TORAH and GLORY SCHOOL
Torah and Glory School Parsha Commentary Course
An education ministry of Bless the Land
Written by Dr. Hutch Church
April, 2011
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Parsha Lesson Number Thirty: Kedoshim ("Holy ones")
Torah: Leviticus [Vayikra] 19:1-20:27
Haftorah: Amos [Ahmos] 9:7-15
Brit Chadashah: 1. Acts [Maaseh Shlichim] 15:1-21. 2. 1 Peter [Kepha Alef] 1:13-16
Sections: 1. Weekly Commentary 2. Parsha Study 3. Prayer and Blessing 4. Living the Parsha
Welcome: "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. Rivers of water run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law. Righteous art thou, O YHVH, and upright are thy judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and faithful" (Psalm 119:135-138). Some think the statutes and testimonies of YHVH are harsh, severe, and demanding. But the Spirit-inspired psalmist affirms they are established from beginning to end for Israel's, and man's, greatest good. David says of Elohim's Word: "The judgments of YHVH are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. More over by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:9-11). YHVH's Word is richness and sweetness to the soul of man, and to be desired more the fine gold and honey. The rewards include (a) the promise in Exodus 15:26 (physical health), (b) "the recompense of reward" that is laid up in heaven, and (c) the reward of actually keeping His statutes. It has been said that obedience, like virtue, is its own reward. Have a blessed week of contributing to your greatest good: obeying what is richer than gold and sweeter than honey. Shalom.
Section 1: Weekly Commentary
Last parsha: Parsha Metzora ("infected one") presented laws concerning people (metzora) diagnosed as leprous, and any garment or house that was contaminated. It described the ritual regulations regarding their ceremonial cleansing.
This week: Kedoshim means "holy ones." The parsha begins the statement, "Ye shall be holy." The remainder of the parsha is filled with many mitzvot. [Note: Mitzvot is a plural word and refers to the 613 commandments of the Law. A mitzvah is a single commandment.] It is by the mitzvot that Israel, corporately and individually, was sanctified, kept clean, and properly related to the holiness of Elohim. The mitzvot cover such topics as idolatry, charity toward others, equality before the law, the Sabbath, sexual morality, integrity in business and finances, respect for the elderly, and the sanctity of life. We will look at some, not all, of the laws, prohibitions, and principles described in Parsha Kedoshim this week. Again, the various mitzvot were in place to help keep Israel undefiled, pure in heart and life, and separate and distinct from the nations. An unholy people cannot be separated to a holy Elohim. Israel's holiness, the nation's set-apart status, was to be outwardly expressed by honoring the Sabbaths and ordinances, keeping themselves from idols, and serving YHVH (bringing offerings) in reverence. The peace offerings, for example, were actually friendship offerings that were meant to be brought by the people with thanksgiving and "at your own free will" (v. 5).
YHVH "loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7).
We are in the season of the Counting the of Omer, also known as Sefirat Ha'omer, or Waving the Omer. [Note: An omer is a biblical measure of barley grain, about a bushel.] Counting the Omer is the practice of verbally counting each of the forty-nine days between Passover and Shavuot (Pentecost), which actually falls on the fiftieth day. "And you shall count unto you from the morrow [day] after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering [barley]; seven Sabbaths shall be complete: even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall you number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meal offering [wheat] unto YHVH" (Vayikra 23:15-16). The count begins the day on which the Omer of barley grain was offered in the Tabernacle (or Temple). This happened on the Day of Firstfruits. [Note: Firstfruits (Bikkurim) points to (a) Elohim as our Source of life and blessing, and (b) the Resurrection of Yeshua.] The count, day by day, was kept up for forty-nine days--seven Sabbaths. On the fiftieth day, which is Shavuot (Pentecost), a wheat offering was presented in the Temple. Shavuot is said to be the day the Torah was given to Israel at Sinai at the beginning of the month of Sivan, on the fiftieth day after Passover and the commencement of the Exodus. It is also the day when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, spoken of by the prophet Joel, came upon the believers in Jerusalem, fifty days after the resurrection of Yeshua. Counting the Omer each day, from week one through week seven, gives people time to prepare for a new season and builds in the faithful remnant a sense of expectation of good things to come, and a hope of spiritual elevation. When making the count, which is traditionally done at night, shortly after sundown, the person who counts says this blessing: "Baruch atah A-donai E-lohheinu Melekh Ha-olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al S'firat Ho-omer." The translation is: "Blessed are you, YHVH our Elohim, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to count the Omer." Although there are always differences of opinion as to exactly on what day the count should begin and end, we have marked June 8th as the fiftieth day, the Day of Shavuot.
Torah
Torah Note # 30: "...but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am YHVH" (Vayikra 19:18). Parsha Kedoshim also presents to us the Second Great Commandment (read Mark 12:28-34), "the dictum which the great sage Rabbi Akiva called 'a cardinal principle of the Torah' and of which Hillel [early leader, scholar, founder of the House of Hillel, a school of Mishnah sages] said, 'This is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary'--Love your fellow [neighbor] as yourself." Obeying the dictates of the Torah, such as Leviticus 19:18, is not impossible, as some have thought. To counter the notion that the Law could not be understood or followed, Moses explained clearly to the people in the Wilderness, "...this commandment that I command you today is not to mysterious for you [not hard to understand or difficult to follow], nor is it far off...but the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart that you may do it" (see Deut.30:11-14). Torah had been revealed so Israel could utter it, ponder it, obey it with sincerity, and be blessed . "Come and make the Torah your possession..." Hillel. [1]
1. "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/Vayikra 19:1-2).
While Acharei Mot emphasizes the services performed on Yom Kippur by the High Priest to make atonement for all Israel, and thereby establish the people as ceremonially clean, parsha K'doshim follows up on Acharei Mot by emphasizing more laws that promote cleanness and holiness in the nation. K'doshim contains mitzvot (laws) which are designed to: (1) keep the people spiritually and morally sanctified, and (2) keep YHVH's holy presence in their midst. The regulations cover the issues of honoring parents, idolatry, sundry regulations, charity and love for brethren, occultism, and morality issues. K'doshim also publishes a severe warning against sacrificing children to the fires of the pagan god, Molech. Interestingly, the equivalents of all the Ten Commandments are readily found in their Exodus 20 order in Leviticus 19:3-18.
A community's moral and spiritual standards/values are reflected in its laws. We have included brief exposition on some of the sundry laws and regulations found in Parsha Kedoshim, Leviticus 19-20.
2. "Ye shall revere every man his mother, and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am YHVH. Turn ye not unto idols nor make to yourselves molten gods...And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto YHVH, ye shall offer it at your own will" (Leviticus/Vayikra 19:3-5).
Fathers and mothers must be reverenced and obeyed. This is the fifth commandment in the Decalogue and the first with a promise attached to it (see Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:2). A strong family is produced by respect for the parents. A stable society is comprised of strong families. Keeping the Sabbath is re-stated. These elements would work to bless and secure Israel.
"Turn ye from idols" (v. 4). This prohibition included (a) making and bowing down to molten or carved images, (b) combining the worship of false gods--such as Baal, Ashtoreth, Molech, or Chemosh--with the worship of the true Elohim [quite common, even today], and (c) worshipping YHVH under the form of an image or idol. Bowing down to an intermediary, a false representative of Elohim is what occurred in the Golden Calf incident. It was repeated with the case with the two gold calves King Jereboam made for the Northern Kingdom (1 Kings 12:26-33) after Israel was divided. Thus, the regulations against idolatry were needed. Israel should never bow down to statues or any man-made representation of Deity. Such behavior steals the affections of YHVH's people, spiritually disorients them, and causes the holy worship due the Almighty One to be transferred to grotesque objects and apparitions. It is feebleness of faith and confusion.
The next directive in the passage concerns peace offerings. In Leviticus/Vayikra chapter seven, a distinction is made between the peace offerings that are thank offerings and must be eaten the same day, and the peace offerings that are vow or voluntary offerings, and may be eaten on the first or second day. The difference apparently is not always noticed. The distinction between the offerings, their procedures and significance, however, was very important, as we have just recognized from Acharei Mot. Transgression of ceremonial commands was a serious matter, as the episode with Nadab and Abihu bears witness. A reckless transgressor would retain his iniquity and be excommunicated from the congregation without any appointed means, or sacrifice, for reconciliation. As we read Parsha K'doshim, we will find it teaching us, as it did the Israelites of old, that: (1) idolatry, superstition, evil speaking, dishonesty, and immorality, must be shunned, and (2) respect for holy ordinances, sanctity, honoring of elders, reverence for His Name, abstention from profanity, expressed gratitude, dedication to His service, and compliance to His times and seasons must be cultivated and practiced. There is no neutral area, and no room for mixture.
3. "And when you reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest...neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard: thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am YHVH your Elohim" (Vayikra 19:9-10).
The vineyard, harvest-field, and even the olive-yard (Deut. 24:19-22) were included in the injunction/admonition/order. What remained after the initial harvest was to be left behind for the poor and destitute of the land. The purpose of the injunction was to promote and uphold a spirit of compassion and mercy in Israel, which would be willing to put aside personal property rights and render kindness to those who suffered from lack. The strict, stern, exacting believer is not our model. But the one is who is gentle, merciful, and forgiving (Prov. 3:1-4).
4. "Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, , neither lie to one to another. And ye shall not swear by My Name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy Elohim: I am YHVH" (Vayikra 19:11-12).
Stealing, cheating, and lying are inter-related sins that work together to defraud and cause much harm. Hence, the stern word that addresses them: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (Rev. 21:8). Not a pleasant verse to ponder at all, but it's Scripture. Further, Israel was commanded not to swear falsely By His name. Breaking a solemn oath, taken in Elohim's name, such as a witness makes in court ["raise your right hand...do you swear...?"] results in the sins of perjury and irreverence. "Lying lips are an abomination to YHVH; but they that deal truly [truthfully] are His delight" (Prov.12:22). Yeshua warned His disciples to be careful with their speech, and slow in making oaths. "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil" (Mt. 5:33-34).
5. "You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor. Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer" (Vayikra 19:15-16).
The statute, when respected, assured that justice would not be hindered or perverted through respecting, or favoring, certain people. "But if you show partiality, you are committing sin, and are convicted by the Law as transgressors" (James 2:9). Further, gossip and tale bearing were (and are) evil and, therefore, legislated against. A person's life or welfare must never be endangered because of lies and innuendoes. Let us recall the terrible effect the false testimony of two lying talebearers [false witnesses] had on poor Naboth: "...they carried him out of the city, and stoned him, that he died" (1 Kings 21:13; See also Matt. 26:60; 27:4). Tale-bearing and lying are obviously serious matters and should be discouraged. Libelous, defamatory slander can easily land one in court. "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life" (Prov. 10:11).
6. "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart...Thou shalt not avenge...but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am YHVH" (Vayikra 19:17-18).
This is the Second Great Commandment, the Golden Rule, the fulfilling of the Law. It is the goal toward which we strive, and the primary way of showing our love for Elohim. Yeshua quoted this commandment twice, in Matthew 19:19 and 22:39. The Holy One is not interested in mechanical obedience. He wants love to be demonstrated and the fruit of the Spirit growing from our hearts (John 15:1-16; 1 Cor. 13; Gal. 5:22). Man is commanded to first love Elohim (Deut. 6:4). He is next commanded to love his neighbor [That is, to do good, show kindness, help others, and show mercy and forgive; see 1 Cor. 13.]. One might ask: "How can this be done?" For born-again believers it is possible. A. "...because the love of Elohim has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us." (Rom. 5:5). We are divinely equipped. B. "...this commandment...is not hidden from thee, neither far off...the word is very nigh [near] unto thee..." (De. 30:11-14). We have the incentive of His commandments. C. "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought; but to think soberly, according as Elohim hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Rom. 12:3). Showing love is made easier by putting oneself in the place or predicament of others, and identifying with them. D. "For Elohim so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Loving others is possible when viewing men and women in their relationship to Elohim, Who created them in His likeness. People are important, and He loves all of us.
7. "Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender [breed] with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed; neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woolen come upon thee" (Vayikra 19:19).
Next, there's a presentation of additional laws that are designed to discourage unnecessary mixture and keep diverse commodities apart. The practical reasons for these laws can be searched out. However, the moral principle of purity and the admonition against mixing truth with error, that are hinted at by these three regulations, are readily seen in the New Testament. For instance: A. "Ye cannot drink the cup of Adonai, and the cup of demons: ye cannot be partakers of the Master's table, and the table of demons" (1 Cor. 10:21). B. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what accord hath Messiah and Be'lial? And what agreement hath the temple of Elohim with idols? for you are the temple of the living Elohim; as Elohim hath said, I will dwell among them, and walk in them; and will be their Elohim, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith Adonai, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith Elohim Almighty" (2 Cor. 6:14-18; See also Lev. 26:12; Jer. 31:33; 32:38; Ezek. 27:26-27; Isa. 52:11; 2 Sam. 7:14).
In Vayikra/Leviticus 19:20-22, the mitzvah concerning adultery is given. In verses 23-25, the mitzvah planting of fruit trees and eating their produce is presented.
8. "Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment [means to whisper or mutter after holding communications with serpents, i.e., demons], nor observe times [soothsaying]...ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am YHVH" (Vayikra 19:26-28).
Here is a repetition of the fundamental statute prohibiting the consumption of blood (Leviticus/Vayikra 3:17; 7:26). Using enchantments, observing times, soothsaying, and such were all demonically inspired activities. The customs mentioned were inappropriate, unbecoming of the dignity of Elohim's set-apart people, and were always connected with heathen practices, unholy images, idolatry, and demonic activity.
9. "You shall keep My Sabbaths, and reverence My sanctuary: I am YHVH" (Vayikra 19:30).
Reverence for the Sanctuary (The Tabernacle, and later the Temples) and keeping the Sabbath were related. "The Torah speaks very frequently about both the Sabbath and idolatry...idol worship is a clear denial of God. Sabbath desecration, too, is a denial that God created for six days and rested on the seventh--the eternal reminder of God as he Creator." [1]
10. "Regard not them that have familiar spirits [give no regard to mediums], neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am YHVH your Elohim" (Vayikra 19:31).
The existence of evil spirits and their ability to communicate with the human spirit is real. Therefore, there was a prohibition in Israel against involvement with mediums, wizards, and the deceiving demons, evil minions of darkness, that speak through them.
11. "But the stranger that dwells with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself" (Vayikra 19:34).
The royal law of love was clearly intended to apply to the strangers who sojourned among the Israelites.
12. "You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measurement of weight, or capacity. You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin; I am the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt" (Vayikra 19:35).
Too often YHVH's "holy ones" who make a confession of faith are adverse to stealing, yet may have fewer scruples about cheating. Honesty in dealing with one's neighbor is therefore a necessary moral precept set forth clearly in the Torah. Dishonesty is condemned among Israelites. All the laws and requirements of the Torah assist in the development of pure and holy virtues in Israel, corporately and individually. Unfortunately, not everyone is interested in YHVH's laws and customs for a prosperous life. Instead, many concoct and implement their own, egotistical, self-serving standards.
Comment: Leviticus 20:1-27, the next chapter of Kedoshim, deals with sins mentioned before in the Torah that lead unto death. Partly because of the severity of their nature they were repeated. It was for the benefit of Israel. The worst, most devilish abominations were: (1) Human sacrifice of any type. It was strictly forbidden. Canaanite parents sacrificing their children to the fires of Molech, the infernal King of Topheth (Isa. 30:33), was the most hideous, monstrous example of mankind corrupting the sacrificial ideal. [Note: Topheth is believed to be in Jerusalem, in the Valley of Hinnom. This is where Canaanites sacrificed their children to the demon-god, Molech, by burning them alive. King Josiah personally outlawed the practice (which had sprung up in his reign) and the valley became a garbage/refuse site where animal carcasses, trash, and the bodies of criminals were dumped, and where fires burned continuously to keep diseases from spreading. Topheth is synonymous with Gehenna, or hell. John Donne once referenced to it in a sermon: "When all is done, the hell of hells, the torment of torments, is the everlasting absence of God, and the everlasting impossibility of returning to His presence...to fall out of the [merciful] hands of the living God, is a horror beyond our expression, beyond our imagination...what Topheth (Valley of Hinnom) is not a paradise [in comparison] to this damnation, [which is] to be secluded eternally, eternally, eternally from the sight (and hearing) of God?" 2.] (2) Mediumship. It is also called necromancy. It purports to conjure up the spirits of the dead for purposes of magically revealing the future or influencing current events. This so-called communication with the "dead" is, in reality, communication with familiar spirits. Practitioners are demonized, possessed by evil spirits, and they obey the call and fancy of these wicked, fallen entities. They are people whom demons inspire, direct and empower. They are the wizards who pry into the deep spells of Satan, and thereby lead many into the pit. They are the witches that work with spells in attempts to manipulate evil spirits to do their bidding. (3) Children who curse their parents. Fathers on earth represent the heavenly Father. Thus, the young people who are guilty of this heinous crime have no fear of YHVH before their eyes. "His blood shall be upon him." (4) Moral licentiousness. Those who purposely and stubbornly live [wallow] in excesses of uncleanness and sexual perversions, and contaminate others with their defilements, are condemned. Death is the specified penalty for the offenses listed in verses 10 through 21. The strict Torah laws, for the High Priest as well as for the common man, were to be a defense against the uprising and surplus of destructive, demonically inspired behavior.
But there is also a responsibility for those witnessing such things mentioned in K'doshim. For a bystander/observer to behold blatant, harm-inducing lawbreaking, and withhold testimony against the crimes and committed wrongs is to perpetuate their corruption and injury, abet the criminal, and cause that silent person to share in the guilt. The old adage is true: Silence implies consent. Speaking out against sin sanctifies the witness, clears him of all association with unrighteousness, and stifles corruption's progress. "But Herod...being reproved by him [rebuked and corrected] for Herodias...and for all the evils which Herod had done, added yet this above all, that he shut up John [the Baptist] in prison" (Lk. 19). John was a witness. "...You shall be My witnesses..." (Acts 1:8). So are we. [Note: Compromise has its place, but only when there's a choice to make involving preferences. Nevertheless, all urgings towards compromise must be examined. This is because compromise in relationships and responsibilities tends to produce adjustments and concessions that are not always productive. But compromise of spiritual convictions (certainties; fundamental redemption doctrine) is unacceptable. Our faith in Yeshua is established on convictions, not preferences!]
13. "And YHVH spoke unto Moses, saying...say to the sons of Israel: Any man...who gives any of his offspring to Molech, shall surely be put to death; the people of the land will stone him with stones...because he has given some of his offspring to Molech, so as to defile My sanctuary and to profane My holy name" (Vayikra 20:1-3).
As you delve into the chapter, you will note that it could be viewed as a catalog of capital crimes [crimes warranting the death penalty]. Human sacrifices leads the list. Offering the "fruit of the body" (Deut. 28:4) to make atonement for the sins of the soul, or appease demon gods, was not an uncommon practice in ancient societies. Even Israel became infected with the abominable rite. One prophet said, "They have caused their sons, whom they bare unto Me, to pass for them through the fire...For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into My sanctuary to profane; and lo, thus they have done in the midst of mine house" (Ezek. 23:37-39). Molech worship was practiced in the Valley of Hinnom [Topheth] and idols were actually erected in the courts of the Temple itself! "...they set their abominations in the house, which is called by My Name...built the high places to Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom [the dump, where trash and the bodies of criminals were burned] to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech" (Jer. 32:34-35). Human sacrifice was the final degradation of the original sacrifice idea and a symptom of an entirely demoralized, thoroughly corrupted nation, one beyond the reach of repentance without judgment. To guard against such debauchery, offering sacrifices to Molech had been forbidden as a sin in Leviticus 18:21, but in this chapter it is declared a heinous crime punishable by swift execution. This suggests that capital punishment, when administered justly, is a strong deterrent to the most heinous crimes, and thus a merciful option for society.
Does a repeat of such crimes today seem far-fetched? Hardly. Similar things happen every day in our own nation. Why? According to Jeremiah, "The heart is more deceitful [proud, uneven, rugged] than all else and is desperately sick [always ill; refuses to get healed]" (Jer. 17:9). The prophet of old may not have given us a flattering assessment of our human condition [old nature], nevertheless, it's inspired and true. As incredible as it seems, often the poor, beguiled people of lore who served Molech had been deceived into thinking they were actually doing what was acceptable, even right! "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12). What "seems right" may not be worth considering, and might actually cause believers to become confused, even beguiled. What "is written" in the Holy Scriptures is alone sufficient. In these latter days, let us be found examining the Scriptures daily, as did the commendable Bereans (Acts 17:10-12), to stay distanced from such sacrilege, confusion and demonically inspired falsehoods. Such things abound, and are multiplying, in this late hour. "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed [to Holy Writ] that he does not fall" (1 Cor. 10:14).
Peter has a good word for our meditation: "The end of all things is near [has come near]; therefore be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Pet. 7-8).
14. "As for the person who turns to mediums and to spiritists, to play the harlot after them, I will set My face against that person and will cut him off from among the people" (Lev. 20:6).
In K'doshim we learn of the kinds of sins and moral crimes forbidden in the Torah that quickly contaminate societies, which become defiled and corrupt just as do individuals. A little bit of leaven leavens the whole lump. Remember Achan (Joshua 6:1-26) who alone defiled the camp of Israel and stifled the army's power and ability to perform until he was removed. Also the Corinthian Church/Ecclesia, whose incestuous member defiled and demoralized that entire community, until he was delivered to Satan for the cleansing of the congregation. To bless the land, your own nation or Israel, we must begin--one-by-one, as individuals--by avoiding temptation, cleansing and guarding our own hearts from defilements, expelling unholy, demonically induced thoughts from our minds, and finally, living as His ambassadors in our society.
15. "You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. You shall keep by statutes and practice them; I am the Lord Who sanctifies you" (Lev. 20:7-8).
The oft-repeated remedy to violating His commandments and becoming defiled was/is for Israelites to: "...consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy." The divine command which directs the congregation of Israel to sanctify itself precedes the list of crimes and penalties that follow in the chapter. This reveals that YHVH is demanding and looking for holiness in his people. Sanctification not only pleases YHVH and nourishes fellowship with Him, it is the only means of protection from the evil to be described. Sustained consecration requires an act of the will. The only choice a nation has for recovering holiness, which has been lost by sinning, presumption in sacrifice protocol, immorality, and such, is by (1) punishment or (2) purification by sacrifice [repentance and turning to Messiah].
In K'doshim ("holy ones")--and in last week's Acharei Mot ("After the death") also--we have observed Moses emphasizing YHVH's will concerning two common themes. They are (a) the identification and rejection of whatever defiles, and (b) holiness/sanctification by ceremonial purification. The Holy One's exhortations to Israel provide inspiring implications for us today. First, YHVH has given us an imperative. "Sanctify yourselves!" The Father and Sustainer of our spirits demands of us that we be holy. This means we resolve to: (a) expel from heart, mind, and habit all that defiles and offends, and (b) honor Him and His Torah, and act blamelessly toward our fellow man. Secondly, YHVH has given us an inducement. He said, "Be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God." We are called to holiness for the greatest reason possible, a reason more appreciated as the goal is advanced upon. As we grow in practical holiness in life, we increasingly resemble Yeshua, Who is holy. Holiness/sanctification of life saves us from spiritual evils, true, but what's greater, it makes us more like our heavenly Redeemer. This growth produces enduring joy. Thirdly, YHVH has provided us with help. He encouraged Israel, saying "I am the Lord which sanctify you." Our Elohim sends grace in our time of need, which bears helpfully and noticeably upon the souls of cooperative men. Paul understood this and said: "Work out your own salvation...for it is God which worketh in you" (Phil. 2:12-13). Our Abba sanctifies us (a) by His Word (John 17:17), (b) by His blessings and disciplines (Heb.12:10), and (c) by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:16).
16. "And the man that commits adultery with another man's wife, even he that commits adultery with another man's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death" (Vayikra 20:10).
The punishment for adultery between a man (married or not) and a married woman, a capital crime, was severe in Israel. It was death for both parties. Criminal liability did not extend to a married man trysting with an unmarried woman. This was not regarded in the same manner since Israel was a country where polygamy was allowed (tolerated).
Adultery was a capital crime in Israel. YHVH legislated against it strongly because He knew the broad and devastating effects it has on the guilty and the innocent, the individual and the family, as well. It is the ultimate act of betrayal of the marriage covenant, and has destructive psychological, physical, and social ramifications. Adultery usually tears families apart, and, if tolerated, weakens the bonds of civil society. Modern cultures have greatly softened the perception of adultery, describing it by euphemisms [more agreeable, less offensive terms] like "affair" and "fooling around." But Elohim calls it what it is, adultery, and condemns it. "Do not commit adultery" (Mk. 10:19). There is, however, good news. Adultery is a sin that can be readily forgiven for the repentant person. And the One Who forgives is willing and able to bring restoration to those seeking such. "And Yeshua said to her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more" (John 8:11). He had come to save the lost, and not to condemn. "O give thanks unto YHVH; for He is good: because His mercy endures forever" (Ps. 118:1). We read these words and rejoice. But, let us maintain a balance and speak the entire truth. The time approaches when the Father will commit all judgment into Yeshua's hands. Then other words will be heard: "Depart from Me," and "I know you not."
17. "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness...and if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast...if a woman approach to any beast...a man shall take his sister...he shall bear his iniquity" (Vayikra 20:13-17).
Such were the practices of Canaan. They would not be tolerated in Israel. When Moses stated "...their blood shall be upon them," he meant that the guilty person's penalty would remain upon him (Leviticus 7:18). Under the Mosaic Covenant provision was made for the pardon of many transgressions. On the Day of Atonement, because of the sin and trespass offerings, "all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins" (Leviticus 16:21-22) the scapegoat did bear away. Apparently, however, some transgressions were not borne away. But under the New Covenant, even for such serious sins, if there is repentance and faith, there is mercy and forgiveness (Act 2:38-39). In spite of the provision of grace (Eph. 2:8) though, some people abandon themselves to despair, and never repent. It seems that it is possible for a person to sin against his conscience in such a deep and profoundly demoralizing way that he completely hardens himself against the influences of the Holy Spirit, and thereby remains impenitent, abandoned to spiritual stupor, self-imposed hopelessness, and unbelief. "Wherefore Elohim also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves" (Rom. 1:24).
According to John, intercession may have its limits. "There is a sin unto death...(1 John 5:16). This "sin" could refer to a specific act, or to an ongoing involvement in a wickedness that finally and irrevocably sears the conscience and disengages the soul from any hope of or inclination to repentance. Sometimes people commit sins that produce in them such an overwhelming sense of condemnation that they abandon any confidence, dream, or expectation of forgiveness, and decide repentance is impossible. Nevertheless, if it speaks of nothing else, the phrase certainly refers to the deliberate rejection of Messiah. He who descends to this spiritual condition lives without forgiveness. "...he shall bear his iniquity." He has excluded himself from YHVH's mercy and blessedness: "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed in the man unto whom YHVH imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit these is not guile [deceit]" (Ps. 33:1-2). Yet, for the one who repents and turns in faith toward Yeshua HaMashiach, there is forgiveness, restoration, an entry into the Kingdom of Elohm,, and eternal life! "And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:39).
18. "Ye shall therefore keep all My statutes, and all My judgments, and do them: that the land whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue [spit] you not out. And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nations, which I cast out before you: for they committed these things, and therefore I abhorred them" (Vayikra 20:22-23)."
The prohibitions written into the Torah did not pertain to ceremonial law, but formed a part of the moral law. As such, they are also published in the conscience of man, are universal and lasting, and therefore binding upon the nations.
19. "But I have said, Ye shall inherit the land, and I will give it to you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am your God, which separated you from other people [by His laws, cleanness requirements, and purification rites]" (Lev. 20:24).
The Hebrew children were given an excellent heritage to possess. The land of Canaan was varied in topography, beautiful, fertile, and rich with resources. What would be their tenure? As long as Israel remained holy, separated [not inter-marrying with the heathen], and kept His commandments they would be secure, prosperous, content. However, as stated before, the people would need to avoid (1) idolatrous, immoral, pagan relationships, (2) evil customs and practices, and (3) worldliness. Historically, the Hebrew children were not successful in this endeavor, and their tenure in the land was never secure. As a result, the land was often exposed and open to invasion, such as the Islam encroachment which came from the Arabian peninsula.
Note: Islam means submission. It is a religion/creed founded by a man named Muhammed, an Arab who was born and raised in Medina, which is in Saudi Arabia. He married a rich woman, became influential, married more women, and spent much of his time pondering religious matters. We are told he began having revelations/visions in 610 CE. He recorded them, and other things, in a book he wrote called the Koran. He went on to declare that his writings formed a new religion that was the most current revealed truth from heaven available, and that it therefore superseded Judaism and Christianity.
Muhammed assembled around himself listeners who became ardent supports of Islam, his new creed of submission, and he armed them to assist him in pressing this faith upon others. In 610 CE, Muhammed and his fanatic followers coerced the people of his hometown, Medina, to convert and to submit to Islam's religious laws. After Muhammed's death in 632 CE, his followers remained faithful to his religion, gained many converts, and undertook to fulfill his vision for spreading the faith by the sword to all the Middle East, including Israel.
20. "And ye shall be holy unto Me: for I YHVH and holy, and have severed you from other people, that you should be mine" (Vayikra 20:26).
The command to be holy was given to Israel, but it is even more binding upon believers today. Paul writes of us: "...we should be holy and without blame before Him in love" (Eph. 1:4). We should be able to live set-apart lives for we have an individual advantage...divine power, something the ancient Israelites did not enjoy. Paul continues: "...after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise" (v.13). The new birth sanctifies and distinguishes us. Further, while Israel had the example of Moses and the High Priest, we have the example of Yeshua, Who is: "...the Head over all things to the Ecclesia" (v.23).
21. "A man also or a woman that hath a familiar spirit [generational spirit], or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them" (Vayikra 20:27).
Where wizards and mediums freely practice, spiritual portals open and demonic activity takes root and abounds. But Israel would have no need for demonically activated and energized fortunetellers. They would have the Torah, priests with Urim and Thummim, and prophets for guidance. Today, Redeemed Israel has the Holy Spirit. "For all who are being led by the Spirit of Elohim, these are the sons of Elohim. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our [regenerated, Spirit-indwelt] spirit that we are the children of Elohim, and if children, heirs also, heirs of Elohim and fellow heirs with Messiah, if indeed we suffer with Him [resist temptations, endure persecutions and trials of faith] so that we may also be glorified with Him" (Rom. 8:14-17).
Haftorah
1. "And I gave them My statutes, and made known My judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them. Moreover, also I gave them My sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am YHVH that sanctify them" (Ezek. 20:11-12).
In the haftorah we read how Elohim continued to enjoin [to direct by authoritative order] Israel to keep His laws and statutes, such as honoring His Sabbaths, and to renounce all forms of idolatry. Ezekiel reminded Israel of their calling and great deliverance from Egypt to inspire the people to faithfulness. He warned Israel not to follow in the wicked ways of their father's who sinned in the wilderness, the generation that failed to enter the Promised Land because of unbelief.
The word Sabbath [Shabbat] appears 113 times in the Hebrew Bible, 52 of which are found in the New Testament. The seventh-day Sabbath moed, an "appointed time," holds significant importance to the Almighty. "Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath (Ex. 20:9-11) from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil" (Isa. 56:2). It's observance is a central requirement of biblical worship and a sign of the believer's covenantal relationship with the Elohim of Israel. The Spirit of Elohim says further: "And they that shall be of [among] thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations [His law is the foundation for holy heavenly and earthly government]...and thou shalt be called, the repairer of the breach...If thou turn away your foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of YHVH, honorable, and shalt honor Him...I will cause thee to ride the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of YHVH hath spoken it" (Isa. 58:14-14). There are those today that are returning to the biblical Sabbath, who are turning away their foot from trampling on it any longer, and are thus becoming "repairers of the breach." This remnant shall be blessed, according to YHVH's promise.
Yeshua: The Living Torah "I did not come to abolish but fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
1. "And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came to Him: and He opened His mouth and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of Elohim" (Matthew 5:1-3).
Like Moses before Him, Yeshua taught the multitude of Israelites. His Sermon on the Mount is the Law of the Kingdom of heaven, a place of unsullied holiness. It details the ideal character of a disciple of Yeshua. The subject of poverty of spirit comes first in the description of a blessed life. Humility and lowliness represent the starting point on the highway of holiness. People who are gripped and held by the stronghold of narcissism can never become holy, or truly separated unto Him. They must be delivered first. As we are led by the Spirit of Messiah and brought near to Yeshua, we learn the grace of lowliness from Him. For Yeshua is the One, "...who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped [asserted; utilized], but emptied Himself [laid aside His divine power, majesty and privileges], taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:6-8). Those of us who want to be near Him must become like Him. Imitation of the Master is our rule of life. Meditation on our great Example and His lowliness of disposition is a great inspiration toward holiness.
"Tell the daughter if Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek [lowly], and sitting upon a donkey, and a colt the foal of a donkey" (Mt. 21:5).
He's coming and we want to be prepared, found with our lamps filled with oil. Therefore, as did the Bereans (Acts 17:10-12), let us search the Scriptures, starting with the Torah and following through in all of them. May we not be content with merely an intellectual or surface understanding of the Word, but seek the deeper understanding and principles only the Holy Spirit can provide. We must commit to bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), be reverent in speech, and hallow Elohim's holy Name. May we who follow Him forgive even as we want to be forgiven. Revenge belongs to YHVH. "You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy..."
The Holy Spirit "...but you shall receive power..." (Acts 1:8).
1. "...you shall not reap to the very corners of the field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest...you shall leave them for the needy and the stranger. I am the Lord...you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord" (Lev. 19:9,10,17).
Atonement brings to man remission of his sins, freedom from the weight of guilt, and accordingly a release into liberty and gladness. Under these favorable conditions, it is with greater ease that one can show kindness to another. Our verse from K'doshim speaks to the issues of sympathy and helpfulness, virtues which gladden men and uplift communities. It is a law of kindness, and as such is a necessary complement to the other laws we have read. It contributes greatly to the development of Messiah-like character, and needs to be exercised, like a muscle. A stern, exacting person, even if he is fair and just, is not the Messianic ideal. The compassion, gentleness, and mercy of our Messiah qualifies Him as our model. The man who leaves something behind in his fields for others, that he could have profited from and taken for his own barn, rises from the level of justice and legalism to the higher level of generosity and kindness. He learns the excellence of giving. Consequently, Scripture strongly exhorts us: "...add to your faith virtue; and to your virtue knowledge...and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness..." (2 Peter 1:5-7).
We understand it is only by abiding in Yeshua, in His truth, that we can consistently bear good fruit. Noble impulses and follow-through are initiated and assisted only by the Holy Spirit Whom He has given to us. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Gal. 5:22-23). All the graces of our life in Messiah grow out from the indwelling Holy Spirit. Notwithstanding, they should be cultivated--pruned, trained, sheltered, protected, encouraged, nourished, cajoled, and watched--as a farmer would care for his own plantings as they come up from the earth. It is necessary to cooperate with the Spirit of Truth.
2. "Do not turn to mediums [inspired by and yielded to demons and evil spirits] or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God" (Lev. 19:31).
Being Led by the Spirit/Hearing His Voice
Both in the Old and New Covenants the existence of evil spirits [demons] is simply accepted as a reality. Their (1) power of communication with the human spirit, (2) influence of the human mind and behavior [even with believers], and (3) ability to possess defiled people, are well documented. Nevertheless, the saints have much for which to rejoice, foremost being our redemption through faith in the Blood of Yehsua, deliverance from demonic oppression and power, and the gift of indwelling Holy Spirit to support us. We are free to be instructed in the Word and be led by the Spirit. "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in Whom we have redemption, even the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:13-14).
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of Me" (Jn. 15:26). In the passage, Yeshua spoke of the power that would sustain His disciples in their lives and callings in a hostile world--the Holy Spirit of Truth. He possesses, communicates, and applies truth, and testifies of Yeshua to disciples and the world. It is to the Spirit of Yeshua, Who has come to dwell in us and impart to us understanding of the Scriptures, that we listen and yield. Therefore, it is in our interest to be filled with the Spirit to the greatest possible extent.
We receive the Holy Spirit when we convert and receive by faith Messiah Yeshua as Savior (John 3). He regenerates us spiritually and enables us to grow in grace as new spiritual creations. But when we are baptized in the Spirit (Mt. 3:11; Acts 2:1-4) we receive the fullness of the Spirit, and experience a greater measure of His presence and power. We also become more spiritually sensitive, and a conscious awareness of His presence is augmented/enhanced. Both experiences, the new birth and the baptism in the Spirit, should occur one after the other. Even though (for whatever the reason) this may not always be the case, it is the New Testament pattern. "While Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles. For they heard them speak in tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, "Can anyone forbid water, that they should not be baptized who received the Holy Spirit just as we have [See: Acts 2:1-4.]" (Acts 10:44-47). Please read Acts 19:1-6 also. (1) In Acts, when people received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues. (2) Those who received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues did so after hearing the Word of Elohim. Paul wrote, "This only do I want to hear from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith" (Gal. 3:2).
The initial outward manifestation of receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. Here Paul implies and, a few verses later, emphasizes its value, telling the believers in Corinth, "I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied" (1 Cor. 14:5). He went on to say, "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write to you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Cor. 14:37). Paul's apostolic writing is part of the canon of Scripture, and hence YHVH's will for believers today. Be filled with the Spirit, and receive and use your prayer language today. It (along with obedience to the Word in general) is the means of becoming more consistently sensitive to the voice and leading of the Spirit. We will discuss more about the infilling of the Spirit and tongues in the weeks ahead.
Glory Note # 30: "His glory is great in thy salvation: honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him" (Psalm 21:5). YHVH's glory--His power, majesty, grace and goodness--is revealed by the salvation He had wrought for His servant, David, whose heart was sensitive to YHVH's presence. Psalm 21 is a song of thanksgiving by David for answered prayer. David's salvation included divine deliverance from his enemies and prophetic revelation. His strong faith and knowledge were the fruit of His intimate spiritual relationship with the coming Messiah, Who is the expression of YHVH's divine glory. "And He was transfigured before them..." (Mt. 17:2). David experienced Elohim's glory, and the memory of the intimacy sustained him in his most severe trials.
Parsha Summary
1. "Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate...do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a Father to you, And you will be sons and daughters to Me, says Elohim Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of Elohim" (2 Cor. 6:17-7:1).
Parsha # 29, Acharei Mot ("After the death"), and parsha # 30, K'doshim ("Holy ones"), are read together in the regular twelve-month year. In a year with thirteen months they are read separately. Whether they are read apart or together, they produce a common lesson: His Torah is a blessing for those who choose to live within its boundaries. The two parshas, by way of their ritual regulations and laws commanding cleanness of life and habit for Israel, instruct readers today on the high value YHVH places on personal and national sanctification. But, "You shall be holy, for I the lord your God am holy" is a commandment every bit as binding upon believers today as it was on Israel long ago; probably more so. First: Believers today have a power, the indwelling Holy Spirit, which ancient Israel did not have, Who motivates and facilitates individual holiness. Paul said that the purpose of our election in Messiah is "that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love" (Eph.1:4). He goes on to write that those who believed the preaching of salvation through faith in Messiah Yeshua would be given the earnest of the Holy Spirit, by Whom all believers are sealed unto the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit (Spirit of holiness) is given to every New Covenant believer in a way He was not given to the early Israelites. The period of types and shadows has given way to spiritual realities. The promised Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Helper has been sent, as prophesied, to regenerate, accompany, indwell, and enable the saints ["holy ones"] for sanctified living and witnessing. Secondly: Believers today have in Messiah Yeshua an exquisite, perfect example of righteousness and holiness--the sinless, undefiled High Priest--an example that ancient Israel had not. Thus, we are to more fully realize and appreciate the manner in which we are to be holy. We may not attain to the ideal, but, with the help of the Holy Spirit given to us, we can press forward toward His example, and emulate His likeness of character and service. This is another very valuable help. We can make good use of it by following Him closely in the Gospels each week.
Israelites, both priests and the people they represented, were to avoid all defilement, both moral and ceremonial, because ancient Israel was YHVH's own possession, and called to demonstrate His kingdom and reflect His glory. Thus, they were to remain morally and spiritually separated from unbelieving people, and stand apart as sanctified, holy unto Him. Is it not the same for us? Of course. "Having therefore these promises [and the above mentioned helps], dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1). Here Paul opens up to each of us (1) our great life-work [goal, aim] and (2) the inspiration for the effort. Our great life-work: "...perfecting holiness," which comes by knowing Him intimately through the Spirit and by the Torah (Scriptures), walking in His kingdom power, and endeavoring to reflect His likeness. Our incentive for the endeavor: "...the fear [not servile, base, cowardly fear, but reverential awe, honor, respect, desire to please, thankfulness, adoration, veneration, devotional love] of God."
Section 2: Parsha Study and Vision
1. "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 19:1-20:27: Idolatry forbidden / sundry laws / human sacrifice and immorality.
Amos 9:7-15: Elohim's judgment / shaking the House of Israel.
Acts 15:1-21: The Council at Jerusalem / James's judgment concerning non-Jewish believers.
1 Peter 1:13-16: Holiness.
Leviticus 16:1-18:30: High Priest duties and the Day of Atonement / annual atonement /blood for atonement / laws against immoral relations.
Isaiah 53:1-12: Yeshua, the suffering servant.
Hebrew 7:23-10:25: Melchizedek's priesthood like Messiah's / the Old and New Covenants / one sacrifice of Messiah is sufficient.
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
"On this wise shall ye bless the children of Israel, saying unto [over] them, the Lord bless thee...keep thee..." (Num. 6:23-24).
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. 3:9).
[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).
[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.]
"And I will bless them that bless thee" (Gen. 12:3).
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]
"In every move of the Spirit [The Hebrew roots movement included] it seems like [Adonai] anoints music in a special way; putting His finger at times on a particular song or style...almost like that music was ordained for 'such a time as this.' We know that [Adonai] is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but I say to you He is singing a new song. He is releasing a new sound. 'Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing unto YHVH a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof' (Isa. 42:9-10). And in Isaiah 42:19 he [the prophet] talks about doing a new thing, a springing forth in a dry place, a refreshing, a revival of the heart of worship and the heart of the worshipper. When we are speaking here about the song of YHVH I am not necessarily referring to this new music [or the renewed focus on congregational dance] being released. I am specifically speaking of the spontaneous, prophetic song that [Adonai] ordains in the heart of worship..." [4] Such worship is needed in this hour. It ushers in the glory of Elohim.
Section 4: Living the Parsha
Conclusion
1. "And ye shall not walk in the manner of the nations, which I cast out before you: for they did all these things [sins and crimes mentioned in the parsha Kedoshim], and therefore I have abhorred them. Hence I have said to you, You are to possess their land, and I Myself will give it to you to possess it...I am the Lord you God, who has separated you from the peoples...Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine" (Lev.20:23-26).
The people of Canaan were abhorred by the Holy One because they committed abominations, things that are strictly forbidden not just to them alone but to all nations. His displeasure became abhorrence. As harsh and "un-gentle" as it may sound, Elohim hates sin.
First, He is totally incompatible with uncleanness and incapable of wrongdoing. Scripture is plain. "Therefore I abhorred them." Further, "God is angry with the wicked everyday" (Ps. 7:11). And, "...the Lord hath been sore displeased with your fathers" (Zech. 1:2). And, "they vexed His Holy Spirit" (Isa. 63:10). And, "...He looked on them with anger" (Mk. 3:5). And, to "them that obey unrighteousness" He will judge with "indignation and wrath" (Rom. 2:8). It may be easier to separate "joints and marrow" (Heb. 4:12) than to separate the sinful act [sin] from the perpetrator [sinner].
Secondly, while it is true that YHVH hates sin and is displeased with the sinner, we must also remember and rejoice that His mercy endures forever. "But as for Israel He says, all the day long I have stretched out My hand to a disobedient and obstinate people" (Rom. 10:21). Read Isa. 65:1-3. His loving-kindness is eternal. He yet pities the sinner and seeks to save him. "Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a delightful child? Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him; Therefore My heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him, declares the Lord" (Jer. 31:20). He forgives and restores the returning prodigal. "...the father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). Respect Him who hates sin. Adore Him Who is compassionate and merciful. His love for you and me is immeasurable. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." (John 3:16).
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:6-7).
The "walking" John mentions is not a mechanical imitation of the habits of Yeshua in life and service, but is instead is an entire identification with Him and His goodness, righteousness, and truth, that permeates our lives and shapes the character our daily conduct. Walking in light is holiness. To encourage your walk in Light, we have included three simple stages by which you can check your progress: (1) One must desire holiness. (2) Then one must practice holiness. (3) Finally, one will progress in holiness. At what stage are you?
As each of us "follows on to know the Lord," the Blood of Yeshua [continuously] cleanses and purifies our hearts and minds from all defilements, and our consciences are left free from offense toward Elohim and man. The result is increased peace, joy, and spiritual strength. "...but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy' " (Lev. 11:44; 19:2; 20:7; 1 Pet. 1:15).
A. Personal application: Parsha Kedoshim instructs YHVH's holy ones: "You shall not avenge nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am YHVH" (Leviticus/Vayikra 19:18). In Matthew 22:29-40, Yeshua gives his disciples and listeners the two Great Commandments. The first--"Thou shalt love YHVH thy Elohim with all your heart...," is expressed by the first four of the Ten Commandments. The second--"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," is fulfilled by the last six commandments. Our first duty is to honor Elohim. Our second duty is to our fellow man. It is called the "Golden Rule," and is found expressed by Yeshua in Matthew 7:12: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
May the Almighty bless your week. Amen.
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 Emor ("Say!"). Includes issues concerning qualifications and consecration of priests, holy days and seasons, and offerings of oil and showbread.
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 Kedoshim, p. 655. 2. Pulpit Commentary, Eerdmans Publishing, Leviticus XX:1-27. 3. Kedoshim; chabad.org/parshah/article, p.1. 4. Song of the Lord; The Prophetic Edge, Volume IX, p,1-2.
