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-four: Bamidbar ("In the wilderness")
Torah: Numbers [Bamidbar] 1:1-4:20
Haftorah: Hosea [Hoshea] 2:1-22
Brit Chadashah: 1 Corinthians [Qorintyah] 12:12-20
Sections: 1. Weekly Commentary 2. Parsha Study 3. Prayer and Blessing 4. Living the Parsha
Welcome: "Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word" (Psalm 119:148). The psalmist's purpose for his early rising (v.147) was to meditate on the promise(s) [Word] of Elohim. Life is full of challenges and it is therefore fitting that we too should ask for YHVH's help. But we should clearly know what to ask for! Yeshua rebuked two of His disciples, saying; "...you know not what you ask" (Mt. 20:22). Are we aware of what Elohim is ready to give. When we rise from prayer do we know what it is we expect to receive, and upon what promise our faith is based? The remedy to ignorance (and doubt) in prayer is meditation upon the Word of Elohim. It brings assurance. Those who highly esteem Scripture tend to meditate upon it. May we keep in mind that the Torah (all Scripture) is not merely a self-help book, but a God-breathed revelation...the Voice of the Spirit speaking to us...personally. There is a divine Person in Holy Writ addressing the reader. Read and listen for Him this week. Ponder, mutter, speak His Word. Pray smart prayers. Hear Him say, "...you know...what you ask." Shalom.
Section 1: Weekly Commentary
Last week: B'chukotai ("In My statutes"), the last Torah reading of Leviticus, gave final instructions to Israel, and exhorted the Israelites through promises and warnings to keep YHVH's commandments in the land to which they were going, Canaan.
This week: Parsha B'midbar ("In the wilderness") opens the fourth book of the Torah, the Book of Numbers [also called Sefer Pekudim]. It covers the census of the people, the forty years of Israel's wondering in the wilderness--from Egypt to Sinai to Moab, while directly under the theocratic rule of YHVH--and the events on the plains of Moab before the crossing of the Jordan. Bamidbar recounts the triumphs, defeats, failures and blessings of the Assembly/Ecclesia (Church) of Elohim during the wilderness period. The first generation of Hebrews that came out of Egypt failed to enter Canaan because of unbelief and rebellion, the very things the last two parshas of Leviticus, B'har and B'chulotai, had warned would happen if Israel did not keep YHVH's statutes. The next generation of Israelites did enter into the Promised Land. Two numberings of the people occurred during this time, one at the beginning of their trek to Canaan and the second at their journey's conclusion in the Plains of Moab just before they entered. All the tribes were numbered and included in the sum of Israel except the tribe of Levi, which was consecrated--set aside for the service of the Tabernacle and numbered only as the substitute for Israel's firstborn.
"The Book of Bamidbar/Numbers deals in great measure with the laws and history of the Tabernacle during Israel's years in the Wilderness...By making the Tabernacle central to the nation, not only geographically but conceptually, the people would keep "Mount Sinai" among them always. Just as they had surrounded the mountain, longing for [experiencing] closeness with God, they would encamp around the Tabernacle, symbolizing that their very existence was predicated on their closeness to the Torah. Accordingly, the book contains the commandments to safeguard the Tabernacle, for the tribes to be arrayed around it, and for the conduct of the Kohanim and the Levites when it was dismantled and transported. All this enhances the glory and prestige of the Sanctuary..." (Sifre Zuta, Korach 8:14).
In Numbers/Bamidbar we will notice that YHVH's people (1) are redeemed for service to YHVH, and that (2) believers experience the fulfillment of His promises through faith and perseverance, just as did Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. YHVH will always raise up a generation that will believe Him and inherit His promises. In this fourth book of the Torah, Yeshua is seen as: the Tabernacle (Jn. 1:14), our Sanctuary in the wilderness (Ezek. 11:16), the Son of Man lifted up as was the serpent of brass (John 3:14), the smitten Rock (1 Cor. 10:4), and the Star of Jacob (Mt. 2:2). Look for Him as you read.
Torah
Torah Note # 34: "Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot [yod, smallest Hebrew letter] or one tittle [smallest stroke in a Hebrew letter] shall in no wise [by no means] pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matt. 5:17-18). Yeshua did not come to misrepresent, destroy, or abolish the Law. He came to properly teach and model the Law by His life of obedience, and thereby enable people to live according to the Torah in the manner YHVH intended. Believers who desire to live their faith as Yeshua did, and become like Him, must live within the precepts of the Torah. Man shall live "by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Mt. 4:4). By the way, the words that Moses recorded literally proceeded from the mouth of God (Ex. 24:18; 25-31; 33:7-11; 34:28; De. 5:4; 34:10).
1. "And YHVH spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt..." (Bamidbar 1:1).
Midbar means "pasture, a desert, wilderness." It also refers to speech. It comes from the root word, dabar (dibbur), which means "say, speak, teach." Thus, the word Bamidbar carries the message that Torah was spoken spoken by Elohim in the wilderness. We can derive from this that it is in the hard, dry, desert places of life where we can expect to hear the voice of YHVH, and even come to know Him intimately. We also take notice that it is in our exile, the place of spiritual mixture in which awakening believers today are finding themselves, that the Torah is again being spoken. "I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there I will plead with you face to face" (Ezek. 20:35). Hence, Parsha Bamidbar shows us that YHVH visits and speaks to His people, especially when He wants to bring them in to intimate fellowship with Himself, in a "waste howling wilderness" (Deut. 32:10). It is in an empty, lonely and difficult place where one's ears--which under such circumstances will likely be more open to Elohim's word--can expect to hear His strong and comforting voice. Ezekiel speaks of a wilderness of people, the populated areas of Assyria, Babylon and other nations where Israel was exiled. It is often in these wilderness places, as we have witnessed in the Hebrew Roots Movement, where YHVH comes to meet His people also. In a clamorous society, where there are many loud voices proclaiming secular and religious philosophies and stimulations, believers tend to become deafened to His voice. Success and cultural comforts dull our faith and distract our interest in the Book. But adversity, discomfort, loneliness, confusion, and trouble--the wildernesses of life--awaken us to our need for Him. When we call out, He will visit us and commune with us "face to face," either in an empty wilderness or in a populated one. "He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions" (Ps. 107:20). His love for us is undying; everlasting. Yeshua told His disciples, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you" (Jn. 14:18).
May we keep in mind that the Master wants His words to fill the spiritually barren places of earth (Isa. 2:1-5; 5:26; 10:7; 26:9; Jer. 3:17-18; Rev. 21: 24; 22:1-21; etc.). Yeshua does not want the nations to remain spiritual wildernesses. He has commanded us, saying, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you" (Mt. 28:19-20).He has instructions for many people, including yourself.
It was the second month, Iyar, in the year 2,449 BCE [In the Bible Iyar is called, Zif, meaning "radiance". Nissan is the first month and Tishri is the seventh.] when Moses received divine instructions as before, by face-to-face fellowship with Elohim. It had been over a year and a month since the Exodus, and ten-and-a-half months since arriving at Sinai. It had been a month since Rosh Chodashim [Head of the Month which is marked by a new moon] and the consecration of the Tabernacle. Moses listened to the new command that distinguishes Bamidbar.
2. "Take ye the sum [census] of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls; from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war...thou and Aaron shall number..." (Bamidbar 1:2-3).
YHVH commanded a census to be taken in the wilderness of Sinai. Three reasons stand out as necessitating the census: First, for the sake of national organization. Secondly, to provide a marching order for the tribes and families.Thirdly, the numbering was intended to determine the strength of the people for warfare, and inspire them with confidence, courage and purpose. They were, after all, headed for Canaan which was slated for immediate conquest. The effort would be profitable. The heathen nation contained riches and held forth much provision in fertile land and natural resources, but expectedly, the inhabitants would not give the land up without a serious fight. It is interesting to note that the New Testament tone is as warlike in tone as the Old. Therefore Yeshua would have His militant Ecclesia muster resolve, determine their resources, and be prepared for warfare in these days of spiritual conflict also."Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple [soldier]...What king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough..." (Luke 14:27-31). The arch-enemies of our battles are listed in Paul's letter to the Ephesians 6:12-13: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore, take up the full armor of God..." [Note: Believers have an ongoing warfare on earth (2 Tim. 4:7), but it is not with puny, fragile man, it is with fallen angels and demonic spirits. We fight for the Almighty (1 Sam. 25:28), for His truth ((Jude 3), and for ourselves, all Israel (Rev. 3:11). Therefore, He provides us with equipment, divine armor, whereby we can stand "against the wiles of the devil." The armor of Elohim and the power of the Spirit are indispensable allies as we daily confront the ranks and files of evil spirits and their vile works, all of which are under the auspices [leadership, sponsorship] of Satan. Keep in mind, these evil angels and demons have a hierarchy and order of their own. Their malevolent activity is exercised upon mankind under the wicked reign of spiritual and moral darkness. Satan is the prince of the spiritually dark powers of the air, and these hateful principalities, malicious entities, and rulers of misery, murk and gloom have their abode in the immediate natural and spiritual atmosphere that surrounds the earth (the first heaven and second heavens). They have the resources of lies, deception, cunning and craft at their disposal, and easily manipulate the minds of people [even carnal believers] through the impartation of evil ideas, violent thoughts, unholy desires and such that appeal to man's pride and fallen, carnal nature. From there they go on to demonize the resistless, and eventually possess those who surrender, knowingly or unknowingly, to their depraved mischief. Attracted to unholy conditions, demonic powers inspire and form alliances of humans that will--consciously or unconsciously--(a) advance their cruel, base purposes and (b) block the implementation of righteous policy in the earth (see Prov. 29:2). The goal of Satan and his foul horde, a purpose that originates from hatred for the Most High, is to ruin His moral order, destroy the souls of men, and beguile them into perdition. Therefore, like Israel marching to Canaan to face her enemies, we too must be valiant and strong against our enemies, everyday, especially as we labor for the restoration of all Israel. May believers keep in mind that we have a divine Captain, Who is the "someone stronger..." that has already defeated the enemy of our souls (Luke 11:19-23). Therefore, we are able to stand and enforce His victory, dressed in the armor, empowered by the Spirit, and declaring the Word of God in faith [wielding His sword]. Exhortation:"You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).Believe!]
Moses was ordered to take the sum (census) of the people. The purpose was for ascertaining their numerical strength to wage war. "Take a census" can also be interpreted as "lift up [elevate] the head." To be included in the census was to be elevated. A half-shekel poll tax had been taken earlier [Ki Tisa; Exodus 30-34] for the service of the Tabernacle. The monies had been melted to form the silver sockets which held the pillars of the mishkan, or Tabernacle.
The men, twenty years old and upward, were counted in an orderly fashion, by tribe and family, as these were the people who would be ready and most fit for the imminent warfare. The Levites, women, and children were left out of the census. Believers today resemble this division. Some are like strong men, who can and do fight because of the solid food they consume [Torah and Spirit]. Others are still babes who are spectators, and needing constant help and support, because they are still partaking of milk and soft food [sparse study, withheld service and little, if any, involvement with the Holy Spirit]. The writer of Hebrews, who taught his vacillating readers that the remedy for backsliding and weakness in faith is a proper understanding of the glory and work of Messiah Yeshua, addressed the need for spiritual strength. "Therefore, leaving the elementary teaching about Messiah, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment" (Heb. 6:1-2). There is always a need for spiritually strong men and women, regardless of age, to fight for Messiah's cause and thereby direct, uplift, and inspire the younger generation for their warfare.
As mentioned, the women and children were not included in the census. Neither were the Levites. The Levites would keep the statutes pertaining to the Tabernacle service. It must be remembered that the 600,000 plus men of fighting age--from twenty to sixty years old--would only be successful in war if Israel continued to serve YHVH and honor His Sanctuary in the midst of them, in accordance with His commandments and requirements.
Today, the Captain of the Host, Yeshua HaMashiach ben Elohim, numbers and equips men and women of all ages for the battle. All are fit to fight, not necessarily in physical combat where men are killed, but in spiritual warfare where the enemy of the souls of men is vanquished. So, don't wait. Sign up! "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world [age], against spiritual hosts of wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God..." (Eph. 6:13-14).
3. "And these are the names of the men who will stand with you..." (Bamidbar 1:5).
Tribal leaders were selected to assist Moses and Aaron in counting the men of their tribes. These men would be familiar with the lineage and relationship dynamics within their respective tribes and houses. Today, these men are just unfamiliar names to us, but in their day they were well known and very useful, and Elohim has remembered and honored what they did. Their names are listed in the passage.
"The first name on the list of leaders was Elizur, which means 'my God is my Protector.' The last name on the list, the father of Ahira, is Enan, which is synonymous with 'eye.' These names recall the verse 'He protected them like the pupil of His eye (Deut. 32:10), an allusion to the Clouds of Glory that surrounded the nation in the wilderness (Baal HaTurim). Thus the order of the leaders alludes to the nation's faith that God was and would remain its Protector. The list begins with the offspring of Leah, then of Rachel, then of Bilhah and Zilpah. Since Bilhah's sons were older than Zilpah's, they are listed first (Ibn Ezra)." [1]
The men were loyal servants to Moses and Aaron. A record has been kept of their loyalty. "For God is not unrighteous to forget your works and labor of love, which you have showed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister" (Heb. 6:10).
4. "And Moses and Aaron took these [designated] men...and they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families...from twenty years old...as YHVH commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai" (Bamidbar 1:17-19).
"These men" were sovereignly appointed by YHVH, and they were faithful to their call. Their names are remembered. When special responsibilities and assignments, which are actually privileges) are appointed to believers, we come under an obligation to obey the directive quickly and with completeness. To shirk the direct assignment of the Almighty and follow one's arbitrary will is open rebellion. YHVH bestowed upon Saul, by way of the word of the judge-prophet Samuel, the responsibility to attack Amalek. Saul was commissioned to "go and smite, and utterly destroy all that they have..." (1 Sam. 15:3). But Saul "spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen..." (v. 9). Because of Saul's unmitigated failure, a blessed future along with the kingdom was taken from him and given to another. A refusal of YHVH's appointment is bald-faced insurrection; it is defiance, and "as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity..." (v.23). We have an appointment in these days as well, an assignment we definitely want to fulfill. "For God has not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Master Yeshua HaMashiach, Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him" (1 Th. 5:9-10). Our primary, divine appointment is salvation and intimate fellowship with the Master, our betrothed, Yeshua. "...these men" of Moses and Aaron followed through and are remembered today. We happily accept our appointment, and rejoice "because your [our] names are written [remembered] in heaven" (Lk. 10:20).
5. "And the children of Reuben, Israel's eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers , according to the number of names, by their polls...those that were numbered by them, even the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred" (Bamidbar1:20-21).
The tribes were numbered and the totals recorded in unbroken hundreds. Reuben, the eldest, was first. His total was 46,500. Judah was the largest single tribe; 74,600. Its increase was immense and in keeping with the character and role assigned to it by prophecy. The men of Joseph, the tribes of Ephraim (40,500) and Manassah (32,200) totaled 72,700. The tribe of Dan numbered 62,700. The great increase in this tribe is remarkable since Dan only had one son, Hushim (Shuham), according to Genesis 46:23 and Numbers 26:42. The tribe of Simeon numbered 59,300. But as generations passed, unlike Judah, Simeon decreased significantly (1 Chron. 4:27). His allotted (land) inheritance was alongside Judah, and perhaps the tribe became over-shadowed by eventually dependent upon the energetic and industrious Judah and others. We are reminded of the axiom that the visionary and energetic will prosper. "...those that choose to dig find much silver." [Book of Numbers, Eerdmans, B., P. 7]
6. "These are those that were numbered, which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel...even all that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty" (Bamidbar 1:44-46).
Thus Moses, Aaron, and the tribal leaders counted Israel. The total number of Israelites in Elohim's army, those who were counted to march and gain the victory, is recorded as 603,550.
Actually, "on ten occasions Israel was numbered. Once, when they went down to Egypt (Gen. 46). A second time when they came out (Ex. 12:7). A third time after the incident of the golden calf (Ex. 30:12). Twice in the book of numbers: once in formation of the camp (Nu. 1) and once in connection with the division of the land (ibid. 26). Twice in the days of Saul (1 Sam. 11:8 and 15:4). The eighth time in the days of David (2 Sam. 24:9). The ninth time they were numbered was in the days of Ezra (Ezra 2:64; Neh. 7:66). The tenth time will be in the future era of Moshiach, when 'the flocks shall again pass under the hands of Him that counts them' [as a shepherd would count his sheep as they enter the sheepfold for the night]" (Jer.33:13). Midrash Rabbah
It was the purpose of the Holy One of Israel that all who passed through the Red Sea would successfully enter into the Promised Land by rank and file.
7. "But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them" (Bamidbar 1:47)
This is the first passage which delivers the law concerning the assignment of the tribe of Levi. The Levites were appointed to be the sacred tribe, set-apart for YHVH's Tabernacle service. They would not be mustered for military service. They were "to keep the charge of the sanctuary" (v. 58). King David would later expand and elevate their role by making them singers and psalmists (1 Chron. 15:16-28). King Jehoshaphat used them as teachers of the law throughout Judah (2 Chron. 17:8-9)
There are different services appointed to the Body of Messiah. The numbering of the twelve tribes, which indicated apparent military strength, was for the (1) service of the sword. The Levites were not counted for military purposes. Their calling was for the (2) service of the sanctuary. Both services, or activities, were necessary for Israel. The ministry of the Tabernacle were inspirational, as they were symbolic of the source of Israel's strength and represented the inevitable victory of truth over evil. The proper conducting of the sacrificial system [Priests] and obedience to YHVH statutes [people] comprised Israel's form of true spiritual warfare, without which their carnal warfare will ultimately fail (Num. 4:23). This was the particular call and vital function of Levi, the set-apart, sacred tribe. "For the body is not one member, but many..." (read 1 Cor. 12:12-26). The Levites camped around and were closest to the Tabernacle, "...so that there will be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall keep charge of the Tabernacle of the testimony" (Num. 1:53). Obviously, the Levite's care of the Tabernacle/Temple played a vital role in the welfare in the history of Israel. The work to which they were assigned could have been tiresome and laborious, but invested with a holy character. We learn from this that if anyone will do the work of Messiah, he must take up with zeal whatever labor and post that are assigned to him, however humble and unspectacular such service may at first appear. "For the body is not one member, but many..." (read 1 Cor. 12:12-26). Good fruit and blessed eternal consequences will be produced from holy labors.
We have room for rejoicing. It is because of YHVH's great love for all His people that He counts them all the time. This is reflected in the Hebrew word for "count", pakod, which also means "remember" and "be concerned with." Even of those who have wandered off, or may have been scattered, whom others have forgotten and dismissed altogether, He keeps track. "For behold, I am commanding, and I will shake the house of Israel among all nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, but not a kernel [pebble; small part thereof] will fall to the ground" (Amos 9:9). The prophet bears witness that our great and mighty Elohim remembers every descendent of the exiled ten tribes of Israel, is concerned with each one, and numbers them (us) one-by-one as they/we return to His house.
8. "And YHVH spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch. And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch..." (Bamidbar 2:1-3)
The camp of the saints was ordered in beauty, the tribes were positioned in the balance of their strengths, and the four major camps were proportioned around the presence of YHVH, in the Tabernacle. All the tribes of Israel abode in their assigned positions with harmony and peace. The Tabernacle was the only center of the encampment. Dan and Simeon, Judah and Ephraim, had their places in the foursquare arrangement. Judah, Isaachar, and Zebulun formed the first camp and pitched on the east, facing the Tabernacle's entry. Reuben, Gad, and Simeon comprised the second camp, and it pitched the south of the Tabernacle. Ephraim Manassah, and Benjamin formed the third encampment and pitched to the west of the Tabernacle. Dan, Asher, and Naphtali were the fourth camp and they pitched on the north. [Note: Dan ("judge"), son of Bilhah, was the patriarch of the tribe of Dan. The prolific tribe grew into a large and dynamic population, was recognized as a courageous group, and became an honorable standard bearer. But when Dan [the tribe] sought his own interests and left his appointed place for another of his own choosing, and fell into idolatry, the tribe withered (read Judges 18:1-31). We don't see Dan listed in the 144,000 of Revelation.] Every man/family also had their place within the tribes, kept their place, and mutually supported the others. Families camped by their banner. We observe from the numbering and careful arranging of Israel around the glory cloud that every tribe, every clan, every family, and every individual had (a) a position to fill, (b) value, and (c) importance in YHVH's sight. The muster at Mount Sinai shows us that: (1) The Body of Messiah is an army. The census was taken of those that could bear arms in mortal combat. The opening chapters of Numbers resemble a military roll call. And why not? Yeshua Himself is a Man of war (Ps. 45:3-5). Paul informs every believer in Messiah to fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12). In the host of Yeshua, as in a continental army, there was/is no place for malingerers, neutrals, shirkers, deserters, or non-combatants (Mt. 12:30). (2) The Body of Messiah is an army on the march, going forward, with orders from the Commandant to march into all the world. As yet, we have no permanent base, no abiding, uninterrupted quarters in this world system. "...but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head" (Luke 9:58). We are sojourners, as our fathers in the faith, the Patriarchs (2 Cor. 5:1; 2 Pet. 1:14). (3) The Body of Messiah (Ecclesia) is an army with banners and ensigns. We are not an unruly, unstructured, impulsive spiritual mob. YHVH is an Elohim of order, not confusion. We are a marshaled [effectively brought together in rank and order], unified host (Psalm 133:1; Eph. 3,13). (4) The Body of Messiah is an army of which YHVH keeps a perfect attendance roll. Yeshua, our divine, ever-present Commander-in-Chief, knows every one of His soldiers personally, monitors the performance of their duties, and personally strengthens each one for every conflict.. "Lo, I am with you always." Each name is written in His book. When a soul is born-again, born into Zion, the name is registered (Ps. 87:6). Yeshua, as our High Priest, continually thinks of and prays for every soldier. "I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh on me." We say "Amen" with the psalmist.
The presence of YHVH's Tabernacle in the midst of the tents of Israel, whether they were encamped or on the march, was a pledge of safety for the nation. In this way, He was in the midst "of the tabernacles of the most high", the tents/homes of the people (Deut 4:7; Rom. 8:31). It is a picture of Yeshua being personally present with individual believers as: (a) a lion to frighten our enemies (Hos. 11:10; Acts 5:17-42), (b) a fire to enlighten and protect (Isa. 4:5), and (c) a "Man of war" to fight for us (Isa.49:25-26). Thus, the knowledge that the presence of Yeshua is in our camps inspires confidence (Deut. 33:29), reverence (Ps. 89:7), joy (Ps. 118:15), and raises a shout in the camp that causes the enemy to tremble with fearful anticipations (Ps. 47:5; Zeph. 3:14; Jos. 6:20; 1 Sam. 4:5; 2 Chron. 13:15; Ez. 3:11). The Spirit-energized (anointed) shout brings down enemy strongholds, dissipates fear, and lionizes the heart.
We have here a wonderful assurance for the soldiers of faith camped under the ensign of YHVH Nissi, Yeshua our Banner, Victory and Protector. It is this: nothing happens to us but by His knowledge and allowance. If He knows the failing of one single, not-particularly-valuable bird (common sparrow), and even the falling out of one hair from our heads, how can we doubt or question His knowledge of and care for the lives of his valorous and faithful followers. Here, and beyond the veil, we are always within His reach. The Master said more! "I say to you, my friends." He goes even further than assuring believers of guardian care, and offers us His friendship (John 15:14-15).
9. "These are those which were numbered of the children of Israel...but the Levites were not numbered among the children, as YHVH commanded Moses" (Bamidbar 2:32-33).
The census took note of those who could bear arms and go to war, and those who would hold up holy sacrifices in the warfare of the Tabernacle. As we have said, Messiah Himself is a Man of war (Ps. 45:3-5). Believers are called to the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12). There is no neutral territory for followers of Messiah. Yeshua keeps track of everyone who has enrolled in His Kingdom, and remembers each soldier and Levite.
10. "These are the generations [offspring] of Aaron and Moses...these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazer, and Ithamar" (Banidbar 3:2).
The four men mentioned in the verse were the biological sons of Aaron but are mentioned as generations of Moses also. The Talmud [Sanhedrin 19b] suggests this is because he (a) interceded for Aaron and his family on Mount Sinai, and (b) taught them the Torah. Therefore, Moses is considered their spiritual father. [This type of relationship is observed between Paul and Timothy. See 1 Tim. 1:1-2.]Aaron's four sons were anointed to the priesthood, and the sons they would have thereafter would be automatically appointed as well. Phineas, Aaron's grandson, was already alive at this time, and therefore would not qualify for succession. Nevertheless, he was personally appointed as a priest (kohen) by YHVH because of his zeal for the Almighty's honor (Numbers 25:6-13).
11. "And YHVH spoke unto Moses...bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him" (Bamidbar 3:5-6).
Out of the multitudes of Israel, the Levites were chosen and set-apart to serve YHVH. Their support was to come from the tribes. They were called to be wholly given over to Aaron the High Priest to assist him and serve the congregation, rendering their duties in a manner pleasing to YHVH.
12. "Now, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the sons of Israel instead of every firstborn...so the Levites shall be mine. For all the firstborn shall be Mine; on the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, from man to beast,. They shall be Mine; I am YHVH" (Bamidbar 3:11-13).
Elohim claimed the right of the Levites services, since they represented the firstborn whom He had preserved in Egypt through the blood of the Passover Lamb. Even so, today He has a similar claim on all believers. We are "the general assembly and Ecclesia of the firstborn, who are enrolled [numbered] in heaven"(Heb. 12:23). Therefore, we are to be wholly given over to Yeshua and the Congregation of Israel. (Rom. 12:1-2).
Still, an important preference was shown to the house of Levi. The Tabernacle service, and the functions and position of the Levites gave them no preeminence or particular advantage, but did distinguish them as chosen servants of YHVH. They were responsible for the discharge of mundane, routine duties that demanded no special, unique talents. Some also served as teachers and judges. Nevertheless, their charge was necessary, holy, worthy of respect, and their sacred duties required diligence and dedication. Levi was selected probably because it was the smallest tribe, less than half the size of the next smallest tribe, Manasseh. Also, its census was about the same number of Israel's firstborn, whom the Levites were designated to replace, thereby receiving upon themselves the holiness of the firstborn. Larger tribes would not have been needed and could not have been spared. For those who want a more insightful reason for Levi's election, we recommend Genesis 49:7 and Exodus 32:25-29 for study.
"No soldier of Messiah Yeshua in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Tim. 2:4). Believers today are like the Levites of old, chosen and enrolled by Messiah. As ministers, we are also soldiers enlisted by Him, armed by Him, and supported by Him, Who is the Captain of our salvation. Further, He has equipped us with the greatest Gift of all, the Holy Spirit, by whom we are regenerated in the inner man and empowered for witness and service (Mt. 19:28; Jn. 3:1-20; Titus 3:4; Acts 1:8).
13. "And YHVH spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families, every male from a month old and upward shall you number them" (Bamidbar 3:14-15).
The firstborn were redeemed at one month old (Numbers 18:16). The Levites replaced the firstborn, and were counted twice. In the first count there was no upper age limit where the numbering ceased. Regardless of age, each Levite was valuable and had an honorary place of service. But a second count was made for the Levites. It was the count of those men, from age thirty to fifty, who were eligible and could best perform the Tabernacle/Temple service.There was no upper age limit where the count ceased. A second count was made for the Levites. It was the count of those men, from age thirty to fifty, who were eligible for Tabernacle/Temple service.
14. "And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari" (Bamidbar 3:17).
The Levites, other than the priestly house of Aaron, were divided into three groups. They were: (1) the descendents of Gershon (the Gershonites). These families camped to the west, behind the Tabernacle. They were in charge of the tent and its components, curtains, screens, and such; (2) the descendents of Kohath (the Kohathites). This family camped next to the Tabernacle, to the south. They were in charge of the holy things such as the Ark, Table, Menorah, sacred Altars and utensils; (3) the descendents of Merari (the Merarites). They camped next to the Tabernacle on the north side. The Merarites took care of the planks, bars, pillars, and sockets. Each group filled different roles in the Tabernacle service and later in the Temple. The Levites were charged with ministering to the Kohanim (Priests) as assistants. Their principal roles in the Temple were as teachers, worshipers singing psalms, and as maintenance and construction persons. They also served as guards, judges, and were administrators of the Cities of Refuge. Further, they translated and explained the Torah during public readings. In Egypt, the Levites distinguished themselves by remaining faithful to YHVH, and during the Exodus the tribe showed particular zeal for the Mosaic Law in the face of the Golden Calf worshipers (Exodus 32). The Levites were under the leadership of Eleazer, the Son of Aaron. He was the guardian of the Sanctuary.
The sons of Levi had the privilege of serving in and around YHVH's Tabernacle, but, because of Messiah Yeshua, our privilege today is immeasurably greater. "Or do you not know that your body is a temple [tabernacle, sanctuary] of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own" (1 Cor. 6:19)? In 1 Cor. 3:16 the apostle has clearly reminded the believers that they are shrines, or temples, that are indwelt, empowered, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is actually in and around us now! He has been given leadership over the Body of Messiah. So Paul admonished the unruly ones that they, therefore, no longer owned themselves, and that their bodies were not to be under their own authority or control. The Apostle warned the Corinthian rowdies that they were to be led by the Spirit, not their carnal natures. Conclusion: Consecrate your physical nature for the glory of Yeshua.
15. "But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death" (Bamidbar 3:38).
Moses and Aaron and his sons (the Kohanim) occupied the most central and honorable place in the camp of Israel. Their position was next to the Tabernacle on the east, before its opening, which was the most convenient place for conducting the routines of the sanctuary. Moses held the exceptional position as king of Jeshurun (Deut. 33:5), while Aaron was the high priest, a position which was hereditary. Together they represented the confluence/union of royal and sacerdotal (priestly) authority. Chapters three and four of Bamidbar (Numbers) constitute the Book of the Families of Levi. The design of the book is to note the principal divisions of the tribe and allot to each its place and duties. Observe that the names of Moses and Aaron stand where we should have expected to find Levi's. The patriarch's [Levi's] fame has been quite eclipsed by that of his illustrious descendents, insomuch that here the tribe takes its title from them rather than him.
"All the countings of the Levites...every male one month of age and up, were twenty-two thousand" (Bamidbar 3:39).
The sum is given as 22,000. There is a discrepancy in the count of 300 when it is compared to the sum of the three families, which totaled 22,300. Reasons are offered, including the explanation that the three hundred were left out because they themselves were firstborn and required redemption. However, there is nothing in the narrative to clearly explain the difference.
16. "And YHVH said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names. " (Bamidbar 3:40).
In verses 40 through 51 the process of the redemption of the firstborn is described. As we have read, the Levites took the place of the firstborn among Israel. In Exodus, all Israel was commanded to sanctify the firstborn (Ex. 13:2) and "every firstborn of man among children thou shall redeem" (Ex. 13:13). In this passage YHVH makes known how that redemption is to take place. One month was the age for redemption. The number of the firstborn from one month is listed as twenty-two thousand, two hundred and seventy three.
17. "Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am YHVH" (Bamidbar 3:45).
Only certain animals were included in redemption, such as donkeys. The firstborn of the oxen, (cattle) sheep, and goats were considered sacred and were sanctified for offerings. The firstborn of Israel who were not redeemed by the Levites (300 people) had to pay five silver shekels, the price of redemption for all firstborn Israelites (Gen. 37:28).
18. "Then the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Take a census of the descendents of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers' households, from thirty years and upward, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tent of meeting" (Num. 4:1-3).
Following the census and dedication of the Levites, the Almighty commanded Moses and his brother Aaron to organize Levi's three tribal families for the purpose of servicing and transporting the Tabernacle and its vessels and furnishings. The Kohathites are featured in Bamidbar. The other two Levite families, the Gershonites and the Merarites, are spotlighted in the next parsha, Nasso. The duties and responsibilities of the Kohathites, who were assigned to the most sacred parts of the Tabernacle, are given in the parsha. YHVH warned Moses and Aaron that the sanctity of the Ark of the Covenant was so majestic, so exalted, that even the elite Kohathites could not look upon the uncovered Ark (or any accidently exposed part of it) as it was prepared for transport. YHVH charged the Kohanim (Priests) with the protection of the Kohathites, that the Levites' lives would not be jeopardized by exposure to the Ark before it had been properly covered and wrapped.
The term "take a census" can also mean "raise up the head." The term was applied to both the Kohathites and the Gershonites to suggest that they were being elevated [raised in status and responsibility] by their divine appointments. The Merarites, on the other hand, were only "counted", which strongly conveys the idea that their Tabernacle function was a less majestic, not-as-distinguished, non-elevating, task.
Kohath was the second born son of Levi. Kohath's offspring were counted ahead of Gershon's out of deference to the greatness of his descendents, Moses and Aaron. "Because Moses was the great teacher of the Torah, his brethren, the Kohathites, were given the honor of bearing the Ark. By assigning the Ark to the most meritorious of Levi's families, God showed that honor is due those who struggle to acquire Torah knowledge, not merely to those who are the oldest or the most privileged" [Kli Yakar, Chumash]. Thus, the Kohathites were assigned to carry the most holy things, but they could not touch them directly, or even see them from a distance, or they would die. "They shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment... (verse 20). The Priests were charged to protect the Kohathites by a thorough, detailed discharge of their duties, and thereby not cause any Levite's death by their own careless preparation or irreverence with respect to the holy things. Such dereliction of duty would prove fatal to someone. "But do this to them that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy objects" (verse 19).
There is a danger that arises from the careless, unholy conduct of ministers and their irreverent mishandling of the holy things, such as the Word of Elohim or even the ministry of the Spirit. Careless behavior on the part of YHVH's royal priesthood leaves the impression of unbelief and indifference upon the influenced people. Immoral living and irresponsible performance of Elohim's business by His servants will "cut off" souls from going further into the Kingdom of God. Great indeed is the accountability of the priest. Aaron and his sons could only escape the responsibility of any catastrophe besetting the Kohathites by following the instructions of YHVH exactly! May we, who are returning to our Hebraic roots and the fullness of the Spirit, not deviate from our purposes at all, but learn to follow exactly His holy precepts and the Spirit's leading. In the latter days, wherein we believe we are living, Jeremiah assures us that YHVH will raise up righteous and dependable shepherds to serve His people Israel.
"Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply. I will also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, declares the Lord" (Jer. 23:3-4). We are our brothers keeper.
19. "This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things" (Bamidbar 4:4).
The priests carefully covered the most holy components of the inside of the Tabernacle, in preparation for the Levites to carry them. These components were the Ark, Altar of Incense, Menorah, Table of Showbread, sacred utensils, and such. Each Kohathite had his own particular responsibility.
20. "And to the office of Eleazer the son of Aaron the priest pertains the oil for the light, and sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof" (Bamidbar 4:16).
Eleazer was given the responsibility for all the physical appliances/needs of the Tabernacle. He had to see that every Tabernacle need was met on time, especially the oil, the incense, and the preparation and placement of the bread. The Kohathites, who were related to the priests and separated for honorable and sacred duties, were under his authority.
In the wilderness there was one Tabernacle, four camps, twelve tribes, 273 surplus firstborns (above the census of the Levites), 22,300 Levites, and 603,550 Israelite fighting men, with many more women and children. And, let us not forget, there were also the herds and flocks, huge numbers of animals. Order of position, rank, responsibility, and authority had to be clearly established--not in the tribe of Levi only, but among all the tribes--in preparation for the march to Canaan. As one ancient sage put it, "Order is Heaven's first law." It prioritizes resources, facilitates success, and tends to promote peace and patience. Yeshua is again our example. "For whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner" (John 5:19).
"And He commanded them all to sit down by groups...they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties [companies; rank and file]. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves..." (Mark 6:30-44). Yeshua endorsed the value of divine order by His example in the feeding of 5000 men, not to mention their family members. The multitude was reduced to small parties in preparation for the banquet, in harmony with divine wisdom. YHVH is not the author of confusion, for such is the devil's work. There was a place for everyone, so no person would be overlooked. Orderly regulation allows for good stewardship of time, saves trouble, maximizes labor, and allows for greater success in pursuits and plans. Among the 5000, all were fed, all were satisfied. There were no wasted materials or feverish, fruitless labors, and no one was neglected. Leftovers were stewarded.
There is spiritual order as well as material order. Consider this, for instance. "Therefore brethren, desire earnestly to prophecy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Cor. 14:39-40). Paul is writing about the gifts ["spirituals"] of the Spirit. In verse forty he is making an un-complicated, clear statement concerning the operation of tongues and prophecy in a congregational setting. He simply affirms that there should be an honorable (decent) succession (one gift following the other in sensible order) of tongues, interpretation, and/or prophecy for the understanding, edification and exhortation of the listeners (1 Cor. 14:1-5). He is not talking about the pastor and/or elders rigidly controlling the service. He is not endorsing pre-planned, scripted praise and worship meetings that cannot be altered or interrupted by the Spirit, and that allow no room for individual participation, with its occasional error. He is not speaking against the saints freely yielding to the spontaneous moving of the Spirit, or for subduing child-like interest and enthusiasm. He is certainly not hinting that our venues become like libraries, where demonstrations and outbursts of joy and singing are unwelcome and inflexible order is enforced. To the contrary, Paul firmly states, "Let all things be done," not "some things," or "only the few things we want." His teaching plainly recommends that the Spirit must be allowed to lead, anoint, inspire, and engineer our gatherings, and when we understand and comply, whatever is done by Him will be decent and in order. It might be helpful to read the listed examples of unplanned, not-so-demure (out of order) incidents that, being inspired, orchestrated and empowered by the Spirit of YHVH, were in fact things done decently and in order: Leviticus 9:22-24 (affect of the glory and fire); 10:1-3 (Nadab and Abihu); Numbers 16:1-50 (Korah's rebellion); 25:1-13 (zeal of Phinehas), and many more in the Tenach. Also, in the Apostolic Scriptures we have such things as: John 2:13-17 (Yeshua cleansed the Temple); Acts 2:1-47 (Pentecost et al); 5:1-16 (Ananias and Sapphira); 7:1-53 (Stephen martyred); 27:39-28:10 (Shipwreck and revival on Malta), and other such examples of letting "all things be done." As a matter of fact, even at the consummation of our redemption, the resurrection of the dead, when believers receive their glorified bodies, there is an order. "But now Messiah has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep...so also in Messiah all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order [place in line, so to speak]..." (1 Cor. 12:7). First, Messiah Yeshua, then "they that are Messiah's," and finally the rest of mankind (1 Thess. 4:16).
Ecclesiastes sums up the matter nicely. "There is an appointed time for everything ["all things"]. And there is a time for every event under heaven--a time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted...a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance...a time to be silent and a time to speak...a time for war and a time for peace" (Ecc. 3:1-9).
With this in mind, we can see from the passage from First Corinthians that Paul is plainly teaching about discerning and following the progression of the inspiration gifts in the public gathering, from the most important to the least, as determined by the Spirit. He does state that everyone should speak in tongues, but that would be in reference to the personal prayer language. His point is: when one speaks in tongues publically an interpretation must follow [See 1 Cor. 12:10 for inspiration gifts]. The apostle places the greatest value on the gift of prophecy [edification, exhortation, and comfort] and insists that he who prophecies edifies the congregation. To that end, he strongly encourages everyone to learn to prophecy, and then to do so in order. Thus we learn that "decently and in order" does not suggest that we quench or restrict the Spirit, or discourage the young saints from enthusiastically and fearlessly operating in His gifting; the term instead promotes the means that liberates "the manifestation of the Spirit for the [much needed] common good' (1 Cor. 12:7).
The Book of Numbers opens with parsha B'midbar, which describes how the process of putting things in order for Israel was started, with a census of the people. Without laws and organization, the people would not succeed in their march forward to the promised land. It is this way with us today. When we were saved, and grafted into Israel, the Spirit took our dysfunction and disorder, that which was without form and void of light, and began moving within us to fashion divine order. The term "...decently and in order" speaks of discerning the mind of the Spirit, acknowledging the matter/movement and the sequence of what He wants done, yielding our wills to Him, and cooperating. The phrase is not meant to be used to discourage people from prophesying or to discourage the display of divinely inspired supernatural ministry. "...we being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear" (see Luke 1:74). The gifts of the Spirit put things in order, and make them decent.
Some wildernesses, while not cultivated, can be relatively fertile and watered. But it was not so with Sinai. It is an empty, desolate place. Moses called it, "the great and terrible wilderness, wherein are fiery serpents and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water" and a "desert land, a waste howling wilderness." Sinai was a place devoid of productivity, society, enterprise and order. It was different from the abundance that had been in Egypt, behind Israel, and the riches, milk and honey of Canaan, which was before them. But Israel had the Tabernacle and the presence of YHVH in their midst. The Most High wanted His people, and Himself, to not linger in such a barren place. However, progress for the Israelite required order and divine timing, without which the people would remain in an un-watered, unfruitful habitat, away from their rich and productive destiny. It is logical therefore, that following the regulations, warnings, and events that closed Leviticus, in B'midbar we would see the organization of Levitical, tribal, family, and individual order established in Israel; the divine order and sequence necessary for the Hebrews' march to Canaan.
21. "And YHVH spoke to Moses...cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites: But this do unto them that they may live..." (Bamidbar 4:17-19).
We see in the reading that YHVH is to be served with reverence. In Israel of old, a careless disregard of the divine injunctions on the part of either Kohathite or priest could prove fatal.
Haftorah
1. "The number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea [seashore], which can be neither measured nor counted" Hosea 1:10
Hosea prophesies about the restoration, reconciliation, and reunification of the House of Judah and the House of Israel. They will return fromt heir exiles and reside in great numbers in unity and peace under the single leader like unto Moses, Yeshua.
Yeshua: The Living Torah "I did not come to abolish but fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
1. "And Yeshua being full of the Holy Spirit return from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted by the devil" (Luke 4:1-2).
Yeshua visited the wilderness after His baptism in the Jordan River. It was a place of solitude and struggle. He was led there by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of being tried by Satan. "It is written," was the Masters response to each temptation. He resisted the enemy by (a) remembering His Father's faithfulness. For instance, the Son would not need to turn a stone into a loaf, when His Father had miraculously fed Israel forty years on manna. Yeshua also resisted the devil by (b) declaring the Word of Elohim, in this case the Torah, in each of the three recorded temptations: 1. Deut.8:3. 2. Deut. 6:13 and 10:20. 3. Deut. 6:16. Hence we note that "in the wilderness" the Torah came forth again. Bear in mind, the tempter does not rest, Scripture states, but goes about like a roaring lion seeking them he can persuade and ruin (1 Pet. 5:8). Yeshua exhorts us: "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."
The Holy Spirit "...but you shall receive power..." (Acts 1:8).
1. "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you" (John 16:12-15).
The Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of truth." But He "will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak" (John 16:12-15). He does not originate truth or glorify Himself. Truth is embodied in the revelation of Scripture and in the Person of Messiah Yeshua. The Holy Spirit's office is to guide us, show us, teach us, and to reveal to our hearts and minds the revelation of: (1) Messiah Himself and (2) the Torah, and all Holy Scripture. Through this ministry His purpose is to glorify Messiah. The sent Guide will indeed conduct us ever deeper into the whole truth, gradually (with occasional accelerations), persuasively, and dependably. We want our spiritual eyes opened to behold His glory, and we need an all-sufficient power to guide us in our everyday thoughts, feelings, and behavior. We want the divine influence of the eternal Spirit to lift us above and beyond the downward draw of the seen and temporal world. And for this, we need to recognize and submit to the leadership, authority, power, revelation, and disposition of the Spirit promised and sent by Yeshua. See: Zechariah 4:6.
Being Led by the Spirit/Hearing the Almighty
"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God" (Rom. 8:14).
Perhaps some leaders could do well by taking a lesson from Moses concerning welcoming the Promise of the Father (John 14:16-17). He was not threatened (or disturbed) by the visitation of the Spirit upon his elders, or the interruption and tumult it caused around his camp, even though in YHVH's eyes things were apparently being done decently (honorably, not necessarily quietly) and in His order (timing). The results of the Spirit's visit (with amplified power) was profitable. Unperturbed, Moses cried out, "Would to God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them." His wish came true [prayer answered] on Pentecost, and today "the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal [everyone]." The gift of the Spirit is the fulfillment of the promise of Messiah, and a powerful, irrefuteable testimony to the efficacy of His atonement work. The Spirit creates a new spirit and nature in the believer and works powerfully within the human heart and mind to produce transformation. Believers are to be led, influenced, guided, accompanied, taught, empowered, and escorted hand-in-hand by the Holy Spirit, through the Torah and life, during their pilgrimage upon earth. This is essential, foremost, consequential. First, the Spirit's influence replaces the flesh as leader, where the "spirit of the age" is the dominant controller. Secondly, the Spirit sets our "mind[s] on the things above" (Col. 3:2), day by day, night by night, constantly. Ahh...such peace! The heaven-ward journey [toward the things above] involves spiritual warfare but there's no turning back for the person of the Spirit. Thirdly, the Spirit enlightens us [all believers regardless of tribe, tongue, or nation] to our sonship, and fashions us progressively and persistently (a) in the image of our Father, (b) in the resemblance of our elder Brother and Friend, Yeshua, and (c) in the likeness the family of Israel. Fourthly, the Spirit develops in us the mind of Messiah, illuminates our intelligence, and quickens our emotions and discernment. Sin confuses, distorts, and dulls our spiritual perceptions. Prayer however, including praying in the Spirit [in tongues], opens up for us more clarity in the spiritual realm.
We have entered a new millennium. The Hebrew Roots Movement has become a current, major phenomenon in the earth, perhaps the last global restoration move of the Almighty before the coming of Messiah. YHVH is restoring truth to His people, many of whom still need be filled and led by His Spirit. He is supernaturally forming in us a spirit of holiness. Pentecost was restored to the worldwide "Church" one century ago! He knows we need more than an abiding anointing in our midst, we must have our ministries established "not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your [those to whom we minister/teach] faith would not rest on the wisdom [knowledge, skill] of men, but on the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:4-5). Today, the Holy Spirit should be a rallying point for believers, to unite and empower us as never before to meet the challenges of participating in the restoration of the kingdom, power, and glory of YHVH to all Israel. Still, receiving the role and full ministry of the Spirit [such as the baptism in the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues], and equipping leaders and believers therein, remains a point of controversy and division. But Paul exhorts us, "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:3-6). Further, he addressed the Corinthians, "...by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body--whether Jew or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:12-14). The point is, that throughout the early Ecclesia the Holy Spirit was associated with unity and cooperation among believers, and His power (1) facilitated their sanctification, and (2) enabled them to "...have turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6), something Rabbinic Judaism never accomplished. [Note: We believe the more a person is immersed in and filled with the Spirit the greater will be his communion with Yeshua, and conversely, much less likely will be his tendency to question or deny the Savior's deity, and depart from Him. Unfortunately, such desertions from the ranks are happening all too often among Messianic believers. You and I must know what it is we believe, and not be persuaded otherwise. "...in the later times some will fall away from the faith..." (1 Tim. 4:1). ]
Pray and worship in the Spirit [with tongues/personal prayer language], faithfully and consistently, for 40 days and observe a transformation take place in your life, like that which is referenced in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." Start with only fifteen minutes each day. We renew and strengthen ourselves spiritually, and refurbish our souls, when we pray in tongues. See Jude 1:20.
We will spend a few weeks discussing the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is given by Yeshua, not for salvation, but for power in ministry (witnessing, et al) and increased awareness of His reality and holiness.
Glory Note #34 : "For I, saith YHVH, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the in the midst of her" (Zechariah 2:5). The prophet is speaking of Jerusalem and declaring that Yah's glory will rest upon and in the midst of the Holy City as a witness against the nations round about. It is a picture of us, believers today. His glory is in us (Acts 2:1-4) and upon us (1 Peter 4:14). And, His glory is a shield unto them who walk uprightly (Pr. 2:7).
Parsha Summary
1. "And YHVH spoke to Moshe in the wilderness of Sinai...take a census of all the congregation..." (Bamidbar 1:1).
Bamidbar ("In the wilderness") contains census numbers, camp arrangements, firstborn and Levite tallies, various laws and duties, and such. The parsha speaks of the wilderness as being the place where YHVH brings order from disorder. It also tells us that He is doing the same thing in the Hebrew Roots movement, in the restoration of all Israel, and in our lives too. He is preparing us for our march back to Zion and His glory.
"The Bible abounds in statistics. The historical books, in particular, bristle with genealogies and census tables. Numbers gets its name from the circumstance that it contains the tabulated results of two distinct numberings. The statistical chapters are commonly passed over in the consecutive reading of the Scripture, in the family, and in the Church. [It seems] the wine of the kingdom does not flow from them freely; all the rather [should] care to be taken to read and expound on them occasionally. All Scripture is profitable (2 Tim. 3:16); and the statistical chapters, hard and barren as they [appear to be], are no exception." [2]
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).
Numbers 1:1-4:20: YHVH speaks to Moses in the wilderness/ Census/ Camp formation/ Aaron and sons/ Levites replace firstborn/ Gershon, Kohath, and Merari/ Firstborn redeemed/ Duties of Kohathites/ Eleazer.
Hosea 2:1-22 (3-20): Exiled Israelites, scattered 10 tribes, will grow in numbers, and become like the sand of the sea. Gen. 22:17; 32:12; Isa. 10:22. Messiah and the New Covenant open the way for their return to His ways and priesthood ministry.
1 Cor. 12:12-20: The Body of Messiah has many members and functions. Each one is important
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).
"And I will bless them that bless thee" (Gen. 12:3).
Note: New Scriptures are included for prayer and declare for the Numbers section.
Stand and stretch forth your hands toward Jerusalem in prayer and declaration weekly after you finish each parsha.
1. Pray for Israel
Isaiah 62:1-5: 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.
Zech. 1:12-17: Prophesy this word over the Land and City of the Great King.
3. Pray for America/Pray for your nation.
Joel 2:28-29: 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]
"Let the word of Messiah richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Col. 3:16). A psalm is a sacred ode, poem, that is spoken or sung accompanied with musical instruments. A hymn is a religious composition of praise, sometimes a doctrinal song or ode. A spiritual song directly inspired, supernatural, non-carnal, Spirit-led song. The written Scriptures are very profitable for song and are excellent for use in singing. The Spirit-inspired, prophetic words Messiah speaking and singing to His Bride through spiritual songs also fills the hearts of worshipers with joy and thankfulness. He anoints our worship activities because they glorify Him, but the praise He inhabits is the Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered, spontaneous praise and worship of His holy people.
Section 4: Living the Parsha
Conclusion
Every believer has his tribe, family, banner, tent, and place in relationship and fellowship with Yeshua. We become more effectual and less vulnerable when we take our prescribed place among brethren.
1. "Then the tent of meeting shall set out with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; just as they camp, so shall they set out, every man in his place by their standard. On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim by their armies...Next to him shall be the tribe of Manasseh...then comes the tribe of Benjamin..." (Num. 2:17-22).
Each tribe had its own characteristics and were arranged with one another in the camp in such a way as to combine their strengths and minimize weaknesses. For example: "Ephraim's formation was to the west, the source of extreme weather, such as hail, cold, and heat [presumably because the Mediterranean Sea is west of Eretz Yisrael ]. The Midrash derives homiletically that the three tribes in this formation [Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin] possessed the strength that was necessary to withstand such harsh elements. Furthermore, God's Presence was at the western side of both the Tabernacle and Temple, in the boundary of Benjamin's portion in the Land (Deuteronomy 33:12). The strength represented by these three tribes is the necessary companion of Torah [Judah] and repentance [Reuben], for both dedication to Torah study and repentance require strength of conviction and character" (Rambam).
In addition, order/sequential arrangement was seen in the tribes display of their patriarchal heritage, whereby each tribe could identify equally with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each three-tribe formation had its own camp banner that included all the colors of the three represented tribes. On these banners of the four camp formations were inscribed the letters, that in combination, spelled the names of the Patriarchs. On the first of the four banners was written yod, yod, alef. The second banner bore ahyeen, tsadee, and be'ht. The third, kahf, kheht, and resh. On the fourth were be'ht, kahf, and me'hm. The first letters from each banner were (from the right), alef, be'ht, resh, and me'hm, and spelled Avram, or Abraham. The second letters formed/spelled Isaac. And the third sequence spelled Jacob. One message we derive easily enough from this amazing display of loyalty, symbolism, and national identity is: only by divine inspiration, order and unity do we today, who are returning to our Hebraic roots, form Israel. [Thank you for your mercy in my handling of the Hebrew.]
"Do not let you heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places [mansions]; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you...that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:2-3).
Yeshua made atonement for us while He was on earth, and then ascended to prepare a place above. Now He is preparing us for those places in glory that will be situated around Him and His Throne, even as the Levites and tribes were placed around the Tabernacle in the wilderness.
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.
Next week: Parsha Nasso ("Elevate") Numbers 4:21-7:89 / Judges 13:2-25 / Acts 21:17-32
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
Footnotes: 1. Chumash, Stone edition, Parashas Bamidbar, p. 729. 2. The Book of Numbers, Homiletics, Eerdmans, p.6.
