BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
Shlach L'cha ("Send for yourself")
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
May, 2010
Torah: Numbers 13:1-15:41
Haftorah: Joshua 2:1-24
Sugg. N.T.: Heb. 3:7-19
Gospel: John 7 and 8
Welcome "Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16). Draw near this week to obtain from your High Priest mercy for the past, grace for the future. His encouragement and help are discernable and steadfast. "He will give grace and glory, and no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps. 84:11). Walking uprightly is a sure indication that a person is right with the Almighty. YHVH is a Giver. We limit his blessings and resist His goodness by our failures in faith and in submission to His will. He desires to bestow His very best upon His people.
The Written Torah: Shlach L'cha "Send for yourself"
Last week: In B'ha'alotcha ("In your setting up"), Israel made final preparations, and transporting the Tabernacle, they commenced their march through Paran toward Canaan. They quickly experienced two temporary setbacks in the journey: (1) the murmuring and judgment at Taberah, and (2) the lusting and resultant plague at Kibroth-hattaavah. It was here also that Miriam was "shut up for seven days without the camp", which was required for the ritualistic cleansing of leprosy, the judgment upon her for speaking against Moses and attempting to subvert his stature and authority (Numbers 12:1-16).
This week: Most of parsha Shlach L'cha is devoted to the third and most serious setback of Israel in their journey from Sinai to Kadesh, just north of Paran. At Kadesh, the people stood on the threshold of Eretz Yisrael, the Promised Land. When Moses informed them they were to go forward and conquer it, an incident took place that proved to be a turning point for the nation. Israel's advance into the land of Canaan was delayed for thirty-nine years. The fall of Israel at Kadesh is written "for our admonition," to illustrate that similar behavior and attitude on the part of believers today will lead them into the same misery and loss of rest. "Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" (Heb. 4:11). We will cover the major topics of Shlack L'cha in this lesson.
"Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel; you shall send a man from each of their father's tribes, every one a leader among them" (Numbers 13:1-2).
At Kadesh, Moses bid the sons of Israel to go forward into Canaan. They recommended to him that spies [meraglim] explore the country first and the proposal pleased Moses, who took the suggestion of the Hebrews into the Tabernacle, to YHVH for approval. "Then all of you approached me and said. Let us send men before us, that they may search out the land for us, and bring back to us word again..." (Deut. 1:22). The Almighty One allowed the plan to go forward, saying to Moses, "Send out for yourself..." The implied message was: "I am not directing this plan. If you desire this course of action, you send out men."
"The implication is that God gave Moses permission to send spies, but left the decision up to him." In Deuteronomy 1:21-23, the Torah provides further information on the sequence of events leading up to the mission. As explained by the Sages and Rashi in both chapters, the people came to Moses and asked him to dispatch spies to reconnoiter Canaan and report to them. Moses consulted with God , Who said, 'I have told them the land was good. [But since they question Me], I will let them test My veracity, at the risk of being misled and losing their chance to enter the Land.' Although Moses apparently approved the demand, he actually hoped that his agreement would dissuade the people from pressing their request. The Sages offer a parable: Someone wants to buy a donkey, but says that he must first test it. The seller enthusiastically agrees. 'May I take it to both the mountains and valleys?' 'Of course!' Seeing that the seller is so confident of the animals prowess, the buyer decides he has nothing to fear and forgoes the test. He buys the donkey and is very satisfied. So, too, Moses thought his willingness to let the people have their way would convince them that they had nothing to fear. He was mistaken. They wanted to hear about the land from their peers. So he sent the spies." [Chumash, Parsha helach, pg. 799.] Twelve well-reputed leaders were selected, one from each tribe, and were sent to survey the country.
"Then they came to the valley of Eshcol and from there cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes; and they carried it on a pole between two men, with some pomegranates and the figs" (Numbers 13:23).
According to Jewish commentators, it was a double-pole arrangement that formed a "bed of poles" which was used to transport the giant cluster of large grapes. Four poles were used with two men holding each pole; eight men in all. One spy carried the enormous fig and another bore the large pomegranate. Ten men were thus used to bear the produce, and bring back the fruit of the land as Moses ordered. But there was an underlying motive to their compliance. It apparently was their intention to demonstrate the abnormality, largeness, and danger of the land and its people by showing the Israelites the abnormally huge, mutant fruit they produced. The ten spies intended the produce to declare a ratio: Our grapes are to us what these huge grapes are to them. We are told that Joshua and Caleb therefore did not participate in the transportation.
"When they returned from spying out the land, at the end of forty days, they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and to show all the congregation the fruit of the land. Thus they told him...nevertheless, the people who live there are strong...we saw the descendants of Anak...Amalek is living in the land...Jebusites...Amorites...Canaanites...Caleb quieted the people toward Moses and said, We should by all means go up...we will surely overcome it. But the men...said...we are not able...so they gave out a bad report of the land...a land that devours its inhabitants...we saw the Nephilim...and we became like grasshoppers..." (Numbers 13:25-33)
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The spies returned after forty day and nights of traversing and reconnoitering the land, but did not report privately to Moses first. They made their evaluations publically and loudly, to the gathered people who had vociferously demanded the expedition in the first place. The word nevertheless was a contradiction to the spies' first comments, and revealed that they lacked faith. They advised the people not to attempt an advance on Canaan, whose inhabitants were too large and mighty; whose cities were unassailable. They even mentioned the terrible king, Amalek, to further frighten the listeners and fortify their own argument. Thus the faithless ten spies misled the people in two ways: (1) They exaggerated the difficulties that existed, magnified obstacles, and created fearful creatures in Israel's imagination. "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity..." (James 3:6). (2) They ignored the promise of divine aid that would enable them to overcome every enemy. In doing this, the "ten" removed from Israel's sight the fact that when the Most High calls someone to a work, He equips them, and pledges Himself and His strength to the cause. "And He said, Certainly, I will be with you" (Ex. 3:12; See also: Deut. 33:25; 1 Cor. 10:13). After the crowd ignored the faith-filled exhortation of Caleb, the unbelieving spies' bad report circulated unchallenged throughout the camp, and doused any remaining vestiges of hope in going forward. Keep in mind, these two tendencies--overstating the challenges and downplaying His promises--operate together, and remain common pitfalls to believers even today.
Jude admonished early believers concerning murmurers, complainers, and lustful men [antinomians-who turned grace to lasciviousness] speaking great swelling word, who are reminiscent of the ten spies. "...and exhort you that you should contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (verse 3). This is written for us. Jude exhorts believers in this hour to steadfastness in truth that we not fall victim to deception, and seducers who mix wholesome truth with subtle, destructive errors. The first example Jude uses of people given over to deception are the Israelites in the wilderness (verse 5). "They could not enter because of unbelief' (Heb. 4:6). As an old sage once said, "Difficulties soon discover the untrustful heart." So we observe that unbelief is utter folly, and its end is bitterness.
It is asked, why was it necessary to send out spies? Was not YHVH's promise sufficient? After the disastrous results of the first spy mission, why did both Moses (Deut. 21:32) and Joshua (Joshua 2:1) send out spies again at a later date? Why were the spies, who were given a list of questions to answer, condemned for bringing back what they saw as the truth? After all, Moses himself commented on the power of the Canaanite nation that was poised to fight Israel once they crossed Canaan's border. Perhaps B'ha'alothca can shed some light for us.
The chapter about the spies immediately follows the last chapter of B'ha'alotcha, which contains the account of the murmuring and criticism of Miriam for Moses, and her severe punishment for her evil speaking [lashon hara]. The episode with the spies took place shortly following her merciful deliverance, procured only by the fervent, persistent intercession of Moses. Her experience should have been an object lesson for the people about the grievous results of malicious slander, especially if such would interfere with the progress of YHVH's current move. Nevertheless, the unbelieving spies were evidently not very discerning or astute, even though they were leaders, and were not dissuaded from speaking slanderously concerning the land and the promise of YHVH. "...things the Lord hates...an abomination to Him...one [a person, or persons] who spreads strife among brothers" (Prov. 6:19). [Note: Lashon means "tongue" or "language." Lashon Hara is gossip. It is using and manipulating truth (true speech) for wrong and malicious purposes. It is a most serious sin! Miriam, Moses' sister, committed it and we read last week of the dire consequences. "Thou shall not go up and down as a talebearer among the people" (Lev. 19:16). Motzi Shema Ra is "spreading a bad name". The term refers to slander and defamation by any verbal means, including dishonesty and exaggeration.]
"Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried and the people wept that night...grumbled against Moses and Aaron...Would that we had died in the land of Egypt" (Numbers 14: 1-2).
By this time, all Israel was unnerved, frightened and bewildered by the bad report brought by the ten spies. We are told all Israel, even the newly formed seventy-member Sanhedrin [the High Court], was swayed by the spies comments and began to distrust Moses. The people became convinced they would perish if they entered Eretz Yisrael, and wanted to replace Moses with another "leader," an idol (Sanhedrin 107a), and return to the land of bondage.
Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the unruly congregation of Israel, imploring the people to reconsider and repent of their reckless intentions.
The Living Torah: Yeshua "I did not come to abolish but to fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
"Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh...tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceeding good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us...do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them" (Numbers 14:6--9).
Joshua [from the tribe of Ephraim] and Caleb [from the tribe of Judah] tore their clothing in a display of grief, and sense of loss. The "last ditch" gesture was also intended to shock the people into repentance for their unbelief in YHVH to fulfill His promise. Further, Israel's rejection of Moses and Aaron was, to the two faithful tribal leaders, like the loss of dear loved ones. Joshua and Caleb had seen the goodness of the land that was being spurned, and fervently desired to impress upon the assembly its glories so as to overcome the bad report. They cried out, "Their protection has been removed..." YHVH had removed the regional angels [principalities] from Canaan, and left the land and its people powerless. But Israel was not listening.
Israel understood that she was heading for a new existence in Canaan. In the wilderness there had been miracles, provision, protection, water, and the cloud. In the Promised Land, however, this would change. They would have to lead normal, natural lives again; building, planting, plowing, and running businesses. Their purpose was to live in this manner and yet, always remember that their success and prosperity came only from the Most High, and not by their own exertions. The spies also understood that conquering the land would be accomplished through natural means, but wrongfully thought that they themselves would have to become more strong, able, and armed to succeed, without any miraculous, supernatural help from YHVH. Hence, they saw themselves as totally vulnerable, absolutely helpless, before the giants and high city walls. The ten spies were guided by their human logic, and not by faith, as were Caleb and Joshua. The people did not understand that since the Almighty had wanted them to overcome their enemies, they would be successful in their assault on Canaan despite any odds against them. The chosen leaders should have had the sense to look beyond the reasoning with their mind and senses, and see the truth. But they lacked faith, and disaster was the result. The author of Hebrews tells us what Yahweh thinks of an unbelieving heart. "And take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away [in falling away] from the living God" (Heb. 3:12).
"But what does it say...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes..." (Romans 10:8-10). What is in the heart will come out of the mouth. "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Mt. 12:34). Saving faith is not mental assent. "...the demons also believe and shudder" (Jas. 2:17). Faith must abide in the heart, as a living operative, and appreciate and appropriate the righteousness of YHVH in Messiah. Heart faith is essential for eternal and abundant life..
"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God, must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him" (Heb. 11:6).
(1) Faith is the eye of the soul with which we see the invisible and eternal blessings, and supernatural truths of Scripture, and embrace them. It is "...the conviction of things not seen." Our conviction of the things not seen rests upon the Spirit's illumination of the testimony of the Most High in our hearts. The world says, "seeing is believing." But YHVH's maxim is, conversely, "believing is seeing." (2) Faith is the hand of the soul with which the believer reaches out and accesses the promises of the Eternal One. Faith lays hold of the hope [YHVH's unseen, intangible realities] that has been set before the saint, and brings it into his reality. Thus faith also is "the confidence [assurance; fulfillment] of things hoped for." Keep in mind, natural faith is a principle of the mind: "The chair will hold me if I sit down." But saving faith, spiritual faith, is a principle of the inner man of the heart. It has set before it a higher level of realities, the invisible and eternal truths revealed in the Scriptures and illuminated to our hearts by the Spirit. Each believer has a deposit of divine faith placed in him/her at conversion to Messiah by the Holy Spirit, which is built up by reading and meditating upon the Word of Elohim (Rom. 10:17; Ps. 119:32), and praying in tongues (Jude 1:20).
Three antediluvian figures spoken of in the Torah are inspiring illustrations of heart-centered faith (Heb. 11:4-7). Abel is first (Verse 4). His sacrifice was "more excellent" than his brother, Cain's. Why? Some teach that Cain's sacrifice of the produce of the ground represented the work of his hand, while Abel's was a blood sacrifice, the best of the flock. This is true, but there is a deeper insight suggested. Abel's oblation, the sacrifice of the first of the flock, was better because his faith established a holy communion with the Most High, and enabled him to select the appropriate offering. His faith teaches mankind that we can only approach the Most High through the propitiation of Messiah. Thus we see that faith is the basis of acceptable worship. Enoch is next. "He was not, for God took him." He was translated to glory before he grew old and experienced death, and his faith is attributed as being the reason. You could say his translation was a reward for a truly holy life. After all, holiness is the fruit of true faith, and thus Enoch, before his translation, obtained divine favor. With Enoch we find the two indispensable elements of faith: (1) YHVH is. (2). YHVH is benevolent. Thus we see that faith is the basis of holiness. Finally, there is Noah. The great Flood was an unprecedented event for mankind. Noah's faith was severely tried by the building of the ark, and the associated events. But he was "strong and courageous" (Josh. 1:9), proceeded with "godly fear" and perseverance, and his faith boldly triumphed. Thus we see that faith is the basis of separation from the life and destiny of the ungodly, and condemns the spirit of cessationism. Let us always remember that though ages change, and generations will come and go, Yeshua remains the same; unchangeable. "Yeshua Messiah, the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). [Note: Cessationism is the belief that the supernatural, miraculous gifts of the Spirit ceased being practiced early in the history of the Body of Messiah ["Church"]. Continuationism is the belief that the gifts and miraculous power of the Spirit were given at Pentecost to all believers for the edification and strengthening of the saints, and that divine supernatural works continue today.]
The immensity of the Father's love is seen in His willingness to give His eternal Son as a Sacrifice for the redemption and salvation of mankind. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish [in a dark, infernal; a Godless wilderness] but have eternal life [headquartered in the New Jerusalem]" (John 3:16). This is the promise. It is by faith--believing in the heart--that we accept the testimony of Messiah as our Redeemer. Faith is the instrument of our justification. It is the foundational principle of abundant and eternal life.
"And Yeshua said to him, If you can? All things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23). Confidence in the Almighty and courage should characterize believers today. Our faith identifies with the person and power of the Most High, and is supernaturally inspired so all things are possible for us, and we can succeed in all to which He calls us. Therefore, our good report is, "If God be for us, who can be against us" (Romans 8:31).
The Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh
"And Moses said unto the Lord...You, O Lord, are seen eye to eye, while Your cloud stands over them; and You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. Now if you slay this people as one man, then the nations who have heard of Your fame will say, Because the Lord could not bring this people into the land..." (Numbers 14:14-16).
The people rebelled and YHVH said, "How long will this people spurn Me...I will smite them with a pestilence and dispossess them" (verses 11-12). Israel was in trouble when they worshiped the Golden Calf, and Moses learned then (1) how to successfully intercede, and (2) that no decree or sentence of judgment was impervious to repentance and sincere intercession. With this debacle worsening, Moses enters into desperate and bold intercession again for the sons of Israel. He had no thought for himself, or interest in him becoming a great nation. He knew and loved YHVH too much to see His name compromised and ridiculed among the nations that had heard of His great works in Egypt. Moses contended that YHVH's Name would be desecrated if He wiped out Israel. His manifested, public presence upon the people had been so pronounced, Moses argued, that the observing nations would never believe that Israel was to blame for its own demise. The Egyptians, for instance, would prate and gloat that the Mighty One of Israel had Himself destroyed His own people, reducing them to rubble, because He was not able to combat the rival Canaanite deities and bring His people into the Promised Land. So Moses appealed on the grounds that Elohim should forgive Israel, complete the undertaking, and protect the honor of His Name. His reasoning won over the Most High "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16). The situation served to elevate Moses, and lay the groundwork for preparing a people to enter Canaan who would not be burdened with the memories and enculturation of the Egyptian bondage. YHVH's power to overcome demonic Canaanite and Amorite deities and fulfill His word was never an issue. In fact, God has such an abundance of strength and goodness that He readily shares His kingdom, power, and glory with us, and is entirely undiminished in the process. "...you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now...you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you..." (Acts 1:5-8). [Note: ef-fec'-tu-al. adj: producing or able to produce a [the] desired effect: syn. effective.]
Yeshua provided the means for the spiritual empowerment of His disciples. John Lake, notable missionary and minister of the previous century, makes a relevant comment reflecting his regard for the sacredness of the gift. He said : "The ministry of Jesus [Yeshua] during His life was localized by His humanity. Localized again in that His message was only given to Israel. But the descent of the Holy Spirit brought to the souls of men a universal ministry of [Yeshua] to every man [believer], right from the heart of God. Heavenly contact with the heart of God in power, set their nature all aflame for God and with God...There is no subject in all the Word of God that seems to me should be approached with so much reverence, as the subject of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Beloved, my heart bleeds every day of my life when I hear the flippancy with which Christians discuss the Baptism of the Holy Spirit." [John G. Lake, KCP, pg. 476.]
We could say that speaking in tongues is the bridal language, and it carries blessings and benefits for those who utilize their prayer language regularly. We will look at three benefits this week, and examine more later.
1. Speaking in tongues is commanded by Elohim. "What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding...let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Cor. 14:15, 37).
2. Speaking in tongues builds a foundation of faith within the believer. "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church" (1 Cor. 14:4). Jude, along with Paul, commented on the value of praying in tongues. "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 1:20).
3. Speaking in tongues is an act of obedience, and a divine means of experiencing more of the power and tangible presence of the Spirit while making disciples of all nations. "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues...they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18). These verses list the credentials of the preacher of the Gospel of the Kingdom. All such evidences are as necessary today as they were with the early Ecclesia, even more so. "Verily, verily, [truly, truly] I say to you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go o unto Mt Father" (John 14:12).
"So the Lord said, I have pardoned them according to your word, but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord" (Numbers 14:20-21).
YHVH granted Moses a reprieve for the ardent intercession. Instead of condemning Israel He sentenced her to forty years servitude in the desert. Elohim said He would be glorified and assured Moses that he therefore had no need for unease or concern. "As I live," connotes an oath. The people groups of Canaan will have no cause to sneer at or exalt themselves over Israel. Their demonic deities will eventually be swept out of the land. The day will come when all the earth shall be filled with the manifested glory of God. Then Heaven will declare; "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of YHVH and His Messiah; and He will reign forever and ever" (Rev. 11:15).
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: Shlach L'cha ("Send for yourself")
Numbers 13:1-15:41 [Torah]: Moses sends spies/Spires report/Murmuring/Joshua and Caleb/Revolt/YHVH's glory/Moses intercedes/Pardon/Forty years of wandering/One law for Israel/Atonement/Sabbath/Tzitzits.
Joshua 2:1-24 [Haftorah]: Spies sent/Contrasting report.
Hebrews 3:7-19 [Sugg. N.T.]: Exhortation/Hear His voice.
[Note: Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were being coerced/pressured to return to Judaism and deny the Messiah. Its message is that the remedy for backsliding and apostasy (for all believers) is a proper understanding (revelation) of the Work and Glory of Yeshua, our High Priest. The epistle of Hebrews shows the eternal Son to be superior to angels, the prophets, Adam, Moses, Joshua, and Abraham. Yeshua is our true Savior. Hebrews is a book of comparisons.]
John 7 and 8 [Gospels]: Yeshua teaches/Adulterous woman/Yeshua is the Light of the world.
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).
Explanation: 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 upon the assistance of the Holy Spirit, on Whom we encourage each person to rely for divine insight, inspiration, and illumination. He is the primary Teacher, and not this writer. In this way the Scriptures and the questions become (2) the means of practice (exercise) for listening to the voice/word of Elohim. They are (3) the expected channel through which the Spirit will directly communicate personal edification, instruction, and understanding to the student/reader.
We recommend that you read the weekly questions and keep them in mind as you study the texts. Write out your answer, and what you have heard/discerned from the Holy Spirit, and share them with your study group. The Torah reading is briefly commented upon, but the Haftorah, New Testament, and Gospels are left for the reader's commentary.
Study Questions:
1. What is the major teaching, or theme, for each reading: (a) Torah, (b) Haftorah, (c) New Testament?
2. Summarize the common, central truth that runs through and unites all the pasha readings, as your perceive it.
3. Relate your main truth/common theme to the assigned Gospel chapter(s). Where or how does Yeshua demonstrate your central truth?
4. What does this week's parsha teach you about your Hebrew heritage?
5. In what way did the Holy Spirit lead you, speak to you, commune with you, or teach you this week?
Latter Days
"Surely all the men who have seen My glory and My signs...yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who spurned Me see it" (Numbers 14:22-23).
"The sages take this to be the exact number of times that the nation tested God (Avos 5:4). The ten times were: (a) when the Egyptians chased them into the Red Sea (Exodus 14:11); (b) when they had nothing to drink but the bitter waters of Marah (ibid. 15:24); (c) when they ran out of food (ibid. 16:3); (d) when they left manna over [to the next day], even though they had been told not to (ibid. 16:20; (e) when they left the camp to gather manna on the Sabbath even though they had been told not to (ibid. 16:27); (f) when their water ran out at Refidim (ibid. 17:2); (g) when they worshiped the Golden Calf (ibid. 32:4); (h) when they rebelled against God's mitzvos (Numbers 11:1); (i) when they complained that the manna was not good (ibid. 11:4); and here (j) when they believed the spies evil report about Eretz Yisrael (Arachin 15a)" [Chumash, Bamidbar, 807.]
"Surely you shall not come into the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. Your children...I will bring them in, and they will know the land which you have rejected...your sons shall be shepherds [shall roam] for forty years in the wilderness and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness, until your corpses lie in the wilderness...forty days, a day for a year...shall you bear your iniquities [guilt], even forty years" (Numbers 14:30-34).
Moses informed the people of the sentence of forty years, which applied to the nation as a whole. The men of fighting age would perish in the wilderness, but the women and children, who did not participate in the rebellion of the spies, would live out their normal life-spans, and many would survive to enter the land. Though their children would wander around, led just like goats and sheep, YHVH would not desert His flock, but would watch over Israel as Provider and Protector. The ten spies, and the co-conspirators who aligned with them, died sooner. "The people who spread the evil report...died in a plague before YHVH" (verse 37).
"...the people mourned greatly. In the [next] morning, however, they rose up early and went up to the ridge of the hill country, saying, here we are...we will go up...But Moses said...Do not go up, or you will be struck down before your enemies, for the Lord is not among you...but they went up heedlessly...Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites...struck them and beat them down as far as Hormah" (Numbers 14: 39-45).
The rebuked and judged sons of Israel realized their mistake too late. Upon hearing the sobering words of Moses, they started coming to their senses, and decided they wanted the Promised Land after all. But the time of favor had passed, and Elohim no longer intended to give the land to that generation, with its proclivity (predisposition) for rebellion. Not to be deterred by Moses' words warning of failure and defeat, or that they would march without YHVH's help [here we go again], they stormed forward. The Amalekites and Canaanites ambushed and soundly defeated them, and sent the survivors running for their lives back to the camp. Israel had forfeited her blessing. "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved" (Jer. 8:20). The people had awakened too late from their spiritual stupor. The portal had closed. "...he hath passed the time appointed" (Jer. 46:17).
"...our lamps are going out...And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut" (Matt. 25:9-10). The five virgins had awakened to discover the Bridegroom's approach, and that they had a lack of oil in their vessels, not enough to support them. Their flames were flickering, almost out. They had quenched the Holy Spirit by their spiritual indolence, sloth and aversion to commitment and prayer. [Note: The Greek word here rendered "going out" and that translated "quench" in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 are the same. Pulpit Comm. Matthew. ] They ran to their pastors and group leaders; "Pray for us!" But, alas, it was too late. The precious "oil" they needed comes from Messiah. He told the Laodicean churches, "I counsel thee to buy of Me..." (Rev. 3:18). Yesuha is our Baptizer with the Spirit. Thus, the door which was once open, was shut to the foolish, short-sighted virgins upon their return. We are sure they did not find the oil, but cried out desperately, all the more, "...open to us!" The Master's response was, "I know you not." May our souls be knit into the unseen realities of heaven and not woven to the value fabric of the world. We must make the effort to grow in grace and in the renewing of the Holy Spirit. We must also move with the Spirit, and remain watchful for the Bridegroom's approach.
Bless the Land
"Now the Lord spoke to Moses saying, Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, When you enter the land where you are to live, which I am giving you, then make an offering by fire to the Lord, a burnt offering or a sacrifice to fulfill a special vow, or as a freewill offering or in your appointed times, to make a soothing aroma to the Lord from the herd or from the flock" (Numbers 15:1-3).
New instructions are given by the servant of Elohim, Moses, concerning offerings that had to be accompanied by meal offerings and wine libations [pouring a liquid as a sacrifice]. The new law would become active in the Promised Land, thirty-nine years from the time it was given. The law was a consolation, intended for giving the younger generation hope that the Almighty was already preparing for their future. We have just such a sure word for the future too. "In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).
1. Pray for Israel.
"If an alien sojourns with you, or one who may be among you throughout your generations, and he wishes to make an offering by fire as a soothing aroma to the Lord, just as you do so shall he do. As for the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the alien who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations" (Numbers 15:14-15).
The proselyte [convert] had the same status, privileges and responsibilities as the native Israelite, and brought the same sacrifices. In Israel today, that concept is paramount. For instance, the Sabbath is recognized nationally, and most the people, Jew or non-Jew, cease from their business labors. And everyone from the start of repatriation has been afforded the same rights.
Theodor Herzl wrote The Jewish State, a book that greatly influenced Jewish people (and many others) in Europe, and around the world. It was published in 1896, and the response to it generated the First Zionist Conference in 1897, a year later. At the conference Jewish leaders announced their intentions/plan to establish a Jewish state in Israel/Palestine.
This stirred up more interest in immigration, especially among the Russian Jews who had suffered anti-Jewish laws and horrible pogroms under the Tsars. These people were inspired by the dream of a Jewish state and eager to join the Zionist Movement. During the ten year period of 1904 to 1914, approximately 40,000 Jews came to Israel/Palestine to settle on farm collectives and towns. They faced Arab opposition, but made progress domesticating desert and swamp areas. These Zionist Jews, of the second organized aliyah, also founded the coastal city, Tel Aviv. In 1909 the first kibbutz, Degania, was established.
2. Pray for Jerusalem.
"I was glad when they said to me, Let us go up to the house of the Lord. Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together; to which the tribes go up, even the tribes of yah..." (Psalm 122:1-4).
3. Pray for America/Pray for your nation.
"...prophesy...and say to the breath, Thus saith YHVH Elohim, Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life...(Ezek. 37:9).
4. Sing the Song of the Lord. [Prophetic Worship]
"Sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth" (Psalm 96:1).
This psalm was written following Judah's release after spending seventy years of exile in Babylon. It expresses the joy and glorious expectations of the liberated Israelites that were declared in their fresh, new songs which told of the experiences and realities of freedom. Singing songs is the process by which intellectual perceptions and life experiences are transformed into emotions and heart expressions. It's time for new songs for believers today. We are moving into new things, such as: the restoration of Israel, the return of the saints to their Hebraic roots, and the renewal of the Holy Spirit. There are new subjects about which we can write songs and sing, such as: the highway of holiness, revival in Israel, the one new man, divine favor, peace of Jerusalem, the rising of the Torah, and more. Therefore, find a psalm verse, or create your own new song, and sing it over Israel this week.
Conclusion
"Now while the sons of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the sabbath day...and they put him in custody...then the Lord said to Moses, The man shall surely be put to death; all the congregation will stone him with stones outside the camp. So the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him to death with stones, just as the Lord commanded Moses" (Numbers 15:32-36).
The man had been collecting sticks and branches when he was found committing the sin. Commentators draw the conclusion that those witnessing his actions had warned him that he was committing a capital crime. Yet, despite their pleas, he persisted. This attitude and corresponding action satisfied the halachic requirement that a guilty person is liable to the death penalty when his offense is witnessed by at least two people, and he ignores clear warnings. The man was convicted by the elders on Moses' court. The execution was carried out in the presence of the entire assembly. This occurred at the beginning of Israel's journey in the Wilderness. [Note: Halakha refers to the collective body of Jewish religious law, including biblical law--the 613 mitzvot, and the Talmudic and Rabbinic law, along with the customs and traditions. In the Diaspora, halakha served the Jewish communities as the foundation of civil and religious conduct.]
"The Lord also spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. It shall be a tassel to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot" (Numbers 15:37-39).
Tzitzis are the means for reminding Jewish people to remember all the commandments and precepts, and thus assist them in maintaining allegiance to YHVH. Tzitzis are braided tassels, or fringes. But the word does not refer to the fringes themselves, but rather to what they call upon the wearers to do. The related word, spelled tsah'dee soh'feet--yod--tsah'dee--heh, means to focus, stare, or peer at something intently. "My beloved is like a gazelle...of the stags...behind our wall. He is looking through the windows, he is peering through the lattice" (Song of Solomon 2:9). Tzitzis point to a role of the Holy Spirit. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you" (John 14:26). The message: (1) The commandments are to be remembered, and followed. (2) Observe the tzitzis intently, as vivid reminders. (3) Look for and listen to the Holy Spirit, as one would peer through a lattice at his loved one. He will speak to us and bring all things to our remembrance.
Living the Truth
"I am the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God; I am the Lord your God" (Numbers 15:41).
YHVH brought to Moses' attention His great work of bringing Israel out of Egypt. He affirmed the reason for doing so: "To be your God." This truth had not yet leavened the hearts and minds of the sons of Israel, and their limited perception of the purpose of liberty kept them in a place of discontent. It was one thing for the people to be delivered from bondage, and another to finally realize why they had been brought out. The people griped and complained in the wilderness as much as they had while in Egypt. Their existence in the wilderness could never have become better than Egypt until they understood and appreciated YHVH's purpose for them, and embraced his purpose as theirs. Israel was not delivered from her prison to be set free like a wild donkey on the plains, to do whatever it wanted. Israel was redeemed and delivered from the bitterness of slavery in Egypt to enter into the service of YHVH. The same is true for believers today. By grace and faith we are freed from our "Egypts," not to wallow around in bewilderment and unbelief, but to become bondservants of Messiah. We are freed from sin and debauchery to know and serve the Holy One of Israel. This is our purpose. Yeshua died for us and rose again, that we can rise with Him, and not live for ourselves but for Him who redeemed us. When this reality becomes a revelation for all His people, "...their life will be like a watered garden, and they will never languish again" (Jer. 31:12). [See: Rom. 6:4, 10-13; 12:1; 14:7-9; 1 Cor. 3:22-23; 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:15-18; 10:5; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 1:20-21; Col. 3:1-3.]
"But beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and the things that accompany salvation...God is not unjust as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name...that each one of you show the same diligence...so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience, inherit the promises" (Heb. 6:9-12).
Good things are on the way for the Body of Messiah. In the midst of the birth pangs in the earth, Israel (Judah) and Christians (Ephraim) are converging, YHVH's Torah and Glory are being restored to all His people, the supernatural and miraculous are on the increase, and we are experiencing greater access to the Kingdom of Heaven. The Body of Messiah is being summoned to the highway of love and holiness where a divine work will transfigure her in preparation for the coming of her King. "God wants us to possess sufficient faith now to act on the Word; His Kingdom is already at hand. The fact that pinnacle fulfillment of many prophetic promises is still ahead ought to inspire, rather than inhibit, us to believe now for the supernatural [Spirit] and sacred [Torah/Word] to invade the natural and secular in ever-increasing anointing." (S. Teplinsky, Israel Anointing, pg. 166.)
Consider Caleb and Joshua, who saw the good things ahead, but had another spirit than that of the ten naysayers. "Let us go up at once and possess it, for we are well able to overcome it" (Nu. 13:30). (1) "Go up." The land ahead was elevated, and the ascent from the Arabah was steep and demanding. (2) "At once." Strike while the iron is hot. Delay would weaken Israel's resolve and strengthen the hands of their enemies. (3) "Possess it." Victory was assured. YHVH Nissi was prepared to fight alongside Israel, and with them declare victory!
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward" (Heb. 10:35).
As was the voice of Caleb in that hour, so also is the voice of the Holy Spirit--and the voices of all believers who are led by the Spirit--in this day of the convergence of Spirit and Torah, the house of Judah and the house of Israel, of Jewish and non-Jewish believers into "one new man." Though dangers and difficulties may loom ahead along the pathway of holiness and love, we say: (a) Let's go up! The ascent will require toil and produce fatigue, which is to be expected. Nevertheless, the rewards are great (Acts 14:22). (b) At once! No more dilly-dallying. Delay and uncertainty could be disastrous, and will allow time for difficulties to enlarge and multiply (Heb. 3:13; James 4:13-14). [ Note: Watchman, take your place on the wall, now! Giver, give now! Helper, help now! Merciful one, befriend now! Exhorter, uplift now! Teacher, teach now! Administrator, rule now! Believer, return to the ancient paths now! Israelite, ascend to the highway of holiness now! Disciples of Yeshua, love one another now! ] (c) Possess it! We have a holy confidence instilled within us by the Spirit of Messiah which motivates us to go forward. It is faith. That which He has called us to, and His redemption blessings, we will obtain. We will succeed as we ascend in Spirit and Truth because the Holy One will hold us up and bring us through to transformation and victory.
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates of the city" (Rev. 22:14).
We believe His Word, His promise, which is set before us as an enduring hope. By faith and patience we procure its fulfillment. Yeshua has ascended and is our High Priest and Intercessor. Sending out spies will not be necessary.
Next week: Parsha Korack ("Korah")
Hutch Church, BTL scribe, D. Min./ blesstheland@live.com/ www.blesstheland.net
