Are God's People Called to Live as Sojourners?

Insights from the Books of 2 Edras and Jeremiah

(Photo by Mohammad Hanbali on Unsplash)

YHWH called my family to live as sojourners. It was a call to leave our homeland and prepare for Yahushua’s return. A call to detach ourselves from land, relationships, careers, and possessions.

Although the call of a sojourner is personal to my family, it may just be a call for all YHWH’s people in the End Days.

“Be as Pilgrims on the Earth”

When it comes to End Times prophecy, the extra-biblical Book of 2 Esdras is a priceless treasure. This book records revelations given to Ezra the Scribe while he was in Babylon.

The 1611 King James Bible included 2 Esdras, but it was later removed. However, some groups, such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, still uphold it as inspired Scripture. The book is also known as 4 Esdras and Latin Ezra.

2 Esdras Chapter 16 contains prophecy for the End Days. It describes tribulations throughout the whole earth. Towards the end of the chapter, YHWH gives His people an important admonishment.

2 Esdras 16:40 “O My people, hear My word: make ready for the battle, and in those calamities be even as pilgrims on the earth.” (Literal Standard Version)

Pilgrims are sojourners. Other translations say, “You must live as people whose home is not in this world,” or, “Be like strangers on the earth.” (Good News Translation with Apocrypha and World English Bible British Edition, respectively)

YHWH desires His people to survive the calamities of the End Days. And to do so, He has called His people to live as sojourners.

A Lesson from the Book of Jeremiah

The Book of Jeremiah, Chapter 35, mentions a group of people known as the Rekabites. Even though they were native Judeans, the Rekabites lived a nomadic lifestyle. They were sojourners traveling in tents. They kept this lifestyle in honor of what their father commanded them.

Jeremiah 35:6a,7b “They [Rekabites] said, ‘…Yonadab the son of Rekab, our father, commanded us, saying, “…do not build a house…dwell in tents all your days, so that you live many days on the face of the land where you are sojourners.” (TS2009)

Jeremiah 35:8a,10a “‘So we obeyed the voice of Yonadab son of Rekab, our father, in all that he commanded us…we dwell in tents.’” (TS2009)

When Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, attacked Judea, the Rekabites’ lifestyle saved them. Because they weren’t bound to homes and land, they escaped the Babylonian army. YHWH was pleased with the Rekabites, and He promised a descendant of Rekab would always stand before Him!

Just as the sojourners’ lifestyle was significant for the Rekabites, it is crucial for Yah’s people living in the End Days. That is why YHWH called His people to live as sojourners in the days approaching the Tribulation.

Waiting for My Home

As a sojourner in the Middle East, I am aware that my citizenship is not in this world. I seek Yahushua’s coming Kingdom. Until He comes and restores righteousness on the earth, I will never truly be at home.

Hebrews 13:14 “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (NLT)

1 Peter 2:11a “Beloved ones, I appeal to you as sojourners and pilgrims.” (TS2009)

John 17:16 “They are not of the world, as I am not of the world.” (TS2009)

Philippians 3:20a “But our citizenship is in heaven.” (NIV)

Living as a sojourner is a small sacrifice compared to the promise of Messiah and the rest we’ll experience in His Kingdom.

2 Clement 5:5 “You know, brothers, that the sojourning of our flesh in this world is but short and for a little while, but the promise of Christ is great and wonderful, even the rest of the kingdom which is to come, and of continuous life.” (LSV)

For more information on the call for YHWH’s people in the End Days, please read The Call to Jordan: An Invitation for Messiah’s Bride.

Blessings in Messiah,

Sarah