BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
Passover (Pesach); Unleavened Bread (Matzot)
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
March, 2010
Torah: Exodus 12:3-20; 33:12-34:26; Numbers 28:16-25
Haftorah: Ezekiel 36:37-37:14
Sugg. N.T.: 1 Cor. 5:6-8
Welcome "To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Yeshua ha Mashiach: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of our Master" (2 Peter1:1-2)
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The opening text suggests the theme of Peter's epistle: The maintenance of a strong spiritual life in a believer depends on his growth in his personal knowledge of YHVH, and his watchfulness against error and mixture. Spiritual enrichment comes by way of spiritual action. Seek him to know Him: (1) By the knowledge of YHVH we experience a rising desire to know Him even better (Ps. 34:8; 2 Pet. 1:5-6). More prayer and effort result in success as grace and peace are "multiplied to you", the seeking believer (Ps. 139:6). (2) By the knowledge of Him we increase in faith, which is the means of appropriating His promises. If we all knew Him better, we would have greater peace and confidence in life (Prov. 11:9; Rom. 10:17). (3) By the knowledge of the Most High we are motivated to greater righteous involvement in His service (Acts 9: 5-6; Eph. 3:19; Gal. 1:12; James 2:18).
Personal spiritual intimacy with Yeshua brings great and wonderful (incalculable) blessing in one's life (Rom. 11:33; Col. 2:3). May your participation in the Passover/Unleavened Bread season this year strengthen you with grace and peace through a new revelation in the knowledge of our great and mighty Elohim (Isa. 1:19; Rev. 1:1).
The Written Torah
Last Week: "Command Aaron and His sons, saying, this is the law of the burnt offering: the burnt offering itself shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until the morning, and the fire on the altar is to be kept burning on it" (Lev. 6:9).
In Parsha Tzav ("command"), supplementary regulations were directed to the priesthood concerning their functions, consecration, and dedication to YHVH's standards. The standards of service revealed in Tsav teach us today that Yeshua desires His followers to be completely consecrated to Him, and thus to the restoration of the kingdom, power, and glory of YHVH to all Israel. "Yeshua ha Mashiach is the same yesterday, and today and forever" (Heb. 13:8). In the above verse we read the regulation enforcing the maintenance of the fire on the brazen altar. "The Midrash observes that the Altar of Moses' Tabernacle was used for about 116 years--39 years in the Wilderness, 14 in Gilgal, 13 in Nob, and 50 in Gibeon (Rashash). During all those years, the Altar fire burned continuously, yet its thin copper layer never melted and its wooden structure was never charred (Vayikra Rabbah 7:5)." Be encouraged for your future. You and I serve an omnipotent, yet loving and faithful Creator! With Him, nothing is impossible. "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the [same] power that works within us..." (Eph 3:20).
This Week: "Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year...ye shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take the blood, and strike it on the two sideposts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night roast in fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it...and thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, with shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord's Passover" (Ex. 12:5-11).
There are seven biblically sanctioned feasts of Israel revealed in the Torah. They are called moed'im, which means they are the "appointed times" for the people of Israel to meet with YHVH. The Feasts of Israel are: (1) Passover, or Pesach. Pesach is probably the most notable feast among non-Jewish believers. It is highly meaningful because it represents the beginning of YHVH's redemption plan for mankind. (2) Unleavened Bread, or Matzot. [Note: This year the forty-nine days of Omer begin on Firstfruits, the second day of Unleavened bread.] (3) Firstfruits, or Bikurrim, (4) Pentecost (Weeks), or Shavuot, (5) Trumpets, or Rash HaShana,
(6) Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, and (7) Tabernacles, or Sukkot. Passover begins the yearly cycle.
The seven Feasts of Israel: First, they represent the agriculture season. Secondly, they are celebrations depicting epic historical events in the history of YHVH's covenant nation. Thirdly, they reveal Messiah's work in the redemption, sanctification, and glorification of His people, Israel. Fourthly, they are a pattern for personal sanctification. Fifthly, they are a paradigm, or chart, revealing the events and seasons of the end-times. The first four (spring) Feasts--Passover (Pesach), Unleavened Bread (Matzot), Firstfruits (Bikurrim), and Pentecost (Shavuot)--have been fulfilled by Messiah. Three (fall feasts) remain as yet unfulfilled--Trumpets (Rash HaShana), Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and Tabernacles (Sukkot)--and contained, or bracketed within their time frame we discover the 70th Week of Daniel.
Passover, the first feast, consists of Unleavened Bread and the Day of Firstfruits. Following are some thoughts about Pesach.
First, Pesach (Passover) is the first of the spring feasts which occur together during seven days in the month of Nissan (Abib), the time of the Latter rains. It first took place about 3500 years ago and commemorates Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The lamb of Passover is a type of Yeshua, Who fulfilled the feast's prophetic significance when He was sacrificed on Calvary. Passover vividly reminds us that we are redeemed by the blood of The Lamb, Who is our once-for-all sacrifice. Secondly, Matzoh (Unleavened Bread) historically points to the Israelites leaving Egypt quickly, and without time to wait upon the leavening of their bread. It is part of the Passover moed. It speaks of Yeshua, Who fulfilled the feast, and represents the Unleavened [sinless] Bread. The concept of unleavened bread urges believers to purge the leaven (sin) from our own lives and strive to live blameless lives as did Yeshua. We can live holy, unleavened lives through the power of His Spirit. Thirdly, Bikuurim (the day of Firstfruits) is celebrated today during Unleavened Bread on the day following the first full day of Passover. On this day a sheaf of barley was waved (offered) before YHVH as a "Firstfruits" of the harvest to come. Yeshua fulfilled Firstfruits when He rose from the grave, and His resurrection serves as a guarantee of our resurrection (John 12:23-24, 32). Firstfruits also commemorates Israel passing through the Red Sea. In our spiritual lives this is represented by water baptism ("Mikvah"), which identifies the believer with Messiah's death, burial, and resurrection. As our B'Kurrim, Yeshua has given us assurance and joyful anticipation for the future (1 Cor. 15:20-24).
Yeshua died on the Day of Passover at three p.m. He was placed in the tomb around dusk on what would technically be the second day of Unleavened Bread. Three days later He was raised up on the Day (Feast) of Firstfruits. He is our Passover Lamb. He is the unleavened Bread (Manna) from heaven. He is the Firstfruits guaranteeing our resurrection.
Further, the last fulfilled feast is Pentecost ("Shavuot"). Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah to Israel at Sinai, and comes in the month of Sivan. This feast day occurs forty-nine days (seven Sabbaths) after B'Kurrim, and represents the first fruits of the wheat harvest. Shavuot was fulfilled in the first century in Jerusalem with the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The men and women present in the upper room, tarrying in Jerusalem, were commemorating the giving of the Torah at Sinai. It prophesies to each believer today that we too can be "filled with the Spirit." Yeshua is our Baptizer with the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist said of Him, "He who is coming after me is mightier that I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Mt. 3:11). [Note: This verse refers to the divine power being two-fold in its working. He (1) burns up and purges out sin from the believer, and refines holy character within, or (2) consumes the un-yielded, unrepentant, ungodly person in their sin. Read Matthew 3:11-12.]
After the spring feasts--which have been fulfilled by Yeshua--comes the dry summer season, a time to labor while it's light. The last month of summer, or sixth month of the year, Elul, is a time spent in anticipation of and preparation for the coming fall feast season. Fall is the time of early rains. In Elul, a shofar was blown every day to remind, excite, and help make Israel ready for the coming feasts. In the seventh month, Tishrei, the fall feasts begin. Rash HaShana (Trumpets), the fifth feast, falls on the first day of Tishrei. Traditionally, it celebrates the creation of the world, as the shofar is blown 100 times. It's a repeated signal for the sons of Israel to prepare to enter into a ten-day period (Days of Awe) of repentance and reconciliation. On the tenth day comes Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), the Day of the Lord. It is the most holy day of the year, when the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) of Israel would enter the Holy Of Holies in the Tabernacle or Temple to atone for his sins, and for those of Israel. Sukkot (Tabernacles), which is a seven day feast, is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur. It was a joyful feast, a time of many sacrifices and much celebrating in booths, or temporary shelters. So we note that Pentecost is behind us, and Trumpets is before us. We [people of earth] are prophetically within the season of Elul, the time for grace, repentance, reconciliation mixed with warnings and degrees of judgment. Thus, the Body of Messiah is being summoned by words and signs to return to the holy pathways of the Most High, and to the restoration in Spirit and Truth, in preparation for the day of Trumpets and probably the opening of the time of Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.
"It is the Lord's Passover" (Ex. 12:11). This was not a common meal, or even an ordinary sacrificial rite or repast. The sacrificial lamb was YHVH's, the precious, holy means of atonement and preservation from death. Therefore, it was to be eaten in haste, yes, but it was to be eaten in reverence.
After Pharaoh had dismissed Moses for the last time, the Almighty came manifestly into all Israel's life and history in the acts of redemption and deliverance of His people from Egyptian bondage. Three profound and significant events took place in the historical night of Israel's departure. They were Passover, the death of the first born, and the exodus.
First, Passover was necessary. Israel had to be separated from Egypt. The theme of separation, or sanctification, runs prominently through Israel's history, beginning with Abraham. The Hebrews had, to a certain extent, blended with the Egyptian people and culture, and had been affected/infected by the plagues of its idolatry and moral values. [It is like someone who has been sitting in a room full of smokers. After a while, that person is inwardly and outwardly affected, and once he leaves ends up coughing (maybe) and smelling like smoke (definitely) everywhere he goes. Likewise, the stench and effect, however deep, of idolatry on Israel was not a pleasing aroma to the Most High, and needed removal.] The widespread condition would require great acts of deliverance and separation which Passover, the Exodus, and the Red Sea would provide. For this, Israel had to be atoned for with YHVH. The Tenth Plague, the death of the firstborn, was a miraculous judgment, a penalty for sin. For Israel to escape the judgment, the people collectively had to be atoned for and made clean by a sacrifice. Passover was that atonement.
Secondly, Passover foreshadowed a life of liberty. It was the sacrifice of the Passover lamb that resulted in the Angel of Death passing-over the blood-stained door posts of Goshen as the dreaded judicial visitation progressed through the land. Their day of deliverance opened a new era in the history of the Hebrews. They had been told by their elders of YHVH's favor toward them, but in the Passover, Exodus, and Red Sea, they actually saw and experienced it firsthand, and in spades. "Now we believe, not because of thy saying, for we have heard [encountered, seen, experienced, realized] Him ourselves" (John 4:42). Miracles in the Wilderness, Mount Sinai, and the Mosaic Covenant lay before them. "Behold, I make all things new."
Thirdly, Passover marks Nissan (Abib) as the beginning of months. "This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you" (Ex. 12:2). By numbering the other months from Nissan--the second month, the third month, the fourth, and so on, Israel is always recalling [being reminded of] the month of Exodus. Judaism follows this prinicple in its daily morning service, which names the days of the week in relation to the Sabbath Day. In reciting the Song (Psalm) of the Day, the days of the week are referred to as the first day of the Sabbath, the second day of the Sabbath, the third, and so forth. This tradition keeps the Sabbath day forefront, and reminds people that YHVH created everything in six days and rested on the seventh, the Sabbath day. Remembering important days and dates is a prominent theme in Israel's celebrations. "And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten" (Ex. 12:3). Peter, like Moses, understood the importance of keeping spiritual truths in mind. He said, "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and be established in the present truth" (2 Pet. 1:12). He was determined by reiteration (repeated teaching; annual repetitions of feasts) to (1) stir up and renew faith and zeal in believers, and (2) give them a deepening and progressive impression of biblical truth.
Fourthly, Passover is a celebration centered around a meal called the Seder, which means "order" or "arrangement". The Seder is an annual inter-generational ritual meal that marks the beginning of Passover on the 14th day of Nissan. It is based on an interpretation of a biblical verse commanding Israel to retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 13:1-10). The Seder table is traditionally set with the finest of settings and silverware. Everyone attending is given a copy of Haggadah, the text pamphlet that contains and explains the complete Seder service. Both men and women participate in the reading, eating, and drinking from the cups of wine/grape juice. The Seder plate contains six symbolic foods which are complemented with four cups of wine, all of which have relevance to retelling the story of the Exodus. The themes of the Seder are slavery and freedom.
The Seder was more than a dinner to prepare Israel for their journey. Its spiritual significance also spoke of Messiah Yeshua. (1) The Hebrews ate the Passover lamb that pointed to Yeshua, Who is life-food for to believer's soul. (2) The Passover lamb was roasted, whole and without spices on the fire, not diluted, sodden or diluted by water, or corrupted in any manner. Yeshua was uncorrupted, pure, sinless. (3) The Passover lamb was roasted, eaten, without a bone broken. Yeshua was perfect also, and no bone of His was broken in His atonement. (4) The Hebrews ate "bitter herbs" to remind them of their bondage, a memory which would gladden their hearts and accent appreciation for freedom. The joy of our salvation and freedom in Messiah comes by remembering the past miseries of our bondage to sin compared to the present gladness and freedom of our New Birth into His Kingdom. (5) Passover's unleavened bread was/is pure meal, with its water dried out by the roasting fire. Our life in Messiah is characterized by sincerity, and also simplicity of faith, hope, and love refined by the fire of the Spirit (6) The people ate the Passover with their sandals on and staff in hand, ready to journey. The end-result of our partaking by faith of the Passover Lamb, Yeshua, and following Him, is soul transfiguration that makes us pilgrims in this present world, on our way to Zion. (7) From Passover (Entry into the Kingdom) to Exodus (Deliverance from sin) to passing through the Red Sea (Washing of regeneration and transfiguration), all who come to Yeshua are welcome. The conditions of approach? Faith in the Passover Lamb, circumcision of heart (New Birth), and sojourning with Israel. "Be not afraid, only believe."
The Living Torah: "I did not come to abolish but to fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
"Speak ye unto the congregation of Israel, saying, in the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house...your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year...and ye shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it...And the blood shall be to you a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not come upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt" (Ex. 12:3, 5-7, 13).
Moses had confronted Pharaoh time after time, asking him to free the enslaved Israelites. Plague after plague Pharaoh refused. Finally, God decreed a tenth judgment to befall Egypt, and ordered Moses to instruct every Hebrew family to select a perfect lamb on the tenth of the month (Nissan), and sacrifice it on the fourteenth day. It would serve them as an atonement and for protection from the last plague on Egypt. The blood of the slain lamb was to be put on the two posts and beam of the door of every Hebrew house in Goshen. Then, at midnight on the Passover night, the Lord struck down the firstborn of every Egyptian (person) not in a blood-marked house, but passed over the homes of the Israelites, leaving the firstborn unharmed. Passover is named for this great, miraculous deliverance.
YHVH commanded that every Israelite generation since observe the feast with families sacrificing a Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of Nissan (Abib). The feast always included the national sacrifice of a Passover lamb to be made publically. In ancient Israel, people would line the streets of Jerusalem and sing joyously "O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (Psalm 118:25-26) as the selected national Passover lamb was led into Jerusalem. It was during the week of Passover that Yeshua made His final entry into Jerusalem. He took the same traditional route that the Passover lambs had taken for centuries. When Yeshua entered Jerusalem, crowds of people lined the roadways and placed palm branches and cloaks before Him, praising and celebrating Him as He passed by, humbly and peacefully riding a donkey.
The Passover lambs (both household and national) were selected from the folds on the tenth of the month and kept four days for examination. The animals had to be perfect in confirmation; no flaws or defects. Yeshua similarly entered Jerusalem four days before Passover, to present Himself for public inspection, and was grilled, interrogated, and pressed by the Pharisees and Sadducees who tried desperately to find error and fault with Him. They were not successful. There was not a physical or spiritual flaw in the Messiah. The national Passover lamb was sacrificed at (around) 3 P.M. on Passover day, which was the same time Yeshua "cried again in a loud voice, and yielded up the ghost" (Mt. 27:50). He was buried as Passover ended, on the first day (eve) of Unleavened Bread. He was raised three days later on Firstfruits. These Spring feasts involved the High Priestly ministry of Yeshua, the Servant of YHVH. The Fall feasts, in their fulfillment, will display Yeshua's Davidic Kingdom Rule, and Him as the Lion of Judah.
Clearly, Passover points to Yeshua. He is: (1) Our Sacrifice, the pure and perfect. Through faith in Him and His shed Blood we have peace with YHVH, and shelter from the avenging angel of death. In accepting/embracing His substitutionary atonement we undertake His identity too. In effect we say, "I will be like Messiah. Accept me and form me in your likeness." Without the divinely extended opportunity, inspiration and divine assistance to grow in His image, to increasingly resemble Him, substitution would be incomplete. To this end He sent the Holy Spirit. (2) Our Sustenance, the Ideal on Whom we feed on the roadway from slavery to freedom. Hence, our journey is of a nature that brings us to oneness with Him.
Application: Our Passover Lamb died for us. We are thus called to trust Yeshua, and die to ourselves with Him. Yeshua spoke of the meaning of discipleship to those wanting to follow Him. "And he who does not take his cross [crucify the old, carnal, egotistic nature] and follow Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found His life (soul) will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it" (Mt.10:38-39).
The Apostle Paul understood the meaning of salvation, and wrote to the Galatians about true liberty in Messiah. "I have been crucified with Messiah; and it is no longer I who live, but Messiah lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" (Gal. 2:20). Paul goes on to explain to the Galatians that, through faith, grace liberates man--not to do as he pleases, but instead it allows freedom for him to obey and live for Yeshua. He also teaches that since they had received the Spirit, they were to walk in the Spirit, Who would assist them in sanctification--that is, in becoming like Messiah. In the epistle he therefore presents Yeshua as our Righteousness and Life.
The dedication of the Passover Lamb is truly significant for us only as we dedicate ourselves to Him. Israel was made free in order to follow YHVH/Cloud, not so they could vacation at the Suez. So it is with us. He calls us to holiness, to become like Him, even though the road of sanctification, the way of holiness, is not easy. But it is here where we find our real joy and fulfillment. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the devil will all scream long and loud against such a holy ambition. But in following Messiah we will find Him more than an Ideal or Inspiration. He will not leave us to wither in the Wilderness. In the journey we will discover His ample strength and faithfulness to sustain us in faith, hope, love, joy, and well-fought victories all the way to our goal.
The Holy Spirit
"...this also I will let the house of Israel ask Me to do for them: I will increase their men like a flock. Like the [holy] flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts (Ezek. 36:37-38).
On two earlier occasions (Chs. 14:3 and 20:3) idol-loving, hypocritical Israel had pretended to piously and sincerely inquire of YHVH through His prophet Ezekiel, and the Almighty had declined their approach. Now, however, He makes it known to them that in the future they will have access to His throne. YHVH informs the house of Israel that they will in time turn from their spiritual unfitness and come to Him sincerely, in fervent prayer for His blessing. He lifts the forlorn exiles with the prospect of a restored Israel in which the people would one day be as a restored, content, holy flock (See: Micah 2:10 and Jer. 31:10). The reference is to the flock of sheep of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; literally, in her appointed times, which comprise her festive seasons. During Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Tabernacles) the male population of Israel came to the Tabernacle/Temple (Deut. 16:16). They brought with them herds and flocks that poured into Jerusalem for sacrifice, and were uncountable because of their great numbers. The idea the prophet presented to the beleaguered Israelites was one of restoration, multiplication of a repentant and returning people, and of dedication to YHVH's service. The Holy One meets their despondency with hope, as He does with us today. Listen for Him.
[Note: "I will let the house of Israel ask...I will increase..like the flock...during her solemn feasts." Some insights concerning prayer are here given. We observe: (1) God's promises are an incentive and encouragement to prayer. The promises are numerous, often repeated and valuable. They should therefore be sought after with earnest expectation and determination. (2) God's blessings are obtained on the condition of fervent prayer, which He plainly affirms. "Ask and you shall receive; seek and ye shall find" (Mt.7:7), and "...in everything by prayer and supplication" (Phil. 4:6), are such exhortations. So is, "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (Jas. 5:16). His best gifts are spiritual, not material. His highest blessings are not mechanically bestowed, as if by some physical law. His best blessings are received with respect to faith and moral condition, or readiness. YHVH works upon people to prepare and open their hearts to receive the very best for them that He wishes to bestow. Prayer is a vital part of the process. (3) God's mercies are carried out in response to the prayers of His people. His Mercy "endures forever" but He will dispense it in a manner that seems best to Him. He said, "For this moreover will I be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them." He wants to be approached, and so we pray. He responds, but fulfills His Word and extends grace according to His divine wisdom, and sometimes does so for reasons beyond the scope of our full comprehension. Thus with childlike faith, we continue to press forward in asking, seeking, and knocking, and trusting His authority and faithfulness. (4) God's people are commanded to pray by the Giver/Fulfiller of promises. "Pray without ceasing"(1 Thess. 5:16). "If ye being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him" (Mt. 7:11). Remember, He "giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not" (Jas. 1:5). ]
Yeshua, our Passover Lamb, reveals the Fatherhood love of YHVH as our grounds for confidence in prayer.
"The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones...He said to me, Prophesy over these bones and say to them, O dry bones...behold, I will cause breath [spirit] to enter you that you may come to life...so I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them...then He said unto me, son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel..." (Ezek. 37:1-5, 10-11).
The vision is symbolic of the spiritual restoration of Israel. It is also a picture of the lively, creative, healing, life-giving, dead-raising, nation-resuscitating power of the Almighty. Ezekiel looks upon the dismal scene of a valley full of dry, bleached bones; not corpses with decayed flesh in rotting rags, but bones only, picked clean by animals and vultures. They have no order or rank, but have been indiscriminately strewn about the landscape, torn joint from joint, and in disarray. The ghastly scene is one of utter deadness, yet it is to that which Ezekiel has been ordered to preach. [Let us not complain henceforth about our assignments.] The prophet does not despair and shirk his call, but demonstrates faith and energy. And, lo, his preaching is effective! The bones come together, and sinew, flesh, and skin cover them. [Note: YHVH's messenger-prophet was speaking His message in His power. Do not despair. We are anointed with the Holy Spirit for wisdom and power in witnessing. Our job is to declare His truth. He is the One Who raises the dead. In this hour of restoration and return, simply using logic, reason or human techniques of persuasion in witnessing is not enough. We are to sow in every place with His anointing, and trust God to raise the dead and give them life. The Apostle Paul affirmed, saying, "...and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:4-5).]
Then Ezekiel, once the bones had come together and were covered with flesh and skin, was called to prophesy again. The bones were not alive yet, and the valley was still a scene of death. A new word was needed. Ezekiel would have to prophesy to the wind to breath upon the dead and bring them to life. He speaks out, and the wind comes upon the slain, the dead come to life, arise to their feet as "an exceeding great army" of resurrected, living people. The wind is seen as the power of life. It is a type of the Holy Spirit (John 3:8), Who alone can bring life. [Note: Latter Day believers must call upon/call down the power of YHVH by His Spirit to be our Aid if our works are going to prevail over darkness. It follows that, as more Holy Spirit power is in the Messianic community, the greater will be the army of people who are raised from death to life, from error to Torah.]
"...but wait for what the Father had promised, Which, He said, you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now...but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses" (Acts 1:3-8).
The Holy Spirit is the Promise of the Father Who was sent by the Son, Yeshua, after His resurrection and ascension. The Spirit is the One Who brings divine power to man, but He must be received.
Being Led by the Spirit/Hearing His Voice
"Behold, I will open your graves [return to life]...I will put My Spirit [His breath] within you and you will come to life, and I will place you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it, declares the Lord" (Ezek. 37:12-14).
The Holy Spirit is here spoken of as the divine Agent Who would bring energy, heightened moral aspirations, and spiritual renewal to those undergoing national restoration. The restoration promise the prophet's words spoke of first alludes to the House of Judah being restored to Israel, then to a later restoration and return by the exiled House of Israel/Joseph. By the faithfulness and power of the Almighty, Judah did return from Babylon, rebuilt and occupied Jerusalem, built a second Temple, restarted religious services, and retrieved a measure of the nation's reputation. But above and beyond this, there was a religious and moral restoration of great importance that was wrought by the Spirit. Life from the dead is two-fold, First, there is the exterior, physical, material political restoration. Then there comes, to undergird and sustain, an interior spiritual renewal to the people, evidenced by a heartfelt return to the Law of YHVH. Political and religious restoration will only deflate and fail without the spiritual component inspiring and sustaining the efforts.
Organization is impotent when it lacks life; it is form but "denying the power [life] thereof." In the vision, the bones had come together, but the highest, most necessary component of restoration was absent. The re-organized and clothed bones were "formless and void" and representing stillness and silence waiting for life. "And God said" (Gen. 1:2)...prophesy, and Ezekiel invoked the very breath of heaven. For the great restoration vision of Ezekiel to be fulfilled, the force and fire of the Spirit would be absolutely necessary. Ezekiel obeyed, he prophesied to the wind/breath and the results were spectacular, amazing, inspiring. "...I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up, an exceeding great army" (Ezek. 37:10).
"This is My beloved Son in Whom I am, well pleased. Listen to Him" (Mt. 17:5)! Today we believers are likewise called to hear the Messiah by (1) His written Word, and through (2) His Spirit within us, and no matter how the appearances or circumstances may seem, to obey His leading.
The Spirit has been needed from the beginning to give man instructions and energy for his holy endeavors and exertions. By His power and directions the most arduous and complex undertakings will become successes. Thus we say again, knowing the Spirit and discerning His voice will become increasingly important to a believer's success in the last days, just as it was for the prophet. Lives are at stake. With that in mind, here's a key biblical concept given as a help. Using one's prayer language, speaking and singing in tongues as the Spirit give utterance, is effectual in (1) developing sensitivity to and (2) communion with the Spirit, and thereby hearing Yeshua. It is the language of glory. There are other good things associated with the use of the personal prayer language which we will discuss in the weeks ahead.
"Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy" (1 Cor. 14:5).
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).
Exodus 33:12-34:26 [Torah]
Numbers 28:16-25 [Torah]
Ezekiel 36:37-37:14 [Haftorah]
1 Cor. 5:6-8 [New Testament]
Study Questions: Listen to the Ruach HaKodesh, and then write out your answers.
1. What is the major teaching or theme of the Torah reading?
2. What is the supporting theme found in the Haftorah?
3. What is the corresponding idea is revealed in the New Testament reading?
4. What have you learned from these readings about your Hebraic heritage?
5. In what way did the Holy Spirit [Spirit of Truth, John 14:15-18] minister to you this week?
Israel
"Then at the beginning of each of your months [new moons] you shall present a burnt offering to the Lord: two bulls and one ram, seven male lambs one year old without defect; and three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, for each bull; and two tenths of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, for one ram..then on the fourteenth day of the first month shall be the Lord's Passover...you shall present an offering by fire..." (Num. 28:11-12, 16).
Chapters 28 and 29 of Numbers give detailed instructions for Israel concerning monthly [new moon] offerings, and also for the offerings to be made during the seven designated feasts, Passover, Unleavened Bread, First-fruits, Weeks, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles. There is a valuable lesson for Israel within the texts emphasizing YHVH's usual order of things: first comes atonement, then comes celebration. Yom Kippur precedes Sukkot. The days of rejoicing during Sukkot are also the days of much sacrifice. For instance, Tabernacles was a time of greatest rejoicing, fellowship, and gift-sharing in ancient Israel, yet more animal sacrifices were offered during this festival than during any other great feast. What does this say to us? We are shown that the great joys and blessings of salvation (through faith in the Blood of our Passover Lamb) are commensurate to our dedication to Yeshua, and our service to others.
[Note: The new moon offering ["monthly offering"] is mentioned in the reference. New and full moon observances were common social and religious habits in ancient nations, and easily became associated with idolatry. In Scripture, the new moon is mentioned in 1 Samuel 20:5 as a day of social gathering, and in 2 Kings 4:23 as a day for religious/Torah instruction. This designation of the new moon was done, in part, to sanctify a day that had usually been given to idolatry and worship of the cosmos, and to discourage Israel from being attracted to superstitions. In Israel the new moon became to each month what the Sabbath was to each week--a time of rest from labor, and worship. See: Isa. 66:23; Ezek. 46:1; Amos 8:5.]
Israel's holidays are celebrated by both religious and secular Israelis, and attract visitors from around the world. Christian festivals also draw crowds of visitors from abroad. In Israel, Passover, or Pesach, "is mainly a family affair. The big moment is the seder ritual festive meal, when the Haggadah, a text containing the Exodus story, is read aloud. Christian Holy Week, with processions along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, and Easter occur at about the same time--Jesus' [Yeshua's] Last Supper was a seder. Holocaust Day, Remembrance Day, Independence Day, and Jerusalem Day, recalling the pain and joy of 20th-century events, follow soon after. Lag b'Omer (April/May) is a day for picnics, one month after Pesach. Shavuot, 49 days after Passover, celebrates Moses receiving the Torah; it is traditional to eat dairy products. The Tish b'Av fast (July), when people gather at the Western Wall, is the day on which both the First and the Second Temples were destroyed." [Exploring Israel, Fodor, page 145]
[Note: There are Christmases in Israel, but they don't all come on the same day. The Christian holiday is celebrated on different dates by different denominations. The Catholic Church, the Latin churches, and Protestants in general proclaim that the birth of Messiah was on December 25th, and recognize that day as true Christmas. But Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate January 6th and 7th as the birth date of Messiah. The Armenian Church celebrates Christmas and Yeshua's birth on January 18th and 19th.]
Latter Days
"And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; you shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever" (Ex. 12:14).
After the Sabbath, the next of YHVH's feasts is Passover/Pesach (Ex. 12:1-5; Lev. 23:5). Yeshua, His disciples, the twelve Apostles, and the early Ecclesia/Church kept the Passover (Mt. 26:17-19). Yeshua is our Passover Lamb (and our Unleavened Bread, and First-fruits) Who has redeemed our souls by His shed Blood (John 1:29; Rev. 5:6).
After 3500 years, Jewish people--along with a growing number of Christians around the world who are being drawn by the Spirit to return to their spiritual ancestry and the Hebraic roots of their faith--still celebrate Passover. Here are some interesting statistics: Fewer than half of American Jews are synagogue members or light candles on the Sabbath. But eighty-six percent of households in which all members are Jewish, and sixty-four percent of interfaith households participate in Passover seders. This is according to the National Jewish Population Survey of 1990.
That YHVH planned Passover to be a participatory, usually family-type event, explains its long term popularity. Thus, one restricts or limits their knowledge and intimacy with the Almighty when they ignore or disdain the institutions that He deems important and loves. The prophet Hosea said of the scattered Ten (lost) Tribes of Israel--House of Ephraim--that they "counted it [Torah] a strange thing." This describes Christianity's attitude toward the Torah and the Feasts of Israel over the centuries. However, concomitant with (accompanying) the latter days, there is a grass roots movement afoot comprised of increasing numbers of believers who are returning to the blessed ancient pathways of YHVH. "Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the Lord and to His goodness in the last days" (Hosea 3:5). And Jeremiah says of this time, "...the sons of Israel will come, both they and the sons of Judah as well; they will go along weeping as they go, and it will be the Lord their God they seek. They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction..." Jer. 50:4-5).
Here is a picture of true repentance, which is pre-requisite to returning all the way to Elohim, and something believers today must fully appreciate. When one's outward behavior contradicts his confession of faith in Yeshua, that repentance is not real. Further, when there is conviction of sin but no complete separation from carnal, sensualistic living, the repentance is (1) half-hearted, or still not real. This is double mindedness, and represents a heart (a) looking back-and-forth, from Zion to the world, and a heart (b) that yields to and runs after every fleshy impulse. But, where there is no concern, no conviction about disobedience to His Word, and continual sinful behavior is hidden behind a facade of religious pretense, the repentance is (2) hypocritical. Neither type will suffice in these latter days. "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent..." (Read all of Acts 17:30-34). The phrase, "...turning their faces in its direction..."( Jer. 50:5), clearly indicates the returnees behavior and attitude was united in (3) real repentance. The sons of Israel and Judah turn away entirely from Babylon and commence their journey with determination all the way back to their Elohim. Their repentance is the type that is required in our families, congregations, and nation now if we are to experience visitation and spiritual revival. Their repentance was : Genuine. They went "along weeping." Pure. They sought "Zion" only. This attitude is endorsed by Yeshua, Who said, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness [outward and inward conviction-real repentance] , and all these things will be added to you" (Mt. 6:33). Final. They set "their faces in its [Zion's] direction." The sons of Israel and Judah resolutely commence their return, despite dangers and difficulties. They know that they are not their own, but "bought with a price", the Blood of the Passover Lamb. Unanimous. They, both Israel and Judah, journey together in fidelity toward the restoration of the fallen Tabernacle of David, an undertaking which portents of great success and completion. The road to a united Israel is "...the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it..." (Isa. 25:8).
Passover, Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits are spoken of together as Passover. The Passover lambs were sacrificed on the first day of the feast, Passover. Yeshua is our Passover Lamb who takes away, not just covers, our sin. His shed Blood redeems from us from the power and penalty of sin and frees us to serve the Most High in accordance to His will. Abib (Nisan), the Passover month, is the beginning of months on the biblical calendar, and Passover represents a new beginning for believers. Therefore, set your face, son of Israel/son of Judah to walk in newness of life in these latter days, and become fully restored in Spirit and Truth in preparation for the challenges ahead. Before the Whole House of Israel can fully celebrate Passover and the other feasts in the latter days we must be free from besetting sins (leaven), and motivated by love and unity. "But thou [son of Israel/son of Judah]...follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, whereunto thou art also called..." (1 Tim. 6:11-12).
Bless the Land
"...before all thy people I will do marvels...and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the Lord" (Ex. 34:10).
YHVH spoke to Moses to affirm that Israel, which had severely jeopardized its position with the Most High by the Golden Calf incident, would be restored to its distinguished status through a great work of judgment and grace. One "work of the Lord" would be a restored covenant rewritten on new tablets, a restoration which Moses sought. Elohim spoke further to say, "You shall not make yourselves molten gods" (Read: verse11- 17). In the passage we perceive the allusion to the Golden (molten) Calf made by Israel. By the inference, YHVH told Moses that under no circumstances should Israel ever again, even for so-called "pure motives"--such as the professed need of a leader, or need of a religious object on which to focus--venture, hazard, attempt to repeat their earlier colossal blunder [error, confusion].
As unlikely as it may seem, men and nations, especially when under pressure and temptation, too often and too readily transistion/move from the Passover lamb to the Golden Calf. Therefore, we pray, intercede, and worship daily, without let-up. "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the fleash" (Jude 23).
1. Pray for Israel and Jerusalem.
"But you shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: for thou shalt worship no other god..." (Ex. 34:13-14).
2. Pray for America/Pray for your Nation.
"Thou shalt make thee no molten gods. The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread, as I commanded the, in time of the month Abib: for in the month of Abib thou camest out from Egypt" (Ex. 34:17-18).
3. Sing the Song of the Lord. [Prophetic Praise and Worship]
"But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the Lord..." (Num. 28:19).
The prayer and praise of the Notzrim rise up to the Throne, as sweet aroma before the Holy One of Israel.
"Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, even into heaven" (2 Chron. 30:27). Sing Psalm 97. Ask for His anointing to come upon you as you sing.
Conclusion
"It is the Lord's Passover" (Ex. 12:11).
We have looked briefly at the spring feasts, which number among the Feasts of Israel. Together they commemorate the great events between YHVH and His elect on earth and in time. The events celebrated by the feasts--which look back to the past and forward to the future--started 3500 years ago and will extend right through the Apocalypse at the end of the age, the end-time period into which many believe we are on the verge of entering.
Passover was fulfilled by Yeshua at His crucifixion on Nisan (Abib) 14 in the spring of 32 A.D. Unleavened Bread was fulfilled by Yeshua at His burial Tomb on Nisan 15 in the spring of 32 A.D. Firstfruits was fulfilled by Yeshua at His Resurrction on Nisan 17 in the spring of 32 A.D. And, Pentecost was fulfilled by Yeshua sending the Holy Spirit on Sivan 7 in the summer of 32 A.D.
"And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the east of ingathering at the year's end" (34:22).
The Feast of Weeks is Pentecost (Shavuot), and is also the feast of the first-fruits of the wheat harvest. "And when the day of Pentecost had fully come...they were all filled with the Holy Spirit...but Peter...lifted up his voice...Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and in the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41). Two-thousand years have passed since this last feast was fulfilled, and the Light of the world has been shining in the earth ever since. Prophetically, we are in the month of Elul, the last summer month, the month of preparation for the fall feasts that are coming and that will to be fulfilled soon. Trumpets is next.
Living His Whole Word
"Thrice a year shall all your men children appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel" (Ex. 34:23).
The Torah commands the males of the nation to appear before YHVH, recognize and thank Him for all the goodness He has shown them through the Agricultural seasons. When we walk in His ways, whether we sense it right away or not, we draw closer to Him, and our communion becomes more intimate and enriching.
"By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The who says, I have to know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His Word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked' (1 John 2:3--6).
Yeshua, our Passover, has redeemed us and has become our Righteousness, Sanctification, Peace, Friend (Who sticks closer that a brother), Provider, Healer, Shepherd, and Victory. We have much to rejoice over. Therefore, his feast season honor the biblical mandates, and CELEBRATE like never before!
"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve Him with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing" (Psalm 100:1-2).
Next Week: Sh'mini ("eighth"): Includes the Glory on the tabernacle, and a new beginning for Israel.
Barry Hutch Church, BTL scribe, D. Min. /blesstheland@live.com/www.blesstheland.net
