BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
Sh'mini "eighth"
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
Torah: Leviticus 9:1-11:47
Haftorah: 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17
Sugg. N.T.: Acts 10:9-22, 34-35
Gospels/Acts: Luke 7-9
Welcome "...to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied" (Jude 1-2). Jude expressed a warm greeting to the true saints in God, and then went on to encourage the believers to steadfastness in standing up for the truth that had been threatened by anti-Torah teachers who had entered the Ecclesia. His salutation is threefold: 1. Mercy is one of the Father's distinguishing attributes. "His mercy endures forever." 2. Peace with God and man comes through faith in the Son. He is: (a) our Peace (Eph. 2:14), for "the chastisement of our peace was upon Him" (Is. 53:5), and (b) the Giver of peace (John 14:27). 3. Love is from the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:30), for He pours YHVH's agape love into the believer's heart (Rom. 5:5). With this knowledge we are assured of good things from Elohim, and our joy is complete. Our divine Abba is ever willing and desirous to impart, even to multiply, His best gifts to His children, that is, to you and me.
The Written Torah: Introduction to Sh'mini "eighth"
Last week: "...it is the Lord's Passover...and the blood shall be for you as a token upon the houses where you are...ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever. Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day you shall put unleavened bread out of your houses...' (Ex. 12:11-15).
Israel's seven yearly feasts (moed'im; fixed or appointed times) come at three agricultural seasons of the year, and in three groupings. Hence, three times a year the people would gather to honor YHVH's appointed times (Ex. 23:14). As we discussed last week, the early feasts are Passover (Pesach), Pentecost (Shavuot), and Tabernacles (Sukkot). Passover includes Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits. Pentecost, the fourth feast, celebrates the giving of the Torah at Sinai and the coming of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. It comes fifty days after the day of Firstfruits. All the feasts are memorials to the great works of YHVH and prophetic of the ministry and Person of Yeshua, Who has fulfilled the first four. Celebrating the Sabbath and the Feasts of YHVH (Ex. 23:14; Lev. 23:3-4; 2 Chron. 2:4) is an observable sign that participating believers are members of the Commonwealth of Israel.
This week: "And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel, and he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the Lord" (Lev. 9:1-2).
In Leviticus chapter nine, the seven-day consecration period (that we read about earlier in Tsav) had concluded. It is day eight [Sh'mini; eighth], and Aaron and his sons performed their first priestly acts. During the seven day inauguration of Aaron and his four sons, which began on the twenty-third day of Adar [This was/is the 12th month, year 2449, two weeks before the first anniversary of the Exodus!], they all remained in the Tent of Meeting. Moses performed the daily services at that time and dismantled the Tabernacle each day when they were concluded. On none of those seven days did the Glory descend. On the eighth day, as the climax of the process, (first) the Tabernacle was set up permanently [except for when the Cloud moved, of course], (secondly) the Kohanim [Priests; plural] had successfully completed their consecration requirements, and (thirdly) the Shekhinah presence of YHVH came onto the Mercy Seat and upon the Sanctuary. From that day onward only the Priests could function in the service of the Tabernacle. Thus, Leviticus nine begins with the first day of Nisan (Abib) and describes the special, eighth-day service the Kohanim performed once they achieved their priestly status.
[Note: Interestingly, the "eighth" day of consecration fell on the first day of Nisan/Abib. This day represents: (1) The first day of creation, (2) the first offerings of tribal heads (nessi'im), (3) the first offerings of the installed priesthood, (4) the first public sacrifice, (5) the first fire to fall from heaven on the nation's altar, (6) the first eating of sacred food, (7) the first actual home-dwelling of the manifest Presence of YHVH [He took His Seat.], (8) the first priestly blessing over all Israel, (9) the first day on which it was forbidden to sacrifice to God anywhere but the sanctuary and, (10) the first of months. {ref. Talmud Shabbat 87b} ]
On the eighth day Moses instructed Aaron to command the people to bring their offerings so he and his sons could slay them and offer their blood, according to the sacrificial system's regulations, for themselves and the entire congregation. A new beginning was taking place for Israel. Once the burnt offering, the fat of the peace offering, and the meal offering had been placed on the Brazen (Brass) Altar, Moses stood with Aaron beside the altar on an elevated place as the new High Priest read the priestly benediction. [He is an Elohim of good order, sequence, series, progression, arrangement, and law, endorsing everything in its time and place.] After this blessing was pronounced, a miraculous, awesome event occurred. YHVH's personal manifested glory appeared to the assembly and holy fire fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifices, marking the advent of the era of the Sanctuary. Instances of the visitation of divine fire were also experienced by others in the Bible, including Gideon (Judges 4:20-21), Elijah (1 Kings 18:24-38), and Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:1-2). In every case, the witnesses were left repentant, convinced, reverent, converted, and totally awed. Divine visitation has a life-changing, transformative effect on its fortunate recipients.
[Note: To bless someone is to say more than "good luck". The word and act of "blessing" has much power associated with it, more than most people realize. When the holy men of old, Moses and Aaron, blessed the congregation, the glory of YHVH appeared and His holy fire fell on the sacrifice. Here we have a inspiring picture of divine power and presence manifesting before the congregation at the words of the blessing. True Bible-oriented blessings are very significant, and can greatly impact the lives of the believing recipients over whom they are discharged. Priestly blessings release the glory, power, and goodness of the Almighty upon people, and into every situation over which the blessings (holy declarations) are spoken. Begin doing this in your own life. Gather your house together each day this week and speak the Aaronic blessing over the family. {There are other blessings in Scripture that will also serve the purpose.} The atmosphere of the home may well improve.]
Moses had beseeched YHVH, "Show me thy glory" and his earnest, fervent prayer may have been left resonating before the Throne of Grace, even after he came down the mountain. [See: Rev. 5:7-8] We are told that the heavens declare His glory, but it is not enough. We want more, and through our persistent praying the Almighty "is reminded" of His children's sincere hunger for His presence. Moses and Israel were treated to a wonderful display of divine power and splendor as the manifest presence, upon which they gazed in awe and delight, appeared. On the eighth day, deity was not concealed but expressed in manifest brightness to confirm His covenant and set His stamp of approval on the work Moses and the people had finished. There was also divinely manifested energy, as holy fire fell and consumed the sacrifices, and left the altar aglow with heaven-kindled holy flames waiting for the next offering. The effect of the visitation was tremendous, and produced: (1) Enthusiasm, for this visitation was His endorsement on the work of the Tabernacle and its sacrifices. The people gave vent to their great admiration and joy as they "shouted" with praise and thanksgiving. In His manifest presence even the coolest, most reserved people warm quickly with child-like enthusiasm. (2) Reverence for YHVH and His holiness. The witnesses "fell on their faces." After the initial impact, they were immediately carried into a state of holy awe and prostrated themselves before the Almighty. Displays of excitement, enthusiasm, spontaneity, and such while worshiping are very good, but they must never lead to forgetfulness of the respect and reverence due YHVH. If our experiences in Him are genuine, we will rejoice and shout, for sure. But we will also be led into a state of greater reverence for His Son, yieldedness to the Spirit, and obedience to the Word. We need the kind of visitation of YHVH within the Messianic ministry that leaves people both "shouting" and then "on their faces," and translated into a new, elevated, life-transforming experience with the exposed, unveiled holiness of the Most High.
When can we (restoration period believers) look with expectancy for visitations of YHVH's manifest glory, of the same life-changing nature that befell Moses, Aaron, and Israel, and that left the people excited and worshipful, ready to follow the Cloud? It is important to know the character of the season we are in so we can gauge our efforts and expectations in accordance to its historical and biblical renewal-friendly indicators. First: At the beginning of restoration movements in the history of the Ecclesia, Holy Spirit visitations have usually occurred. We have seen the glory come upon the Tabernacle priesthood. Then there was the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, the Reformation, Azusa Street when fresh visitations occurred. Today, the Hebrew Roots restoration movement represents such another historic stage of restoration for the Body of Messiah, and thus a perfect candidate for a holy and enduring visitation of His glory. Individually and collectively, we must start asking (knocking) persistently after the fashion of Moses, "Let me see thy glory". We are in the favorable season! Second: Visitation attends the respecting of divine instructions and faithful obedience to clearly set-forth commandments. This is what makes faith strong, and gives us a "sense" of qualification. Paul describes this condition of heart as: having a conscience void of offense toward God and man. For Israel, there had been seven days of observing the process, but on the eighth day there was confession and sacrifices by the priests. YHVH was therefore pleased, and it showed. For us in the Hebrew Roots movement this means we are to come out of Babylon, honor the leadership of the Spirit, and walk in the pathways of YHVH as He reveals them to our hearts, and not hold back. Sanctification precedes a visitation of the manifestation of His glory. [See: Jos. 3:5; 9:4] Third: Visitation of His Glory appears when such has been prophesied. Prophecy is a great incentive, and we should therefore better understand end-time assurances. Moses had said, "...and the glory of the Lord shall appear..." (Lev. 9:6). The people were encouraged to carry out YHVH's instructions for they had been given an assurance that His glory would manifest. This was and is another lesson on the blessing of obedience, that is, of honoring the light one has been given. There are a number of assurances for us in Scripture of the Spirit moving in the latter days that we do not have space here to consider, but I have submitted only several references which speak of great things that will require the power and glory of YHVH manifested among the people: Isa. 11:11-12; Ez. 26:24-25; Jer. 3:14-15; 31:34. Fourth: Expect visitation on a broad scale when His servant/leaders begin to draw into His presence with renewed consecration and unity, and then speak His current word/blessing over His people. Moses and Aaron retreated into the Tent of Meeting to confer with YHVH before returning with the inspired blessing. Do we need and want His glory in the sanctuary, home meeting, and prayer closet? Yes (to both need and want), of course we do! Yeshua wants this for us as well. "But wait...until you are clothed with power from on high" (Lk. 24:49). Then, let the servants return to the prayer altars, for it is to this that we are called. Burn the incense. Raise up holy hands day and night. Come boldly to the Throne of God and receive grace in time of need, and experience the outpouring of His favor. Fifth: It goes without mentioning, but desire and faith are requisites.
[Note: Sh'mini, "eighth", represents resurrection, the New Birth, new beginnings, Messiah, the Torah, and YHVH's sovereignty over the world.]
The Living Torah: "I did not come to abolish but to fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
"And Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them..." (Lev. 9:22).
Aaron's first priestly benediction, which he gave from the elevated platform on the Altar, is recorded for us to read. We see in him a type of Messiah. Yeshua, our High Priest, while on the earth, dispensed many thousands of blessings on the multitudes that followed Him (Jn. 21:25).
It is fitting and proper in the nature of things that the man of God, the High Priest, at the start of a new era, would go in to the Sanctuary with the burden of Israel's sin to obtain divine mercy, and should then come out from that holy place with the most appropriate blessing of the Holy One for the people. We, the royal priesthood of 1 Peter 1:9 are seen in this picture. Our call is to minister daily sacrifices [sweet incense at the altar] of prayer, praise, and worship to the Most High while in the manifest presence of the Almighty, and then to come forth from His presence to minister His Word, in the overflow of His glory, anointing and inspiration, to the people.
To fulfill our latter day role--following the example of Aaron in ancient Israel, and after him, Yeshua--several things are worth noting: (1) The person who wants to richly and powerfully bless His saints must be in proper standing [in both relationship and fellowship, not just legally] with God. Aaron could not have enjoyed favor with YHVH had he not been sanctified. YHVH's manifested presence in the camp, and the fire that consumed the sacrifice, showed His pleasure in His people, and His approval with the appointment and performance of Aaron. (2) The nearer, more spiritually intimate a person is to Yeshua, through the communion of the Spirit and Scripture, the greater, more fruit-bearing will be his/her life and service to people. (3) We must remember and be thankful for the many unknown (to us) benefactors [intercessors, prayer-warriors, worshipers] who by earnest importuning and supplication bring down unexpected manifold blessing from heaven upon us. Uplifted hands in quiet prayer chambers have probably done more to stir and fire restoration movements than have the noisy talk and busy activities that are usually widely heralded in religious circles. (4) Still, it is Messiah alone Who can and does provide us with the multi-faceted blessing we need. "The Lord bless you, and keep you...and give you peace" (Numbers 6) was the type of benediction pronounced by Aaron on that day the glory fell. It was a human invocation [an act of petitioning for help; a supplication]. But Yeshua said to His disciples, "Peace I leave you, My peace I give unto you" (John 14:27). This was not a petition, or declaration of faith, as in the case of Aaron; it was a declaration of intention and power. The bestowal of divine favor, peace and power, everything we need, our Messiah affirmed He Himself would provide. He has proven true to His Word. Great is the measure and breadth of the blessing, light, grace, and peace that Yeshua positively confers upon us today! His blessings, as specified in Numbers 6:24-26, are broad and deep, without limits, and they work to unite YHVH with man, and men with one another. With this assurance in mind, may we eagerly be attached to His cause, walk with Him in love, lift up His (and our) people, and trust Him to bless us with every good thing in Him, which is His will and High Priestly function! Those of us who desire to see His visible glory, imbibe of His grace, light, favor, power, and peace [Aaronic invocation], are invited to come under His outstretched arms every day. Let us not tarry. Now, pause to consider how much depends on the wisdom with which we spend the very next hour.
Yeshua, in the manner of Aaron, blessed His people with outstretched holy hands when He ascended, and promised a new relationship with the Father; "I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city [time and place always important] until you are clothed with power from on high...He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven" (Luke 24:50-51). Ten days later the waiting, obedient disciples were clothed with power from on high!
The Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh
"When they came out and blessed the people the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Then fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering...they shouted and fell on their faces" (Lev. 9:23-24).
The people had been standing, waiting patiently and with earnest expectation for the promise of His appearing to take place (Lev. 9:6). Their faith and patience was rewarded. See: Hebrews 6:12.
"The fire came down like a pillar from heaven to earth (Sifra). It went into the Holy of Holies and from there it went out to the Golden [incense] Altar and then to the Outer Altar, causing the incense and the sacrificial parts to go up in smoke (Rashbam).
"In addition to the miracle of the fire, the people noted the miracle that the entire nation was in the tiny fifty-cubit-square area of the Courtyard in front of the Tabernacle--yet there was room for everyone! They fell to their hands and knees in awe and gratitude--and everyone had four cubits of space for himself! Thereupon, the Spirit of holiness came upon them and they sang out in praise of God (Yalkut)." [Chumash, page 593]
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of holiness, and has been sent to prepare the Bride of Messiah for the coming of Her Bridegroom. "Woe to you, O destroyer..." (Isa. 33:1). He is absolutely opposed to unrighteousness and intolerant to iniquity, as we learn from His dealings with ancient Assyria, who sought to abuse Israel. The Comforter, Who has been sent in the place of Yeshua, has not changed. First, He places fences/limits on evil's temporary success. "Ye shall conceive chaff" (Isa. 33:11). Secondly, He causes the achievements of iniquity to come to nothing. "you will give birth to stubble" (Isa. 33:12). Thirdly, He consumes and dissipates the strength of iniquity. "My breath will consume you like a fire" (Is. 33:12). He will thus drive away the evil seducers from the Ecclesia of Israel, and develop Yeshua's Bride in holiness, to the fullest degree so that Torah/Word obedience becomes absolutely desirable, natural and joyful. To have a spirit of holiness is to assimilate a YHVH-given and matured spiritual disposition toward holiness and purity. Pentecost initiated the outpouring of the Spirit promised for the last days, and the Spirit's first step is to create in the convert a new, regenerated human spirit that naturally gravitates toward sanctification and consecration. The new human spirit of holiness hungers and thirsts for righteousness and grows in strength and discernment through prayer, worship, study, and obedience to the Word of Elohim. Unless and until believers truly embrace Yeshua's thoughts and cherish His feelings we will not live fully contented within His statutes or labor tirelessly toward the restoration of Israel, or follow His prophetic plans.
Holiness is a choice, but it is also a requirement. "For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy" (Lev. 11:44). Nevertheless, the Spirit is not forced on anyone. He is received (1) through faith in Yeshua, at the new birth (John 3:1-16). Then, subsequent (usually) to the new birth, His presence, power, and influence are augmented through (2) the Baptism in the Spirit, promised by John the Baptist and given by our glorified Yeshua. Here's the point. The re-born, regenerated human spirit is indwelt and in continual contact/union with YHVH's Holy Spirit, and from that divine communion the soul is renewed, quickened in revelation and restoration grace. Thus, the new inner-man (he/she) sees, knows and is sustained by the incomprehensible holiness of YHVH, something that cannot be adequately explained by human language. The grandeur of the Spirit's holiness is immeasurable and inconceivable; His goodness and purity extend into infinity. That holiness, which (it is said) is the perfection of YHVH's love, has an over-powering influence and attraction on the regenerated human spirit that transcends human intellect and comprehension. To be appreciated and sought after, His holiness simply must be experienced, not read about only. And when His holiness is encountered, the knowledge transforms the witness and leaves him with a deep consciousness of sin, a profound sense of humiliation (Isa.6:1-6), joy for the redemption of Yeshua, and a meaningful enhanced hunger and thirst for His righteousness and purity. Job, when suffering from a diseased condition, poor health, and other losses, spoke out of a revelation of YHVH's holiness and perfection and said, "If even the moon has no brightness and the stars are not pure in His sight, how much less man..." (Job 25:5-6). He knew that there is nothing in all creation to compare with YHVH's holiness and purity. Job's ending words were, "I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear [teaching]; But now my eye sees you [experience/encounter]; Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:5-6).
The Holy Spirit creates a new spirit at conversion that is at once drawn to the perfections of YHVH. As the saints yield to Him, a spirit of holiness will grow within each believer and become mature, bearing fruit, and like a moth, be drawn always to holy light. It is a spirit of holiness that will be for eternity ever reaching out to know and experience more of His holiness and the depths of His love. Initiated by the new birth and empowered by the baptism in the Spirit, the transformation in holiness will progress within the seeking believer throughout life as he follows Yeshua. That burgeoning spirit of holiness, which is being developed in us even now, must reach manhood, and guide and motivate the Bride of Yeshua forever.
Being Led by the Spirit/Hearing the Voice of the Almighty
"Now Nadab and Abihu...took their respective fire pans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not command them. And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them" (Lev. 10:1-2).
While the level of the joy of the inauguration was still high among the people, Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's two oldest sons, took it upon themselves to offer strange fire to YHVH, possibly while under the influence of strong drink. It was a great offense to the Almighty involving human presumption, disobedience, profanation, and false worship. The insolence was judged immediately. In the episode the reader once again comes face-to-face with the infirmity of man that presents blatant evidence of his need for redemption. The offered fire was strange because it was alien, counterfeit; it was not from the Brazen Altar as it should have been. Evidently it was offered by self-confident priests (Nadab and Abihu) thinking that, because of their esteemed, newly appointed offices, they had license for innovation. They yielded to the temptation to act on their own, even though their offering was not ordered or advised, and presented to YHVH that which was unholy and unacceptable. "And there went fire out from the Lord..." Thus, the time of gladness and rejoicing had suddenly become a time of fearfulness and mourning; the divine fire of approval had become a divine fire of judgment.
"For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God" (Deut. 4:24). YHVH had spoken to Moses and Israel at Sinai and revealed His glory to them at that time, and Moses consequently wrote that it appeared "like a devouring fire on top of the mount" (Ex. 24:17). When Moses spoke to Israel to prepare them for entry into Canaan, he made an allusion to Sinai and likened YHVH to "a consuming fire." And so He has proven to be to His resolute enemies, and to all those who stubbornly persist in their defiance and hostilities toward His grace. "Understand therefore this day, that the Lord thy God is He which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire He will destroy them, and He shall bring them down before thy face..." (Deut. 9:3). Moses is here speaking to Israel, exhorting them concerning crossing the Jordan and facing powerful enemies. He used the characterization again as an encouragement, this time comparing Elohim to "a consuming fire" that would visit sudden and complete destruction on the Canaanites dwelling in the Land of Milk and Honey. The reference is found in the Book of Hebrews also. "For our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29). The Almighty's nature has not changed. He is a consuming fire against evil and a refining fire purging what is good. If one dismisses grace, however, he will find the day of Judgment a fearful thing indeed.
After his sons' remains had been removed from the camp, YHVH gave Aaron a clear notice, "... Do not drink strong wine or strong drink...make a distinction between the holy and the profane, and between the unclean and clean..." (Lev. 10:8-10). The Priests were expected to honor all His statutes, and by word and example teach Israel the same. There was no room for personal creativity within the system. Why? See: Jer. 17:9.
YHVH demands a higher standard for them that would serve Him. Only then can teachers exhort and instruct others concerning the difference between the profane and the holy, the unclean and the clean, and thereby provide for them a reliable foundation for a blessed life. As New Covenant priests, let's remember that YHVH accepts only that which He has inspired. It might seem unflattering to us, but Isaiah, through his prayer for Judah/Israel, has this to say concerning our own works: "For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like filthy garments [rags]" (Isa. 64:6). Nadab and Abihu came before YHVH in an un-prescribed way, and it was, to put it mildly, unacceptable. There has always been a given way for man to approach the Most High. Cain came to YHVH with the fruit of the ground, and it was not accepted. Jereboam approached through false altars and he was rejected and judged. In the New Testament time our approach to the Father is directly through Messiah. To attempt to come to YHVH on our own presumptuous terms, apart from Yeshua and Spirit-inspired repentance, is presumptuous and will result in being sent away empty-handed. Yeshua said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by Me" (John. 14:6). He alone is the way to: (a) the knowledge of the Father, (b) favor with the Father, (c) fellowship with the Father, and (d) the home of the Father. All truth is found in Yeshua. He is the Possessor and Author of perfect spiritual life, and He communicates that divine life into believers through His Torah and the Holy Spirit. Consequently, the unfortunate episode of Nadab and Abihu teaches us the unconditional necessity for believers in this hour to hear and follow the leading of the Spirit, and to be attuned to the Father's directions and corrections [not our own] as He sends them through the Agent of His Spirit. Even today the results of careful hearing in life and service can mean the difference in our success or failure.
Study in the Spirit. Perceive the sound of Yeshua's voice as He comes to fellowship with you in the Word. "...if any man hear My voice..." (Rev. 3:20). Any man! That's you and me. His voice is the sound of upwelling faith that is inwardly perceived/discerned, and that produces inspiration, conviction, and fresh vision. The divine voice of "...faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). And be filled to over-flowing in the Holy Spirit and use your prayer language. "Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues" (1 Cor. 14:5).
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: Sh'mini "eighth"
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 our commentary study from which the readers can be most enriched, for by them the student learns on his/her own, with the assistance of the Spirit of Truth, on Whom they will learn to rely. Thus, the Scriptures and questions comprise (2) the primary system of practice (exercise) for listening to the voice/word of Elohim, and as such are (3) the expected method through which the Holy Spirit will directly communicate personal edification, instruction, exhortation to the student/reader. We recommend that you read the questions and keep them in mind as you study the texts.
Sh'mini includes:
Leviticus 9:1-11:47 [Torah]: Priestly service begins/Aaron offers sacrifices for himself and Israel/He and Moses bless the congregation/Glory appears/Holy fire/Nadab and Abihu/Moses and Aaron resolve a sacrifice matter/Clean and unclean food.
2 Samuel 6:1-7:17 [Haftorah]: David and his return with the Ark of the Covenant.
Acts 10:9-22, 34-35 [New Testament]: Peter has a vision featuring clean and unclean animals/Healing of Aeneas/Revival.
Luke 7-9 [Gospels]: John the Baptist/Ministering women/Miracles/Transfiguration.
Study Questions: Listen to the Ruach HaKodesh, and then write your answers.
1. What is the major teaching or theme of the Torah reading?
2. What is the supporting, related truth/theme found in the Haftorah?
3. What is the corresponding idea in the New Testament reading?
4. Summarize the central teaching (common truth) that unites the entire parsha, as you see it.
5. Relate the main teaching from the three parsha readings with the assigned Gospel chapters. Where and how does Yeshua model/demonstrate your central truth?
6. What does this week's parsha teach you about your Hebraic heritage?
7. In what way did the Spirit of Truth (John 14:15-18) anoint and minister to you this week?
8. What are the name, definition, and Torah references of this week's parsha?
Israel
"For I am the Lord Who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy" (Lev. 11:45).
Egypt was a land of idolatry, but the Hebrews were called to be holy, sanctified and set apart to YHVH. Holiness was the way of fellowship and communion between them and the Almighty, the way of life and prosperity. Accordingly, they were commanded that once they were in Canaan they were to root and pull down every idol and heathen altar they found, and sanctify the land for His Presence. History and Scripture inform us that Israel was not successful over the long run in their faithfulness to resisting idolatry. Thus, Jeremiah prophesied, "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah... (Jer. 31:31). At the time of fulfillment, the Holy Spirit was given--sent by Yeshua, our Kohen Gadol (High Priest)--to inaugurate the New Covenant. Ten days after the ascension of Yeshua, which took place before many witnesses, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit began in Jerusalem. It happened on the Day of Pentecost/Shavuot. Jeremiah had prophesied, "...declares the Lord, I will put my law within them and on their heart I will write it..." (Jer. 31:33). Holy fire and the Torah came upon and within believing Israel. The descent of the Spirit to believing Israel brought them to a new level of sanctification and strength for service and witness. Further, the New Covenant, and the gift of the Spirit for all repenting Israelites, opened the door for the return and restoration of exiled Israelites from the Ten Tribes to come into the New Covenant through faith in Yeshua through the New Birth (John 3:1-16). Shavuot in Jerusalem was an historic event. On that day all believers who had been baptized in the Spirit were armed with new faith, hope, love, truth, and spiritual power to resist strongholds and defeat the enemies of redemption. But political and military resistance to Rome continued.
When some time had passed, after the afore-mentioned events on Pentecost in Jerusalem, there occurred two large-scale open revolts by the Jewish Zealots against Roman occupation and oppression. One occurred in 44 CE, and the other took place almost a century later, in 132 CE. These revolts paved the way for the land and cities of Israel/Judea to become Romanized, and then Christianized. [Note: Rome would afterwards change Judea's name to Palestine in an effort to further alienate the troublesome Jews from the land with which they were identified.]
The first insurrection was a result of persistent and brutal Roman administration policies. At the outset, the rebelling Zealot army fought and defeated Roman garrisons and took control of certain towns and cities. Nevertheless, Rome slowly gained the upper hand, destroying Judean towns and killing the Zealot rebels within them. Finally, in 70 CE, Rome, under General Titus, took Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple just as Yeshua had prophesied forty years earlier (Mt. 24:1-2). The Jews were slaughtered and the survivors were taken as prisoners for the galleys and arenas of the Empire.
The surviving Zealot rebels continued their resistance to Roman rule and oppression by holding out atop Masada, the mountain fortress Herod had built. In 73 CE, after a long siege, Roman soldiers broke into Masada to find that the Jewish defenders had committed mass suicide rather than be taken captive.
While political and social resistance continued against Rome, the Apostolic Nazarene movement that came forth from the outpouring Holy Spirit in 32 CE, ten days after Yeshua was received up into glory, had spread greatly by the power of the Spirit. Yeshua's witnesses had carried the Gospel from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria, and into Asian and Mediterranean nations. Eventually Rome fell, but the New Covenant revolution continues, "even unto the end of the age" (Mt. 28:20).
Latter Days
"Then Moses said to Aaron, It is what the Lord spoke, saying, By those who come near Me I will be treated as Holy, and before all the people I will be honored" (Lev. 10:3).
The holy fire that had consumed Nadab and Abihu was a wordless, indelible, sobering message/reminder of the Almighty's position concerning man's approach and fellowship with Him. YHVH is always to be feared [loved, enjoyed, but also reverenced, held in awe, respected, trusted, obeyed] and honored [esteemed, venerated, worshiped, sanctified]. We have seen again and again how often powerful and respected, privileged leaders in the world get away with more loose and permissive behavior than do common people. However, in YHVH's Kingdom, this is not so. With the Almighty, the great ones are held to a higher, more exacting standard, and their lapses and straying are dealt with much more seriously. As we draw closer to the coming of the Messiah, and His glory and holiness are manifested increasingly upon His congregations for the preparation of the Bride, we will find many believers separating from pride, carnality, presumption, and worldly behavior and yielding to the spirit of holiness that will be growing and manifesting within them.
"Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great feat came over all who heard it" (Acts 5:4-5).
In Acts, the early Ecclesia lived and fellowshipped in a pure spiritual environment. Because of this, when a lie, a deception was leveled at Peter, it was actually a direct offense toward the Holy Spirit, Who inspired, empowered and directed the apostle. The fraud and hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira was therefore quickly judged. It was a remedial punishment, (1) a warning against the entry of sin at the inauguration of the New Covenant, and (2) a powerful discouragement to others from being carried away by serious sin that might at first glance seem venial [slight, excusable, non-serious, insignificant]. The two had, with pre-meditation, rejected the light, righteousness, order, and peace of the Kingdom of Yeshua. They had (a) defied and insulted the Spirit of grace, (b) treated with contempt the innocence and purity of the innocent and holy New Covenant enterprise, and (c) trampled upon and jeopardized its young life. Ananias and Sapphira were to the first New Covenant congregation of believers what Judas was to the first apostles. The judgment looks severe when we first read about the unhappy event, but it was actually merciful. It scattered the gathering, darkening sin clouds and returned to the believers the full measure of un-obscured divine light and power.
"And great fear came over the whole church...many signs and wonders were taking place...they were all with one accord...multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number...even carried the sick out into the streets...they were all healed" (Acts 5:11-16).
In these latter days there is a pronounced tendency among religious people to assume that, if there is some good connected to a cause or course, that the perceived good counterbalances or offsets any sin or serious offense contained therein. Ananias and Sapphira thought that an act of giving--handing over least a portion of an expectation--was nevertheless pious and charitable enough to compensate for, or balance out, their dishonesty. The result of their foolhardy trickery was disastrous! In these latter days there will be increased self-deception, even arrogance amidst believers who think they can break YHVH's plain commandments because the imagined virtue of their actions will somehow cancel the offense. Right before Yeshua's Second Coming such attitudes will prove very dangerous. In the past while under His anointing we could get away with some things, but with His coming pronounced and manifested glory, old and careless attitudes and behaviors will no longer be winked at or welcome. As His glory increases among His people, we will discover (perhaps in a most alarming, sobering manner) that supposed good intentions will never cancel wrongdoing, and the hidden motives of the heart will be discerned, exposed, and judged. "That which is fully righteous shall you follow..." (Deut. 16:20). Selah.
Bless the Land
"Then Moses said to Aaron and to his sons Eleazer and Ithamar, Do not uncover your heads nor tear your clothes, so that you will not die...but your kinsmen, the whole house of Israel shall bewail the burning which the Lord has brought about"...Then Moses spoke to Aaron, and to his surviving sons, Eleazer and Ithamar, Take the grain offering that is left over from the Lord's offerings by fire and eat it beside the altar, for it is most holy" Lev. 10:6,12).
On the particular day a relative dies the mourner is called an onan. The Kohen Gadol was required to perform his duties, even as an onan, but the regular Kohanim (priests; plural) were bound by the regulation and were not allowed to serve on the day of their mourning. Nadab and Abihu perished on the day of the final dedication of the Tabernacle, the eighth day, and alarm and sorrow swept though the camp. Because all the Kohanim were required, and needed, to perform the services for that particular day, the problem arose concerning the legality of their participation in the sacrifices. God commanded Moses to (1) tell Aaron and his sons to avoid all outer displays of mourning, and (2) make an exception to the rule and have them function in their posts. The dispute that arose later between Moses and Aaron had to do with the circumstances to which the command to proceed applied. Because of the nature of the events of the day, Aaron was not sure if or how the command regarding the meal offering should apply to the meat of the sin offering, and whether it applied to all three of the Priests? The question between the two leaders was detailed, and we lack the space to discuss it now, however Aaron's view regarding the offerings in question was accepted by Moses and the matter was settled. Interestingly, this appears to be the first place in the Torah where we observe the exercise of Oral Law, in which reason and wisdom determined the application of the written laws.
Let us use the same high level of intelligence and discernment as we bless "the whole House of Israel" this week. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7).
1. Pray for Israel and Jerusalem.
"For thus saith the Lord, sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise and say, O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel" (Jer. 31:7).
2. Pray for America. Pray for your Nation.
"In the morning, O Lord, you will hear my voice; In the morning will I order my prayer to you and eagerly watch' (Psalm 5:3).
The appointment of morning and evening sacrifices in the Torah suggests that the same times are most appropriate for regular prayer. See: Ps.55:17; 59:16; 88:13; 199:147. Man's spiritual instinct is in line with the Torah and pre-dates the Mosaic Covenant. See: Job 1:5.
3. Sing the Song of the Lord. [Prophetic Praise and Worship.]
"Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers...and the fourth river is the Euphrates" (Gen. 2:10-14).
The river that flowed out of Eden provided the water of life for the garden, and its four tributaries can be likened to the four Gospels which bring truth, life, healing, and divine light to the nations. The river that flowed from Eden also represents the Spirit, and the four branches speak of His freedom, power, availability, and fruit. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, from his innermost being will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified" (John 7:38-39).
The fourth river is named Euphrates, which means, "to bring forth fruit or fruitfulness." The Euphrates is a prophetic picture of the Holy Spirit working dynamically in the lives of believers, worshipers, singers, and praisers as they walk in the light of Yeshua. He proclaimed, "I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
To abide in Messiah, and allow the Spirit to fill us and cause us to bear fruit that pleases the Father, is true worship. Remember the sweet Psalmist of Israel, David, who sang in the pastures at night to comfort his sheep. Choose one of his psalms, sing it over Israel this week, and let His Rivers of Living Water flow.
Conclusion
"The Lord spoke again to Moses and to Aaron, saying to them, Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, These are the creatures which you may eat from all the animals that are on the earth' (Lev. 11:1-2).
[Note: It has been said often, "you are what you eat." Unclean (tahmay) means: defiled, contaminated, polluted. Unclean comes from a root word spelled tame, meaning "to defile" or "to make unclean." The cause for uncleanness was contact with unclean things (Lev. 7:21).
When Leviticus mentions uncleanness it is not talking about dirt on our hands or faces that can be washed away with soap and water. Instead, YHVH is teaching about the difference between what is holy and what is unholy. Our Elohim wants us to discern and avoid what is unclean, because the unclean things will separate us from the closest, possible fellowship with Yeshua, and deplete His power, energy, and blessing from our lives. The Holy One emphasizes cleanness and holiness because he wants us free from weakness and living in spiritual, mental, and physical health, and thus in victory.]
"You shall be holy for I am holy." This prevailing principle runs through both the Old and New Testaments. So, in its conclusion, Parsha Sh'mini presents the reader for the first time with rules about holiness in regard to eating. The laws cover animals (quadrupeds), birds and flying things, fish (swimming things), reptiles, creeping and swarming things, and that which is killed by another animal, or is dead. Stipulations are given on how to discern what is clean in the various categories, and what is not. The unclean beasts (large or small) were considered an abomination to the Almighty. Taking their cue from Him, the Israelites learned to regard all unclean creatures as repugnant in their sight. "By no means Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean" (Act 10:14). Peter's attitude was clear. How does this apply to us?
First, the Torah statutes regarding holy eating habits pertain to all Israelites, natural born or in-grafted. We simply are not to eat unclean foods, whether or not we happen to really like them. Secondly, the abominable thing (unclean food) is a type of sin, the thing YHVH also hates utterly. He "cannot look upon iniquity." Selfishness, pride, hatred, anger, immorality and the other flawed characteristics of human nature are grotesque in Elohim's sight. They disturb His heart, and trouble His eyes and ears much more than even the most revolting behavior and habits of the unclean beasts repel us. The lesson is obvious. The abominable thing that YHVH despises, whether it's unclean food or that to which it points, sin, we also must learn to hate and to avoid. Unfortunately, we often like that wrong thing (abomination) we should be loathing, and choose that which we should instead indignantly reject. It is needful that we are ever keeping our eyes open to see the abomination to which we are blind, and be eager to receive enlightenment from the Spirit (Psalm 139:25). Consider how unfortunate and debilitating it would be, at every level, to live and die while remaining in love with and attached to that which YHVH considers loathsome, and hates.
The Torah itself explains the reason for the laws of Kashrus at the end of the parshat's last chapter. By observing the regulations concerning clean and unclean foods, the Israelite could begin to ascend the stairway of holiness, so to speak. By ignoring them, he would defile (contaminate) himself and gradually become dull of heart, unable to comprehend or appreciate the value and blessing of holiness, YHVH's foremost attribute. The message of the "eighth" day, and of kashrus, is that sin is many-sided and present at every turn in life. Holiness is separation of body and soul from all uncleanness and immorality, and is the Father's goal for His people. Physical and spiritual health is a duty as well as a blessing. The Scriptures present the sum of the matter: "Ye that love the Lord, hate evil" (Psalm 97:10).
Living the Whole Word
"Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things ...for I am the Lord Who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy" (Lev. 11:44-45).
These closing verses provide a religious endorsement to the entire parsha that emphasizes the aforementioned regulations concerning offerings and foods as being not merely political and secular choices or obligations, but as being sacred duties. Because the Israelite people were in Covenant with the Most High, Who is holy, they were to sanctify themselves by avoiding anything that was unclean and unpleasing to Him, and thus be holy also. The commands about offerings and foods taught them that ceremonial cleanness was symbolic of cleanness of heart. YHVH had brought them out of Egypt, a land of animal-worship (idolatry), we have observed. Partly because of this, Leviticus stresses the necessity of believers to discriminate between what is clean and what is unclean. "You shall therefore be holy." In this third book of the Torah, the word holy is mentioned 94 times. Clean is mentioned 46 times. Unclean is mentioned 129 times. Offering is spoken of 293 times. Blood is mentioned 88 times. By way of such accents, Leviticus clearly informs the reader: (1) The way to Elohim is through a holy priest offering an acceptable sacrifice. (2) Once union is established, the way of walking with YHVH (maintaining that fellowship) is through separation and sanctification--which is holiness.
Man was originally created in the image and likeness of Elohim, his Creator, "in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph. 4:24). Man fell into sin, and his holiness and communion with YHVH were lost. The story of Israel is one of man recovering the lost image and likeness, and being restored to full communion and fellowship with the Most High through a Redeemer, Who is Yeshua HaMashiach. Today--for those who have been restored into fellowship with the Father through faith in the Blood of Yeshua--there remains a call to holiness. But our call is not just to ceremonial uncleanness; "...you shall not defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing" (Lev.11:44). In the New Covenant, since we each personally have the indwelling Spirit, our call is to the highest spiritual life attainable this side of glory. Moral purity is not merely implied, it is overtly commanded! Disciples of Yeshua are to be clean by avoiding any moral, mental, or inner uncleanness, not by keeping physically clean only. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest...fornication (imaginative or physical) uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, variance, emulations, wrath, strive, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders [includes slander-lashan hara, hatred, unforgiveness, etc.]...and the like: of which I tell you...they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal. 5:19-21).
The "eighth" day ceremonies, the false fire episode, and the instructions on clean foods [kashrus] teach us, who are alive and part of the arising Hebrew roots restoration movement, that Yeshua explicitly requires both inner and outer cleanness [don't do it; don't even contemplate it] for any of His followers who want to experience increasingly closer fellowship with Him. We are coming under "tough love", and it will be very good for the Bride. An intimate, confidential relationship with the Master is not merely an admirable religious ambition. Spiritual closeness of communion with our Bridegroom, through the Spirit and Word, will become even more vital as we approach and enter into the prophetic season of Trumpets. "Seek, and you will find." With that in mind, we present our concluding exhortation: "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh...If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16,25). Great and wonderful things are in store for everyone who picks up his cross, denies himself, and follows Yeshua.
Parsha completion: (1) Write out your answers to all the questions. (2) Share your answers with others.
Next week: Two parshas are featured again. (1) Tazriah ("She bore seed") and (2) Metzora ("Infected one").
Barry Hutch Church, BTL scribe, D. Min. /blesstheland@live.com/ www.blesstheland.net
