Envision a Messianic age where nations flood Jerusalem, captivated by God’s presence, grasping the hem of a Jew’s garment in reverence (Zechariah 8:23). As Hebrew Rooters, your fervent commitment to Shabbat, biblical feasts, and dietary laws places you vividly in this prophecy. But where? Why a Jew and not those of “The Way,” who embrace God’s commands but shun the “religion of Judaism”? In a welcoming spirit, let’s explore Torah’s truth, honoring your devotion while unveiling the covenant call of the Jewish people.
The Jew in Zechariah: Covenant Identity, Not Just Obedience
In Hebrew, Yehudi in Zechariah 8:23 denotes one from Judah or the House of Israel, God’s chosen covenant nation. Torah declares this covenant eternal: “I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your offspring… an everlasting covenant” (Genesis 17:7). Deuteronomy 7:6 states, “You are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession.” Leviticus 20:26 adds, “You shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples.” The Yehudi is not just a Torah-keeper but a member of this nation, bearing God’s light (Isaiah 42:6).
The 10 from the Nations grasp the Yehudi’s hem because of Israel’s covenant, not their piety. A Jew might actually be less observant than you…the Hebrew Rooter, yet their covenant identity draws the nations. Deuteronomy 4:6-7 teaches that Israel’s Torah obedience displays wisdom “in the sight of the peoples.” Rashi, commenting on Zechariah, notes God’s presence rests with Israel’s covenant nation. The Mishnah (Sanhedrin 4:5) affirms Israel’s role to carry Torah.
Hebrew Roots, House of Israel or The Way: Seeking the Covenant
Some Hebrew Rooters, perhaps today identifying with “The Way,” claim to be of the House of Israel, distinct from Judah, and reject the “religion of Judaism” as man-made. Your pursuit of Torah’s purity is admirable. Yet Zechariah’s Yehudi encompasses all Israel, as Ezekiel 37:16-22 prophesies the reunion of Judah and Israel into one nation. Whether you claim the House of Israel or follow “The Way,” Zechariah places you among the nations drawn to the Yehudi’s covenant, where God’s presence shines. Exodus 19:6 calls Israel a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” a collective covenant, not scattered Torah-keepers.
The Ger Tzaddik vs. Ger Toshav: Joining Israel’s People
Your Torah observance echoes the ger, but Torah distinguishes between the ger toshav or resident alien (think green card or a permitted resident) and ger tzaddik (think full citizen). Exodus 12:48-49 states, “If a ger sojourns with you and would keep the Passover… he shall be as a native of the land… one Torah shall be for the native and for the ger.” Leviticus 19:34 commands, “The ger who sojourns with you shall be as the native-born.” Numbers 15:15-16 adds, “One statute shall be for you and for the ger… as you are, so shall the ger be.” These verses refer to the ger tzaddik, who joins Israel’s people, as Ruth did: “Your people will be my people” (Ruth 1:16). A ger toshav, if accepted by Israel legally, (green card) may dwell among them but remains just short of full covenant equality, even barred from entering the Temple (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 64b). Those of “Hebrew Roots or The Way,” embracing “Your God will be my God” but stopping short of “Your people,” are at best ger toshav (green card) or if not accepted, as potentially “righteous from the nations, still Gentiles”. Zechariah shows the nations seeking the Yehudi’s covenant, as the ger tzaddik does through conversion and even totally permitted to enter the Temple. It is strange that many study the temple today, but may never legally enter due to their belief that Judaism is a religion, rather than a people in Covenant with Hashem. Stopping short and remaining “Righteous from the Nations” is perfectly fine! It is just not what you probably imagined from your study into the Hebrew Roots of your faith.
Deuteronomy 17: Acting According to Torah’s Teaching
Torah ties obedience to Israel’s covenant community through its “verbal” teaching. Deuteronomy 17:8-13 instructs, “If a matter is too difficult… go up to the place the Lord your God chooses… “act” according to the “Torah” they teach you [al pi haTorah asher yorucha]… do not turn aside from the word they declare.” Here, “Torah” derives from the verb yarah (to teach), not the noun (5 books of Moses), emphasizing Israel’s authoritative instruction. Deuteronomy 26:16-17 reinforces this: “This day the Lord your God commands you to do these statutes… you have declared that the Lord is your God… and He has declared that you are His people.” Your verbal rejection of the “religion of Judaism” seeks truth, but Deuteronomy shows obedience flows through Israel’s covenant teaching. Yeshua affirmed this, upholding Torah’s authoritative instruction while calling for heartfelt faithfulness. The Yehudi in Zechariah embodies this covenant community. One you are welcome to approach further.
Yeshua and the Covenant Call
Yeshua, a Yehudi, lived within Israel’s covenant, keeping Shabbat and feasts as part of God’s people. He affirmed Torah’s verbal teaching, urging obedience to Israel’s covenant leaders while emphasizing sincerity. Those of “Hebrew Roots or The Way,” your pursuit of Yeshua’s path is holy. Conversion to Judaism fulfills this, aligning you with the Yehudi whose hem the nations grasp.
An Invitation to Israel’s Covenant
Zechariah 8:23 celebrates your Torah love while calling you deeper. Even Noahides, bound to avoid avodah zara (idolatry, Exodus 20:3-5), must uphold God’s oneness, a principle some Hebrew Rooters may unknowingly miss. Let’s explore this clearly from the Hebrew, clarifying avodah zara and how Torah’s verbal teaching (al pi haTorah) guides the ger tzaddik to Israel’s covenant. Conversion places you within the nation Yeshua loved.
Your Place in Zechariah’s Vision
Hebrew Rooters, you “are” definitely seen in Zechariah 8:23… among the nations grasping the Yehudi’s hem, drawn to Israel’s covenant where God’s presence dwells. Deuteronomy 17 and 26 tie obedience to Israel’s people and their Torah teaching, not just practices. Without joining Israel as a ger tzaddik, you remain a Gentile, at best a ger toshav or righteous from the nations. Why a Jew? Because God chose Israel as His covenant nation. Join MishnahWalk.com to understand this and more… the Yehudi’s hem awaits, welcoming you into Israel’s eternal covenant as equal heirs to the promise.
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