Witnesses

Verse of the Day:

“If you are called to testify about something you have seen or that you know about, it is sinful to refuse to testify, and you will be punished for your sin.” (Leviticus 5:1, NLT – for easier understanding)

This verse resonated deeply with me when an officer approached me one day, prompting profound reflection on the sacred duty of bearing witness.

My testimony is limited to what I directly observed, forming the foundation for this quick powerful lesson.

This principle is exemplified throughout Scripture. Paul, the twelve Apostles, the Prophets, Moses, Abraham, and our Messiah addressed numerous incidents because they were public, not private, matters. Let us keep this distinction in mind. Yeshua Himself modeled this practice in Matthew 15:10-11, Matthew 23:1-36, and many other passages in the newer writings.

However, if we were not present, we must remain silent, regardless of hearsay. Discerning when to speak and when to hold our tongue is critical. Silence does not always shield us from sin, but speaking without firsthand knowledge risks transgression. Understanding this distinction reveals the importance of El’s laws, enabling us to navigate our responsibilities with discernment and freedom.

Key Concept: Firsthand Testimony

The terms “seen” (with your own eyes) and “heard” (with your own ears) in Leviticus 5:1 designate firsthand witnesses—those physically present at the event. This is not about rumors or hearsay but about direct, personal observation.

This principle applies to legal proceedings, such as court cases, where one is summoned to testify. We cannot evade this duty by citing busyness, prejudging the outcome, or assuming forgiveness absolves us. Refusing to testify when we possess firsthand knowledge is a sin, and we will be held accountable by the Most High and His Messiah, who now sits on the throne.

Our Role in Judgment

As believers who uphold El’s laws—the same laws our Messiah followed—we must carefully consider our role in judgment, such as serving on a jury. How can we justly decide a case we did not witness? Often, there may be only one witness, or reliance on evidence like DNA. Yet DNA is not a witness; it can be planted or misinterpreted. This underscores the necessity of credible, firsthand testimony and our steadfast commitment to El’s commands.

The Torah reinforces this in Deuteronomy 19:15 (NLT):

“You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

Does Scripture mentions DNA?

Absolutely not. This requirement of multiple witnesses is echoed in the newer writings, such as in 2 Corinthians 13:1, where Paul applies it to church discipline, drawing directly from the Torah. Yeshua, the ultimate teacher of the Torah, upheld and taught these timeless principles.

For this reason, I consistently excuse myself from jury duty before the judge, stating, “Your Honor, I request to be excused for religious reasons.” This decision, inspired by El’s Word, guards me against potential sins and aligns with the Torah’s standards of justice.

For Future Reference

Every law in the newer writings is rooted in the older writings—without exception. If a teaching in the newer writings lacks a foundation in the older writings, it is either misinterpreted or an addition. Rather than imposing our own opinions on a passage, we should diligently seek its corresponding lesson in the older writings.

This is why I often correct modern translations or interpretations by unqualified teachers, including many contemporary Christian pastors. They misuse verses to craft relatable narratives, thereby distorting the intended lesson. Pointing out these errors is a righteous act, regardless of what modern religious opinions may claim about my actions. My accountability lies not with them but with El and the true assembly of His people.

Studying the Scriptures reveals this continuity, demonstrating how the newer writings reflect the older ones, affirming the unity of El’s Word. This harmony testifies that Yeshua is the visible image of the invisible El.

I don’t know it all, but hoping to prepare a mutual ground for learning and correcting one another, which can only be done through biblical holy dialogue.

Shalom 💕