BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
B'midbar ("In the wilderness")
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
May, 2010
Torah: Numbers 1:1-4:20
Haftorah: Hosea 2:1-22 (3-20)
Sugg N.T.: 1 Cor. 12:12-20
Gospel: John 1 and 2
Welcome "To all the beloved of YHVH...grace to you and peace from YHVH our Abba and the Savior Yeshua ha Moshiach" (Romans 1:7).
The Written Torah: Introduction to B'midbar ("In the wilderness")
Last week: B'har and B'chukotai, the last two Torah readings of Leviticus, gave final instructions to Israel, and exhorted the Israelites through promises and warnings to keep YHVH's commandments in the land to which they were going, Canaan.
This week: B'midbar opens the Book of Numbers, which covers the forty years of Israel's wondering in the wilderness, from Egypt to Sinai to Moab, while directly under the theocratic rule of YHVH. It recounts the triumphs, defeats, failures and blessings of the Assembly/Ecclesia (Church) of Elohim during that period. The first generation of Hebrews that came out of Egypt failed to enter Canaan because of unbelief and rebellion, the very things the last two parshas of Leviticus, B'har and B'chulotai, had warned would happen if Israel did not keep YHVH's statutes. The next generation of Israelites did enter into the Promised Land. Two numberings of the people occurred during this time, one at the beginning of their trek to Canaan and the second at their journey's conclusion in the Plains of Moab just before they entered. All the tribes were numbered and included in the sum of Israel except the tribe of Levi, which was consecrated--set aside for the service of the Tabernacle and numbered only as the substitute for Israel's firstborn.
"The Book of Bamidbar/Numbers deals in great measure with the laws and history of the Tabernacle during Israel's years in the Wilderness...By making the Tabernacle central to the nation, not only geographically but conceptually, the people would keep "Mount Sinai" among them always. Just as they had surrounded the mountain, longing for [experiencing] closeness with God, they would encamp around the Tabernacle, symbolizing that their very existence was predicated on their closeness to the Torah. Accordingly, the book contains the commandments to safeguard the Tabernacle, for the tribes to be arrayed around it, and for the conduct of the Kohanim and the Levites when it was dismantled and transported. All this enhances the glory and prestige of the Sanctuary..." (Sifre Zuta, Korach 8:14).
In Numbers we will notice that YHVH's people (1) are redeemed for service to YHVH, and that
(2) believers experience the fulfillment of His promises through faith and perseverance, just as did Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. YHVH will always raise up a generation that will believe Him and inherit His promises. In this fourth book of the Torah, Yeshua is seen as: the Tabernacle (Jn. 1:14), our Sanctuary in the wilderness (Ezek. 11:16), the Son of Man lifted up as was the serpent of brass (John 3:14), the smitten Rock (1 Cor. 10:4), and the Star of Jacob (Mt. 2:2). Look for Him as you read.
B'midbar ("In the wilderness"): "And YHVH spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai in the tabernacle of the congregation [tent of meeting], on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, Take ye the sum of all the congregation...every male...from twenty years and upward..." (Numbers 1:1-3).
YHVH commanded a census to be taken in the wilderness of Sinai. Two reasons stand out as necessitating the census: First, for the sake of national organization, and provide a marching order for the tribes and families. Secondly, the numbering was intended to determine the strength of the people for warfare, and inspire them with confidence, courage and purpose. They were, after all, headed for Canaan, which was slated for immediate conquest. However, that nation contained riches and held forth much provision in fertile land and resources, and, expectedly, the inhabitants would not give the land up without a serious fight. It is interesting to note that the New Testament tone is as warlike in tone as the Old. Therefore Yeshua would have His militant Ecclesia muster resolve, determine their resources, and be prepared for warfare in these days of spiritual conflict also. "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple [soldier]...What king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough..." (Luke 14:27-31). The arch-enemies of our battles are listed in Paul's letter to the Ephesians 6:12-13: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God..." [Note: Believers have an ongoing warfare on earth (2 Tim. 4:7), but it is not with puny, fragile man, it is with fallen spirits. We fight for the Almighty (1 Sam. 25:28), for His truth ((Jude 3), and for ourselves, all Israel (Rev. 3:11). Therefore, He provides us with equipment, divine armor, whereby we can stand "against the wiles of the devil." The armor, and the power of the Spirit, are indispensable as we daily confront the ranks and files of evil spirits and their works, all of which are under the leadership of Satan. Keep in mind, these evil angels and demons have a hierarchy and order of their own. Their malevolent activity is exercised upon mankind under the wicked reign of spiritual and moral darkness. Satan is the prince of the power of the air, and these hateful principalities, powers, and rulers of misery, murk and gloom have their abode in the atmosphere that surrounds the earth (the first heaven). They have the resources of lies, deception, cunning and craft at their disposal, and easily manipulate the minds of people through the impartation of evil ideas, violent thoughts, unholy desires and such that appeal to man's pride and fallen, carnal nature. From there they go on to demonize the resistless, and eventually possess those who surrender, knowingly or unknowingly, to their depraved mischief. The goal of Satan and his foul horde, out of hatred for the Most High, is to ruin His moral order, destroy the souls of men, and beguile them into perdition. Therefore, like Israel marching to Canaan to face her enemies, we too must be valiant and strong against our enemies, everyday, especially as we labor for the restoration of all Israel. May believers keep in mind that we have a divine Captain, Who is the "someone stronger..." that has already defeated the enemy of our souls (Luke 11:19-23). Therefore, we are able to stand and enforce His victory, dressed in the armor, empowered by the Spirit, and declaring the Word of God in faith.]
The men, twenty years old and upward, were counted in an orderly fashion, by tribe and family, as these were the people who would be ready and fit for the imminent warfare. The Levites, women, and children were left out of the census. Believers today resemble this division. Some are like strong men, who can and do fight because of the solid food they consume [Torah and Spirit]. Others are still babes who are spectators, and needing constant help and support, because they are still partaking of milk and soft food [sparse study, and little involvement with the Holy Spirit]. The writer of Hebrews, who taught his vacillating readers that the remedy for backsliding and weakness in faith is a proper understanding of the glory and work of Messiah Yeshua, addressed the need for spiritual strength. "Therefore, leaving the elementary teaching about Messiah, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment" (Heb. 6:1-2). There is always a need for spiritually strong men and women, regardless of age, to fight for Messiah's cause, and thereby direct, uplift, and inspire the younger generation for their warfare.
"These are the ones who were numbered, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, with the leaders of Israel, twelve men, each of whom was of his father's household. So all the numbered men...from twenty years old and upward...even all the numbered men were 603,550" (Nu. 1:44-46).
Thus Moses, Aaron, and the tribal leaders counted Israel. Actually, "on ten occasions Israel was numbered. Once, when they went down to Egypt (Gen. 46). A second time when they came out (Ex. 12:7). A third time after the incident of the golden calf (Ex. 30:12). Twice in the book of numbers: once in formation of the camp (Nu. 1) and once in connection with the division of the land (ibid. 26). Twice in the days of Saul (1 Sam. 11:8 and 15:4). The eighth time in the days of David (2 Sam. 24:9). The ninth time they were numbered was in the days of Ezra (Ezra 2:64; Neh. 7:66). The tenth time will be in the future era of Moshiach, when 'the flocks shall again pass under the hands of Him that counts them' [as a shepherd would count his sheep as they enter the sheepfold for the night]" (Jer.33:13). Midrash Rabbah
It was the purpose of the Holy One of Israel that all who passed through the Red Sea would successfully enter into the Promised Land by rank and file.
"The Levites, however, were not numbered among them by their father's tribe" (Nub. 1:47).
There are different services appointed to the Body of Messiah. The numbering of the twelve tribes, which indicated apparent military strength, was for the (1) service of the sword. The Levites were not counted for military purposes. Their calling was for the (2) service of the sanctuary. Both services, or activities, were necessary for Israel. The ministry of the Tabernacle were inspirational, as they were symbolic of the source of Israel's strength and represented the inevitable victory of truth over evil. The proper conducting of the sacrificial system [Priests] and obedience to YHVH statutes [people] comprised Israel's form of true spiritual warfare, without which their carnal warfare will ultimately fail (Num. 4:23). This was the particular call and vital function of Levi, the set-apart, sacred tribe. "For the body is not one member, but many..." (read 1 Cor. 12:12-26). The Levites camped around and were closest to the Tabernacle, "...so that there will be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall keep charge of the Tabernacle of the testimony" (Num. 1:53). Obviously, the Levite's care of the Tabernacle/Temple played a vital role in the welfare in the history of Israel. The work to which they were assigned could have been tiresome and laborious, but invested with a holy character. We learn from this that if anyone will do the work of Messiah, he must take up with zeal whatever labor and post that are assigned to him, however humble and unspectacular such service may at first appear.
In any event, we have room for rejoicing. It is because of YHVH's great love for all His people that He counts them all the time. This is reflected in the Hebrew word for "count", pakod, which also means "remember" and "be concerned with." Even of those who have wandered off, or may have been scattered, whom others have forgotten and dismissed altogether, He keeps track. "For behold, I am commanding, and I will shake the house of Israel among all nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, but not a kernel [pebble; small part thereof] will fall to the ground" (Amos 9:9). The prophet bears witness that our great and mighty Elohim remembers every descendent of the exiled ten tribes of Israel, is concerned with each one, and numbers them (us) one-by-one as they/we return to His house.
The Living Torah: "I did not come to abolish but to fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
"Now the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, the sons of Israel shall camp, each by his own standard, with the banners of their father's households; they shall camp around the tent of meeting [facing it] at a distance. Now those who camp on the east side..." (Num. 2:1-2).
The camp of the saints was ordered in beauty, the tribes were positioned in the balance of their strengths, and the four major camps were proportioned around the presence of YHVH. All the tribes of Israel abode in their assigned positions with harmony and peace. The Tabernacle was the only center of the encampment. Dan and Simeon, Judah and Ephraim, all had their places in the foursquare arrangement. Every man/family also had their place in the tribes. Families camped by their banner. We observe from the numbering and careful arranging of Israel around the glory cloud that every tribe, every clan, every family, and every individual had a position to fill, value, and importance in YHVH's sight. The muster at Mount Sinai shows us that: (1) The Body of Messiah is an army. The census was taken of those that could bear arms in mortal combat. The opening chapters of Numbers resemble a military roll call. And why not? Yeshua Himself is a Man of war (Ps. 45:3-5). Paul informs every believer in Messiah to fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12). In the host of Yeshua, as in a continental army, there was/is no place for malingerers, neutrals, shirkers, deserters, or non-combatants (Mt. 12:30). (2) The Body of Messiah is an army on the march, with orders from the Commandant to march into all the world. As yet, we have no permanent base, no abiding, uninterrupted quarters in this world system. "...but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head" (Luke 9:58). We are sojourners, as our fathers in the faith the Patriarchs (2 Cor. 5:1; 2 Pet. 1:14). (3) The Body of Messiah (Ecclesia) is an army with banners and ensigns. We are not an unruly, unstructured, impulsive spiritual mob. YHVH is an Elohim of order, not confusion. We are a marshaled [effectively brought together in rank and order], unified host (Psalm 133:1; Eph. 3,13). (4) The Body of Messiah is an army of which YHVH keeps a perfect attendance roll. Yeshua, our divine, ever-present Commander-in-Chief, knows every one of His soldiers personally, monitors the performance of their duties, and personally strengthens each one for every conflict.. "Lo, I am with you always." Each name is written in His book. When a soul is born-again, born into Zion, the name is registered (Ps. 87:6). Yeshua, as our High Priest, continually thinks of and prays for every soldier. "I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh on me." We say "Amen" with the psalmist.
The presence of YHVH's Tabernacle in the midst of the tents of Israel, whether they were encamped or on the march, was a pledge of safety for the nation. In this way, He was in the midst "of the tabernacles of the most high", the tents/homes of the people (Deut 4:7; Rom. 8:31). It is a picture of Yeshua being personally present with individual believers as: (a) a lion to frighten our enemies (Hos. 11:10; Acts 5:17-42), (b) a fire to enlighten and protect (Isa. 4:5), and (c) a "Man of war" to fight for us (Isa.49:25-26). Thus, the knowledge that the presence of Yeshua is in our camps inspires confidence (Deut. 33:29), reverence (Ps. 89:7), joy (Ps. 118:15), and raises a shout in the camp that causes the enemy to tremble with fearful anticipations (Ps. 47:5; Zeph. 3:14; Jos. 6:20; 1 Sam. 4:5; 2 Chron. 13:15; Ez. 3:11). The Spirit-energized (anointed) shout brings down enemy strongholds, dissipates fear, and lionizes the heart.
"I say to you My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows" (Luke 12:4-7).
Yeshua had come out from a Pharisee's home He had visited and found a great crowd waiting for Him. His fame had become widespread at this time, but His popularity was declining. He warned the gathered people about the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who were so bitterly hostile to Messiah and His teaching. He knew that malice and severe persecution, in its many dreary and dreadful forms, was coming, and that shame and even death would be the course of many of His followers. There would be indeed a great triumph and glory provided abundantly for His faithful ones in the future, but the Messiah did not hide the fact that an earthly (greater of lesser) price will be paid by His chosen servants. All that live godly in Messiah will face troubles, but they will also "obtain a better resurrection" (Heb. 11:35). Thus, He exhorts them not to fear man, but to fear Him who can "...cast into Gehenna." But we have the better abode.
This phrase, "cast into Gehenna", is worth commenting upon. Gehenna is Gee-hinnom, or "Valley of Hinnom," translated into Greek letters. "This valley was situated in the neighborhood of Jerusalem, and originally was noted for the infamous rites practiced there in the worship of Moloch, in the times of the idolatrous kings of Judah. King Josiah, to mark his abhorrence of the idol-rites, defiled it with corpses [of criminals and others]; fires were subsequently kindled to consume the putrefying matter and prevent pestilence. The once fair valley, thus successively defiled with hideous, corrupting rites, by putrefying corpses, and then with blazing fires lit to consume what would otherwise have occasioned pestilence, was taken by rabbinical writers as a symbol for the place of torment, and is used not infrequently as a synonym for "hell." The translators of the Authorized Version have done so here. The reminder is, after all, we need not fear men. When they have done their worst, they have only injured or tortured the perishable body. The One whom all have good reason to fear is God, whose power is not limited to this life, but extends through and beyond death. Some have strangely supposed, not God, but the devil, is intended here to be the real object of human fear. The devil can be no object of fear to the Master's disciples." [Gospel According to Luke, Eerdmans, pg. 332.]
Notwithstanding, we have here a wonderful assurance for the soldiers of faith camped under the ensign of YHVH Nissi, Yeshua our Banner, Victory and Protector. It is this: nothing happens to us but by His knowledge and allowance. If He knows the failing of one single, not-particularly-valuable bird (common sparrow), even the falling out of one hair from our heads, how can we doubt or question His knowledge of and care for the lives of his valorous and faithful followers. Here, and beyond the veil, we are always within His reach. The Master said more! "I say to you, my friends." He goes even further than assuring believers of guardian care, and offers us His friendship (John 15:14-15).
[Note: The little sparrows referenced were of the type that were sold in street markets, strung together and hung, or pierced through and displayed on skewers.]
The Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh
"Now, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the sons of Israel instead of every firstborn...so the Levites shall be mine. For all the firstborn shall be Mine; on the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, from man to beast,. They shall be Mine; I am YHVH" (Num. 3:11-13).
An important preference was shown to the house of Levi. The Tabernacle service, and the functions and position of the Levites gave them no preeminence or particular advantage, but did distinguish them as chosen servants of YHVH. They were responsible for the discharge of mundane, routine duties that demanded no special, unique talents. Some also served as teachers and judges. Nevertheless, their charge was necessary, holy, worthy of respect, and their sacred duties required diligence and dedication. Levi was selected probably because it was the smallest tribe, less than half the size of the next smallest tribe, Manasseh. Also, its census was about the same number of Israel's firstborn, whom the Levites were designated to replace, thereby receiving upon themselves the holiness of the firstborn. Larger tribes would not have been needed and could not have been spared. For those who want a more insightful reason for Levi's election, we recommend Genesis 49:7 and Exodus 32:25-29 for study and midrash.
"No soldier of Messiah Yeshua in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Tim. 2:4). Believers today are like the Levites of old, chosen and enrolled by Messiah. As ministers, we are also soldiers enlisted by Him, armed by Him, and supported by Him, Who is the Captain of our salvation. Further, He has equipped us with the greatest Gift of all, the Holy Spirit.
"I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you" (John 16:12-15).
The Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of truth." But He "will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak" (John 16:12-15). He does not originate truth or glorify Himself. Truth is embodied in the revelation of Scripture and in the Person of Messiah Yeshua. The Holy Spirit's office is to guide us, show us, teach us, and to reveal to our hearts and minds the revelation of: (1) Messiah Himself and (2) the Torah, and all Holy Scripture. Through this ministry His purpose is to glorify Messiah. The sent Guide will indeed guide us ever deeper into the whole truth, gradually (with occasional accelerations), persuasively, and dependably. We want our spiritual eyes opened to behold His glory, and we need an all-sufficient power to guide us in our everyday thoughts, feelings, and behavior. We want the divine influence of the eternal Spirit to lift us above and beyond the downward draw of the seen and temporal world. And for this, we need to recognize and submit to the leadership, authority, power, revelation, and disposition of the Spirit promised by Yeshua. See: Zechariah 4:6.
Being Led by the Spirit/Hearing the Almighty
"These then are the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari" (Num. 3:17).
The Levites, other than the priestly house of Aaron, were divided into three groups. They were: (1) the descendents of Gershon (the Gershonites), (2) the descendents of Kohath (the Kohathites), and (3) the descendents of Merari (the Merarites). Each group filled different roles in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The Levites were charged with ministering to the Kohanim (Priests) as assistants. Their principal roles in the Temple were as worshipers singing psalms, and as maintenance and construction persons. They also served as guards, teachers, judges, and were administrators of the Cities of Refuge. Further, they translated and explained the Torah during public readings. In Egypt, the Levites distinguished themselves by remaining faithful to YHVH, and during the Exodus the tribe showed particular zeal for the Mosaic Law in the face of the Golden Calf worshipers (Exodus 32).
The sons of Levi had the privilege of serving in and around YHVH's Tabernacle, but, because of Messiah Yeshua, our privilege today is immeasurably greater. "Or do you not know that your body is a temple [tabernacle, sanctuary] of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own" (1 Cor. 6:19)? In 1 Cor. 3:16 the apostle has clearly reminded the believers that they are shrines, or temples, that are indwelt, empowered, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is actually in and around us now! He has been given leadership over the Body of Messiah. So Paul admonished the unruly ones that they, therefore, no longer owned themselves, and that their bodies were not to be under their own authority or control. The Corinthian rowdies were to be led by the Spirit, not their carnal natures. Conclusion: Consecrate your physical nature for the glory of Yeshua.
"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God" (Rom. 8:14).
Perhaps some leaders could do well by taking a lesson from Moses concerning welcoming the Promise of the Father (John 14:16-17). He was not threatened (or disturbed) by the visitation of the Spirit upon his elders, or the interruption and tumult it caused around his camp, even though in YHVH's eyes things were apparently being done decently (honorably, not necessarily quietly) and in His order (timing). The results of the Spirit's visit (with amplified power) was profitable. Unperturbed, Moses cried out, "Would to God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them." His wish came true on Pentecost, and today "the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal [everyone]." The gift of the Spirit is the fulfillment of the promise of Messiah, and a testimony to the efficacy of His atonement work. The Spirit creates a new spirit and nature in the believer and works powerfully within the human heart and mind to produce transformation. Believers are to be led, influenced, guided, accompanied, taught, empowered, and escorted hand-in-hand by the Holy Spirit, through the Torah and life, during their pilgrimage upon earth. This is essential, foremost, consequential. First, the Spirit's influence replaces the flesh as leader, where the "spirit of the age" is the dominant controller. Secondly, the Spirit sets our "mind[s] on the things above" (Col. 3:2), day by day, night by night, constantly. The heaven-ward journey [toward the things above] involves spiritual warfare but there's no turning back for the person of the Spirit. Thirdly, the Spirit enlightens us [all believers regardless of tribe, tongue, or nation] to our sonship, and fashions us progressively and persistently (a) in the image of our Father, (b) in the resemblance of our elder Brother and Friend, Yeshua, and (c) in the likeness the family of Israel. Fourthly, the Spirit develops in us the mind of Messiah, illuminates our intelligence, and quickens our emotions and discernment. Sin confuses, distorts, and dulls our spiritual perceptions. Prayer however, including praying in the Spirit [in tongues], opens up for us more clarity in the spiritual realm.
We have entered a new millennium, and the Hebrew Roots Movement has become a current, major phenomenon in the earth, perhaps the last global move of the Almighty. YHVH is restoring truth to His people, many of whom still need be filled and led by His Spirit, and forming in us a spirit of holiness. Pentecost was restored to the worldwide "Church" one century ago! We need more than an abiding anointing in our midst, we must have our ministries established "not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your [those to whom we minister/teach] faith would not rest on the wisdom [knowledge, skill] of men, but on the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:4-5). Today, the Holy Spirit should be a rallying point for believers, to unite and empower us as never before to meet the challenges of participating in the restoration of the kingdom, power, and glory of YHVH to all Israel. Still, receiving the role and full ministry of the Spirit [such as the baptism in the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues], and equipping leaders and believers therein, remains a point of controversy and division. But Paul exhorts us, "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:3-6). Further, he addressed the Corinthians, "...by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body--whether Jew or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:12-14). The point is, that throughout the early Ecclesia the Holy Spirit was associated with unity and cooperation among believers, and His power (1) facilitated their sanctification, and (2) enabled them to "...have turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6), something Rabbinic Judaism never did.
Pray and worship in the Spirit [with tongues/personal prayer language], faithfully and consistently, for 40 days and observe a transformation take place in your life, like that which is referenced in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." Start with only fifteen minutes each day. We renew and strengthen ourselves spiritually, and refurbish our souls, when we pray in tongues. See Jude 1:20.
We will spend a few weeks discussing the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is given by Yeshua, not for salvation, but for power in ministry (witnessing, et al) and increased awareness of His reality and holiness.
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: B'midbar ("In the wilderness")
Numbers 1:1-4:20 [Torah]: YHVH speaks to Moses in the wilderness/Census/Camp formation/Aaron and sons/Levites replace firstborn/Gershon, Kohath, and Merari/Firstborn redeemed/Duties of Kohathites/Eleazer.
Hosea 2:1-22 (3-20) [Haftorah]: Exiled Israelites, scattered 10 tribes, will grow in numbers, and become like the sand of the sea. Gen. 22:17; 32:12; Isa. 10:22. Messiah and the New Covenant open the way for their return to His ways and priesthood ministry.
1 Cor. 12:12-20 [N.T.]: The Body of Messiah has many members and functions. Each one is important.
John 1 and 2 [Gospel]: Messiah is the Living Torah Who became flesh and dwelt among us.
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).
Important: The study's scheduled Scriptures and the following questions are (1) the heart of the commentary study from which the readers can be most enriched, for from them the student learns on his/her own while depending on the assistance of the Holy Spirit, on Whom we encourage them to rely form insight and illumination. He is the Teacher for this commentary. Thus, the Scriptures and the questions comprise (2) the primary system of practice (exercise) for listening to the voice/word of Elohim, and a such are (3) the expected method through which the Holy Spirit will directly communicate personal edification, instruction, and exhortation to the student/reader. We recommend that you read the questions and keep them in mind as you study the texts. Write out what your answers, and what you hear from the Spirit, and share them with your study group.
Study Questions: Listen to the Ruach HaKodesh and then write your answers.
1. What is the major teaching, or theme for the (1) Torah, (2) Haftorah, (3) New Testament readings?
2. Summarize the common central truth that runs through the entire parsha, as you see it.
3. Relate the main truth/theme to the assigned Gospel chapter(s). Where, how does Yeshua demonstrate your central truth?
4. What does this week's parsha teach you about your Hebraic heritage?
5. In what way did the Spirit lead/speak to you, or teach you this week?
Israel
"Now those who were to camp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, are Aaron and Moses and his sons, performing the duty of the sanctuary for the obligation of the sons of Israel; but the layman coming near was to be put to death" (Num. 3:38).
Moses and Aaron occupied the most central and honorable place in the camp of Israel. Their position was right next to the Tabernacle, which was the most convenient place for conducting the routines of the sanctuary. Moses held the exceptional position as king of Jeshurun (Deut. 33:5), while Aaron was the high priest, a position which was hereditary. Together they represented the confluence/union of royal and sacerdotal (priestly) authority. Chapters three and four of Bamidbar (Numbers) constitute the Book of the Families of Levi. The design of the book is to note the principal divisions of the tribe and allot to each its place and duties. Observe that the names of Moses and Aaron stand where we should have expected to find Levi's. The patriarch's [Levi's] fame has been quite eclipsed by that of his illustrious descendents, insomuch that here the tribe takes its title from them rather than him. The book of the Levites is actually entitled the Book of Aaron and Moses.
In the time that followed the destruction of the Temple by Rome around 70 CE, the surviving Levites had been scattered and Israel was dominated by a series of oppressors. The Mamelukes were the next people after the Crusades to rule Israel/Palestine, and they did so for two centuries. They are remembered as riotous, violent, disordered people. Their name is derived from the word Mamluk, which means "slave". The Mamelukes were freed Caucasian and Oriental slaves that formed a powerful Egyptian military class from approximately 1291 to 1517 CE.
The Mamelukes were not civilly motivated, or ambitious and disciplined administrators, or diligent societal managers, and therefore did not succeed in forming and maintaining a strong, cohesive government in Israel/Palestine. They performed military occupations and trades, such as construction, and built strong and attractive buildings that endured for centuries. However, they destroyed the seaports of the land as a means of discouraging further Crusader adventurism.
The rule of the Mamelukes experienced social upheavals, earthquakes, and locusts before they were expelled from the land. Their end came at the time of the retreat of Islamic occupation from the parts of Europe it had earlier overrun and occupied. Christian armies had defeated the Muslims in Spain, and Islamic withdrawal signaled the demise of Islam's presence and threat in the west.
In 1492 the victorious Christians, after vanquishing the Muslim invaders, expelled the Jewish population from Spain. The ejected Jews, having no hospitable place to which to emigrate, began making their way back to Israel/Palestine, their ancient homeland, by the thousands.
Latter Days
"Then the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Take a census of the descendents of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers' households, from thirty years and upward, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tent of meeting" (Num. 4:1-3).
Following the census and dedication of the Levites, the Almighty commanded Moses and his brother Aaron to organize Levi's three tribal families for the purpose of servicing and transporting the Tabernacle and its vessels and furnishings. The duties and responsibilities of the Kohathites, who were assigned to the most sacred parts of the Tabernacle, are given in the parsha. YHVH warned Moses and Aaron that the sanctity of the Ark of the Covenant was so majestic, so exalted, that even the elite Kohathites could not look upon the uncovered Ark (or any accidently exposed part of it) as it was prepared for transport. YHVH charged the Kohanim (Priests) with the protection of the Kohathites, that the Levites' lives would not be jeopardized by exposure to the Ark before it had been properly covered and wrapped.
The term "take a census" can also mean "raise up the head." The term was applied to both the Kohathites and the Gershonites to suggest that they were being elevated by their assignments. The Merarites, on the other hand, were only "counted", which strongly conveys the idea that their Tabernacle function was a less majestic, not-as-distinguished, non-elevating task.
Kohath was Levi's second son. His progeny/children were counted first out of deference to the greatness of his descendents, Moses and Aaron. "Because Moses was the great teacher of the Torah, his brethren, the Kohathites, were given the honor of bearing the Ark. By assigning the Ark to the most meritorious of Levi's families, God showed that honor is due those who struggle to acquire Torah knowledge, not merely to those who are the oldest or the most privileged" [Kli Yakar, Chumash]. Thus, the Kohathites were assigned to carry the most holy things, but they could not touch them directly, or even see them from a distance, or they would die. "They shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment... (verse 20). The Priests were charged to protect the Kohathites by a thorough, detailed discharge of their duties, and thereby not cause their death by recklessness and irreverence with respect to the holy things, which would prove fatal. "But do this to them that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy objects" (verse 19).
There is a danger that arises from the careless, unholy conduct of ministers and their irreverent mishandling of the holy things, such as the Word of Elohim. Careless behavior on the part of YHVH's royal priesthood leaves the impression of unbelief and indifference upon the influenced people. Immoral living and irresponsible performance of Elohim's business by His servants will "cut off" souls from going further into the Kingdom of God. Great indeed is the accountability of the priest. Aaron and his sons could only escape the responsibility of any catastrophe besetting the Kohathites by following the instructions of YHVH exactly! May we, who are returning to our Hebraic roots and the fullness of the Spirit, not deviate from our purposes at all, and learn to follow exactly His holy precepts and the Spirit's leading. In the latter days, wherein we believe we are living, Jeremiah assures us that YHVH will raise up righteous and dependable shepherds to serve His people Israel.
"Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply. I will also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, declares the Lord" (Jer. 23:3-4). We are our brothers keeper.
Bless the Land
"This is the work of the descendents of Kohath in the tent of meeting, concerning the most holy things. When the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons shall go in and they shall take down the veil of the screen and cover the ark of the testimony with it; and they shall lay a covering of porpoise skin on it, and shall spread over it a cloth of pure blue, and shall insert its poles. Over the table of the bread of the Presence they shall also spread a cloth of blue..." (Num. 4:4-7).
In the event of the camp moving, the Kohathites were given the responsibility of transporting, or carrying the vessels of the Tabernacle after they were covered by the priests. It was a most prestigious service. Our service in this hour is lofty as well, and elevates us in the sight of angels. We are called to be Watchmen, and carry the burden of Israel before Elohim. "There shall be a day when watchmen on the hills of Ephraim shall call out, Arise and let us go to Zion, to our God" (Jer. 31:6). It's time for believers to step up and fulfill the prophetic word. [Note: Christians have been called Notzrim in Israel. It means "watchman" or "guard." Notzrim's root is natsiyr, which means "preserved." The words define our role as believers which is: (1) to see, by the Spirit His plan for all Israel and proclaim it boldly, and (2) to pray and labor for the restoration of the whole House of Israel and for the peace and prosperity of the holy city, Jerusalem. Have you heard your personal call to stand on your ordained guard post, fill that gap in the wall, peer into the prophetic distance, proclaim the vision, and pray?]
1. Pray for Israel and Jerusalem.
"For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead" (Rom. 11:15). Watchman, take time to sing and speak His word over the land.
2. Pray for America. Pray for your Nation.
"...prophesy...and say to the breath, Thus saith YHVH Elohim, Come from the four winds, O breath, and breath on these slain, that they come to life..." (Ezek. 37:9). Pray for a great spiritual awakening in our cities and towns.
3. Sing the Song of YHVH. [Prophetic Praise and Worship]
"Let the word of Messiah richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Col. 3:16). A psalm is a sacred ode, poem, that is spoken or sung accompanied with musical instruments. A hymn is a religious composition of praise, sometimes a doctrinal song or ode. A spiritual song directly inspired, supernatural, non-carnal, Spirit-led song. The written Scriptures are very profitable for song and are excellent for use in singing. The Spirit-inspired, prophetic words Messiah speaking and singing to His Bride through spiritual songs also fills the hearts of worshipers with joy and thankfulness. He anoints our worship activities because they glorify Him, but the praise He inhabits is the Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered, spontaneous praise and worship of His holy people.
Conclusion
"The responsibility of Eleazer the son of Aaron the priest is the oil for the light and the fragrant incense and the continual grain offering and the anointing oil--the responsibility of all the tabernacle and of all that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings" (Num. 4:16).
Eleazer was given the responsibility for all the physical appliances/needs of the Tabernacle. He had to see that every Tabernacle need was met on time, especially the oil, the incense, and the preparation and placement of the bread. It was likely that the Kohathites, who were related to the priests and separated for honorable and sacred duties, were under his authority.
In the wilderness there was one Tabernacle, four camps, twelve tribes, 273 surplus firstborns (above the census of the Levites), 22,300 Levites, and 603,550 Israelite fighting men, with many more women and children. And, let us not forget, there were also the herds and flocks, huge numbers of animals. Order of position, rank, responsibility, and authority had to be clearly established--not in the tribe of Levi only, but among all the tribes--in preparation for the march to Canaan. As one ancient sage put it, "Order is Heaven's first law." It prioritizes resources, facilitates success, and tends to promote peace and patience. Yeshua is again our example.
"And He commanded them all to sit down by groups...they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties [companies; rank and file]. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves..." (Mark 6:30-44). Yeshua endorsed the value of divine order by His example in the feeding of 5000 men, not to mention their family members. The multitude was reduced to small parties in preparation for the banquet, in harmony with divine wisdom. YHVH is not the author of confusion, for such is the devil's work. There was a place for everyone, so no person would be overlooked. Orderly regulation allows for good stewardship of time, saves trouble, maximizes labor, and allows for greater success in pursuits and plans. Among the 5000, all were fed, all were satisfied. There were no wasted materials or feverish, fruitless labors, and no one was neglected. Leftovers were stewarded.
There is spiritual order as well as material order. Consider this, for instance. "Therefore brethren, desire earnestly to prophecy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Cor. 14:39-40). Paul is writing about the gifts ["spirituals"] of the Spirit. In verse forty he is making an un-complicated, clear statement concerning the operation of tongues and prophecy in a congregational setting. He simply affirms that there should be an honorable (decent) succession (one gift following the other in sensible order) of tongues, interpretation, and/or prophecy for the understanding, edification and exhortation of the listeners (1 Cor. 14:1-5). He is not talking about the pastor and/or elders rigidly controlling the service. He is not endorsing pre-planned, scripted praise and worship meetings that cannot be altered or interrupted by the Spirit, and that allow no room for individual participation, or even honest error. He is not speaking against the saints freely yielding to the spontaneous moving of the Spirit, or subduing child-like interest and enthusiasm. He is certainly not hinting that our venues become like libraries, where demonstrations and outbursts of joy and singing are unwelcome and order is extreme. To the contrary, Paul firmly states, "Let all things be done," not "some things," or "only the few things we want." His teaching plainly suggests that the Spirit must be allowed to lead, anoint, inspire, and engineer our gatherings, and when we understand and comply, whatever is done by Him will be decent and in order. It might be helpful to read the listed examples of unplanned, not-so-demure incidents that, being inspired, orchestrated and empowered by the Spirit of YHVH, were things done decently and in order: Leviticus 9:22-24 (affect of the glory and fire); 10:1-3 (Nadab and Abihu); Numbers 16:1-50 (Korah's rebellion); 25:1-13 (zeal of Phinehas), and many more in the Tenach. Also, in the Apostolic Scriptures we have such things as: John 2:13-17 (Yeshua cleansed the Temple); Acts 2:1-47 (Pentecost et al); 5:1-16 (Ananias and Sapphira); 7:1-53 (Stephen martyred); 27:39-28:10 (Shipwreck and revival on Malta), and there are other such examples of letting "all things be done." As a matter of fact, even at the consummation of our redemption, the resurrection of the dead, when believers receive their glorified bodies, there is an order. "But now Messiah has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep...so also in Messiah all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order [place in line, so to speak]..." (1 Cor. 12:7). First, Messiah Yeshua, then "they that are Messiah's", and finally the rest of mankind (1 Thess. 4:16).
Ecclesiastes sums up the matter nicely. "There is an appointed time for everything ["all things"]. And there is a time for every event under heaven--a time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted...a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance...a time to be silent and a time to speak...a time for war and a time for peace" (Ecc. 3:1-9).
With this in mind, we can see from the First Corinthian passage that Paul is plainly teaching about discerning and following the progression of the inspiration gifts in the public gathering, from the most important to the least, as determined by the Spirit. He does state that everyone should speak in tongues, but that would be in reference to the personal prayer language. His point is: when one speaks in tongues publically an interpretation must follow [See 1 Cor. 12:10 for inspiration gifts]. The apostle places the greatest value on the gift of prophecy [edification, exhortation, and comfort] and insists that he who prophecies edifies the congregation. To that end, he strongly encourages everyone to learn to prophecy, and then to do so in order. Thus we learn that "decently and in order" does not suggest that we quench or restrict the Spirit, or discourage the young saints from enthusiastically and fearlessly operating in His gifting; the term instead promotes the means that liberates "the manifestation of the Spirit for the [much needed] common good' (1 Cor. 12:7).
The Book of Numbers opens with parsha B'midbar, which describes how the process of putting things in order for Israel was started, with a census of the people. Without laws and organization, the people would not succeed in their march forward to the promised land. It is this way with us today. When we were saved, and grafted into Israel, the Spirit took our dysfunction and disorder, that which was without form and void of light, and began moving within us to fashion divine order. "...decently and in order" means discerning the mind of the Spirit, acknowledging the matter/movement and the sequence of what He wants done, yielding our wills to Him, and cooperating. In this way He brings each of us out of our wilderness [confusion] to the land/place in His kingdom in which we are called to live.
"Then the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai..." (Num. 1:1).
Some wildernesses, while not cultivated, are relatively fertile and watered, but not Sinai. It is an empty, desolate place. Moses called it, "the great and terrible wilderness, wherein are fiery serpents and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water" and a "desert land, a waste howling wilderness." Sinai was a place devoid of productivity, society, enterprise and order. It was different from the abundance that had been in Egypt, behind Israel, and the riches, milk and honey of Canaan which was before them. But Israel had the Tabernacle and the presence of YHVH in their midst. The Most high wanted His people, and Himself, to not linger in such a barren place. However, progress for the Israelite required order and divine timing, without which the people would remain in an un-watered, unfruitful habitat, away from their rich and productive destiny. It is logical therefore, that following the regulations, warnings, and events that closed Leviticus, in B'midbar we would see the organization of Levitical, tribal, family, and individual order established in Israel; the divine order and sequence necessary for the Hebrews' march to Canaan.
Living the Truth
Every believer has his tribe, family, banner, tent, and place in relationship and fellowship with Yeshua. We become more effectual and less vulnerable when we take our prescribed place among brethren.
"Then the tent of meeting shall set out with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; just as they camp, so shall they set out, every man in his place by their standard. On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim by their armies...Next to him shall be the tribe of Manasseh...then comes the tribe of Benjamin..." (Num. 2:17-22). Each tribe had its own characteristics and were arranged with one another in the camp in such a way as to combine their strengths and minimize weaknesses. For example: "Ephraim's formation was to the west, the source of extreme weather, such as hail, cold, and heat [presumably because the Mediterranean Sea is west of Eretz Yisrael ]. The Midrash derives homiletically that the three tribes in this formation [Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin] possessed the strength that was necessary to withstand such harsh elements. Furthermore, God's Presence was at the western side of both the Tabernacle and Temple, in the boundary of Benjamin's portion in the Land (Deuteronomy 33:12). The strength represented by these three tribes is the necessary companion of Torah [Judah] and repentance [Reuben], for both dedication to Torah study and repentance require strength of conviction and character" (Rambam).
In addition, order/sequential arrangement was seen in the tribes display of their patriarchal heritage, whereby each tribe could identify equally with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each three-tribe formation had its own camp banner that included all the colors of the three represented tribes. On these banners of the four camp formations were inscribed the letters, that in combination, spelled the names of the Patriarchs. On the first of the four banners was written yod, yod, alef. The second banner bore ahyeen, tsadee, and be'ht. The third, kahf, kheht, and resh. On the fourth were be'ht, kahf, and me'hm. The first letters from each banner were (from the right), alef, be'ht, resh, and me'hm, and spelled Avram, or Abraham. The second letters formed/spelled Isaac. And the third sequence spelled Jacob. One message we derive easily enough from this amazing display of loyalty, symbolism, and national identity is: only by divine inspiration, order and unity do we today, who are returning to our Hebraic roots, form Israel. [Thank you for your mercy in my handling of the Hebrew.]
"Do not let you heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places [mansions]; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you...that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:2-3).
Yeshua made atonement for us while He was on earth, and then ascended to prepare a place above. Now He is preparing us for those places in glory that will be situated around Him and His Throne, even as the Levites and tribes were placed around the Tabernacle in the wilderness.
Next week: Parsha Nasso ("Elevate the head").
