Expert: Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine - 7/14/2011

Question
I'm familiar with the theory that since Matthew wrote for the Jewish people, he used the term "Kingdom of Heaven" usually, in contrast to Luke who said "Kingdom of God."

The Jewish people, of course, likely finding it offensive if God were mentioned in writing like that.  

I hadn't noticed it till now, but in the KJV, Matthew does indeed appear to say, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God."

Why wasn't this then offensive, and can you tell me any theories others have had on why it was more important (especially when probably risky) to say God instead of Heaven here?

Answer
Hi Jason,

Why would Jews be offended by this? All of the original followers of Rebbe Y'shua (Jesus) were Jewish and the books of the New Testament (the "B'rit Hadashah") were written to explain how Y'shua fulfilled the prophecies. Jews, Messianic or not, would not be offended by either comment.

The "Kingdom of God" and Kingdom of Heaven" refer to the same thing essentially but with a slightly different emphasis.

HaShem (God) is King over all kings. Those who submit to His kingship in this way are proclaiming Him to be their King and asking for the revelation of His Kingdom.

Jews have been waiting for Moshiach (Messiah) for a very long time. Moshiach will establish the earthly Kingdom of God (hence Y'shua's prayer, "...Thy Will be done on earth as it is heaven.") This phrase then is a bit more immediate. It speaks to the replacement of Rome (human government) and the physical manifestation of the Theocratic Kingdom. But with the same intent: HaShem is King over all kings and we accept this.

Matthew is quoting Rebbe Y'shua as saying: to seek the "basileia" (the royalty over all other rulers) of God.  This will be realized under the reign of the Kingdom, but those who even now accept that kingship are citizens of the Coming Kingdom (Act 17:24).

I can't answer your question about the phrase being offensive because I see no reason why this would be so. If you would like to clarify this point you are welcome to write back.

Peace, Love and Light,

~ Rabbi Yochanan