Scripture Interprets Itself

We are most capable of understanding the instructions left for us by our Creator and should shun the temptation of 'discovering deeper meanings'.  He does expect us to make an effort, such as reading Scriptures and studying in fellowship with other Set Apart believers. When we show Him our intent and abide by His Instructions, best we can in this day and age, He gives us understanding as we are comforted with the truth revealed to us by His Set Apart Spirit. This would be akin to Y'shua explaining to his Apostles the gist of the parables wherein they gained a better understanding. 

Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, rabbis, preachers and all the church fathers lose their perceived power, importance, money and control over the common folk when the common folk start reading Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, Yah's Instructions in Righteous Living, for themselves.

'Types and Shadows' are not deeper things. They are examples written of (foretold) in the OT and usually revealed (fulfilled) in the NT, or yet to be fulfilled - this would be an example of Scripture interpreting itself and why we need to read The Book as a whole. There is much written in the 'Old Testament' that offers explanations for what is written in the 'New Testament'.  Also, the rule of thumb mentioned throughout Scriptures, the 'Two or Three Rule', is a key to better understanding. It is nice and comforting to say "wherever two or three are gathered Messiah is there too" but that's not the end of it.

Second Corinthians 13, Paul says:  "This is the third time that I have prepared to come to you; that by the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established." (The Corinthians wanted proof that Paul was teaching The Way of Y'shua.). First Timothy 5:19 we read the instruction pertaining to a complaint against an elder of the assembly that there needs be two or three witnesses supporting this complaint.  And in Matthew 18:20 Y'shua says: "Wherefore two or three are assembled in my Name* there I am also among them."

Here are more references to support the Two or Three Rule:

1 Corinthians 14:27, 29:

If any speak in a foreign language, let two speak or at most three and let them speak one by one; and let someone interpret.  If there is no one to interpret, let he who speaks be silent in the assembly, but let him speak to himself and Yahweh.  And as to prophets, let two or three speak and let the rest judge.

In the studies of Andrew G. Roth I have read: A Torah principle for establishing a House of Judges requires that two or more parties petition Yahweh to obtain His Judgment rather than following man's judgment.  This is a legal requirement which ensures that the Will of Yah is being sought and followed to bring perfect unity. 

Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6 ~ The death sentence can be executed only on the evidence of witnesses; the testimony of a single witness shall not suffice for a sentence of death.  

Deuteronomy 19:15 ~ A single witness may not validate against a person any guilt or blame for any offense that may be committed; a case can be valid only on the testimony of two witnesses or more.  

 

Several times in my studies I have come across two or three verses scattered throughout Scriptures that witness to the same 'idea' or lesson and relate to the same instructions. These are those "Ah-Hah!" moments when The Light goes on and it all makes sense. This is evidence of His Set Apart Spirit revealing Truth which Comforts me. This is the Two or Three Rule in action.

In our day to day affairs there will be times when we need to make difficult decisions.  Just remember to address the decision making process by searching out two or three other guidelines found in Scriptures or consulting with a couple of trusted Set Apart Believers. This makes me think of Moses ruling the mixed multitude that came out of Egypt.  Eventually he set up reliable men to handle the day-to-day problems and challenges of the people, while anything that went beyond their abilities was brought before him.  It also brings to mind the purpose of the Urim and Thummin as the instrument of decision:

Exodus 28:30 ~ Inside the breast piece of decision you shall place the Urim and Thummim so that they are over Aaron's heart when he comes before YHWH. Thus Aaron shall carry the instrument of decision for Yah's People over his heart at all times.

There are many things that we handle day by day, some tougher than others, but most times we can handle it and make the proper decisions if we are Scripture Smart.  Other things need to be handed off to those more qualified than ourselves to help make the decision. Regardless, in the end, our Father in heaven gives the final answer to all things. Since we no longer have a high priest on earth, we still rely on Yahweh to tell us 'yes or no' via His Set Apart Spirit.  Scriptures have temporarily replace the Urim and Thummin as our instrument of decision until the day that Y'shua takes his place as our king and high priest.

*We gather together in His Name:  Yah-weh the Father is the Most High, Almighty, our Creator whose name He gave to His Son.  Yah-shua is His Son and it is by his Name we pray; it is in his Name two or three can gather together and he is there via Yah's Spirit. Y'shua called this Spirit another Redeemer, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth.   It is a harmonious connection of Oneness.