“Shamar” to Keep and to Gaurd Study - Bereshis

Keeping the God’s Word Pure

the Word, and thus you will note that we will use the Four Letter “Memorial Name” of - YHVH, which is pronounced as YaHVaH or YaHWaH. In addition we will also use our Heavenly Father’s attribute/title, which is Elohim rather than “God,” which sadly is the name of a pagan god. In addition we also love to use the actual and real Name of our beloved Messiah which is - Yahushua or Yahshua in short, for this is our Saviours original Hebrew Name as given to Him at birth in Lukas - Luke 1:31. This was the only Name ever used when He was on the earth by His family, disciples and His followers OVER THE centuries, even until today! However, it was changed to a foreign name by the founder of the new “pagan church of Rome.” Occasionally, we may also use other Hebrew or Greek names as well as different words in our studies for certain common words used are from pagan backgrounds and thus are not suitable. All names will be translated when they are FIRST used in a study or at various times as needed for clarity. There is a full explanation of YHVH’s blessed “Memorial Name” as well as the wonderful blessed Name of our Messiah and Saviour, thus please read … “The Memorial Name.”

“Shamar - Keep it”

“And YHVH Elohim (the LORD God) took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it”

A study based on Bereshis - Genesis

Welcome to what will be, I pray a revealing study as we look at an amazing verse in the Book of Bereshis - Genesis Chapter 2, verse 15 as well as that what our beloved Saviour the Messiah said in Yochanan – chapter 15 verse 5! At first what appears what seems to be rather simple words, suddenly becomes something very beautiful and special when we apply the fullness of the original understanding of the Hebrew and the Greek and their actual and original meaning.

Father, in the Name of Messiah Yahushua I ask that with Your guidance and the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) will guide us all into the fullness and the beauty of Your blessed Word. Loving Father please give all those who have a seeking heart discernment and keep that evil one far away in Yahushua’s blessed Name, for we are covered by the Shed Blood of the Lamb. HalleyluYAH!

You will soon note that this study is based on two very important words in the Scriptures and the words are 1, “tend” which in Hebrew is “Avad” and 2, the more vital one being “keep,” being in Hebrew - “shamar.” Be assured that both words contain very special and valuable lessons for all believers in Yahushua the Messiah!

Let me commence with the first word “tend,” which in the Hebrew is the word “Amar” that also means to be a “servant,” thus Adam was to be a servant to the garden, one who would lovingly take great care and work in the garden that Elohim had given him! And later I will return how this word also applies to all of us, but it is closely tied together with the second word “keep,” which in Hebrew is - “Shamar” and this word is by far more powerful as this study will reveal!

Beloved, the Word “Keep - Shamar” in Bereshis- Genesis 2:15 contains a fullness that has not been fully understood by priests, pastors or Bible teachers throughout history and believers to this day have little to no knowledge of its blessed meaning and the wonderful teaching that is contained therein! I feel saddened that believers in Messiah over centuries have never heard of this teaching! The truth is this, if you just read the verse in English, sadly any of the translations will not provide the meaning of what the Almighty was saying at all, for only the original Hebrew contains the fullness of its actual meaning and Hebrews do understand it, but less than 2,000 years ago the new church translators had very little understanding of Hebrew, especially of “Hebraic thought,” which would have been very important … I will explain this later! Therefore no matter the language the Scriptures has been translated into, it will never reveal the sheer beauty of that which was originally written in the Tanach, being the Old Covenant Scrolls and Books, as well as the original Gospels, the Book of Acts and Revelation, which were all written in Hebrew and this has now been fully proved – there is a study only with the details. In addition, some of the Epistles were also originally written in Hebrew, such as Shime’on ben Yochanan - Peter who was as the Word clearly teaches “the Apostle to the circumcised” and only ministered to the Hebrews (Jews) and Shaul - Paul was to be the Apostle to the Gentiles! We also know Scripturally that Shime’on never went to Rome, for Shaul - Paul proves this in his own writings when he had arrived there long after Peter was supposed to be there. On the other hand other Epistles were written in Greek, yet even of the grandeur of that language was partially lost as translators lost so much of its original meaning and in some cases even lost the true meaning of small parts the Word to fit their own theology purposes, but you will have to read “Simon – The first Bishop (Pope) of Rome.” (See the link at bottom of page.

However, praise be to YaHVaH Elohim (the LORD God) they can and will never erase the truth of the Word for there is always a backup, for Elohim ensured this throughout His Word, both in the Old and the New Covenants especially when it was written in Hebrew!

Keep - Shamar:

Let me now quote two verses from Shemos - Exodus 31.

“And the children of Israel shall KEEP (Heb: shamru) the Sabbath, throughout their generations. It is an everlasting covenant, a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever. For in six days, YHVH (the LORD) made heaven and earth and on the seventh day, He rested and was refreshed.” Shemos - Exodus 31:16 & 17.

For complete understanding of this Word, let us turn to another Scripture where this word “keep” is used.

“And YHVH Elohim (the LORD God) took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to TEND it and KEEP it ( - shamar)” Bereshis - Genesis 2:15.

Adam was to “tend” to, “serve” or “work” the garden and also to “keep” it. However, it is quite obvious that tending to the garden did not require any watering for the Word makes it very clear that our beloved Heavenly Father provided “the dew of heaven.” In fact Adam did not even have to weed the garden, why? Very simply, there was no such thing as any weeds in Paradise, how wonderful was that? We know from the Word that Adam gave names to all the animals and he would have propagated many plants, thus he would have kept himself busy.

But let us stop here and contemplate on the real meaning of that rather unusual Hebrew word … “Shamar” - that in most “christian Bibles” is translated as “keep.” The traditional phrase “keep it” does not convey the full meaning of this very precious word, for having been translated the Hebrew word somehow lost its value and its actual meaning and message that is no longer available to churchgoers today! However, in Hebrew there is a wonderful story to be discovered in this wonderful and very special word and dear friend, I pray that you will be richly blessed as you discover the full meaning of “Shamar - Keep”!

So many who teach the Word sadly do not really understand the blessed and wonderful Word of YaHVaH Elohim and the Teachings of Yahushua the Messiah, for they read and understand the Scriptures with a Greek or better said with a Gentile mind, whereas the author, being an ex orthodox Hebrew, now a Messianic believer since 1977, being fully One in Him see His Word like those who lived and believed in Messiah when He was with us, and obviously have an understanding of the Word with a Hebrew mind!

The important thing we need to understand is that the Hebrew root of the word “Shamar,” which I know has a meaning and an association of great responsibility. But it was many years back, this word hit me with a greater force whilst I was reading Bereshis - Genesis chapter two, for suddenly the word “Shamar” made a huge impact on me. Although I had known about this word, what was different this time? The fact was that I was reminded, and I know that it was through the power of the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit that back in 1908 in Palestine, an organisation was formed that was called … “Ha Shomer Society” and “Shomer” being the root of “shamar.”

This was a group of men that became the “watchmen” or the “guardians”, “protectors” and “defenders” of Jewish settlements living in Palestine, ancient Israel from Arab attacks. For they were “keepers” indeed of the many villages around the country! The truth is that the word “shamar” literary means to “guard, defend and protect, to keep and preserve” and “to treasure.” See Strong’s OT:8104 for details.

You may ask; “Why would Elohim command Adam to ‘protect and defend’ the Garden of Eden, from what?”

Beloved, Adam was to protect, guard and keep the garden from that evil one, that serpent!

We need to understand that right from the beginning Adam knew the difference between good and evil. I know this is not what many in the churches are normally taught, but it is an erroneous teaching! Adam had been clearly commanded by Elohim, that he and Chavah - Eve were not to eat from “the tree of the knowledge and of good and evil” and to do so would be a grievous sin against Elohim and it would mean their death!

This Scripture shows us clearly that Adam failed in his duties “guarding and protecting” not only the garden but also in protecting his wife. Had he been a good “shamar,” a good “protector” and “guardian,” that serpent would never have been able to reach Eve.

I pray that all husbands will learn from this powerful message that is contained herein, for you are according to the Word the head of the household and the Husband has a responsibility to be the “shamar’s” - the “guardian, keeper and protector” of the household and family!

Beloved, what does all this mean to us today? Indeed we are commanded to be “Keepers, Guardians, Defenders and Protectors.” We are to “Treasure” and to “Keep” the purity of the faith - BUT more so we are commanded to guard the Purity of the Word of YaHVaH Elohim with our lives if necessary, but sadly man has failed this task miserably!

OT:8104 shamar ; a primitive root; i.e. guard; to protect, etc.

However, the King James Version of the Bible and thus almost all others, as we will see reveal nothing that is relative to the actual meaning of the word “Shamar - keep” and thus in so many ways they have deceived the church and believers with the beauty that is contained in this word! Below is how Strong reveals how the KJV translates this powerful word “Shamar” as!

KJV: be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep, mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save, sure, watchman.

You may say, “But brother, you are speaking about a single Hebrew word in the Old Covenant, is there anything else to back up the teaching of this study, let’s say in the New Covenant?”

Friends there certainly is, for He who “was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim” (Yochanan - John 1:1) being Messiah Yahushua is one and the same as Elohim, thus it was He who spoke these words to Adam, for “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (verse 3). When Messiah Yahushua was with us on the earth He again gave us a powerful instruction and we need to remember that whenever Hebrew's are in prayer or teaching the Scriptures or giving a message just as is done to this day it is always done in Hebrew and not in a local language. We are aware that in Palestine at the time that Aramaic had become much of a common language, as it is a form of Arabic and Hebrew. But Greek was not ever spoken by anyone in Israel that would have been a foreign language, possibly certain businessmen who dealt with Greek traders may have had a little knowledge of Greek, but that is all as the Greek period had long gone!

As Yochanan recorded in his Gospel, Yahushua spoke the following powerful word that fully confirms that powerful word “shamar.”

“If you keep (Greek: - tereo) My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept (tereo) My Father's commandments and abide in His love.” Yochanan - John 15:10.

5083: - tereo.

Meaning: to guard, protect, to watch over.

Origin: from a prim word - teros (a guard).

Usage: guard, guards, heed, heeds, protect, keep, keep watch over, keeping, keep guard over, observe, preserve, to watch over.

Now let us look at another verse where the word “Keep” is used by our blessed Saviour, but it contains a different Greek word, being - “phulasso.”

“Blessed are those who hear the Word of Elohim and keep (Greek: Phulasso) it!” Lukas - Luke 11:28.

Obviously, there are several words in the Greek for “Keep it” such as - “tereo” and - “phulasso.” Interestingly, both have the identical meaning as the Hebrew word “shamar” as we will see by using the Strongs Hebrew/Greek Interlinear Dictionary as seen above and below.

NT:5442: phulasso (foo-las'-so); to watch, i.e. be on guard, to preserve, to obey:

KJV: keep, observe, save: Compare NT:5083 - in Strongs online, this is a link and it will take you back to “tereo” as it is directly associated to that word!

Interestingly in the Hebrew translations of the Brit Chadashah, being the New Covenant, both these words use the Hebrew word “shamar” in its correct tense, for that is precisely where it should be and the meaning should be fully understood!

Summing Up Shamar – Protect & Guard:

As we conclude this part of this study, let us ponder what is meant by “Keep it” to all of the true believers in Messiah Yahushua today?

Are you a “Watchman?” Especially in these days as the New Age and so much evil is invading the world and tragically we know that the church is mostly in great error and continues to uphold so many pagan festivals, with its associated meanings that have been, what we may call “christianised.” It also continues to uphold the ways of Rome, including he who hated YaHVaH Elohim, Our blessed Creator and Yahushua the Messiah and Saviour! This evil man was a sun worshipper until the day of his death, it was the evil and pagan Emperor Constantine I.

When Constantine, who was a worshipper of the sun god, came to power in 313 A.D., he formally legalized a new sect of “christianity,” which was a mix of paganism, that combined new images combines with the worship of the Greek god “Isous” a name that was created by Simon Magnus the sorcerer the first Bishop and Pope of Rome, (see the study at the bottom of the page – Acts chapter 8) and he officially enforced the first SUNday-keeping law. His infamous Sunday enforcement named the Blue Law came into effect on March 7, 321 A.D., and it reads as follows:

“On the venerable Day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed.” (Codex Justinianus 3.12.3).

The Roman Papacy officially confirmed the Sunday law as The Council of Laodicea, which was ruled over by Constantine in 364 A.D., and it decreed,

“Christians shall not Judaize and be idle on Saturday but shall work on that day; but the Lord’s day they shall especially honour, and, as being Christians, shall, if possible, do no work on that day. If, however, they are found Judaizing (meaning to keeping the Seventh Day Sabbath), they shall be shut out from Christ.” (Strand, op. cit., citing Charles J. Hefele, A History of the Councils of the Church, 2 (Edinburgh, 1876) 316)

Many who did keep the Sabbath were murdered, which the christians were so good at, as history proves. There is a book named the “Protesters” about those who remained in the faith, but the vast majority were slaughtered by the many churches, thus not just the church of Rome, the Lutherans as well as the Church of England and others, very few had any mercy unless they repented from their faith and came to their side! But no, those who were known as the protesters, would rather die and remain to be good Keepers of Elohim’s and Yahushua Word and teachings than sin against Him!

And indeed the Word does command us, to “Keep on the paths of the righteous.” Mashley Shlomo - Proverbs 2:20. And also;

“Thus says YHVH, keep (shamru based on shamar) judgement, and do justice: for My Salvation is near to come and My righteousness to be revealed” Yeshayahu - Isaiah 56:1.

As we listen to the countless “End Time Deceptions” being spewed out in these “latter days,” we are commanded to “try and test all things” especially in regard to the many doubtful prophecies uttered in false churches “the Name of the Lord.” Sadly, we see new fad’s deceiving even some of “the elect,” for sadly so much of what is uttered these days is not from Elohim, but just from the mouths of men, the self. Let us always pray for discernment and thus be “Keepers, Guardians,” and “Protectors,” and keeping His Word pure!

We, like Adam, have been warned that there is right and wrong. Yahushua the Messiah our beloved Saviour so clearly forewarned us that in the end times there would be “many deceivers, wolves dressed in sheep clothing, deceiving themselves” dragging others down with them. Sadly many of these are weak and they are easily persuaded. Please pray for these dear souls!

Years ago, I was listening to a tape containing a (so-called) prophecy given in Melbourne Australia. In the middle of this prophecy by a pastor came a statement that not only disagreed with the Word of Elohim, in fact, it made Elohim, blessed be He, out to be a liar.

Beloved, let the Word of Elohim be your foundation in every case! Be not afraid to speak out if you hear error, but always do it in the Scriptural manner, by privately speaking to the individual, and if he or she will not repent or retract the error, take the course, which the Word of Elohim so clearly provides!

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” Romans 16:17.

“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Yahushua the Messiah that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.” II Thessalonians 3:6.

These are strong words, but I believe that it is time the faithful in Yahushua The Messiah to start being responsible in the things of Elohim. Apathy has allowed the world to go to war, murder and destroy over 40 million lives, including six million Hebrew innocents during World War Two.

Do not allow apathy to rule in your life at this time for Yahushua is coming SOON! Pray and stand up for the Word of Elohim. Be a “Shamar,” be a “keeper” and a “Guardian” of His Word!

May we be blessed with a pure faith and “treasure” the most Holy and blessed Word of YaHVaH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name!

Yahushua said … “Blessed are those who hear the Word of Elohim and (phulasso) KEEP it!” Lukas - Luke 11:28.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28.

What a promise, what a great love. Beloved, we have a wonderful Saviour, for Yahushua gave His life to redeem us, now all who have repented, and continue to walk in faith uphold His Word are redeemed and washed clean from their sins.

Let us go forth and be “guardians” of this great truth and give our time and effort unto YaHVaH Elohim, and GO and share the message of Messiah unto a world lost. May Elohim, bless you, as you do! – I pray in Yahushua’s blessed Name!

The Hebrew Thought Message:

As I spoke about earlier, I fully understand the Hebrew Scriptures and to translate its full meaning, it does help to know not only ancient Hebrew but also Hebrew thought as we will soon discover!

Let us read Tehillim - Psalm 105:8:

“(Hebrew- transliterated) ZaChar LeOlam BeRito DaVar TziVah LeElef Dor” - “He (YHVH) remembers His covenant forever, the Word which He commanded, for a thousand generations.”

This is a very interesting verse for it poses a powerful problem, have you noticed it? It states “forever” that implies without end, or even eternity, but in the very next part it says “a thousand generations.” Now if we were given a promise of that kind today, it would be rather disappointing as it sort of leaves you constantly wandering what it really means?

Well let us take a very close look at it from a Hebraic perspective: In Hebrew the word “forever” is - “Olam”, which also translates as “Eternity,” “Eternal,” “Universe,” “Without end.” And there is more, however I am sure you will now get the picture. Yet over the years there have been those who have asked me when I have quoted this verse;

“But brother, why does it state in the second part of this very same verse that it is ‘for a thousand generations.’ Does this not mean there is a time limit?”

And what a very good question indeed for what is said in this verse! However, as you will have gathered from this study, not everything is what it seems on the surface, for the translation may not have the full story and we may just have to go back to those three vital points I mentioned at the head of the page, for these are really most vital when we study His blessed Word! To make this brief, we all know that language changes and even in our lifetime words have changed meaning well they certainly have in my 70 years! Once upon a time when we were having a happy gathering in fellowship, we were having a “Gay time.” Well today the first part of that statement has a very different meaning and obviously it is no longer used in that context. And it is the same with a great many words in the Scriptures!

We need to understand that the children of Israel were rather overwhelmed by the statement - “Olam” being “Forever” for their Elohim was saying to them that “His covenant” with them would be “eternal.” And let us be completely honest, even with all the knowledge that we have available to us today, combined with the advanced technology and the exploration of outer space and the depths of the oceans, etc, no one is able to measure or comprehend what eternity really is?

Next, we should to understand that the Hebrew alphabet is also a numerical system and at the time this Psalm was given is most relevant, for the highest numerical denominator was 1,000, therefore is was like Elohim was saying to Israel is this, “My Covenant is ETERNAL, OK, you may not comprehend “eternal,” but think about this, it is as far as you can possibly count 1,000!” How huge was that, One Thousand!

Thus you can imagine, at that time it was like saying a million trillion years, for that number would have been unbelievable for a thousand was the ultimate number. But did you notice those other words that were added, for He added the word “generations” and believe it or not, Israel knew very well that each generation is 40 years, now we were looking at a thousand times of 40s and this made this verse beyond Israel’s comprehension! You see, our Heavenly Father knows His children and although He spoke to them in an official manner first, but next, He explained what he was saying, thus providing them a picture so to say, for how else could they comprehend how huge His love and promise was?

Beloved this proves that Elohim will remember His covenant with Israel for eternity regardless of their sins and wrongdoings, for we have all been sinners and we who have come to Messiah and accepted Yahushua as our Saviour in full faith and repented, have been cleansed by His shed Blood, well Israel remained covered by Elohim’s Eternal Covenant, but that does not mean that the sinners of Israel will go free, no like any other they will be punished! But, the Scripture makes the details very clear of the Remnant of Israel! The Word clearly states that Israel was greatly blessed, but because they sinned and rejected their Messiah and Saviour, the Word states as was prophesied, “I will scatter you among the nations and draw out a sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste.” Vayikra - Leviticus 26:33.

However, then YaHVaH Elohim said in verse 44;

“I will not cast them away, nor shall I abhor them, to utterly destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am YHVH their Elohim.”

The above proves that He is a faithful Elohim and also how beautiful His Word really is for Israel and how true and faithful it is to all of us who are in Messiah!

Shaul - Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles never forgot his Hebraic priestly roots and he began Chapter 10 of the Book of Romans with the following words;

“Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to Elohim for Israel is that they might be saved.” Romans 10:1.

And he continued this theme as follows;

“I say then, has Elohim cast away His people? Certainly not! I also am an Israelite of the seed of Avraham from the tribe of Binyamin - Benjamin. Elohim has not cast away His people whom He foreknew” … “For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Ya’akov - Jacob: For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” Romans 11:1-2 & 25-27.

Who are “ALL Israel that shall be Saved?” This is not the church or believer in Messiah, who are not from the House of Judah or Israel, but it will be the Remnant of Israel that will be present during the time of the Seven Year Tribulation! But that subject together with the Two Witnesses is another study altogether and online!

But beloved we have the Word and it is a Treasure for all who are redeemed by the shed Blood of the Lamb Yahushua THE Messiah! And let no man dare to change or alter YaHVaH Elohim’s or Messiah Yahushua’s Word which He spoke when He was with us, for those who have done this will be punished, for we know that the “wages of sin is death.”

The Word of our Great and Mighty Elohim is exciting? I pray that you will cherish His Word, for His blessed Scriptures are filled with treasures and the RMI website has countless studies for you to discover, as we will continue in the literal and Scriptural teachings directly from His Word and certainly not the teachings of the paganised church of Rome and its many cohorts!

“For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in Elohim.” Yochanan - John 3:20-21.

Go to our Site Index and discover one of the countless studies. Below are several studies that have been mentioned in the study above and they are recommended reading, especially “The Bridge” – “Why, What & How” and “Hatikvah” for these three uplifting studies will be a real blessing!

The Bridge - What – Why – How? - Hatikvah - What Day is the real Sabbath!

YHVH - the Divine Name and Hebrew in the Gospels - Simon – The First Bishop of Rome

“Teach me Your way, O YHVH. I will walk in Your truth.
UNITE MY HEART TO FEAR YOUR NAME!”

Tehillim – Psalms 86:11

May YHVH Elohim bless and keep you in the palm of His hand always, in Messiah Yahushua’s loving Name!

The RETURN Movement name was founded in 1978.

RMI Ministries International - The International Ministry.

Search this Site

site search by freefind advanced

*************************************

Return to our Site Index

Or our MainPage

www.rmi-ministries.com

Yahushua said; “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: They will all be taught by Elohim. Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me. No one has seen the Father except the One who is from Elohim; only He has seen the Father. I tell you the truth he who believes has everlasting life.” Yochanan (John) 6:43-48.

Please Note: RMI Ministries International and associated ministries are 100% non-profit outreach ministries.

As we do not market, or sell anything or ever request funds by any means, including the sending of any of those

so called “News,” or better said; “Beg-letters.” Upon receipt of an email we do not retain any details on a database,

neither will we ever send any follow up emails, but only reply if we have been requested

Do you have any questions? You are welcome to email us …

Click the inkbottle to email us!

info@rmi-ministries.com

The RETURN Movement International

--Established in 1978--

Quotations are derived from various versions of the Word
including KJV/NKJ/NIV/Hebrew/Greek translations by the Webmaster, and Messianic versions.

Although the author does not believe in having to copyright his studies, but there have been occasions where there parts

of his studies have been taken and quoted out of context under his name, and thus he has been misquoted by

those who had their own reasons for doing so. Thus, it is only for this reason these works