The Role of Tradition
“Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” Mark 7:8 NASB
Tradition of men– What are we to do with tradition? Actually, the question is a bit more complicated when we realize that the Greek word is parádosis, meaning “what is transmitted.” In other words, Yeshua is criticizing the behaviors of the Pharisees that are based on the teachings of men instead of the words of YHVH. Of course, that doesn’t mean Yeshua is rejecting all halachah. The interpretation of the Torah by the rabbi of the community was considered binding if it were derived directly from the written text. But along the way, men often add something that isn’t based on the text itself. Today a great many religious practices in both Christianity and Judaism are “what is transmitted” rather than specifically what the text says. This is almost inevitable given the fact that the modern world is radically different than the world when the prophets proclaimed YHVH’s word. Tradition often trumps the text because the audience has changed.
It doesn’t take much observation to draw this conclusion. For example, head covering is based on what had been transmitted, not on Scripture itself. This is true in Judaism and Christianity, where notcovering your head in a Catholic church is the protocol, exactly the opposite of Jewish custom. Of course, the prayers of ‘erev shabbatare also just as much tradition as the unison prayers of the Church. Dress codes are the same. Some festivals and holidays fit into this category. I am sure you can add more to the lists for both religious cultures.
What does this teach us, and what did Yeshua have in mind when he offered his followers halachic instruction? First, we learn tolerance. I don’t mean tolerance for misinterpretations of the text. Baptism doesn’t mean sprinkling and the Lord’s Supper was not a monthly sip of grape juice. I mean tolerance for all those traditions that we hold so dear in our own circles. What was transmitted to us by way of religious practice that originated with men may be valuable for the community but it is not the only and final answer. Other communities who embrace YHVH as God may have different ways of expressing that commitment. Just because their practices are not our practices does not mean they are wrong, or sinful, or arrogant, or belligerent. You may choose to wear a head covering because for you it is an important expression of your obedience, but that doesn’t mean if I don’t wear a head covering I am demonstrating disobedience. Of course, the same diversity does not hold true for halachah directly from the text. Pork is still pork, but not having two sets of dishes isn’t grounds for breaking fellowship. Neither is speaking in tongues (or not).
Second, we learn that the crucial exposition of the text is always historically conditioned. We don’t live in the same world as those who first received the message. Therefore, there are inevitable adjustments in practice but not in exegesis. What the text meansis what it meant to the first audience. How it is applied depends on your particular culture now. So we argue fervently over the meaning of the text, and we use all the critical tools available, but we need a great deal of flexibility when it comes to putting the words into practice today. If you try to convince me that crushing the serpent’s head can only be a Messianic prophecy, I’ll probably raise a lot of objections. But if you want to wear tzitzit on your belt loops, I promise I won’t call you a heretic. Just don’t offer me a ham sandwich, especially on Easter.
Topical Index: tradition, parádosis, meaning, application, tolerance, Mark 7:8
Yo Bro! As to the head covering thingy. I came across this from Lee Miller HODF.org
The NT is about 2 cultural practices brought into the assembly of that area… one to do with dressing like a woman when you are a man according to the writings external to the NT that clarify a lot of specifics. Effeminatus….(the long hair on the man) which heralded whom you wanted to have sexual liaisons with, non verbally in that culture….totally outside the creation plan of the sexual partner God gave man & what was accepted as decent behaviour as a cultural norm too. Thus for the assembly hurting the conscience of other believers even if you had given up the ‘actual’ practice. The other is hair hanging down on women which was the practice for prophesying in one of the cults where a woman untied her hair from the regular cultural norm for a decent woman to have her hair braided on the head. The woman who let her hair down was then controlled by a spirit to prophesy and also required to allow the inhibitions of normal sexual behaviour to be voided….no marriage boundary. Again this was an inappropriate way in which to prophesy in an assembly that worships God.
The more you look ….the more you find our exegesis is pretty much imaginations a lot of the time………..Bunnies anybody? Shalom to all. FJ
We know YHWH has commandments and men have traditions, but since men, in addition to their traditions, also have commandments I wonder if YHWH has any traditions? If so, what are they? Are they the 7 Biblical Feasts? Are they the Sabbaths? Are there customs He secretly keeps? Does He celebrate the birth of a new galaxy as we do the birth of a child and is there a Brit Milah? Does He sit shiva for a fallen star? Does He lay Tefillin only on Tuesday? Do the assembly of angels and the sons of God ever gather together for other than a two hour Sunday Heavenly Praise and Worship Service? Is there yet still mystery in the
Mysterium Tremendum?
Michael, sorry could you please provide me the scripture references for the 7 Biblical Feasts as I can only find 4 that are intended as everlasting covenants. Thanking you in advance.
1. Passover: (Remembering how God brought His people out of Egypt & saved them with the blood of the Lamb on the doorposts)
2. Feast of Unleaven Bread (for 7 days during Passover week)
3. Feast of First Fruits (Messiah was raised as our First Fruit)
4. Shavuot (The giving of the Torah (50 days after 1st Passover) and the Holy Spirit (50 days after after Resurrection)
5. Rosh Hashana: Feast of Trumpets
6. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
7. Succot (celebrating God’s protection while wandering in the desert.)
Thank you Judi.
Mainly Ex12 and Lev 23.
Which explain 4 feasts as eternal to the Lord and the other as feasts of remembrance not necessary eternal or to the Lord… But more for the benefit of the generations that follow.
Some of my Jewish friends explain the feasts as 4 holy feasts while 3 feasts are not deemed crucial for the believer to partake in…
My question is twofold… Which of these feasts can be deemed tradition and which feasts are requirements for a believer to honour and glorify God?
God’s Festivals in the New Testament
The New Testament records Jesus Christ, the Apostles and the Church keeping the Holy Days.
1. Passover
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:5
Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
Matthew 26:2, Matthew 26:17-19
Mark 14:12-16
Luke 2:41-42; Luke 22:1; Luke 22:7-20
John 2:13; John 2:23; John 6:4; John 13:1-30
1 Corinthians 11:23-29
2. Feast of Unleavened Bread
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:6-8
Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
Matthew 26:17
Mark 14:12
Luke 2:41-42, Luke 22:1; Luke 22:7
Acts 20:6
1 Corinthians 5:6-8
3. Feast of Pentecost
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:15-22
Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
Acts 2:1-21; Acts 20:16
1 Corinthians 16:8
4. Feast of Trumpets*
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:23-25
Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
Matthew 24:30-31
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Revelation 11:15
5. Day of Atonement
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:26-32
Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
Acts 27:9
6. Feast of Tabernacles
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:33-43
Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
John 7:1-2; John 7:8; John 7:10; John 7:14
7. The Eighth Day (sometimes called the Last Great Day)
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:36
Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
John chapters 7-9
Although the Feast of Trumpets is not mentioned by name in the New Testament, the theme of the day—the sounding of trumpets announcing Jesus Christ’s return—is mentioned by several New Testament authors.
Thank you Judi you have given me lot of reading to do. Thank you for the in depth study you have so well documented. Shalom and much appreciated.
Seeker,
Here is the list of the moedim (appointed times) listed in the Torah. I think of them as Yah’s appointments. Since He established them, I don’t consider any of them as “not crucial.” Also, keep in mind, all chagim (festivals, or “feasts”) of YHWH are moedim (appointed times) but not all moedim are chagim. Here’s the list:
1) Sabbath (Shabbat) – Lev 23:3
2) Passover (Pesach) – Lev 23:5
3) Unleavened Bread (Chag Hamatzot) – Lev 23:5-8
4) Wave Sheaf (Henip et haOmer) – Lev 23:10-14
5) Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) – Lev 23:15-22
6) Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah) – Lev 23:24-25
7) Day of Atonements (Yom haKippurim) – Lev 23:27-32
8) Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) – Lev 23:34-35
9) Eighth Day (Shemini Atzeret) – Lev 23:36
I used to teach there were only 7 Feasts, and it fit so nicely with the display of the menorah — one feast per lamp — but the notion that there are only 7 feasts is not really accurate. When you go the source, there are 9 feasts established by Yah. Hmmm…maybe I can start using the Hannukiah? (smile)
Blessings & Shalom!
Interestingly enough, Shemini Atzeret is one of the least acknowledged or celebrated Holy Days, yet many people believe that Yeshua will return on Shemini Atzeret.
Shemini is grabbing us more & more as we stretch toward the promise within it. I was glad to see it here as El has made me desire to know more about its significance & honour in His plan.
The 8th day is what comes after the 7th day. If we are in preparation on the 6th day now for our ‘7th day Sabbath rest’ of the 1000 years. Then the 8th day of Shenini will arrive to become the 1st day in the repeated cycle and we are back in the Garden again. Hope I make it there but I have to stay the narrow road even for the7th day. I suppose to be in the Garden again you have to be a gardener…..practice in rooting out the weeds and trimming wild growth.
The Temple also has 7th & 8th day states. One has the gates closed for 6 days and open on the Sabbath alone and the other has the gates always open for worship. Interesting. Shemini Atzeret is a full stop that is small in our thoughts but the finish of a sentence to bring about the beginning again. Shalom FJ
Thanks FJ…a good summary of what Shemini should mean to believers. Let’s all make sure we “show up” for it.
Rick thank you. Your opening paragraph says a lot to consider. Established by Yah. That is what matters not the other views concerning the appointments. Thank you for that humble and honest thought. Shalom
It’s my understanding that the Biblical Feasts and the Sabbath are not optional. God had made it clear that He promises to show up on those days and He, not only wants, but expects us to show up as well. They are His appointed times and it’s hard to understand why a follower of His wouldn’t WANT to show up. We want to be alert, not sleeping, when Yeshua returns.
I was recently involved in a discussion about tzitzit and the understanding I came away with was that Gentiles should not wear tzitzit, at least not ostentatiously exposed, because it sends the wrong message to the Jewish community…as if the person is a poser. Even worse is if the person is bareheaded, dines in non kosher restaurants and violates the Sabbath. To the Jewish community, it appears as if they are mocking Jewish tradition. These situations create enormous confusion for traditional Jews and further damage the name of Yeshua in the Jewish community. Yeshua criticized those who wear tzitzit for show. A Gentile person who feels strongly about wearing tzitzit should treat it as a matter of personal devotion, not attention grabbers. Discretion is always prudent. A person wearing visibly exposed tzitzit should be aware that he carries God’s reputation.
Judy,
Interesting concept. I happen to be one of those “heretics” (as Skip “doesn’t” call us — humor) who wears tzitzit. Here is my take on the matter (read: my opinion). When the multitude came out of Egypt, it was a mixed multitude. Meaning it wasn’t JUST the children of Israel. There were “foreigners” in the midst. When they were at Sinai, they all said, “We will do as You say.” All were brought into covenant, and all were considered Children of Israel. They were “grafted in.” When we read Numbers 15:38-39, the text clearly states the Israelites (including the once foreigner) are to wear tzitzit. Looking at the Hebrew, there are no “et” (aleph-tav) designators to indicate the direct object within the sentence. In my limited understanding, I then go to the second process: word order. The verse tells us to make tzitzit, then it says on the corners of our garments. Unless I start wearing the robes of 15th century BCE, I really can’t do that. I can go with tradition and wear a tallit — typically tallit katan (small tallit) in order to have 4 corners. Now, I may just be blowing smoke and wishful thinking on my part, but it seems to me that if the dress of 15th century BCE was pants and dress shirt, the command would have said, make tzitzit on your belt loops. It made sense for the dress of the day. But, I still go back to the way the command was written: make tzitzit. That is the first thing. The next thing is where, then the why — to remember the commands of YHWH. So, I look at it as getting two of the three correct. I wear the tzitzit to remember the commands — yes, understanding fully that it draws attention to me, and I must be aware that I am on display and putting Yah’s reputation on the line by my actions.
Now, for offending people. That is a slippery slope. By walking this walk, I am already offending the “church”. And by following Yah’s commands I am now offending the Jewish people. We will never win. No, I don’t wear a kippa/yarmulke — Torah never commands us to do so. The priests are required to wear headdress, but the people are not required (as is the command for tzitzit — and yes, even women should wear them. Ooopppss, another offense to the traditions.) Eating kosher. The more I look into what our processed foods have in them, it is becoming more and more difficult to eat Biblically. I am beginning to understand why Orthodox Jews refuse to eat at non-Jewish establishments, whether restaurants or Gentile homes. That is a topic for another day.
To wrap this up. Again, from my perspective, this is the way I see it: Yah wanted His people to be set apart, to be different. This is seen in the way they worshipped the One True God –YHWH. But even still, Yah commanded His people to stand out by wearing the tzittzit. Let me ask you this. If I were to line up 10 people in a row, could you tell me who the Christians were in the group? Not definitively. But, I bet you you can find who the Torah observant person is — whether Jewish or a grafted in Israelite.
Again, I am just sitting here, typing away, and putting my thoughts down. This isn’t meant to be argumentative. I hope it makes sense.
Blessings & Shalom!
Well said Sir, amien!
Hi Rick…it sounds like you feel strongly about wearing tzitzit and treat it as a matter of personal devotion (not an attention grabber.) And, from what you say, it sounds like you’re completely aware of your behavior and represent God in an honorable way. I imagine He is pleased.
The second part of the verse gives the context for the first. We observe the norms of society all the time because we want (naturally) to signal our willingness to stay in community with others. Where I think we run into problems is when we decide to “neglect the commandments of God” in order to do so. A societal norm that is harmless or even beneficial can only be determined by asking whether or not it keeps us from practicing any of the “commandments of God”.
When I look at traditions and practices that require us to neglect any of God’s commands, I see that they also, in the end, separate us from true community with others, for all the commands of God ARE the way to commune with others. Someone who is running around sending perverse sexual signals is someone who is not integrating properly with community, even if they may be getting away with it at the local nude beach or gay bar.
Even the perverse communities have their own ‘right way’ and penalties for stepping over the lines. I agree wholeheartedly about the life inherent in the wisdom that comes from our Creator to turn us from disintergration however well disguised and propped up that scene in our actual life is………. eventually the skin sags and the make up to hide the flaws becomes grotesque and the puppet master goes to find a new toy to play with outside the Creators design parameters and discarded in hatred he takes his hand off the strings we handed to him for the thrill of it all not knowing we were to become the lifeless animation that falls as despair to the ground unable to rise…..unless……
How grateful can we be to His majesty stooping so low as to pick us up, used, abused and worn out ?
Please forgive me in advance for my “misplaced” comment.
It really belongs elsewhere as it is a response to MKS for posting his/her comment yesterday, but as you will see it is more than just a shout-out. One of the many things I enjoy about this site is discovering along with another an “oldie but goldie” posting by Skip. This one
“But Do I Really Trust You?” from 4/2/2009 is an excellent example. Read it and I think you will agree. I assume that newbies still go through the ritual 30 day Hebrew Worldview series upon stumbling onto this site. I myself find it profitable to revisit it every few years as it really is a excellent primer to Skip’s POV. However IMHO this post (and a few like it) should be required reading as well, for it gives insight to the man who is behind the Words we read daily. The brief “about me” blurb on the home page is perhaps sufficient to understand who Skip is and when he got here, but not the how or the why. I doubt an official autobiography or an unofficial biography is on the horizon, so a series of past posts that capture the quintessential Skip would be a practical compromise and a valuable addition to this site. I could be, and hopefully, am wrong about an upcoming autobiography, but because there are few men who are both scholarly, Hebraic and vulnerable enough to authentically share his soul, this small request is, I think, reasonable. Since I come from a Latin background (RCC) and love opportunities to employ wit I would entitle the series: Ecce Homo Skippo (Behold The Man, Skip).
Any suggestions from the community on your favorite Skip post? And Skip, can you set aside your humility for our sake, the sake of future subscribers and perhaps consider this idea (and forgive my poor pun)?
Thanks Michael, for reminding us of this 4/2/09 TW. I just went back and reread it and was again reminded (and touched) at how real, vulnerable and challenging so many of Skip’s TWs are. This one truly paints a picture of the journey so many people struggle with in varying degrees…the journey to “let go” and “love God.” And, as he mentions at the end, it’s usually only in hindsight that we are able to see the progress we’ve made. Thankfully, YHWH is walking alongside of us as we journey on. So, thanks to Skip for writing it and thanks to Michael for reminding us that, sometimes, it’s good to look back.
Thanks Micheal; There are times it seems almost overwhelming but not quite, I’ve got two disadvantages 1, only two months of Skip and 2, short time to learn (at 94), But the research words at the end of the TW, or ability to research my own questions through Skips past TW’s, It’s been, let’s say, interesting sharing with those at my building and several “street” friends from the Homeless Breakfast..It’s exciting to be where we may have different ideas and yet will be willing to look at a different point of view. as I may have said before, we don’t learn anything new if we all agree. Just disagree in love. (It’s been a struggle, Church from birth 1st Baptist after 94 years now American Pres (liberal)( but we love each other) Lately, Biet Tefillah (Messianic) and 4sq.The last 2 have prepared me for Skip. Shalom
I always appreciate reading your posts Ray. You’re a testimony to the fact that we are never to old to stop learning or hearing from God…never too old to have an impact on His Kingdom. Blessings and shalom to you!!
Just read 4/2/09—What a place to start
Not misplaced, Michael. I steered Jeanette to it from the Hopium TW. MKS’s read and comment were so perfectly timed for what Skip’s been sharing. It appeared in the “Recent Comments” for just a bit early this morning. So thankful we “caught” it! Everyone – you can enter the title in the “search” feature and it will pop right up.
Hello everyone, I just read or should I say glanced real closely comet at the posts about the feast and wouldn’t it be appropriate to include the new moon… There is a lot of chatter about that? Please note that I end the? I don’t know if I’m on board with it.
This is one feast the group I associated with claimed to be the day people may be taken up in a congregation and also the only day the so called sacrament of holt communion was upheld… So for me it will also be worth hearing more about the feast…