Punishment
In this study, the following are to be considered:
Intermediate State p.1:
Punishment p.3; (i) Temporal p.3; Eternal p.6;
Where Will This Punishment Take Place? p. 8;
References and Credits p.10;
Intermediate State
There is some belief that upon physical death, the soul/spirit leaves the physical body and enters the intermediate state. However, this state is held at two locations; one for Believers who have died (Paradise) and the second for the Un-believers (She`ol).
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto Yahuah who gave it.” (Eccl. 12:7).
“The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and She`ol delivered up the dead who were in them…” (Rev. 20:13a). This description of the resurrection is where the body (held in the sea or ground/death) is re-united with the soul/spirit (held in Paradise/Sheol). “For You will not leave my soul in She`ol, Nor will You allow Your Set Apart One to see corruption.” (Psa. 16:10). In Psa. 16:10 #H7585 שְׁאוֹל She’ol and Acts 2:27 #G86 ᾅδης Sheol are both translated ‘hell’ in English. If the soul is not left in hell then it must be there for some period between physical death and resurrection. Therefore, if physical death is the separation of the body and soul/spirit, the body decays but the soul/spirit must go to some intermediate place.
“Yahusha said to him, ‘Assuredly I tell you [to one of the two thieves with Him at Golgotha], today you will be with me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23:43). ‘With’ #G3326 μετάme-tar – meaning in very close relationship or fellowship as referring to His disciples. This would indicate that the soul is in a conscious state. ‘Paradise’ #G3857 παράδεισος pa-rah-de-sos is probably from Persian denoting a large park or garden, an ideal place of leisure.
Sha`ul, writing to the Messianic Community in Philippi, is torn between the necessity for him to live and carry on his ministry or to die and be with the Messiah.“But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with the Messiah, which is far better. Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.” (Phil. 1:23, 24). The implication is that as soon as he dies, Sha`ul departs his flesh/body and his soul/spirit goes immediately to be with the Messiah. “We are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with Yahuah.” (2 Cor. 5:8). In his Second Letter to the Corinthian Community, Sha`ul obviously considers death as not being a final state. Again, the inference is that as soon as the soul/spirit leaves the physical body, it enters the presence of the Messiah.
“The wicked shall be turned back to She`ol, Even all the nations that forget `Elohiym.” (Psa. 9:17). The word ‘turned’ is #H7725 שׁוּב shoov *2340 shub meaning to return. If the wicked are returned to hell, they must have been there previously. This can only be after physical (first) death but before judgement (second death). There are several other
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references to this temporary holding place she`ol, abyss and Tartarus. This is not the final depository of souls as all will be resurrected for judgement. The common western idea is that this punishment will take place in Hell. However, Hebrew tradition has given hell (she`ol) upper and lower levels. She`ol is the only Hebrew word for the idea of Hell. The upper level is the intermediate state but the lower levels are the place of punishment.
“Therefore, they are before the throne of Yahuah, they serve him day and night in His temple…” (Rev. 7:15a). The soul/spirit cannot be in a state of unconsciousness if they are serving Yahuah (Blanchard). This reference is before any Judgement, so must take place between physical death and Judgement. Further in the Book of Revelation, the Messiah shows Yochanan that haSatan is bound “and cast it into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over it, that it should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were finished. After this, it must be freed for a short time.” (Rev. 20:3). The word ‘pit’ #G12 ἄβυσσος A-boo-sos is the Greek equivalent to She`ol in Hebrew and is the place of temporary confinement for HaSatan and all the unbelieving dead. HaSatan is released for a sort time but is eventually called to judgement along with all of humanity.
Luke recounts the Master’s parable of El`azar (Lazarus) and the Rich Man. “It happened that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. In She’ol, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and El`azar at his bosom.” (Luke 16:23). The Master tells us that the Rich Man could see and was in torment in She`ol. He pleaded with Abraham to ask El`azar to give him a drop of water. Therefore, both the Rich Man and El`azar must have been in the conscious state. As there were relatives of the Rich Man still capable of choosing between eternal life and eternal damnation, again this must be between the Rich Man’s (and El`azar’s) physical death and final Judgement. This counters any belief in ‘soul sleep’ being an unconscious state during the intermediate state.
“Indeed, heaven and the highest heavens belong to Yahuah your `Elohiym, also the earth with all that is in it.” (Deut. 10:14). “…such a one caught up into the third heaven.” (2 Cor. 12:2b). Sha`ul mentions a third heaven. Yet another belief is that there are more than one heaven and more than one hell. Tradition has there are seven of each. It may be that the first levels of heaven and hell are accessible by a person in a non-conscious state (coma, trance, ecstasy) from where the person may return. Another level may be Paradise (for heaven) or She`ol (for hell), the intermediate state form where the soul/spirit is resurrected to join up with the physical body. The other levels may be the final state of reward (in heaven) or condemnation (in hell).
“The intermediate state for the saved is heaven without the body, and the final state for the saved is heaven with the body…the intermediate state for the lost is hell without the body, and the final state for the lost is hell with the body.” (Blanchard quoting Shedd).
“For Yahuah did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.” (John 3:17). “who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4). It is always Yahuah’s will that Man should turn back to Him. This is the outpouring of His love and He uses every means possible to bring this repentance about. However, He is also righteous, just and set apart and if Man does not repent, there must be sanctions in place to satisfy these characteristics of His divine
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personality. Therefore, restoration and deterrent are the two major factors in punishment and if these fail then they must take the form of punitive measures.
Punishment
There are two concepts that have to be considered; (i) temporal and (ii) eternal.
The first of these is of a temporary nature and may be sub-divided into (ia) deterrent, (ib) discipline, (ic) punitive, (id) refining and (ie) persecution. The second concept is always punitory. Whereas (ib), (id), and (ie) may be called trials or tribulations, unfortunately, in English translations all these concepts can be called “punishment”. The Great Tribulation or Ya’akov’s Trouble features (ic) for the Nations and (ie) for Believers. The second is a penalty or retribution for a crime committed. The result of this is that hopefully the offender does not repeat the offence.
(i)Temporal
(a) Deterrent
“even the censers of these sinners against their own lives; and let them be made beaten plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before Yahuah; therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the children of Yisra`el…to be a memorial to the children of Yisra`el, to the end that no stranger, who is not of the seed of Aharon, comes near to burn incense before Yahuah; that he not be as Korach, and as his company: as Yahuah spoke to him by Moshe.” (Num. 16:38, 40). In the account of the rebellion of Korach, Datan and Aviram in Num. 16:1-50 the punishment metered out to them and their families was meant as a deterrent against future rebellion. The beaten censers was to be a sign #H226 אוֹת oath *41a(5) token that Yahuah and His Word are truly Set Apart. On two other occasions when the Ysra`elites were rebellious the pot of man, “Moshe said to Aharon, ‘Take a pot, and put an omer-full of man in it, and lay it up before Yahuah, to be kept throughout your generations.’” (Exod. 16:33) and Aharon’s rod, “Yahuah said to Moshe, ‘Put back the rod of Aharon before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the children of rebellion; that you may make an end of their murmurings against me, that they not die.’” (Num. 17:10) were both used as warning signs. Although the pot and rod were kept in the Ark of the Covenant away from human eyes they served as a reminder to all the High Priests that they ministered to a rebellious people on behalf of Set Apart Yahuah `Elohiym.
There are strong cases in the secular world supporting and denigrating the effectiveness of deterrents. In his article (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk), Tim Stanley puts forward a typical case for capital punishment. In this article, it states that there is a definite correlation between
the abolition of the death penalty and rising murder rates. This is countered by arguments against the ultimate sanction by Amnesty International and (US) Justice Harry Blackmum (www.bbc.co.uk). Both these sources look at the problem of executing people after a trial only later to be proven innocent. In a secular setting these latter arguments have real weight, but when dealing with the just, righteousness and impeachable Judge Yahuah have no real standing.
(b) Discipline/Restoration – or chastisement is for a short period.
“For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.” (Prov. 6:23 NLT).
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“You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so Yahuah your `Elohiym chastens you.” (Deut. 8:5).
“Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law:” (Psa. 94:12 KJV).
“My son, do not despise Yahuah ‘s discipline, Neither be weary of His reproof: For whom Yahuah loves, He reproves; Even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.” (Pro. 3:11, 12). A good father disciplines the child he loves.
“Behold, happy is the man whom Yahuah corrects; Therefore, do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17). These last two verses tell us how we are to respond when Yahuah corrects us. We are told not to despise His discipline but that we should consider ourselves as being blessed that our Abba Father loves us so much that He cares about our well-being.
“Then Sha`ul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” (Acts 9:8, 9). Sha`ul was struck down by blindness but it was only for a short time until Hananyah laid hands upon him. It was the whole effect of being struck blind, having to rely on others and Hananyah’s prayer that led to Sha`ul realising that the Master was indeed the long-awaited the Messiah.
(c) Punitive – this is the consequence of wrong doing and is the closest to the common idea of punishment but refers only to this life. “Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.” (Acts 5:5). Hananyah (not that of Acts 9:11) and his wife Shappirah were struck down as a punishment for their wicked behaviour. This may seem to have an eternal effect upon the couple, but in the context of eternity was instantaneous.
(d) Refining – this is the act of removing the dross from a Believer’s life. “He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to Yahuah an offering in righteousness.” (Mal. 3:3). This refining process is to make the material more useable. Gold is found in very small quantities in ore. In order to make it more useful, it undergoes many physical and chemical processes in order to make it pure. However, gold is of little use (except for bullion reasons) until it is then given over to the craftsman who makes it into something of beauty or of use causing it to increase greatly in value.
(e) Persecution – this can be further sub-divided into:-
(1) proving
“who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end.” (Deut. 8:16). This is a case of Yahuah wanting to teach the Ysra`elites that they must trust Him in all that He does. Although many did rebel, Yahuah dealt with them to the strengthening of the rest of the people.
“…And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” (Job 2:3b). Yahuah allowed haSatan to inflict Iyov (Job) to prove that Iyov’s fidelity to Yahuah was based on who He was and not what Yahuah had done for Iyov. This is one of the keys to understanding the Book of Iyov.
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A good example of this is in the production of porcelain. The soft greenish kaolin clay is formed into the desired article, but has no strength. The colours used in its decoration are usually dull and unattractive. However, when fired to very high furnace temperatures for a period of time, the dull clay becomes translucent and the colours vibrant and beautiful. What was a useless article has become a highly prized piece. Likewise, the Believer when first saved does not seem to be of any use. Nevertheless, Yahuah sees the final product in all its beauty.
(2) martyrdom
“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Yahusha and for the word of Yahuah, …” (Rev. 20:4a). The word ‘witness’ #G3141 μαρτυρία mar-too-ree-a from which the word martyr derives. All the above concepts except (e2) martyrdom are carried out for the sake of man (Yahuah act towards man) whereas martyrdom is carried out for the sake of Yahuah (man’s act towards Yahuah). “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” (Matt. 5:11). Martyrdom does not necessarily mean paying the ultimate price of life. However, many people have been considered dead by families when a member has come to faith in the Messiah.
“Forasmuch then as the Messiah suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin;” (1 Peter 4:1). Another aspect of punishment is in order to bring about salvation. By bringing tribulation upon the unrighteousness, there is an expectation that a person would turn away from sinful practices back to Yahuah. “Yahuah, how long will the wicked? How long will the wicked triumph?” (Psa. 94:3).
“For I was envious of the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no struggles in their death, But their strength is firm. They are free from burdens of men, Neither are they plagued like other men… Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.” (Psa. 73:3-5, 12). There is a common misconception that the wicked seem to prosper whilst the righteous suffer the trials and tribulations of this world. This is the theme of Psalm 73 where Asaf questions Yahuah regarding this apparent injustice. “Until I entered Yahuah’s sanctuary, And considered their latter end. Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.” (Psa. 73:17, 18). This refers to the ultimate fate of the wicked that they will eventually be punished. However, it may be said that tribulation in the life of the unrighteous is a sign that Yahuah is still trying
to lead the person back to himself (Barclay(1)). Rather than being envied, the lack of tribulation in an unrighteous life should be pitied and fervent prayer offered up for the person that they may realise the sin in their lives is blocking out Yahuah.
“Efrayim is joined to idols. Leave him alone!” (Hosea 4:17). Individuals, tribes and nations can all be left un-chastened.
(ii) Eternal
“And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matt. 25:46). Here, the punishment is of an everlasting nature. It is not meant for any other
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purpose but retribution. It is this concept of eternal retribution that is to be considered more in depth here.
“You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger; Yahuah shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them.” (Psa. 21:9). “Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again.” (Psa. 140:10). The wicked will be cast into the fire. “And said to haSatan, ‘Yahuah rebuke you, Satan! Yahuah who has chosen Yerushalayim rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’” (Zech. 3:3).
Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) is at the heart of Yahuah’s people and is Yahuah’s Set Apart city and the place He has chosen for His earthly dwelling place, His Sanctuary, “But to the place which Yahuah your `Elohiym shall choose out of all your tribes, to put His name there, even to His habitation shall you seek, and there you shall come;” (Deut. 12:5). This would therefore mean that Yahuah’s people will be rescued from destruction.
“And even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matt. 3:10, 12). The chaff (the rubbish left over after winnowing out the good seed) will be consigned to unquenchable fire. ‘Unquenchable’ #G762 ἄσβεστος as-beh-stos – that which is not consumed, i.e. will not go out, perpetual. This is the type of fire designated for punishment. In the prelude to the account of Yochanan the Immerser (John the Baptist) immersing of the Messiah Yahusha (cf. Matt. 3:7-12; Luke 3:7-9; 17-19) Yohkhanan warns some leaders to change their ways or face the consequences.
“and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 13:42, 50). In the twin parables of the Tares and Fishing Net (Matt. 13:24-50), the Master declares the fate of the wicked. They will all be cast into the fire.
“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.” (Matt. 18:8). ‘Everlasting’ #G166 αἰώνιος eye-oh-nee-os – without beginning or end.
“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and its angels:’” (Matt. 25:41). This ‘fire’ must, therefore be part of Creation but was never meant for Mankind but for demons.
“And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die and their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh” (Isa. 66:24). Mark quotes this verse three times in quick succession to warn of the consequences for the wicked (Mark 9:43-48).
“And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 25:30). In The Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:13-31) the unprofitable servant is said to be cast out into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. In my opinion the true reason that the servant was cast out was due to
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him not having taken notice of the Good News. The 5 talents are for a person who has grown up in a believing family and lived in an environment where the Good News has been preached many times The 2 talents is for a person who has had an extended exposure to the Good News but less than the previous person. The 1 talent is for a person who has heard the Good News. The 5 and 2 talent people have responded to the Good News and have received salvation. The 1 talent person has rejected the Good News, hence the reason for being cast out. Unfortunately, this verse is frequently quoted in reference to spiritual gifts due to the misuse of the transliterated word ‘talent’ #G5007 τάλαντον tal-an-ton a weight or balance.
“And these (the wicked) will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matt. 25:46). In the continuation of the Master’s account, The Parable of the Sheep and Goats, the wicked found under the curse of Yahuah will end up in the everlasting (ioneos) fire prepared for haSatan and its angels. The righteous will go to eternal life.
“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:6).
‘Abide’ #G3306 μένω men-oh – c) in reference to state or condition 1) to remain as one, not to become another or different 2) to wait for, await one. Those who do not ‘remain as one’ with the Messiah or who does not ‘wait’ faithfully for the Messiah’s return, will come under the full weight of Yahuah ‘s wrath.
“as S’dom and Amorah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 1:7). “Then Yahuah rained brimstone and fire on S’dom and `Amorah, from Yahuah out of the heavens.” (Gen. 19:24). Brimstone was probably flaming pitch and/or sulphur. In later centuries the Byzantines invented ‘Greek Fire’. Although the exact recipe is not known, contemporary accounts suggest a crude oil/sulphur /saltpetre mixture. Greek fire was virtually unquenchable and caused terror in opposing armies as it would stick to any surface whatever the angle and would burn on water. This is my view of the biblical ‘everlasting and unquenchable fire’.
From the above, it is obvious that there are two common factors i) fire and ii) it is unquenchable. The idea that there will be worms speaks further of corruption and as maggots writhe as a mass, the idea is one of continual agitation.
“He said to me, ‘Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ He said to me, ‘These are true words of Yahuah.’” (Rev. 19:9). This will be an actual meal, as taking it symbolically, as in Breaking of Matzah would not make any sense. The resurrected body of the Believer will be capable of eating. This would also be true of other earthly pastimes. Eating will no longer be a requirement to exist, but would become a means of enjoyment. As there would be no sin, there will be no over-indulgence or gluttony. The non-Believer in She`ol will have an everlasting hunger because in life, they had refused the Bread of Life, “Yahusha said to them, ‘I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me will not be hungry…’” (John 6:35a). Likewise, “and he who believes in me will never be thirsty…” “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14) but non-Believers will have an everlasting thirst. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, For they shall be filled.” (Matt. 5:6). As with
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salvation, only if a person accepts in life the salvation of Yahuah through His Son and all its eternal provisions, will the final state of a person be determined.
“‘There is no peace,’ says Yahuah, ‘for the wicked.’” (Isa. 48:22). This infers that there will be no respite for the wicked and that whatever is happening there will be no end. “And suddenly they cried out, saying, ‘What have we to do with You, Yahusha, You Son of Yahuah? Have You come here to torment us before the time?’” (Matt. 8:29). Legion asks the Master if He has come to torment them before ‘the time’. The demons are to be cast into the pit along with their leader, haSatan at the end of the Millennial Reign. The demons including haSatan.
“And being in torments in She`ol, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and El`azar in his bosom.” (Luke 16:23). In The Parable of The Rich Man and El`azar (Lazarus) the rich manwas in great torment in hell’s fire. “And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” (Rev. 14:11). In this passage (Rev. 14:9-13) the wicked are in torment due to the fire and sulphur without rest. The righteous are contrasted by them enjoying peace.
Hell comes from the Hebrew She`ol and is also called Gehenna from which the Greek term #G1067 γέεννα geh-en-nah meaning the destination of the damned. The Valley of Kidron was situated just outside of the city walls of Yerushalayim. It was where all the rubbish and dead animals were thrown or cast away. It continually steamed and smoked due to deep seated, smouldering fires that never went out. The dead animals were consumed by maggots (worms?) and the area was always covered by flies. This was the typical 1st. Century C.E. (Common Era) idea of what She`ol was like; a place of unquenchable fire that never seemed to consume anything (maybe because the fires were never seen but were continually being fed by the rubbish and dead animals), seething with worms and constant torment of flies. It would not be a healthy place to be.
“…for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” (Jude 1:13b). All pictures of Hell typically show flames everywhere. However, this is not borne out by Scripture which depicts the eternal place of punishment as one of utter darkness. My idea of Hell (as a place of eternal punishment) can be best equated to Cueva de los Cristales – Cave of Crystals. Massive crystals have formed but, although they are beautiful in appearance, are razor sharp and highly dangerous (as sin is attractive to Mankind but draws us into immortal danger). This is found in the lead and silver mines of Naico, Mexico. The cave was discovered 300 metres below the surface having temperatures above 45 Celsius with 100% humidity. The Humidex Factor allows for a 10 minute exposure before serious health problems arise, but the cave is also high toxic due to the presence of lead compounds. Without artificial lighting, the cave would be completely lightless. The heat is attributed to the proximity of an up-swelling of a magma chamber (www.channel.nationalgeographic.com).
Where Will This Punishment Take Place?
“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and its angels.’” (Matt. 25:41). All unbelieving humanity will end up under eternal punishment in hell. The tragedy of this is that it was
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never Yahuah’s will for man to suffer eternal damnation and torment. He gave everything necessary for Man to be saved from eternal punishment. Hell was designed for haSatan and the fallen angels; never for Man.
“For if Yahuah did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved to judgement;” (2 Peter 2:4). The word #G5020 ταρταρόωας Tar-tar-ro-oh is the equivalent to #G1067 γέενναGay-e-nah Gehenna in Hebrew. It is the place of utter darkness and is referred to by Homer as the place beneath Hades #H7585 *2303c שְׁאוֹל (Sheh-ool/Hell) (www.theoi.com). Once an angel is cast down into Tartarus there is no escape and goes directly from there to the lake of fire and brimstone, “The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Rev. 20:10) for eternal punishment (Fruchtenbaum (2)).
The last public hanging in England, took place at Newgate on 26th. May 1868 (capitalpunishmentuk.org). There were a three-fold reason for public executions: punishment, deterrent and entertainment. The last reason has no judicial value whatsoever, so this will be ignored. The crimes punishable by execution were murder, larceny, rape and arson. It was considered that the perpetrators of such heinous crimes forfeited their right to life. Nevertheless, the criminals could never say that they were never warned. A major part of the public executions was its value as a deterrent for potential future criminals.
So it was with crucifixion, especially in the Roman world. As such, criminals could never say that they had not been warned. The public flogging, walk of humiliation and subsequent crucifixion were all part of this deterrent.
To remove the macabre value as entertainment, after 1868, all hangings in England were performed within prison walls. This still gave judicial values as punishment and deterrent.
Between 1850 and 1964, In England and Wales, there were 756 executions, for all proscribed crimes (Amnesty International UK). However, in the year 2021-22, there were 697 homicides alone (Statista). This manifestation of evil cannot be accounted for other than the removal of the deterrent of execution.
As judicial punishment, there is no difference to the criminal whether he is executed in public or behind prison walls: the result is still death. Likewise, the Master Yahusha’s death had very little judicial value for punishment, even though He was killed without committing any crime. Nevertheless, the greatest judicial value, then and for today, is in the deterrent value. His death on the Cross, is a clear warning to all who have sinned (i.e. everybody) that there is a future punishment awaiting them.
When the Master Yahusha was crucified, a public spectacle was made of Him. It was not the Roman judiciary that did this; it was not even the Jewish Authorities that did so. It was Yahuah, His Father, who made a demonstration, not of the cruelty of Man but of the love of `Eloakh, “But do not forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Master as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Master is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness; but is long-suffering with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Pt. 3:8, 9). It was the love of
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`Eloakh that took His Son to the Cross and there, hung as a warning for all Mankind, of the punishment that awaits them in Hell/She`ol.
As a former sinner, I was in this category. The punishment, as a whole, was all that I could, and should, expect. However, in taking upon Himself, the sin of Mankind, the Master Yahusha also takes the full weight of this punishment upon Himself. If the sin results in punishment in Hell, can the conditions in hell be seen in the Crucifixion of the Master Yahusha?
“And in the ninth hour, Y`shua cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘`Eil! `Eil! Lemana shabakthani,’ that is, ‘My `El! My `El! Why have you spared me?’” (Mark 15:34 AENT). The Master Yahusha was hanged on the Cross, suffering on our behalf. Yahuah did not, indeed could not, forsake Himself, in the form of the Son (Roth p. 86 #268; p. 138 #84). When the Master was in extremis He would lapse into His natural tongue; Aramaic. The Father did not want to have His Son suffer any more than was necessary, but as a deterrent there had to be a length of time necessary to fulfil this necessity.
Shortly after He cried out to His Father to spare Him further suffering, “And Y`shua cried out in a loud voice, and He died.” (Mark 15:37 AENT). What was His last word?: M`shalam! (For more details please see the Maxi Bible Study The Crucifixion).
“You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger; Yahuah shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them.” (Psa. 21:9). “Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again.” (Psa. 140:10); “Then Yahuah rained brimstone and fire on S’dom and `Amorah, from Yahuah out of the heavens.” (Gen. 19:24). Brimstone was probably flaming pitch and/or sulphur. In later centuries the Byzantines invented ‘Greek Fire’. Although the exact recipe is not known, contemporary accounts suggest a crude oil/sulphur /saltpetre mixture. Greek fire is unquenchable. Hell will be a place of unrelenting heat and stench of burning sulphur – the Master Yahusha hung on the Cross throughout the heat of the day.
“and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 13:42, 50). Hell is a place of unparalleled agony – the Master Yahusha’s outstretched arms leave Him struggling for breath with spasms of cramp, His nailed hands and feet barely support His weight. The Master Yahusha could not close His ears to the cries of His mother. Although not a bone of His body was broken (cf Exod. 12:46), in Sh`eol, the unrepentant sinner’s teeth will shatter.
“And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 25:30); “…for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” (Jude 1:13b). Although there are many references to fire, in Hell there is total darkness. This may be due to radiation heat, alcohol fire that gives heat but only a blue flame with no illumination, or upwelling in magma – the Master Yahusha hung for His last three hours in total darkness when the absence of sunlight causes the humidity to soar.
In the darkness, sight will not be possible. Nevertheless, the sufferer will be able to hear the wailing torment of his loved ones, that may have accepted salvation if the sufferer had only done – even in His agony, the Master is aware of His loved ones at the foot of the Cross.
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“And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die and their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh” (Isa. 66:24). In Hell, flies continually torment, laying their eggs in open wounds and the hatching of maggots consume the dying, gangrenous flesh. However, like the burning bush of Exod. 3:2, the torment is eternal but with no consumption of flesh
the Master Yahusha is tormented by flies on His walk to Gulgolta and as He hangs on the Cross but is not left to hang for days when the eggs would hatch. His incorruptible body is not food for the maggots, “For you will not leave my soul in She`ol, Neither will you allow your Set Apart One one to see corruption.” (Psa.16:10), unlike that of the sinner’s flesh.
“In She`ol, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and El`azar at his bosom. He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send El`azar, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’” (Luke 16:23, 24). In Hell, suffers will cry out in the agony of thirst but will not be relieved – the Master suffers thirst but is only given sour wine to drink. The rich man could see all that is going on in Heaven, yet is in total darkness. This can only be possible if in the darkness, the sufferer’s mind constantly replays all the opportunities when salvation was offered through the Good News, but had been refused.
In Hell the presence of Yahuah `Elohiym as King and Saviour is absent – the Master Yahusha suffers the Father forsaking Him.
“Surely He has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering; yet we considered Him stricken, smitten by `Elohiym, and humbled. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our shalom was on Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and Yahuah has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isa. 53:3-6). This is one of the most memorable and often quoted Scripture, yet is its full weight been truly considered?
The King of Glory humbled Himself and became as profane Man in order to take upon Himself the punishment rightly due to us all. Many look at this in an entirely spiritual way. That is, when Adam sinned, he did not die physically immediately, but spiritual death did occur at the moment of disobedience. Therefore, the Master Yahusha took upon Himself the spiritual death, in order that Adam (and thus all Mankind) should live spiritually.
Yes, this is so, but it does not take into account that the Yahuah laid upon His Son, the Master Yahusha, the physical punishment rightly belonging to Man, so that Man did not have to suffer eternally.
What was this physical punishment?
Crucifixion.
So why is Hell so horrific? “How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden underfoot the Son of `Eloakh, and has counted the blood of the Covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?” (Heb. 10:29).
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This is the unpardonable sin. If one denies the accomplished work of the Master Yahusha on the Cross and HaRuach’s work in raising Him up from the grave, there can be no salvation.
Is this you?
Where will you be in a hundred years?
Seek out the salvation of Yahuah through His Son while it is still available, because if you are still in your sin when you appear before the Judge of all, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living `Eloakh.” (Heb. 10:31).
Could it be that the punishment that the Master Yahusha took by hanging on the Cross, is that non-repentant sinners have to suffer an eternity crucified, “for he who is hanged is (eternally) accursed of`Elohiym.” (Deut. 21:23).
There is some belief that ‘heaven’ is next to and visible from ‘hell’, “In She`ol, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and El`azar at his bosom.” (Luke 16:23). However, I cannot believe that hell is visible from heaven. It would certainly add to the torment if sinners could see how the righteous spend eternity. However, for righteous souls to see the torment of hell, they would suffer themselves. If the view was as a one-way mirror, hell can see into heaven but not heaven into hell.
This view would take place in the realm of utter blackness, so no Light from heaven would penetrate this as the punishment for unrepentant sinners would be eternal separation from `Elohiym, “The city had no need of the sun or the moon to shine on it, because `Elohiym’s Divine Presence gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Rev.21:23).
“But as it is written, ‘Things which an eye did not see, and an ear did not hear, Which did not enter into the heart of man, These Yahuah has prepared for those who love Him.’” (Isa. 64:4/1 Cor. 2:9). It is stated in Scripture that heaven will be so infinitely better than Man’s finite brain can comprehend. It is my belief that the converse will also be true that hell will be so much worse than Man can ever imagine.
The table below summarises the difference between the place of eternal punishment (Hell) and eternal life (Heaven):
| Hell | Heaven |
| Everlasting Fire – Matt.18:8; 25:41 | Water – Rev. 22:1 |
| Fire/Heat – Psa.140:10; Isa.66:24; | Water – Rev. 22:1 |
| Unquenchable Fire – Isa.66:24; Matt. 3:12 | Water – Rev. 22:1 |
| Furnace – Psa.21:9; Matt.13:42,50 | Water – Rev. 22:1 |
| Fire/Brimstone – Rev.20:10 | Water – Rev. 22:1 |
| Heaven Visible – Luke 16:23 | No Remembrance – Isa.43:18 |
| Thirst – Luke 16:24 | Water – Rev.21:6; 22:17 |
| Darkness – Matt.25:3; 2Pt.2:4; Jude 1:13 | No Night – Rev.21:22; 22:5 |
| Everlasting Punishment – Matt.25:46 | No Pain/Sorrow – Rev.21:4 |
| Wailing – Matt.13:42,50 | Singing Praises – Rev.5:13 |
| Gnashing – Matt.13:42,50 | |
| Worms – Isa.66:24 | |
| Weeping – Matt.25:30 | No Tears – Rev.21:4 |
| No Peace – Isa.48:22 | Everlasting Peace – Eze. 37:26; Luke 16:38 |
| Everlasting Torment – Rev.14:11 | Health – Rev.22:2 |
| Prepared For Devil – Matt.25:41 | New Heaven – Rev.21:1 |
| Second Death | Everlasting Life – Matt.25:46 |
| Greater Than Imagination – Isa.64:4 | |
| Cup of wrath – Psa. 75:(9(8) | Cup of blessing – Matt. 26:29 |
Remember
The reason that we accept Yahuha’s offer of salvation through His Son, Yahusha HaMashiach, is not to ‘escape’ hell.
First it is because we want to obey the King of the Universe as it is His right.
Secondly it is because we want to please our heavenly Father.
“And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of Yahuah shall be saved.”(Acts 2:21).
“that if you confess with your mouth the Master Yahusha and believe in your heart that Yahuah has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9).
Yahuah bless you and keep you,
Yahuah make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you,
Yahuah lift up His face toward you and give you peace.
Ameyn
References and Credits
Barclay W.(1) (1960) The Letters of James and Peter, Saint Andrew Press, Edinburgh
Blanchard J. (1993) Whatever Happened to Hell?, Evangelical Press, Durham.
Brown B., Driver S.R. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon,
& Briggs C.A.(2005) Hendrickson, Peabody, Mass.
Fruchtenbaum A.G.(2005) The Messianic Jewish Epistles – (1)Hebrews, (2)II Peter, Ariel Ministries, Tustin, CA.
Larkin C. (1920) Dispensational Truth, Pantianos Classics, U.S.A.
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Harris R.L., Archer Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Moody, Chicago,
G.J. Jr., Waltke B.K.(1980) Il.
Strong J. (1994) Strong’s New Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, World Bible Publishers Inc., Madison. (denoted by #H or #G).
Strong J. (1996) The New Strong’s Complete Dictionary of Bible Words, Thomas Nelson, Nashville. (denoted by #H or #G).
HNV The Hebrew Names Version is based off the World English Bible, an update of the American Standard Version of 1901. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.
KJV The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
NLT Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Progress Since The Last British Death Sentence 60 Years Ago | Amnesty International UK
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/capitalpunishment/ Execution of the Innocent citing Amnesty International and Applied Unfairly citing (US) Justice Harry Blackmum
https://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/hangmen.html
The Crucifixion – First Generation Assembly
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/episode/giant-crystal-cave-3569/Overview#tab-facts
Homicides in England and Wales 2023 | Statista
http://www.theoi.com/Kosmos/Tartaros.html
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