Teach your children the Torah!

As most of us already know by now is that children are sponges and they quickly absorb information, and they will imitate what they see their parents doing. I remember when I was a child I used to look and see my dad putting his hands in his pockets and I thought it was so cool, so I started doing it. The point is that children are watching, and they are learning the things they see and hear, so if you are cussing around your children then they will start cussing, if you are loving and patient then they will learn to love and be patience etc. Children are innocent and impressionable which is why it is important for parents to teach their children about YAHWEH, His Son YESHUA and the Torah while they are young. And YAHWEH commands this:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

“Hear, O Yisra’el: YAHWEH our ELOHIM is YAHWEH ONE (ECHAD); and you shall love YAHWEH your ELOHIM with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be in your heart; AND YOU ARE TO TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY (Steady, earnest, and energetic effort) TO YOUR CHILDREN, and you shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes and you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates.”

Genesis 18:19

“For I know him (Abraham) well, and that he will COMMAND HIS CHILDREN and his household after him, to keep the ways of YAHWEH, to do justice and righteousness; for YAHWEH shall fulfill for Abraham the thing that he has spoken concerning him.”

As we see, YAHWEH wants the parents to teach the children steadily, earnestly meaning being serious-minded about it, with energetic effort, to make sure they understand the importance of YAHWEH’s commands! Abraham commanded his household to walk in the Torah of YAHWEH because he knew the severity of not doing so. Also, included in the Shema is that we are to speak of His words when we get up, while going about our day and when we lie down. In other words YAHWEH comes first in our lives and this includes to constantly instruct the children about His ways. So, when your children see and hear the word of YAHWEH coming from you daily, they will absorb it like a sponge and begin to imitate you, which means that they will have a good foundation while they are young. The Book of Sirach gives some more insight about speaking of YAHWEH continually which can only benefit the children as they see this demonstrated by you.

Sirach 9:15

“Let your talk be with the wise and ALL your communication in the Torah of the ELYON (EL MOST HIGH).”

This matches the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, because if all of your words on the Torah of YAHWEH by speaking of them when arise, when you walk by the way, and way you lie down, then it doesn’t give any room for any idle talk or idle actions and makes for the perfect learning tool for the children.

Proverbs 22:6

“Train up a CHILD in the WAY he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

What is the WAY?

Psalms 119:1

“Blessed are the undefiled in THE WAY, who walk in the Torah of YAHWEH.”

My parents taught us about the Shabbat growing up, but when we got older, we strayed and did our own thing, but we eventually came back to the foundation we were taught, so this is true. You cannot control what your children do when they move out of your house, but you can teach them while they are in your house and even if they stray, they will more than likely come back to what you taught them which is to know YAHWEH!

Pass the truth on to each generation

The word for son in Hebrew is “beyn” pronounced (bain) and in the Otiot it is spelled (Beyt, Nun) and is defined as male offspring. This can be the son of the dad or a later male descendant. One who continues the family line.

Jeff Benner adds:

“In the original pictographic script, the first letter a picture of a tent our house (Beyt). The second letter is the picture of a seed. The seed is a NEW GENERATION of life that will grow and produce a NEW GENERATION therefore, this letter can mean to “to continue”. When combined these two letters form the word meaning “to continue the house” and is the Hebrew word for a “son.”

This is important for all the reasons mentioned above. So, we see that Abraham commanded his household to walk in the Torah of YAHWEH and we know that the male’s carry on the future generation by their seed by bringing forth children. So, the point is that when you teach them the ways of YAHWEH they will pass the truth to their children, and their children on to their children so that the NEW GENERATION will not just continue physically, but they also will continue the house of your dad spiritually with the truth of YAHWEH’s word!

2 Baruch 84:7-9

“Let then this letter be a testimony between me and you, so that you will remember the commandments of the Mighty One, and so that in this way I will also have an excuse before him who has sent me. Remember Zion and the Torah, also the Holy Land, and your brothers, and the covenant, and your ancestors, and the festivals, and the Shabbats do not forget. And pass this letter and the traditions of the Torah ON TO YOUR SONS AFTER YOU, AS YOUR DADS HAVE ALSO PASSED THEM ON TO YOU.”

Psalms 78:5-7

“For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a Torah in Yisra’el, which He commanded our ancestors that they should make KNOWN TO THEIR CHILDREN, that the GENERATION TO COME might know them, even the children which SHOULD BE BORN, who should arise and declare them to THEIR CHILDREN; that they might set their hope in ELOHIM, and not FORGET HIS COMMANDMENTS; and might not be as their ancestors, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with ELOHIM.”

Testament of Benjamin 10:3-4

“And after he had said these things, he said to them, “Therefore my children, know that I am dying. So do truth and righteousness each one to his neighbor, and judgement to confirmation, and GUARD THE TORAH OF YAHWEH and His COMMANDS. For I leave you these things instead of inheritance. Therefore, also give THEM TO YOUR CHILDREN FOR AN EVERLASTING POSESSION; FOR ABRAHAM, AND ISAAC, AND JACOB DID LIKEWISE. For all these things they gave us for an inheritance, saying, ‘Guard the commands of ELOHIM, until YAHWEH reveals His salvation to all nations.”

However, this is not just limited to the son’s because if you teach your daughters then they will know what to look for in a husband to be sure that he is of YAHWEH, or if it’s done the traditional way where the dad will give her to a man who is a believer! And if she happens to marry someone who isn’t being obedient to YAHWEH as he should then she will be prepared to walk by her example of displaying love and obedience as Peter writes.

1 Peter 3:1-2

“In the same way, wives, submit to your husbands; so that even if some of them do not believe the Word, they will be won over by your conduct, without your saying anything, as they see you respectful and pure behavior.”

The respectful and pure behavior is what she would have been taught by her parents according to the Torah to submit to her husband and walk righteously.

Examples of our ancestors teaching their children:

Jubilees 7:20

“And in the twenty-eighth jubilee, Noah began to COMMAND his sons’ sons the statues and commands, and all the judgements that he knew. And he exhorted his sons to guard righteousness...

What is righteousness?

Deuteronomy 6:25

“And it shall be our RIGHTEOUSNESS, if we observe and do all these commandments before YAHWEH our ELOHIM, as He has commanded us.”

The Torah trains us up in instruction of righteousness, as the Torah literally means “guidelines and instructions.” We can now take these scriptural definitions of the way, the truth, and righteousness and plug them into the scriptures below to see that our ancestors were referencing the Torah.

Jubilees 7:20 continued of Noah commanding his sons and sons’ sons:

“And to cover the shame of their flesh, and to bless their Creator, and honor dad and mother (Exodus 20:12 “Honor your dad and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which YAHWEH your ELOHIM gives you.”), love their neighbor(Leviticus 19:18 “You shall not bear any enmity against the children of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am YAHWEH”, and guard their beings from whoring (Zanah) and uncleanness and all iniquity (Psalms 6:8 “Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity..).”

Jubilees 7:34

“And now, my CHILDREN, listen: work judgment and righteousness that you may be planted in righteousness over the face of the whole earth, and your honor lifted up before my ELOHIM, who saved me from the waters of the flood.”

Genesis 18:19

Which we see perfectly in Jubilees of Abraham not only commanding Isaac but his entire household including Ishmael and his 12 sons, and the six sons he had with Keturah.

Jubilees 20:1-3

“And in the forty-second jubilee, in the first year of the seventh week, Abraham called Ishmael, and his twelve sons, and Isaac and his two sons, and the six sons of Keturah, and their sons. And he COMMANDED them that they should GUARD THE WAY OF YAHWEH (Psalms 119: 1” Blessed are the undefiled in THE WAY, who walk in the Torah of YAHWEH), that they should work righteousness (Deuteronomy 6:25 “And it shall be our RIGHTEOUSNESS, if we observe and do all these commandments before YAHWEH our ELOHIM, as He has commanded us.”), and each love his neighbor (Leviticus 19:18 “You shall not bear any enmity against the children of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am YAHWEH” ), and act in this way among all men that they should each walk this way with regard to them as to do judgement and righteousness on the earth. That they should circumcise their sons (Genesis 17, Leviticus 12:3), according to the covenant which He (YAHWEH) made with them, and not to DEVIATE to the right hand or the left of all the paths which YAHWEH had commanded us. And that we should guard ourselves from all whoring and uncleanness, and renounce from among us all whoring and uncleanness;”

Jasher 22:40

“And Isaac the son of Abraham was growing in those days, and Abraham his dad TAUGHT HIM THE WAY OF YAHWEH TO KNOW YAHWEH, and YAHWEH was with him.”

Jasher 9:5-6

“And when Abram came out from the cave, he went to Noah and his son Shem, and he remained with them to LEARN THE CORRECTION OF YAHWEH and His WAYS, and no man knew where Abram was, and Abram served Noah and Shem his son for a long time. And Abram was in Noah’s house thirty-nine years, and Abram KNEW YAHWEH (1 John 2:3-4 “And by this we will be sensible that we KNOW Him, if we keep His commandments. For he that says I know Him, and does not keep His commandments is liar and the truth is not in him) from THREE YEARS OLD, and he went in the ways of YAHWEH until the day of his death, as Noah and his son Shem had TAUGHT HIM.”

Being that Abraham’s dad Terah was an idol worshipper not walking with YAHWEH, YAHWEH made sure that Abraham ended up in the house of Noah to learn the Torah.

Jasher 28:18

“At that time Isaac sent his younger son Jacob to the house of Shem and Eber, and he LEARNED THE INSTRUCTIONS of YAHWEH, and Jacob remained in the house of Shem and Eber for thirty-two years, and Esau his brother did not go, for he was not willing to go, and he remained in his dad’s house in the land of Canaan.”

Jasher 50:15-16

“And Joseph’s wife Asenath the daughter of Potiphera bore two sons to him: Manasseh and Ephraim, and Joseph was thirty-four years old when he brought them forth. And the lads grew up and they went in his ways and in his instructions, they did not deviate from the way which their dad TAUGHT THEM, either to the right or left. And YAHWEH was with the lads, and they grew up and had understanding and skill in all wisdom and in all the affairs of government, and all the king’s officers and his great men of the inhabitants of Egypt exalted the lads, and they were brought up among the king’s children.”

Jasher 55:2-4

“Behold the word of YAHWEH came to him (Jacob), saying, “Go down to Egypt with all your household and remain there; and do not fear going down to Egypt for I will make you a great nation there.” And Jacob said in his heart, “I will go and see my son whether the FEAR OF HIS ELOHIM is yet in his heart in the midst of all the inhabitants of Egypt.” And YAHWEH said to Jacob, “Do not fear for Joseph, for he retains his integrity TO SERVE ME, as will seem good in your eyes.” And Jacob rejoiced exceedingly concerning his son.”

Jacob taught Joseph and Jacob was concerned whether Joseph was still following YAHWEH. And we see that Joseph did not turn away from following YAHWEH while in Egypt. Proverbs 22:6 again “Train up a CHILD in the WAY he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Jasher 55:35

“And Joseph was very aged, advanced in days, and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh remained constantly in the house of Jacob, together with the children of the sons of Jacob their brothers, to LEARN THE WAYS OF YAHWEH AND HIS TORAH.’

Jasher 28:18

“At that time Isaac sent his younger son Jacob to the house of Shem and Eber, and he LEARNED THE INSTRUCTIONS of YAHWEH, and Jacob remained in the house of Shem and Eber for thirty-two years, and Esau his brother did not go, for he was not willing to go, and he remained in his dad’s house in the land of Canaan.”

Testament of 12 patriarchs all telling their children to keep the Torah:

Testament of Rueben 6:8-7:1

“Therefore I COMMAND you to listen to Levi, because he will KNOW THE TORAH of YAHWEH, and will give statutes for judgment and will slaughter for all Yisra’el until the end of times, as the anointed high priest, of whom YAHWEH spoke. I call to witness the ELOHIM of the heavens, that you do truth (Psalms 119:142), each one, to this neighbor; and to entertain love, each for his brother. And draw near to Levi in humility of heart, that you may receive a blessing from his mouth. 7:1-2 “And Rueben died, having given these commands to his sons. And they placed him in a coffin until they carried him up from Egypt, and they buried him in Hebron in the cave where his dad was.”

Testament of Levi 13:1-9

“And now my children, I COMMAND you: Fear YAHWEH your ELOHIM with all of your heart…

Levi said fear YAHWEH to his children for a reason as we see it written in:

Provers 9:10

“The FEAR of YAHWEH is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the righteous is understanding.”

Testament of Levi continued “and walk according to ALL HIS TORAH. And also TEACH YOUR CHILDREN LETTERS (I’m seeing a good opportunity to teach them the OTIOT), that they may have understanding all their life, reading the Torah WITHOUT CEASING. For everyone that KNOWS THE TORAH OF YAHWEH will be honored, and will not be a stranger wherever he goes. Yes, he will gain many more friends than his parents, and many men will desire to serve him, and to hear the Torah from his mouth. Work righteousness (Deuteronomy 6:25) on the earth, my children, that you may have a treasure in heaven. And so good things in your beings, that you may find them in your life. But if you sow evil things, you will reap every trouble and affliction. Get wisdom in the fear of ELOHIM with diligence. For though there will be a leading into captivity, and cities and lands will be destroyed, and gold and silver and every possession will perish; nothing can take away the wisdom of the wise, except blindness of profanity, and the hardness that comes from sin. For if he keeps himself from these evil things then wisdom will be esteem to him, even among his enemies; in a strange county a fatherland, and in the midst of foes will prove a friend. Whoever teaches noble things and does them, will be enthroned with kings, as was also Joseph my brother.”

Testament of Judah 26:1

“Therefore my children, guard ALL THE TORAH OF YAHWEH, for there is hope for all them who hold fast to His ways.”

Testament of Issachar 5:1-2

“Therefore my children, GUARD THE TORAH OF ELOHIM, and get singleness of heart. And walk without deceit, not being a nuisance with the business of your neighbor. But love YAHWEH and your neighbor and have compassion on the poor and weak (Deuteronomy 15:11 “For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, saying, you shall open your hand wide to your poor brother and to the needy in your land.”)

Testament of Zebulun 10:1-5

“And now, my CHILDREN, do not grieve that I am dying, nor be cast down because I am coming to my end. For I will rise again in the midst of you, as a ruler in the midst of his sons; and I will rejoice in the midst of my tribe, as many as will GUARD THE TORAH OF YAHWEH, and the commands of Zebulun their dad. But on the profane, YAHWEH will bring eternal fire, and destroy them throughout all generations. But I am hastening away to my rest, as did also my ancestors. But fear YAHWEH (Proverbs 9:10) our ELOHIM with all your strength ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE.”

Testament of Dan 5:1-2

“Therefore, my CHILDREN, GUARD THE COMMANDS OF YAHWEH, and guard HIS TORAH. Depart from anger, and hateful lying, that YAHWEH may dwell among you, and Beliyya’al may fleel from you. Speak the truth, each one with his neighbor, so you will not fall into anger and confusion. But you will be in peace, having the ELOHIM of peace, so will no war prevail over you. Love YAHWEH through ALL YOUR LIFE (John 14:21), and one another with a true heart.”

Testament of Naphtali 8:4-10

“If you work that which is good, my CHILDREN, both men and messengers will bless you, and ELOHIM be esteemed among the nations through you, and the devil will flee from you, and the wild beasts will fear you and YAHWEH will love you. As a man who has TRAINED A CHILD WELL IS KEPT IN KINDLY REMEMBRANCE, so also for a good work there is a good remembrance before ELOHIM. But him that does not do that which is good, both messengers and men will curse, and ELOHIM will be dishonored among the nations through him, and the devil will make him as his own peculiar instrument, and every wild beast will rule him, and YAHWEH will hate him. For the COMMAND OF THE TORAH are twofold, and through carefulness they must be FULFILLED. For there is a season for a man to embrace his wife, and a season to abstain from it for his prayer (1 Corinthians 7:4-5). So, then, there are two commands; and, unless they be done in due order, they bring very great sin upon them. So also it is with the other commands. Therefore be wise in ELOHIM, my children, and prudent, understanding the order of His commands, and every WORD OF THE TORAH (Deuteronomy 8:3), that YAHWEH may love you.”

Testament of Gad 3:1-3

“And now, my CHILDREN, listen to the words of truth (Psalms 119:142) to work righteousness (Deuteronomy 6:25), and all the TORAH OF THE MOST HIGH, and go not astray through the spirit of hatred, for it is evil in all the doings of men. Whatever a man does, the one who hates sees him as abominable; and though a man works the Torah of YAHWEH, he does not praise Him; though a man fears YAHWEH, and takes pleasure in that which is righteous, he does not love Him. He dispraises the truth, he envies him that prospers, he welcomes evil-speaking, he loves arrogance, for hatred blinds his being; as I also then looked on Joseph.”

Testament of Asher 6:1-4

“Therefore, my CHILDREN GUARD THE COMMANDS OF YAHWEH, following the truth (Psalms 119:142) single-mindedly. For they that are double-minded are guilty of double sin; for they both do the evil thing, and they have pleasure in them that do it, following the example of the spirits of error, and striving against mankind. Therefore you, MY CHILDREN, GUARD THE TORAH OF YAHWEH, and do not pay attention to evil as to good; but look to the thing that is really good, and guard it in all the commands of YAHWEH, speaking of them, and resting in them (Jeremiah 6:16).”

Testament of Joseph 18:1-2

“Therefore, walk in the commands of YAHWEH, MY CHILDREN, and He will exalt you there, and will bless you with good things forever and ever. And if anyone seeks to do evil to you, do good to him and pray for him, and you will be redeemed by YAHWEH from all evil.”

Testament of Benjamin 10:3-4

Enoch 82:1-4

“And now, MY SON Methuselah, all these things I am recounting to you and writing down for you, and I have revealed to you everything, and given you books concerning all these: so preserve, my son Methuselah, the books from your dads hand, and see that you deliver them to the generations of the world. I have given wisdom to you and your children, and your children that will be born to you, that they may give to their children for all the generations that are discerning. All these wise ones shall give praise, and wisdom shall dwell upon your consciousness. And those who understand (Proverbs 9:10) it shall not sleep, but shall listen with the ear that they may learn this wisdom, and it shall please those that eat it more than good food.” Blessed are the righteous, blessed are all those who walk in the way of righteousness and sin not as the sinners…”

I pray that you see the importance of teaching your children the Torah just as YAHWEH commanded it, and as our ancestors obeyed it. HalleluYAH! As always may our Father YAHWEH bless you in YESHUA’s Name!