In describing the generation of the children of Israel that YHWH brought out of bondage in Egypt, YHWH declared:

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: ¹¹ Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. (Psalm 95:10-11 KJV)

This is the generation that witnessed all of YHWH’s incredible and awesome miracles in Egypt, in the wilderness and at Mount Sinai.

• Moses’ staff turned into a serpent then back into a staff
• Water turned to blood upon command
• Frogs coming and going at Moses’ command
• Sand becoming lice
• Swarms of flies invading then leaving
• Murrain upon only the livestock of Egypt
• Boils and blains only upon the Egyptians
• Hail and fire upon the livestock and fields of Egypt
• Locusts blowing in upon fields and orchards of Egypt
• Thick darkness in the homes and lands of the Egyptians while Israel had light
• The death of the firstborn of Egypt, from the animals in the field to the son of Pharaoh
• The protection from death for all Israelites that obediently placed blood on their doorposts.
• The parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh and his chariots.
• A pillar smoke and fire to protect and guide them
• Bitter water made sweet with a stick
• Water from a rock
• Quail and manna from heaven
• Enemies defeated
• Fire, smoke, lightning, thunder, and loud shofars blowing at Mount Sinai.

Above all, this is the generation that collectively heard the audible voice of YHWH speaking the words of the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai.

And God spake all these words, saying, ² I am YHWH thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. ³ Thou shalt have no other gods before me. ⁴ Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: ⁵ Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I YHWH thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; ⁶ And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. ⁷ Thou shalt not take the name of YHWH thy God in vain; for YHWH will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. ⁸ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. ⁹ Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: ¹⁰ But the seventh day is the Sabbath of YHWH thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: ¹¹ For in six days YHWH made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. ¹² Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which YHWH thy God giveth thee. ¹³ Thou shalt not kill. ¹⁴ Thou shalt not commit adultery. ¹⁵ Thou shalt not steal. ¹⁶ Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. ¹⁷ Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s. ¹⁸ And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. ¹⁹ And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. (Exodus 20:1-19 KJV)

Clearly the miracles performed in Egypt and in the wilderness are powerful testimonies of YHWH’s ability to fulfill his promises. We may also see these miracles as a clear declaration of YHWH’S love for Israel and his desire to bless them in the land of Promise.  We should also see these events of Israel’s redemption and deliverance as a testimony of YHWH’S faithfulness to his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Yet, as powerful as all of these awesome signs were, it is the voice of YHWH speaking to the whole body of Israel at Mount Sinai that must stand out as the most incredible testimony of YHWH’s love and desire to be with his people.  Throughout all of the world’s religions there is no other people that may claim to have heard the voice of YHWH speak in such a public manner. Many prophets and holy men have claimed to have heard the voice of their deity in private revelation.  But Israel heard the voice of YHWH collectively!  Moses makes a point of this in the opening chapters of the book of Deuteronomy.

 Specially the day that thou stoodest before YHWH thy God in Horeb, when YHWH said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. ¹¹ And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. ¹² And YHWH spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. ¹³ And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. (Deuteronomy 4:10-13 KJV)

 (For YHWH thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. ³² For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it? ³³ Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live? (Deuteronomy 4:31-33 KJV)

 Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that YHWH he is God; there is none else beside him. ³⁶ Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire. ³⁷ And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt; (Deuteronomy 4:35-37 KJV)

 YHWH our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. ³ YHWH made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. ⁴ YHWH talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, ⁵ (I stood between YHWH and you at that time, to shew you the word of YHWH: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying, ⁶ I am YHWH thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. (Deuteronomy 5:2-6 KJV)  

 And ye said, Behold, YHWH our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. ²⁵ Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of YHWH our God any more, then we shall die. ²⁶ For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? ²⁷ Go thou near, and hear all that YHWH our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that YHWH our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. (Deuteronomy 5:24-27 KJV)

Yet in spite of having seen, heard, and experienced all of these awesome and terrible miracles, this generation repeatedly failed to have faith in YHWH, his word, or his anointed servant Moses.  Repeatedly did this generation rebel, complain, and murmur against YHWH and his agents. 

1. Exodus 6:9                   Refused to believe Moses’ good news of deliverance
2. Exodus 14:11               At the Red Sea, Israel seeks to return to Egypt
3. Exodus 15:24               At Mara, Israel complains about the lack of water
4. Exodus 16:3                 Israel complains about the lack of food
5. Exodus 16:20               Some of the Israelites keep manna overnight
6. Exodus 16:27               Some of the Israelites search for manna on the Sabbath
7. Exodus 17:2-7              At Rephidim, Israel complains about the lack of water
8. Exodus 32:4                 The golden calf
9. Numbers 11:1               The people complain against God
10. 10.  Numbers 11:4               The people complain about the lack of food
11. 11.  Numbers 12:1ff.                        Miriam and Aaron rebel against Moses
12. 12.  Numbers 13:26ff.          The spies’ evil report
13. 13.  Numbers 14:1-10           Israel refuses to enter the land
14. 14.  Numbers 14:40-45         The people attempt to enter the land after it is forbidden
15. 15.  Numbers 16:1-40           The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, On, and the elders
16. 16.  Numbers 16:41-50         Israel rebels against Moses and Aaron
17. 17.  Numbers 21:4-9                        Israel complains about the manna

 It was this rebellious, stubborn, stiff-necked generation’s refusal to enter the land of promise that finally provoked YHWH to wrath.

But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of YHWH. ²² Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; ²³ Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: (Numbers 14:21-23 KJV)

It was this stubborn refusal to believe, to trust YHWH at his word, and to love YHWH with their whole heart, mind and being that caused YHWH to lament this lost generation.

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever! (Deuteronomy 5:29 KJV)

Moses, the Servant of YHWH warns the children of Israel not to forget what they have seen, heard and  experienced. Israel is to treasure these experiences in their collective memory and hearts forever.

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; (Deuteronomy 4:9 KJV)

From the very beginning YHWH has been after the heart of his people.

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. (Exodus 25:2 KJV)

Take ye from among you an offering unto YHWH: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of YHWH; gold, and silver, and brass, (Exodus 35:5 KJV)

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought YHWH’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. (Exodus 35:21 KJV)

And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair. (Exodus 35:26 KJV)

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of YHWH, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: ⁴⁰ That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. (Numbers 15:39-40 KJV)

But if from thence thou shalt seek YHWH thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29 KJV)

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that YHWH he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. (Deuteronomy 4:39 KJV)

And thou shalt love YHWH thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV)

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: (Deuteronomy 6:6 KJV)

And thou shalt remember all the way which YHWH thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV)

And now, Israel, what doth YHWH thy God require of thee, but to fear YHWH thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve YHWH thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, (Deuteronomy 10:12 KJV)

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked. (Deuteronomy 10:16 KJV)

And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love YHWH your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, (Deuteronomy 11:13 KJV)

Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; (Deuteronomy 11:16 KJV)

Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. (Deuteronomy 11:18 KJV)

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for YHWH your God proveth you, to know whether ye love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 13:3 KJV)

This day YHWH thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. (Deuteronomy 26:16 KJV)

Because thou servedst not YHWH thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; (Deuteronomy 28:47 KJV)

And shalt return unto YHWH thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; (Deuteronomy 30:2 KJV)

And shalt return unto YHWH thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; (Deuteronomy 30:2 KJV)

And YHWH thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love YHWH thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. (Deuteronomy 30:6 KJV)

If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of YHWH thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto YHWH thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. (Deuteronomy 30:10 KJV)

But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. (Deuteronomy 30:14 KJV)

Let us take careful note that the only acceptable gifts to be received were to be given from a willing and stirred heart.  This is true not only of building the Tabernacle of the wilderness, but also the living Tabernacle of the body of Messiah.  Our righteous deeds, our obedience to the covenant, must be from a willing heart, stirred to love YHWH for all that he has done for us. 

We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 KJV)

YHWH redeemed and delivered Israel from bondage before he asked them to enter the marriage of covenant of Sinai with him.  Israel’s obedience was a response to YHWH’s redemption and deliverance, not the means of it. Israel’s failure to give themselves in loving obedience to YHWH, after all that he had done for them, revealed the hardness of their hearts.  It was for this reason that YHWH forbade them from entering into the land.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: ¹¹ Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. (Psalm 95:10-11 KJV)

YHWH points specifically to the heart of the exodus generation as the reason for their failure to enter into the land of promise and enjoy the numerous blessings that YHWH had in store for his faithful people. We need to recall that the land of promise was a land chosen for the specific purpose of Torah living.  Those who will not keep the Torah cannot live there.  The land of Israel is a holy land chosen for a holy purpose. The land of Israel is an important part of the restoration of the image of YHWH in the world.  Those who will not genuinely keep the Torah from the heart cannot live there.

In the above verse YHWH reveals the nature of the error of the heart: v^echam lo-yad’u d^erakhoy—“and they have not known my ways”. The Hebrew verb yada’ (yud, dalet, ayin) “to know,” means more than just intellectually understanding something.  This is made evident in the manner in which the verb is used in regards to intimate relationships.

And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from YHWH. (Genesis 4:1 KJV)

And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. (Genesis 4:17 KJV)

And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. (Genesis 4:25 KJV)

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of YHWH, to do justice and judgment; that YHWH may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. (Genesis 18:19 KJV)

Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. (Genesis 19:8 KJV)

And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. (Genesis 24:16 KJV)

And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more. (Genesis 38:26 KJV)   

From this sampling of verses we may see that the verb yada—“to know” may imply a deeper sense of relationship, intimacy, even unity. We should here recall that sexual intercourse was to be an expression of genuine unity and connectedness between a husband and wife.  It is for this reason that sexual knowledge or sexual intercourse between a man and a woman was considered marriage in the Bible.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. ²⁵ And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. (Genesis 2:24-25 KJV)

The man and the woman were both naked but were not ashamed or embarrassed because they had genuinely been one. The man and woman now recognize each other as one, and in their hearts, (as well as in their body) they remain one.  This is the meaning of “And Adam knew Eve.”

Here we must draw a distinction between marriage and sex.  Marriage is the building of community between a man and a woman.  To become such a community or body, the man and woman must know each other.  Not only are the man and woman to know each other physically, but they are to know each other mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well.  In fact, the partners of this covenant should know each other spiritually and mentally, before they know each other physically.  YHWH tested the children of Israel in the wilderness by commanding them to keep the Sabbath, and not to gather manna on the Seventh Day. The purpose of this testing was “to know” his would be covenant partner. 

Then said YHWH unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. (Exodus 16:4 KJV)

Only after YHWH proved Israel, to know what was in their heart, did he enter into covenant with them and dwell among them.

Biblically, sexual intercourse is to be the outward expression of an inward reality.  Biblically sexual intercourse as marriage is the expression of a profound knowledge, relationship, commitment, and love between the partners of the covenant.  We may liken this concept to that of circumcision.  For circumcision to be counted as circumcision and not merely the physical mutilation of the flesh, it must be the expression of the heart.  In other words, true circumcision is of the heart first and then is expressed in the flesh. Merely having one’s foreskin clipped does not make one a partner in the covenant.

For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. ²⁶ Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? ²⁷ And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? ²⁸ For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: ²⁹ But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Romans 2:25-29 KJV)

Blessed is the man to whom YHWH will not impute sin. ⁹ Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. ¹⁰ How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. ¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: ¹² And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. ¹³ For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. (Romans 4:8-13 KJV)

Let us be very clear that the Apostle Shaul is NOT doing away with circumcision.  But he is drawing the distinction between an empty and meaningless ritual and genuine faith.  True circumcision begins with the heart.  Abraham had a heart to receive YHWH’S instruction in faith.  It was the heart of Abraham produced obedience to YHWH’s instruction concerning circumcision.  Like the acceptable gifts given for the construction of the Tabernacle, Abraham’s obedience was acceptable to YHWH because it came from the heart. The same may be said for the acceptable offering of Abel.

And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto YHWH. ⁴ And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat ones thereof. And YHWH had respect unto Abel and to his offering: ⁵ But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. (Genesis 4:3-5 KJV)   

Let us remember that both offerings were minchah or bloodless offerings.  The true difference between the two offerings resides in the heart of the giver. Note that Cain simply brought indiscriminately of the fruit of the ground.  But Abel, on the other hand, brought of the first and the best of his flocks, revealing the heart behind his offering. 

In days of Moses, the Prophets, Yeshua, Shaul and even unto today, there are those who keep the letter of the Torah because they desire to receive the benefits promised to those who keep the covenant.  In Shaul’s days, there were those who circumcised their young, and were themselves circumcised, and believed that this physical cutting was enough for them to lay claim to the promises of YHWH.  In his letter to the Romans Shaul is correcting this false understanding.  Anyone can imitate obedience to the Torah.  Anyone can, for selfish reasons, do what YHWH commanded.  Yet, like the offering of Cain, such selfish and self-serving works are rejected by YHWH.

As we have stated above sexual intercourse between a husband and wife is a beautiful, pleasurable and rewarding expression of a profound love, respect, and intimacy shared between two covenant partners (a man and a woman).  True and loving sexual expression within a marriage is to be enjoyable and pleasurable to both partners.  Such sexual and physical unity can only be achieved if the partners of the marriage covenant genuinely know each other spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and lovingly.  Without this deeper knowledge there is no way to know what the partner will understand as love, what the partner enjoys, and what the partner desires.  Genuine sexual intercourse within the covenant relationship of marriage is about giving pleasure, joy, and love to the partner that has already been a blessing. Genuine sexual intercourse within the covenant relationship is about becoming physically one as an expression and completeness of the emotional, mental and spiritual unity already being experienced.  Again, such sexual activity within a marriage is to be the expression of a grateful and loving heart.  Such sexual intimacy is meant to be a shared blessing between the couple.  Sex, on the other hand is a selfish, self-serving, self-gratifying act.  Sex, without love, spiritual, emotional, and mental knowledge of the partner in the act, is clearly a carnal act.  Lust and sexual appetites belong to the animal nature not the spirit realm.  Sex, as such, requires only that you know what pleases you, what you desire, what makes you happy.  Sex is all about self, not relationship.  Sex is from the flesh and not the heart.  Sex is about getting and not giving. 

When YHWH declared;

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: (Psalm 95:10 KJV)    

In the verse abobe YHWH is pointing to the fact that the wilderness generation did not know him.  They wanted sex not marriage. The children of Israel wanted freedom from their suffering in Egypt, they wanted a land to call their own, they wanted a land flowing with milk and honey, they wanted someone to fight for them, they wanted all that they could get—BUT—they did not want the commitment of giving back!  They did not want a life-long commitment to giving of themselves.  For a little while, their hearts were stirred to give and serve.  But as is often the case with marriage, it was difficult to live within the boundaries of the covenant long term.  The exodus generation did not “know” the ways of YHWH. In other words, they never truly yoked their hearts in love to YHWH.  They did not embrace the Torah with all of their hearts.  They did not spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically become one with YHWH or his instructions.  Failing to give themselves fully they never fully received what YHWH desired to give them.  Without this intimate knowledge of YHWH the children of Israel would never enter YHWH’S rest.

Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. (Psalm 95:11 KJV)

There are so many today who still do not understand that obedience to the Torah flows from a heart stirred with love and gratitude for all that YHWH has already done for us.  Such obedience is neither burdensome or grievous.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (1 John 5:3 KJV)

For those whose hearts are fixed only upon themselves, and for those whose hearts are hard toward YHWH, the Torah is both a burden and a curse. Those whose hearts are fixed upon themselves seek sex but find a committed relationship troublesome, demanding, enslaving, burdensome and restricting. Those who keep the Torah in order to win YHWH’s affections, favors, blessings, or salvation, labor in vain. They are not serving YHWH but their own flesh.  Those who serve the flesh cannot keep the Torah.

  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. ⁸ So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5-8 KJV)   

Those who keep the Torah in order to escape judgment, punishment, condemnation, or to earn blessings, honor, favor, and salvation, are seeking sex.  It is all about themselves.  They shall never know the great joy of genuine love, unity, and intimacy with the Heavenly Father. Sex may satisfy the longing of the flesh, but never the hunger of the soul. The people shall labor and labor but gain nothing.  All of their self-serving labor is in vain.  Unless it comes from the heart it is the rejected offering of Cain.  These are the people that our Master Yeshua spoke of when he declared,

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? ²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV)  

Yes, these people did all manner of “good works” in the name of Yeshua.  But they were the works of Cain.  They were done for the sake of self and not the Master.  Like the Pharisees and Scribes who sought the praise of men, these would-be believers sought only to serve themselves.  Let us note carefully that our Master calls them “workers of iniquity (Greek anomos—Toralessness). In other words, these people were doing what they wanted to do for YHWH, but were neglecting what he called them to do.  These people invent all manner of works and services for themselves to do “in the name of YHWH” or “in the name of Yeshua,” yet refuse to keep the very revealed word that YHWH commanded.  Such self directed people will never enter into YHWH’s rest.  Instead, Yeshua will tell them, “depart from me…I never knew you.”  Such people refuse to “know” Yeshua.  To “know” Yeshua means that they must enter into a life-long covenant with him. They must submit to his headship.  They must put their necks into his yoke. If they are to know the joy and blessings of true unity with the Holy One, then they must give themselves like a wife to a husband. They must submit to his authority. They must willingly, joyfully, lovingly, give themselves in obedience to YHWH. Then and only then will they offer the acceptable gift of Abel, only then will they know YHWH’s rest.  Yeshua declared;

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)  

When we, by faith, become a member of the body of Messiah, and become one with him, then we likewise become one with Father.  This was Yeshua Messiah’s prayer.

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. ²² And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: ²³ I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:21-23 KJV)

To become one with Yeshua our Master, is to bring our heart, mind, and body into perfect loving, willing, joyful submission to the headship of Messiah in obedience to the Father. When we know Yeshua, intimately, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, we shall find our rest him.  When we are known by Yeshua, we are inspired to keep the Torah just as he did and it is neither grievous nor burdensome to us.  Touched by the vast love of the Father through Yeshua our hearts are stirred to know him and to love him. Filled with the Spirit of Messiah we experience the same love for YHWH that YHWH feels for us.  YHWH is not looking for “sex” but for marriage, a life-long commitment, of fidelity leading to unity and profound mutual love.