The Word of יהוה communicates spiritual concepts through physical things. This is known as speaking in parables (Isa 28:9-12, Psa 78:1-4, Mat 13:3, Mat 13:10-13, Mat 13:34-35, Mar 4:33-34). In our opinion, among the most profound parables within the Word of יהוה are the branch in Moses and Aaron’s hands, the offerings and the tabernacle in the wilderness - referring to its design, furnishings, boundaries and those serving and guarding within its boundaries. The design of the tabernacle in the wilderness along with all its furnishings, boundaries and those serving and guarding within its boundaries serve as a “copy and shadow of the heavenly things... for when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.’” (Heb 8:5, Exo 25:8-9, Exo 25:40, Exo 26:30, Exo 27:8)
From the headquarters of this tabernacle in the wilderness went forth the law of the kingdom of יהוה... a law that serves as the plumbline for righteousness and justice (Deu 6:24-25, Psa 119:75, Isa 26:9, Isa 48:18, Isa 51:7, Luk 1:6, Rom 2:13). Righteousness and justice are the things in which יהוה delights (Jer 9:24). The tabernacle in the wilderness served as a sanctuary for the Spirit of יהוה, that He may dwell among them (Exo 25:8). In fact, this tabernacle and those sojourning with it could be considered a type of “kingdom” of יהוה because of the key elements present: a law, people administering the law, subjects under the law and a ruler or magistrate... יהוה Himself. This portable tabernacle and those sojourning with it were as a kingdom of יהוה in the wilderness, sojourning on the earth on the way to dwell in its final resting place. So, the more familiar we become with the design, furnishings, boundaries and those serving and guarding within the boundaries of this “kingdom” of יהוה in the wilderness, the more familiar we will become with the design, furnishings, boundaries and those serving and guarding within the boundaries of the “kingdom” of יהוה which is in heaven… and the more familiar we will become with the words and parables of the Righteous Branch.
Regarding the tabernacle in the wilderness, יהוה established certain boundaries for certain people. Certain groups of people had access to certain areas, and others did not. Through studying these boundaries and the people groups involved, we can see the picture of the parable being conveyed. Let’s begin by exploring the boundaries that יהוה established regarding this tabernacle in the wilderness, for יהוה is serious about boundaries (Deu 19:14, Deu 27:17, Pro 22:28, Pro 23:10-11).
Based on the above passages, consider the following questions:
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Before we answer the above questions, let’s clarify some of the people groups mentioned. Aaron was anointed to serve as the earthly high priest; those born of his seed - his descendants, his offspring, his sons – served in the office of priests (Exo 28:1, Exo 40:14-15, Lev 7:35-36, Num 3:10). The seed of Levi were given as a gift to Aaron and those born of his seed; the seed of Levi served in the tabernacle for the children of Israel (Num 3:6-9, 8:19,24-26). All others sojourning with the tabernacle in the wilderness comprised the children of Israel. So the servants within the tabernacle in the wilderness - a type of kingdom of יהוה - were Aaron, those born of his seed (priests) and the seed of Levi. Aaron and those born of his seed served יהוה; the seed of Levi served Aaron and those born of his seed; the seed of Levi also served the children of Israel.
Each of these people groups were given certain access within the tabernacle according to the office in which they served. According to the verses above, it seems that only Aaron, those born of his seed (priests) and the seed of Levi could enter the tabernacle. None of the children of Israel could come near the tabernacle, lest they bear sin and die. It seems that only Aaron and those born of his seed (priests) could come near the altar and offer the offerings to יהוה (see figure 1). The seed of Levi were not to come near the altar, lest both they and Aaron die. It seems that only Aaron and those born of his seed (priests) - could enter the holy place and see the holy things. The seed of Levi were NOT to come near the vessels of the holy place lest they die (see figure 2); furthermore, the vessels of the holy place were to be completely covered or concealed by those born of Aaron's seed (priests) before the seed of Kohath (seed of Levi) could carry them. Therefore, only Aaron and those born of his seed (priests) saw the holy things. Only the high priest could enter the area inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark (see figure 3)… and only one time per year… on the day that he made atonement for himself and for his house, for the children of Israel, for the holy place, for the tabernacle and for the altar (Lev 16).
figure 1. Boundaries within the tabernacle for those born of the seed of Aaron, the high priest (shaded in red)
figure 2. Boundaries within the tabernacle for the seed of Levi (shaded in blue)
figure 3. Boundaries within the tabernacle for the high priest (shaded in purple)
In light of the boundaries and duties regarding the tabernacle in the wilderness, it seems that some might be considered "greater" in the kingdom and some might be considered "lesser" in the kingdom - from an earthly, fleshly perspective. Who might be considered "greater" in this kingdom? Who might be considered “lesser” in this kingdom? Perhaps Aaron and those born of his seed (priests) might be considered "greater" in the kingdom for they ministered directly to יהוה, offered the offerings, ate certain portions of the offerings, were given special garments to wear (Exo 28:4, 28:40-43), could enter the holy place, could see the holy things, could eat the food on the table. While the seed of Levi were indeed set apart from the children of Israel, it seems that they were given "lesser" access and "lesser" duties in the kingdom. The seed of Levi could not enter the holy place and did not minister directly to יהוה (Num 3:6-9, 8:19, 24-26). Indeed, the tithe was given to the seed of Levi, but they could not eat from the offerings as could those born of the seed of Aaron (priests); furthermore, the seed of Levi could not even come near the altar lest they die. Contrary to popular belief, it does not seem that the seed of Levi were given special garments to wear; they were simply instructed to wash their garments (Num 8:6-15). The seed of Levi could not enter the holy place, could not see the holy things, could not eat the food from the table. So you can see why Korah and his posse were overcome with jealousy. Although the seed of Levi could enter the tabernacle and were servants in the "kingdom" and were set apart, it seems from a humanly, fleshly perspective that the seed of Levi were as "lesser" in the kingdom of יהוה in the wilderness. Note that the children of Israel were to remain outside the gate or door of the tabernacle in the wilderness altogether.
Did you notice the keyword in the above passages used to describe the duties of the servants in the tabernacle? They were to guard…shamar (H8104). Those within the boundaries of the tabernacle in the wilderness guarded as watchmen… they guarded one another... they guarded the holy things and they guarded the tabernacle… so that no one overstepped the boundaries which יהוה established… lest they die. Note even how they were to pitch their tents around the tabernacle (see figure 4):
figure 4. Encampment around the tabernacle
Who surrounded the tabernacle in the wilderness? The watchmen! The whole house of Levi – Aaron, those born of his seed (priests) and the seed of Levi - surrounded and guarded the tabernacle in the wilderness. Who entered the tabernacle in the wilderness? The watchmen! Any other person who came near was to be put to death.
With these concepts and boundaries in mind, let’s consider a parable… the parable that men are as trees. In the writings of the prophets and Psalms, trees are personified and described as bowing down, clapping their hands, singing. The Prince of Peace is referred to as the Righteous Branch. Isaiah spoke of “trees of righteousness, a planting of the Lord” (Isa 61:3). The blind man that the Righteous Branch healed said, “I see men as trees, walking” (Mar 8:24). The Righteous Branch himself stated, "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit” (Mat 12:33). So, according to the explicit boundaries set forth that we discussed above, let’s consider this tabernacle in the wilderness as an “orchard” in the wilderness… filled with “trees”… figuratively speaking. First, note the "tree" that is "planted" in the midst of the "orchard" in the wilderness (see figure 5). (Please note that this parable is for teaching purposes only and is in no way intended to contradict what is written in Deu 16:21.)
Figure 5. A budding and blossoming “almond tree” lamp in the midst of the “orchard” in the wilderness
Interestingly, in considering our parable, in the midst of the “orchard” in the wilderness is "planted" a “tree of light” - a golden, budding and blossoming "almond tree" lamp (aka menorah) (Exo 25:31-40, 37:17-23). The next question to consider is: What "tree" would accurately represent the men who are “planted” within and surrounding this "orchard" in the wilderness? Earlier we noted that Aaron, those born of his seed (priests) and the seed of Levi filled the tabernacle in the wilderness. According to the Word, what tree or branch represents Aaron and the house of Levi?
According to this passage, the branch that represents Aaron and the house of Levi is a branch that budded, blossomed and ripened almonds… a branch of an almond tree!!! So according to our parable, in the midst of this “orchard” in the wilderness stands a “tree of light”. A budding and blossoming almond tree lamp. And, if Aaron and those born of his seed (priests) and the seed of Levi are the only ones who may enter the tabernacle and surround the tabernacle, then what type of “tree” is “planted” within and surrounding this tabernacle? Branches that bud, blossom and ripen almonds! Almond branches fill and surround this tabernacle!
figure 6. "Almond orchard" in the wilderness
It seems that the tabernacle in the wilderness was as an “almond orchard” in the wilderness, a planting of יהוה (see figure 6). And did you know that the almond tree is known as the “watchful” tree? The Hebrew word for almond comes from a root word which means to be alert, sleepless, on the lookout.
Remember the keyword that described the main function of Aaron, those born of his seed (priests) and seed of Levi? WATCHMEN!!! Then it seems to be a fitting parable for the watchmen to be represented by an almond tree which is known as the watchful tree. What about the "seed" that is at the "root" of this "almond orchard" in the wilderness? The almond seed! The almond seed would be considered the principle seed of the kingdom of יהוה in the wilderness where the watchmen stood guard and served. Have you ever considered what our eyes – the instrument we use to watch with - are patterned after? Almonds! Seems like the work of the Creator’s hand is filled with meaning and purpose… and parables.
Further exploring our parable of the “orchard” in the wilderness, let’s consider what was coming forth from these “budding and blossoming almond trees”:
These “branches which budded, blossomed and ripened almonds” were distinguishing between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean and teaching all the other “trees” the statutes of the kingdom of יהוה. The law of the kingdom of יהוה was coming forth from these "almond trees". "Light" was coming forth from these "budding and blossoming almond trees" (Psalm 119:105, 119:130; Pro 6:23). Since the law (aka torah) establishes what is right and just in the eyes of יהוה, then it could be said that righteousness and justice were coming forth from these “almond trees”. Righteousness, justice and mercy are the things in which יהוה delights [Jer 9:24]. So this “almond orchard” in the wilderness was an orchard of delight. Did you know that the word “eden” [H5731, H5730] means delight or pleasure? Remember the focus of the garden in Eden? Trees! Thus it was more accurately an "orchard" in Eden. Similarly, the tabernacle in the wilderness was as an “orchard” of eden... trees of righteousness... men doing and teaching righteousness and justice... the things in which יהוה delights. So the “orchard” in Eden and the “almond orchard” in the wilderness both serve as a shadow of what is to come. The prophet Isaiah similarly expounds this parable when describing men as trees stating “that they might be called trees of righteousness, a planting of יהוה, that He might be glorified.” (Isa 61:3)
Now regarding this “almond orchard of delight” in the wilderness, it is important to note that no one other than Aaron or those born of his seed (priests) or the seed of Levi could enter the tabernacle in the wilderness. Thus, in translating this boundary into our parable, no other “tree” or “seed” should be “planted” in the “almond orchard” in the wilderness except for the almond tree which comes forth from the almond seed. Remember what is written in the Word of יהוה about sowing a field with two kinds of seed?
In fact, according to the boundaries set forth concerning the tabernacle, no one else was to come near lest they die. In the case of our parable, no other “tree” but the “almond tree” was to enter into the tabernacle lest they die. No other “seed” but the “almond seed” should be “sown” into this “orchard”. With this in mind, let’s consider the question David posed in Psalm 15:
As we have learned from the passages cited earlier, Aaron, those born of his seed (priests) and the seed of Levi could enter or dwell in the tabernacle. In answering David’s question according to our parable of the “orchard” in the wilderness, “almond trees” were "planted" in His tabernacle. Almond trees, “trees of righteousness” dwelled in His tabernacle. No other tree... for it is written that no other man – no other “tree” - was to come near lest they die.
Olive trees growing in an almond orchard
So what has happened? Who let the other tree in? Who let the olive tree enter into the “almond orchard” in the wilderness? Who is responsible for mixing יהוה’s orchard with two different kinds of seeds? The following words from a significant parable that has been muddied through translation seem to be echoing in the background, “An enemy has done this” (Mat 13:28). While the watchmen were sleeping and not remaining alert, someone came and sowed another “seed” in the “field” thus letting another “tree” enter into the picture. This other “tree” and the “seed” at its “root” has brought about death… spiritual death… exactly what יהוה warned would happen if another “tree” came near. Just as in the case of Adam and Eve in the orchard in Eden, His “branches” have been separated from יהוה. The other “tree” is causing confusion… confusing the original branches from fully recognizing and understanding which “tree” is the “tree” of Light that they should unite to. In fact, many are bearing the fruit of the other “tree”. The other “tree” is not the first to awaken and blossom in the proper season when the children of Israel were brought out of Egypt; the other “tree” is not a watchful tree. The other “tree” does not produce fruit whose flesh withers in the heat; the other “tree” produces fruit with flesh so bitter that it is not palatable raw and flesh that is full of grease. The fruit produced by the other “tree” does not ripen an edible seed but instead yields a seed that’s as hard as stone. (For further reading, read “Rethinking the Olive Tree”.)
If David were indeed a man after יהוה’s own heart and filled with the Spirit of יהוה, then wouldn’t David have known what “seed” was at the “root” of his father Jesse? If David were indeed a man after יהוה’s own heart and filled with the Spirit of יהוה, then wouldn’t David have known that the house of יהוה – Bethel - was associated with almonds (Luz/Lawz)? Wouldn’t David have known that no one other than Aaron or those born of his seed (priests) or the seed of Levi could enter into the tabernacle lest they die? Wouldn't David have been aware of what tree represented the Branch that would come forth from the root of his father Jesse… the Righteous Branch... his salvation? Wouldn’t David have been aware that Aaron’s branch which budded, blossomed and ripened almonds served as a shadow of the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek? Wouldn’t David have known about not letting another “tree” come near lest they die? Wouldn’t David have been familiar with the law about not planting a field with two different kinds of seeds? Wouldn’t David have known that יהוה does not change? If so, then why did David write of an olive tree in the house of יהוה?
It is our opinion that David - a man after יהוה’s own heart and filled with the Spirit of יהוה - knew fully well that the almond seed was at the root of his father Jesse. It is our opinion that David - a man after יהוה’s own heart and filled with the Spirit of יהוה - knew fully well that the house of יהוה - Bethel – is associated with almonds (Luz/Lawz). That David knew fully well that no one other than Aaron or those born of his seed (priests) or the seed of Levi could enter into the tabernacle lest they die. That David knew fully well that the Righteous Branch – his salvation – as represented by a budding and blossoming almond tree would come forth from the root of his father Jesse. That David knew fully well that Aaron’s branch which budded, blossomed and ripened almonds served as a shadow of the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. It is our opinion that David - a man after יהוה’s own heart and filled with the Spirit of יהוה – understood the law about not letting another “tree” come near lest they die. That David was familiar with the law about not planting a field with two different kinds of seeds. David even wrote of how יהוה’s law does not change and how His Word is sweeter than honey. (Remember that “the seed is the word of יהוה”. If His Word or “Seed” is sweeter than honey then this parable implies that His Word is “edible”, that His “Seed” is “edible”. A seed that is as hard as stone does not fit the description.) In our opinion, while David likely understood all the previously mentioned ways of יהוה, it is possible that those who translated the Word of יהוה did not.
With this in mind, pay close attention to David's description in Psalm 52:8:
An olive tree in the house of God? Really? Because if so, then David - a man after יהוה's own heart and filled with the Spirit of יהוה - was rewriting the way of יהוה and the shadows of the heavenly things that had been written down by Moses for us as examples. Was this really what David was proclaiming?
Consider David's description using the word "green". Are you aware that the word “green” (H7488) can also be translated as “flourishing”?
A field of blossoming (abib) almond trees.
According to Webster's 1828 Dictionary, the word "green" is also associated with the fresh, new and flourishing... which can refer to florid, flowers and blossoms. Flourish comes from a Latin word “floreo” which refers to flowers and blossoms. Interestingly, Song of Solomon includes the word “abib” [H3 from the same as H24] when describing something in a valley of nuts that is flourishing and budding (Son Sol 6:11) (to read more about this click here). If David walked in the ways of יהוה, then David understood that יהוה "planted" men as “blossoming (abib) almond trees” in the house of יהוה… and no other “tree”. That יהוה planted "good seed” in His “field”… that any other “seed” would come from an enemy. It is our opinion that David was likely proclaiming that he is “like a blossoming (abib) almond tree in the house of God" as opposed to a “green olive tree”. This is EXACTLY the parable and imagery that has been presented throughout this article… an “orchard” in the wilderness… of “blossoming (abib) almond trees”… not olive trees. Furthermore, in walking in the ways of יהוה, David would have wanted his children to be like almond shoots around the table… not olive shoots... for no other “tree” other than the “almond tree” could come near the tabernacle lest they die. However, apparently the translators were not enlightened with these concepts and parables. While David likely knew that the almond tree represented trees of righteousness, that at the root of Jesse was the almond seed and that the sweet, edible almond seed represents the seed of the Word of יהוה, it seems that the translators may have not been filled with such understanding (although it is possible they did the best they could with what they knew). Long ago, a brother in the faith explained it this way:
Since the tabernacle in the wilderness - its design, furnishings, boundaries and those serving and guarding within its boundaries - served as a shadow and copy of heavenly things, then it is important that it be accurately portrayed and studied… in an accurate context. Aaron - the earthly high priest – was a shadow of the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. As the earthly high priest, Aaron’s service ended upon death. As the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, the Anointed One never dies. As the earthly high priest, Aaron could enter the area inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark only one time per year to make atonement through the blood of animals. The High Priest in the order of Melchizedek entered into the heavenly counterpart once and for all to make atonement through His own blood. The branch that represented the earthly high priest and those that served with him had his name written on it, and the branch budded, blossomed and ripened almonds; this “resurrected” almond branch served as a sign to the rebellious and designated the man יהוה chose to serve Him in the earthly order. Likewise, the Branch that represents the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek resurrected; when He returns, He will have a name written on His thigh (Rev 19:16). Just as in the shadow, the resurrection of the Righteous Branch served as a sign to the rebellious and unbelieving and designated the man יהוה chose to serve Him in the heavenly order of Melchizedek. (Those that will serve with Him will also be resurrected in the proper season… in the season abib when the dead and living were brought out of Egypt.) If not a jot or tittle shall pass away from the law (aka torah) until all is accomplished (Mat 5:18), then it seems that the almond tree continues to represent those that dwell in His tabernacle… a shadow of the Righteous Branch and His branches. An almond tree… not an olive tree. This concept is further expounded through the parable of the lamp (aka menorah) in the holy place: the imagery of a center budding and blossoming (abib) almond branch producing the fruit of light, with budding and blossoming (abib) almond branches abiding in it also producing the fruit of light. The imagery of the menorah serves as a visual illustration of the following statements by the Righteous Branch:
This lamp (aka menorah) in the earthly holy place is a shadow of the Lamp in the heavenly… for John wrote the following description regarding his revelation:
According to John, the Lamp is the Lamb. So the lamp in the holy place in the tabernacle in the wilderness was indeed fashioned according to the pattern of the Lamp in the heavenly. The Lamp is the Lamb… the Lamb is also referred to as the Righteous Branch. So the Lamp is the Righteous Branch… and is illustrated by budding and blossoming (abib) almond branches… not olive branches.
Considering that men are as trees, in our lifetime the “olive tree” has been proclaiming to represent the Righteous Branch that would raise up and reign as king. The “olive tree” has been proclaiming to represent the Righteous Branch that believers are grafted into. As it is written in Proverbs:
Until now, the “olive tree” has seemed right. Now another “tree” is coming forward and examining the testimony of the olive tree and finding that its testimony, its fruit and its seed bear a false witness against the Righteous Branch. In fact, the testimony of the olive tree represents the antithesis of the almond tree. Now it is time for the “good seed” to listen to the testimony of the “almond tree”.
Thus testifies the almond tree:
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...the Creator chose my budding and blossoming branches to serve as the pattern for the lamp in the holy place… the vessel from which light comes forth… the shadow of the Lamp in the heavenly (Rev 21:23)
...the Creator chose my branches which bud, blossom and ripen almonds to serve as a parable of who may enter into His tabernacle… the very people who taught what is right and just according to the eyes of יהוה ...Jacob used my branches to place in the water troughs so that the flocks would conceive ...my seed is associated with the house of God (Bethel, Luz/Lawz) ...my seed was among the choice foods that Jacob sent to Joseph ...Jeremiah saw my branches in the vision given to him by יהוה, to communicate the message of watching over His word (Jer 1:11-12) ...I am known as the watchful tree and was created to be the first of the trees that bear fruit to awaken from slumber ...upon awakening, I clothe my branches in white blossoms ...my blossoms must receive pollination by a bee (the word “bee” in Hebrew is debar-ah which comes from the word debar H1697 meaning word or command) ...my branches are harvested two times per cycle: a harvest of firstfruits and a final harvest of seed ...the flesh of my fruit withers in the intense summer heat and all that remains is a single, edible seed ...in order to harvest the seed, my branches are beaten, stricken and shaken ...the end products of crushing my seed are a golden oil and choice meal (fine flour) |
It is time for His branches to wake up to the fact that they are not grafted into the other tree. It is time for His branches to bear an accurate witness... to recognize and understand the Branch to which they should abide… the Branch of Righteousness which serves as the Lamp... the vessel from which Light shines forth. It is time for His branches to awaken in the proper season... the season when the dead and living were brought out of Egypt... the season of blossoming (abib) almond branches. May the "good seed", His branches, abide in the Branch which comes forth from the true “root” of the faith… the “root” of Jesse… for at the “root” of Jesse is found the “seed” that is “planted” in the house of יהוה… a “seed” that produces “trees of righteousness”.
AWAKE! AWAKE!
As we continue in His Word, may we know His Truth and may His Truth set us free,
~ Followers of the Righteous Branch
~ Followers of the Righteous Branch
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