BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
Emor ("Say!")
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
April, 2010
Torah: Leviticus 21:1--24:23.
Haftorah: Ezekiel 44:15-31.
Sugg. N.T.: 1 Peter 2:4-10.
Gospel: Luke 18-20.
Welcome "For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face" (Psalm 11:7). The establishment of the rule of YHVH in the human heart produces happiness. The prophets eagerly foretell of the foremost joy of the new heavens and the new earth; it is that in them "dwelleth righteousness" (Isa. 65:17-25; 2 Pet. 3:13-14). Receive His rule cordially and His Spirit with hospitality. Abide within His righteousness, and your long-term joy will be unassailable.
The Written Torah: Introduction to Emor ("Say!")
Last week: K'doshim ("Holy ones"): "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" (Leviticus 19:1-2). Last week's parsha called the people of Israel, the entire nation, to strive for holiness through the various offerings and purification rites.
This week: In Parshat Emor ("Say!"): Here YHVH's attention is turned back to the Kohanim. Thus, Moses is commanded to speak ["say"] again to the Kohanim (Priests) of Israel about (1) regulations concerning priests, (2) sundry laws, (3) the Sabbath and the seven Feasts of Israel, (4) the Lamp (Menorah) and Bread in the Sanctuary, and (5) "eye for an eye" justice. Keep in mind, the Priests performed the service of the Tabernacle and judged the sons of Israel. Their responsibility was substantial. They were expected to be blameless examples of holiness before the congregation, and were therefore held to a high standard of sanctification. For instance, the Priests were not allowed to make contact with a dead body. Further, they were forbidden to marry profane women, or even those who had been divorced through no fault of their own. What's more, the High Priest could not marry a widow. With this in mind, the meaning of Emor, which is "say!" or "speak!", takes on a stronger connotation and is appropriately accompanied with a exclamation mark (!). Moses was ordered by the Most High to speak to Aaron and his sons in such a manner that they fully and soberly understood the ramifications of the their calling. Moses was to "make sure" the Priests realized it was their job not just to inform the people of YHVH's commandments concerning Sabbaths, seasons, duties with Tabernacle offerings, and justice, they were to teach and model YHVH's laws in such a manner that the sons of Israel fell into line and happily followed them! In today's parlance Moses might say to ministers, "Here's the Word of Elohim. Listen and do it. I want no excuses, just make sure that you git 'er done!" He understood that when the priests and people fully appreciated the holiness and meaning of the seasons and offerings, and followed them, not mechanically, but with thanksgiving and reverence, the service of the Tabernacle would become as awesome and inspiring, as was intended.
Emor ("Say"): "Then the Lord said to Moses, Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: no one shall defile himself for a dead person, except for his relatives..." (Leviticus 21:1-2). Chapter twenty-one contains regulations respecting the holiness of the Priests, who were required to be examples of purity in all their circumstances and relationships. An unholy, defiled priesthood would be a disaster for Israel. "Now the sons of Eli [a Priest who did not rule his home or congregation properly at all] were worthless men...Israel was defeated...the Ark of God was taken" (1 Sam. 3 and 4). By conforming to the laws of purity, the Priests were demonstrating an ideal to which the people could also strive and conform, and by which they would prosper. Therefore, the requirements were high for those who would offer the sacrifices at the altar. They were: (1) Physical purity. A bodily flaw or blemish was a disqualification from office. (2) Domestic purity. The Priest was to be the head of his household, and married to a suitable woman. (3) Public purity. Personal and private interests or difficulties were never allowed to interfere with the Priest's public responsibility and example. He was a representative of YHVH. In view of this, we can appreciate Yeshua's dedication even more, for He fulfilled all purity requirements. Yeshua's life was a sacrifice of Himself, and all His personal and private interests, to the will of the Father and the need of mankind. "...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mt. 20:28). The same spirit of sacrifice and service, by the Holy Spirit, has been imparted [birthed] into us.
Emor: "...of any of their freewill offerings, which they present to the Lord for a burnt offering--for you to be accepted--it must be a male without defect from the cattle, the sheep, or the goats" (Leviticus 22:18-20). The animals that were offered to YHVH had to be physically perfect, having no defects or blemishes, just as the priests who ministered to Him had to be morally and ceremonially holy. The priests and animals had to be perfect because: (1) They were types representing, or pointing to, the future perfect Sacrifice and High Priest, Yeshua. (2) They symbolized the perfect heart which YHVH wants His disciples to dedicate to Him. In our praise and worship there must be a willingness, a cheerfulness, which is particularly pleasing to the Almighty (Ps. 40:8). Service which is forced or constrained, rendered against one's will has very
little merit, if any at all. (3) The unblemished Priests and animal sacrifices teach us today that we are called and enabled [John 14:11-14; 15; 16; Acts 1:8; 2:17; 7:59; Rom. 15:19;1 Cor. 2:19; 14:15; Gal. 5:16, 22; and further references] to offer our very best to Him. Offering a deformed or weak, less valuable animal, was an offense, and certainly unacceptable. As a matter of fact, when this was done the Israelite put the Holy One of Israel in second place, and his own material welfare and self-interests in first place. "But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil. And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly? says the Lord of hosts" (Mal. 1:8). Here Malachi rebuked the Jews for doubting YHVH's love and care (verses 2-5), and for their faithlessness. They came with weak sacrifices, and they and their nation were weak because of their indifference and disrespect for His sacred things. He affirmed that only by repentance and true reform could the people come under YHVH's blessing. How does this apply to us? Clearly, we are to bring our best and holiest--time, money, service, effort, et al--to Him. "But the righteous man shall live by faith"...[that is, by faith for increase, not by fear of loss] (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17).
Emor: "The Lord spoke again to Moses, saying, Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, The Lord's appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations--My appointed times are these: " (Leviticus 23:1-2). The mo'adim include the yearly, monthly, and weekly feast days, holy days. They were/are religious observances, set-apart times; seven special appointments for YHVH to meet with His people. Our observance of the feasts--Pesach (Passover), Chag HaMatzah (Unleavened Bread), Yom HaBikkurim (First Fruits), Shavuot (Pentecost), Yom Teruah (Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Tabernacles)--begins with the weekly Sabbath! When the divine appointments are honored the Almighty is pleased and His people are enriched. They teach us about redemption truths, including the process of personal sanctification and the life and ministry of Messiah Yeshua. They are also prophetic signposts for the end-times.
Sabbath--weekly. "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days thou shalt labor, and do all thy work: But the seventh day [Saturday] is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God" (Ex. 20:8-10). Days are counted from sundown to sundown.
[New Moon--Monthly. Celebration of a new month.]
Pesach--Spring. Pesach speaks of redemption. Fulfilled by Yeshua crucified. Messiah, the unblemished Passover Lamb, was sacrificed for us. We receive New Birth through faith in Yeshua, and enter the Kingdom of God.
Chag HaMatzah--Spring. Fulfilled by Yeshua. The Feast of Unleavened Bread speaks of Sanctification. Messiah was sinless, without "leaven." His body did not decay in burial. Once saved, we put off the old "leaven", sin. See: 1 Cor. 5:7-8.
Yom HaBikkurim--Spring. The Celebration of First Fruits speaks of resurrection. Fulfilled by Yeshua. Messiah rose triumphantly after three days and nights in the grave. This represents believers putting on the new [recreated] man, in holiness and consecration. See: Eph. 4:24.
Shavuot--Spring [Fifty days after First Fruits]. Fulfilled by Yeshua on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem ten days after His ascension when Messiah was exalted to the Throne. Shavuot portends the coming of the Holy Spirit to administrate the New Covenant and empower the saints. See: Acts 1:8; 2:4.
Yom Teruah--Fall. Spiritually fulfilled. Yeshua defeated the enemies of our souls (Col. 2:15). Prophetically, Trumpets points to tribulation, judgment, reward. It speaks of spiritual warfare, learning to walk in the Spirit, and the preparation and maturing of the Bride of Messiah. Prophetically, we are in the season of Elul (sixth month), and at the threshold of Trumpets, which comes on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri.
Yom Kippur--Fall. The Day of Atonement for all Israel, also points to the future when Messiah returns and all Israel repents of her sins and turns to Him for salvation. Spiritually fulfilled when Yeshua ascended to the Holy of Holies in heaven with his own Blood. The literal fulfillment is seen in Revelation 19:1-9. The future Day of Atonement will bring about the purification of the Bride (Ezek. 36:24-25), her glorification (Phil. 3:21), and transfiguration (Mt. 17:2).
Sukkot--Fall. Tabernacles points to the future, when, following Yom Kippur, Messiah reigns over his earthly Kingdom, and men rest in His presence and glory.
[Year of Jubilee--Fiftieth year.]
The Sabbath is included with the Levitical feasts but, is not originally a Mosaic institution. It was first instituted at the end of the creation week (Gen. 2:1-3), and is therefore an Adamic law and was thus made incumbent [obligatory] upon all mankind two thousand years before Sinai. The Israelites themselves recognized it as a patriarchal law. In the Wilderness of Sin, three months before Israel actually ratified the Mosaic Covenant and became a nation, Moses instructed the people to gather a double portion of manna on the sixth day, in respect for the Sabbath. (Ex. 16:22-30). Sabbath was incorporated into the Mosaic law as the fourth commandment. It is a day of rest from business, a holy convocation of refreshing and renewal in His Presence, and a day of prophetic anticipation, to be observed--"in all your dwellings."
The number seven is remarkable in Scripture, and thus we can expect to find therein a goodly number of hebdomads. For instance, the biblical feasts form a hebdomad, or a group of seven. There are seven days of creation, another hebdomad. The Sabbath is the first mo'ed, and it falls on the seventh day. The feasts commence on the 14th (7x2) day of first month, Abib (Nisan), and conclude in the seventh month, Tishri. Every seven years the land was given a rest from tilling and planting. At the end of the greater period of a week of weeks of years (7x7 years) was the year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:8-17).
Note: Seven is sheb'bah (Sabbath) in Hebrew. It means "complete", or "full", and represents perfection. The Hebrew word for seven appears a total of 392 times in the Bible. The sum, 392, is not only a multiple of seven, but of seven times seven (8x7x7). The number 392 is also the sum of the square of seven plus the cube of seven. Seven is used seven times in Genesis seven, and there are many such remarkable usages of seven in the Bible that we have not the space to cover. It appears in Scripture more than any other number. Of course, we can't help but note the prominent place the number seven has in pointing to the Spirit of YHVH, just as seven figures so prominently in the feasts. In the King James Version of Scripture the Holy Spirit is referenced 385 times, which number is a multiple of seven, or 7x5x11. Each number factor speaks of the Holy Spirit and His character and work. First, seven signifies perfection and thus represents the Holy Spirit and His work. Further, seven is the seal of YHVH, Who sealed His creation, stamping it as "good", or perfect, on the seventh day, Sabbath. We too, who are new creations, the work of Yeshua's perfect redemption, are "sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, Who is given as a pledge of our inheritance..." (Eph. 1:13). And further in the epistle we read, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom ye were sealed for the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30). Secondly, five is the number of grace, unmerited favor. It is by the grace of YHVH that we have received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:25-26; Rom. 5:15). Thirdly, eleven is the number of revelation. The Holy Spirit reveals the written Word of YHVH, the Torah, and the Living Word of YHVH, Messiah Yeshua to the hearts and minds of believ
ers."For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God" (1 Cor. 2:10). The great number of references to the Holy Spirit--385--point to His work from the beginning of Scripture, Genesis, chapter one, "...the Spirit of God was moving over the surface..." , all the way to its end with Revelation, chapter twenty-two, "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come."
Seen from this perspective, the seven feasts prophetically represent: (1) the completed, perfect (number seven) divine work of redemption and restoration, (2) the mercy and grace (number five) of Elohim present in both the Mosaic and New Covenants, (3) a panoramic revelation (number eleven) of the eternal faithfulness and wisdom of the Holy One of Israel, and (4) redemption's progression to completion accomplished and brought to its perfection through the power of the Spirit. "...but we ourselves having the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adaption as sons, the redemption of our body (Rom. 8:23). First, Celebrate all the feasts and be richly blessed. Secondly, believe that His good work is progressing in you right now, even as you read. "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you [who follow Him] will [continue with it, and] perfect it until the day of Messiah Yeshua" (Phil. 1:6).
The Living Torah: "I did not come to abolish but to fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
Emor: "Speak to Aaron, saying, No man of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect shall approach to offer the food of his God" (Leviticus 21:16).
The altar of the Most High was to be honored in every possible manner, and therefore preserved and protected from everything that might disrespect, defile, or misrepresent it. The people who ministered at the altar could not be disassociated from it, but were identified, as it were, with the altar. Thus, no one with a flaw, blemish, or fault of any type was allowed "to come nigh the altar...that he profane not My sanctuaries." Simply stated, those who officiated the sacred ordinances had an enormous influence on the public's opinion of their office and their esteem for the altar ministry itself. Hence, the Kohanim [Priests] had to be without physical or moral blemish, holy to YHVH and holy to His people (1 Tim. 3:11; 4:12). This indicates to the reader an essential truth--that the very best of spirit, soul, and body be brought to the service of our Elohim; not our leftovers, but our substance; not what's disposable, but the precious; not our exhaustion, but our strength and vigor. May we do our best to make our worship, work, and life as little blemished as we can, and serve with His approval, anointing, strength and joy.
There is a lesson here: The unblemished Kohanim pointed to the perfection of Yeshua's human life. He has been exalted, and has become our perfect High Priest, Who (1) lived and demonstrated the perfect ideal of man, and (2) has since given man, through His Atonement, Resurrection, and Ascension the hope and faith to aspire to, and power to press forward to, that ideal. "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He hath poured forth this which you both see and hear" (Acts 2:33). Our sure hope is based on Yeshua's victory. "But we do see Him [the Second Adam--the Son of Man] who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely Yeshua, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone" (Hebrews 2:9). Yeshua, the Word, Who was in the beginning, Who was with God, Who was God...became flesh, and was briefly humbled in the Incarnation. Yeshua's crowning was the result of His obedience and suffering. As a man, and by virtue of His human obedience unto the death of the cross, He won His exalted position of "glory and honor." Thus, human nature was exalted and perfected in the Person of Messiah Yeshua.
"...Yeshua, because of the suffering...that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons into glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering" (Heb. 2:9-10). Yeshua, the perfect Man and divine Servant of YHVH, triumphed over death (Mt. 28:6) and has been exalted and crowned with glory. His people, His Bride, being one with Him in faith and obedience, shall partake of His glory and the honor with which He, our eternal and divine Bridegroom, has been crowned. His exaltation brought His perfect humanity to the Throne of Glory. His glorification is therefore the assurance of man being restored to dominion, for which we were created, and from which we fell. "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek" (Heb. 5:9-10). On earth and in heaven His Bride will reign with Him. The Saints (holy, redeemed ones) will praise and worship in a place nearer the Throne than the seraphim occupy! We will judge angels. All of Yeshua's eternal, infinite kingdom and creation He will share with us (1 Cor. 3:21-23). This is amazing! Only through the perfect Man, Yeshua, can we fulfill our purpose on earth and realize our destiny in the world to come. First: Believe in Him. "Behold the Lamb of God" (John 1:36) daily, as did His disciples, with intent and earnest contemplation. Through faith and obedience a person becomes one with Him. Secondly: Imitate Him. His cross led to His crown. Our unwavering, Spirit-led service leads to sovereignty [excellence, power, autonomy (freedom); Webster's Collegiate], and, for some anyway, "greater works than these..." (John 14:12).
[Note: The perfection of our Savior/Redeemer was achieved through His obedience and suffering as a human. This does not refer to His flawless, pure moral character as the eternal Son of YHVH, who was harmless, that is, totally "without evil." It refers to His role as Mediator--the Captain of our salvation. The perfecting of Messiah was the process that brought Him to His destiny and exaltation. He was made "perfect [or prepared] through suffering" so that (1) He could fully sympathize with His suffering people (Heb. 2:18), and (2) present a perfect example to His suffering people (1 Pet. 2:21-24). We learn from Him that the trials and difficulties experienced along our pathway toward maturity and perfection are for our ultimate welfare.]
The Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh
Emor: "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Tell Aaron and his sons to be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel [separate yourselves from the holy things when you are unclean], which they dedicate to Me, so as not to profane My holy Name; I am the Lord" (Lev. 22:1-2). The Priests, whenever they became tamei (personally defiled), were commanded to withdraw from all aspects of Tabernacle service to avoid spiritually contaminating the sacrificial meat. This was a safeguard against the disqualification of the Israelites' offerings. The intermingling of what is clean with what is unclean results in a complete contamination. "A little leaven leavens the whole lump" (Gal. 5:9). That which is clean cannot mingle with what is defiled and remain unaffected. "What concord [harmony, agreement, unity] hath Messiah with Beliel?" (2 Cor. 6:15).
"Brethren, what shall we do? Peter said to them, Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Yeshua Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:37-38). Peter responded to the question of the listeners that they asked after witnessing Pentecost and hearing the apostle's sermon, which carried these main points: (1) Repent! Turn from sin, selfishness, and defilements to holy living and service; reject the old, evil life of thoughtlessness and wrong- doing, and return to YHVH. Enter onto the paths of truth and holiness. (2) Consecrate yourselves. Separate from sin. Have no part with uncleanness, no tolerance with wickedness; no jolly, congenial, intimate social fellowship with unrepentant, stubborn sinners. (3) Embrace Messiah Yeshua as your Savior, Master, and Teacher. Openly, publically proclaim Him to be thy divine Redeemer, and identify with Him and His people. (4) Then, receive mercy, remission of sins, and the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Of course, we know He will come and regenerate each believer's inner man, the spirit, and begin the progressive (although generally gradual) work of sanctification, including: a. Cleansing the thoughts of our minds and motives of the heart with His inspiration. b. Enabling and empowering us for the work, witness, and challenges of a holy life. c. Restoring our souls for intimate fellowship with the Father and His Son. d. Imparting spiritual fervor and a hunger for righteousness. e. Preparing us as Yeshua's undefiled Bride, and for the companionships and engagements of eternity. As we study the Scriptures and become doers of the Word, these works will become magnified in our lives, causing us to bear fruit and enjoy closeness with the Father and His Son, Yeshua.
The Holy Spirit is the One Who is preparing the Bride for His Glory. There will be no mixing of the clean and unclean in heaven, no contamination. Life is seedtime for eternity.
Being Led by the spirit/Hearing of the Almighty
Emor: "Command the sons of Israel that they bring to you clear oil from beaten olives for the light, to make the lamp burn continually. Outside the veil of the testimony in the tent of meeting, Aaron shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the Lord continually; it shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations" (Leviticus 24:2-3).
According to the passage, YHVH spoke to Moses about the olive oil for the Golden Lampstand and the Shewbread for the Golden Table. The oil and the bread were to be prepared and always present/available for the Tabernacle. They speak of the Holy Spirit and the Word of Life that He has made available for His Ecclesia.
"It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you...when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (Jn. 16:7-13).
The Holy Spirit often uses visions and dreams to speak to His people, to lead them. The apostle Paul was directed to Macedonia in this way. "During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, Come over to Macedonia and help us...we got ready at once...concluding God had called us to preach the Gospel to them" (Acts 16:8-10).Paul and his companions understood the simple vision and responded.
There will be times when believers will need to carefully interpret the voice/the leading of the Spirit. This could require fervent prayer sometimes because the leading of the Spirit may not always be so obvious. He will direct us through our human spirit, but our (sometimes un-restored, un-renewed, wounded) soul will have a pronounced, and all-too-often incorrect, influence upon our perception of His communication, which in turn affects our response to it. That is why a pure conscience and sanctification are so important for believers in knowing and interpreting the voice of the Spirit. Daily prayer and Scripture study are necessary (and joyful) disciplines for conditioning oneself to discern His voice/leading amidst the flood and clamor of today's many spoken and written voices. Nevertheless, the greater the mix of clean and unclean that is in our lives, the greater will be the confusion, misunderstanding, and contradictions within the soul. Repentance is needed. Learning to yield to the Spirit is next. One way of yielding to the Spirit is by speaking and praying in tongues. This practice develops increased awareness within us of the voice of the Almighty, and accuracy of discernment.
The infilling of the Holy Spirit (baptism in the Spirit) is generally a distinct, second experience following the new birth. For the record, the new birth occurs when the Spirit comes, regenerates (spiritually revives), and indwells the new believer in Messiah Yeshua (John 3:5-16; 14:17; Gal. 3:2, 14; 4:29; Eph. 1:13; Titus 3:5; 1 John 3:24; etc.). Therefore, when a person is saved they have the Spirit. However, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, or baptism in the Spirit, is another experience that provides the believer with greater empowerment for sanctification and witnessing. "Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Master Yeshua. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:14-17). Being filled/baptized in the Spirit is a necessary divine appointment for all Messianic believers. It is a pivotal encounter, a life-changing touch from the living Elohim. It is a new and holy experience beyond the "new birth" that Yeshua gives to young and old believers alike. All one needs is faith and spiritual hunger.
Speaking in tongues is the evidence of the infilling of the Spirit. It represents the overflow of His presence and power, and is the key to (1) bearing more abundant fruit, and (2) experiencing and functioning in a greater anointing and power of the Spirit. Further, it is (3) the doorway to growing and operating in the gifts (spirituals) of the Spirit as listed in 1 Corinthians 12. What's more, (4) the baptism in the Spirit, with speaking in tongues, properly and most effectively equips ministers to a. function in the eldership offices listed in Eph. 4:11, and b. operate in their service (or motivational) gifting as listed in Romans 12:6-8. It is no wonder that the enemy of our souls has resisted, disparaged, discredited, and minimized the baptism of Yeshua, and the regular use of the personal prayer language that accompanies it. [Note: There are those who have spoken in tongues when receiving Messiah Yeshua in their salvation experience. Nevertheless, while this is possible, it is the exception, not the rule. There are also people who, when coming up from the waters of baptism, are heard speaking in tongues.]
"And finding some disciples he said to them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? So they said to him, We have not so much as heard there is a Holy Spirit. And he said to them, Into what then were you baptized? So they said, Into John's baptism. Then Paul said, John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, Yeshua Messiah. When they heard this they were baptized in the name of the Master Yeshua. And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all (Acts 19:1-7). Paul laid his hands on twelve men to impart the Spirit. They all spoke in tongues, and prophesied. This is for all believers. It is a scriptural way to praise the Almighty.
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: Emor ("Say!")
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).
Important: The study's scheduled Scriptures and the following questions are (1) the heart of the commentary study from which the readers can be most enriched, for from them the student learns on his/her own while depending on the assistance of the Holy Spirit, on Whom we encourage them to rely for insight and illumination. He is the teacher for this Commentary. 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, and exhortation to the student/reader. We recommend that you read the questions and keep them in mind as you study the texts. Write out what you hear from the Spirit.
Emor includes:
Leviticus 21:1-24:23 [Torah]: Laws for priestly service/Sanctification of Elohim's Name/Feasts of Israel/Oil and bread offerings/Eye for an eye.
Ezekiel 44:15-31 [Haftorah]: Ordinances for the Levites.
1 Peter 2:4-10 [New Testament]: Royal priesthood/Lo Ammi becomes Ammi (see Hosea 1-2).
Luke 18-20 [Gospel]: Prayer/Money/Triumphal entry/Yeshua's authority/Resurrection.
Study Questions: Listen to the Ruach KaKodesh, and then write your answers.
1. What is the major teaching or theme of the Torah, Haftorah, and New Testament readings?
2. Summarize the common central truth that runs through the entire parsha, as you see it.
3. Relate your main teaching to the assigned Gospel chapters. Where and how does Yeshua demonstrate your central truth?
4. What does this week's parsha teach you about your Hebraic heritage/roots?
Israel
Emor: "And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be complete: even unto the morrow of the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the Lord:" (Leviticus 23:15-16).
Individual Israelites counted (numbered) each of the Omer days, as they progressed, separately and audibly. Seven Sabbaths, or weeks, were to be counted, totaling forty-nine days. On the fiftieth day, the day after the seventh Sabbath (seventh week) Shavuot [Day of Pentecost] was celebrated. The day would have come around the beginning of June, a time of season which would have made travel to Jerusalem pleasant. The typical offering was two wave loaves of bread [can be viewed as the two components of Israel, Judah and Ephraim] baked with leaven. They represented the first fruits of the wheat harvest, which may have already been reaped and stored. The meal offering of Shavuot (Pentecost) is called new and the first offering because it was the first Tabernacle/Temple offering from the wheat crop. The Omer offering of Pesach (Passover) was from the barley crop. The first-fruits of the wheat harvest is a prophetic earnest [a pledge; a token of what is to come] of the coming harvest of souls. "But now is Messiah risen from the dead, and become the Firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death,, by man came also the resurrection from the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Messiah shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Messiah the Firstfruits; afterward they that are Messiah's at His coming" (1 Cor. 15:20-23).
The challenges we face on earth, for those who trust in YHVH's salvation, will be worth the trouble because "We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him." Meanwhile we face trials and tribulations with the joy of our expectation. The Holy One provides the hope for a perfect day. Israel, when oppressed by invaders and oppressors, such as the Muslims, was always looking forward to a better day.
The swords of the Islamic forces arrived at the Promised Land in 634 CE, just two years after the death of Muhammed. Four years later they overthrew the Byzantines and began ruling the region. Those who submitted and were converted to Islam suffered having to obey harsh Islamic law. Those infidels who resisted were killed, or (if granted "mercy") were relegated to the status of the heavily taxed, despised and abused, lowest class of citizenry.
The Omayyed dynasty arose to rule the Israel/Palestine region in place of Byzantium. Its ruler was called Caliph, which means successor to Muhammed. At one point, a leader named Caliph Omar went to Jerusalem, to the Temple Mount, to pray on the rock that tradition declares was where Abraham had laid his son, Isaac, for a sacrifice. The Caliph did not stop there, but continued to tour the Holy Land with his followers, who claimed that every one of the many sites/places he prayed over belonged to Islam.
Yet later another caliph, Abd el-Malik, officially declared that the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the holy site of the two Temples, was in fact the place of worship that Muhammed flew to in a dream, according to the Koran. Thus, around 691 CE, Caliph Abd el-Malik had the Dome of the Rock mosque built on top of the Temple Mount, and renamed Jerusalem, Beit al-Makds, which was later shortened to Al-Kds. Then the son of Caliph Abd el-Malik, Al-Walid, confiscated the church building already on the Mount and converted it into a mosque called originally Al-Aqsa. Today it is called El-Aksa.
When the Muslim rule of Israel/Palestine began, Jews were allowed to settle in Jerusalem. They lived under the overlord's protection, maintaining Jewish property and worship so long as they paid various taxes. But with the burden of increased taxation, many Jews moved into the rural areas for relief. The austere living conditions and ever-present, suffocating discrimination caused some Jews to leave the land. Toward the advent of the thirteenth century the Jewish community had been significantly decreased.
Latter Days
Emor: "He shall keep the lamps in order on the pure gold lampstand before the Lord continuously. Then you shall take fine flour and bake twelve cakes with it; two-tenths of an ephah shall be in each cake. You shall set them in two rows, six to a row, on the pure gold table before the Lord. You shall put pure frankincense on each row that it may be a memorial portion for the bread, even an offering by fire onto the Lord" (Leviticus 24: 4-7).
The sons of Israel shared in the ministry of the Tabernacle. They were to regularly bring the pure olive oil for the sacred lamps and the shewbread for the Golden Table. These were offerings from the people, sacrificial gifts with which all Israel was to serve the Holy One of Israel continuously. The offering of oil for preparation of the candlestick and the fine flour and incense for preparing the offering of bread was a daily means of Israel sanctifying its life and labor to YHVH their Elohim. The seven lamps on the candlestick (Menorah) in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle burned throughout the night. The shewbread was regularly renewed and placed upon the Table of Shewbread, and consisted of twelve loaves symbolizing (1) the tribes of Israel and (2) the government of YHVH, and (3) the Lamb of God Himself, Who is the Tree of Life having twelve manner of fruit corresponding to twelve months of the year. Hence, the olive oil and shewbread are types of the Spirit and Yeshua. First, the olive oil represents the constant illumination of the Spirit guaranteed by Yeshua for His people, redeemed Israel. "He will guide you." Secondly, the shewbread represents the spiritual nourishment of Torah provided by the Living Torah, Messiah Yeshua, and quickened and imparted by the Spirit. "I am the living Bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat this bread, he shall live forever" (John 6:51).
As stated, the pure olive oil was provided by the worshippers. The burning lamp represents the holy nation in the midst of darkness. It is symbolic also of the royal priesthood, the divinely instructed and anointed people with whom are the oracles of YHVH, and in whom the Torah of YHVH is alive by the Spirit. "The [regenerated] spirit of man is the candle [lamp] of the Lord" (Prov. 20:27). Believers today bring the holy oil of the Spirit into the congregation, and into the nations, and by it are aglow as "the light of the world." (Mt. 5:14). When believers become more sanctified, constant in their faith, Spirit-oriented, hungry for righteousness, Torah-honoring, the congregations of Israel will start burning more brightly and continually with the holy fire and healing power of the Spirit, that the nations "may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." And there will be fresh, warm shewbread, which will be Holy Spirit revelation/insight given to the saints from Scripture, on the tables. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies" (Ps. 23:5).
Yet, in the days ahead, we believe there will be more. Just as the candlestick, which was daily and nightly renewed with oil, was kept burning in the Tabernacle/Temple, so there was always fresh bread upon His table. "Shewbread" means "bread of faces" or "Bread of the Presence" of the face of YHVH. Yeshua compared Himself to bread (Jn. 6:32-35), which is a staple in food. Without bread there is no festive celebration, or feast, just as without Messiah and His Atonement, there is no true joy. Bread is a source of physical strength, just as His manifest, tangible presence produces faith, vigor and strength in the spirit and soul. Bread is a source of gladness, just as the divine presence produces inspiration, comfort, and the joy of the Lord with beleivers. Going forward, the bread was made of fine flour, and measured in tenths. Ten is the number of riches. The holy shewbread was measured in tenth-deals, to symbolize the "measure of the fullness of Messiah" (Eph. 4:7,13). Thus Messiah, the rich One, is He out of Whom the richness of redemption flows. We believe in the days ahead there will be a growing manifestation of the tangible, observable, transformative presence and glory of YHVH--along with the demonstration of Yeshua's righteousness, sanctification, peace, divine healing, provision, power, victory, protection, goodness, mercy, restoration, and guidance, by the strength of the Holy Spirit--in the midst of His returning people! There is much for which to look forward. See: Joel 2:21-32; Rev. 6-14.
We observe from this passage that it was YHVH's will for oil, light, and fresh bread to be in His house at all times. The Priests were responsible to work with the sons of Israel for compliance to the Tabernacle's fitness. YHVH has not changed. The symbols of the text clearly reveal that the anointing, holy fire (revelation and power), and His manifest, tangible presence are expected and needed within His congregations today. The Torah and the Glory are the heritage of Israel. We must seek Him for a visitation! Pray for a great magnification of fresh fire and manifestation of the divine presence in the midst of Israel in the latter days! See: Jer. 29:13.
"Therefore, thus says YHVH Elohim, Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous of My holy name. They will forget their disgrace and all their treachery...when I bring them back from the peoples and gather them from the hand of their enemies, then I shall be sanctified through them...they will know that I am YHVH their Elohim because I made them go into exile...then gathered them again to their own land...I will not hide my face from them any longer, for I will have poured My Spirit on the House of Israel, declares YHVH" (Ezek. 39:25-29).
YHVH promises through the prophet to restore Israel, its Temple and Jerusalem. The restoration is multifold. Judah would return to rebuild the wall, city, and a second Temple. Later the Spirit would be poured out (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:4), and the lost sheep of the house of Israel would begin to be restored in Spirit and Torah truth, re-gathered, and return to YHVH and the Glory through a New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-33). This is being progressively accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord of hosts" (Zech. 4:6). Yeshua's redemption leads to the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:11). Forty days after His resurrection, Yeshua ascended up on high and gave gifts to men. He gave the best of gifts, one that contained within itself all other gifts, powers, and graces, the Holy Spirit. It is He Who returns the heavenly glory and the manna to the Temple, the one made of Living, Spirit-animated Stones. The Body of Messiah is being continuously restored, built up, both in Spirit and in Truth in the latter days.
[Note: Ezekiel begins and ends his recorded prophecies with visions of the Temple, and the Glory of YHVH departing, and later returning. His ministry covered thirty years, beginning in Israel and continuing in Babylon. In Ezekiel, Yeshua is seen as the "Son of Man" who is sent to the rebellious sons of Israel, the house of Judah and the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Ezek. 2:1; 37,38,39; John 1; Mt. 10:6; 15:24). As did Ezekiel, He started His ministry at the age of thirty (Ezek. 1:1; Lk. 3:21-23) with an opened heaven. Yeshua prophesied the departure of the Glory from the physical Temple at Jerusalem, and its subsequent destruction (Mt. 24:1-2), but also spoke of the Glory of Elohim returning to the new Temple, the Body of Messiah (Eph. 2:20-22). "I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I have poured out My Spirit upon the House of Israel, saith YHVH Elohim." ]
Bless the Land:
Emor: "Every sabbath he shall set it [the fresh loaves] in order unto the Lord continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the Lord made by fire for a perpetual statute" (Leviticus 24:8-9).
The twelve shewbread loaves were a national offering representing the tribes of Israel. The bread was provided by the people, offered up and then eaten by the priests. This took place every Sabbath as a continuing memorial. The twelve loaves were always before Him, fresh, in order and in unity, covered with a fragrant aroma, resting under the undimmed light of the Menorah. There are no loaves today. Nevertheless, you are represented by Yeshua, our High Priest, in the heavenly Temple on His Breastplate. He is remembering you this very moment! Bless the land, His land, this week.
1. Pray for Israel and Jerusalem.
"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" (Ps. 5:3).
3. Sing the Song of the Lord. [Prophetic praise and worship]
"So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him" (1 Sam. 16:23). David's anointed music (and we assume, songs) soothed Saul's melancholy and drove away the evil spirits which exacerbated and deepened the king's depression and paranoia. Saul's outbreaks of insanity came irregularly at first, and at intervals. As time progressed however his loss of self-control became more frequent, and dangerous. As his grasp of reality deteriorated, he tried to kill David (more than once), and even his own son, Jonathan. Sadly, Saul's jealousy, hatred, paranoia, and demonic oppression eventually cost him his crown, along with his three sons and his life, on Mount Gilboa. Only David's Spirit-anointed song could drive off the oppressor and bring the king some peace. Sing an anointed, prophetic song over Israel this week. Spirit-inspired, anointed music and singing brings deliverance and spiritual restoration.
Conclusion
Emor: "If a man takes the life of any human being, he shall surely be put to death...if a man injures his neighbor, just as he has done, so it shall be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him" (Leviticus 24:17-20). The sixth commandment says, "Thou shalt not murder." Leviticus orders a murderer to be executed, the same sentence for a blasphemer. A distinction needs to be drawn between murder and execution. A judicial sentence properly and soberly carried out by a community, and the illegal, unsanctioned slaying of a man, the calculated taking away of his life, are two entirely different things. We are warned never to (1) take a human life [murder] or (2) take the law into our own hands. "For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, says the Lord. And again, the Lord will judge His people" (Heb. 10:30). Thus the Noahic code of Genesis 9:6 was incorporated into the Mosaic law. Yet in private matters, when possible, it is better to suffer a wrong that seek revenge. "Blessed are the merciful..." (Mt. 5:7).
Emor: "There shall be one standard for you; it shall be for the stranger as well as for the native, for I am the Lord your God. Then Moses spoke to the sons of Israel, and they brought the one
who had cursed outside the camp and stoned him with stones. Thus the sons of Israel did, just as the Lord had commanded Moses" (Leviticus 24:22-23). The penalty of the law was inflicted upon the wrongdoer soberly and solemnly. Such actions were not to be produced from mob fury or revenge, but instead overseen by the elders. Stephen's execution by stoning, however, was based on a form of law, but was illegal and driven by mob anger. "They brought him to the council and set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against the holy place, and the law" (Acts 6:12-13). When Yeshua said, "Before Abraham was, I am" (Jn. 8:58), the listeners regarded Him as blaspheming. Later, when He said, "I and My Father are one" (Jn. 10:30), they "took up stones to cast at Him", and did not go through any judicial procedure at all. They tried, with vengeful hearts, to take the law into their own hands. Only when the laws of retaliation are administered wisely, judiciously, fairly, is the interest of the people served.
Reviewing Emor:
1. The regulations concerning the Priests were for upholding the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the people.
2. The festivals, moad'im, "appointed times," can be viewed as YHVH's helping, merciful hands lifting Israel from fatigue and assisting the people several times a year in their/our pilgrimage to Zion. They are appointments with our history and calls to restoration and holiness. They are opportunities to be refreshed by their spiritual truths and reminders. On Passover, Israel was given freedom; on Shavuot, YHVH revealed Himself to Israel at Sinai and gave the nation His Torah; on Yom Kippur, YHVH forgave Israel for their sin with the Golden Calf; Sukkot commemorates the divine clouds of glory protecting and unifying the people in the Wilderness. Each moed can be seen as an oasis positioned at a strategic point along the route, an appointed place for divine water and bread, a checkpoint for holy fellowship and spiritual provision divine renewal in Spirit and Truth, and remembrance of YHVH's covenant promises and faithfulness. Parsahat Emor is the map, the calendar, revealing the placement and timing of the feasts on our journey. The Torah provides instructions on when we should arrive at the appointed time (moed), how to draw from the rich resources of each feast, and when to move on to the next spiritual oasis.
3. The responsibility of providing the bread and oil for the Holy Place elevated the congregation as participants in the Tabernacle service.
4. Eye for eye, personal justice was legal, but within the general injunction there was room for mercy. It must be remembered, however, that the community which suffers the reviling and breaking of its most hallowed, righteous, life-protecting principles--those laws that unite and hold it together in peace--and allows such to go unpunished, faces the (a) disintegration of morality, (b) dissolution of order, and (c) breakdown of society into conflicting parts. [Is this happening in the nation today?] In the cases/high crimes, such as those specifically listed in Leviticus chapter twenty, strong response was necessary.
We can do what is lawful and be legally correct. Notwithstanding, whenever it is possible, especially in personal and social contexts, we are enjoined to follow mercy and do good. "...but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Mt. 5:39).
Living the Truth
"The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they said to Him, Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery...the law of Moses commanded us to stone such women; what do you say" (Jn. 8:3-5)? This section is from the passage about the woman caught in adultery. It was a plot of the Pharisees and scribes, who apparently had neither great disdain or discernment of sin, nor any over-riding respect or insight for the Law of Moses, but their whole purpose was "that they might have [create an opportunity] to accuse Him [find fault, even if based upon falsehood]."
But Yeshua bewildered his clever interrogators. At first He seemed to ignore them, and wrote on the ground with His finger something the surrounding hypocrites could have easily noticed and read. Actually, He had done this sort of thing before: "Belshazzar the king held a great feast...they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the Temple... drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. Suddenly the fingers of a man's hand emerged and began writing..on...the wall...the king's face grew pale..his hip joints went slack...the interpretation of the message...you have been weighted in the scales and found deficient" (Daniel 1-30). Could He have written on the ground something like what Belshazzar read on his wall, which took away his heart? Could something like this have broken the Pharisees' defiance, taken away their self-righteous arguments, and prepared them for the Messiah's response? Once He had written in the dirt, He answered pointedly and effectively, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." He didn't say--go and stone her. That would have misrepresented Him as stern and without compassion and mercy. He did not say--Do not stone her. That would have shown opposition to the Law of Moses. Accordingly, He did not assume the role of an officially appointed magistrate [judge] to decide the matter. "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbitrator over you" (Lk.12:14). He carried the issue from the judicial realm/sphere to the personal realm, one where the woman's accusers and His inquisitors themselves were brought into judgment. Upon hearing Yeshua's question, one by one, from the oldest to the youngest, they all ignominiously withdrew from their places of self-righteousness, and silently slunk away. The woman was left alone in the serene and sublime company of Yeshua, resting safely at His feet. He said to her, "...Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." He did not excuse her sin, nor necessarily forgive it. She had not asked for such. The Savior's comment was designed to cause introspection, and lead her to repentance and faith in Him.
Religious people can be harsh and critical, legalistic, censorious. Those who are most holy are always the most merciful. The perfect Lamb of Elohim, Yeshua, is adverse to sin, but a Friend to sinners. He taught His disciples the value of grace. "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man...And he said, the one who showed mercy toward him. Then Yeshua said to him, Go and do likewise" (Lk. 10:37). We have the right and sometimes the responsibility to enforce the Law, but on the personal level, we have the freedom to extend mercy. Because of the cross of Calvary, "mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13).
Next week: Two parshas, B'har ("On the mount") and B'chukotai ("In My statutes"), will conclude the Book of Leviticus.
