Chapter 4: "It Is Written"

IT IS WRITTEN

          The Phrase "it is written" appears twenty-four (24) times between Genesis and Malachi; and, seventy five (75) times between Matthew and Revelation. The importance of this phrase is that it indicates something important that is "written." Some like to point out that the New Testament is "written;" and that the epistles of Paul are also "written."

I would like to state for the record that so is The Qu'ran of Islam; The Pearl of Great Price; and, Doctrines and Covenants of the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons); The Yasna of Zoroastrianism; the Veda's of Hinduism; the Adi Granth of Sikhism; the Agamas of Jainism; and the Sutra's of Budhism. The Constitution of the United States is "written" as are the 44,000 traffic laws that exist currently where I make my home in the state of California. As of the time of writing there is currently no standing count on the exact number of laws which exist here in the United States that are "written." According to The Library of Congress Blog post entitled How Many Federal Laws Are There; published March 12, 2013 by guest writer Shameema Rahman a Senior Legal Research Specialist in the Public Services Division she had this to say.

          "In an example of a failed attempt to tally up the number of laws on a specific subject area,  

          in 1982 the Justice Department tried to determine the total number of criminal laws. In a project 

          that lasted two years, the Department compiled a list of approximately 3,000 criminal 

          offenses. This effort, headed by Ronald Gainer, a Justice Department official, is considered the

          most exhaustive attempt to count the number of federal criminal laws. In a Wall Street Journal 

          article¹ about this project, “this effort came as part of a long and ultimately failed campaign to 

          persuade Congress to revise the criminal code, which by the 1980s was scattered among 50 titles 

          and 23,000 pages of federal law.” Or as Mr. Gainer characterized this fruitless project: “[y]ou will 

          have died and [been] resurrected three times,” and still not have an answer to this question." 

               ¹ The Many Failed Efforts to Count the Nations Federal Criminal Laws  

If America has 3,000 Criminal Laws; what about at the other Federal Laws? What about the Laws of each State? Don't forget about the Laws of Federal Agencies. The list goes on; and, on; and, on. Yet; most Christians are willing to live under such a system; but, refuse; often with vitriol to submit to the Laws of (יהוה) which are considerably less at 613 Listed in the Torah.

None of these additional "writings" are quoted in the Hebrew TaNaK and are thus disqualified from being considered the source for where "it is written." Come along with me as we examine the passages using the phrase "it is written;" and, to what they are directing our attention.

Joshua 8:31: (Deuteronomy 27:5; 6)

     "...as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the 

     Book of the Law of Moses: “an altar of whole stones over which no man has wielded an iron tool.” 

     And they offered on it burnt offerings to the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings." 

          Hebrew: H3789 (כּתב) kâthab kaw-thab'. A primitive root; to grave; by implication to
          write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe): - describe, record, prescribe, subscribe,                    
          write (-ing, -ten).

The Greek term used to translate kathab into the LXX is G1125 (γεγραπται) "gegraptai" the root which is (γράφω) graphō graf'-o. A primary verb; to “grave”, especially to write; figuratively to describe: - describe, write (-ing, -ten). Notice that Joshua is is directing our attention to Moses and the Torah. As we move forward throughout the Bible you will see how common it is to direct our attention back rather than forward.

2 Samuel 1:18: (Jasher)

     "...and he told them to teach the children of Judah the Song of the Bow; indeed it is written in the 

     Book of Jasher:..."

     Hebrew: H3789 Kathab (כתובה) Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γεγραπται) "gegraptai"

1 Kings 2:3: (Multiple Passages)

     “And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His 

     commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you 

     may prosper in all..."

     Hebrew: H3789 Kathab (ככתוב) Greek: G1125 root - actual term used (γεγραμμενα) "gegrammena"

          The phrase "to walk" (יָלַךְ) "yalak" Strong's H3212 appears eight (8) times in the Torah and is concentrated in Deuteronomy with one appearance in Leviticus. Lev.18:4; Deuteronomy 8:6; 10:12; 11:22; 13:5; 19:9; 26:17 and 30:16. "To walk" appears another 26 times between Judges-Malachi; and, another seven (7) times in the New Testament. Reading these we discover that their majority pertain explicitly to the subject matter of the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances and testimonies of (יהוה) which happens to perfectly match the subject matter of 1 Kings 2:31.

           The phrase "to keep" appears seventy seven (77) times; however, thirty seven (37) do not pertain to this subject matter while the remaining thirty eight (38) do speak explicitly of a command to keep the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and testimonies; or, they speak of a warning; and, what will happen if the children of Israel do not obey. Twelve (12) of these appear in the "Law": Genesis18:19; Exodus.16:28; 20:8; 23:2; Deuteronomy 5:15; 6:2; 13:18; 17:19; 26:17; 28:45; 30:10; and 30:16.

            It is CLEAR from reading all of the appearances of "to walk;" and "to keep" that the intention of (יהוה) is for the children of Israel to BEHAVE a certain way. (יהוה) describes the BEHAVIOR of those who are Holy; and, whom He considers acceptable to maintain what we would call a "relationship" with. This manner of walking enables (יהוה) to be present among His people. These statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and testimonies; the precepts of (יהוה), do not save us. They do however sanctify us. They set us apart from the world which surrounds us making us a distinct people. We do not obey to be saved; we obey because we desire to be holy; just as our King is Holy. "Be Holy because I am Holy" 1 Peter 1:16 citing Scripture (Lev.11:14; 20:26). Turn now with me to 2 Kings 23:21 please.

2 Kings 23:21: (Multiple Passages)

     "Then the king commanded all the people, saying, “Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is 

     written in this Book of the Covenant.”

     Hebrew: H3789 (ככתוב) "Kathab"   Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γεγραπται) "gegraptai"

            Again we have a verse where there exist many passages pertaining to the instructions of (יהוה). There happen to be forty-three (43) passages which tell us to keep the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and testimonies of (יהוה). We are instructed explicitly a repeated fourteen (14) times to "keep the Passover" within the text of Torah. We find these instructions in the following passages: Exodus 12:48; Numbers 9:2, 4, 6, 10, 13, 14; and, Deuteronomy 16:1. Please turn now with me to 2 Chronicles.

2 Chronicles 23:18: (Multiple Passages)

     "Also Jehoiada appointed the oversight of the house of the LORD to the hand of the priests, the 

     Levites, whom David had assigned in the house of the LORD, to offer the burnt offerings of the 

     LORD, as it is written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was established by 

     David."

     Hebrew: H3789 (ככתוב) "Kathab"    Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γέγραπται) "gegraptai"

A study employing the phrase "offer burnt offerings" yields twenty six (26) passages indicating burnt offerings are to be offered. Their surrounding text indicates the timing; occasion; and, manner in which they are to be offered. For your own edification I have listed them:

• Exodus: 10:25; 20:24; 24:5; and 32:6.
• Leviticus: 4:10; 6:12; 7:37; 9:22; 22:18; 23:18; and 23:37
• Numbers: 6:14; 10:10; 15:18; 28:14; 28:31; 29:6; 29:11; 29:19; and 29:39
• Deuteronomy: 12:6, 11, 13, 14, 27; and 27:6

Following along with me let us move to 2 Chronicles please.

 2 Chronicles 25:4: (Deuteronomy 24:16)

     "However he did not execute their children, but did as it is written in the Law in the Book of Moses, 

     where the LORD commanded, saying, “The fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor 

     shall the children be put to death for their fathers; but a person shall die for his own sin.”

     Hebrew: H3789 (ככתוב) "Kathab"     Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γέγραπται) "gegraptai"

When we find qualifiers in the passages such as this one where it defines the location "in the Book of Moses" it does tend to make location easier. Why does this matter? The last subject matter in the book of 2 Chronicles concerns events taking place during the reign of Cyrus the Great giving us a more targeted time period for when it may have been written.

Many scholars agree that King Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. In the book Abigdon Old Testament Commentaries on I and II Chronicles Steven L. McKenzie indicates that 539 B.C. would be the earliest possible date for the writing of 2 Chronicles and the most likely time period being between 350-300 B.C. At that time there was in existence the Code of Hammurabi an ancient Babylonian law which has been dated to circa 1750 B.C. Although much of the content of that set of laws mirrors what we find in the Bible it is not the set of laws given by (יהוה) to Moses. According to Britannica.com the Exodus is placed in the thirteenth (13th) Century B.C. some two hundred years BEFORE the Code of Hammurabi was ever written.

While in Collage one of my law professors had asserted that the Law of Moses may have come from the Code of Hammurabi. I assert to you it is the other way around; which is why the direction to the Law of Moses is so important. As closely related as the laws are; they are NOT the same. One is attributed to a Babylonian King; the other is attributed to THE KING (יהוה). Another distinction is that the "eye for an eye; tooth for a tooth" punishment in the Code of Hammurabi was a blanket statement covering all physical harm to another person; where Torah indicates it is used specifically relating to harm caused to an unborn child by another who strikes the pregnant woman. This clearly indicates Hammurabi may have been familiar with Torah but misinterpreted the commandment. Apparently Hammurabi was impressed with the statutes; commandments; judgments; and ordinances contained in Torah; however, not so far as to worship (יהוה). Turn with me to 2 Chronicles 31:3 please.

2 Chronicles 31:3: (Multiple)

     "The king also appointed a portion of his possessions for the burnt offerings: for the morning and 

     evening burnt offerings, the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths; and, the New Moons and the set feasts, 

     as it is written in the Law of the LORD.

     Hebrew: H3789 (ככתוב) "Kathab"  Greek: G1125 root -  actual term (γεγραμμένας) "gegrammenas"

Notice first here it is referred to as the Law of the LORD (יהוה); not Moses. Many attribute these laws to Moses; that would be incorrect. Moses delivered them to us; however these were given by (יהוה).

Here we have four (4) distinct occasions when burnt offerings were to be brought fourth:

            a)   Burnt offerings for the morning; and evening (Daily).

                   - Genesis 22:3
                  - Leviticus 1
                  - Leviticus 6:9
                  - Leviticus 12
                  - Leviticus 9:17
                  - Numbers 28:4-6
                  - Numbers 28:23-24

                  Ezekiel indicates during the Millennium it will again be required (See Ezekiel.46:13-15).

           

            b)   Burnt offerings for the Sabbaths. (52 weekly)

                   - Leviticus 23:3
                  - Numbers 28:9-10
                  - Ezekiel 45:17

           

            c)   Burnt offerings for the New Moons. (monthly)

                   - Numbers 28:11-15
                  - Ezekiel 45:17

            d)   Burnt offerings for the set Feasts (Moed)

                   Pesach (Passover) (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

                      - Leviticus 23:4-8
                     - Numbers 28:19-24
                     - Isaiah 66:23
                     - Ezekiel 45:17
                     - Ezekiel 46:6

                   Yom HaBikkurm First Fruits; First day of the (Feast of Weeks) 
                   During this time you have the counting of the Omer (40 days leading up to Shavuout)
                   known in Christianity as "Pentacost". This is known as the "Season of the Giving of Torah"
                   in Hebrew: "Z-man mattan torateinu."

                     - Leviticus 23:9-14
                     - Numbers 28:26-27
                     - Numbers 31
                     - Ezekiel 45:17

                    Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets)

                     - Leviticus 23:23-25
                     - Numbers 29:1-6
                     - Ezekiel 45:17]

                   Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)

                    - Leviticus 23:26-32
                    - Numbers 29:7-11
                    - Ezekiel 45:17

                  Sukkot (Feast of Booths/ Tabernacles)

                   - Leviticus 23:33-44
                   - Numbers 29:12-32
                   - Ezekiel 45:17

                 Solemn Assembly (The Last Great Day)

                   - Leviticus 23:36
                   - Numbers 29:35
                   - Ezekiel 45:17 (See John 7:37)

2 Chronicles 35:12: (Directs our attention to the Torah)

     "Then they removed the burnt offerings that they might give them to the divisions of the fathers'
     houses of the lay people, to offer to the LORD, as it is written in the Book of Moses. And so they did
     with the cattle."

    Hebrew: H37898 (ככתוב) "Kathab"  Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γέγραπται) "gegraptai"   

                

Are you noticing a pattern yet? Have you noticed they are pointing back toward the Torah? Did you notice that one of the citations was for a Book that no longer remains?

Ezra 3:2: (Multiple Passages)

     "Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and
     his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written
     in the Law of Moses the man of God."

     Hebrew: H3789 (ככתוב) "Kathab" Greek: G1125 root - actual term used (γεγραμμένα) "gegrammena"
     

Doing a search of the term "altar" between Genesis; and, Deuteronomy (the Law) we find 161 appearances. We also find that Noah was the first to offer burnt offerings; then Abram is listed. Later when his name is changed to Abraham we find him again making a burnt offering in an altar. Later Jacob also builds an altar making a burnt offering. In Exodus 17 we find Moses building an altar for burnt offerings. It is not until Exodus 20:24-26 and 27:1-8 when we are given more explicit instruction as to HOW to build the altar for burnt offerings.

Ezra 3:4: (Multiple Passages)

     "They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings in the

     number required by ordinance for each day."

     Hebrew: (ככתוב) "Kathab"  Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γεγραμμένον) "gegrammenon"

As with other verses this one also has multiple passages which speak of this specific feast and the burnt offerings here I have listed them for your benefit.

•   Leviticus 23:34
•   Deuteronomy 16:13&16
•   Deuteronomy 31:10

Turn with me now to Ezra if you would.

Ezra 6:18: (Numbers 3:1-4:49)

     "They assigned the priests to their divisions and the Levites to their divisions, over the service of God
     in Jerusalem, as it is written in the Book of Moses."

     Hebrew: H3792 (ככתב) "Kathab"   Greek: G1124 root - actual term used is (γραφὴν) "graphen"

Now skip ahead to the Prophet Nehemiah please.

Nehemiah 8:15: (Leviticus 23:40)

     "...and that they should announce and proclaim in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, 'Go out to
     the mountain, and bring olive branches, branches of oil...trees, myrtle branches, palm branches, and     
     branches of leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.”

     Hebrew: H3789 (ככתוב) "Kathab"  Greek: G1125 root - actual term (γεγραμμένον) "gegrammenon"

Nehemiah 10:34: (Directed toward Torah)

     "We cast lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for bringing the wood offering into the
     house of our God, according to our fathers' houses, at the appointed times year by year, to burn on the
     altar of the LORD our God as it is written in the Law."

     Hebrew: H3789 (ככתוב) "Kathab"   Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γέγραπται) "gegraptai" 

Nehemiah 10:36: (Directed towards the Torah)

     "...to bring the firstborn of our sons and our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our
     herds and our flocks, to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God"

     Hebrew: H3789 (ככתוב) "Kathab"  Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γεγραπται) "gegraptai"

As we move out of the Prophet Nehemiah take note that so far our attention has consistently been pointed back towards Torah. We will find this continues. Turn with me to the book of Psalms if you would.

Psalm 40:7-8: (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)

     "Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, 
     O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

     Hebrew: H3789 (כתוב) "Kathab"   Greek: G1125 root - actual term used (γέγραπται) "gegraptai"

Isaiah 65:6: (Multiple Passages)

     “Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silence, but will repay—Even repay into their
     bosom—"

     Hebrew: H3789 (כתובה) "Kathab"  Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γεγραπται) "gegraptai"

The passages I could find which this seems to allude to are primarily in Psalms and Isaiah. They are listed below:

• Psalm 50:3
• Psalm 50:21
• Psalm 79:12
• Psalm 109:14
• Isaiah 3:11
• Isaiah 26:21
• Isaiah 42:14

Daniel 9:13: (Multiple Passages)

     “As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our
     prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth."

     Hebrew: (כתוב) "Kathab"   Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γέγραπται) "gegraptai"

This particular passage speaks of disaster (evil) which comes upon Israel. With a little digging we find there are many warnings from (יהוה) about what will befall them if they turn from His instructions in Torah. These are scattered within Leviticus and Deuteronomy. I suggest strongly that you read them; because, if our faith in Messiah causes us to be adopted into Israel then these warnings are for us just as much as they were for our forefathers. We would do well to heed them. In some cases we can see the immediate result of our sin(s); in other cases they are not manifest for years; and, for some they will not see the full measure of their sin until they discover themselves standing naked; and, ashamed in the congregation of the wicked and the final disaster befalls them; the second death.

I have listed the passages I could find that allude to the disasters which shall come upon us and why.

• Leviticus 26:14-39
• Deuteronomy 11:26-28
• Deuteronomy 27:26; 
• Deuteronomy 28 (whole chapter)
• Deuteronomy 29:14-28

Jeremiah 25:13: (Directing attention to Jeremiah's own book)

     "‘So I will bring on that land all My words which I have pronounced against it, all that is written in
     this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied concerning all the nations."

     Hebrew: H3789 (הכתוב) "Kathab"   Greek: G1125 root - actual term (γεγραμμένα) "gegrammena"

Later in Jeremiah 25 it lists the many nations which will drink the cup of fury from the LORD's hand. Today every last one of the nations listed is Islamic. Although they do not make up the ancient nation of Babylon they all have a united focus; the destruction of Israel. They are part of the curse; as is their hatred of Jews; and, all Israel. There is a spiritual significance for the chanting "Death to Israel; Death to America."

Matthew 2:5: (Micah 5:2)

     "So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 'But you, 
     Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall 
     come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

     Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γεγραπται) "gegraptai" 
    

For many years I was blinded to the fact that my faith in Messiah grafted me into Israel. Yet right here in the book of Matthew is a quote clearly indicating who the people are that Messiah is a Shepard to "...My people Israel." Friends we are not separate; or, distinct from Israel; we are a part of her. So when we claim to love "Jesus" and are meanwhile behaving in a manner that is anti-Semitic we are in fact guilty of hating our own brother for no reason.

Matthew 4:4: (Deuteronomy 8:3)

     "But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that 
     proceeds from the mouth of God.' ”

     Greek: G1125 (γεγραπται) "gegraptai"

It was not until after I had left the modern "church" shrugging off the beliefs I had long held to that this passage made REAL sense to me. My understanding began as I read ALL the Bible from beginning to end straight through as one would read a novel. When I arrived back in the New Testament it because crystal clear Messiah was directing me to pay closer attention to what has actually been SAID by (יהוה). Yeshua wasn't drawing our attention to Himself or His words; but, rather was as all of prophets of old directing our attention to (יהוה) and the covenant He made with our people. Are you ready to pay attention to what  
(יהוה) has said; because, Messiah indicates that is how we are to LIVE.

Matthew 4:6: (Psalm 91:11, 12)

     "...and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall 
     give His angels charge over you,' and, ‘In their hands they shall  bear you up, Lest you dash your 
     foot against a stone.' ”

     Greek: G1125 root - the actual term used is (γεγραπται) "gegraptai"

Friends this passage is more important than you can possibly imagine. It is clear evidence that even Satan knows the definition of Scripture; he QUOTES it. Because he knows the value of reading; and, understanding Scripture; his most effective play has been to convince man that (יהוה) doesn't mean what he says; nor should we concern ourselves with the words of (יהוה) because they aren't for us; it's for "those Jews." If you happen to actually BE Jewish please do not take offense at my point. I myself discovered recently that we have genetic markers within my own family that essentially render us Jewish as well. Yet for many years; over forty (40) of them I believed myself to be gentile (goyim). Would you like to know what lead me to desiring to begin keeping Torah? My study of the New Testament; then the TaNaK. After I read the TaNaK in its entirety I saw Yeshua through a new set of eyes; as did I see Sha'ul through a new set of eyes as well.  

Matthew 4:7: (Deuteronomy 6:16)

     "Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.' ”

     Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γεγραπται) "gegraptai"

Notice how Yeshua quotes the Torah in His defense against Satan! In fact if you are careful in your reading of the four "gospels" you will find Torah is usually His defense.

Matthew 4:10: (Deuteronomy 6:13)

     "Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your 
     God, and Him only you shall serve.' ”

     Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γεγραπται) "gegraptai"

Again we find Yeshua quoting Torah in His verbal jousting with the adversary. If that was His method; should it not be our own? Should we not use Torah as our guide as it was His?

Matthew 11:10: (Malachi 3:1)

     “For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will 
     prepare Your way before You.'"

     Greek: G1125 root - actual term used is (γεγραπται) "gegraptai"

Yeshua asserts here that John the Baptist was a Prophet; and, even more than that He is citing a Messianic prophecy about (יהוה) Himself coming to His temple if you read the entire passage. Once again I would like to assert that what is being cited; or, quoted is asserting that the particular book to be considered as "scripture."

Matthew 21:13: (Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11)

     "And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have
     made it a ‘den of thieves.' ”

     Greek: (     ) "     "

Matthew 26:24: (Psalm 41:9)

     “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of
     Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

     Greek: (     ) "     "

If we examine where the passages are that are "written" which are quoted they are all located in the TaNaK; none of them; not one of the passages being cited existed elsewhere.

Matthew 26:31: (Zechariah 13:7)

     "Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for
     it is written:  'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will  be scattered.'"

     Greek: (     ) "     "

Mark 1:2: (Malachi 3:1)

     "As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare 
     Your way before You.”

     Greek: (     ) "      "

Mark 7:6: (Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31)

     "He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:
     'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.'"

     Greek: (      ) "     "

Mark 9:12: (Multiple Passages)

     "Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is
     it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?"

     Greek: (     ) "     "

There are many passages throughout the Torah; and, other books the Bible calls "scripture" which speak of Messiah; and, how He will suffer. Passages such as Psalm 22:6; all of Isaiah 53; and, Daniel 9:26 among others.

Mark 9:13: (Isaiah 40:3-5)

"But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as
 it is written of him.”

 Greek: (     ) "     "

To really understand what Yeshua was saying it is vital we also read Matthew 11:7-15; and 17:10-13. Yeshua was well aware of the role John the Baptist was to play. Although Yeshua identifies John as Elijah; John himself rejects that he is Elijah (John 1:21) not knowing; or, understanding how he was fulfilling scripture with his own role.

Mark 11:17: (Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11)

     "Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for 
     all nations'? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.' ”

     Greek: (     ) "     "

Again we find Messiah directing our attention to the Prophets of old with His citations.

Mark 14:21: (Psalm 41:9; Job 19:13; and 19:19)

     “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of
     Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born.”

     Greek: (     ) "     "

Notice that Messiah considers Job and the Psalms to be worthy of citation because of their status as Scripture. If He believed they had special status; then perhaps so should we. Bear this in mind as you consider Timothy's exhortation about "all scripture" and what it is useful for.

Mark 14:27: (Zechariah 13:7)

     "Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for
     it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered.'"

     Greek: (     ) "     "

Luke 2:23: (Exodus 13:2, 12, 15)

     "...as it is written in the law of the Lord, 'Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to 
     the LORD'"

Luke 3:4: (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; & 4:5-6)

     "...as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: 'The voice of one crying in 
     the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.'"

    Greek: (     ) "     "

Luke 4:4: (Deuteronomy 8:3)

     "But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every 
     word of God.' ”

     Greek: (     ) "     "

Notice how Yeshua indicates we are to live by every word of (יהוה). What is so fascinating about this is the fact that Yeshua IS THE BREAD OF LIFE and He is saying that He isn't enough! To many believers assert all they need is "Jesus" while ignoring the words of (יהוה). We must pay close attention to what Messiah says because He is directing us to pay attention; close attention, to what (יהוה) actually said.

Luke 4:8: (Deuteronomy 6:13)

     "And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written,  
     'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' ”

    Greek: (     ) "     "

Luke 4:10: (Psalm 91:11)

     “For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,'

     Greek: (     ) "     "

Luke 7:27: (Malachi 3:1)

     “This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare 
     Your way before You.'
     

Luke 10:26-27: (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18)

     "He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”

Luke 19:46: (Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11)

     "...saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,' but you have made it a ‘den of 
     thieves.' ”

Luke 24:46: (Multiple Passages)

     "Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to
     rise from the dead the third day."

Among the passages which speak of the suffering; death; and, resurrection of Messiah are Psalm 2:7; 16:10; 22:6; 110:1; Proverbs 14:32; all of Isaiah 53; Job 19:25-26; Hosea 6:1-2; 13:14; Daniel 9:26; and Zechariah 12:10)

John 6:31: (Exodus 16:4; Nehemiah 9:15; Psalm 78:24)

     “Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' ”

John 6:45: (Isaiah 54:13)

     "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has
     heard; and, learned from the Father comes to Me."

John 8:17: (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6; and 19:15)

     "It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true."

John 10:34: (Psalm 82:6)

    "Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” '?

John 12:14-15: (Zechariah 9:9)

     "Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: "Fear not, daughter of 
     Zion; behold your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt."

Acts 1:20: (Psalm 69:25; Psalm 109:8)

     “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live 
     in it'; and, ‘Let another take his office.'"

Acts 7:42: (Amos 5:25)

     “Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the
     Prophets: Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the 
     wilderness, O house of Israel?

Acts 13:33: (Psalm 2:7)

     “God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the
     second Psalm: You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.'"

Acts 15:15: (Amos 9:11)

     “And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: 'After this I will return and will 
     rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins; and I will set it up; 
     So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentile who are called by My name, 
     says the LORD who does all these things.'"

Acts 23:5: (Exodus 22:28)      

     "Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not 
     speak evil of a ruler of your people.' ”

Friends I would like to point out that this is speaking of a ruler of Israel "your people." It is NOT speaking of those who might be in positions of power and are NOT rulers of Israel. Some have used this passage by twisting it and teaching that we must not speak the truth by revealing the sin of those in office (politically speaking). Please do not allow those who reject Scripture to fool you by manipulating the text of the Old Testament or New Testament in order to get what THEY want from you.

Romans 1:17: (Habakkuk 2:4)

     "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live 
     by faith.”

Brothers and sisters I tell you the truth there is a behavior pattern that exists within those the Bible calls "just;" and "righteous;" or, "holy." Their behavior is a by product of their "faith." Those who have "faith" will choose to modify their behavior to be in alignment with the will of (יהוה) and His commandments; statutes; judgments; ordinances; and testimonies given to us in what the Bible defines as "scripture;" or "scriptures." Keep that in the back of your mind as we move into the other chapters later on.

Romans 2:24: (Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22)

     "For 'the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.

Friend are you aware of why (יהוה) says His name is blasphemed among the nations? Between verse 21 and verse 26 the subject matter deals with the obedience to the Torah "the law" contained in the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances and testimonies of (יהוה). He is speaking to those who preach and mentions their disobedience. Our willful disobedience is a form of blasphemy. Oh how we should tear our clothes; and, cover ourselves in ashes and sackcloth as we we wail; and, weep over our grievous sin against the Most High. We should be grieved as deeply as a mother who has lost her son grieves after his funeral.

Romans 3:4: (Psalm 51:4)

     "Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be 
     justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”

This Psalm indicates that it is against (יהוה) that we have sinned and no other. It was written by the Prophet and King named David who sinned with Bathsheba committing adultery; deceit; and even murder as he plotted to cover his sin from the eyes of the people. Yet (יהוה) saw everything, everything.

Romans 3:10: (Psalm14:3 and Psalm 53:1)

     "As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one..."

Friends this is one of the passages that has been twisted; and abused to say that "no one" on the planet is "righteous." Few Christians bother to actually look up the Psalms that are being quoted here; and, read them for context. I would assert to you that if you are willing to read them; and, are honest with yourself it should be clear that the subject of these Psalms is the one called "the fool;" of whom are also called "workers of iniquity." For those who bother to read Psalm 14 they find in verse 5 that "they [the fools, the workers of iniquity] are in great fear, for God is with the generation of the righteous." Friends if no one on the planet is righteous; how can God be with the generation of the righteous? Were you aware that a study into the usage of the terms "right; righteous; righteousness; just; and, upright yield results that prove there are at least eight (8) people who are specifically called "righteous" or "just" in the Bible; and, a few of them are located in the New Testament. Either nobody is righteous; or, the Prophet David is lying; or, men who are untaught and untrained failed to understand Paul because he is difficult to understand. I'll go with door number three thank you. I tell you the truth; there ARE those who (יהוה),calls righteous.

When Paul cites Scripture it would do us all good if we went back to actually READ what he is quoting; and, gain the context so we don't find ourselves twisting Paul to say something he isn't saying lest we find ourselves being called "fools" or "workers of iniquity" by (יהוה); or, Yeshua.  

Romans 4:17: (Genesis 17:5)

     "...as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he
     believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they
     did."

Romans 8:36: (Psalm 44:22)

     "As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the 
     slaughter.”

Romans 9:13: (Malachi 1:2, 3)

     "As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”

Romans 9:33: (Isaiah 8:14; 28:16)

     "As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever 
     believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

Romans 10:15: (Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15)

     "And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:“How beautiful are the feet of those 
     who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Romans 11:8: (Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10)

     "Just as it is written: “God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears 
     that they should not hear, To this very day.”

Romans 11:26: (Psalm 14:7; Isaiah 59:20)

     "And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: 'The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will 
     turn away ungodliness from Jacob...'"

Romans 12:19: (Deuteronomy 32:35)

     "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is
     Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord."

Romans 14:11: (Isaiah 45:23)

     "For it is written:“As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall 
     confess to God.”

Romans 15:3: (2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49)

     "For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who 
     reproached You fell on Me.”

Romans 15:9: (2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49)

     "...and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will 
     confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.”

Romans 15:21: (Isaiah 52:15)

     "...but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not 
     heard shall understand.”

1 Corinthians 1:19: (Isaiah 29:14)

     "For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of 
     the prudent.”

1 Corinthians 1:31: (Jeremiah 9:24)

     "...that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”

1 Corinthians 2:9: (Isaiah 64:4)

     "But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The 
     things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

1 Corinthians 3:19: (Job 5:13)

     "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in 
     their own craftiness”

1 Corinthians 9:9: (Deuteronomy 25:4)

     "For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.”  
     Is it oxen God is concerned about?"

1 Corinthians 9:10: (Referring to Deuteronomy 25:4)

     "Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who
     plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope."

1 Corinthians 10:7: (Exodus 32:6)

     "And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat 
     and drink, and rose up to play.”

1 Corinthians 14:21: (Isaiah 28:11, 12)

     "In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And 
     yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord."

1 Corinthians 15:45: (Genesis 2:7)

     "And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a
     life-giving spirit."

2 Corinthians 8:15: (Exodus 16:18)

     "As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no 
     lack.”

2 Corinthians 9:9: (Psalm 112:9)

     "As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures 
     forever.”

Galatians 3:10: (Deuteronomy 27:26)

     "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone 
     who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”

Friends do not despair; we will discuss in depth the "law" and who is "under it" in a later chapter so that you will more clearly understand Paul; his relationship with the Torah of (יהוה); and, what Paul is actually saying our relationship to it should be. I promise you it will challenge you. In the mean time please take note of the direction Paul is pointing with his references. He is citing "scripture" and identifying it with the phrase "it is written."

Galatians 3:13: (Deuteronomy 21:23)

     "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written,
     'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'”)."

Galatians 4:22: (Genesis 16; 21:9-13)

     "For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman."

Galatians 4:27: (Isaiah 54:1)

     "For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are 
     not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband.”

Hebrews 10:7: (Psalm 40:6–8)

     "Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come— In the volume of the book it is written of Me—To do Your 
     will, O God.' ”

1 Peter 1:16: (Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7)

     "...because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

1 John 2:21: (Is not used to point to a specific passage)

     "I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie
     is of the truth."       

Friends I know this chapter has been dry; and, monotonous; however, it is necessary to lay the foundation of what the Bible is referring to when it uses the phrase "it is written." My hope is that you have been able to see what I was able to see in my own study. Up to this point we have seen the terms "scripture;" and, "scriptures" pointing directly towards the books of the Old Testament known as the TaNaK within Judaism. They are the same books we acknowledge in Christianity and not a separate set. Their order is different between the two faiths; yet, I assert to you the major difference is that Jews read them in the Hebrew language; and, Christians in either English or their native tongue. Because we have not examined the Hebrew as closely we miss a great deal. Perhaps its time we started paying a greater deal of attention.

As we examined the passages in this chapter containing the phrase "it is written" we see NOT EVEN ONE (1) example pointing to Paul. So far we have seen not even a single credible witness within the Bible to call anything besides the books in the TaNaK as "scripture." Come along with me as we examine the usage; and, appearance of the term "epistles" as used by Peter to describe Paul's writings which make up 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament; friends that is forty-eight percent (48%) of the New Testament. Peter warns us that Paul is difficult to understand; and, that those who are "untaught" and "unstable" twist his words. We should be ever so careful that we do not find ourselves in that category because of the effect it would have upon us; our children; spouses; and, those we may or may not have been called to serve. Let us continue to let the Bible define what terms mean by their usage; and, appearance allowing it to speak to us using the underlying languages as our guide.