TORAH and GLORY SCHOOL
Torah and Glory School Parsha Commentary Course
Word and Spirit
An education ministry of Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
October, 2011
Introduction: The Torah and Glory School lessons are based upon the whole Word of God—the Torah (Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, the Tanakh (includes the remaining books of the Old Testament, also referred to as the Prophets and Writings), and the Apostolic Scriptures (entire New Testament of Brit Chadashah). Throughout our lessons we exalt Yeshua and emphasize the nature, value, and necessity of living and serving within the full, active ministry of the Holy Spirit. We believe the return of Believers to (a) the study and standards of the Torah, (b) the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh), and (c) their Hebraic heritage will usher the Body of Messiah into greater intimacy and identification with Yeshua, separate His people from the spirit of the age, and equip us more completely for discipleship and service in the end-times.
We invite you to invest one year of your life in study and spiritual growth. The Torah and Glory School offers two levels of association: 1. Reader level. The lessons are available for use to everyone. 2. Student [Talmidim] level. Here, people actually enroll in the school, commit to working our program, and invest one year of their lives into intense spiritual transformation. For information concerning the Torah and Glory School, and the process, requirements, and advantages of enrollment, click HERE. You will be taken to our school's Introduction Page where the program will be explained.
Parsha Lesson Two: Noach ("Noah")
Torah: Genesis [B'resheet] 6:9-11:32
Haftorah: Isaiah [Yeshayahu] 54:1-55:5
Brit Chadashah: Acts [Maaseh] 1:1-11
Brit Chadashah: 1 Peter [Kepha Alef] 3:18-22
Sections: 1. Welcome 2. Weekly Commentary 3. Study and Hearing 4. Prayer 5. Conclusion
Section 1: Welcome to the Word
Aleph. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with their whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in His ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently” (Psalm 119:104).
Psalm 119 is called an “alphabetic” psalm. This because it contains twenty-two stanzas of eight verses each, and every verse of each stanza begins with its own proper letter. For instance, those verses of stanza one, verses one through eight, begin with aleph. The verses of stanza two, verses nine through sixteen, begin with bet. And so the process goes for the full twenty two stanzas of the psalm. The subject of Psalm 119 is the Law. It is spoken of in nine different synonyms [similar words] including law (not restricted to Sinai Law but to His law in the most broad sense), testimonies (commands that witness to YHVH’s character), judgments (judicial pronouncements), statutes (ordinances, legislations ), words (His spoken or written utterances), precepts (instructions regarding conduct), commandments (broader moral and spiritual instructions), promise (a variant, extending to all the utterances of YHVH, and way, or ways (less often used; refers to conduct).
The way of righteousness is the opening topic. Happy, blessed, and to be envied are those whose motivation toward obedience is from the heart (read Ps. 36:10; 64:10). We are told that those who walk in His ways avoid iniquity. Finally, YHVH’s precepts are intended for careful observance.
Yeshua’s came with a mission to bless Israel, to bring encouragement, hope and good cheer, to fulfill the Word, not to oppress or humiliate. To that end He spoke of the way of happiness, the means for blessedness, and revealed to the multitudes which followed Him the very channels through which the Father has appointed His blessings to flow. Character and happiness are related. Yeshua is the living Word. The beatitudes are aspects, or beautiful facets, of His character. As this fruit is developed in us we become more like the Word which has revealed them. Welcome to the law of the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed [not merely happiness is promised here, but deep, holy joy; prosperity of soul] are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). The verse is the first Beatitude from the Sermon on the Mount, which describes the ideal character of a disciple of Yeshua. The first Beatitude reflects the essence/substance of the entire sermon. Poverty of spirit stands distinctly apart from self-sufficiency and the self-confident disposition respected today that says, "...I am rich...and have need of nothing..." Yeshua's response to this sort of attitude is, "... you do not know that you are wretched...and poor..." (Rev. 3:17). In the Sermon on the Mount, as in the synagogue at Nazareth earlier (Luke 4: 18-19), Yeshua explained His ministry on thebasis of Isaiah 61:1-2. The poor who are mentioned are not simply the peasantry or underclass of Israel; Messiah is referring primarily to those who realize that, apart from God's grace, they are absolutely devoid of wealth in their spirits. The poor in spirit admit to an unfulfilled spiritual craving, humbly realize their insufficiency and need of soul prosperity, and recognize that apart from divine help they will remain outside the threshold of the Kingdom of God. But the unassuming disposition of poor in spirit will enable them to hear and understand the Word of Messiah. "...unless you are turned and become like children [able to be led; docile], you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 18:3-4). In our world, wealth is favored and vigorously sought after, even though material wealth cannot purchase what is of true worth, which is entry into the Kingdom of God. Righteous, unpretentious people who should be appreciated as the "salt of the earth" are not particularly admired or highly valued by the world system. In the western nations public prayer is often ridiculed, but "trash talk" is becoming an art form. Nevertheless, Yahweh says He "saves those of a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:18). The poor in spirit are not boasters, but readily admit to their spiritual deficiency and need of Yeshua, and therefore possess the kingdom (that which men are exhorted to seek first) by their humility and faith. They are the first examples of godly character for today's followers of Messiah. This week step out to cultivate such a blessed disposition, bow and keep His precepts diligently, and watch the Kingdom of God with its revelations and fresh spiritual breezes open even more widely to you. Tamid Kadima—Always Forward!
Section 2: Weekly Commentary
Last week: Parsha B'resheet ("In the beginning") opened up the new year of the Torah reading cycle. Fifty-four parashiyot [parshas] are included in the 52 week year. Jewish tradition tells us that the Torah reading cycle was started by Ezra the Scribe and 120 members of the Great Assembly in the fourth century before Messiah. B'resheet, the first parashah, is the narrative of creation, Adam and Eve, sin, the promise of the seed, Cain and Abel, the godly lineage of Adam to Noah, and the Antediluvian world. In the parsha YHVH's Word establishes Him as the Creator who has the right to administrate His creation. B'resheet revealed--by Eden and the Garden, and the original fellowship Adam and Eve had with Him--Yahweh's original vision and intent for the world and mankind—the worship of the one true Elohim. From His promise of the seed, we learn that the unholy things of the world will all eventually give way to the restoration of the Kingdom of God in the earth. This will be accomplished through Israel, His chosen, anointed nation.
This week: Parsha Noach ("Noah") is this week’s study. From the time of Adam to that of Noah, mankind had journeyed for centuries downhill into increasing sin and wickedness until, at last, judgment was decreed on the manifold, runaway corruption. The story of Noah is the story ofthe great Flood and salvation. He and his family were destined to become the postdiluvian ancestors of the entire human race.
"...and I (however others may treat you) will give you rest" (Mt. 11:28). Yeshua is not going to remove responsibilities and purposeful labors from those who come to Him, rather He will provide restoration and refreshment for the soul, and inspiration, for what YHVH may have prepared for them. So it was with Noah. Noah means rest. At first glance the name for the parsha seems out of place, since we have learned that the name of each parasha/prarashat reveals its essential lesson, its basic essence, its core message. After all, the time just preceding and during the flood was turbulent, certainly not peaceful. But as we read we discover the name Noah, or rest, is a very appropriate title for our Torah. The flood became the divine means for purging the world of the violence and corruption which kept it in an inflexible, hopeless state of turmoil, agitation, and perversity. The antediluvian earth’s societies were corrupted beyond redemption. The condition, character and behavior of men became immutably evil, and were locked into a state of moral and spiritual degeneration. There was no remedy for correction and change, no way toward peace, except by a total cleansing of the earth. The flood was the cure for the planet’s ailment and the means of a new beginning. The flood waters regenerated the earth, and prepared it for newness and change. When Noah and his family disembarked from the ark, though they were probably cautious in their new surroundings, nevertheless rejoiced in YHVH's peace which was present to greet them. They were in a totally new world! Holy sacrifices were made to give thanks to the Most High. The little society, along with the many animals and the entire countryside, were finally at rest. It is this way for Believers who trust and abide in Yeshua, the Ark of salvation. When we come to Him, we make a transition as did Noah, only our passage is from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light and rest for our souls. "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:13). The Kingdom of God is new territory for redeemed man, and separated from the world, sin, and spiritual darkness. "Go out from among them and be ye separate" (2 Cor. 6:17). It is not the inferior kingdom of fallen angels, as was that of Noah, but that of Elohim's own eternal Son, a kingdom which cannot be shaken but will endure forever. In Elohim's Kingdom, Messiah Yeshua rules by His Word (Torah) and Spirit, the blessings are never diminished despite the great numbers that enter, and the subjects are all kings and priests. In the Book of Revelation we read of the new song the twenty four elders sang when they fell down before the Lamb "...saying, Thou are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed [purchased] us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we will reign on earth" (Rev. 5:9-10 KJV). [Note: Today, the Spirit is leading Believers to make another transition; to make a "cross-over" as did Abraham when he left Mesopotamia and crossed over a boundary into Canaan. Believers are being called in the same way, only we are leaving traditional, institutional Christianity and crossing over to (1) the fullness of our Hebraic origins and (2) the renewal of Holy Spirit. Elohim has spoken personally to many, saying: "Thus says the YHVH, Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls" (Jer.6:16a). Like Noah and Abraham, you are one who has heard and is being prompt to go forward.]
Torah
Torah Note #2: The Torah [instruction, teaching, Law] is composed of B'resheet (In the beginning.../Genesis), Shemoth (The names.../Exodus), Vayiqra (And He called.../Leviticus), Bamidbar (In the wilderness.../Numbers), and Devarim (The words.../Deuteronomy). The Hebrew names are derived from the first words of each of the Torah books. These five ancient books, also called the Pentateuch, are part of the Old Testament, or what the Jews call the Tanach. In Hebrew, the Tanach is an acrostic, or the combined abbreviations for: (1) Torah, the first five books. (2) Navi'm (prophets), a section that includes Joshua, Judges Samuel, Kings, and the prophets (both major and minor). The Navi'm narrative starts where the Torah ends. (3) Ketuvim (writings), which includes Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles. Therefore the Torah can also refer to the entirety of Jewish Scriptures and be said to encompass all Jewish law and religious teachings. To be technical, "the Torah" refers to the first five books, also called Chumash ["five"]. "Torah" without the article, refers to the whole body [corpus]of written and Oral law. This includes the Mishna (evaluations of the law), Gemara (analysis of Mishna), Midrash (exegesis; compiled homiletic commentary), Talmud (central text of Judaism), and piles of legal commentaries. The Torah, in which all redemption doctrine has its roots, is the foundation of the Christian's Bible.
1. "These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God" (B'resheet 6:9).
Noah [Noyach in Hebrew, meaning "rest"] was a just man. His heart was sincere and upright before his Maker, trusting in the promise of the seed of the woman. "Then God said to Noah, the end of all flesh has come before Me" (B'resheet 6:13). YHVH was not seeking the ruination of mankind, but the wicked, injurious, corrupt condition of human society had risen as an unrelenting stench into the face of the Almighty with such persistence and volume that the remedy could no longer be delayed. "The earth [refers to men who had become wholly defiled, totally lacking any redeeming qualities] is filled with violence through them" (B'resheet 6:13). Judgment was pronounced--the universal, supernaturally wrought destruction of unrepentant man and the cleansing/washing of the defiled lands was decreed--but God remembered the righteous, as He does always. Noah was commissioned: "Make thee an ark." The appointed task would be a test a faith and prove to be the means of salvation for his family. So, though
threatened by the growing wickedness of humans, endangered by the violence of the Nephilim [offspring of “the sons of god” and the “daughters of men;” giants; hybrids], and pressed by the prospect of a flood, Noah proceeded by faith with his preaching and building, and eventually completed the arduous construction task. "I will show you my faith by my works..." (James 2:18). It is for the building of the ark, a good work if there ever was one, that Noah is most remembered. "According to the Midrash, the Torah means to teach that the 'primary offspring' of the righteous are their good deeds, for the worthwhile things that a person does are his primary legacy." [Chumash, Stone Edition pg. 30] The faithfulness and labor of Noah bring Yeshua's words to mind: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works [faith works/obedience to His voice], and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Mt. 5:16). Each individual's legacy is comprised of the good works and the fruit of transformed lives left behind after he or she, having served Yeshua, has passed to glory. Some insist Noah's legacy is still somewhat intact and covered with ice in the heights of the Ararat range. Maybe. But may our perspective not be earthly, but heavenly, as was Paul’s who wrote: “…we preach…warning…and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect [complete] in Messiah Yeshua” (Col. 1:28). Note: We understand from the Greek word teleion, which translated means “perfect,” that perfection of character or absolutely blameless behavior is not implied, but that “perfect” refers to maturity and intimacy of relationship with YHVH that produces love and obedience toward Him and a lifestyle of holy devotion and service to others. This sort of “perfect,” mature lifestyle will fulfill the requirements of the commandments of Messiah (Mt. 22:39).
Though he lived in a time of universal corruption and violence, Noah was similar to Enoch. He was blameless; that is, he was reverent and walked in God’s ways and truth as he understood them, with sincerity of heart, unleavened with hypocrisy. His mouth and life proclaimed righteousness. And he heard from the Almighty. We learn: A. “The secret of YHVH is with them that fear [reverence] Him, and He will show them His covenant.” B. The Ark is a type of the Body of Messiah, safely sealed in Him and washed in the waters of the Holy Spirit.
2. "Then the Lord said to Noah, Enter the ark, you and your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time. You shall take with you of every clean animal by sevens, a male and his female..." (B'resheet 7:1-2).
Noah and his family entered the ark at the last minute, which is an implication drawn from the wording, "...because of the waters of the flood" (V. 7). He may have been reluctant, hoping for a last minute reprieve from heaven or repentance from the populace. Neither one happened. When they did enter, YHVH shut the door to the ark behind them. The flood lifted the ark, and the mounting turbulent waters, which sages say were hot like those of hot springs, tossed the large craft about while trees were uprooted and buildings swept away. Quickly the flood waters, the origin of which was both from above and beneath, inundated the world. Everything that breathed perished in the ravaging waters. The deluge was a type of Mikvah [bath/baptism] for the earth, and cleansed it from the defilement incurred through centuries of absorbing the spillage of innocent blood.
“And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark” (v.7).
Noah was “shut in” the Ark. Thus he was shut in to obedience, and therefore shut in to peace and safety. The sons of disobedience were shut out, by choice, and were caught up in the ruin of the world.
“And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and YHVH shut him in…and the waters increased, and bare up the ark…” (v. 16).
We see in the narrative of the Ark the truth that choice is ever the work, the daily errand, of man. Set before him is the broad way or the narrow, the Ark or the flood waters, the confinement of the Ark or the comforts of home, the frail craft or flight to the mountain tops, leaning on his own understanding or trusting in YHVH. But Believers have made their choice. Our refuge is in Messiah Yeshua, and He bids everyone to come to Him (Rom. 3:22). When we come to Him by faith we are secure from judgment that comes upon a world convinced of its safety and unconvinced of the warnings of YHVH’s Word. One day His holy city, Jerusalem, will be a refuge also, as the prophet hath said: “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth Thee. Trust ye in YHVH forever: for in YHVH there is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:2-4). When He knocks, open the door, invite Him in, close the door, and remain shut in with Him while storms rage outside…and enjoy the most blessed fellowship (Rev. 3:10).
3. "But God remembered Noah...Now it came about in the six hundred and first year, in the first month...the water dried up from the earth" (B'resheet 8: 1,13).
During their confinement in the ark, Noah and his family cared for the animals which may have been divinely induced into some sort of hibernation for the voyage (see 1 Sam. 26:12). YHVH remembered Noah and mercy prevailed as the seas began to recede. May Israel this day--"Give thanks to YHVH, for He is good; For His loving-kindness is everlasting" (Ps. 118:1-2).
The flood story, the narrative of the fulfillment of the divine Word spoken to Noah, provides us with four succinct truths: A. "It is impossible for God to lie" (Heb. 6:18). B. "There is nothing to hard for YHVH" (Gen. 18:14). C. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb. 10:31). D. "...His mercy endureth forever" (Ezra 3:11). Amen!
4. "Then Noah built an altar to the Lord..." (B'resheet 8:20).
Noah was commanded to leave the ark and enter the world again. He went forth with his wife, his sons and their wives, and probably pitched their tents close to the ark, being apprehensive over periodic showers. Noah built an altar to sacrifice the clean animals taken from the boat as burnt offerings to YHVH. The earth was thereby sanctified as the smoke of the innocent sacrifices ascended heavenward.
"And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, be fruitful..." (B'resheet 9:1).
YHVH blessed Noah and his family, and made a covenant with him called the Noahic Covenant. It was a covenant for humankind accompanied by a sacrifice and attested to by the appearance of a rainbow. The Noahic Covenant sanctioned the repopulation of the earth, eating animal flesh, protection of human life by judicially declaring it sacrosanct, execution as the punishment for murder [capital crimes], and the institution of human government for societal order. Summarily, it provided divine permission and endorsement for the increase, protection, and sustenance of the human family, and affirmed YHVH's care and goodness for mankind. We learn from the chapter that (a) YHVH’s grace is seen in His dealing with fallen man by way of covenant, (b) YHVH’s faithfulness is seen in His adherence to His covenant despite the sinfulness and unfaithfulness of man, and (c) man’s enduring hope is seen by him being placed under a covenant of mercy and grace. He loves us.
“Noah, a man of the soil proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk…” (vs.20-21).
Wine is first mentioned here and it is associated with shame and sin. Intoxicating beverages are the cause of much trouble, as we see in this episode of Noah and his sons, and thus Scripture exhorts abstinence from strong drink as the standard for leaders (Lev. 10:9; Jud. 13:4-7; Prov. 31:4; Nu. 6:3; Prov. 23:31; 1 Th. 5:6; Tit. 2:2).
5. "Now these are the records of the generation of Shem, Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah" (B'resheet 10:1).
Here we have an important ethnological [national/racial] table, a tabulation [table of arrangement] of the sons of Noah, their descendants, and the designation of the seventy nations of the human race. The list is valuable for studying the history and geographical distributions of Noah's generations, it also enables the researchers to track the genealogical descent of the woman's seed, and check the fulfillments of Scriptural prophecies concerning the seventy nations of the earth. The register of names declares the early unity of the race. We have all come forth from common stock. The register declares also the division of the human race during the days of Peleg, and its geographical distribution to distinct portions of the planet.
6. "Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words. It came about as they journeyed...they said, Let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name...So the Lord scattered them abroad...(B'resheet 11:1-4,8).
Following the flood, the conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world is symbolized by the narrative of Nimrod, a story of ambition. There we see the world's return to ungodliness, rebellion and the rejection of monotheism, the rule of the One True Elohim, the Creator. This was expressed in the building of the unholy city and tower on the Plains of Shinar by men migrating from the east. Eden, by then, was a distant memory. Before the flood it probably had been the antediluvian world's worship center, where people could come by a blood sacrifice near to the Shechinah presence that was between the Cherubim which had remained in the Garden. That day was gone. The next, fixed world worship center for the true Elohim would wait until Israel was settled and Solomon's Temple was commissioned. The Tower of Babel [Migdal Bavel in Hebrew] was an enormous tower structure built in the ancient city of Babylon, the capital of Nimrod's kingdom. The builders were ambitious and wanted to make for themselves a great "name," and build their own world worship center, a new Eden, to glorify themselves and establish what would have become an oppressive, controlling world religion. The affair was a humanistic, godless project that honored no authority other than its own. At completion, the demonically-inspired enterprise would have become, in all likelihood, the world-center for occultic crafts and sciences. These proud builders did not want to "dwell in the tents of Shem' (Gen. 9:27), but openly disdained Noah's prophesied spiritual pre-eminence of the line of Shem, and probably hoped to preempt it. Or, they simply fell prey to the lust for glory and power resident and powerful within fallen human nature and were thereby driven forward in the rebellious, unholy, doomed enterprise. We learn quickly from Nimrod's display of arrogance in the face of YHVH that, if anyone must be ambitious, let him direct it towards sanctification and righteousness, as only holy pursuits prosper the souls and societies of men. “We are ambassadors for Messiah” (2 Cor.5:20).
The people of one language and purpose started their work hopefully, and with determination and enthusiasm. According to the narrative, progress seems to have been made, but suddenly, "they left off to build the city." YHVH had come down to inspect their "works of wood, hay, stubble" and found them "wanting," lacking the divine inspiration, characteristics, standards, and building code of His Kingdom. Thus, they were judged. The people were chastised, and their single language, which had unified them, was divided into many languages. Being unable to communicate as before, they were scattered abroad. The unfinished work they left behind was called Babel, meaning "confusion." The name represents to this day the fruit of man's foolish rebellion against the Most High Elohim. [Note: Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews) declared that the tower was blown down by a strong wind.]
There are lessons we can glean from the Tower of Babel episode that are worthy of our thoughtfulness: First, misguided ambition (a common trait) leads to sin. The spirit behind the Tower of Babel was the confederate anti-Messiah spirit. It is in the world today, opposes the Torah and the Spirit of Truth, and fosters confusion and pride among men. It spins biblical values in society until right and wrong blend, good and bad become relative, truth becomes suspect, man becomes the center of life, not YHVH, and so forth. As this principality manipulates men and women into habitual sin, they become enlarged in their own estimation because their faith in and opinion of Elohim has been diminished. He thus becomes inconsequential to them, and when that happens, all godly restraints against corruption are thrown off. This occurs subtly and more easily than most may think. Hence, the saints are admonished: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10:12). We must always remain in the Spirit. Secondly, it is futile to try to resist the Almighty. He will cause His prophetic word to come to pass and His Kingdom to come forth regardless of what we think, say, or do. "He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision" (Ps. 2:4). The answer: Cooperate! Thirdly, YHVH's power is unlimited, unabated, irresistible, and works through His people to fulfill His purposes. Peter prayed concerning ministry in Jerusalem, "...extend your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of your holy servant Yeshua. And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit..." (Acts 4:29-31). We need the supernatural power of the Spirit, and its accompanying boldness and faith, at least as much now as did Peter and the disciples when he prayed. Fourthly, YHVH's ability to confound and scatter the tower builders is matched by His competence to effectively gather, re-educate, and reconcile into one, the two houses of Israel, Judah and Ephraim [i.e., make the One New Man]. "Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in My hand" (Ezek 37:19). When believers take their place in the Hebrew roots movement, return faithfully to the basics of their Hebraic heritage, support Judah and the land of Israel, and work toward the reconciliation of Messianic saints, they are participating in the fulfillment of prophecy. "Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by..." (Mt. 2:17). Fifthly, we should always be awed at YHVH's poetic justice. On one hand, at Babel the rebellious were given divided tongues that confused and scattered the people. On the other hand, on the Day of Pentecost disciples were given cloven tongues and spoke what was heard as (or were) foreign languages that unified them in Messiah and holy love. On one hand, the earthly clay Tower of Babel rose from the baked, cracked soil, and was soon cursed and abandoned. On the other hand, we see in the Book of revelation the New Jerusalem, heavenly and golden, descending to crown the New Earth, blessed and prepared for the Bride of Yeshua. And what are the returning Israelites, who are being summoned from the nations and from every tongue [language], doing? Many are turning to the study of a single language [always a great means of unifying and identifying people with a culture], in particular, Hebrew. Amazing! Our Abba is very good in turning upside-down-things right side up, at the right time, in precisely the right way and in front of the faces of awe-struck people. "Surely I will uphold you [turn you upright] with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). Sixthly, the Believer’s job is to build up the fallen tabernacle of David and prepare the way for the tabernacle of Elohim to be among men (Heb. 12:22; Rev. 21:3).
7. "These are the records of the descendants of Shem" (B'resheet 11:10).
This section, stating the generations of Shem, "...reverts to the main purpose of the inspired narrative, which is to trace the onward development of the line of promise; and this it does by carrying forward the genealogical history of the holy seed through ten generations [from Shem] until it reaches Abram." In this record we trace the continued separation of Godly seed. This was one of the reasons for the scattering of man, that Israel would in time have her own land and sovereignty. We also take note in this chapter that life spans greatly and systematically decreased. Whether the shortened life span is due to the change of postdiluvian environmental conditions, the deterioration of the human race in general, or simply was ordained by Elohim, it serves as a guilty and condemned race with regular notice that "it is appointed unto tall men to die once, and then the judgment." Living nine-hundred years or more in today's world may not be a welcome prospect to everybody. [Eerdmans, Genesis, p. 170.]
8. “Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot” (verse 11).
We observe finally that a separation of the chosen, holy seed is occurring, and also that the life spans are shortening dramatically. Verses 10 through 32 unfolds a “genealogy of Shem and of Terah, in order to set forth clearly the position of Abraham and that of his nephew Lot, and their connection with Ur of the Chaldees and Canaan. The chosen family is about to be separated from their country, but we are not told there was no light of God shining in Ur of the Chaldees. Probably there was the tradition of Shem’s knowledge handed down [secured, maintained] through the generations. Arphaxad [Shem’s son] was born two years after the flood; Salah, thirty-seven years Eber, sixty-seven years; Peleg, one hundred and one years; Reu, one hundred and thirty-one years; Serug, one hundred and sixty-three years; Nahor, one hundred and ninety-three years; Terah, the father of Abram, two hundred and twenty-two years—no great length of time for traditions to be preserved. The call of Abram was not merely his separation from idolatry, but his consecration to the special vocation of founding the religious institutions which were connected to his family.” [1] Shem carried, preserved, and disseminated the knowledge of Elohim that his father Noah had taught him into the new, postdiluvian world.
Haftorah
1. "Shout for joy, O barren one, you who have borne no child; Break forth into joyful shouting and cry aloud, you who have travailed...enlarge the place of your tents...for you will spread abroad to the right and to the left..." (Isaiah 54:1-3).
Isaiah the prophet proclaimed judgments on Judah, Israel, and the nations, but also the blessing of all nations that would come through Messiah and restored Israel. His message was that through judgment the Almighty brings repentance, salvation, righteousness, restoration and comfort. In the haftorah, Jerusalem is being compared, or characterized, as a woman devoid of children. Yet, despite this lamentable condition, she is enjoined to rejoice. The reason for gladness is the promise that people will return and repopulate the city and towns. The prophet assures Jerusalem and Israel that Yahweh has remembered them, not forsaken them. The passage relates Jerusalem's and Israel's redemption to the promise Elohim made to Noah in our parsha: "...neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth" (B'resheet 9:11). In the same way, He said to Judah and the people of Jerusalem through the prophet Isaiah: "For the mountains may move and the hills might collapse, but My kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of My peace collapse" (Isa. 54:10).
Yeshua: The Living Torah "I did not come to abolish but fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
1. "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood" (B'resheet 9:14).
Noah was a man whose character was not shaped by the world around him or by his contemporaries. His heart was right before the Almighty and open to His voice. Noah was commanded to built an ark, according to specific details, for the safety of himself and his family from the oncoming judgment of flood waters. Mankind was under the sentence of death and this was YHVH's appointed means of deliverance and safety. "The Lord hath made known His salvation." The genealogical line of the woman's seed (Genesis 3:15) would be preserved in this way.
Noah's life teaches us: A. It is possible to be righteous and pure in an unclean, violent world. B. Only a person who is in regular, close communion with the Elohim of Israel will not be overcome by the subtle and corrosive sin/wickedness of the age. C. Faith is not alive and present where obedience to the Word is absent. Strong, growing, and enduring faith exists only in the environment of obedience (Heb. 11:8). Pious Noah was prompt in his obedience. He persevered in his peculiar construction work, and eventually was successful in finishing an enormous, water-tight ark. It was the marvel of the region, probably a grand tourist attraction.
The object of faith for Messianic Israel is Messiah Yeshua, not just the doctrine of His salvation or the teaching of Hebrew roots. In other words, to "make yourself an ark" entails more than believing Yeshua is the Deliverer, it means actually taking refuge in Him by walking in His ways.
2. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me" (John 12:32).
In a number of ways the ark is a type of Yeshua. "...and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift [lifted] up above the earth" (B'resheet 7:17). We will list a few: A. The ark was a refuge from the flood, the storm. Yeshua is our Refuge. "Having been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him...reconciled to God...saved by His life" (Rom. 5:9-10). B. Noah was invited into the ark. "Come into the ark..." Yeshua invites men to His rest also. "Come to Me, all you who are weary...and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11:28). C. Noah and all that entered the ark were secure. "...and the Lord shut him in" When we trust Yeshua our salvation we are "sealed with the Holy Spirit." He said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37). D. All that entered the ark came into it by the same door. There was only one: "...and set the [only] door of the ark in its side" (v. 16). Ultimately there are two classes of people, two alone. There are those who will meet judgment and those who are forgiven through faith in the blood of Yeshua. Our Passover Lamb is the only way to salvation and the only door to heaven. "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved" (John 10:9). Scripture states clearly all matters concerning eternal life. The Master said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life [His life was in His blood which was shed for us]. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Yeshua is our strong Ark.
The Holy Spirit "But you will receive power..." (Acts 1:8).
The Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) was active in creation, as we have seen (B’reshiet 1:2; Job 33:4). He imparted life to Elohim’s creatures (B’reshiet 2:7; Job 33:4; Ps. 104:30). He lives in true followers of Yeshua (Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 6:15-20; 2 Cor. 3:3; Eph. 1:13; Heb. 6:4 1 Jn. 3:24; 4:13).
1. "...and Elohim caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided" (B'resheet 8:1).
There are scholars/commentators who use the word spirit for wind, in this verse. It is said the wind/spirit settled, and caused the waters to cease surging, closed the sources of the deluge, and thus loosed the flood to recede. On the first of Sivan, 150 days from when the rain ended, the bottom of the ark came to rest on the mountain range of Ararat. In the tenth month after the beginning of the flood the mountain tops appeared. Noah and his family waited, and left the ark when Elohm [He who controls nature] so commanded.
2. "Then Elohim spoke to Noah, saying, Go out of the ark..." (B'resheet 8:15-16).
Noah discerned the divine Voice telling him when to enter the ark, and Noah heard Him when Elohim told him to leave, also. ["Timing is everything," we have heard it said. This adage will prove true in the history of Israel as we read the Torah cycle this year.] Noah heard and obeyed the voice of the Almighty. His obedience was immediate and demonstrated complete trust. As a result of his timely responses, enduring labor, and steadfast faith and patience, Noah's salvation, and that of his household, was assured. Note: Faith that transfigures the soul, revolutionizes character and priorities, and produces good works, is saving faith, according to James 2:14-17. Paul, upon his conversion, intuitively knew that his conversion and faith were not simply a personal, private matter, but incorporated domestic and national responsibilities as well. "Lord, what would you have me to do?" Acts 9:6).
3. "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the 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" (John 16:13).
Hearing the voice/word of the Lord and being led directly by His Spirit, as was Noah, are privileges of our redemption in Yeshua, and evidences of intimacy of fellowship. They are also our duty. Because of this, the subject of "hearing the voice, or word, of the Spirit" is a sensible starting point for the year. During the course of the year we will discuss the Holy Spirit in relation to revelation, Yeshua, the Ecclesia-Kahal, individual Believers, and sinners (unconverted).
The maturing sons of Elohim are to be led as a way of life and ministry by the Holy Spirit. Redeemed Israel should be both a Torah-honoring and a Spirit-led people. But not every Believer, for whatever reason, can or wants to hear the Almighty when He speaks. But you and I can hear His voice even at a higher level, if we so desire. He sincerely wants to communicate, as a divine Parent to His children, and is always ready for interaction with personal exhortations, edifications, instructions, and encouragements to impart. Yeshua desires intimacy and regular close fellowship in personal exchanges with each of His beloved followers. Isaiah reveals the cry of YHVH for His people: "Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken and hear my speech" (Isa. 28:23). He is ready for dialogue! The ministry of the Holy Spirit is one of communication! "He will teach you..." (John 14:26). This is a favorable time to begin your journey of (a) cultivating holy communications with Yeshua--both through the Word and the voice Set-Apart Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh), and (b) perfecting your discernment and response in being led by the Spirit. Have faith for new things. He will reveal Himself to you.
Yeshua said of the Holy Spirit, "...I will send Him to you" (John 16:7). The coming of the Spirit to His followers was a foremost anticipation of the Messiah. Because the topic of the Holy Spirit is always so important and timely, this would be a very good year for us to pursue it in earnest, and as a result come to know Him and be more responsive to Him than ever before. With that purpose in mind, we will study the ministry and reality of the Holy Spirit week by week in our lessons, learn also about the manifest glory of Elohim, and practice functioning in His anointing in our table-class groups.
There are several things to remember concerning hearing the voice of the Almighty and being led by the Spirit. [Note: His ministry includes teaching, comforting, transfiguring, empowering, and directing the Body of Messiah in life and ministry, through His gifts, fruit, administrations, and offices. He has a big job description.] Of course, He speaks, and communicates the Word of the Lord to the saints for their edification, instruction, and comfort. His voice/word can be heard audibly, within ourselves or without, as we have observed with Adam, Noah, the Patriarchs, and others. Today, however, His voice also takes the form of divinely illuminated words [rhema: special word given; personal revelation] from Scripture, imparted impressions and ideas, and gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12). To communicate personally, the Spirit of Elohim will speak/move within a Believers regenerated, "born-again" spirit (which He indwells at conversion to Yeshua), and through the spirit live in the soul/mind. He speaks Spirit to spirit, Mind to mind, Heart to heart, and in that way, Face to face. You will often feel His presence rise up in you, actually displace discouragement, give you peace and hope, and lift your countenance. Remember, you are a Torah-honoring, Spirit person. Obey the Word. Walk in the wisdom of His Torah and under the influence/cloud of His Glory.
A. When the Ruach speaks to us (conveys to us) His word, there will arise within us an inward knowing accompanied by peace, rest, trust, confidence, assurance, and clarity. Yeshua will be exalted. His voice/word is always in full agreement with Scripture, and confirmed by witnesses when necessary. His peace within is the umpire which declares "safe" or "out" to each thought, word, idea, and impression that bears upon the soul. [See: 1 Cor. 2:13; John 14:27; Isaiah 30:15; 2 Cor. 1:20; 13:1]
B. When the enemy (demonic influences) speaks, or brings impressions to us, the consequence of listening will usually be fear, unease, doubt of Scripture, conflict, confusion, agitation, restlessness, guilt, and the like. Further, Yeshua will not be magnified. [2 Tim. 1:7; James 3:16]
C. When the carnal/flesh nature speaks, and sends its messages, we can discern the voice by its fruit also: double-mindedness, carnality, pride, lust, timidity, fear, doubt (again), and hesitancy to believe Yahweh. Practice distinguishing between the various voices, thoughts, ideas, impressions, and words that contend daily for our attention and allegiance.
Since Yeshua desires to communicate directly with you by His Word and Spirit on an intimate, personal level, completely dedicate this year [by exercise and practice; see Sections 3 and 4] to hearing, learning, and responding to His voice As you seek Him you will find yourself enjoying greater intimacy with your Redeemer, and becoming more receptive to His growing anointing and joyful in His tangible presence. By the end of your commitment, you will be better empowered to fulfill your end-time role in His Body, Israel.
We want to stress the point that Believers in this hour should desire and expect our lives, ministries, and assemblies to be characterized by the same presence and power of the Holy Spirit that were evident in the early Nazarene ecclesia. The Ruach’s ministry was never intended to abate or cease with the passing of the original apostles, as some teach. The power, miracles, gifts, and inspired spiritual standards of the early Believers remain valid, and are needed as much today as they were in the past. Messianic Israel must represent the ministry of Yeshua in the fullness of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Glory Note # 2: The glory of Elohim is the beauty of His divine goodness. It is His renown. He is worthy to be worshiped, praised and honored by His creation for His love, holiness, everlasting mercy. "...for God is love" (1 John 4:8). His glory is His resplendent magnificence made manifest in a divine display of radiant light to be seen by witnesses. "...God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). His glory can fill the earth, but also fill a man. It can be a fire upon and a fire within: "Then the cloud [We are confident that it was not a grey rain cloud. It was a radiant glory cloud.] covered the tent of meeting, and the [Shechinah] glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it [Spirit of glory], and the glory [tangible, weighty presence] of the Lord [YHVH]" filled the tabernacle" (Ex. 40:34-35). God's glory, as an outward manifestation, is tangible and can be felt like a weight. [There have been many people (as you probably know) who have experienced this glory by being held to the floor and resting under His Kabod ("weight") while the Spirit did a miraculous, life-changing work within them. This is becoming more common today in gatherings of saints who are hungry for His touch.] Yahweh's glory can also be seen inwardly, by the fruit of the Spirit in man, for instance. Yahweh's glory bears upon man, and transforms him, both inwardly and outwardly. His glory produces good works because it is the "Essence" of Who He is--the eternal, infinite, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, absolutely pure Creator and King of the universe, and Redeemer of mankind. In Exodus, we read about the glory of YHVH coming and abiding both within and upon the tabernacle when it was erected by Moses (Exo. 40:34). With regards to believers today, His glory, as manifested by the Holy Spirit, is also: A. Within us. "And there appeared unto them tongues of fire distributing themselves and they rested on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance" (Acts 2:3-4). With the regeneration by the Spirit, the convert to Messiah has the essence of the Torah written within the heart and mind. B. Upon us. "...you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of Elohim rests on you" (1 Peter 4:14). [Some manuscripts use the words: "...the Spirit of glory, and of power, and of Elohim..."] The Holy Spirit is the eternal Spirit of glory and power Who possesses the divine attributes of Elohim. He proceeds from the Father, ministers His goodness in the earth, and displays to man His Shekhinah glory. This same Spirit of goodness and power dwells in and rests upon those who trust in and follow Messiah. We are modern day "tabernacles of the Spirit," today's "tents of meeting" where the Holy One lives and communes. This is why the apostle Peter exhorted early Jewish believer to rejoice regardless of their circumstances. We should rejoice also. When the Spirit fills us, the enemy cannot enter with his disturbances. When the Spirit of glory is resting upon us, the fiery darts of the enemy are quenched and we reside in His peace. We want to study the Torah in order to learn Yahweh's commandments, principles, and wisdom, and then walk in them to better know and glorify Him. In so doing, we directly and/or indirectly contribute to improving the estate of our fellow man, which parlays into a more blessed life for everyone. We also want to dedicate the year to better understanding His glory and experiencing His presence. Let us make room for the "Spirit of glory and of Elohim" in our lives, personal prayer times, and corporate gatherings. The success of our meetings, large or small, should be gauged not by the attendance, or good teaching and dancing, but in the notable presence and activity of the Spirit of Elohim in and upon His people. "Did the glory fill the tent?"
Next week we will begin a systematic discussion on the glory of Elohim by presenting various definitions and expositions from the Scriptures which will expand our understanding and appreciation of the goodness of the Almighty, and stir up with a greater desire to experience His actual presence. As usual, the Torah will be the foundation of our study. Our goal for this valuable study is significant. We want to know the Holy One of Israel more intimately by knowledge, obedience, faith, and personal encounter. After all, the Word that was in the hand of Moses when he descended Sinai, and the glory radiating on his face, are now in us and are part of us--individually and corporately! We know YHVH is nearby to all people, for the inspired writer stated: “That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us: for in Him we live, and move, and have our being…” (Heb. 17:27-28). Redeemed Israel's heritage is His Torah and His manifested glory! Hence, it is highly consequential to not only study Torah, but learn of and become intimate with, by instruction and experience, the "Spirit of glory and of God" of Who Apostle Peter spoke.
Parsha Summary
1. "These are the records of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran become the father of Lot" (B'resheet 11:27).
A new branch, or subdivision, of genealogical history opens with these verses. Abram and Nahor married their brides, Sarai and Milcah. Both couples formed homes and lived in Ur. Nahor and Milcah eventually had children and settled in Haran. Abram and Sarai had no children, moved to Canaan, and there pitched their tent. So we find the line of the promise going forward, but being narrowed. What does this have to do with Noah? The parsha is about the preservation of the human race, and traces the history of the generations of man to them that carried the promise of the seed of the woman, the prophecy of a coming Redeemer Who would come and restore dominion back to man and divine order back to the earth.
2. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such, turn away" (2 Tim. 3:1). Paul is telling Timothy what will occur in the latter days. Because we have His sure Word, redeemed Israel will not be found eating and drinking, or asleep at the switch, as were those of Noah's day. By His grace, we will be watching, and our lamps will be filled with oil.
Hear His Voice
“Come close to God and He will come close to you” (James 4:8). It is the Almighty who first gives the impulse for anyone to draw nigh unto Him, and then He, out of love and compassion, draws near to the one who responds to the initial divinely sent impulse. He stirs us to pray and call out to Him and then He Himself listens intently. But not every Believer wants to come close to Him or spend the time necessary to hear His voice, develop intimacy, and invest in spiritual growth. Have you heard (sensed) His impulse, His call to closer fellowship? Developing spiritual intimacy with Yeshua and learning to discern His voice involves time. Yet we make time for the things are important to us. Distractions and discouragements will assail the progressing Believer daily, but if knowing Messiah and hearing from Him are important we will make the time for them. It is a good idea to build our schedules this year around spending time with Him and listening for His word, and not just growing in knowledge. Such a commitment to friendship with the Master is a long-term but highly profitable venture. If we want to consistently hear from Him, then seeking Him must become a priority. “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear [understand or perceive] them now. Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:12-13). The Paraclete would come upon and dwell in the Saints, glorify Yeshua, empower apostolic ministry, and impart revelation. We have the same Spirit. His ministry has not ceased. He has many things to say to you and me also. Hear from Him. Receive wisdom and be changed.
You have read the commentary. Now, enter into Section 3 and read all the parsha Scriptures for yourself. As you do, listen for His Voice, His Word, and expect to hear from the Spirit.
Section 3: Personal Parsha Study.
"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 includes the Torah and the Glory of YHVH. The two are the foremost revelations of His love, holiness, and perfection. The glory of Elohim is 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 Method: "...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 3 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 bless 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.
Trust in the Ruach HaKodesh to guide and teach you from His Word. In the week’s readings listed below, find common themes. Look for types of Messiah Yeshua. Listen for His Voice.
Scriptures and Questions: Now, read through the parsha while allowing the Spirit illuminate the Scriptures, and then answer the questions using your own words.
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).
Genesis [B'resheet] 6:9-11:32: Account of righteous Noah and his family/ YHVH's Judgment pronounced/Ark/Flood/Waters cease/ Flood waters recede/Noah's altar and sacrifices/Noahic Covenant/Drunkenness/Babel/Dispersion.
Isaiah [Yeshayahu] 54:1-55:5: YHVH's love for Israel is everlasting.
John [Yochanan] 12:32: In the passage Yeshua foretells His death.1 Peter [Kepha Alef] 3:18-22: Baptism of the body is a declaration of faith. But only the blood of Messiah Yeshua can cleanse our consciences and remove (not just cover) our sins. [Note: There is an ongoing dispute in the ranks of Christianity over how water baptism should be performed/conducted--by sprinkling, or by full immersion. The fact that water baptism points to Spirit baptism should help resolve the contention. How would you like to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, by having a slight trickling of His presence and power placed upon your forehead...or by full immersion into His presence, power, and holy fire? One baptism speaks of convenience, ease, religion. The other is a bolder, faith statement, one of a strong desire for commitment, relationship, and rich fellowship.]
Study Questions: "...be ready always to give an answer..." (1 Peter 3:15).
1a. In your opinion, what is the main theme or teaching of each of the listed readings individually? Starting with the Torah: What is its title? What is the interpretation? What truth/idea does the interpretation of the title suggest? What is the Torah section's main truth, as you see it?
1b. What is the corresponding idea in the Haftorah? In 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.
4. In what way was the glory of YHVH [manifestations of His goodness] revealed in the parsha lesson?
5. What does the parsha teach you about your Hebrew roots, your identity, your destiny, your duty?
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.
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.
It is helpful to share your answers, insights, and revelations with your study group (table class). We recommend meeting regularly in a small group. This allows for healthy interaction and exchange, and militates against stagnation. Practice operating with your spiritual gifts under the anointing of the Holy Spirit while among your friendly, supportive peers. Allow for open participation in leading praise and worship. Give altar calls at your table for healing, refreshing, and prophetic words. These are effective ways for all present to mature in their calling and gifting. The non-threatening small group provides a favorable and encouraging environment in which to learn the ministry of the Spirit.
Section 4: Prayer, Declaration, and Blessing
“And I will bless them that bless thee” (B’resheit 12:3).
Suggestion: Be sure to participate each week in the Bless the Land prayer, declaration, and singing exercise/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, singing psalms, and intercessions--will most definitely help develop and enlarge your prophetic anointing and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Further, practicing ministry in this way will help prepare you (us) for singing and proclaiming Scriptures, psalms, and Spirit-inspired Songs of the Lord from the hills of Israel over her valleys, fields, towns and cities. Daniel, who daily faced Israel and Jerusalem from his house in exile to pray, is an inspiring example of what we can do weekly in/from our own 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 God" (see Daniel 10).
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).
"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.
Participate in blessing. Stand and stretch forth your hands toward Jerusalem, Israel, and over your nation in prayer, prophetic declaration, and blessing weekly after finishing each parsha.
1. Pray for Israel.
Pray and declare: Isaiah 43:1-7. Again, commit for one year to pray weekly for Israel's [land and people] welfare, integrity, and safety. Use the prophetic words spoken over her as prayers and declarations.
2. Pray for Jerusalem.
Pray and declare: Isaiah 40:2. Proclaim blessings over the City of the Great King.
3. Pray for America/Pray for your nation.
Pray and declare: 2 Chronicles 7:14. Continue praying for a spiritual awakening and harvest in America/or in your nation.
4. Sing the Song of the Lord.
Sing the Song of the Lord. "Sing to the Lord a new song, sing His praise from the end of the earth" (Isaiah 42:10). The new song is an unpublished, unpracticed song inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is a spontaneous praise and prophetic utterance which may or may not be sung with music. It can also involve a prophetic exchange between the human singer and Yeshua. In this prophetic activity, a worshiper may sing praise with understanding or with the Spirit, and Yeshua will sing back, by the Spirit, His exhortation, edification, and encouragement to His people. Then His worshipers will sing back Spirit-inspired and composed responses of praise. He also sings comfort and strength through His people over Israel, the land, Judah, and Jerusalem. It's a glorious and powerful exchange that we want to learn to enter into this year! You may not excel at first, but keep trying. The Spirit will breakthrough with responses and you will be delighted. If practiced even weekly for the parsha cycle, you will greatly develop your prophetic anointing, and noticeably experience closer fellowship with the Savior.
"For thus saith YHVH, sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief nations; proclaim, give praise..." (Jer. 31:7). Sing in the Spirit. Pick a psalm and sing it, along with spiritual songs over the land of Israel from your home. Begin to sing by faith the prophetic song of the Lord, and experience an exchange with Him. We can all sing the song of the Lord to some extent if we want.
Section 5: Conclusion
1. "Therefore, leaving the elementary teachings about the Messiah let us press on to maturity [perfection], not laying again a foundation of repentance fro dead works and faith toward God, of instructions about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment" (Heb. 6:1-2).
Noah believed that the elementary command he had to (a) preach and (b) build an ark had far reaching implications. Even when bothered by ridicule and rejection he pressed forward and brought his works to perfection in anticipation of profound events to come. He had vision. So must redeemed Israelites today have vision. And we will obtain clarity by going forward in what we have been given.
In the epistle the author summons the Hebrew believers, many of whom were under pressure to return to Judaism, to go forward to perfection, or full spiritual growth and maturity in their faith. This was their only remedy against apostasy, into which some had fallen. The passage teaches wavering believers that entry and progress in the Kingdom of Elohim entails the responsibility to grow in and move with revealed truth and the Holy Spirit. Paul, in effect, told the Hebrew believers that it was impossible for them to stand still in biblical faith and remain spiritually strong. They needed to see beyond the foundation of personal salvation and grasp the whole picture of YHVH's purpose, which was/is the restoration of Israel in the image of her Messiah. This restoration progresses one person at a time growing up in the knowledge, practice, and likeness of Yeshua. To "leave the elementary teachings" of faith listed above does not mean we are to abandon sound foundational doctrine, but that we are to grow up from them, as a tree grows up from its roots while remaining attached to them.
The maturity in which believers must make progress in this latter days is three fold: [Check yourself and your group out.] First, maturity in knowledge. The Hebrew roots movement and the teachings of Messianic Israel are leading people into a much greater understanding of the origin of their faith, an appreciation of the validity of the Torah, and a deeper knowledge of life of Messiah Yeshua. Further, believers are learning about their biblical identity, destiny, and duty. This knowledge is spiritually transforming growing numbers of Christians, providing them with renewed faith and sense of purpose, and drawing them away from spiritually stifling institutionalized systems. Secondly, maturity of experience. Truth understood in the mind must pass into the heart and soul, and become spiritual convictions. Further, maturity includes passing from repentance, faith, and baptism to experiencing and enjoying the presence of Messiah through the fullness of the Spirit, and encountering a revelation of the Father’s love. Thirdly, maturity is demonstrated by good works. Community has a place in maturity. There is no true discipleship outside the context of fellowship. To our knowledge there is no office or ministry gift of "lone wolf" in the Ecclesia. Our personal salvation unites us with YHVH's community and His anointing in us means there is a place of service for each believer in which to serve and grow. It is by committed, regular service that we are strengthened, learn to overcome, and bear the most fruit. Is service to others always easy? No. Will service bring transformation and fulfillment while glorifying Yeshua? Yes. You are saved. You know elementary teachings. Do you envision your role in the restoration of the kingdom, glory, and power of YHVH to all Israel? Yeshua desires His followers to separate themselves from the world and be distinguished as His disciples (2 Cor. 6:14-18), purify themselves and not compromise with the old sinful nature (2 Cor. 7:1). It is not possible to effectually participate in the glorious plans of YHVH and at the same time cooperate with the influences and temptations of Satan, the spirit of the age, or with the flesh. Hence, let us now rely upon His strength and, with faith, begin “…perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
2. "Now behold, I Myself do establish My covenant with you, and with your descendants after you..." (B'resheet 9:9).
Noah and his family came to live in an entirely new environment when they disembarked from the ark and stepped into the postdiluvian world. They rebuilt their lives and survived, though they were required to make significant adjustments. It is that way for all who move into a new world, or who go boldly forward into the things that Elohim is opening to his people. To remain inactive when YHVH's prophetic word is being fulfilled, or stay behind when He is summoning His chosen ones forward, results in loss, is foolhardy, and reminiscent of the Ten Spies of Numbers 13:25-29. In this hour of history, YHVH is still restoring the neglected power of the Holy Spirit and, more recently, rejected truth of Torah to the Body of Messiah world-wide. The House of Judah and the House of Ephraim are gradually converging to form a Messianic Bride who loves both His instructions and His Spirit, and thus be positioned to be transformed into a true, over-coming warrior Bride. This is happening now as the birth-pangs Yeshua spoke of in Matthew chapter twenty-four are occurring with increasing frequency. Growing up spiritually is no longer an option. "...everyone who partakes only of milk [repetitive elementary teachings: i.e., personal success, prosperity, how to be happy, basic salvation truth, etc.] is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice [effort, exercise, study, and practice; this also pertains to learning to function in the gifts of the Spirit] have their sense trained to discern good [understand His Word and discern His voice] and evil" (Hebrews 5:14). Infancy in faith and discipleship should never be a lasting condition for a believer. This temporary stage of belief must be passed through and left behind by systematic orderly growth toward maturity in the Word and Spirit. To purposely remain in a state of spiritual childhood is not only neglectful of divinely restored blessings of revelation and anointing, it is disrespectful, even sinful. Saints who are leaving their dependence upon the milk bottle [that is, remaining in elementary doctrine, fundamentalism, aberrant (atypical; wrong) denominational doctrine which deny Hebraic truth and restrict the office of the Spirit] and reaching out for solid, nourishing food of Torah study and Spirit ministry are maturing--going on to perfection--in a balanced fashion. They will step into the role, the duty, of effectively participating in the restoration of Israel and the reconciliation of the houses of Judah and Ephraim.
"But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Heb. 6:9-12).
This is the time for true disciples to throw off the old wineskins, partake of the new wine that is coming into the assembly, and become new wineskins fit for the Master's use in this time of restoration. Great and glorious times of revelation and transformation are ahead for the Body of Messiah! A convergence of the streams of Truth (Torah) and Spirit (Glory) is occurring of which we are going to be a part. He is elevating our heads and giving us new, broader vision, one of a holy and anointed Bride and a restored Israel. "Now Elohim has not only raised up the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power" (1 Cor. 6:14). The great guiding, controlling factor in the lives of Believers is not our needs, or even the needs of others, it is the commandment (s) of our Redeemer and Master, Yeshua HaMashiach. Our goal is to be true to His plans and become equipped to participate in them.
Your Assignment is to Seek Him: “Let me see your glory.” His glory is in you and me by His Spirit. Therefore, pray and believe for His Presence to rise up and envelope your soul, O seeker, and fill you with His goodness and a revelation of His heart. We are children of the Most High and He desires for each of us to experience intimate spiritual communion with Him. But remember, growth in 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.
Enrolled students [talmidim], be sure to submit your answers. Use email and attachment. Shalom.
Next Parsha: Lech Lechah (“Go forth yourself”) B’resheit 12:1-17:27
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; Chabad.org. Parashah; Old Testament Survey, K. Conner; www.familybible.org/BeitMidrash/FAQ/Torah.htm; Torah, A Modern Commentary, W. G. Plaut; Fodor's Exploring Israel, A Sanger; Hearing from God Each Morning, Faith Words, J. Meyers; Who is Israel, B. Wootten, Judaism 101 Torah; Hearing from God Each Morning, J. Meyers; The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, AMG Publishers; Restoration: Returning the Torah of God to the Disciples of Jesus, D.T. Lancaster; Christianity Reconsidered, W.L. Bowles; Torah Insights, R. Fischer; Internet Sites; FireBible, Student Edition, NIV; Jewish Encyclopedia. com.
