Ki Tova

BLESS THE LAND

PARSHA COMMENTARY

Parsha Commentary Study

Ki Tova ("When you enter in")

Bless the Land

Written by Hutch Church

August, 2010

Torah: Deut. 26:1-29:9 (8)

Haftorah: Isa. 60: 1-22

Gospel:

Acts: 7:30-36

Epistle:

Sections: 1. Parsha Community 2. Parsha Study 3. Prayer and Blessing 4. Living the Parsha

Welcome: "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord" (Ps. 31:24). The psalm is a cry for deliverance from danger and tribulation, with passages of praise and thanksgiving interspersed. It concludes with praise for YHVH's goodness. David is said to be the author. In it he enjoins the people to love Yahweh, an exhortation based on the goodness of Elohim that David himself had experienced many times in his life. He affirms that when trouble assails Israel, the Most High always provides strength and favor for "...all you that hope for the Lord;" that is, for all that hope in His direct help as Deliverer (Job 14:14; Psalm 33:18, 22). Three degrees of goodness (types of goodness) are set forth in the psalm. I. Deliverance (verse 7-8), Israel's history is replete [stout] with testimonies of divine deliverances. 2. Treasures of goodness (v. 19). The net laid furtively by the enemy is replaced with Elohim's goodness laid up secretly. Yahweh's secrecy always outwits and stumbles the enemy's underhanded stealth. The enemy's plans forming against you now, are already being undermined by Him. 3. Marvelous kindness (v. 21). When it looked like hope was gone, the faithful Almighty sweeps in to deliver His servant. These blessings are also your portions. Rejoice and be glad this week for you are about to be taken from your narrow straits and set in a broad place. Keep in mind, Abba will be producing from His secret chambers in heaven demonstrations and riches of His love for His people now, later, and throughout eternity (v. 19). Believe! When we stand and act strong, He fills us with courage (v. 24).

Section 1: Weekly Commentary

Torah: Introduction to Ki Tova ("When you enter in")

Last week: Parsha Ki Tavo ("When you go") revealed seventy-four of the 613 mitzvot found in the entire Torah. They are varied and include handling beautiful captives, rebellious sons, inheritance rights, sundry domestic regulations, judicial rules for punishment, military matters, divorce, and marriage. We saw again that the regulations Moses set before the people were: (1) safeguards against Israel's complicity with the destructive practices of the surrounding nations, and (2) positive standards designed to keep their society in a position of strength and victory. The underlying message Moses wanted to inculcate deeply into the hearts of the sons of Israel was the understanding that the nation's victory and quality of life were directly related to abiding in His commandments. We find this idea in the New Testament exhortation from Jude, the nephew of James, who wrote his epistle with the intent to help prevent the elect from falling away: "But you beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously [eagerly] for the mercy of our Lord Yeshua Messiah to eternal life" (Jude 1:20-21).

This Week: Ki Tova means "when you enter." The parsha topics includes regulations for the nation once Israel entered the land. The subjects addressed include offering first fruits, prayer over the tithe given to the Levites and the poor, the curses of Mount Ebal and blessings of Mount Gerizim, the covenant made in Moab, and the charge of Moses to the people.

Toward the end of Ki Tova, after listing the blessings with which the Almighty would bless His people if they followed the Torah, Moses gave a severe account of the detrimental things that will occur if they threw off His commandments and went their own way. Israel's instruction on the blessing or curse, a choice of which the people would face daily, was vividly proclaimed and formally commemorated by the Tochachah, meaning "rebuke" or "admonition." It refers to the dramatic ritual performed when Israel first crossed the Jordan River and entered Canaan. The unusual ceremony was a reaffirmation of Israel's acceptance of their covenant with Yahweh. The Torah was inscribed on twelve stones. Six were taken up Mount Ebal, which represented the curses, and six were placed on Mount Gerizim, which represented the blessings. The priests and Levites, with the Ark of the Covenant, stood in the valley between the large hills and called out the curses and the list of blessings of obedience, and the people responded with "amens."

1. "Then it shall be, when you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, and you possess it and live in it, that you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground which you bring in from your land...put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to establish His name" (Deut. 26:1-2).

Moses, facing the last days of his life, continued teaching Israel. The people were told that once they came into Canaan each household head was to bring an offering of their produce, placed in a basket, to the sanctuary and present it to the Kohen, who would place it before the Altar. The Israelite bringing the offering was then to declare with gratitude, "I profess this day unto the Lord thy God, that I am come into the country which the Lord swore unto our fathers for to give us." The offerer remembered Israel's history, and thanked Yahweh for choosing Israel to be a great nation, bringing the Hebrews into a beautiful land, and blessing the individual who was bringing his first fruits to the Lord, and prostrate himself before his Elohim. The Israelite gift of first fruits, called Bikkurim, showed that he had dedicated everything he owned to the glory and service of Elohim. It is a statement of homage that said every blessing, success, and accomplishment of the giver, no matter how much effort and expense has been invested by the person, was actually a gift from the Most High Elohim (Exodus 23:19). Then the person went forth to celebrate all the goodness that Yahweh had given to him and his household.

Yahweh is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, the Author of mercy and kindness. He is the One who creates and gives the land, imparts strength and skill to man to cultivate it, and provides the seed, rain, and sun to bring forth thereof good fruit. Nature did not create itself, nor does it have independent power or force apart from Yahweh. He can easily adjust nature's disposition and functions to favor or provoke mankind. See Exodus 7-15. With this in mind, it is entirely fitting that mankind should survey its blessings and give praise to the Holy One of Israel upon Whom every person is utterly dependent.

When we come before Elohim it is good to bring an offering. Giving first fruits, a portion of our increase, is : (A) an act of recognizing Him as our Source, (B) a sincere method of giving thanks, (C) a way of dedicating and sanctifying what we possess to His glory, (D) an action that opens wider the gate to His provision and blessing, and (E) a move toward sensitizing the heart to receive greater spiritual revelation. See: Malachi 3:10-11 [What does the opening of the windows of heaven suggest to you? More light? Fresh winds? Acts 2:4? Selah.]. Also, with regards to giving, see: Lev. 27:30; Nu. 18:26; De. 14:22-23; 2 Chron. 31:5-6; Neh. 10:38; 12:44; Amos 4:4; Ps. 50:14-15; Prov. 3:9-10; 10:4; 11:24-25; 22:9; Ecc. 5:4-5; Isa. 32:20; Lk. 6:38; Rom. 12:13; Acts 3:6; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 4:28; and more. Check your concordance.

2. "When you have finished paying all the tithe of your increase...You shall say before the Lord your God, I have removed the sacred portion from my house..." Deut. 26:12-13).

The year of the [single] tithe was when only one tithe of the previous year's two tithes was paid. In the first two years of the seven year cycle, the Levites tithe and the maaser sheni were given. In the third (and sixth) year the Maaser Sheni was not given, but was replaced by the tithe of the poor, the Maaser Ani. The third tithe was particularly important because it represented Israel's concern and generosity for the poor of the land. The Levites owned no property, but were devoted to Yahweh and thus were entitled to their tithe, or gift, each year. The second tithe, Maaser Sheni was taken to Jerusalem and consumed there. The second tithe was given in the first, second, fourth, and fifth years of each seven year cycle. See: Deut. 14:22-29; 26:12; 28:14.

3. "Then Moses...charged the people...when you cross the Jordan to the land which the Lord your God gives you, that you shall set up for yourself large stones and coat them with lime and write on them all the words of this law..." (from Deut. 27:1-11).

The entry of Israel into the Promised Land, their "D-Day," was only weeks away. Moses, who was joined by the respected elders of the tribes, stood before the people. The second-generational Israelites would be required, once they had entered Eretz Yisrael but before the actual warfare was underway, to commit themselves to Yahweh and His covenant. The national ceremony was accomplished by: (1) Inscribing the Torah on twelve large stones, (2) bringing prescribed offerings, and (3) gathering at two mountains, Ebal and Gerizim, to pledge their faith and allegiance to the Holy One of Israel. Moses was burdened. His time was short. He wanted Israel to truly understand, by the assistance of these measures, that their success for the future rested in their compliance with their sacred covenant.

"...you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very distinctly" (v. 8). Immediately after crossing the Jordan, Israel was to set about inscribing the Law, the Torah. It would be written in a manner making it understandable, and in seventy languages, which would be a miraculous feat calling for "...the Spirit of God in wisdom, and understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship..." (Ex. 31:1-3). We are told by some commentators that all the commandments, not the entire Torah text, were written on the great stones.

4. "Moses also charged the people...when you cross the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people...For the curse, these shall stand on Mount Ebal...The Levites shall then answer and say to all the men of Israel with a loud voice, Cursed in the man who makes an idol or a molten image..." (from Deut. 27:11-26).

Israel would gather at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim once they entered the land, to recommit to the Covenant. As part of the ritual, twelve commandments would be loudly proclaimed in the hearing of every man of Israel, while six tribes stood on one mountain and six on the other. This would take place with the Kohen, Levites, elders, and the Ark in the valley between the mountains. In this public setting, as the Levites read the blessings and the curses, the people on the mountains would openly acknowledge--by shouting "amen!"--that blessings would come to those who obeyed the commandments and curses would afflict those who rejected the commandments. In this way, at the inauguration of her occupation in the Promised Land, Israel would recommit to the Torah and the success of her campaign would be assured.

"These shall stand to bless the people on Mount Gerizim...Simeon, Levi, Judah, Isaachar, Joseph, and Benjamin...And these...for the curse on Mount Ebal: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Nphtali" (vreses12-13). The total number of the tribes was listed as twelve, with Levi counted among them. Ephraim and Manassah were united and counted as the tribe of Joseph.

5. "Now it shall be, if you diligently obey [listen to the voice of] the Lord your God...all these blessing will come upon you and overtake you if you obey [listen to the voice of] the Lord your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be..." (read Deut. 28:1-14).

Moses brought the people a frightening prophecy revealing what would happen to Israel if she spurned Yahweh and His Law. This warning is regarded as the second admonition. The first was given in Leviticus 26. We are told by the Jewish sage Rambam the first warning, or admonition refers to the period leading up to the destruction of Solomon's Temple, and would therefore include the scattering of the northern kingdom and later the Babylonian Exile. This admonition, the second one, refers to the time of the destruction of the Second Temple and the Diaspora.

Before the warning and long list of consequences of disobedience are given, the Torah gives the blessings that will result for the nation when the people, privately and publically, fulfill their sacred responsibilities. The blessings cover all aspect of life and provide for every material need. Thus, the twenty-first century believer can be assured that the faithfulness of the Almighty has not abated, and that He will continue to impress His glory and goodness into every area of a disciple's life. The goodness and blessing of the Holy One of Israel will overtake the faithful one, even when no strenuous effort is exerted for this gain, or when circumstances or conditions would seem to make the breakthrough of blessing unlikely. His mercy will not be deterred. His grace will be more than sufficient.

6. "But it shall come about, if you do not obey [listen to the voice of] the Lord your God...cursed shall you be..." (read Deut. 28:15-68).

We are told that most of this prophetic admonition refers to the period of spiritual decline of Judea leading up to and including the destruction of the Second Temple by Rome, invasion, subjugation, dispersion, and sufferings from exposure and vulnerability in foreign lands.

After reading this long passage, verse after verse of progressively worsening warnings and curses, one could easily think it is the most stern, severe, awful section in the entirety of Scripture. But the verses are all divinely inspired and accurately reveal, in fact, the frightful succession of multiplied judgments and miseries forecast to come upon, in ever-increasing fashion, those who were persistently defiant; those who would reject the Covenant and ignore the sent prophets. Moses' words have been verified, for history shows us that (1) Israel did forsake Yahweh and (2) these judgments as listed did come upon her. But is this love? Well, whether people can understand His ways or not, what He does is nevertheless always right in its means and ends.

It has been said that Elohim's love is veiled in His frown. With that thought in mind, here are several points to consider that may clarify the divine reasoning for Deuteronomy 28:15-68: A. In every nation, including Israel, there are those who will be turned to truth only after facing strong and persuasive deterrents. To a nation that is in a stage of infancy, as was Yahweh's nation in the wilderness, fear can be trusted to provide greater motivation than faith or teaching. At the start of a restoration movement or advance of the Kingdom of God within the body of believers, we discover that wickedness has not been reasoned with or pampered, but rather was quickly snuffed out. See: Joshua 7:22-26; 2 Samuel 6:6-29; Acts 5:1-16. [We may see divine displays of intolerance toward premeditated, hurtful wickedness happen again as the Body of Messiah moves from its second-day position in the Holy place of visitation into its third day position, the Most Holy Place of His habitual Presence, the threshold to which we are approaching. Hosea 6:1-3.] B. The Almighty uses the curse as well as the blessing. His purpose is not to make men comfortable and happy, but righteous and holy. May it be known that happiness, in fact, follows on the heels of holiness. C. The wrath of the living God must not be regarded as inconsistent with His pure love. Without judgment and the removal of corruption, especially when there is no alternative left for restoration, there would be injustice and mercilessness. Only the far-sightedness of the Most High can perceive and accurately ascertain the diabolical consequences of un-restrained, un-confronted sin. D. Our God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, yet His righteous laws must be vindicated and enforced for His glory and the welfare of His people, for all sin leads people into bondage and death. Thus, His faithful love and kindness are seen behind the declaration of the frightening judgments.

The curses listed in the passage did end up coming upon Israel. The nation chose not to serve YHVH, their Deliverer, Redeemer, Provider, and Protector, with faith and gladness of heart, so Israel ended up instead serving her oppressors "in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things" (verse 48). Alas, they were swamped by the horrible, predicted retribution. Nations, especially those that have a knowledge of the true Elohim and, in the face of that privilege, choose to follow in Israel's wicked, unfaithful ways, can expect the same succession of worsening judgments to be their portion as well. Let us remember, in this life we will either be (1) influenced, manipulated and (2) pressed into service for the devil [and assist in some form or fashion in accommodating and strengthening the kingdom of darkness], or (3) called, anointed and (4) placed into the service of Yahweh [to strengthen Israel and build up the Kingdom of Light]. There's no middle ground. Keep in mind, all the tribes would have to stand squarely on either one mountain or the other. Consequently, the choice is still curse or blessing, Ebal of Gerizim, darkness or Light. Our daily decisions will favor one or the other. That's it.

"Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God. Yeshua said to him, Because you have seen Me have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed" (John 20:28-29). Blessed are they who trust Yeshua, who hear His words and believe them. The key to living in the blessing realm is to see and live by faith, not by the flesh.

Yeshua met with His disciples after His resurrection. They had gathered behind locked doors, but with new hope after hearing the testimony of Mary (Lk. 24:1-12). That is when Yeshua "came and stood in the midst, and said...peace be unto you." His resurrected, glorified body was not subject to temporal material restrictions. While He was there He renewed to them His commission (Mt. 28:18-20): "Peace be unto you: as My Father has sent Me, even so I send you," and He bestowed the gift of the Holy Spirit as an earnest of the Pentecostal outpouring soon to come. The power and gifts were not restricted to the apostles only, but were meant for the entire body of believers down through history. "But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Yeshua came." His temperament kept him in solitude and contemplation. Eight days later Yeshua appeared again to His disciples. This time Thomas, no doubt urged on strongly by his compatriots, was present, but still obstinate. "...the other disciples said to him, we have seen the Lord, he [Thomas] said unto them, except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." The impulsive words bordered on being an ultimatum, nevertheless Yeshua condescended to Thomas's unbelief. Yeshua's humble descent from dignity, that place of mercifully permitting the Apostle's demand to go forth, was an allowance that probably saved Thomas' faith and life. Messiah offered him the evidence he had wanted, needed. [Isn't it wonderful how the Savior bears with the weaknesses of His people.] Thomas's doubts, all his melancholy and unbelief, were dispersed and replaced by holy adoration, and he was blessed. His belief, however, was based upon the witness of his senses. Yeshua however spoke of a blessedness on a higher level which would belong to those who see Him with the heart, and would believe in Him through faith in the proclaimed word (Rom. 10:1-16), and not demand convincing evidences other than the Word of truth that sent ones would preach. "...and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" (1 Pet. 1:8).

This was the intent of Yahweh's servant. Moses wanted Israel to truly contemplate the commandments, and come to see--not with physical eyes but with spiritual eyes--Yahweh in the Torah. They had to be helped to get past their dependence upon the carnal nature and its senses, to correctly perceive the divine goodness and wisdom of the commandments. Then they could remain faithful, and blessed. "...for we walk by faith, not by sight..." (2 Cor. 5:7).

7. "...if you do not hearken to the voice of the Lord your God..." (Deut. 28:15).

There are three conditions that must be honored in order to enjoy Elohim's rich blessings, according to the Jewish sage Or HaChaim. They are : A. Study the Torah. B. Do not transgress the negative commandments ["You shall not commit..."]. C. Perform all the positive commandments ["You shall honor..."]. We add: D. Be filled with the Holy Spirit (See 1 Thess. 5:16-24).

8. "These are the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the sons of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant He had made with them at Horeb" (Deut. 29:1).

Moses came to deliver his last instructions and exhortations to the sons of Israel. He summed up their four-decade history in the wilderness and put the experience in perspective one last time for their complete understanding. The people had come to a point where they could appreciate the fact that their survival and conquests were miraculous accomplishments of the living Elohim, and that their full devotion, faithfulness, and gratitude were owed Him. It has been said that it takes forty years for a Torah student to completely understand and become like his teacher. That may or may not be true. What we know is true, is that it took forty years in the furnace of the Wilderness for Israel to understand Yahweh. "But Yahweh did not give you a heart to know, or eyes to see, or ears to hear until this day" (v. 3). [Note: Apparently this happened after Moses had given a newly written Torah Scroll to the Levites (Deut.. 31:19) and the common people protested vigorously, insisting that they did not want to be excluded from having a share in it. Moses marveled at the demonstration of affection and reverence for the Torah, and realized that Israel had matured into a people of Elohim. This is what it means to be "people of the Word."]

9. "So keep the words of this covenant to do them, that you may possess in all that you do" (Deut. 29:9).

We close the Torah portion as Israel is about to be summoned by Moses to recommit to the Covenant of Yahweh with fresh determination, enthusiasm, and warm-heartedness. The verb "keep" or "guard" in the verse above carries the connotation of "looking at His words, attending to them, and therefore become intelligent and prudent to act wisely, and have success and prosper." See Joshua 1:7-8.

Moses wanted the people to open their eyes to their own history, and to how YHVH provided mighty works, guidance, signs and wonders, gave victory and provision to bring them to their current estate. The second generation was not as spiritually dull as the first that had came out of Egypt, but still had not seated deeply into its heart the meaning of their dealings of God. They had failed to fully understand the lessons of their forty year history. Again, the Hebrews were commanded to keep the commandments of Elohim. The declared word had to be mixed, or united, with faith if they were to enter into their rest (Heb. 4:1-3).

Spiritual discernment is given freely to them who hunger and thirst for righteousness. However, Abba does not give it arbitrarily. It is generously given to them who desire it, who feel a need for truth, who seek spiritual enlightenment earnestly while living faithfully in the light already extended and possessed (Ps. 25:9,12,14; 119:18; Mt. 13:10-16; John 7:17). To acquire "...eyes to see," prayer, study, and obedience are a must.

Haftorah

Isaiah prophesies in glowing terms of Israel's final redemption, the ingathering of exiles, the joy of those returning to the land, the coming abundance, and gifts that will come to her from the nations of the earth. This chapter has been called A Song of Triumph upon Glorified Zion.

1. "Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you" (Isa. 60:1-2).

Isaiah 60:1-22 is regarded as a poem, an ode, or a song of triumph over restored and glorified Zion. The subject of the prophet's declaration is implied but not mentioned until verse 14, "the city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel." She is viewed as lying prostrate in the dirt and enveloped in thick darkness, the dense, heavy kind that blanketed and immobilized the whole land of Egypt in the day of Moses. She is told to stand, for though she had preferred to walk in darkness, now her light had come; it is the light of Yahweh rising, and she is called to arise, be transfigured, and reflect His glorious goodness to the nations that lie in impervious obscurity and spiritual murkiness. Zion would be blessed by divine radiances that would flow from the Throne of Grace and transfigure her, making her angelic, an astonishment and attraction to the nations who would seek to draw near and partake the brightness. Isaiah saw the ruin of Jerusalem, Judah, and all Israel. He also saw their remedy: the recognition, acceptance, and reflection of divinely sent enlightenment. "Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Mt. 5:16). When we know the Word, we are expected to become a doer of the Word (James 1:19-23). When we have been given light, we are called to stand [not "hide under a basket"] and reflect it, and thereby extend the word and work of our Redeemer (Mt. 5:16). Letting our light shine not only blesses men, but the act of yielding becomes a lifestyle leading to spiritual transformation for the submitted, Spirit-led believer. "...if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Yeshua cleanses us from all sin...from all unrighteousness" (1 John 7-9). Therefore, it is of great importance that we who confess His Name be found always in His Light, upright in faith, and growing in grace. Our reward: more Light! "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day" (Prov. 4:18). According to the words of an unknown commentator: "How valueless is all else in creation without light."

2. "Whereas you have been forsaken and hated with no one passing through, I will make you an everlasting pride, a joy from generation to generation" (Isa. 60:15).

Zion will become an everlasting pride. Forsaken as a wife rebuked for her adulterous living and forsaken by her husband, she will yet be remembered, lifted up and made a joy for all the earth. Zion will not remain a despised wife, and empty city, or neglected, but will become the radiant bride of the Almighty, illuminated by His glory and established in His eternal truth. Elohim's idea of the honor He will bestow on Zion envisions purity and permanency. His ideal is immortal, not temporal. Nations seek other excellencies that do not endure. But Yahweh's eternal excellence, which His Bride will reflect, is His everlasting Law and Glory. The despised and abandoned ones shall have One arise among them, "the Mighty One of Jacob," and they will know the enduring love, grace, and excellencies of their Creator-Redeemer.

Gospel: The Living Torah, Yeshua "I did not come to abolish but fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).

1. Torah: "...you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground..." (Deut. 26:2).

This ordinance pertained principally to the first fruit of seven particular species of crops, not every species. "For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land...a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey" (Deut. 8:8). Celebrants from all over Israel would honor this statute and converge upon Jerusalem, coming with their first fruits [Bikkurim] through towns and cities in joyful, musical processions of thanksgiving and anticipation of an abundance of crops. "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:6-7).

2. "Yeshua answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (read John 2:13-22).

When Passover drew near, Messiah went to Jerusalem, as it was His custom to honor all the ordinances of the Law. To Yeshua, going to Jerusalem meant going to the Temple, His Father's house. There He found loud and raucous venders of merchandise, faithless buyers and sellers who had transformed spiritual duty into material and monetary transactions, whose goals were to make bargains. [The corrupt commercial activities included selling animals, some of which were unfit as sacrifices, and exchanging monies, both at high rates.] Reverence for Yahweh and the spiritual needs of the populace were being ignored. In an act of supreme courage and holy zeal, Yeshua expelled the traffickers and profiteers. To the disciples the act suggested Psalm 69:9: "The zeal of thine house hath eaten Me up." The explosive event was seen by them as motivated by divine holiness, and they were inspired. The Jews, however, once they had regained their composure, questioned His authority. "What sign showest thou unto us..." Their question implies they recognized the lawfulness of Yeshua's actions, but they wanted to know the basis of His independent exertions, the source of His authorization. He answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I shall raise it up." The Jews thought He was referring to the just-cleansed Temple, but the Master "spoke of the temple of His [own] body" (verse 21). As we know, His prophetic word was fulfilled. "They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible...to witnesses chosen beforehand by God..." (Acts 10:39-41). [The destruction of the Second Temple, the one that Yeshua had cleansed, took place by the Roman legions under Titus, about forty years after His resurrection. "The Messiah shall be cut off...and the people of a prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary" (Daniel 9:26).] The frustrated Jews became angry at Messiah's response and, in a spirit of railing, replied to the divine Rabbi. "Forty and six years was this Temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?" Yeshua gave no verbal answer to their scornful question. He always dealt with people according to what He perceived to be the condition of the heart. Thus, the spiritually dull, unreceptive people would have to wait about three years for the prophetic answer, which would reveal that His authority was, perpetually and eternally, from heaven.

[Note: In the beginning and at the end of His ministry, Yeshua cleansed the Temple at Jerusalem. John 2:13-16; Mt. 21:12-16. These were the initial indications of the greater fulfillment of what John the Baptist had prophesied: "He will thoroughly clean His threshing floor and will gather His wheat into the barn..." (Mt. 3:12). The "cleaning" speaks of sanctification, the process by which the believer grows in holiness and consecration through obedience to the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. This refining could be defined as the progression of the born-again believer from a life dominated by the carnal nature to one controlled by the Spirit; it is moving from the realm of the world to the realm of the glory of God. The sanctification sequence--Yeshua cleaning the floor from impurities--is illustrated in the structure and furniture of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. The Tabernacle reveals the progression of the believers journey from the Outer Court [salvation and washing] to the Holy Place [visitation and power] to the Most Holy Place [habitation and glory]. "The veil of the Temple was rent in twain..." (Mt.27:51). This progression, our gradual spiritual transfiguration, is produced in us as we imitate Messiah. It is from "glory to glory" (2 Cor. 3:18; see also Ps. 84:7), from one level or realm of spiritual revelation and excellence to another. As we fellowship in His truth, and abide in His radiance, we are assimilated into His likeness by the Spirit and our transformation is accelerated. It is by divine power, "as by the Lord the Spirit." It looks like there will be no end to this sacred process. "We shall be like Messiah; for we shall see Him as He is." By way of remez interpretation, this is what is hinted at in the cleansing of the Temples. Yeshua will cleanse the souls of His people as they follow Him, and thereby cleanse the entire Living Temple, driving out its defilements, in preparation for His Second Coming.]

3. "But now has Messiah been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by man came death, by man came also resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Messiah all will be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:20).

Paul affirms Yeshua's resurrection with certitude as an established fact. It is established by: A. Reliable, competent witnesses; B. The existence of the world-wide Body of Messiah; C. The consciousness of Spirit-born believers. It is also a very significant, relevant fact because Yeshua is referred to as the "first fruits." Historically, these were offered by the Kohen unto the Lord as a promise and a sample of the full harvest to come (Lev. 23:12-19). Hence, Messiah's bodily resurrection is a pledge and a pattern of the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15:20-58). Therefore, let us be assured. (1) Yeshua's bodily resurrection has occurred before that of His followers. (2) His resurrection is proof of the divine, holy, quickening power that is present to raise His people in the same manner. (3) We will be raised into the same blessed and glorious estate/life as was our Messiah. (4) His resurrection is His pledge of eternal life for His people.

Yeshua has become our First-fruits Who brings forth for His people: righteousness and sanctification, peace, His presence, full provision; healing, victory, protection, restoration, guidance, and the Holy Spirit and power. By walking with Him in resurrection newness each day, goodness and mercy will be our faithful companions and the blessing of His Atonement and Resurrection will be prominent in our lives.

Acts: The Holy Spirit "But you will receive power..." (Acts 1:8).

1. Torah: "...if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God..." (Deut. 28:1).

Knowing the will of God begins with knowledge of Elohim's word, starting with the Torah, and then the Haftorah and New Testament Scriptures. We must read and study. We must also know the Spirit and be taught and led by Him (John 14:17; 16:12-15; Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18).

2. "But they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:52).

Barnabas and Paul were driven out of Pisidian Antioch on their first missionary journey by jealous Jews, chief men, and religious women of the city. But the apostle's disciples were filled with joy and led by the Spirit, despite the present dangers, hardships, persecutions, the oppression of their comrades (See 1 Thess.1:6; Heb. 10:34). They did not glory in men. Salvation had visited them. The two rejected servants heard the voice of the Spirit, went on to follow the call of duty (Mt. 10:23) and make the best use of their time, which was precious. They would "work while it is day."

3. "But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised [discerned, perceived]" (read 1 Cor. 2:10-16).

People want knowledge of the Most High Elohim. For them, there is the School of Messiah. In this school, which is open to everyone and has no tuition charge, it teaches "the deep things of God." They are "freely given to us of God." Here, the student is taught by the greatest teacher, the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. He, Who is none other than Elohim, has infinite knowledge and wisdom. But in this holy academy, the student must develop his/her higher nature, the regenerate spirit, in order to partake of divine truth to the greatest possible extent. "...the things of the Spirit ...are spiritually discerned." Paul designated man as three-fold: soma [body], psyche [soul], and psneuma [spirit]. The conscience is associated with the spirit of man, the inner man, with its intuition. What Paul called the "inner man" is the man of the man, so to speak. This is the core of a person. The non-believer's spirit is not regenerated. It is not in union with or indwelt with the Holy Spirit, as is the born-again spirit of the believer. If the holy, "deep things of God" are set before the merely physical man (soma), or the carnal intellectual person (psyche), they will only be as puzzles or riddles, obscure and not correctly perceived or understood. Yahweh's truth must be perceived by an aroused conscience (thank you Holy Spirit) and the regenerate pnuema of man. "...unless a man is born of water [conscience and repentance: old things pass away] and the Spirit [regeneration, the breath of God, born-again from above: all things become new] he cannot [see to] enter the Kingdom of God" (John 3:5). The School of Messiah entry requirement is the new birth of Spirit power. To proceed most deeply into "the things of the Spirit of God" the baptism in the Spirit is pre-requisite. So, we exhort all our readers from the Word: "But you, beloved building yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Master Yeshua Messiah unto eternal life": (Jude 1:20-21).

"You shall hearken diligently." We are commanded to hearken, to give careful and thoughtful hearing, to the voice/word of the Lord our God. It is a key to receiving YHVH's full blessing, moving from the tail to the head, being in the right place at the right time. Pray in the Spirit. The exercise develops your inner man in the knowledge of Yeshua. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you" (read John 16:13-15).

Praying in the Spirit (1) helps us grow in faith and (2) come into tune with the mind of Messiah. "They that hear shall live [more abundantly]..." (John 5:25).

Epistles

1. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua Messiah, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Messiah" (Eph. 1:3).

Believers are called to receive holy blessings, but we must position ourselves by faith to partake of all that heaven holds forth. A. The Father is the Author and Source of our blessings with which He has blessed us in Messiah Yeshua. The true origin of man's salvation is in the Father's heart. He demanded atonement, and He also provided for it by Yeshua's death on the cross and resurrection from the tomb. "...herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and gave His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." Hence, we can glory in His love. B. The blessings of the Almighty's heart flow abundantly to believers through Yeshua's mediation. Through faith in Messiah's shed Blood and righteousness Yahweh becomes our covenant Elohim. "...we are all the children of God by faith in Messiah Yeshua" (Gal. 3:26). He said to Mary, "I ascend to My Father, and to your Father; to My God [by virtue of His voluntary subjection to the Father and His incarnation in the form of a Servant], and your God" (John 20:17). Divine blessings descend from glory to us in Messiah Yeshua. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be dome unto you" (John 15:7). C. The blessings are spiritual. There is no promise of worldly riches, magazine-cover beauty, prestige, leisure, or physical pleasure. The spiritual blessings are associated with the Father's love, the Son's atonement, and the Spirit's administration of redemption promises. These include grace and mercy [there is no depth of mankind's corruption to which these cannot reach], righteousness, sanctification, the indwelling Spirit, peace, healing, power for life and ministry, union and communion with Yeshua through the Spirit, revelation of God's love, goodness and mercy, restoration of the soul and all it entails, joy and the fruit of the spirit, divine guidance, provision, experiences in His glory, transfiguration, growing spiritually from glory to glory, the rich blessings of the beatitudes, and more. Then, there is also the prospect of eventually hearing, "Come, ye blessed of My Father." D. His heavenly blessings connect us, unite us, with His glory realm, which is the destination of all the followers of Messiah in their journey along the narrow road of sanctification. His presence in heaven is our guarantee of receiving spiritual blessings and success as we press forward to know Him: "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters into the veil, where Yeshua has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" (Heb. 19-20). Choose the [ plentiful, available] blessings.

Parsha Summary

1. "Moreover, you shall build there [on Mount Ebal in Canaan] an altar to the Lord your God, and altar of [whole, uncut] stones...and you shall offer on it burnt offerings...peace offerings...eat there and rejoice. You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very distinctly" (Deut. 27:5-8).

Prominent in Parsha Ki Tova is the passage concerning the building of a stone altar in Canaan. A monument of stones covered with white plaster was to be erected on Mount Ebal, and then followed by a celebration (Ex. 24:5). The Law was to be plainly written on the stones so it could be easily read and assimilated by the people (Hab. 2:2). The stones were fitted together on Mount Ebal, the mount of cursing, and not on Mount Gerizim, because the Law could not bring life, and the curses outnumbered the blessings. [Note: Prominence was placed on the curses. Great was the appeal to fear, for this is the force to which man's fallen nature most readily and predictably responds. The Law (the essence of which is love) relied primarily on curses for its enforcement. It awakened men to sin, and in that capacity helped keep Israel on the path of virtue and faith, but the Law alone could not change the inner nature of men or impart a revelation of the glory and strength of righteousness. What Moses wanted the people of Israel to perceive in their hearts, as a greater motivation to obedience than fear, was the knowledge that God's love, grace, and blessing lay within, behind, and throughout the Law. A new, transformed human nature would be needed for such perception and appreciation. Thus, the Holy Spirit would be sent to transform believers and inscribe that revelation in the minds and on their hearts.] Setting up the stone altar, the inscription of the Law, and the festivities were: A. A symbolic renewal of the covenant of Yahweh with Israel upon entering Canaan. B. A reaffirmation that all Israel was the "people of Yahweh." Then Israel proclaimed upon the land the blessings and curses of the Law.

Believers today are also the "people of God." We share ancient Israel's holy obligation to obedience by demonstrating to the people of the world a pattern of good works and reflecting the Character of Him Whom we proclaim and follow. The Holy Spirit is our Helper.

2. "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked...his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night...in whatever he does he prospers" (Psalm 1:1-3).

To faithfully obey Elohim, which is only possible through of the motive of love, is the blessing. Grace is unto righteousness! To walk in His counsel is the best thing. Faith, peace, purpose, and strength are thus produced within the saint. In this hour our obedience is not fear-based, or even reward-based. As the saints return to their Hebraic roots, study the Torah and all Scripture, and identify with their Redeemer, walking in His counsel becomes more "natural" and obedience becomes increasingly love-based. "...the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Rom. 5:5). Moses knew this type of transformation was what Israel needed to walk faithfully in Yahweh's statutes, but he probably assumed that the goads of the curses would just have to do until a better day. The servant of Yahweh did not know of the promise of the Spirit at the time, but he may have seen Pentecost by revelation after he ascended Pisgah and gazed into the land.

Section 2: Torah and Glory Parsha Study

"It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses' hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him" (Exo. 34:29).

Weekly Parsha Study: Ki Tova ("When you enter in")

Explanation: "...search for Me..." Jer. 29:13).

Please read. This section is provided to help the student to read beyond the basic commentary presentation that we have provided and study all the parsha's Scriptures. As you press more deeply into the Word and Spirit of Elohim in search for knowledge and intimacy with Yeshua, greater personal enrichment and spiritual transformation will occur. Section two contains a review of the weekly parsha's scheduled Scriptures, their topical content, and our questions. The week's Scriptures and the questions, which the student would benefit from completing, are very important to our purpose. We desire to assist the student (1) develop a vision for the restoration of all Israel, and (2) experience the kingdom, power, and glory of Yeshua through the Holy Spirit.

The Scriptures and the questions are (a) the heart of the commentary program by which the students can be most advanced spiritually. By them the reader learns on his/her own while depending on the personal assistance of the Holy Spirit, Whom we strongly encourage each person to rely for revelation, insight, illumination and divine communion in prayer and study. He is the close-at-hand primary Teacher of our course, not this author. In this way, the Word [reading and listening to the Spirit] and the questions [writing answers with divine unction] comprise (b) the student's chief means of personal practice/exercise/training for waiting on, listening for, and discerning, and responding to the voice/communication of Elohim. And, by such seeking and reliance, students position themselves for experiencing the visitation of Yeshua's manifest presence [Shechinah] through the Spirit. As such, the Scriptures and the questions become (c) the channels through which the Spirit of Elohim will directly communicate personal edification, instruction, understanding, direction, and comfort to each reader-student. If you follow the game plan, in one year you will be a different person.

Prayer "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).

Review the parsha topics, then read the entire Scripture content in the Torah, Haftorah, and New Testament. As you read, pray with understanding and with the spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak into your heart, your mind, and impart understanding and prophetic illumination. "...but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come" (read John 16:13-15).

Deut. 26:1-29:9. Torah: Offering first fruits/Confession [prayer] over tithes and offerings/Curses of Mount Ebal/Blessings at Mount Gerizim/Consequences of disobedience/Covenant in Moab/Moses makes a final charge to the people.

Isaiah 60:1-22. Haftorah: A glorified Zion is prophesied.

Acts 7:30-36. New Testament:

Study Questions: "...be ready always to give an answer..." (1 Peter 3:15). Write your answers. Share them, and any spiritual experiences you have with the Holy Spirit, prophetic words, and study insights with your group leaders and members. "So I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you...how much more will your heavenly Father from heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask?" (read Luke 11:9-13).

1. What is the main theme/teaching of the Torah, the Haftorah, and the New Testament readings?

2. What is the common, central teaching (idea) emphasized in the entire parsha, as you see it?

3. Relate the common theme to the Gospel reading. Where or how does Yeshua demonstrate the common truth? How does this the common truth relate to your life?

4. What does this week's parsha reveal to you about your Hebrew roots/Hebraic heritage?

5. In what way did the Holy Spirit lead you, teach you, speak to you, minister toyou, this week?

6. "The word of the Lord came to me saying..." (Ezek. 37:15). Ask the Spirit of God to speak into your spirit/heart. Listen and discern. Now, write down the prophetic word (or record the vision) you are hearing/sensing this moment.

Note: Some questions will be the same from week to week, but others will occasionally be different. Keep the questions in mind and then begin to see and hear answers as you rad the Scriptures. This practice will help you hear and discern the Spirit's input, and prophetic word, by faith. There are no shortcuts to spiritual growth and sanctification. They require effort, but you will do well and reap blessings by persevering. Respond to all the questions. Your answers need not to be long. Even with repeated questions the answers that will come from the Holy Spirit will vary from week to week, and prove refreshingly different.

Section 3: Prayer and Blessing

Bless the Land "On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto [over] them, the Lord bless thee..." (Num. 6:23).

1. Pray for Israel.

"For Zion's sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem's sake, I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness..." (Isa. 62:1). Pray daily for Israel's safety and prosperity.

2. Pray for Jerusalem.

"...announce to Jerusalem...May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces" (Isa. 40:2; Ps. 122:7). Declare His word over the Holy City.

3. Pray for America/Pray for your nation.

"...seek My face and turn from their wicked way, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:14). Pray for another historical spiritual awakening in the land.

4. Sing the Song of the Lord.

"For thus saith the Lord, Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief nations; proclaim, give praise..." (Jer. 31:7) Sing in the Spirit. Speak psalms over Israel.

Note: Participate in blessing the land and with singing psalms, other Scriptures, and prophetic songs in preparation for prophesying on the hills of Israel.

"...Daniel...entered his house (Now his roof chamber had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling...praying and giving thanks before His God" (Daniel 10).

Section 4: Living the Parsha

Conclusion: "...those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and truth" (John 4:24).

1. Torah: "...when you shall enter the land which the Lord your God gives you...(Deut. 26:1).

Israel was commanded to take a portion of their first fruits and present it to the Lord as an offering after they had settled in the land. It was a gesture of thanksgiving for Yahweh's mercies and goodness. He was then, and remains today, the Author of our provision. Our giving of first fruits, tithes, and offerings are practical ways of giving thanks, that back up our words. What is more gracious and becoming than giving our Creator and Redeemer the first and best of all? Such is a token of the sanctification of everything we have for His glory. Such an attitude tends to inspire the heart to rejoice. Israel would learn that everything, even the land they were entering to possess and settle, still belonged to Him.

If earthly goods possess us, and are used only for our own desires and interests and not to bless God and man, they turn to ashes, take flight, bear no eternal fruit, and are not deposited in heaven's treasury to accumulate interest for eternity. When we choose Him first, life gets better, and the entrance to the fullness of joy broadens to receive us.

2. "Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Rom. 12:1-2).

Giving begins with self-surrender. Presenting the body allows for the renewal of the mind. It is a reference to the bodies of animals offered in Israel. Our bodies are "members of Messiah" and "temples of the Holy Spirit" to be consecrated to Yeshua's service. It is expected. The renewal of the mind imparts the power, will, morality, and intelligence to know and do God's will. Transformation (steady and sure) accompanies dedication and renewal of the mind.

"When you enter in" to each new day, week, month, year, or place, be sure to give Him a first fruits offering, and then hasten to pitch your tent under the favorable shadow of Mount Gerizim.

Hutch Church D. Min. /blesstheland@live.com /www.blesstheland.net