“Abba Bivens” Founder of ISUPK (1 West Splinter Groups) and Korah’s Rebellion??

Shalom Alaikhem! Peace to You All!

During this cycle’s study of Parashah Korach, RasTafari Talmud couldn’t help but notice the corresponding theme between “Abba Bivens” (The Founder of ISUPK and by extension all 1 West et al. “Splinter Groups” ) and “The Rebellion of Korah” via “the Rebellion against the Royal Order of Ethiopian Hebrews Sons and Daughters of Culture” [a.k.a. The Commandment Keepers Congregation of Harlem].

[PLEASE REFER TO NUMBERED FOOTNOTES FOR EXPLICATIONS.]

The intent of this article is to bring the connection between the Lost Black Sheep of The House of Israel and Ethiopia to the forefront of The Black Hebrew Israelite Movement again. As it is written “Are Ye Not as The Children of the Ethiopians to ME…OH CHILDREN OF ISRAEL?!?..Saith YHWH!” (Amos 9:7).

RasTafari Talmud would like to specify that the Imperial Ethiopia we bear witness to is not the period between (1974-?) when certain rebellious Children of Ethiopia raised by H.I.M. Haile Selassie I attempted to set up their own disorder [1]. The aftermath of this period of fleeing and pestilence was accompanied by the sword of the Eritrean-Ethiopian War. ([1961-1991] Thirty Years of Bloodshed! Does this historical fact provide any insight to Zephaniah 2:12?)

  Ark of Testimony in Imperial Ethiopia [2] remains covered [3]

Exodus out of the North Country: Rabbi Arnold Josiah Ford (Moses) and Rabbi Wentworth Matthew (Aaron) in Type? [Note: Type as based on the Biblical Template/Repeating Patterns without any notion of reincarnation in its’ various connotations: (Genetics Traits passed from one generations to next is beyond the scope of this article)]

In the Bible, Ethiopia is prominent both in the historic and prophetic sense. With a diligent study and contemplation of Hebrew Places, Names, Tribes and Phrases mentioned in context of the Bible, this fact becomes more pronounced. For example, Wasn’t Moses’ Children to Zipporah (Gershom and Eliezer) also considered Ethiopians? How many times during the Wilderness Wanderings did the Wrath of YHWH almost consume the Children of Israel? Did YHWH not say to Moses on several occasions “I will make a great nation of thee?” Our Ethiopian Hebrew/Israelite Patriarchs Rabbi Arnold Josiah Ford and Chief Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew were not ignorant of this. We hope that the reader will be able to take the evidence presented and either be encouraged or reconsider their perspective regarding Imperial Ethiopia “The Kingdom of HaElohim” [4], during the Reign of Haile Selassie I King of Kings of Ethiopia upon the Throne of David and His relationship with The Lost Black Sheep of the House of Israel.

 Rabbi Arnold Josiah Ford [For pdf. Download “Account of Rabbi Arnold Josiah Ford’s Biography” from the perspective of Rabbi Shlomo Ben Levy Please click the following link: Rabbi Arnold Ford Biography] As Moses spoke to YHWH, Rabbi Arnold Josiah Ford spoke to the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Qedamawi Haile Sellassie, King of Kings of Ethiopia, Elect of “GOD”/YHWH. [5] RasTafari Talmud is grateful to the Israelite Board of Rabbi: Visit them at http://www.blackjews.org/rabbis.htm

On June 5th 1931, Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew via Rabbi Arnold Josiah Ford was ordained Chief Rabbi in North America. The Exodus out of the North Country was/is under the Architecture of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I. At that time, land provisions were also in preparation (through the Commission of the Ethiopian World Federation via Melaku Emmanuelle Bayen) to fulfill the promise of inheritance to the Remnant of the Black Children of Israel in the World Wide Diaspora whom could recognize the prophetic and historical significance of the Visitation of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I. [6] RasTafari Talmud emphasizes that this does not exclude any of our RasTafari Brothers-Sound Thinking Hebrew Minded Brothers and Sisters of all nations in receiving the Spirit and Truth of His Majesty in Christ’s Kingdom throughout the earth, in Yeshua Shalom!!!…but is specifically addressing His Majesty’s Order for Shashamene. [7] Who is or isn’t ethnically of Israel or Hebrew based on skin complexion and other appearances is beyond the scope of this article.

 “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy “GOD”,  I am the Lord”/weYare’atah M’Eloheikha: Ani YHWH!!!/ [For pdf. Download: Account of Chief Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew’s Biography from the Perspective of Rabbi Shlomo Ben Levy Please click the following link: Biography of Rabbi W A Matthew]

Parashah Korach accounts that Qora(c/k)h Dathan and Abiram conspired to challenge Moses’ Authority by disrupting the chain of command among 250 rulers of the congregation. This resulted in a “splinter group” against Moses and Aaron. Nonetheless, it is revealed that Korah. a kohathite, had willful disregard for the Order set by YHWH [8]  him to seek after the Priesthood. It didn’t work out very well for Korah. (Note: The Account of Korah’s genealogy in Numbers 16:1 does not mention Jacob [9])

 -Who is Abba Bivens? Korah in Type?!?

 “Abba Bivens”/Korah?… “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11)….as we no longer come to Mount Sinai but to Mount Zion[10a]…which is the City of David [10b]…the dwelling of YHWH[10c] City of HaElohim [10d]…Israel’s King[10e].

In the 1960’s Ebner ben Yomin (also known as “Abba Bivens”) was initially taught he was an Israelite by an ex-slave years earlier in the South. He relocated to N.Y. and joined the Commandment Keepers under Matthews but rejected Matthews teachings of old testament only. Bivens left the Commandment Keepers and began the Israeli School of Universal Practical Knowledge (1969 according to ISUPK website). Three of Bivens’ followers teamed up with four “high priests” to take over the school and were collectively known as the “Seven Heads”.[11] These leaders later changed the name of the school to the Israelite Church of Universal Practical Knowledge and then changing the name again to rebrand because of a failed prophecy of Christ’ return in 2000, the name became the Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ, Inc. [12] The current leader, Apostle and Chief High Priest Tazadaqyah, born Jermaine Grant, rose to power after Ahrayah’s, one of Bivens disciples, prophecy of Christ’s return in 2000 to “slay or enslave” all the Edomites (whites) failed to come to pass.[13] Tazadaqyah is known by his followers as the Comforter, a direct reference to Holy Spirit and is propagated as such at the website dedicated to him. [14]. Allegedly, Bivens was met with a violent death by beating.

For now, RasTafari Talmud will refrain from engaging any “Splinter Group Doctrines”. Our recommendation would not differ from the counsel of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I: “Because of this personal experience in the goodness of the Bible, I was resolved that all my countrymen should also share its great blessings, and that by reading the Bible they should find Truth for themselves. ”

 Genesis 15:18 “In the same day the YHWH made a covenant with Abram, saying, to thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates: Ok… what river in Egypt? What does this river encompass? [15]

  “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”  (Matthew 12 33:34) What has been the of this “tree”? What is in there hearts? Are ones able to see past the veil?

Visit RasTafari Rabbi Yad Veshem at RasTafariSabbathical on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RastafariSabbathical

Final Thoughts

Did “Abba Bivens” seek after The Priesthood? Is this wilderness epidemic still an ongoing plague among the 1 West “Splinter Group” Congregation? [16] Again, The Royal Order of Ethiopian Hebrews Sons and Daughters of Culture was established by Chief Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthews whose work was approved by Haile Selassie I, The King of Israel [17]. Perhaps, Bivens could not perceive how the Counterfeit Gospels of various Western Gentile Christianities and denominations has and continues to confuse the Lost Black Sheep of the House of Israel, and most of humanity. Did the Children of Israel, during the time of Exodus, not have to psychologically re-adjust from an Egyptian/North Country Perspective of Religion and Spirituality, (a form of Bondage) during the Wilderness Experience? [18]

Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew’s perspective of The Faith of Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach did not deviate from that in Revelation. [19] Bivens had belonged to the Royal Order of Ethiopian Hebrew Son and Daughters of Culture. Should Bivens have consulted the perspective of the Ethiopian Tewahedo Church  established in New York (1959), by the Authority of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I, before his rebellion? (NOTE: Since the Great Ethiopian Transgression [20], against The Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, a majority of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Clergy have been in a state of apostasy, with a faithful remnant that share our sentiments against the treacherous act of Reviling the King of Kings upon the Throne of David. This is an entire matter, in and of itself, that deserves an examination.) [21]. Regardless, of any theological contentions “ABBA Bivens” may have had with Chief Rabbi Arnold Wentworth Matthew his actions display an open disregard for The Authority of Throne of David”. Unless the sentence is commuted by the King, it is punishable by death, particularly during a time of war. [22] Yet, His Majesty Haile Selassie I’s Grace in His Witness of Yeshua HaMashiach is Faithful [23]…Even To-Day!

Visit RasTafari Renaissance: Are you a Khasid/Orthodox Jew?      Torah Portion Studies

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derg

[2] Kebra Negast [Excised from the 1611 King James Version by Royal Decree (Brooks, F. Miguel PhD)]: NOTE: Further investigation into the influence of the clergy whom most likely influenced this Royal Decree is required. Compare Ezekiel 48:11:Sons of Zadok/Straying of the Levites.

[3] Numbers 4:5; Also See Jeremiah 16:18: The Ark of Testimony/Land of the North/Throne of YHWH.

[4] Matthew 21:42-44: Kingdom of HaElohim “The True and Living God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”; Compare Acts 1:6-7: Disciples ask Yeshua HaMashiach about the Kingdom being restored to Israel; Psalm 68:31: Princes coming out of Egypt (North Country: Jeremiah 16:14-15), Ethiopia Shall soon stretch her forth her hands to HaElohim.

Scofield Study Note: The Kingdom of God is to be distinguished from the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of God is universal, including all moral intelligences willingly subject to the Will of God, whether angels, the Church, or saints of past or future dispensations. The Kingdom of Heaven is Messianic, mediatorial, and Davidic, and has for its object the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the earth. The Kingdom of God is entered only by the New Birth. The Kingdom of Heaven, during this age, is the sphere of a profession which may be real or false. Since the Kingdom of heaven is the earthly sphere of the Universal Kingdom of God, the two have almost all things in common. For this reason many parables and other teachings are spoken of the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew, and of the Kingdom of God in Mark and Luke. It is the omissions which are significant. The parables of the wheat and tares, and of the net are not spoken of the Kingdom of God. In that Kingdom there are neither tares nor bad fish. But the parable of the leaven is spoken of the Kingdom of God also, for, alas, even the true doctrines of the kingdom are leavened with the errors of which the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Herodians were the representatives. The Kingdom of God “comes not with outward show” but is chiefly that which is inward and spiritual. The Kingdom of Heaven is organic, and is to be manifested in glory on the earth. The Kingdom of heaven merges into the kingdom of God when Christ, having put all enemies under his feet, “shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father”

[5] ሥርዓት ንጉሥ “Sir’ate Negus/Order of Coronation” published Officially by Imperial Ethiopian Government translated by (Ras Iyared Mihiret Sellassie, Debre Zeit Books, 2013)/ Note The “Pure Language: Shapah BeRurah” mentioned in Zephaniah 3:9 is not the Lashaw Qadash. Shaphah BeRurah conveys a sense of refinement. In the very next verse we find “From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.” The Hebrew Scripture doesn’t play with words. Amen?

[6] Isaiah 11: The Davidic Kingdom set Up

Scofield Study Note: That nothing of this occurred at the first coming of Christ is evident from a comparison of the history of the times of Christ with this and all the other parallel prophecies. So far from regathering dispersed Israel and establishing peace in the earth, His crucifixion was soon followed (A.D. 70) by the destruction of Jerusalem, and the utter scattering of the Palestinian Jews amongst the nations.]

[7] Deuteronomy 22:1-4 “Law of Brotherhood” Verse 3: “In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother’s, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.”

Shashamene: 1948 H.I.M. Haile Sellassie I grants 500 Hectors of land in Shashamane, Ethiopia to The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated Members which was compried of the Black Peoples of the world who desired to Repatriate and see the motherland restored to her former state of complete independence and self-reliance, through the cooperative efforts of the Black Race.  EWF Jamaican members James and Helen Piper (NOTE: Black Hebrews/ Israelites) also repatriate to the “promised land”, to Ethiopia, East Africa. The first actual Rastafari (NOTE: Israelite) brother and fellow settler, Dr. Gladstone Robinson,  who was also an official delegate of the EWF, was sent to Shashemene on behalf of the organization in June 1964, followed by Papa Noel Dyer (NOTE: Israelite), who hitchhiked and found his way to Ethiopia from England, eventually arriving in September 1965. Mr. Robinson, however, would later be duly appointed as the land grant administrator by the federation executive council in 1967 thus replacing Mr. Piper and his wife in Ethiopia. (“E.W.F Presents It’s and Early Rastafari Leaders”, Law firm of Delaney, Lewis and Williams, Sept.3, 1937, Ethiopian World Federation 36 West 135th Street)

[8] Kohathite Order Numbers 4:4-16/ During the Davidic Reign see I Chronicles 24:20-26

[9] One Rabbi had deduced that Genesis 49:6: Jacobs blessing/prophecy “O my soul, come not thou into their secret; to their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self will they digged down a wall.” concerning Levi is in direct reference to The Rebellion of Korah. (Chumash, “5 Hebrew Books of Moses” The Socino Press, London 1956) Also, Jacob proceeds to bless/prophecy concerning Judah (verses 8-12). Thus, the Order of Melchizedek (See Hebrews 7).

[10a] Hebrews 12:22 [10b] 1 Kings 8:1  [10c] Psalm 9:11  [10d] 87:2:5 (Note: The Psalm is Davidic, Messianic and points to Ethiopia in Prophecy)  [10e] Psalm 2:6/ 1 Samuel 12:13: Israel receives King Saul compare Isaiah 43:15: Israel Redeemed & Restored.

[11: Note: RasTafari Talmud does not support the agenda of the Southern Poverty Law Center in demonizing any Black Israelite Movement: Source Cited for Reference Purposes] “History of Hebrew Israelism”, Intelligence Report, Southern Poverty Law Center, Fall 2008, Issue Number: 131.

Revelation 12:13-The 7 Heads are the Leaders of 10 Kingdoms. This 10 Pattern as with the 10 Spies that lied about the land in Parashah Shelach Lekha repeats today with the UN Regions, Club of Rome , etc. It is interesting how this fractal is also seen in the “ABBA Biven’s” Controversy with YHWH.

[12]  “’Ready for War’”, Intelligence Report. Southern Poverty Law Center, Fall 2008. [13] Ibid

Slaying or Enslaving Whites – Deuteronomy 23:7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.

Amos 9:12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by MY NAME, saith YHWH that doeth this. What Human Rights are prescribed for the Sojourner and Prisoners of War in Torah?

In this proper context Adonai slaying ones who are not “enslaved”/actually “Serving His Purpose” it is not limited to whites.

False Prophecies-Deuteronomy 18:22  When a prophet speaketh in the Name of the YHWH, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which YHWH hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

[14] The Comforter. http://www.thecomforter.info/-“Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come ” (Matthew 12:32) -“IN PRAISING GOD THE FATHER, THE SUSTAINER OF THE UNIVERSE, AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, THROUGH WHOM EVERYTHING CAME INTO BEING, AND WITHOUT WHOM NOTHING CAME INTO BEING, AND THE HOLY TRIUNE SPIRIT, THE PARACLETE, WHO GOETH FORTH FROM THE FATHER, AND DERIVETH FROM THE SON, WE BELIEVE IN AND ADORE THE TRINITY, ONE GOD, THE FATHER, AND THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (Kebra Negast, “Glory of Kings”, Budge, E.A. Wallis Translation , 1932)

[15] “Now I shall cite Genesis 2:13 ‘And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.’ Because the Garden of Eden is associated with with the Land of Ethiopia, therefore we conclude that the people were black. Rashi the eleventh century commentator on the Bible, said the Gihon is the Nile River that bows through Eastern Africa. Rashi, most likely makes this point because the Nile flows in Ethiopia and and into Egypt. (Windsor, Rudolph R., “from_babylon_to_timbuktu_by_rudolph_r_windsor“, 1969, LuShena Books, Chicago, IL)

[16] Numbers 16:21-YHWH commands separation from this Congregation/Verse 24-YHWH commands get thee from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan and Abiram: It appears that Korah had a tent some distance away of the Levites, it adjoined the dwellings of Dathan and Abiram and he, stayed there during the time when the rebels were destroyed. (Rashi, Abraham Ibn Ezra, Rashbam)

[17] (Brotz, Howard. The Black Jews of Harlem: Negro Nationalism and the Dilemmas of Negro Leadership, pg 18-19 [1970].)

[18] Hebrew word for Bondage עֲבֹדָה Abodah ” Service”: From Numbers 4:47:  Ministering in the Tabernacle of Congregation [Sons of Merari] the word is used in a religious/spiritual sense.

[19] Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

[20] Psalm 14:14 Transgression  Lit. ‘Rebellion’ against the King of Kings (Tehilim “Hebrew Psalms”, Socino Press, Lomdon, 1958)

[21] Kebra Negast 44 “How It Is an Unseemingly Thing to Revile the King” (Budge, E.A. Wallis Translation, 1922)

[22] 2 Samuel 16:5-4: Shemei (a loyalist to King Saul) Reviles King David. 1 Kings 2:8, 36-46 David gives orders for Shemei’s Execution/Execution carried out/ Article 4, 1955 Revised Constitution of Imperial Ethiopia

War on the Delusion of White Supremacy: “Last May, in Addis Ababa, I convened a meeting of Heads of African States and Governments. In three days, the thirty-two nations represented at that Conference demonstrated to the world that when the will and the determination exist, nations and peoples of diverse backgrounds can and will work together. in unity, to the achievement of common goals and the assurance of that equality and brotherhood which we desire. On the question of racial discrimination, the Addis Ababa Conference taught, to those who will learn, this further lesson: that until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; that until there are no longer first class and second class citizens of any nation; that until the color of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; that until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; that until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained. And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed; until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil.” (H.I.M. Haile Selassie I, Address to the United Nations, May 1963)

[23] John 8:18 “I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.”/Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain Mercy, and find Grace to help in time of need.”