BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
T'ruma "offering"
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
Torah: Exodus 25:1-27:19
Haftorah: 1 Kings 5:12(26)-6:13
Sugg. N.T.: Mt. 5:33-37; Heb. 9:1-10
Gospels: Mark 10 and 11
Welcome: "Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess. 1:1). Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy all participated in the writing of the Epistle [Paul being pre-eminent] to the Thessalonians, the first of Paul's thirteen letters. "Grace" is the Greek form of the salutation, and "peace" [shalom] is the Jewish, intimating that Greeks (non-Jews) and Jews were one in Messiah. May the shalom of His righteousness, whatever your house, tribe, or nation, fill your spirit, soul, and body as you read the parsha this week.
Introduction to T'ruma "offering"
Last week: "Now these are the ordinances [mishpatim; judgments] which you [Moses] are to set [present with an explanation] before them: if you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve for six years but on the seventh year he shall go out as a free man without [him, the former slave, making any] payment" (Exodus 21:1-2).
Last week we read about mishpatim (judgments, laws) that were given to Moses on Mount Sinai, which he was to explain to Israel. The civil laws began with ordinances concerning servitude. Commentators explain that the reason for this arrangement was to remind Israel of its own freedom from Egyptian bondage. The prophet Jeremiah warned Israel that the failure to follow the mishpatim concerning setting Hebrew servants free after six years would result in national exile. See: Jeremiah 43:11-22.
This week: "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take My offering" (Exodus 25:1-2).
Terumah (T'ruma) means "donation" or "offering". Literally, it means "a portion set aside" or "a portion lifted out" of what one owns or possesses. Parsha T'ruma opens with YHVH instructing Moses to take an offering from the people for the purpose of building the Tabernacle, called the Mishkan, from "every man that giveth it willingly with his heart." When one gives of their resources he implies that there is more to life than just his own pleasure and existence. "They shall make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." YHVH would have a permanent home, or house, on earth in the Tabernacle, and by it the people of Israel would have inculcated into their corporate and individual psyches the consciousness of actually being Elohim's people and possession. The portable structure of worship would also give faith in the Almighty a structure, a teaching pattern, and a worship framework that would systematically impress redemption truths into the hearts, minds, and affections of Israel.
Elohim gives Moses detailed instructions concerning the Tabernacle's dimensions, materials, furniture, and functions. To underwrite the project, He orders Moses to take an offering, a T'ruma. Fifteen different substances, including gold, silver, brass, wood, wool, linen, animal skins, oil, spices, and more, went into constructing the Mishkan in which YHVH would commune with man. At least 13 chapters in the Book of Exodus are devoted to the details of the Tabernacle's construction. In contrast, the Torah provides one chapter to account for the creation of the universe, and only three chapters to the revelation at Mount Sinai. Further, in Scripture many important, complex laws are set forth in a single verse. But the Talmud describes 39 forms of creative work that went into the construction of the Tabernacle, the Mishkan. Thus, within the design and construction requirements for building the holy edifice and it supplies we find abundant redemption lessons and instructions placed before us for making our lives and our world a home for YHVH.
Generous offerings abundantly provided for the Tabernacle's construction, with all its furnishings, and needed accessories and supplies. Thus, by a willing disposition to give and the work of peoples' hands, and in compliance to the standards and commands of YHVH, heaven came to earth. Astonishing. The Tabernacle's Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant with the Mercy Seat was placed, became the actual residing place, the only resting place, of YHVH's manifested presence on the entire planet!
After Solomon's Temple was built in Jerusalem, the more glorious permanent house for YHVH, the Tabernacle was carefully and reverently stored away in the subterranean chambers/rooms of the Temple Mount. We are told it remains hidden there to this day. Likutei Sichot, vol. 21, p. 146 informs us that it was not left dismantled.
Believer, here is the most astonishing fact. All this was done so that one day you and I--disciples of Yeshua, to Whom the Tabernacle pointed--would become His Tabernacle, His Temple, His Dwelling place on earth! As it is written, "...for you are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people" (2 Cor. 6:16). The work of the Holy Spirit in regenerating and indwelling the heart [spirit] of every Believer is a distinguishing result of the New Covenant, and stands out in the thinking of Paul (1Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Eph. 2:21-22; 1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 2:5). We are Elohim's living stones, into whom He has poured His love by the Spirit (Rom. 5:5), and are being built up into a holy spiritual temple. We therefore have blessed intimacy of fellowship with the Holy One of Israel. Accordingly, just as He did long ago with the Tabernacle complex, He will meet all your inner and outer needs as well. "But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).Remember, as you (His holy Tabernacle) give and serve Him, He will cause people to "pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over" (Luke 6:38).
Knowing the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh
"And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it" (Exo. 25:37).
Sages comment that the Kohen, when kindling the lamps, would place the six wicks in the respective arms of the Lampstand/Menorah pointing toward the central stem, so that all the individual flames would be directed to the center, supporting branch. We are told that the three flames on the right symbolize intellectual ideas, and that the flames on the left represented thought, as applied to one's livelihood. All mental activity, it is taught, should be directed to and guided by the Torah light, symbolized by the flame of the central branch.
The Holy Spirit, Who is represented by the pure olive oil used in the bowls of the Lampstand, is the One who illuminates Scripture and enlightens our understanding. Carefully read the following passage. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God , so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But the natural man [unsaved, un-regenerated] does not accept [does not understand] the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised [discerned]. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord [YHVH] that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [Messiah]" (1 Cor. 2:12-16).
Revelation comes by way of the Holy Spirit. He is the Illuminator, the Revealer. The things that YHVH has prepared for them who love Him cannot be understood by human wisdom, or be apprehended by natural logic or reason. They belong to Elohim and are made known to us by the Holy Spirit, Who is imparted to Believers. He is able to reveal the "deep things" of YHVH because He thoroughly knows them. He is "the Anointing from the Holy One." His work is (1) to teach us to know the things of Elohim, which are gifts of grace, provided at an infinite cost, but to us given "without money and without price." We know His gifts and blessings in so far as we receive them. Spiritual knowledge comes by faith and experience. The Spirit's work is also (2) to teach us to speak the things of Elohim, whether they be of Scriptural knowledge or divinely inspired utterance. Paul understood that the Holy Spirit's inspiration extended from writing to speaking.
The revelatory operation of the Spirit is absolutely necessary. The natural man--who is in the fallen, "dumbed-down" condition which sin has visited upon mankind, and in whom the ability to perceive and understand divine things with discernment is dormant--is, earthly and thereby controlled, obscured, and distorted by his lower nature. The spiritual man is born of the Spirit through faith in Yeshua, and he has had created/awakened within him the faculty by which he can discern and mature in the things of YHVH. The recreated, quickened human spirit, which is indwelt and sustained by the Holy Spirit, is intended to be the ruling part of man's being/nature. The natural man operates, and can even excel, in four realms: the physical (talents, skills, etc.), relational, social, and intellectual. But the spiritual man--he who has been regenerated by the power of the Spirit--enters a fifth realm or sphere, a region misunderstood and mis-apprehended by the natural man. It is the spiritual sphere of the unseen, of the eternal, of the Spirit; it is the region of YHVH, the Word of Elohim, and the things of Yeshua.
Let us, like the flames in the six lamps of the Tabernacle Menorah that leaned toward the central stem, lean toward the Spirit and come to know Him well. He will provide daily renewal, refilling, and illumination to perceive the mind of Elohim.
Knowing His Voice/Being Led by the Spirit
"Then the Lord [YHVH] spoke to Moses saying...they shall construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, and one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. You shall overlay it with pure gold" (Exodus 25:1,10-11).
Moses heard Elohim's clear directions dealing first on what the Tabernacle would contain: the Ark, Table and Showbread, Lampstand/Menorah, and later the Altar of Incense. The Ark of the Covenant, which was described first, was the central, most essential aspect of the Tabernacle economy.
The Ark was made of acacia wood covered within and without with pure gold, and contained the Tablets of the Testimony. [Note: The Talmud says this indicates that a Torah teacher must be consistent. {We realize, of course, this also pertains to every teacher and every Believer.} His inner character must match is outer demeanor.] The Ark consisted of three symbolic parts: (1) the chest, wherein would rest the Law-the Ten Commandments, (2) the Mercy Seat, representing the grace and mercy of YHVH, and (3) the Cherubim, representing guardianship and worship. "You have ordained [commanded] your precepts, that we should keep [guard] them diligently" (Psalm 119:4).
The symbolism/message of the parts of the Ark collectively is revealed by Psalm 85, which was written by King David when he heard the voice of YHVH. "I will hear what God has to say; for He will speak peace to His people, His godly ones...loving-kindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other."
Hearing Him, and having the interest and faith to receive His prophetic utterance, vision, or dream correctly is our need and challenge today as returning Israelites. "...in the latter days you will return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice" (Deut. 4:30). As Believers, our interest and aspiration must be to hear and obey the voice, the communication, the leading of the Lord. This will occur increasingly as we Israelites return to His pathways, and reach out to one another in love and unity. Then, the glory of YHVH, which manifested between the solid gold Cherubim on the Mercy Seat (who stretched out their wings to touch one another) will come forth and rise up among us as well. Within the pure, holy environment of His manifest glory, the end-time revelations of YHVH will come forth that will dispel the differences and facilitate the reunification between the House of Judah and the House of Israel, even all Believers (Zech. 13:2,9; 1 Cor. 8:2; 13:9-12; 2 Cor. 12:4,7; Jer. 31:34; 32:32-39; Joel 2:28-29; Isa. 11:12-13; 54:13).
Though the Almighty's Spirit and commandments are divinely implanted in the heart (regenerated spirit) of "born again" converts to Messiah Yeshua, there are other voices, both inner and outer, that contend for our attention. Our physical bodies have a voice that is seldom silent. The voice of the body is the input of our physical senses. Hunger, thirst, lust, sleep, desire for music and food, et al are expressed in physical feelings. But those who live for pleasure (whatever feels good, do it) are "like unreasoning animals, by these things are destroyed" (Jude verse 20). Although the Holy Spirit may use feelings, and can indeed cause physical sensations--many feel His weight, see visions, hear His voice, etc., when they are in His manifested, tangible presence--we are not to be led or dominated by them.
While we do not want to be controlled by the voices of our bodies, our physical feelings, we should not be led solely by the voice of our souls, our minds, either. The voice of the soul embodies reason, intellect, logic, and carnal emotions. The Holy Spirit will quicken, empower the mind, will, and emotions, but the voices of the soul are not our primary guide. Yes, YHVH has given us ability to reason, and this gift distinguishes us from brute animals which basically function by instinctual programming. Acting from reason and logic is very wise, yet reason and logic alone can also misinform and mislead Believers. Sometimes Abba may lead you to do something that seems unreasonable, illogical, like--build an enormous boat (Noah), or sacrifice your only son (Abraham), or hold your walking staff above a sea (Moses), or walk through an over-flowing river, and later march around an unassailable fortress seven times and shout (Joshua), or wait around [as opposed to not "working out"] until you receive power (upper room), or remain upon a reeling boat until a storm breaks it into pieces on a rocky shore (Paul). In these cases, logic/reason would have protested vigorously, shouting "NO!" to the divinely prescribed courses of action. Reason, if listened to in these cases, would have over-ruled YHVH's leading, and His purposes would have been thwarted.
Further, the Spirit will direct us to show love and kindness to particular people who may be very unattractive, even hostile. This leading would run contrary to (disagree with) our carnal sentiments and emotions, voices of the soul. Again, we must not allow our reason, intellect, or emotions to dominate us, or turn us aside from what our Spirit-indwelt, recreated (regenerated) human spirit speaks. In other words, we are to be led by the Spirit speaking to us, communicating with us through our spirits. We are Spirit-to-spirit people. Feelings and reason have their place, but they are not enough. Physical senses, logic, and intellect cannot discern the mind of the Spirit of Elohim. We must know His voice and be able to discern it from the other voices that are always present. Meditation upon the Word of Elohim is effectual in developing Spirit-led a conscience and intuition within born-again Believers.
When the Holy Spirit speaks and directs us, it becomes our responsibility to discern, understand, and respond in an appropriate manner. The more restored and sanctified the soul, the greater will be the Believer's ease of reception and accuracy of understanding.
For instance, in the operation of the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 12) the Spirit speaks to, inspires, energizes the recipient's human spirit with a divine thought, a word of edification, exhortation, or comfort meant for another person. It is up to the recipient then to perceive, understand, and deliver the prophetic word with as much verbal and tonal accuracy as possible, conveying the mind of Yeshua to the hearer, and thus correctly "...combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words" (1 Cor. 2:13). Sometimes, however, we let our logic, emotions, feelings, and soul issues sift and interfere with our understanding of the voice of our spirit (which has received the original stirring of the Spirit). Then the prophetic word/message that is delivered becomes distorted to a greater or lesser degree, and thus a flawed representation of what the Holy Spirit originally intended. That is why we, who are new creations in Messiah, should all be (1) restored in His truth, (2) trained to detect and reject unholy input, and thereby (3) prepared as able Holy Spirit-to-human spirit ministers.
Having said that, we include these points: First, we must not be afraid to step out in faith and operate in the Spirit. According to Joel 2:28, the last days are going to be marked by Spirit-inspired prophesies, dreams, and visions. Supernatural ministry is the Ecclesia's portion. Therefore, secondly, we must practice perfecting Spirit-led ministry and not be afraid of making mistakes. Let us have mercy on one another, and be mutually helpful and encouraging as we grow in His ministry. Finally, when we make mistakes, and should we err [we will, of course], it will certainly not be intentional. It is from these that we learn and grow. We go forward, advancing, maturing, living by faith, not by fear.
"But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil" (Heb. 5:14). Infants, with tender digestive systems, are first exercised on warm milk. As they grow they are able to assimilate more complex foods, distinguishing what is good from that which is not. So it is in the spiritual sphere of life. At first the new convert's soul is exercised in simple doctrine, but will (and should) acquire by practice the power and ability to distinguish between elementary truths and higher, more mature things of the Spirit, whether they are inspired and written (Scripture), or inspired and spoken (inspiration gifts).
We are exhorted to develop our faculties. This week, may every reader pray this, as did Peter long ago: "...grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while you extend your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus [Yeshua]" (Acts 4:29-30).
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: T'ruma "offering"
"...open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from Your law" (Psalm 119:18).
Note: The study Scriptures and the seven questions are (1) the heart of the commentary study from which the reader can be most enriched. They are (2) the intended, primary medium of practice (exercise) in listening for and hearing the voice/word of Elohim, and as such are (3) the expected means by which the Spirit will directly communicate personal edification, exhortation, and instruction to the student/reader.
Exodus 25:1-27:19 [Torah]: Collection order/Offering taken for the Tabernacle/Ark of the Covenant/Table of Showbread/Golden Lampstand/boards and sockets/veils and screens/Brass Altar/Courtyard.
1 Kings 5:12(26)-6:13 [Haftorah]: Solomon's Temple.
Matt. 5:33-37 [New Testament]: Oaths.
Heb. 9:1-10 [New Testament]: Old and New Tabernacles.
Mark 10 and 11 [Gospels]: Yeshua is YHVH Who "tabernacled" among us in the flesh (John 1:1-14). Believers are temples of the Holy Spirit. Giving ourselves as offerings for His purpose. Read Romans 12.
Study Questions: Listen to the Spirit!
1. In your opinion, what is the major teaching or theme found in the Torah reading?
2. What is the supporting, complementary truth found in the Haftorah?
3. What similar, corresponding idea is revealed in the New Testament reading?
4. Summarize the common teaching (central truth) that unites the entire parsha, as you see it.
5. Relate the main teaching from the three parsha readings with the assigned Gospel chapter. Where or how does Yeshua model/demonstrate your central truth?
6. What does this week's parsha teach you about your Hebraic: a. identity, b. birthright, c. heritage, d. destiny, and e. duty?
7. In what way did the Spirit of Truth (John 14:15-18) anoint and teach you this week?
Israel
"I will drive them [Israel's enemies] out before you little by little until you become fruitful and take [full] possession of the land" (Exo. 23:30).
Some ask, "Why did not YHVH drive out Israel's enemies all at once, in the beginning, and be done with campaign altogether?" YHVH's resolution was not a hasty decision, as all too often are human actions and judgments. Our Elohim is wonderfully patient and wisely works out His purpose in His own timing, thus causing all things to work perfectly together for His glory and Israel' good.
YHVH did not drive out Israel's enemies immediately upon the tribes arrival in Canaan, because the land would have become desolate, over-grown, and filled with predatory, devouring beasts which would have decimated the newcomers. We are told that when the Northern Kingdom, the House of Ephraim, was exiled and Samaria depopulated, there was an increase of marauding lions that preyed on the few, poor, hapless, scattered farmers left behind by the Assyrians. In France, for another instance, following their war with Germany and the resultant loss of population, prowling wolves increased in the land and ravaged the districts. But Judges 2:21-23 gives us, perhaps, the primary reason Elohim left enemies among His people: to prove them, whether or not they would keep His commandments and walk in His ways while they were among the idolatrous remnant.
Do you have enemies--sinful habits, pride, covetousness, old sins, and such--that have remained active, unconquered, and resident in your life since you have entered the Kingdom of Elohim? Do not allow them to linger unchallenged any longer. There will be no rest as long as they are allowed to stick around. Drive them out! If you flirt with them they will overcome you, and steal your inheritance. Be encouraged, "Greater is He Who is in you that he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
Israel has learned from long practice not to compromise with her enemies, those within and those that are without. Yet, not every nation is unfriendly with Israel. There are those among Third World states that are not involved with, or interested in joining, the anti-Israel bloc of hostile Islamic countries. Some have undertaken to have friendly ties, to establish a beneficial friendship with Israel. An example of a coalition of nations that has maintained cordial relationships with Israel is the Organization of African Unity. Such friendly nations benefit from their amicable relations with Israel, and receive technical, financial, and commercial support/comfort from them, including water wells, medical aide, and education assistance.
Nevertheless, the resistance to the existence of Israel is unrelenting, as even the friendly Third World nations are under ongoing pressure from Islam, Russia, and others to terminate diplomatic and economic relations with Israel.
Israel has other issues to face as well. Stable, productive trade treaties need to be agreed upon and signed. There are schisms between Ashkenazim and Sephardim Jews, and between the Orthodox Jews and the secular that need addressing. Ethiopian, Arabs, and non-Orthodox religious Jews are all demanding equality. The unemployment rate is around ten percent. And the nation is getting progressively more secular and humanistic with each generation.
The situation with Israel, with her ever-present enemies and imposing challenges, would be seemingly hopeless if we did not have this (and others) encouraging word from the prophet Ezekiel to inspire us forward: "Moreover, I will make a covenant with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them [literally, give them to the land and to be a nation] and multiply them, and set my sanctuary in the midst of them forever" (Ezek. 37:26). All Israel, from both houses, will be gathered (verse 21), united (verse 22), purified (verse 23), and established under the reign of Messiah Yeshua (verse 25).
Latter Days
"Then you shall make a lampstand of pure gold...their bulbs and their branches shall be of one piece with it; all of it shall be one piece of hammered work of pure gold" (Exo. 25:31,36).
The Menorah was constructed, or hammered out from a single gold ingot [mass of metal]. It consisted of a variety of shapes and forms. The lamps, or bowls, which were engraved to resemble almonds, were at the top of each branch and contained the oil and wicks which produced the flames. The Menorah gave light for the Holy Place in which it was set. Making the Menorah was a very difficult undertaking, and Midrash Tanchuma teaches that the term "shall be made" (in contrast to "you shall make") suggests that YHVH's divine assistance was employed in the task.
The Menorah, which had seven branches and lamps, produced light for the Holy Place, in which were also placed the Table of Showbread and the Altar of Incense. The light from the Menorah which illuminated the dark Tabernacle represents the Holy Spirit, Who illuminates the dark world, and even the human heart. The light was seven-fold and compares to the representation of the Spirit found in Revelation 4:5, where the Apostle John, describing His vision, refers to "seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God." The "seven spirits" represent the fullness of perfection and completeness of the one, indivisible Holy Spirit. His seven-fold light is therefore full and complete, more than enough for every need of man. The tongs and snuff dishes (verse 38) used for trimming and filtering the oil and wicks of the bowls show us that the cooperation of man was needed to daily dress the lamps, and thus keep the light strong in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. So it is in these latter days, our cooperation with the Spirit, Who is the Oil and Light within, is required so the spiritual light, the divine light of the Spirit vouchsafed [given; granted in a gracious manner] to Believers, is not dimmed, but is refreshed daily, remaining bright.
To that end, our day-by-day work as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) includes trimming/filtering sin out of our lives, renewing the oil supply (Spirit), and refreshing the holy fire (inspiration and understanding) through prayer, repentance, praise and worship before the Holy One of Israel. "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding of what the will of God is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:17-18). In these last days many have turned to substance abuse. Intemperance is a vice that will seize people, causing them to dishonor YHVH, lose their mental and physical health, injure their souls, squander their resources, waste time, perform poorly, commit further offenses, and become unfit for His service. The antidote for such debauchery is to "be filled with the Holy Spirit [trimmed wick, oil, light, fire]."
"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment" (Phil. 1:9).
Bless the Land
1. Pray for Israel and Jerusalem.
"I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelite..." (Rom. 9:1-4). Pray for the heart-felt burden of travailing prayer for Israel's salvation to come upon Believers.
2. Pray for America/Pray for your nation.
"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found none" (Ezek. 22:30). Pray for intercessory burdens.
3. Pray for Haiti.
"The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it and are saved" (Prov. 18:10). Prophesy life and blessing upon Haiti.
4. Sing the Song of the Lord [New Song] Praise and Worship
"For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee" (Heb. 2:11-12).
In praise and worship Believers minister unto YHVH, glorifying Him with exaltation and thanksgiving. Let us remember that He wishes to minister to us as well with His prophetic word and edification, exhortation, and comfort. This is the purpose and definition of the "Song of the Lord", and its role will be restored and enlarged in the latter days. "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing" (Zeph. 3:17).
The Book of Zephaniah, chapter three ( referenced above), teaches: (1) God will punish the heathen and the unrepentant sinners in Judah, (verses 1-5), (2) strong judgments/measures are necessary to secure salvation for Israel and the nations, (verses 6-8), (3) the heathen will be converted to faith in Messiah and participate in the restoration of Israel (verse 9-10), (4) and Israel, all tribes and companions, will be comforted and blessed with the presence of YHVH. He will be in the midst of His people in Jerusalem, in Zion, in the whole congregation of Israel.
These encouragements provide us with great reasons to rejoice over Him in prophetic, new songs. He has delivered us from sin and its power, from ignorance and the destruction of error, from temptation and its corruptions, from the fear of death, and from the hold of the grave. When we delight over Him in song, His response is true, tender, full, perfect.
"Desolation is left in the city and the gate is battered to ruins. For thus it will be in the midst of the earth among the peoples, as the shaking of an olive tree, and the gleanings when the grape harvest is over. They raise their voices, they shout for joy; they cry out from the west concerning the majesty of the Lord. Therefore glorify the Lord in the east, the name of the Lord the God of Israel, in the coastland of the sea" (Isaiah 24:12-15).
Isaiah, chapter 24, is envisioning YHVH's judgments upon the world, starting with particular nations such as Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, Babylon, Moab, Syria, Ethiopia, and others. He also speaks of a future time of depression and ruin when a righteous remnant will arise and glorify the Almighty, even while in the times of their fiery trials. They will understand that the period of calamity which has come upon the earth is ushering in a time of deliverance and honor for themselves [His people]. As they wait, the Believers will encourage themselves in singing new, joyful songs which express their hope and expectation.
"And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about song, because he was skillful" (1 Chron. 15:22).
Those who carry a prophetic burden will release the spirit's unction through the song and sound of the Song of the Lord, and thereby lift the recipients/listeners to higher realms of the Spirit. Singing and the use of musical instruments in religious activities can be traced back to Exodus 15:1-21 and Judges 5:1; 13:8. It was evidently developed (cultivated) in the "schools of the prophets" as recorded in 1 Samuel 10:5. In the day of David, Levite musicians and singers were trained specifically to minister unto YHVH with song and sound in daily and national worship services. We have long known that anointed song and music moves upon the spirit of man. Song and music carry an element, a quality that evokes (summons) appropriate emotions and holy thoughts within the worshiper [pathos], and thus enhances the praise and worship experience, drawing the Believer closer to Elohim.
With this in mind, sing His praise this week!
Conclusion
"The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits , and the breadth fifty everywhere, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass" (Ex. 27:18).
At the end of parsha T'ruma the courtyard is described. It was rectangular in shape and contained the Tabernacle, Laver, and Brazen Altar. It was enclosed by curtains that were hung on sixty pillars, which were about seven-and-a-half feet apart. There was one entrance at the midway of the eastern side, which had its own woven curtains and pillars. The court enclosed the holy Tabernacle and, secondly, was the place of sacrifice. Israel, by contributing their resources [t'ruma; offering] and manual labor, cooperated with Elohim and profited beyond what they could ever have imagined when in Egypt. YHVH was making arrangements to actually come and dwell permanently in the midst of them. A lesson from this parashat is seen in Proverbs 11:24. Read it prayerfully. "There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want."
It's simple. When you give, you gain. "He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying His bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalms 126:6). Yeshua put it this way: "He that loveth his life shall lose it, and he who loses [ sows, gives, offers] his life for My sake shall save it unto life eternal" (Mark 12:25).
The miser hoards his money, and, if he doesn't lose it, retains it. But that is all. Had Israel decided to keep their resources for comfort purposes in the Promised Land, they would not have had the Tabernacle and the presence of the Almighty among them. But, they happily gave an offering and He became their portion.
New Testament Living
The "t'ruma" is an important part of our lives.
"While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease" (Gen. 8:22).
Giving is an essential discipline for advancing followers of Messiah Yeshua, and an immensely attractive character quality that should not be found lacking among any of us, but should be numbered among other traits, such as unselfishness, service, and sacrifice. Such were found with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, David, Solomon, the Apostles, and Yeshua Himself. Generosity should be evidenced as commonplace in the society of Yeshua. Scripture and experience reveal that faithfulness [commitment and regularity] in giving tithes and offerings results in the prosperity of soul, enlargement of love and compassion, and a return of abundance. It is a Kingdom law.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove now herewith..." (Mal 3:10).
The tithe belongs to YHVH; the offering opens up the windows of heaven. Think about it. What comes through/in YHVH's open window? Wind (Spirit's power), light (Spirit's revelation), rain (Spirit's refreshing), and sound (Spirit's Voice/Word), to name a few. And, YHVH Tsebaoth (YHVH of Hosts) will go further than enriching your heart and mind alone, but will marshal His limitless resources and usher them forth to bless financially as well! Tithing is the primary and most effectual means/exercise of growing in faith for a Believer. Without tithing, it is unlikely that a Believer will ever reach his or her full potential in Messiah.
"Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38).
Your t'ruma is your investment. Keep planting. Your harvest depends on your investment. The attitude of the world is quid pro quo [tit for tat]. But in the Kingdom, giving is the sine qua non [the essential condition]. "For God [Elohim] so loved the world that He gave..." (John 3:16).
Have a willing heart, and cooperate with your Redeemer in all things. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ' (1 Thess. 5:23).
Complete the Study Questions.
To be continued.
Hutch Church, D. Min. /blesstheland@live.com/ www.blesstheland.net
