The Messianic Torah Observer

Rod Thomas
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The Messianic Torah Observer is an online ministry designed and intended for Torah Observant Believers in Y'shua Messiah. Thus we encourage Torah Living --but Torah Living Y'shua-style. Additionally we provide our listeners with the happenings and goings on in and around the Hebrew Roots communities. We accomplish much of this through Rod Thomas' discussions on his personal life journey as a Hebrew Roots--Disciple of Y'shua Messiah. The True Faith--the Hebrew Roots of the Christian Faith--profoundly affected and changed forever Rod's life and in turn he shares his thoughts and perspectives with you so that you too will experience the tremendous and untold spiritual riches available to each of us who answers the call to true discipleship. We disavow and reject denominationalism at any and every level. The Bible forms the basis of his perspectives and thoughts. Shalom.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Parashah Emor (Speak!). An Ancient Framework for Walking in Kingdom for 2026 Messianics

    Come and explore Parashah Emor (Leviticus 21:1–24:23) with me, Rod Thomas, through a Messianic lens—holiness standards for priests, honoring Yehovah's Name, and the Moedim (Feasts of Yehovah). Learn how Emor's Torah framework guides Spirit-and-Truth Kingdom living for 2026 believers.

    1hr 5min

  2. 25 APR

    What Does Walking with God Look Like from a Yeshua-focused Torah-Living Perspective

    What does "walking with God" actually mean—biblically—and what does it look like for a disciple living a Yeshua‑focused, Torah‑faithful life? In this teaching, we explore the Hebrew concept of "walk," why Scripture highlights Enoch and Noah as men who walked with God, and how covenant relationship forms the foundation for moral uprightness (yashar), holiness (set‑apartness), and spiritual fruit. We also connect "walking in the light" (1 John 1) with kingdom living (Matthew 5–7), the enabling work of the Ruach HaKodesh, and Yeshua's warning about the narrow gate and Torahlessness (Matthew 7). Listen through and consider: are we merely professing faith—or truly walking in covenant loyalty with YHVH?

    45 min

  3. 18 APR

    Clean or Unclean? The Torah's Call to Set-Apart Living. My Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading Tazria-Metzorah

    In this installment of the Messianic Torah Observer, I reflect on Torah Reading Tazria–Metzorah (Leviticus 12:1–15:33), exploring the Torah's purity standards and how they point beyond the physical to enduring spiritual principles. Using the themes of childbirth, tzaraat ("leprosy"), and bodily flows, this teaching highlights how holiness is protected, how cleansing and restoration work, and how Yeshua refocuses defilement from external ritual concerns to the heart (Matthew 15:10–20). I close this episode with practical encouragement to pursue both physical stewardship and deeper spiritual cleanness as temples of Yehovah's presence. In this episode: Overview of Tazria–Metzorah and its three major sections (childbirth, tzaraat, bodily flows) Why purity standards matter: holiness, community, and access to Yehovah's presence Hygienic and ritual purposes: not mutually exclusive The priesthood's role: examining, diagnosing, declaring clean/unclean, mediating restoration Quarantine, "seventh day" separation, and "eighth day" restoration as a pattern of new beginnings Cleansing, atonement, and water immersion as recurring Torah themes How to apply "out-of-commission" Torah instructions today through spirit-and-truth principles Sin as the deeper parallel to impurity; protecting the set-apart community from "leaven" Yeshua's teaching: defilement proceeds from the heart (Matthew 15:10–20) Practical encouragement: maintain the body as a temple and pursue spiritual, emotional, mental cleanness Scripture references mentioned: Leviticus 12:1–8 (childbirth and purification) Leviticus 13:1–14:32 (tzaraat / "leprosy") Leviticus 15:1–33 (bodily flows) Exodus 19:5–6 (treasured possession; priestly kingdom; holy nation) Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16 (be holy as He is holy) Isaiah 55:8 (His ways/thoughts above ours) Matthew 5:18; Matthew 5:20 (Torah enduring; righteousness) Matthew 6:33 (seek first the Kingdom) John 4:23–24 (worship in spirit and truth) 1 Corinthians 6:19 (body as temple) Hebrews 9 (Messiah's priestly work; atonement themes) 1 Corinthians 15:46 (natural first, then spiritual) 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (all Scripture profitable) Hebrews 12:1 (sin as weight; running the race) 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9 (leaven principle) Matthew 15:10–20 (what defiles a person) John 8:12; 1 John 1:7–9 (walk in the light; confession and cleansing) 2 Corinthians 5:21 (righteousness in Messiah) Reflection questions: Where do you most often treat "cleanness" as merely external rather than a heart issue? What patterns of separation and restoration ("seven" then "eight") do you see in your own walk? How can you pursue set-apartness in practical ways while keeping the focus on spiritual cleanness? Are there "leaven-like" compromises that need to be addressed for the health of your fellowship/community? What does it look like this week to walk in the light and practice confession and repentance?

    45 min

  4. 20 MAR

    TMTO Update and Biblical Rosh HaShanah Announcement

    In this special installment of TMTO, Rod announces the advent of Biblical Rosh HaShanah 6026 in addition to providing an update on TMTO, his personal life, and Qumran Family Church and Qumran Family Foundation.

    20 min

  5. 7 FEB

    Drafted Into a Cosmic War-Defining Spiritual Warfare in a Time of Global Darkness-Part 1 of our Spiritual Warfare Series

    Episode Overview We are living in a time of global upheaval, moral inversion, and spiritual confusion. Scripture warned us that such days would come—but it also prepared us for them. In Part 1 of our Spiritual Warfare Series, we lay the foundation by answering a critical question:   What is spiritual warfare—from a biblical, Messianic, Torah‑rooted perspective?   This episode introduces the reality of an unseen cosmic conflict between the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness, a war that has been raging since the dawn of creation and one in which every believer is already involved—whether they realize it or not. Contrary to popular Christian culture, spiritual warfare is not emotionalism, not fear‑based obsession, and not optional. It is covenantal, scriptural, and central to our calling as the redeemed of YHWH in these last days. 🔍 What This Episode Covers 1️⃣ Why Spiritual Warfare Matters Now Global instability, deception, lawlessness, and moral reversal Wars, rumors of wars, and "birth pangs" foretold by Messiah The increasing pressure on faith, families, and covenant identity   Key Scriptures:   Matthew 24:3–8; Isaiah 5:20; 2 Timothy 3:1–5; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 2️⃣ Defining Spiritual Warfare Biblically Why the phrase "spiritual warfare" does not appear in Scripture—yet the reality permeates it Warfare as a multi‑layered conflict in the unseen realm The difference between the visible, temporal world and the invisible, eternal realm   Key Scriptures:   2 Corinthians 4:18; Job 32:8; Ecclesiastes 3:21 3️⃣ The Unseen Realm and the Real Enemy Why our struggle is not against flesh and blood Thrones, dominions, rulers, and powers created by Elohim—some now in rebellion How worldly systems, temptation, deception, and hasatan himself work together   Key Scriptures:   Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 4️⃣ Spiritual Warfare Throughout the Tanakh and Apostolic Writings A survey of foundational biblical passages that reveal warfare without using the modern term: Genesis 3:15 – The Protoevangelium: hostility between the seed of the woman and the serpent Exodus 14:14 – YHWH fights for His people Deuteronomy 20:3–4 – Fearlessness because YHWH goes with us 1 Samuel 17:45–47 – David vs. Goliath: the battle belongs to YHWH 2 Kings 6:16–17 – Elisha and the unseen angelic host Daniel 10:12–13, 20 – Warfare in the heavens affects events on earth Psalm 91 – Protection, refuge, and angelic guardianship Zechariah 4:6 – Victory by YHWH's Spirit, not human strength 5️⃣ Weapons and Principles of Spiritual Warfare Authority given to the people of YHWH Torah (the Word of Elohim) as a primary weapon Prayer, fasting, unity, praise, obedience, and righteousness Assurance: no weapon formed against YHWH's people will ultimately prevail   Key Scriptures:   Matthew 4:1–11; Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 54:17; Romans 12:21; Ephesians 6:10–20 6️⃣ Why This Series Exists This series is not about fear—it is about: Clarity instead of confusion Identity instead of deception Preparation instead of passivity We are not spectators in a cosmic conflict. We are called to stand, resist, and overcome—not in our own strength, but in the might of YHWH. 📖 Scripture References Cited in This Episode Torah & Writings Genesis 3:15 Exodus 14:14 Deuteronomy 20:3–4 Job 32:8 Psalm 44:5 Psalm 91 Psalm 144:1–2 Ecclesiastes 3:21; 12:13–14 Isaiah 5:20; 41:10–13; 54:17 Zechariah 4:6 Prophets Daniel 10:12–13, 20 Apostolic Writings Matthew 4:1–11; 5:14; 24:3–8 Luke 17:20–24; 18:3–8 John 9:4; 10:10 Romans 12:21; 13:12 2 Corinthians 4:18; 10:3–5 Ephesians 6:10–20 Colossians 1:16 Hebrews 4:12 1 Peter 5:8 2 Timothy 2:3; 3:1–5 📚 Extra‑Biblical Sources Referenced Jonathan Welton, How to See Heaven: Accessing Divine Secrets, Destiny Image, 2013 Judith Allen Shelly et al., Called to Care: A Christian Vision for Nursing, IVP Academic, 2021 🔜 What's Coming Next Part 2: Messianic vs. Denominational views of spiritual warfare Part 3: Laying the groundwork for Ephesians Part 4 and beyond: A verse‑by‑verse exposition of Ephesians 6:10–20 – The Whole Armor of Elohim

    46 min

  6. 30 JAN

    The Suffering Warrior Unveiling Judahs Mashiyach ben Joseph and the Messianic Mystery A - Part 10 of our Melchizedek Series

    The Suffering Warrior: Unveiling Judah's Mashiyach ben Yosef and the Messianic Mystery Overview In this post, Rod explores Judah's conception of Mashiyach ben Yosef (Messiah son of Joseph), tracing its development through biblical, Rabbinic, and apocalyptic literature, and connecting it to Messianic faith in Yeshua. The study highlights the "suffering warrior" motif, the precursor role to Mashiyach ben David, and the eschatological implications for Israel and the world. Key Themes & Scriptural Foundations Mashiyach ben Yosef as Precursor: Mashiyach ben Yosef is depicted as a leader who precedes Mashiyach ben David, preparing Israel through military, political, and spiritual means (repentance and Torah observance). This role is likened to John the Immerser as a type of precursor. Two-Stage Eschatology: Rabbinic tradition envisions two Messiahs—ben Yosef (the suffering, martyred leader) and ben David (the glorious, reigning king). The first stage is marked by suffering and conflict, the second by peace and restoration. Scriptural Roots: Genesis 49:22–26: Joseph's blessing as a "fruitful bough" and a suffering deliverer, foreshadowing the Messiah's role. Isaiah 11:13: Prophecy of Ephraim and Judah's reconciliation, interpreted as the work of two Messiahs. Zechariah 12:10: The pierced one, mourned by Israel, linked to Mashiyach ben Yosefciteturn4search1L20, L29-30. Obadiah 1:18, 21: Two "saviors" leading Israel, interpreted as ben Yosef and ben David. Rabbinic and Apocalyptic References Talmudic Sources: Sukkah 52a–b: Explicit references to Mashiyach ben Yosef, his death in the war of Gog and Magog, and the mourning that follows. Also mentions four eschatological figures: Mashiyach ben David, Mashiyach ben Yosef, Elijah, and the righteous High Priest (https://www.sefaria.org/Sukkah.52b.16?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)citeturn4search1L25, L29-31. Genesis Rabbah 75:6, 99:2: Describes the "War Messiah" from Joseph's lineage, involved in Temple restoration. Pesikta de-Rav Kahana 5:9 and Pesikta Rabbati 15.14/16: Discuss the "Anointed One for War" and the four messianic figures. Songs of Rabbah: Mentions Elijah, King Messiah, Melchizedek, and the Anointed for War (https://books.google.com/books?id=3YH99skQxGIC&q=Song+of+Songs+Rabbah+messiah+Elijah+war&pg=PA138). Sefer Zerubbabel: 7th-century apocalyptic text introducing Nehemiah ben Hushiel (Mashiyach ben Yosef) and Menahem ben Ammiel (Mashiyach ben David), outlining the sequence of redemption, warfare, death, resurrection, and the Messianic Age (https://pages.charlotte.edu/john-reeves/research-projects/trajectories-in-near-eastern-apocalyptic/sefer-zerubbabel). Dead Sea Scrolls: 4Q175 ("The Testimonia") and 4Q372 ("The Joseph Apocryphon"): Present a suffering, priestly, and warrior leader matching the ben Yosef persona. 1QS (Community Rule): Describes two Messiahs—of Aaron (priestly) and of Israel (kingly/warrior), with the latter subordinate to the former. Liturgical and Kabbalistic References: Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei): Kabbalists see the prayer for David's throne as a plea for Mashiyach ben Yosef's protection (https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/867674/jewish/Translation.htm). Kol HaTor: "Yosef is still alive" prayer for Mashiyach ben Yosef's mercy (https://vilnagaon.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/KOL_HATOR.pdf). Messianic Fulfillment and Insights Typology and Yeshua: Rod argues that Yeshua fulfills the typology of Mashiyach ben Yosef—suffering, atoning, gathering the lost sheep, and preparing the way for the Messianic Age. Scriptural parallels include Isaiah 53, Luke 4, Mark 13, Revelation 19, Zechariah 14, Ezekiel 34, and others. Conditional Redemption: Some Rabbinic sources suggest that the suffering and death of Mashiyach ben Yosef are conditional upon Israel's spiritual state. Practical Insights for Believers: Suffering: True discipleship involves suffering and persecution, echoing the path of Mashiyach ben Yosef and Yeshua (Matthew 24:9, John 15:20). Atonement: The suffering of Mashiyach ben Yosef is linked to atonement for Israel's sins, paralleling Yeshua's redemptive work (Ephesians 2:8, Matthew 5:3, 5). Redemption: The manuscript emphasizes the final redemption of Israel, rooted in biblical prophecy (Romans 11, Ezekiel 36–37, Zechariah 12–14, Isaiah 11, Jeremiah 31). Warfare: Both spiritual and physical warfare are central, with believers called to "put on the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6). Call to Action Intercession for Judah: The manuscript urges Messianic believers to pray for and love the Jewish people, recognizing the "partial blindness" until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in (Romans 11:25). Invitation to Discipleship: The closing invites readers to enter into covenant relationship with Yehovah through Yeshua Messiah (2 Corinthians 6:2). References & Further Reading https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/101747/jewish/Mashiach-ben-Yossef.htm https://www.sefaria.org/Sukkah.52b.16?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en https://books.google.com/books?id=3YH99skQxGIC&q=Song+of+Songs+Rabbah+messiah+Elijah+war&pg=PA138 https://pages.charlotte.edu/john-reeves/research-projects/trajectories-in-near-eastern-apocalyptic/sefer-zerubbabel https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/867674/jewish/Translation.htm https://vilnagaon.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/KOL_HATOR.pdf https://www.sefaria.org/Sukkah.52a.1-52b.17?lang=bi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah_ben_Joseph https://www.themessianictorahobserver.org/2026/01/16/beyond-protests-how-prayer-and-fasting-topple-evil-regimes-venezuela-minnesota-iran-the-extreme-radical-left-weighing-heavy-on-my-mind/

    1hr 22min

  7. 24 JAN

    Messiah the Prince Daniels Prophecy Jewish Tradition and the Identity of Yeshua - Part 9 of our Melchizedek Series

    In this installment, Rod Thomas explores the Jewish concepts of the Messiah, focusing on the three-messiah framework: Mashiyach Nagid, Mashiyach ben Yosef, and Mashiyach ben David. The discussion delves into Daniel's prophecy, Jewish tradition, and the identity of Yeshua (Jesus) as understood in Messianic faith. The episode also examines why mainstream Judaism rejects Yeshua as Messiah and how these messianic expectations shape both Jewish and Messianic perspectives. Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction and Context Greetings and setting: Recorded on the 3rd Day of the 11th biblical month, 6025 (Friday, January 16, 2026). Reflection on persecution, faith, and the hope found in Yeshua's teachings (Matthew 5:10-12; Ephesians 6:18; Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28). 2. Why Judaism Rejects Yeshua as Messiah Historical grievances and theological differences. The role of Rabbinic expectations and interpretations in shaping Jewish messianic beliefs (Hebrews 2:3; Romans 3:2; Romans 11:25-26; Zechariah 12:10). 3. The Three Messiahs in Jewish Thought Mashiyach Nagid (Messiah the Prince) Mashiyach ben Yosef (Messiah, son of Joseph) Mashiyach ben David (Messiah, son of David) The episode focuses on Mashiyach Nagid, with future installments to cover the other two. 4. What is Mashiyach Nagid? Linguistic breakdown: "Mashiyach" means "Anointed One"; "Nagid" means "Prince" or "Leader." Scriptural foundation: Daniel 9:25-26 and its interpretations. The prophecy's implications for Jewish and Christian eschatology (1 Corinthians 13:12; Matthew 24:15-16). 5. The Meaning and Role of "Nagid" "Nagid" as prince, ruler, leader, commander, or official. Biblical examples: Saul, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Abner, Azariah, and others (1 Samuel 9:16; 10:1; 13:14; 25:30; 2 Samuel 5:2; 6:21; 7:8; 1 Kings 1:35; 2 Kings 18:1; 2 Chronicles 31:13). 6. Mashiyach Nagid in Prophecy and Tradition The "transitional" leader concept: Anointed but not yet king. Comparison with "Melech" (King) and the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:8-16; Psalm 2:8-12; 2 Chronicles 13:5). 7. Messianic Traits and the Melchizedekian Order Psalm 110 as a foundational text for the dual role of king and priest. The Melchizedekian priesthood and its fulfillment in Yeshua (1 Peter 2:9; Daniel 2:44; Matthew 21:44; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Revelation 11:15). 8. Jewish Perspectives on Mashiyach Nagid Views of Rashi, Ibn Ezra, and Rambam (Maimonides) on the identity and role of Mashiyach Nagid. The Essenes and Qumran writings: Priestly and royal messiahs, "Prince of the Congregation" (Damascus Document, Rule of the Congregation, 11QMelchizedek). Apocryphal and Talmudic references: Suffering and kingly messiahs (1 Enoch, Jubilees, Talmud). 9. Christian and Messianic Interpretations Yeshua as the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy and the persona of Mashiyach Nagid. The dual or double-fulfillment view of prophecy. Jewish objections to identifying Yeshua as all three messianic figures. 10. Application and Call to Discipleship The call for believers to imitate Yeshua's character traits: suffering, triumph, priesthood, kingship, exaltation, royal lineage, and spiritual warfare (Isaiah 53; Colossians 2:15; Psalm 110; Matthew 1:1; Zechariah 14:3; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 20:6; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Ephesians 6:12-14). Invitation to covenant relationship and Torah-honoring lifestyle (2 Corinthians 6:2; Isaiah 55:6-9). References & Further Reading https://www.sefaria.org/topics/mashiach?sort=Relevance&tab=notable-sources https://jewishlink.news/the-origin-of-the-word-nagid-leader/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318725539_A_Contemporary_Defense_of_the_Authenticity_of_Daniel https://www.gotquestions.org/prophecy-double-dual-fulfillment.html https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/101747/jewish/Mashiach-ben-Yossef.htm https://library.biblicalarchaeology.org/sidebar/the-messiah-text-4q521-and-a-line-by-line-analysis/ https://jamestabor.com/a-cosmic-messiah-who-makes-live-the-dead-in-among-the-dead-sea-scrolls-4q521/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_War_of_the_Messiah https://scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1010-99192014000300016 https://www.sefaria.org/rashi_on_daniel.9.25 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_in_the_Talmud https://www.themessianictorahobserver.org/2025/06/20/messianic-reflections-in-the-life-of-yosef-ben-yisrael-thoughts-reflections-on-torah-reading-34/ Contact & Community For questions or further discussion, email: perceptionwp@gmail.com Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe on https://www.themessianictorahobserver.org/ Closing Blessing May you be most blessed, fellow saints in training. Walk in faith, truth, and the hope of Messiah's return.

    1hr 8min

  8. 16 JAN

    Beyond Protests- How Prayer and Fasting Topple Evil Regimes

    In a world gripped by ideological absolutism and spiritual conflict, this installment of TMTO exposes how entrenched regimes—from Iran to Venezuela to Western Radical Leftist aggression and beyond—are toppled not by protests, but by the power of prayer and fasting. We will discuss the Messianic perspective on spiritual warfare, the dangers of unchecked authority, and how we Messianics/Notzrim can wield heavenly authority to confront the systems of darkness.   "Venezuela-Minnesota-Iran-The Extreme Radical Left Weighing Heavy on my Mind."

    59 min
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About

The Messianic Torah Observer is an online ministry designed and intended for Torah Observant Believers in Y'shua Messiah. Thus we encourage Torah Living --but Torah Living Y'shua-style. Additionally we provide our listeners with the happenings and goings on in and around the Hebrew Roots communities. We accomplish much of this through Rod Thomas' discussions on his personal life journey as a Hebrew Roots--Disciple of Y'shua Messiah. The True Faith--the Hebrew Roots of the Christian Faith--profoundly affected and changed forever Rod's life and in turn he shares his thoughts and perspectives with you so that you too will experience the tremendous and untold spiritual riches available to each of us who answers the call to true discipleship. We disavow and reject denominationalism at any and every level. The Bible forms the basis of his perspectives and thoughts. Shalom.

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