DUTY
חובה (Chovah), pronounced “kho-VAH
The main Hebrew word for "duty" or "obligation" is חובה (chovah).
from the desk of
The Bread of Haste Ministry (BHM)
October 5, 2026
Journey Members,
The Bread of Haste Ministry (BHM)
Dear Journey Members,
Common Hebrew Word/expressions for Duty:
חובה (Chovah): Means duty, obligation, or a must.
תפקיד (Tafkid), pronounced “taf-KEED”: Means function, role, or job/duty.
מצווה (Mitzvah), pronounced “meets-VAH”: A religious commandment or sacred duty.
אחריות (Achrayut), pronounced “ach-rah-YOOT”: Means responsibility or accountability
Definition: Duty. A moral or legal obligation.
Biblical definition (Eccl 12: 13-14) - The whole duty of Man:
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear GOD, and keep HIS commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For GOD shall bring “every work into Judgment”, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Ecclesiastes (kohelete or ko-HEH-leth in Hebrew), defines it clearly. As scripture defines it, our whole purpose is to revere GOD and live in covenant faithfulness to HIS instruction (HIS TORAH). At the close of Ecclesiastes, after surveying every human pursuit, the writer (Koheleth), concludes: Fear GOD and keep “HIS” commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. The Hebrew expression behind “whole duty of man” can read “this is the whole of man,” pointing to what makes us truly whole as GOD’S creation: rightly relating to our CREATOR through reverence and “obedience.” Because a final judgement evaluates “every work,” the conclusion is practical, not theoretical, theological nor denominational-life under the sun finds its meaning in faithful fear of GOD expressed in doing what HE commands, HIS will…not ours.
Fear of GOD - What it means:
The “fear of GOD” is not defined as “terror” that drives us away from HIS presence; it is “reverent” awe that draws us to listen and obey (SHEMA in Hebrew). “The fear of GOD is the beginning of Wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10; see also Proverbs 1:7). It “HATES” evil (Proverbs 8:13), delights in GOD’S commands (Psalm 112:1), and produces trust and humility (Psalm 115:11; Isaiah 66:2). This posture is “covenantal”: we recognize “GOD as KING,” and submit to HIS rule, and order our lives around HIS way, HIS will. In other words, fear of GOD is the heart-attitude that makes obedience sincere rather than idealogical, mechanical, and it is the fountain from which faithful living, “covenant behavior and covenant living flows”.
TORAH as The Unified Standard:
As we mentioned in the previous message “TORAH” (GODS’ Instructions to us), is the “Strength” of both the Hebrew Bible (TANAKH) and the New Testament from which “ALL” scripture is measured and tested against. When Scripture says “keep HIS commandments,” it points to the instructions GOD gave-TORAH-understood as one unified standard, not divided into canceling categories.
Moses summarized it this way: “Now, Israel (mixed-multitude), what does GOD “require of you, but to fear HIM, to walk in all HIS ways, to love HIM, to serve HIM with “ALL” your heart and with ALL your soul, to KEEP HIS commandments and statutes…for your good” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). TORAH teaches us how to love GOD “first and foremost”, and our neighbor (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18). The relationship is vertical first (loving GOD), then horizontal (loving neighbor). While some instructions pertain to specific context (e.g., sanctuary services; courts of justice), the standard itself is one. Scripture “NEVER” authorizes us to carve out a “moral-only” subset; rather, it calls us to honor the whole WORD of GOD, applying each instruction faithfully according to its context (Matthew 5:17-19; Deuteronomy 4:2).
How RABBI YESHUA and HIS Apostles - Walked it out:
OUR RABBI YESHUA. Affirmed Ecclesiastes’ conclusion in both heart and practice. HE taught that all the TORAH and the Prophets hang on two commands to love GOD and to love your/our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40) and HE insisted that HE “did not come to abolish the laws’ of GOD but to fulfill and uphold them,” WARNING against relaxing even the least of the commandments (Matthew 5:17-19).
OUR RABBI YESHUA tied love for him to obedience: “if you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The Apostles carried the same message: “for this is the love of GOD, that we keep HIS commandments; and HIS commandments; are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3); see also 1 John 2:3-6). The Revelations given to John, likewise pictures the faithful as “those who keep the commandments of GOD and hold the faith of YESHUA” (Revelation 14:12; compare Revelation 12:17). Therefore the New Covenant ties TORAH on the hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-33), empowering the very life Ecclesiastes comments-fearing GOD and walking in HIS ways.
Walking it out:
Ecclesiastes’ summary harmonizes with the Prophets: HE has shown you, oh man what is good: and what does GOD require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly before GOD (Micah 6:8). This is not a different ethic; it is TORAH! Justice, covenant-love, covenant behavior and humble fellowship with GOD are what obedience looks like in daily life. Far from replacing commandments, such verses spotlight the heartbeat behind them-love that expresses itself through concrete faithfulness to GOD’S Instructions (TORAH) toward HIM and toward others:
Cultivate Reverent Behavior:
Read/Study the Holy Scriptures (Joshua 1:8).
Let GOD shape your choices (Romans 12:2).
Turn from what GOD calls evil (Proverbs 8:13; Psalm 111-10).
Be a hearer and a doer of HIS instructions (HIS TORAH, also see James 1:22-25):
Truthfulness (Exodus 20:16).
Sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).
Integrity (Proverbs 10:9).
Generosity to the poor (Proverbs 28:27).
Honoring parents (Exodus 20:12).
Guarding/keeping GOD’S Sabbath (Sunset Friday through Sunset Saturday.
Keeping GOD’S Anointed and Appointed Times (Moedim) - Exodus 20:8-11: Leviticus 23; Deuteronomy 5:16-21.
Love your neighbor (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37-40).
Abide in YESHUA. Follow HIS teachings "The Gospel of the Kingdom of GOD"…not the relion/gospel/traditions of the kingdom of MAN!!
Summary:
Scripture reveals and is consistent from the TANAKH (Hebrew Bible) to YESHUA and the Apostles (New Testament): the whole duty of man, the very wholeness of humanity is “To Fear GOD”…NOT MAN, and keep/obey HIS commandments. Reverent behavior/Covenant behavior produces loyal obedience, and loyal obedience is how love for GOD and Neighbor take on real shape in our lives (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Matthew 22:37-40; 1 John 5:3).
Our Journey Message - “DUTY”…IF ONLY WE HAD KNOWN!!
The Setting. King Solomon, son of King David, is known as the wisest man that ever lived! Though his father (David) wasn’t the best example of fatherhood, Solomon like his father, knew, understood and expressed his understanding of the “whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14). Our whole duty!!
It was when Solomon began to stray away from “GOD’S Will” and pursue his own way (IDOLATRY), that he and the nation of Israel would be the recipient of GOD’S judgement and wrath. His disobedience as King led to the Judgement of a nation and a people called by GOD. Though chosen by GOD, Israel (mixed-multitude), is “the” example of both covenant faithfulness and covenant disobedience.
Shabbat - Coffee and Conversation:
Our story. Our lives. Wife and I were raised in different home environments; however, many similarities exist. Raised primarily by our mothers, our spiritual lives took on the religious customs and traditions that were “dictated” to us. Let's just say…there were many. As two educated adults we chose the various religious traditions that further shaped our spiritual walk…or so we thought! We were “never” taught nor “ever” introduced to GOD’S expectations/requirements, our duty to GOD until roughly ten years ago…THEN EVERYTHING CHANGED!
Wife asked a very revealing question during our typical coffee and conversation on Shabbat. After reading Exodus Chapters 19-20 and Deuteronomy Chapter 6 as we do every Sabbath, She said to me “GOD” repeats HIMSELF” quite a bit throughout the scriptures.
HALLELUYAH!!…the lights went on…again!!! Indeed…GOD does repeat HIS blessings and HIS curses (warnings to us) throughout HIS covenants and the Holy scriptures (TANAKH through the Revelation “given” to John the beloved Disciple/Apostle by YESHUA). Most, like us, were socialized to refer to the scroll of Revelations as the Revelations of John; however the vision was actually given/dictated to John by an “angel” of YESHUA (See Revelations 1:1-3).
We (people) have short memories, sometimes “intentional” and sometimes not. Israel (mixed-multitude) suffered from the same condition even after being freed from bondage, saved from death, personally escorted by GOD to the mountain of GOD, and married to GOD, on the mountain of GOD, and still suffers the same condition today! “IDOLATRY” was and is punishable by death “even” today! Thou shalt have “NO” other gods before me (Exodus 20:2)!
We seem to think and have been taught that we can “cherry pick” the commandments we want to obey and still have a relationship with GOD and…still be blessed by GOD…we don’t! …we can’t! We “do” however, have a choice of whether to “obey” GOD or “rebel” against GOD. Grace does not cover presumptuous sin!
Presumptuous Sin: A deliberate, premeditated, and willful act of disobedience committed with the “full knowledge” that it is wrong!
We, will reap what we sow (Job 4:8; Proverbs 11:18; Proverbs 22:8; Hosea 8:7; Galatians 6:8)!! Blessings for OBEDIENCE or Curses for DISOBEDIENCE!!!
What GOD Commands Us (The Terms of the Covenant - The Commandments in Order). I am GOD who bought you out of the land of Egypt, where you lived as slaves (Exodus 20:2):
Thou shalt have “NO” other gods before me (Exodus 20:3-6). Put GOD first “above” all else in your life. Do not worship “anyone” or “anything" else!! GOD is a “JEALOUS” GOD (Exodus 34:14)!
Thou shall not make idols. Do not make or worship statues or images as gods. This includes “anything or anyone” above GOD!!
Thou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain (Exodus 20:7). Use GOD'S name with respect. Do not use it carelessly or disrespectfully, or place HIS name on “Lies, False Doctrines, Teachers, Teachings or Ideologies!! “GOD…is not a politician”!!
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8). Observe the day GOD commanded and set “HIS” name upon. The seventh day Sabbath (Sunset Friday through Sunset Saturday). We (man) do not have the authority to change/alter GOD’S Commandments. “For verily I say to you, till Heaven and Earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18).
Honor your father and your mother (Exodus 20:12). Care-for, respect, love, honor and obey your parents.
Thou shalt not murder (Exodus 20:13). Do not take another person's life. Do not murder…means do not murder!! No where in scripture will you find GOD’S approval of “MURDER.”
Thou shalt not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14). Remain faithful to your marriage spouse. This includes IDOLATRY! The single greatest sin Israel repeatedly struggled with and still struggles with today.
Thou shalt not steal (Exodus 20:15). Do not take things that belong to other people.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor (Exodus 20:16). Do not tell LIES or spread false stories about “ANYONE.”
Thou shalt not covet (Exodus 20:17). Do not be jealous of what other people have, including their homes, spouses, or property.
As our RABBI YESHUA highlighted in HIS conversation with the Pharisee “the greatest commandments are these:
Love God: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).
The Apostle Matthew repeats what OUR RABBI YESHUA taught during HIS sermon on the mount. Most fail to make the connection back to the TORAH (The Commandments of GOD).
Love Others: Love your neighbor as yourself, which includes caring for the vulnerable like orphans and widows.
Again, most fail to make the connection back to the TORAH (The Commandments of GOD). ”We” don’t command GOD…HE COMMANDS US!!
Please, do not be deceived. These are “the terms of the GOD’S Covenant; however, these are not the only commandments/statutes GOD gave Moses as part of the marriage covenant with Israel (mixed-multitude), these focus on covenant behavior and are designed as instructions on how we are to walk in covenant behavior.
The first four commandments, “command" our relationship with GOD (The vertical). The remaining six, “command" our relationship with each other (The horizontal). Notice the emphasis “again” on the word “COMMAND.”
This may seem redundant as many would confess to know and “OBEY” the commandments of GOD; however, that’s, part of the problem. In our walk in religion/the traditions of men, the commandments “may” have been mentioned “on occasion”, found in church buildings and classrooms but, we were never taught to revere them, commit them to memory, to “OBEY” them (all of them), they became just another creed/pledge to recite. We were victims of “PARROT SYNDROME.” In other words…we were taught to “DISOBEY” them just as we are today. They have become a “political football”…with absolutely “NO” reverence/fear of/for GOD…whatsoever! GOD COMMANDS…we OBEY…that is covenant behavior in action!
“If you love me…keep MY Commandments (John 14:15-17) “ALL OF THEM”, to include the seventh day Sabbath…the day “GOD” personally puts HIS name on…NOT SUNDAY! Thank you Emperor Constantine and the Council(s) of NICEA.
We asked ourselves this question…will GOD Judge a man…a nation that publicly displays HIS Commandments and OBEYS them or, will HE Judge a nation that publicly displays HIS Commandments and…DISOBEYS them?
The TORAH (GOD’S instructions to us), is the standard by which "ALL OF US" will be judged. “We” will not be judged by the man’s standards (religion/traditions of men), but by GOD’S standards given to us!
What we learned:
We were never taught our whole duty in the religious framework(s) we grew up in. As a matter of fact, we were taught to sin/rebel against GOD! Once we understood that we were/are adopted (not replacement theology) into the household of GOD, the natural olive tree “Israel (The Remnant)” we began to understand that we too, now have a whole duty to GOD, “FIRST” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14),…as HE commands it!! Yes, HE gave us the ability to choose (free will); however, HE also gave us HIS instruction (TORAH) on how to live a covenant lifestyle…as HE commands it.
GOD dictated two scrolls “directly” to man: The TORAH scroll and the scroll of Revelation. HE spoke directly to the prophets of “HIS" choosing to warn HIS bride (Israel)…”repeatedly/continuously just as HE does today through the HOLY Scriptures. It is our responsibility to learn and to know our “whole duty” to GOD and live out the covenants HE established for our good.
By the time this message is posted, we will have celebrated/observed GOD’S final commanded, anointed/appointed Fall Feast “The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot in Hebrew):
33 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
34 Speak unto the children of Israel (mixed-multitude), saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days unto the GOD.
35 On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
36 Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.”(Leviticus 23:33-34).
What a “Blessing” GOD’S appointed times (Moedim) have been this year! Since we have officially retired, it has been SHALOM (The peace that surpasses all understanding)… to observe each Moedim as GOD commanded…”undisturbed” by the world!
This is “our” story, this is “our” Journey Message and, as always we invite you to join us on “our journey of faith.” SHALOM!!
“THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER gods BEFORE ME”
Exodus 20:3-5
“STUDY”