Understanding Death Through Scripture
A Hebrew Israelite Perspective on Life, Death, and Resurrection
Facing the Mystery of Death
Death is one of life’s most difficult realities. It confronts every person, no matter their status, wealth, or age. For some, death is a terrifying end; for others, it is a mystery. But for the Hebrew Israelite, death is understood through the lens of Scripture and covenant.
We see death as temporary — a sleep until the resurrection. This understanding brings both peace and hope. Peace, because we know death is not permanent for the righteous. Hope, because we trust YAH’s promise of eternal life for those who walk in His commandments and have faith in Yahushua Ha’Mashiach.
“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.”
— Ecclesiastes 9:5
This verse reminds us that once we die, our thoughts, feelings, and earthly experiences end. The dead are not in heaven watching over us, nor are they suffering. They are resting — unaware of time — until the resurrection. This truth brings comfort because it shows YAH’s mercy; He does not leave the dead in torment but allows them to rest peacefully.
What the Bible Teaches About Death
1. Death Is a Return to Dust
From the beginning, YAH made it clear what happens when life ends:
“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
— Genesis 3:19
This verse shows that our physical body is temporary. Just as Adam was formed from the dust (Genesis 2:7), so shall we return to it. There is no scriptural evidence of a disembodied soul floating in the afterlife. Instead, the body decays, and the breath (spirit) returns to YAH.
This idea is reinforced in Ecclesiastes 12:7:
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto Elohim who gave it.”
Here, “spirit” (ruach) refers to the life-breath that YAH gave us. Death is simply the reversal of creation — the body returns to the ground, and the breath returns to the Creator.
(See our book, The Ruach Ha'Kodesh: Sinai & The Breath)
2. Death Is Like Sleep
The Bible describes death as a sleep-like state, where the dead await YAH’s call to rise.
“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
— Daniel 12:2
Death is not final. This verse points to a future awakening, where all who have died will rise — some to eternal life and others to judgment. It reminds us that how we live now determines which resurrection we will experience.
Yahushua Himself spoke of death as sleep:
“Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep… Then said YAHUSHUA unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.”
— John 11:11, 14
Yahushua uses the term “sleep” because death is temporary for those in covenant. Just as Lazarus was brought back from death, so will YAH awaken all who are faithful to Him.
(See our book, The Chosen Seed: Predestination)
Why YAH Allows Death
The Wages of Sin
Death exists because of sin:
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of ELOHIM is eternal life through YAHUSHUA Christ our Elohim.”
— Romans 6:23
Sin — disobedience to YAH’s law — brought death into the world (Romans 5:12). But through Yahushua, eternal life is offered to those who repent and return to obedience. Death reminds us of our need for redemption.
A Call to Repentance
Death also teaches us to live with urgency:
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:12
Life is short. We are called to live righteously, walking in YAH’s commandments and preparing for the eternal Kingdom.
(See our book, Baptism Unto Remembrance: Sin-Atonement-Repentance)
The Hebrew Israelite Hope: Resurrection
Resurrection is at the heart of our hope. We believe that death is not the end but a temporary pause before YAH restores life.
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:20–22
Yahushua’s resurrection was the proof and promise that death can be overcome. He is the “firstfruits,” meaning that all who belong to Him will also be raised.
This hope is beautifully described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16:
“For the Messiah himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of ELOHIM: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
The righteous who have died will rise when Yahushua returns, giving us the assurance that our separation from loved ones is temporary.
(See our book, Knowing the Father and the Son: Those who seek the truth will find it)
Yahushua’s Victory Over Death
Through His resurrection, Yahushua defeated death itself:
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
— Revelation 1:18
Yahushua holds complete authority over the grave. His victory guarantees that those Israeliteswho follow Him will also conquer death.
(See our book, Peace Be Still John 14:27: Peace For Everyday Living, His Shalom)
10 Comforting Scriptures About Death and Eternal Life
To strengthen our understanding, here are ten scriptures that bring hope and comfort during times of grief, with Hebrew Israelite commentary:
Ecclesiastes 9:5 – The dead know nothing; they rest, unaware, until resurrection.
Daniel 12:2 – Death is a temporary sleep until YAH awakens His people.
John 11:25–26 – Yahushua promises eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Revelation 21:4 – Death, pain, and sorrow will be eliminated forever.
Psalm 34:18 – YAH is close to the brokenhearted, comforting the grieving.
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 – Believers grieve with hope, knowing the dead will rise.
Psalm 116:15 – The death of the righteous is precious in YAH’s sight.
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 – At the last trumpet, the righteous will rise in incorruption.
Isaiah 25:8 – YAH will swallow up death and wipe away every tear.
Revelation 20:6 – The first resurrection is for the blessed and holy, who will reign with Yahushua.
How We Prepare for Death
1. Walk in Obedience
Live by YAH’s commandments (Deuteronomy 30:15–16), ensuring that your life aligns with His laws.
2. Leave a Spiritual Legacy
Teach your children the covenant (Deuteronomy 6:6–9), so they walk in truth after you.
3. Focus on Eternity
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
— Colossians 3:2
This life is temporary; our true hope lies in the Kingdom.
(See our book, The Path: Of Righteousness)
Death Is Not the End
For YAH’s people, death is simply a pause before eternal life. Yahushua’s resurrection guarantees that all who remain faithful will rise again, free from pain and death.
“And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”
— 1 John 2:25
We do not fear death because YAH’s promises are sure. Instead, we live each day with hope, knowing the grave is not our final destination.
(See our book, Peace Be Still John 14:27: Peace For Everyday Living, His Shalom)
Shalom,
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