TORAH and GLORY SCHOOL
Torah and Glory School Parsha Commentary Course
An education ministry of Bless the Land
Written by Dr. Hutch Church
May, 2011
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Parsha Lesson Thirty-one: Emor ("Say" or "Speak")
Torah: Leviticus [Vayikra] 21:1-24:23
Haftorah: Ezekiel [Yechezkel] 44:15-31
Brit Chadashah: 1 Peter [Kepha Alef] 2:4-10
Sections: 1. Weekly Commentary 2. Parsha Study 3. Prayer and Blessing 4. Living the Parsha
Welcome: "The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live" (Psalm 119:144). YHVH's righteousness is pure and unchanging, not like the shifting opinions and values of man. Elohim is "...the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). The psalmist desired a more complete, deeper understanding of the excellence of His commandments so his spirit could be invigorated, liberated from lethargy, and he could enter into the life that YHVH intended for His people to enjoy.
"For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face" (Psalm 11:7). The establishment of the rule of YHVH in the human heart produces happiness. The prophets eagerly foretold of the foremost joy of the new heavens and the new earth; it is that in the people there "dwelleth righteousness" (Isa. 65:17-25; 2 Pet. 3:13-14). Receive His commandments cordially and His Spirit with hospitality. Abide within His righteousness, and your long-term joy will be unassailable. Shalom.
Section 1: Weekly Commentary
Last week: K'doshim ("Holy ones"): "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" (Leviticus 19:1-2). Last week's parsha called the people of Israel, the entire nation, to strive for holiness through the observance of the various offerings and purification rites.
This week: In Parshat Emor ("Say!" or "Speak!"), YHVH's attention is turned back to the Kohanim ("Priests"). Moses is commanded to speak ["say"] to the Kohanim (Priests) of Israel, the sons of Aaron, about (1) regulations concerning the priesthood, the Kohen Gadol ("High Priest"), and the Tabernacle service. Also included are (2) other sundry laws regulating offerings, (3) the Sabbath and the seven Feasts of Israel, and (4) the Lamp (Menorah) and Showbread (Lechem Hapinam) in the Sanctuary. Parsha Emor concludes with (5) penalties for blasphemy, murder, and inflicting personal injury or causing property damage. Keep in mind, the Priests performed the service of the Tabernacle and judged the sons of Israel. Their responsibility was substantial. They were expected to be blameless examples of holiness before the congregation, and were therefore held to a high standard of sanctification. For instance, the Priests were not allowed to make contact with a dead body. Further, they were forbidden to marry profane women, or even those who had been divorced through no fault of their own. What's more, the High Priest could not marry a widow. With this in mind, the meaning of Emor, which is "say!" or "speak!", takes on a stronger connotation and is appropriately accompanied with a exclamation mark (!). Moses was ordered by the Most High to speak to Aaron and his sons in such a manner that they fully and soberly understood the seriousness and ramifications of their calling. Moses was to "make sure" the Priests realized it was their job not just to inform the people of YHVH's commandments concerning Sabbaths, seasons, duties with Tabernacle offerings, and justice, they were to teach and model YHVH's laws in such a manner that the sons of Israel fell into line and happily followed them! In today's parlance Moses might say to latter-day ministers, "Here's the Word of Elohim. Listen and do it. I want no excuses, just make sure that you git 'er done!" He understood that when the priests and people fully appreciated the holiness and meaning of the seasons and offerings, and followed them, not mechanically, but with thanksgiving and reverence, the service of the Tabernacle would become as awesome and inspiring as was intended.
Torah
Torah Note # 31: "...for by the law [Torah] is the knowledge of sin" (Ro. 3:20). One of the important purposes of the Torah is that it is YHVH's light of truth that exposes sin for what it is--sin [lawlessness]! The Torah enables one to discern what is good from what is evil. It provides boundaries within which people may enjoy freedom. Paul wrote, "I would not have known sin except through the law" (Rom. 7:7).The Almighty, it could be said, is still in the separation business. He calls believers again and again to be holy, undefiled, and separated from the unclean, the unrighteous, and the unholy. He is currently using the Hebrew Roots Movement to wean His people away from ungodly mixture in faith and practice. "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?" (James 3:11). During the Battle of the Alamo in Texas in 1836, William Travis took his sword and drew a line in the sand, and then challenged the men who wanted to remain and fight to separate themselves from the others who did not, and to step across the line. The Torah does the same thing with believers as did Travis's sword with the Texans. It draws a line in the sand that separates one faction from another. It separates the clean from the unclean, the holy from the profane, and righteousness from sin.
1. "Then the Lord said to Moses, Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: no one shall defile himself for a dead person among his people, except for his relatives who are nearest to him..." (Leviticus/Vayikra 21:1-2).
Chapter twenty-one contains regulations respecting the holiness of the Priests, who were required to be examples of purity in all their circumstances and relationships. Statutes pertaining to contact with the dead were among those regulations. An unholy, defiled priesthood would be a disaster for Israel, as history reveals: "Now the sons of Eli [a Priest who did not rule his home or congregation properly at all] were worthless men...Israel was defeated...the Ark of God was taken" (1 Sam. 3 and 4). By conforming to the laws of purity, the Priests were demonstrating an ideal to which the people could also strive and conform, and by which they would prosper. Therefore, the requirements were high for those who would offer the sacrifices at the altar. They were: A. Physical purity. A bodily flaw or blemish was a disqualification from office. B. Domestic purity. The Priest was to be the head of his household, and married to a suitable woman. C. Public purity. Personal and private interests or difficulties were never allowed to interfere with the Priest's public responsibility and example. He was a representative of YHVH. In view of this, we can appreciate Yeshua's dedication even more, for He fulfilled all purity requirements. Yeshua's life was a sacrifice of Himself, and all His personal and private interests, to the will of the Father and the need of mankind. "...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mt. 20:28). The same spirit of sacrifice and service has been imparted [birthed] into us by the Holy Spirit.
2. "But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man [husband] among his people, to profane himself" (Leviticus/Vayikra 21:4).
The verse could be rendered: "He shall not defile himself as a master of a house among his people." This meant that the priest could not participate in the funeral rituals of a slave or other members of the household. Taking part in these rites would cause the defilement of the master of the home. It is unlikely the priest was forbidden to mourn his wife, though, since she would be so closely attached to him. This explains why she is not named among the relatives in verses two and three. The priest was dedicated to Elohim, and to offer the sacrifices of YHVH made by fire. He was dignified by his sacred office. Therefore, he was expected to act soberly and moderately in all things, and have nothing to do with that which was unclean, such as [for instance] the grotesque pagan mourning practices of cutting the flesh, or even shaving parts of the head. In his epistle to Timothy, who was his spiritual son and traveling companion, Apostle Paul addressed the issue of qualifications and moral character for ministers to whom the ministry of the Spirit and Word is divinely assigned: "A bishop [overseer] then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober [sober-minded], of good behavior, given to hospitality, able to teach, not addicted to wine, not violent, not greedy, patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that rules well [represents Messiah well in] his own house..." (1 Tim. 3:2-4).
"The family is the divine unit, the training school for the larger society, the [congregation of Israel]. Unless the priests, therefore, had a proper position at home, and governed properly their own households, they were not likely to rule [oversee] well the Ecclesia of Elohim. Eli's case is surely one in point. A slack hand at home, he showed similar slackness in his public administration, and the interests of [his family and Israel] suffered [gravely]." [1]
This explains why a priest had to be very discerning in the selection of a wife also. Spiritual defilement and moral uncleanness can be transferred from wife to a husband, a daughter to a father, a girlfriend to a suitor. Remember Samson (read Judges 16:1-6) and Solomon (read 1 Kings 11:1-12). "They shall not take [or even flirt with] a woman who is profaned by harlotry, nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his Elohim. You shall consecrate him, therefore, for he offers the food of your Elohim..." (vrs. 7-8). The standard for ancient Israel is sent along to inculcate a truth to each generation. We, who are teachers, must be undefiled today, holy, and remain set-apart to the Almighty. Why? Because we too "offer the food of our Elohim"--the Word of YHVH, to men. "My brethren, be not many masters [let not many of you be teachers], knowing that we shall receive the stricter judgment" (James 3:1).
3. "And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on garments, shall not uncover his head, not rend his clothes..." (read Vayikra 21:10-15).
The holy oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, was poured upon the High Priest. It was a special anointing, above that of his peers, and symbolized the enhanced holiness incumbent upon the office. So important was the integrity of the High Priest that he could not risk defiling it, or profaning his seed, by marrying a common or divorced woman. He could only marry a virgin from his own people, the house of Aaron (v. 14). According to Ezekiel 44:22, the High Priest was forbidden from even marrying a widow unless she was the widow of deceased priest. We believe the application of the principle is clear for this hour. Only the priesthood that is completely separated from uncleanness, unreservedly dedicated, and fully anointed by the Spirit [covered and filled with oil] can effectually fulfill their office and calling in the new, Spirit-led restoration movement underway today--the restoration of the kingdom, power, and glory of YHVH to all Israel. For this to be accomplished, the saints must be confronted with restoration pre-requisites and become undefiled, separated and Spoirit-empowered. Holiness will become increasingly indispensible to those who wish to progress deeper into His Kingdom, experience His glory, and be spiritually elevated. Therefore, may we begin to comprehend the work for which we are anointed: "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean" (v.23).
4. "And YHVH spoke unto Moses...Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any [physical imperfection] blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his Elohim" (Vayikra 21:17).
The perfect condition (unflawed condition) required of the priest's body had practical advantages, but was primarily intended to typify (represent) the perfection of his whole man, and symbolize the undefiled spiritual and moral status demanded of each priest. [The prerequisite was another fundamental object lesson promoting holiness.] Those men with physical defects and blemishes were disqualified from Tabernacle and Altar service, although they could still share in the support enjoyed by the other priests. We believe these less-privileged priests were not discarded but were employed in the informal, less noticed duties (such as examining lepers) that did not bring them near to the Altar to officiate. This prohibition naturally included the Tent, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. "For this is the will of Elohim, even your sanctification..." (1 Th. 4:3).
5. "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Tell Aaron and his sons to be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel [separate yourselves from the holy things when you are unclean], which they dedicate to Me, so as not to profane My holy Name; I am the Lord" (Leviticus/Vayikra 22:1-2).
Chapter twenty-two deals with (a) ceremonially defiled priests, (b) who may and may not partake of the priests' portions of the sacrifices, and (c) affirms that every animal offered must be unblemished.
The priests, whenever they became tamei (personally defiled), were commanded to withdraw from all aspects of Tabernacle service to avoid spiritually contaminating the sacrificial meat. This was a safeguard against the disqualification of the Israelites' offerings. The intermingling of what is clean with what is unclean results in a complete contamination. "A little leaven leavens the whole lump" (Gal. 5:9). That which is clean cannot mingle with what is defiled and remain unaffected. "What concord [harmony, agreement, unity] hath Messiah with Beliel?" (2 Cor. 6:15).
"Brethren, what shall we do? Peter said to them, Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Yeshua Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:37-38). Peter responded to the question of the listeners that they asked after witnessing Pentecost and hearing the apostle's sermon, which carried these main points: (1) Repent! Turn from sin, selfishness, and defilements to holy living and service; reject the old, evil life of thoughtlessness and wrong- doing, and return to YHVH. Enter onto the paths of truth and holiness. (2) Consecrate yourselves. Separate from sin. Have: no part with uncleanness, no tolerance with wickedness, and no jolly, congenial, intimate social fellowship with unrepentant, stubborn sinners. (3) Embrace Messiah Yeshua as your Savior, Master, and Teacher. Openly, publically proclaim Him to be thy divine Redeemer, and identify with Him and His people. (4) Then, receive mercy, remission of sins, and the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We know He will then come and regenerate each believer's inner man (the human spirit, sometimes referred to as the heart) and begin the progressive (although generally gradual) work of sanctification. This includes: a. Cleansing the thoughts of our minds and motives of the heart with His inspiration. b. Enabling and empowering us for the work, witness, and challenges of a holy life. c. Restoring our souls for intimate fellowship with the Father and His Son. d. Imparting spiritual fervor and a hunger for righteousness. e. Preparing us as Yeshua's undefiled Bride, and for the companionships and engagements of eternity. As we study the Scriptures and become doers of the Word, these works will become magnified in our lives, causing us to bear fruit and enjoy closeness with the Father and His Son, Yeshua.
The Holy Spirit is the One Who is preparing the Bride for His Glory. There will be no mixing of the clean and unclean in heaven, no contamination. Life is seedtime for eternity.
6. "Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers of Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto YHVH for a burnt offering; you shall offer at your own will a male without blemish...but whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall you not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you" (Vayikra 22:18-20).
The animals that were offered to YHVH had to be physically perfect, having no defects or blemishes, just .....as the priests who ministered to Him had to be morally and ceremonially holy. The priests and animals had to be perfect because: (1) They were types representing, or pointing to, the future perfect Sacrifice and High Priest, Yeshua. (2) They symbolized the perfect heart which YHVH wants His disciples to dedicate to Him. In our praise and worship there must be a willingness, a cheerfulness, which is particularly pleasing to the Almighty (Ps. 40:8). Service which is forced or constrained, rendered against one's will has very little merit, if any at all. (3) The unblemished Priests and animal sacrifices teach us today that we are called and enabled [John 14:11-14; 15; 16; Acts 1:8; 2:17; 7:59; Rom. 15:19;1 Cor. 2:19; 14:15; Gal. 5:16, 22; and further references] to offer our very best to Him. Offering a deformed or weak, less valuable animal, was an offense, and certainly unacceptable. As a matter of fact, when this was done the Israelite put the Holy One of Israel in second place, and his own material welfare and self-interests in first place. "But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil. And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly? says the Lord of hosts" (Mal. 1:8). Here Malachi rebuked the Jews for doubting YHVH's love and care (verses 2-5), and for their faithlessness. They came with weak sacrifices, and they and their nation were weak because of their indifference and disrespect for His sacred things. He affirmed that only by repentance and true reform could the people come under YHVH's blessing. How does this apply to us? Clearly, we are to bring our best and holiest--time, money, service, effort, et al--to Him. "But the righteous man shall live by faith"...[that is, by faith for increase, not by fear of loss] (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17).
7. "And when you will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto YHVH, offer it at your own will. On the same day it shall be eaten up; you shall not leave it until the morrow: I am YHVH" (Vayikra 22:29-30).
An animal had to be at least eight days old before it could be sacrificed. A mother and her young could not be killed the same day. Neither could a kid be seethed, or cooked, in its own mother's milk, a pagan occult practice (Ex. 23:19; De.14:21). Further, a mother bird could not be taken with her young from a nest, presumably for food (De. 22:6). These rules were, in part, intended to (a) promote mercy by not allowing those things which would dull the sentiment of compassion among the Israelites, (b) stir/rekindle respect and sentimentality for motherhood, and (c) protect the weak. Cruelty and dominance by the stronger over the weaker is a human inclination broken only by making His will our will. Believers find strength in the bond of sanctification and His righteousness. Also in the passage, the three forms of peace offerings are mentioned: the vowed, the voluntary, and the thanksgiving offerings.
8. "YHVH spoke unto Moses...Speak unto the children of Israel, and say to them, concerning the feasts of YHVH, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are My feasts" (Leviticus 23:1-2).
The mo'adim include the yearly, monthly, and weekly feast days, holy days. They were/are religious observances, set-apart times; seven special appointments for YHVH to meet with His people. Our observance of the feasts--Pesach (Passover), Chag HaMatzah (Unleavened Bread), Yom HaBikkurim (First Fruits), Shavuot (Pentecost), Yom Teruah (Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Tabernacles)--begins with the weekly Sabbath! When the divine appointments are honored the Almighty is pleased and His people are enriched at every level of their beings. They teach us about redemption truths, including the process of personal sanctification and the life and ministry of Messiah Yeshua. They are also prophetic signposts for the end-times.
9. "...these are My feasts. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; you shall do no work therein: it is the Sabbath of YHVH in all your dwellings" (Vayikra 23:3).
Sabbath--weekly. The Sabbath is mentioned first.
The Sabbath is included with the Levitical feasts but is not originally a Mosaic institution. It was first instituted at the end of the creation week (Gen. 2:1-3), and is therefore an Adamic law and was thus made incumbent [obligatory] upon all mankind two thousand years before Sinai. The Israelites themselves recognized it as a patriarchal law. In the Wilderness of Sin, three months before Israel actually ratified the Mosaic Covenant and became a nation, Moses instructed the people to gather a double portion of manna on the sixth day, in respect for the Sabbath. (Ex. 16:22-30). Sabbath was incorporated into the Mosaic law as the fourth commandment. It is a day of rest from business, a holy convocation of refreshing and renewal in His Presence, and a day of prophetic anticipation, to be observed--"in all your dwellings."
10. "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is YHVH's Passover" (Vayikra 23:4).
Pesach--Spring. Pesach/Passover speaks of redemption. Fulfilled by Yeshua crucified. Messiah, the unblemished Passover Lamb, was sacrificed for us. We receive New Birth through faith in Yeshua, and enter the Kingdom of God.
11. "And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavenend Bread unto YHVH" (Vayikra 23:5).
Chag HaMatzah--Spring. Fulfilled by Yeshua. The Feast of Unleavened Bread speaks of Sanctification. Messiah was sinless, without "leaven." His body did not begin to decay in burial. Once saved, we put off the old "leaven", sin. See: 1 Cor. 5:7-8.
12. "When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: and he shall wave the sheaf before YHVH to accepted for you" (Vayikra 23:10-11).
Yom HaBikkurim--Spring. The Celebration of First Fruits speaks of resurrection. Fulfilled by Yeshua. Messiah rose triumphantly after three days and nights in the grave. This represents believers putting on the new [recreated] man, in holiness and consecration. See: Eph. 4:24.
13. "And you shall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering [Firstfruits]; seven Sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall you number fifty days; and you shall offer a new meat offering unto YHVH" (Vayikra 23:15-16).
The Omer. Individual Israelites counted (numbered) each of the Omer days, as they progressed, separately and audibly. Seven Sabbaths, or weeks, were to be counted, totaling forty-nine days. On the fiftieth day, the day after the seventh Sabbath (seventh week), Shavuot [Day of Pentecost] was celebrated. The day would have come around the beginning of June, a time of season which would have made travel to Jerusalem pleasant. The typical offering was two wave loaves of bread [can be viewed as the two components of Israel, Judah and Ephraim] baked with leaven. They represented the first fruits of the wheat harvest, which may have already been reaped and stored. The meal offering of Shavuot (Pentecost) is called new and the first offering because it was the first Tabernacle/Temple offering from the wheat crop. The Omer offering [bushel] of Pesach (Passover) was from the barley crop. The first-fruits of the wheat harvest is a prophetic earnest [a pledge; a token of what is to come] of the coming harvest of souls. "But now is Messiah risen from the dead, and become the Firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death,, by man came also the resurrection from the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Messiah shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Messiah the Firstfruits; afterward they that are Messiah's at His coming" (1 Cor. 15:20-23).
14. "You shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenths deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven; they are the firstfruits [of the wheat harvest] unto YHVH. And you shall offer with the bread seven lambs...sacrifice one kid of the goats...two lambs...and the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits...that it [the day] may be a holy convocation unto you...(from Vayikra 23:17-21).
Shavuot--Spring [Fifty days after Firstfruits]. Fulfilled by Yeshua on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem ten days after His ascension when Messiah was exalted to the Throne. Shavuot portends the coming of the Holy Spirit to administrate the New Covenant and empower the saints. See: Acts 1:8; 2:4.
14. "In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall you have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, and holy convocation. You shall do no servile work therein,: but you shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHVH" (Vayikra 23: 24-25).
Yom Teruah--Fall. Spiritually fulfilled. Yeshua defeated the enemies of our souls (Col. 2:15). Prophetically, Trumpets points to tribulation, judgment, reward. It speaks of spiritual warfare, learning to walk in the Spirit, and the preparation and maturing of the Bride of Messiah. Prophetically, we are in the season of Elul (sixth month), and at the threshold of Trumpets, which comes on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri.
15. "Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a [the] day of atonement: it shall be a holy convocation unto you; and you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto YHVH" (Vayikra 23:27).
Yom Kippur--Fall. The Day of Atonement for all Israel, also points to the future when Messiah returns and all Israel repents of her sins and turns to Him for salvation. Spiritually fulfilled when Yeshua ascended to the Holy of Holies in heaven with his own Blood. The literal fulfillment is seen in Revelation 19:1-9. The future Day of Atonement will bring about the purification of the Bride (Ezek. 36:24-25), her glorification (Phil. 3:21), and transfiguration (Mt. 17:2).
16. "The fifteenth day of this month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto YHVH. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: you shall do no servile work. Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHVH: in the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you: and you shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHVH: it is an solemn assembly; and you shall do no servile work therein" (Vayikra 23:34-36).
Sukkot--Fall. Tabernacles points to the future, when, following Yom Kippur, Messiah reigns over his earthly Kingdom, and men rest in His presence and glory.
17. "These are the feasts of YHVH, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations..." (Vayikra 23:37).
Why were there seven annual feasts in Israel? Perhaps the answer is related to the number seven itself. The number seven is remarkable in Scripture, and thus we can expect to find therein a goodly number of hebdomads. For instance, the biblical feasts form a hebdomad, or a group of seven. There are seven days of creation, another hebdomad. The Sabbath is the first mo'ed, and it falls on the seventh day. The feasts commence on the 14th (7x2) day of first month, Abib (Nisan), and conclude in the seventh month, Tishri. Every seven years the land was given a rest from tilling and planting. At the end of the greater period of a week of weeks of years (7x7 years) was the year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:8-17).
Seven is sheb'bah (Sabbath) in Hebrew. It means "complete", or "full", and represents perfection. The Hebrew word for seven appears a total of 392 times in the Bible. The sum, 392, is not only a multiple of seven, but of seven times seven (8x7x7). The number 392 is also the sum of the square of seven plus the cube of seven. Seven is used seven times in Genesis seven, and there are many such remarkable usages of seven in the Bible that we have not the space to cover. It appears in Scripture more than any other number. Of course, we can't help but note the prominent place the number seven has in pointing to the Spirit of YHVH, just as seven figures so prominently in the feasts. In the King James Version of Scripture the Holy Spirit is referenced 385 times, which number is a multiple of seven, or 7x5x11. Each number factor speaks of the Holy Spirit and His character and work. First, seven signifies perfection and thus represents the Holy Spirit and His work. Further, seven is the seal of YHVH, Who sealed His creation, stamping it as "good", or perfect, on the seventh day, Sabbath. We too, who are new creations, the work of Yeshua's perfect redemption, are "sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, Who is given as a pledge of our inheritance..." (Eph. 1:13). And further in the epistle we read, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom ye were sealed for the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30). Secondly, five is the number of grace, unmerited favor. It is by the grace of YHVH that we have received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:25-26; Rom. 5:15). Thirdly, eleven is the number of revelation. The Holy Spirit reveals the written Word of YHVH, the Torah, and the Living Word of YHVH, Messiah Yeshua to the hearts and minds of believers. "For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God" (1 Cor. 2:10). The great number of references to the Holy Spirit--385--points to His work from the beginning of Scripture, Genesis, chapter one, "...the Spirit of God was moving over the surface..." , all the way to its end with Revelation, chapter twenty-two, "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come."
Seen from this perspective, the seven feasts prophetically represent: (1) the completed, perfect (number seven) divine work of redemption and restoration, (2) the mercy and grace (number five) of Elohim present in both the Mosaic and New Covenants, (3) a panoramic revelation (number eleven) of the eternal faithfulness and wisdom of the Holy One of Israel, and (4) redemption's progression to completion accomplished and brought to its perfection through the power of the Spirit. "...but we ourselves having the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adaption as sons, the redemption of our body (Rom. 8:23). First, Celebrate all the feasts and be richly blessed. Secondly, believe that His good work is progressing in you right now, even as you read. "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you [who follow Him] will [continue with it, and] perfect it until the day of Messiah Yeshua" (Phil. 1:6).
18. "Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually, Outside the veil of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from evening unto the morning before YHVH continually...He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before YHVH continually" (Leviticus/Vayikra 24:2).
The regulation concerning the lamps of the seven-branched golden Candlestick [Menorah] was first given in Exodus 27:20. They were to be kept burning through the use of pure olive oil that was beaten, not pressed. When the oil was pressed, small particles of plant and berry became mixed in with the oil, discoloring it, and therefore making it less pure than olives beaten and left to drip. The lamps were tended to by the priests. They were to burn continuously in the Holy Place, thereby providing light at all times. The oil and light were symbols of the empowering and enlightening work of the Holy Spirit within the Ecclesia. "The Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father shall send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance...(Jn. 14:26)...He will guide you into all truth" (see John 16:7-13).
19. "Then you shall take fine flour and bake twelve cakes with it; two-tenths of an ephah shall be in each cake. You shall set them in two rows, six to a row, on the pure gold table before the Lord. You shall put pure frankincense on each row that it may be a memorial portion for the bread, even an offering by fire onto the Lord" (Leviticus/Vayikra 24: 5-7).
The sons of Israel shared in the ministry of the Tabernacle. They were to regularly bring the pure olive oil for the sacred lamps. They were to also provide the shewbread for the Golden Table. These were offerings from the people, sacrificial gifts with which all Israel was to serve the Holy One of Israel continuously. The offering of oil for preparation of the Candlestick and the fine flour and incense for preparing the offering of bread was a daily means of Israel sanctifying its life and labor to YHVH their Elohim. The seven lamps on the Candlestick (Menorah) in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle burned throughout the night. The shewbread was regularly renewed and placed upon the Table of shewbread, and consisted of twelve loaves symbolizing (1) the tribes of Israel and (2) the government of YHVH, and (3) the Lamb of God Himself, Who is the Tree of Life having twelve manner of fruit corresponding to twelve months of the year. Hence, the olive oil and shewbread are types of the Spirit and Yeshua. First, the olive oil represents the constant illumination of the Spirit guaranteed by Yeshua for His people, redeemed Israel. "He will guide you." Secondly, the shewbread represents the spiritual nourishment of Torah provided by the Living Torah, Messiah Yeshua, and quickened and imparted by the Spirit. "I am the living Bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat this bread, he shall live forever" (John 6:51).
As stated, the pure olive oil was provided by the worshippers. The burning lamp represents the holy nation in the midst of darkness. It is symbolic also of the royal priesthood, the divinely instructed and anointed people with whom are the oracles of YHVH, and in whom the Torah of YHVH is alive by the Spirit. "The [regenerated] spirit of man is the candle [lamp] of the Lord" (Prov. 20:27). Believers today bring the holy oil of the Spirit into the congregation, and into the nations, and by it are aglow as "the light of the world." (Mt. 5:14). When believers become more sanctified, constant in their faith, Spirit-oriented, hungry for righteousness, Torah-honoring, the congregations of Israel will start burning more brightly and continually with the holy fire and healing power of the Spirit, that the nations "may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." And there will be fresh, warm shewbread, which will be Holy Spirit revelation/insight given to the saints from Scripture, on the tables. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies" (Ps. 23:5).
The olive oil and shewbread ordinances teach us that there is a limitless supply of oil (Spirit) and bread (Torah revelation) for them who seek His face and service. Just as the candlestick, which was daily and nightly renewed with oil, was kept burning in the Tabernacle/Temple, so there was always fresh bread upon His table. The bread was replaced daily. "Shewbread" means "Bread of Faces" or "Bread of the Presence" of the face of YHVH. Yeshua compared Himself to bread (Jn. 6:32-35), which is a staple in food. Without bread there is no festive celebration, or feast, just as without Messiah and His Atonement, there is no true joy. Bread is a source of physical strength, just as His manifest, tangible presence produces faith, vigor and strength in the spirit and soul. Bread is a source of gladness, just as the divine presence produces inspiration, comfort, and the joy of the Lord with beleivers. Going forward, the bread was made of fine flour, and measured in tenths. Ten is the number of riches. The holy shewbread was measured in tenth-deals, to symbolize the "measure of the fullness of Messiah" (Eph. 4:7,13). Thus Messiah, the rich One, is He out of Whom the richness of redemption flows. We believe in the days ahead there will be a growing manifestation of the tangible, observable, transformative presence and glory of YHVH--along with the demonstration of Yeshua's righteousness, sanctification, peace, divine healing, provision, power, victory, protection, goodness, mercy, restoration, and guidance, by the strength of the Holy Spirit--in the midst of His returning people! There is much for which to look forward. See: Joel 2:21-32; Rev. 6-14.
We observe from this passage that it was YHVH's will for oil, light, and fresh bread to be in His house at all times. The Priests were responsible to work with the sons of Israel for compliance to the Tabernacle's fitness. YHVH has not changed. The symbols of the text clearly reveal that the anointing, holy fire (revelation and power), and His manifest, tangible presence are expected and needed within His congregations today. The Torah and the Glory are the heritage of Israel. We must seek Him for a visitation! Pray for a great magnification of fresh fire and manifestation of the divine presence in the midst of Israel in the latter days! See: Jer. 29:13.
"Therefore, thus says YHVH Elohim, Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous of My holy name. They will forget their disgrace and all their treachery...when I bring them back from the peoples and gather them from the hand of their enemies, then I shall be sanctified through them...they will know that I am YHVH their Elohim because I made them go into exile...then gathered them again to their own land...I will not hide my face from them any longer, for I will have poured My Spirit on the House of Israel, declares YHVH" (Ezek. 39:25-29).
YHVH promises through the prophet to restore Israel, its Temple and Jerusalem. The restoration is multifold. Judah would return to rebuild the wall, city, and a second Temple. Later the Spirit would be poured out (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:4), and the lost sheep of the house of Israel would begin to be restored in Spirit and Torah truth, re-gathered, and return to YHVH and the Glory through a New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-33). This is being progressively accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord of hosts" (Zech. 4:6). Yeshua's redemption leads to the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:11). Forty days after His resurrection, Yeshua ascended up on high and gave gifts to men. He gave the best of gifts, one that contained within itself all other gifts, powers, and graces, the Holy Spirit. It is He Who returns the heavenly glory and the manna to the Temple, the one made of Living, Spirit-animated Stones. The Body of Messiah is being continuously restored, built up, both in Spirit and in Truth in the latter days.
Note: Ezekiel begins and ends his recorded prophecies with visions of the Temple, and the Glory of YHVH departing, and later returning. His ministry covered thirty years, beginning in Israel and continuing in Babylon. In Ezekiel, Yeshua is seen as the "Son of Man" who is sent to the rebellious sons of Israel, the house of Judah and the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Ezek. 2:1; 37,38,39; John 1; Mt. 10:6; 15:24). As did Ezekiel, He started His ministry at the age of thirty (Ezek. 1:1; Lk. 3:21-23) with an opened heaven. Yeshua prophesied the departure of the Glory from the physical Temple at Jerusalem, and its subsequent destruction (Mt. 24:1-2), but also spoke of the Glory of Elohim returning to the new Temple, the Body of Messiah (Eph. 2:20-22). "I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I have poured out My Spirit upon the House of Israel, saith YHVH Elohim."
20. "Every sabbath he shall set it [the fresh loaves] in order unto the Lord continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the Lord made by fire for a perpetual statute" (Leviticus 24:8-9).
The twelve Shewbread loaves were a national offering representing the tribes of Israel. The bread was provided by the people, offered up and then eaten by the priests. This took place every Sabbath as a continuing memorial. The twelve loaves were always before Him, fresh, in order and in unity, covered with a fragrant aroma, resting under the undimmed light of the Menorah. There are no loaves today. Nevertheless, you are represented by Yeshua, our High Priest, in the heavenly Temple on His Breastplate. He is remembering you this very moment! Bless the land, His land, this week.
21. "And he that blasphemeth the name of YHVH, he shall surely be put to death...If a man takes the life of any human being, he shall surely be put to death...if a man injures his neighbor, just as he has done, so it shall be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him" (Leviticus 24:16-20).
Elohim's Name must always be honored. It reveals His nature and essential character, which are love and holiness. It has been said a man's character is determined by his attitude and reverence toward Elohim's Name. Believers may know, write, and even speak His name with a reverent attitude, but should never bandy it about after the manner that is all too common today with His titles. Paul wrote: "Wherefore Elohim has highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name above every name, that at the Name of Yeshua every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and those under the earth" (Phil. 2:9-10). Yeshua, Elohim the Son, voluntarily humbled Himself as a Servant and Sufferer--Deity among mortals. But after His crucifixion and resurrection He was highly exalted and given the Name, not a repeat of the one the angels mentioned, as wonderful as that Name is (Mt. 1:21), but one commensurate with His pre-incarnation glory, dignity, majesty, power and position. "All power is given unto Me..." Moral: "Let everyone that names the Name of Messiah depart from iniquity" (2 Tim. 2:19).
The sixth commandment says, "Thou shalt not murder." Leviticus orders a murderer to be executed, the same sentence for a blasphemer. A distinction needs to be drawn between murder and execution. A judicial sentence properly and soberly carried out by a community, and the illegal, unsanctioned slaying of a man, the calculated taking away of his life, are two entirely different things. We are warned never to (1) take a human life [murder] or (2) take the law into our own hands. "For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, says the Lord. And again, the Lord will judge His people" (Heb. 10:30). Thus the Noahic code of Genesis 9:6 was incorporated into the Mosaic law. Yet in private matters, when possible, it is better to suffer a wrong that seek revenge. "Blessed are the merciful..." (Mt. 5:7).
22. "There shall be one standard for you; it shall be for the stranger as well as for the native, for I am the Lord your God. Then Moses spoke to the sons of Israel, and they brought the one who had cursed outside the camp and stoned him with stones. Thus the sons of Israel did, just as the Lord had commanded Moses" (Leviticus 24:22-23).
The penalty of the law was inflicted upon the wrongdoer soberly and solemnly. Such actions were not to be produced from mob fury or revenge, but instead overseen by the elders. Stephen's execution by stoning, however, was based on a form of law, but was illegal and driven by mob anger. "They brought him to the council and set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against the holy place, and the law" (Acts 6:12-13). When Yeshua said, "Before Abraham was, I am" (Jn. 8:58), the listeners regarded Him as blaspheming. Later, when He said, "I and My Father are one" (Jn. 10:30), they "took up stones to cast at Him", and did not go through any judicial procedure at all. They tried, with vengeful hearts, to take the law into their own hands. Only when the laws of retaliation are administered wisely, judiciously, fairly, is the interest of the people served.
Haftorah
1. "But the priests the Levites, the sons of Za'-dok, that keep the charge of My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near to Me to minister unto Me, and they shall stand before Me to offer unto Me the fat and the blood, saith YHVH Elohim; They shall enter into My sanctuary, and they shall come near to My tables, to minister unto Me, and they shall keep My charge" (Ezek. 44:15-16).
The haftorah reflects the Torah reading in its presentation of sundry laws (vrs. 17-22) pertaining to the kohanim. Among their sacred responsibilities was the role of educating Israel in the fundamentals of the Torah. "And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and profane [unholy], and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean" (Ezek. 44:23). The reward of the faithful priesthood: "I am their inheritance: and you shall give them no inheritance in Israel: I [YHVH] am their possession" (Ezek. 44:28). The priests enjoyed divine blessings and close relations with Elohim, with spiritual wealth for their souls and every provision.
Yeshua: The Living Torah "I did not come to abolish but fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
1. "...say unto them..." (Vayikra 21:1).
Moses was to "say" to the priests in such a manner--to speak to them with such clarity and authority, that there would be no misunderstanding concerning the meaning, disposition, and importance of YHVH's words. Yeshua did this Himself in His ministry. He did not mince words. "And they were astonished at His teaching: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes...for with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him" (Mk. 1:22,27). His Word and authority have been given to us! "All authority [power] is given unto me...Go ye therefore, and teach [make disciples of] all nations..." (Mt. 28:18-19).
2. " Speak to Aaron, saying, No man of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect shall approach to offer the food of his God" (Vayikra 21:16).
The altar of the Most High was to be honored in every possible manner, and therefore preserved and protected from everything that might disrespect, defile, or misrepresent it. The people who ministered at the altar could not be disassociated from it, but were identified, as it were, with the altar. Hence, no one with a flaw, blemish, or fault of any type was allowed "to come nigh the altar...that he profane not My sanctuaries." Stated again, those who officiated the sacred ordinances had an enormous influence on the public's opinion of their office and their esteem for the altar ministry itself. Hence, the Kohanim [Priests] had to be without physical or moral blemish, holy to YHVH and holy to His people (1 Tim. 3:11; 4:12). This indicates to the reader an essential truth--that the very best of spirit, soul, and body be brought to the service of our Elohim; not our leftovers, but our substance; not what's disposable, but the precious; not our exhaustion, but our strength and vigor. May we do our best to make our worship, work, and life as little blemished as we can, and serve with His approval, anointing, strength and joy.
The unblemished Kohanim pointed to the perfection of Yeshua's human life. He has been exalted, and has become our perfect High Priest, Who (1) lived and demonstrated the perfect ideal of man, and (2) has since given man, through His Atonement, Resurrection, and Ascension the hope and faith to aspire to, and power to press forward to, that ideal. "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He hath poured forth this which you both see and hear" (Acts 2:33). Our sure hope is based on Yeshua's victory. "But we do see Him [the Second Adam--the Son of Man] who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely Yeshua, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone" (Hebrews 2:9). Yeshua, the Word, Who was in the beginning, Who was with God, Who was God...became flesh, and was briefly humbled in the Incarnation. Yeshua's crowning was the result of His obedience and suffering. As a man, and by virtue of His human obedience unto the death of the cross, He won His exalted position of "glory and honor." Thus, human nature was exalted and perfected in the Person of Messiah Yeshua.
"...Yeshua, because of the suffering...that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons into glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering" (Heb. 2:9-10). Yeshua, the perfect Man and divine Servant of YHVH, triumphed over death (Mt. 28:6) and has been exalted and crowned with glory. His people, His Bride, being one with Him in faith and obedience, shall partake of His glory and the honor with which He, our eternal and divine Bridegroom, has been crowned. His exaltation brought His perfect humanity to the Throne of Glory. His glorification is therefore the assurance of man being restored to dominion, for which we were created and from which we fell. "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek" (Heb. 5:9-10). On earth and in heaven His Bride will reign with Him. The Saints (holy, redeemed ones) will praise and worship in a place nearer the Throne than the seraphim occupy! We will judge angels. All of Yeshua's eternal, infinite kingdom and creation He will share with us (1 Cor. 3:21-23). This is amazing! Only through the perfect Man, Yeshua, can we fulfill our purpose on earth and realize our destiny in the world to come. First, Believe in Him. "Behold the Lamb of God" (John 1:36) daily, as did His disciples, with intent and earnest contemplation. Through faith and obedience a person becomes one with Him. Secondly, Imitate Him. His cross led to His crown. Our unwavering, Spirit-led service leads to sovereignty [excellence, power, autonomy (freedom); Webster's Collegiate], and, for some anyway, "greater works than these..." (John 14:12).
Note: The perfection of our Savior/Redeemer was achieved through His obedience and suffering as a human. This does not refer to His flawless, pure moral character as the eternal Son of YHVH, who was harmless, that is, totally "without evil." It refers to His role as Mediator--the Captain of our salvation. The perfecting of Messiah was the process that brought Him to His destiny and exaltation. He was made "perfect [or prepared] through suffering" so that (1) He could fully sympathize with His suffering people (Heb. 2:18), and (2) present a perfect example to His suffering people (1 Pet. 2:21-24). We learn from Him that the trials and difficulties experienced along our pathway toward maturity and perfection are for our ultimate welfare.
The Holy Spirit "...but you shall receive power..." (Acts 1:8).
1. "Command the sons of Israel that they bring to you clear oil from beaten olives for the light, to make the lamp burn continually. Outside the veil of the testimony in the tent of meeting, Aaron shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the Lord continually; it shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations" (Leviticus 24:2-3).
YHVH spoke to Moses about the olive oil for the Golden Lampstand and the Shewbread for the Golden Table. The oil and the bread were to be prepared and always available for the Tabernacle. They speak of the Holy Spirit and the Word of Life that He has made available for His Ecclesia.
"It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you...when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (Jn. 16:7-13).
The Holy Spirit often uses visions and dreams to speak to His people, to lead them. The apostle Paul was directed to Macedonia in this way. "During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, Come over to Macedonia and help us...we got ready at once...concluding God had called us to preach the Gospel to them" (Acts 16:8-10).Paul and his companions understood the simple vision and responded.
There will be times when believers will need to carefully interpret the voice/the leading of the Spirit. This could require fervent prayer sometimes because the leading of the Spirit may not always be so obvious. He will direct us through our human spirit, but our (sometimes un-restored, un-renewed, wounded) soul will have a pronounced, and all-too-often, incorrect influence upon our perception of His communication, which in turn affects our response to it. That is why a pure conscience and sanctification are so important for believers in knowing and interpreting the voice of the Spirit. Daily prayer and Scripture study are necessary (and joyful) disciplines for conditioning oneself to discern His voice/leading amidst the flood and clamor of today's many spoken and written voices. Nevertheless, the greater the mix of clean and unclean that is in our lives, the greater will be the confusion, misunderstanding, and contradictions within the soul. Repentance is foremost. Learning to yield to the Spirit is next. One way of yielding to the Spirit is by speaking and praying in tongues. This practice develops increased awareness within us of the voice of the Almighty and accuracy of discernment.
The infilling of the Holy Spirit (baptism in the Spirit) is generally a distinct, second experience following the new birth. For the record, the new birth occurs when the Spirit comes, regenerates (spiritually revives), and indwells the new believer in Messiah Yeshua (John 3:5-16; 14:17; Gal. 3:2, 14; 4:29; Eph. 1:13; Titus 3:5; 1 John 3:24; etc.). Therefore, when a person is saved they have the Spirit. However, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, or baptism in the Spirit, is another experience that provides the believer with greater empowerment for sanctification and witnessing. "Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Master Yeshua. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:14-17). Being filled/baptized in the Spirit is a necessary divine appointment for all Messianic believers (Acts 1:6-8). It is a pivotal encounter, a life-changing touch from the living Elohim. It is a new and holy experience beyond the "new birth" that Yeshua gives to young and old believers alike. All one needs is faith and spiritual hunger.
Speaking in tongues is the evidence of the infilling of the Spirit. It represents the overflow of His presence and power, and is the key to (1) bearing more abundant fruit, and (2) experiencing and functioning in a greater anointing and power of the Spirit. Further, it is (3) the doorway to growing and operating in the gifts (spirituals) of the Spirit as listed in 1 Corinthians 12. What's more, (4) the baptism in the Spirit, with speaking in tongues, properly and most effectively equips ministers to (a) function in the eldership offices listed in Eph. 4:11, and (b) operate in their service (or motivational) gifting as listed in Romans 12:6-8. It is no wonder that the enemy of our souls has resisted, disparaged, discredited, and minimized the great baptism from Yeshua, and the regular use of the personal prayer language that accompanies it. [Note: There are those who have spoken in tongues when receiving Messiah Yeshua in their salvation experience. Nevertheless, while this is possible, it is the exception, not the rule. There are also people who, when coming up from the waters of baptism, are heard speaking in tongues.]
"And finding some disciples he said to them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? So they said to him, We have not so much as heard there is a Holy Spirit. And he said to them, Into what then were you baptized? So they said, Into John's baptism. Then Paul said, John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, Yeshua Messiah. When they heard this they were baptized in the name of the Master Yeshua. And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all" (Acts 19:1-7). Paul laid his hands on twelve men to impart the Spirit. They all received the infilling and spoke in tongues, and prophesied. This is for all believers. And it is a scriptural way to praise the Almighty.
Glory Note # 31 : "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in" (Ps. 24:7). We are told this song/psalm was sung by David and Israel's choirs and priests as the Ark of the Covenant was carried through the ancient gates of the fortress of Jerusalem. Yeshua is the King of glory and goodness. Not only desiring entry into the Holy City, Yeshua wants to bring His glory and goodness into the hearts and minds of every disciple. "Behold, I stand at the door [ancient gates] and knock..." Rev. 3:20).
Parsha Summary
1. "You shall offer it at your own will..." (Vayikra 22:19).
The Torah has taught us that acceptable service includes: A. Cheerful willingness from the heart that is in agreement and sympathy with the commandments. "For Elohim loveth a cheerful giver" (Second Corinthians 9:7). B. Excellence and purity. "You shall offer...a male without blemish...whatsoever has a blemish, that you shall not offer" (Vayikra 22:19-20). YHVH and His will must always be foremost, not our pleasure or comfort. Presenting that which is less valuable, or flawed, is offensive and unacceptable. "...I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Elohim, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1).
Section 2: Parsha Study and Vision
"Out from the throne came flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne seven blazing torches burned, which are the seven Spirits of God [seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit]" (Rev. 4:5).
The heritage of Israel are the Torah and the Glory of YHVH. The two are the foremost revelations of His love, holiness, and perfection. For now we will define the glory of Elohim as the totality of the goodness and righteousness of His character as revealed in the Scriptures, in creation, and supernaturally expressed, even visibly and tangibly, by His weighty manifest Shechinah ("settling") presence that Moses experienced at the bush incident, on Mount Sinai, and when the Tabernacle was first erected (Ex. 3:3; 33:17; 40:34-35). "It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of stone were in Moses' hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him" (Ex. 34:29). Both the essence of YHVH's Torah [Ten Commandments/Words written on the tablets] and YHVH's glory that were carried down the mountain by Moses are divinely birthed into the spirits/hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit and regeneration through faith in Messiah Yeshua (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 11:14-21; Joel 2:27-28; John 3:1-16; Acts 1,2,10; 1 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15). Therefore we believe it is YHVH's will for all Israel to experience His manifest goodness and His manifest glory increasingly as our blessed individual and corporate habitation; as our tangible mantle and divine supernatural covering. (1 Pet. 4:14). Our hope is based upon His Word: "I will cause My Shechinah [His glorious, radiant presence; the supernatural brilliance which is the outward expression of His character and goodness; See Matthew 17:1-8] to dwell [to settle] in the midst of [within, upon] thee" (Zech. 2:10).
Messianic Israel is called to make (by faith and obedience to His Truth) His anointing, His tangible presence, and His discernable, manifest glory, dominant internal and external realities in our lives. With this intent in mind, we have provided an explanation for your examination. Please read it and follow the study instructions. They explain the pathway of progress toward this pursuit of regaining the fullest possible measure of our spiritual heritage, the knowledge and experience of the Spirit and Truth of the Holy One of Israel. May the time we spend in prayer and study become times of divine encounters also.
Torah and Glory School Vision: "...search for Me..." (Jeremiah 29:13). This section is provided to help the student read beyond the basic commentary that we have presented, and study carefully all the Scriptures in the week's parsha for themselves. As each reader presses more deeply into the Word and learns to depend more consistently on the Spirit in his/her search for greater knowledge and intimacy with Yeshua, increased personal enrichment and spiritual transformation will be experienced and enjoyed. Section 2 contains a review of the weekly parsha's Scriptures, their topical content, and our questions. Working with each week's Scriptures and Questions are both very important to our purpose. They are designed to assist the student to (1) develop a vision for the restoration and reconciliation of the whole house of Israel, (2) grow in foundational knowledge of the Torah, (3) recover the principles, practice, and Holy Spirit power of the early, first-century Nazarene believers, and (4) experience and enjoy greater dimensions of the kingdom, power, and glory of Yeshua.
The assigned Scriptures and Questions, along with Section Three's prayer and blessing activities, comprise (5) the heart of the Torah and Glory School's study program by which the student can be most edified and advanced spiritually. By them the student learns on his/her own while depending on, and thereby coming to know more personally, the Holy Spirit. We strongly encourage each student to rely upon the Spirit/Ruach--for understanding, revelation, insight, illumination of the Word, edification, and divine fellowship--during prayer, worship, and study. He is the close-at-hand primary Teacher of the course, not this author. [Note: Learning the Almighty's voice and experiencing His manifest glory, not just acquiring more information, are central goals of the Torah and Glory School.] In this way, the Scriptures--reading them while listening for the Holy Spirit, and the Questions--writing answers while under the Spirit's unction and receiving divine input, work together to comprise (6) the student's chief means of personal practice/exercise/training in seeking, waiting on, listening for, and promptly responding to the voice/word of Elohim. And by such seeking, faith-motivated students position themselves spiritually, mentally, and emotionally prepare themselves for experiencing a visitation of Yeshua's presence and glory through the Spirit. In this way the Scriptures and Questions also become (7) the channels through which the Spirit of Messiah will directly communicate personal instruction, direction, wisdom, and comfort to each engaged person. The students who faithfully follow the "game plan" and remain committed to do so for the year, will be transformed, and enjoying much closer fellowship with the Father, and Yeshua, His Son, and hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit, by the end of Deuteronomy.
Scriptures and Questions
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).
Leviticus 21:1-24:23: Laws for priestly service /sanctification of Elohim's Name /Feasts of Israel /oil and bread offerings /eye for an eye.
Ezekiel 44:15-31: Ordinances for the Levites.
1 Peter 2:4-10: Royal priesthood /Lo Ammi becomes Ammi (see Hosea 1-2).
Study Questions: "...be ready always to give an answer..." (1 Peter 3:15). Trace the theme, the main idea, through each question.
1. In your opinion, what is the main theme or teaching of each of the listed readings individually: the Torah, the Haftorah, and the Brit Chadashah?
2. What is the common, central idea, or subject, that runs through and unites all the individual readings, as you see it?
3. Find in the Gospels where and how Yeshua declares, demonstrates, exemplifies, or exhibits the parsha's central truth, and explain. Give chapter and verse. [Ask: Where is Yeshua in this?]
4. In what way was the glory of YHVH [manifestations of His goodness] revealed in the parsha lesson? [Pray: Let me see Your glory in the reading.]
5. What does the parsha teach you/show you about your Hebrew roots ; your identity, your destiny, your duty? [Ask: What are You telling me about my heritage and calling?]
6. In what way did the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh personally speak to you during prayer and study this week? Did He impress you about how to apply the parsha lesson directly to your life? Explain. [Ask: Let me hear Your voice.]
7. "...because of practice [by reason of use] have their senses trained [exercised] to discern..." You and I are called to return to hearing the voice of Elohim and to functioning in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Progressing in these vital areas will require spiritual hunger, faith, and practice. He is waiting for us to approach Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak into your spirit/heart as you pray each day. Look for opportunities to lay hands on the sick, or to be used in prophesy. Faithfully record the prophetic words and experiences you receive, and be sure to share them with your brethren.
Section 3: Prayer, Declaration, and Blessing
The prayer and declaration Scriptures are changed with each book of the Torah. For instance, in Exodus we will have new Scriptures on which to focus. And others will appear in Leviticus, and so on. However, the Song of the Lord/Prophetic Worship teaching section is progressive and new each week. So, be sure to use this section. Shalom.
Important: Participate each week in the Bless the Land prayer, benediction, and singing exercises/activities, both individually and with your group. This is important for yourself and others. Your joining in with vocal participation--blessing and strengthening Israel with your spoken words, prophetic utterances, sung psalms, and intercessions--will also help develop and enlarge your prophetic anointing and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Daniel, who daily faced Jerusalem and Israel from his house in exile to pray, is an example of what we can do weekly from our homes today. "...Daniel...entered his house(now his roof chamber had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling...praying and giving thanks before his Elohim" (Daniel 10).
During daily, weekly, and Sabbath prayer times, raise your voice, stretch out your hands
and...Bless the Land
Bless the Land: "On this wise shall ye bless the children of Israel, saying unto them [declaring the Word to and over them], the Lord bless thee...keep thee..." (Num. 6:23). YHVH wanted to bless, keep, and shine His glory on His people. So He had his priests stand in His place [stand in for Him] and proclaim the blessings, which He in turn would perform for the believing recipients. Believers have a similar role today, as did Aaron and the priests in ancient Israel. "But you are...a royal priesthood..."
(1 Pet. 2:9). When we take our place as a responsible priesthood and begin to declare the written and prophetic word and will of YHVH, even spontaneous songs, over His people, He will rise up and perform that which has been declared. He works in partnership with his set-apart royal priesthood. Therefore, "...bless, for to this you were called, that you may receive a blessing" (1 Pet. 39).
"And I will bless them that bless thee" (Gen. 12:3).
[Note: "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life" (Prov. 10:11). Believers' mouths are connected to the spiritual power that created the universe. Our words possess/carry both constructive power (building up) and destructive (tearing down) power. Job 22:28; Luke 4:18-19; Mt. 21:21; 28: 18-20; Acts 1:8; 2:4; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12: 1-11; Eph. 6:17-19; Rev. 8:3). "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Prov. 18:2). Therefore, let us fulfill our priestly role and declare with confidence His Word over Jerusalem, Israel, and the nation this week.]
1. Pray for Israel
Isaiah 43:1-7. Commit to pray weekly for the land and people of Israel; for their welfare, safety, and return to righteousness. Use the prophetic words of Scripture as prayers and declarations.
2. Pray for Jerusalem.
Psalm 122:1-9. Speak this word over the City of the Great King.
3. Pray for America/Pray for your nation.
1 Chron. 7:14. Intercede. Pray for repentance, a spiritual awakening, and a harvest in all the cities of the land.
4. Sing the Song of the Lord/prophetic songs. [Teaching and Exhortation]
"So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him" (1 Sam. 16:23).
David's anointed music (and we assume, songs) soothed Saul's melancholy and drove away the evil spirits which exacerbated and deepened the king's depression and paranoia. Saul's outbreaks of insanity came irregularly at first, and at intervals. As time progressed however his loss of self-control became more frequent, and dangerous. As his grasp of reality deteriorated, he tried to kill David (more than once), and even his own son, Jonathan. Sadly, Saul's jealousy, hatred, paranoia, and demonic oppression eventually cost him his crown, and his life, along with the lives of his three sons, on Mount Gilboa. Only David's Spirit-anointed song could drive off the oppressor and bring the king some peace.
Sing an anointed, prophetic song over Israel this week. Spirit-inspired, anointed music and singing brings deliverance and spiritual restoration. "But you are a chosen generation...ye should show for the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pet. 2:9). [Note: 1 Peter 2:5-10: The apostle recognizes that Lo Ammi ("not My people") has become Ammi ("My people"), and exhorts believers to give praise. See Hosea 1-2.]
Section 4: Living the Parsha
Conclusion
1. "The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they said to Him, Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery...the law of Moses commanded us to stone such women; what do you say" (Jn. 8:3-5)?
This section is from the passage about the woman caught in adultery. It was a plot of the Pharisees and scribes, who apparently had neither great disdain or discernment of sin, nor any over-riding respect or insight for the Law of Moses, but their whole purpose was "that they might have [an opportunity] to accuse Him [find fault, even if the accusation was based upon falsehood]" (v.6).
But Yeshua bewildered his clever interrogators. At first He seemed to ignore them, and wrote on the ground with His finger something the surrounding hypocrites could have easily noticed and read. Actually, He had done this sort of thing before: "Belshazzar the king held a great feast...they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the Temple... drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. Suddenly the fingers of a man's hand emerged and began writing..on...the wall...the king's face grew pale..his hip joints went slack...the interpretation of the message...you have been weighted in the scales and found deficient" (Daniel 1-30). Could He have written on the ground something like what Belshazzar read on his wall, which took away his heart? Could something like this have broken the Pharisees' defiance, taken away their self-righteous arguments, and prepared them for the Messiah's response? Once He had written in the dirt, He answered pointedly and effectively, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." He didn't say--go and stone her. That would have misrepresented Him as stern and without compassion and mercy. He did not say--Do not stone her. That would have shown opposition to the Law of Moses. Accordingly, He did not assume the role of an officially appointed magistrate [judge] to decide the matter. "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbitrator over you" (Lk.12:14). He carried the issue from the judicial realm/sphere to the personal realm, one where the woman's accusers and His inquisitors themselves were brought into judgment. Upon hearing Yeshua's question, one by one, from the oldest to the youngest, they all ignominiously withdrew from their places of self-righteousness, and silently slunk away. The woman was left alone in the serene and sublime company of Yeshua, resting safely at His feet. He said to her, "...Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." He did not excuse her sin, nor necessarily forgive it. She had not asked for such. The Savior's comment seems designed to cause introspection, and lead her to repentance and faith in Him.
Religious people (Pharisees, Sadducees, etc.) can be harsh and critical, legalistic, censorious. Those who are most holy are always the most merciful. The perfect Lamb of Elohim, Yeshua, is adverse to sin, but a Friend to sinners. He taught His disciples the value of grace. "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man...And he said, the one who showed mercy toward him. Then Yeshua said to him, Go and do likewise" (Lk. 10:37). All of us have the right and sometimes the responsibility to enforce the Law, but on the personal level, we each have the freedom to extend mercy. Because of the cross of Calvary, "mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13).
Next week: Parsha B'har ("On the mount") Torah reading: Leviticus/Vayikra 25:1-26:2
Seek Him continually: "Let me see Your glory." His glory is in you by the Holy Spirit. Pray and believe for His presence to rise up and envelope your soul with His goodness, and the revelation of His heart. You are a child of the Most High and He desires you to experience intimate spiritual communion with Him.
Remember! Growth for spiritual strength takes "lifting." Be sure to complete your answers and exercises. They represent the "weights" that the Holy Spirit will use to equip you with a strong, well-proportioned, balanced, spiritual physique of Spirit and Truth.
References: Weekly references generally include, but are not limited to, the following: Kehot Chumash; Spirit-Filled Life Bible; Pulpit Commentary, H. Spence and J. Exell; Torah Club; Restoration Scriptures; Chumash, Stone Edition; Old Testament Survey, K. Conner; Torah, A Modern Commentary, W. G. Plaut; Fodor's Exploring Israel, A Sanger; Judaism 101 Torah; The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, AMG Publishers; Torah Insights, R. Fischer; Internet Sites; Jewish Encyclopedia. com
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Footnotes: 1. The Book of Leviticus; Leviticus/Numbers; Eerdmans Pub. Co., p.324.
