A Reasonable Alternative
“You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:9 ESV
Doorposts – So this commandment is about the mezuzah, right? Well, not exactly. According to the commandment, the mitzvot of YHWH are to be written on the doorposts and the gates, not inscribed in a small decorative cylinder that is artfully attached to the casing of a door. In fact, the current version of the mezuzah alters the meaning of the Hebrew word for “doorposts” because that Hebrew word is mezuzah. Mezuzah does not mean a small container enclosing a tiny portion of Deuteronomy 6 and 11. It means the physical beams that hold up the frame around your door. But I haven’t seen any doorposts with all the 613 commandments written on them even though I have seen a lot of mezuzah. Apparently there is some flexibility in the application of this commandment as well. The current idea of mezuzah is a result of tradition, not application of the text, but like most traditions, there is some Scriptural foundation among the human alternation. In this regard, Jewish traditions are no different than Christian ones.
How are we to apply this commandment? Well, you could get a pen and start writing. Or you could attach a traditional substitute to your entryway and your gate. Of course, this might be difficult if you don’t have a gate or you live in a tent. Circumstances have a lot to do with how we fulfill this commandment.
Or you could ask yourself, “Why did God tell His people to do this?” The answer seems obvious. God wanted those slaves coming out of Egypt to remember His instructions and do them. Therefore, He needed an education plan. After all, they had to learn a lot of new things. So He provided visual aids: tzitzit and mezuzah. The purpose was to constantly remind His children of the necessity of keeping His commandments. You and I need the same reminders. It’s useless to attach a mezuzah to your door and then forget what it is supposed to teach you. The outward symbol matters only if it functions to change the inward obedience.
Does that mean it makes no difference if you attach a mezuzah or not? Some would argue that as long as they recognize the role of the commandments and do their best to keep them reminders are unnecessary. But, of course, this is one of those commandments, so not doing it on the basis that I follow the commandments anyway is a nice little spiritualized contradiction. Does this mean I start writing on my doorposts? Probably not, although it is difficult to see how the tradition could replace the clear intention of the text. But there must be some reminder, don’t you think? There must be a doorpost reminder that all the commandments apply in some way or another. Except, of course, for those who believe that none of the commandments apply after experiencing grace. They have much bigger issues to deal with than doorposts.
Topical Index: mezuzah, doorposts, Deuteronomy 6:9
Thank you for addressing this and the TzitTzit issue (yesterday) – I’ve have been wondering about these very things lately. Not being a Bible scholar, my thoughts on the command to write them on the doorposts and on your gates came down to “be especially vigilant” within the confines of your home to do what YHWH commands especially as your children are watching you live your own life, just as the commandment to bind them on your forehead and your hands I believe could be interpreted as “let your hands do the work that your mind is focused on, and it should be focused on doing the will of your God”
I think we should seek the heart of the Father when we read about (seemingly) physical commandments like tzitzi, mezuzahs, and tefillin (binding on head and hands) when we can also see the spiritual application: to direct our thoughts and deeds to Him and His will.
It seems our options are: 1) do the mitzvah, and ignore the intent; 2) strive to the spiritual intent and ignore the actual deed; or 3) do the mitzvah and strive toward the spiritual intent. Does (can) the physical reinforce the spiritual us? Does it (could it) negate the spiritual for us?
His Word admonishes us to not be circumcised in the flesh (just the doing of the mitzvah) and not be circumcised in the heart (having the desire to do His will).
It seems that being circumcised of the heart ranks higher than being circumcised in the flesh. It is a “better” way. But consider if it would not be a “best” way to do His will by doing both the physical mitzvah as well as bearing in mind the intent. Do you think He might have given us physical mitzvah (knowing our own evil inclination) to redirect and reinforce His spiritual direction to do His will? Do the physical mitzvah have a benefit to us, and to our community as we uplift and remind one another?
Shalom U’brachot, Tom
As I’ve been learning the line that Skip uses in this post, “The outward symbol matters only if it functions to change the inward obedience.” has really rung true in my ears. I agree with your comment.
🙂
Another consideration, sometimes by walking out a commandment (in faith), the spiritual reasoning comes upon us in time.
It is another reason that we cannot judge others in their walk. We do not know whether they are walking in His will spiritually, whether they look like they are but are not (inwardly), or whether they are outwardly but not inwardly… but He is in the process of changing them inwardly. 🙂
@Tom, you are on top of your game this morning! Very spiritually mature response. I like, all things to consider for sure.
Tom White,
There is a lot to think about and consider in your comments. I appreciate you taking the time to write and share it with us.
I do believe there is another aspect of keeping these Torah reminders. Torah was given for the sake of the world to know the One who redeemed Israel. Torah was not only a light for Israel, but for the world to see the redeeming power and uniqueness of YHWH. Did not God choose and bless Abram/Abraham for the sake of the world? Is not Torah part of that blessing? Did not God choose us to carry on in the footsteps of Abraham?
In response to your second post. We should not have too much difficulty to gauge others innards by judging the good or bad fruit they are producing in their outer walk. 🙂 or 🙁
I do recognize YHWH is the ultimate, true King and Judge. I trust He will set us all straight.
Thanks for all your excellent comments and questions.
Interesting! 8 years ago I paid a deposit a a new house for when I wed my then betrothed. early one morn I felt The Lord say we were to name the house. Now I have never before lived in a named house and this was a weird request to me, but I duly told me future wife wot were to do. We tried many names but none were right, then a couple of weeks later whilst reading my Bible God said you are to name it B’Shem Adonai. ( in the name of our Lord) this wording was in the footnotes of the study bible I was reading at the time. So we duly aligned and when we moved immediately had the inscribed stone that we had purchased ready for this day, fitted on the wall of our house, “by the gate”. Anyhow, what was the most amazing thing was that when we were asked to do this, we were out and out Pentecostal and had never been involved in looking into our Hebraic roots. This came two years into our marriage when we were given Jere 6 v16-20 (seek the ancient paths) which we have since been about, and have come to know and love Torah, and are growing each day in our knowledge and application as grafted in members of Israel. So do I believe we should put it upon our gates??? YES for truly our Lord deems it is right, even for a gentile grafted in who now loves the complete Bible for life and instruction. Shalom Simon
Not the Nails
For those who believe that none of the commandments of YHWH apply after experiencing grace: “Hogwash.” After grace? After grace appeared, the grace of our LORD Jesus (who is the) Christ appeared, I have done more “repenting” than I’ve ever done before! ~ Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? ~ (For where sin did abound- grace did “much more” abound!) And the answer is?
~ God forbid!! ~
Have we forgotten? or do we just ignore the clarion answer Paul gives? Friends, the answer to sin (violation or disobedience or rebellion to the Law of the LORD) – SAY.. __ Whose Law is it anyway?- it IS the Law of the LORD, and the word of the LORD endures forever!!
Shall we then, (those of us who have experienced “grace”) continue in sin? Really? Friends- I may appear stupid on the outside, but really? Do I not bear in my body and in my mind and in my soul the scars of sin? May I testify as to what sin has done in my (own) life- personally? And have we so readily,- so conveniently “forgotten?” what sin IS? Puh-lease- are we that ignorant?
Let’s ask Adam, let’s ask Moses, let’s ask Abraham, let’s ask Noah, let’s ask David, – what has “sin” done for you? Christian, do you WANT to sin? – now that sin NO LONGER HAS DOMINION OVER YOU?? (Romans 6.14-16)
Mr., I’m asking right here- right now.. Are we “free” to do as we wish? To live any ol’ way we choose to? (after all- it is all about us!) – or is it? NO. No. and? no. This, I know.. – there is no man among us who is so poor- he (or she) cannot pay attention- (are you listening?) Good.
~ And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again ~ (2 Corinthians 5.15)
I’ll ask straight out, no need to dither or to dilly-dally.. Friend, Who (he inquired) was (no, IS) the most Torah obedient Man ever to have lived?
And who (among us mortal creatures) has NEVER (once) disobeyed the Torah of YHWH? (just askin’). Have we (again) so readily forgotten? ~ there is NONE righteous, no, – not ONE! ~ (with, of course, the exception of One!)
Go ahead.. I’ll wait right here.. Tell me, dear “law abiding” friend, you who keep kosher- where (o where) does your “righteousness”- right-relatedness come from? Are you a good little boy or girl? A law-abiding citizen? Does your “good” outweigh your “bad?”- on the giant (God’s?) scale of things.. Will He (on that day) weigh you on the balance? Hmm.. he’s got more good in him (or her) than bad, so… yeah, – he’s righteous. Oh? you think?
Do you think “one sin” is “okay” with God? Who, btw, has shown Himself, revealed Himself to be thrice-holy? It is NOT the amount of sin or even the quality of sin- (is there such a thing as a “little sin?” in the eyes of Him with whom we have to do?) It is not the “amount”- it is the “fact” (Just the facts, m’am.. “I have sinned.” All have sinned, – and “I” am included in the “all.’ Good news? ~ He died for all! ~ Our sinless sacrificial Substitute, the Lamb of God.
Why did The Messiah die in agony and blood upon the tslav- the execution stake? Find out for yourselves the answer to this and you are well on your way to find out how God “feels” about – how God judges sin. The word is “wrath.” The wrath of God (against sin) was poured out (in full) upon the Son- at Calvary. Where was “sin” judged? Look to the cross and see the second Adam hanging there.
~Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see. Is any suffering like My suffering that was inflicted on Me, that the LORD brought on Me in the day of His fierce anger? ~ (Lamentations 1.12)
~And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son ~ (Zechariah 12.10)
Is He “the One?”- or shall we look for another?
Who was this Man, the One “they” call the Christ? Ask Him what He thinks about sin- ask Him what He was thinking the day they drove the nails in His hands.. It was, not the nails that held Him there- until “it was accomplished.”
HE CAME; I BELIEVE
Skip, thanks for talking specifics. I’ve wondered before why you don’t seem to wear tzitzit in some of the photos I’ve seen of you. On a side note, I keep one in my pocket, although I struggle with the conviction that this does not fulfill the purpose God intended. It’s obvious to me that you respect and revere God’s word – so my curiosity was/is more about how you have come to understand these teachings.
So much of what I hear from other sources is platitudes and generalities. THANK-YOU for sharing your thoughts about these SPECIFIC things.
Gabe, I think you must have been writing your response while I was writing my response to Jill (above). I encourage you to look at what I wrote her as I believe it applies to you as well. I wrote of considerations for why one would actually do some of the physical mitzvoth. I believe you will need to reach your own conclusions as you strive to live a life in the will of the Holy One.
Shalom u’brachot, Tom
Hi Gabe! Youre thoughts are my thoughts,however I have concluded that a good teacher will not tell you specifically what to do.To do so is to take away youre resposability to make youre own decision.This would rob you of youre reward and satisfaction of figuring out a command.You would lose some of the intimacy that comes from following a mitzvot based soley between you and Hashem.
Brian,
Skip has been a good example of this in many ways. In the opportunities I have leading a discussion I find my self moving more and more in this direction. My upbringing taught me to search and find THE right answer and disseminate it faithfully to all that will hear. I handed out a lot of spoons for them to feed from.
Now, I am proposing many more questions and dogmatic answers these days. It certainly is more fulfilling walking together in the journey of learning Torah than simply being told what to believe.
Thanks for your observation.
Correction: “LESS dogmatic answers”
Help Wanted
Whether physical mnemonic aids, such as blue tassels on the corner of our garments, or the mezuzah on doorposts of our homes,.. (assuming of course, we do have actual “doorposts,” the command of our Messiah was (and still is..) “remember Me.”
Not only are we to remember “something,” but we are to remember, there is “Someone.” Someone who was born, who lived, who died, and who was resurrected.. (yes, in bodily form) and who now sits at the right hand of the Father- ever interceding for us.
~ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself ~ (Luke 24.27)
and again..
~ You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me ~
Luke 24.27)
Before Christ. After Christ. Is He not the center of (measured) time? Yes, He is. And once again the written word of God, our Bible proves itself to be our “Him-Book.” “Spirit of God, my Teacher be- showing the things of Christ to me..” Where is the Living Word revealed? – in the written word: “these are they that testify of Me.”
~ With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O LORD; teach me Your statutes.…~
Do we need help in remembering these things?
~ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you ~
(John 14.26)
You took the words right out of my mouth, Carl!
If I was alive 3500 years ago, I’d likely have worn tzitzit
and had a mazuzah. I certainly appreciate those who choose
to use these “reminders” still to this day.
What I know, and what I have experienced directly in my walk,
is the reminder I have living within me, the Helper Jesus spoke
about sending us from the Father, the Spirit of truth Himself who
resides within us and teaches us all things. See Jn 14:26, 15:26, 16:7-11
Isn’t He the best reminder we could ever possibly have?
I couldn’t imagine what my life would be without that loving
and overwhelming presence within me that drives me and
motivates me to abide in Him, as His Word also richly abides
in me.
When I wake up, He’s right there.
When I hit the pillow, He bunks in with me.
So far, He’s never left me!
and we have this “blessed assurance” from the mouth of The Messiah: ~ I will NEVER leave you, nor forsake you! ~ Lo, (take a good, long look at this!) – I AM with you always, even to the end of the ages!
FYI- Just confirmed hotel reservations for Virginia Beach Quarterly meeting Feb 6-8th.
Anybody else gonna be there? Come on, and let’s party in Torah study with that TW dude! 🙂
Since YHWH directed this at the “sons of Israel” my question offs simple. …who are the sons of Israel? Some would say they are those who are direct descendents of Israel and if so then as a grated in gentle does this or the previous commandment aply to me? As Skip had mentioned. … all commandments donot apply all people.
From by understanding of His Word, YHWH only has one covenant people… Israel. For believers in Messiah, we are grafted into Israel by the blood of Messiah.
It is true, not all commandments apply to all people. Commandments for men do not apply to women; commandments for women do not apply to men; commandments for children do not apply to adults; commandments for levites, cohens, or the cohen gadol do not apply to those who are not in those categories. That being said we have to ask, “Does YHWH have a different standard for the ‘stranger ‘(her) attaching himself to Israel, than He does for the ‘native born’ (etzrach)?” Are there different commandments, statutes, or consequences for the stranger or native born? In my studies of the Torah, this topic is brought up multiple times with the same answer. [Do your own study… 😉 ]
For Carl and Rich,
I do not believe the Holy Spirit was only a New Testement phenomenon, that His Spirit was with the Children of Israel, yet He still gave them those commandments.
While His Spirit may burn so continually with you that you don’t need those remembrances, I find in myself and with most people I know that we are frequently drawn away from Him by everyday life and trials. Those remembrances can act to remind me to continually acknowledge Him and “do what Yeshua would do”, and “not go seeking after the your own heart and own mind after which you play the harlot.”
We should consider Solomon, who was given the Spirit of wisdom from above. Surely he knew that he was not to multiply wives, and given the Spirit also knew why he was not to do so,… yet he chose to not apply that commandment to himself. The consequences were that he was drawn away from the the Holy One and committed many transgressions, leading his people into idolatry.
“The end of all things is to fear YHWH and keep His commandments.”
🙁 sorry for some of the typos above. It seems my “spell check” was a little over active. 😀
Tom…..I am not saying that those grated in have a separate overall standard than God’s original covenant people. When YHWH is addressing “the sons of Israel” is He also addressing those grated in? Though the roots and the trunk and the branches are all of one tree and get fed from the same soil their jobs are different and their needs are different. Though they all work together to produce the same fruit and they all need the same general nutrients because their jobs are different they also need slightly different nutrients. Just like us.
Tom. … in addition part of my own study of God’s word is asking questions.
Tim,
If we are honest, I believe we all have more questions than answers. 😉
As for different roles in the kingdom, certainly there are many different roles. Some commandments are indeed role related, like most of the duties of the levites and cohenim. Most other commandments are not role related. I believe what one must do is learn one’s role, and then examine the commandments for application.
Both of those are a part of the journey. 😀
Sins against love do not change. So the Law does not change. It is a safeguard for us against those sins. Without the Law, we would not know sin, precisely because without it, we would not know what love is. Love does not change. The Law cannot change because the Love it defines doesn’t.
People can say that we no longer need the Law: all we need is love. That’s like saying that now we know what light is, we no longer need the sun.
Personally, I love hanging simple Scriptures on the windows, walls and in the toilets, not just to remind myself of ABBA’s Words that so inspire and encourage me,
They are to encourage friends and all who visit, to be blessed. 🙂
I like the idea of a Mezuzah for the simple fact that it’s the recognized application of that commandment. I have one on our front door. Before that I would write the 10 commandments on our door posts, in fact our back door has that application. Writing the commandments myself on the door posts was much more of an eye opening experience for me. Most people are intrigued when they notice it which opens up a great opportunity to share the blessings of God with others.
All liturgy is to ‘remind’ us of something. By confining liturgy to the church, the home (and elsewhere) miss out on the important reminders of important aspects of the faith.