The Afterlife – Part 3

Exploring the Great Unknown

Many people wonder about what happens after death. Different religions and groups have various beliefs, making it a complex topic to understand. In this teaching, we’ll explore what the Scriptures say about the afterlife, particularly focusing on the concept of Sheol and its relation to heaven and hell.

Sheol: The Underworld

According to the Scriptures, when we die, we go to a place called Sheol. The exact meaning of the word “Sheol” is unknown, but it is often associated with the grave, the netherworld, or the underworld. It is described as a dark, damp place where the only things to eat are dirt and dust, not a very pleasant destination.

• Psalms 89:48 asks, “What man can live and never see Sheol?”
• Sheol is also referred to as Hades in the Greek Septuagint.
• In the New Testament, the word “hell” is often translated from Hades, which is synonymous with Sheol.

Everyone Goes to Sheol?

The idea that everyone goes to Sheol can be unsettling, as it seems to imply that there is no distinction between the righteous and the wicked. Job, in his suffering, questioned how justice could be served if everyone ends up in the same dark place. This concept challenges the common perception of heaven and hell as the ultimate destinations for the good and the bad.

The story of Jacob and his son Joseph illustrates the understanding of Sheol as the destination for all. When Jacob believed that Joseph was killed by a wild animal, he mourned deeply, stating that he would continue to mourn until he joined his son in Sheol. This shows that Sheol was seen as the inevitable destination for everyone, regardless of their righteousness.

Mourning Rites and Remembrance

Ancient Israelites had mourning rituals that reflected their beliefs about Sheol. Archaeological evidence shows that they buried burnt lamps in tombs, symbolizing the need for light in the dark underworld. Even today, Jewish mourning rites, such as Yahrzeit, involve lighting a candle that burns for 24 hours on the anniversary of a loved one’s death to illuminate the remembrance of their soul.

• These practices highlight the importance of remembering and honoring the dead.
• Light serves as a symbol of remembrance and hope in the face of the darkness of Sheol.

The Wicked and Sheol

Scripture often emphasizes the wicked going to Sheol. Psalms 9:17 states, “The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God.” This raises the question of why the wicked are so prominently associated with Sheol if everyone goes there. Some interpret this to mean that Sheol is hell, and the righteous go to heaven, but there is not enough scriptural evidence to support this view.

Comparative Research: Gilgamesh and Other Cultures

To gain insight into the mindset of ancient Israelites, it is helpful to look at other cultures surrounding them. The story of Gilgamesh, a Babylonian epic, shares similarities with biblical narratives, such as the flood and the search for immortality. These parallels suggest a common origin of these stories, possibly stemming from the events in the Garden of Eden.

Comparing beliefs about the afterlife in different cultures can shed light on the nuances within the Scriptures. For example, the Nyakausa people of southern Tanzania believe in a place called Kabusuka-Bowa-Manunu, a safe haven for the souls of their ancestors within the netherworld. This division within the afterlife mirrors the idea of an asylum within Sheol for those in covenant with their tribe.

The Concept of “Gathered to His People”

The phrase “gathered to his people” appears throughout the Old Testament, often in reference to death. For example, Genesis 25:8 states that Abraham “breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man full of years, and he was gathered to his people.” Some scholars believe this phrase simply means being buried with one’s ancestors. However, in the cases of Aaron and Moses, who died in the desert and were not buried with their ancestors, this phrase may suggest a spiritual gathering in the afterlife.

• This concept raises the possibility of a spiritual netherworld where souls are regathered in a place outside of this world.
• It suggests that the righteous are gathered together with souls that are like-minded and in covenant with them.

The Book of Ruth: Perpetuating the Name of the Dead

The story of Ruth and Boaz revolves around the idea of perpetuating the name of the dead. The main character is not Ruth, Naomi, or Boaz, but Milan, Ruth’s deceased husband. The entire story focuses on Ruth ensuring that Milan’s name is carried on. This cultural expectation is also reflected in Deuteronomy 25, where a man is obligated to marry his brother’s widow to continue his brother’s lineage.

• This practice highlights the importance of honoring the dead and remembering their names and spirits.
• It suggests that the deceased live on in the memories of the living and in the memory of God.

Sheol and Fire

Psalm 30:16 is one of the few verses in the Tanakh that correlates fire with Sheol: “Sheol, the barren womb, the land which is never satisfied with water and fire which never says enough.” This connection to fire is significant because it challenges the common perception of Sheol as simply a dark, damp place.

The New Testament Perspective

When studying the afterlife, it is crucial to reconcile the Old and New Testament perspectives. The New Testament introduces new concepts and ideas that may seem contradictory to the Old Testament. However, by digging deeper, we can find a fit between the two.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Embrace the Hope of the Resurrection: Knowing that death will be conquered and reversed can bring comfort and hope in the face of loss.
• Honor the Dead: Remember and honor the deceased by keeping their memories alive and celebrating their lives.
• Live in Covenant: Strive to live in covenant with God and His people, knowing that this connection extends beyond death.
• Proclaim Yeshua as King: Make a covenant with your mouth that Yeshua is King and that God raised Him from the dead, ensuring your salvation.

References

• Psalms 89:48
• Genesis 37:35
• Luke 16:19-31
• Revelations 20:14

Resources

• Funerary Practices and Afterlife Expectations in Ancient Israel
• Death and the Afterlife in the New Testament