron’s line and died off, Melchizedek’s order is timeless. And that’s the priesthood Yeshua steps into—eternal, perfect, unchanging."
Beyond the Bible: Ancient Texts Weigh In
Host:
"But wait, there’s more! Melchizedek isn’t just a biblical figure—he’s a big deal in other ancient writings too. Take the Dead Sea Scrolls, for instance. In a text called 11Q13, or the Melchizedek Scroll, he’s portrayed as a celestial figure, bringing salvation and judgment. Then, in 2 Enoch, chapters 71-72, he’s this miraculous being, born of a virgin and whisked off to heaven. Now, these aren’t canonical Scriptures, but they show us how Jewish thinkers around Yeshua’s time saw Melchizedek—as more than a man, a heavenly agent tied to Yahovah’s plan."
Wheat and Tares: The Pure vs. The Corrupt
Host:
"Okay, let’s shift gears. Ever heard Yeshua’s parable of the wheat and tares in Matthew 13? The wheat represents the righteous; the tares are the weeds sown by the enemy. Well, Melchizedek’s priesthood fits right into that picture. It’s the wheat—pure, untainted worship of Yahovah. Hebrews 7:11-12 knocks the Levitical system for being temporary and flawed, but it’s not just about that. Throughout history, we’ve seen corrupt religious systems rise up—apostate teachings that twist the truth."
Host:
"Think about what Wisdom of Solomon 14:12-21 says. It warns how idolatry sneaks into worship, distorting what’s pure. That’s the tares—falsehoods blending with truth. In the early church, some groups mixed a distorted 'Jesus' with pagan rites, creating a counterfeit faith. Melchizedek’s order, though? It’s the wheat, standing firm as the real deal, pointing us to Yeshua’s perfect priesthood."
Bread, Wine, and Hidden Manna
Host:
"Now, let’s talk about that bread and wine Melchizedek brought out. It’s not just a random snack—it’s loaded with meaning. Fast forward to Luke 22:20, where Yeshua, at the Last Supper, says, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.' Sound familiar? Melchizedek’s bread and wine foreshadow the covenant meal, the new covenant sealed by Yeshua’s sacrifice. And in Revelation 2:17, we’re promised 'hidden manna' if we overcome. That’s the spiritual nourishment of Yahovah’s truth, and Melchizedek gives us a sneak peek of it way back in Genesis."
Could Melchizedek Be Shem?
Host:
"Here’s a wild twist for you. Genesis 11:10-11 tells us Shem, Noah’s son, lived 600 years after the Flood. Do the math, and his life overlaps with Abram’s by a lot—Shem was still kicking when Abram was born and for years after. Then, in the Book of Jubilees 7:18, an ancient Jewish text, it says Shem taught Yahovah’s ways to his descendants. Some traditions even say, 'Hey, maybe Shem was Melchizedek!' A righteous patriarch passing down true worship, meeting Abram as the priest-king of Salem."
Host:
"Now, the Bible doesn’t flat-out say that, so it’s speculative. But whether he was Shem or not, Melchizedek stands as a figure of the wheat—a faithful servant of Yahovah in a world choked with tares. It’s a powerful image, right?"
Your Turn: Reflect and Respond
Host:
"So, beloved, here’s where it gets personal. I’m challenging you—grab your Bible, turn to Hebrews 7, and dig in. Read it with fresh eyes. See how Melchizedek points to Yeshua, our eternal high priest who’s interceding for us right now. Then, ask yourself: Am I following the righteous order of Melchizedek, fulfilled in Yeshua? Or have I let some tares—some distorted teachings—creep into my faith?"
Host:
"In a world where wheat and tares grow side by side, it’s easy to get tangled up in stuff that sounds good but isn’t true. Yahovah’s going to sort it all out one day, separating the wheat for His kingdom. Where will you stand? Hold that thought, my friends, and let’s keep seeking His truth together."
A Righteous Exemplar of Yahovah’s Commandments
Host:
First off, who was this guy? The book of Job kicks off with a stunning introduction: ‘There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared Yahovah and turned away from evil’ (Job 1:1). Uz, likely located in Edom or Arabia, places Job outside the lineage of Israel. He lived in a pre-Mosaic era, before the Law was given to Moses—think patriarchal times, maybe around Abraham’s day or even earlier. Here’s a wild thought: after his trial, Job lived another 140 years (Job 42:16). Some scholars suggest this longevity could align him with the time of Shem, Noah’s son, who lived 600 years post-Flood. Picture that—Job possibly sitting at Shem’s feet, hearing firsthand accounts of the Flood and Yahovah’s judgment!
But what makes Job stand out isn’t just his timeline—it’s his context. He lived in a world steeped in idolatry. The nations around him bowed to false gods, chased immoral pleasures, and ignored Yahovah’s truth. Yet Job? He was different. He feared Yahovah and lived by His standards, even without a written Torah. How incredible is that?
Let’s zoom into Job 31, where he lays out his life like an open book. This chapter is his defense, a bold declaration of his fidelity to Yahovah’s ways. He says he never worshiped the sun or moon (Job 31:26-28)—a big deal when everyone around him was kissing their hands to the sky. He didn’t lie or deceive (Job 31:5-6), he respected others’ property (Job 31:7-8), he kept his eyes and heart pure (Job 31:1), and he showed justice and compassion to the poor and needy (Job 31:13-20). These aren’t just random acts of goodness—they mirror the moral heartbeat of Yahovah’s commandments, later etched in stone for Israel. Job was living Torah before it was even a thing!
And this isn’t just biblical hype. Ancient texts back this up. The Dead Sea Scrolls, in fragment 4Q99, and the Testament of Job, a Jewish writing from that era, both paint Job as a rock-solid model of devotion. He wasn’t just surviving in a corrupt world—he was thriving by Yahovah’s truth.
Now, let’s tie this to the wheat and tares theme. In Yeshua’s parable, the wheat represents the righteous, growing alongside the tares—the wicked sown by the enemy. Job is the wheat, hands down. Surrounded by idolatrous nations (the tares of his day), he refused to blend in. Job 31:26 again—he didn’t join the pagan sun-worship club. He stood firm, rooted in Yahovah’s truth, while the world around him chased falsehoods.
Fast forward to today. We’ve got our own tares—apostate systems and teachings that shrug off the Torah as old news, irrelevant, or too hard to follow. They’re trying to choke out the truth, just like in Job’s time. But here’s the hope: the parable promises a harvest. The wheat gets gathered, the tares get burned. Job’s life proves it—despite his brutal trials, Yahovah restored him, doubling his blessings (Job 42:10-17). Faithfulness pays off, beloved, even when the going gets tough.
So, what fueled Job’s stand? He tells us in Job 23:12: ‘I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.’ Wow. More than food! That’s the hidden manna—the spiritual sustenance of obedience to Yahovah’s word. The Dead Sea Scrolls, in 4Q100, spotlight Job’s endurance as a blueprint for the faithful. He didn’t just grit his teeth through suffering; he flourished because he clung to Yahovah’s commandments like a lifeline.
So, what about us? Job’s life isn’t just a cool ancient story—it’s a mirror. Are we living by Yahovah’s truth, even when the culture screams otherwise? Or are we letting the tares—the lies, the compromises—creep into our walk?
Here’s my challenge to you: dive into Job 31 this week. Read it slowly, prayerfully. Ask yourself: Am I rejecting idolatry like Job did? Am I speaking truth? Respecting others? Guarding my purity? Showing justice? These aren’t dusty old rules—they’re timeless calls to reflect Yahovah’s heart today.
The harvest is coming, beloved. Yahovah will sift the wheat from the tares. Job’s story shouts that staying true to His commandments is worth every ounce of effort. So let’s be like Job—blameless, fearing Yahovah, turning from evil, and treasuring His words above all else. Let’s live as wheat in a field of tares.
Call to Action
Host:
Diving into a question that hits hard: In a world overflowing with noise, how do you discern Yahovah’s truth from the distortions swirling around us? We’re talking about figures like Shem, Melchizedek, and Job—men who stood out like golden wheat in a field tangled with tares. These weren’t just random names in Scripture; they were faithful stewards of Yahovah’s covenant, shining bright amid apostasy. And today, as your watchman, I’m sounding the alarm: it’s time for us to follow their lead.
Let’s set the stage. Picture this: a farmer sows good seed, but an enemy sneaks in and scatters weeds—tares—among the wheat. That’s Yeshua’s parable from Matthew 13, and it’s playing out right now. The wheat? Those rooted in Yahovah’s word. The tares? Apostate churches that twist His name, water down Yeshua’s truth, and mix pagan traditions into their worship. It’s subtle, it’s deceptive, and it’s everywhere. But we’re not here to just point fingers—we’re here to take action.
So, who were these men of faithfulness? Shem, Noah’s son, was a living bridge. After the flood, he carried Yahovah’s covenant forward, paving the way for the Hebrew people and, ultimately, Yeshua Himself. Then there’s Melchizedek, the enigmatic priest-king of Salem. He blessed Abram with bread and wine, foreshadowing Yeshua’s eternal priesthood—a figure so profound he’s unpacked in Hebrews. And Job? A man from Uz who lived righteously without a written Torah, proving that fidelity to Yahovah’s commandments is written on the heart. These men weren’t swayed by the chaos around them—they were wheat, standing tall.
Now, let’s talk about the tares. Apostate churches today misrepresent Yahovah’s holy name—sometimes even stripping it out entirely. They soften Yeshua’s radical call to obedience, blending it with feel-good messages or ancient pagan rituals dressed up as ‘Christian.’ It’s a distortion, and it’s pulling people away from the covenant. But here’s the hope: Yahovah’s truth hasn’t faded. It’s still alive, still calling us back—just like it did through Shem, Melchizedek, and Job.
So, what do we do about it? I’ve got a threefold challenge for you: study, share, and pray. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Study
Dive into Scripture with purpose. Start with Genesis 10—it’s the table of nations, showing how Shem’s line kept Yahovah’s plan alive. Then flip to Hebrews 7, where Melchizedek’s priesthood connects straight to Yeshua’s eternal role. And don’t skip Job 31—Job’s laying out his life, saying, ‘I’ve kept Yahovah’s ways.’ Want to go deeper? Check out the Dead Sea Scrolls at dss.collections.imj.org.il. You’ll find fragments like the Melchizedek Scroll that bring these stories to life in a whole new way. It’s not hard—just open your Bible or browser and dig in.
Step 2: Share
Take this teaching to someone in your life. Use the Wheat and Tares parable as your hook. Ask them, ‘Where do you stand? Are you wheat, rooted deep, or a tare, tossed by every wind?’ It’s a conversation starter, not a judgment. Share what you’re learning—it might just spark something in them too.
Step 3: Pray
Get on your knees and ask Yahovah’s Spirit to reveal more. James 1:5 says He gives wisdom generously to those who ask. Pray for clarity, for strength, and for the love Yeshua modeled in John 13:35—love that marks us as His disciples. This isn’t a one-and-done prayer; it’s a daily cry for guidance.
Now, here’s the part where you look in the mirror. Are you wheat, standing firm in Yahovah’s word? Or are you a tare, bending under false teachings? It’s a tough question, but Yahovah’s mercy is bigger than our failures. If you’ve drifted, He’s ready to pull you back to His eternal truth.
So, here’s your challenge, beloved: Study Genesis 10, Hebrews 7, and Job 31. Share this message with at least one person. Pray for wisdom and direction. We’re not just listeners—we’re doers. And the best part? We’re in this together. Let’s walk this path as a community, anchored in Yahovah and led by Yeshua.
Closing
**Host:** That wraps up today’s episode, beloved. We’ve seen Yahovah’s covenant shine through Shem, Melchizedek, and Job—wheat preserving His truth amid the tares of apostasy. My prayer is that you anchor yourselves in His word, reject falsehood, and discern your place in His eternal plan. Join us next time on *Journey though the Bible: The truth the Apsote Churech wont tell you* for more insights to guide your walk. Until then, study Genesis 10, Hebrews 7, and Job 31, share this with one person, and pray for Yahovah’s guidance. May you stand as wheat, firm in His truth. Shalom, and blessings in Yahovah’s name.
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**Host:** This has been *Journey though the Bible: The truth the Apsote Churech wont tell you*. See you next time!
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