TORAH and GLORY SCHOOL
Torah and Glory School Parsha Commentary Course
An education ministry of Bless the Land
Written by Dr. Hutch Church
June, 2011
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Parsha Lesson Thirty-seven: Sh'lach Lecha ("Send for yourself")--trace the meaning and essence of the name of the parsha through the parsha/find examples, etc.
Torah: Numbers [Bamidbar] 13:1-15:41
Haftorah: Joshua [Yahoshua] 2:1-24
Brit Chadashah: Hebrews [Irvim] 3:7-19
Sections: 1. Weekly Commentary 2. Parsha Study 3. Prayer and Blessing 4. Living the Parsha
Welcome: "They draw nigh that follow after mischief: for they are far from your law. Thou art near, O YHVH; and all thy commandments are truth" (Psalm 119:150-151). The psalmist was confident that when an enemy who was bent upon wickedness drew near to him, YHVH, his defense and comfort, drew even more close. He took great comfort in the Law of Elohim as absolute truth. "Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16). Draw near to Yeshua this week and obtain from your High Priest mercy for the past, grace for the future. His encouragement and help are discernable and steadfast. "He will give grace and glory, and no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps. 84:11). Walking uprightly is a sure indication that a person is right with the Almighty. YHVH is a Giver. We limit his blessings and resist His goodness by our failures in (a) completely trusting Him and (b) submitting to His will. He desires to bestow His very best upon His people. Shalom.
Section 1: Weekly Commentary
Last week: In B'ha'alotcha ("In your setting up") Aaron received instructions for lighting the lamps of the Menorah and the tribe of Levi was consecrated to the service of the Tabernacle. Elohim directed Moses concerning procedures for Israel's journeying, and the people commenced their march in tribal formation from Sinai through Paran toward Canaan. They quickly experienced two temporary setbacks in the journey: (1) the murmuring and judgment at Taberah, and (2) the lusting and resultant plague at Kibroth-hattaavah. It was during this time that the seventy elders were appointed. Afterwards, Miriam was judged for speaking against Moses, and was struck with leprosy [skin disease]. Moses interceded and Miriam was "shut up for seven days without the camp." The seclusion was required for the ritualistic cleansing of leprosy, the judgment upon her for speaking against Moses and attempting to diminish his stature and subvert his authority (Numbers 12:1-16). Moral: "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11).
This week: Most of parsha Shlach L'cha ("Send for yourself") is devoted to the third and most serious setback of Israel in their journey from Sinai to Kadesh, just north of Paran. At Kadesh, the people stood on the threshold of Eretz Yisrael, the Promised Land. When Moses informed them they were to go forward and conquer it, an incident took place that proved to be a turning point for the nation. Israel's advance into the land of Canaan was delayed for thirty-nine years because of unbelief and rebellion. The fall of Israel at Kadesh is written "for our admonition," to warn us that a similar attitude and behavior on the part of believers today will lead them into the same type of defeat and loss of rest that early Israel suffered. "Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" (Heb. 4:11). The major topics of Shlach L'cha include the incident of the spies and the bad report, the faithfulness of Caleb and Joshua, the intercession of Moses, judgment, defeat by the Amalekites, and laws of meal, wine, and oil offerings. The parsha closes with (a) the punishment of man who violated the Sabbath, and (b) the requirement of wearing tzitzits on garments as a way of recollecting the mitzvot (divine commandments). One lesson Shlach L'cha presents is that "being sent" and going forward--toward one's divine destiny (obeying the call), will present challenges that reveal the hidden heart and soul of the obedient believer, but that will thereby provide YHVH with the opportunity to bring about a personal transformation. We are destined for victory. The "Israel that crossed the Jordan" was a different from the "Israel that balked" 38 years earlier in Kadesh. Note: The most effectual means of character development, over-coming weaknesses, and spiritual growth is to accept the Master's call for one's life, and faithfully walk the pathway He has set. "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Mt. 4:19). The addressed disciples responded immediately, were faithful to continuously follow the Master who had called them, and within three years were transformed in spirit and soul, and fully prepared for their vocation.
Torah
Torah Note # 37: "And thou shalt return unto YHVH your Elohim, and shalt obey His voice according to all that I commanded thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul" (read Deuteronomy/Devarim 30:1-10). Moses spoke of the dispersion of Israel for idolatry and apostasy (Deut. 28), but assured the nation that though the curse might come upon it, Israel would not be rejected. In this chapter he prophesies of the nation's re-gathering from exile to worship and serve YHVH, the Elohim of their fathers.
Yeshua was a Jewish teacher of the Torah. He instructed His listeners to honor the Law of Moses and preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of Elohim. Thus, the Gospel originated in Israel, was Torah-based, and spread throughout the world. As it spread through the nations, however, it was alienated further and further from its Hebrew-Jewish foundations, the Torah and Israelite culture. As a result, one could say the Gospel, as Christians have come to believe it, has been in exile for centuries, being distanced from the Torah and disconnected from its Hebraic-Jewish origins. But in the last century as Jews have been returning to the land of Israel, increasing numbers of them are recognizing and turning to their Messiah, and the Gospel is being re-united with the Torah. This phenomenon is an end-time work of restoration by the Holy Spirit. May the kingdom, power, and glory of YHVH, and His perfect will, continue to be established in our individual lives (and in all Israel) as we follow Him.
1. "Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel; you shall send a man from each of their father's tribes, every one a leader among them" (Numbers 13:1-2).
At Kadesh, Moses bid the sons of Israel to go forward into Canaan. They recommended to him that spies [meraglim] explore the country first and the proposal pleased Moses, who took the suggestion of the Hebrews into the Tabernacle, to YHVH for approval. "Then all of you approached me and said. Let us send men before us, that they may search out the land for us, and bring back to us word again..." (Deut. 1:22). The Almighty One allowed the plan to go forward, saying to Moses, "Send out for yourself..." The implied message was: "I am not directing this plan. If you desire this course of action, you send out men."
"The implication is that God gave Moses permission to send spies, but left the decision up to him. In Deuteronomy 1:21-23, the Torah provides further information on the sequence of events leading up to the mission. As explained by the Sages and Rashi in both chapters, the people came to Moses and asked him to dispatch spies to reconnoiter Canaan and report to them. Moses consulted with God , Who said, 'I have told them the land was good. [But since they question Me], I will let them test My veracity, at the risk of being misled and losing their chance to enter the Land.' Although Moses apparently approved the demand, he actually hoped that his agreement would dissuade the people from pressing their request. The Sages offer a parable: Someone wants to buy a donkey, but says that he must first test it. The seller enthusiastically agrees. 'May I take it to both the mountains and valleys?' 'Of course!' Seeing that the seller is so confident of the animals prowess, the buyer decides he has nothing to fear and forgoes the test. He buys the donkey and is very satisfied. So, too, Moses thought his willingness to let the people have their way would convince them that they had nothing to fear. He was mistaken. They wanted to hear about the land from their peers. So he sent the spies." [Chumash, Parsha helach, pg. 799.]
2. "And Moses by the commandment of YHVH sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel' (Bamidbar 13:3).
Twelve well-reputed leaders were selected, one from each tribe, and they were sent to survey the country. YHVH's commandment had followed on the resolution of the Israelites. The peoples' hearts were fixed. Even Moses was not opposed to the plan. The anxious Israelites were relying on their own human wisdom, opening themselves increasingly to the dangers of unbelief, and showing themselves to be uninterested in trusting YHVH and thus unfit for immediate entry into the Promised Land. All of the twelve who went on the mission were strong leaders, but only two were men of faith in YHVH and conviction of the great destiny that awaited Israel. YHVH had said that He would deliver His people from Egypt and bring them into Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey, the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob while they were still strangers in it (Ex. 3:17; 6:3-4). Messiah assured His listeners, reiterating the sentiments of Joshua and Caleb: "If thou can believe, all things are possible to him who believeth" (Mk. 9:23).
3. "And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, Get you up this way southward...and see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many" (Bamidbar 13:17-18).
Moses gave the spies their instructions which, it seems, carried a questioning tone regarding the assurances of YHVH. With such a spirit they went forth toward the land, like suspicious house-hunters or real estate inspectors, to examine the land in which their fore-fathers had already lived, and see if it really was a land flowing in blessings and resources. ["And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said..." (Gen. 3:1).] They apparently were not satisfied with the divine assertions. So, the spies surveyed the land for forty days, obviously wandering about under the protection of YHVH though there was no pillar of cloud to lead them. After a general reconnaissance, they returned to Israel's encampment.
4. "Then they came to the valley of Eshcol and from there cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes; and they carried it on a pole between two men, with some pomegranates and the figs" (Numbers 13:23).
The Valley of Eschol is between Hebron and Jerusalem. We have read that the area still produces fine grapes in large clusters. An early reference is made of Eschol, a person named in Genesis 14:13-14. He was an acquaintance of Abraham, a friend and ally, who lived in that region.
According to some Jewish commentators, it was a double-pole arrangement that formed a "bed of poles" which was used to transport the giant cluster of large grapes. Four poles were used with two men holding each pole; eight men in all. One spy carried the enormous fig and another bore the large pomegranate. Ten men were thus used to bear the produce, and bring back the fruit of the land as Moses ordered. The large fruit represented the choice and bountiful produce of the rich Promised Land, and testified to the truth of YHVH's words. But, judging from the spies' compromising report, there was, we surmise, an underlying motive to their compliance. It apparently was their intention to demonstrate the abnormality, largeness, and danger of the land and its people by showing the Israelites the abnormally huge, mutant fruit they produced. The ten spies intended the enormous fruit to illustrate a frightening ratio: Our grapes are to us what these huge grapes are to them. Because they discerned the ulterior motive of the ten, we are told that Joshua and Caleb did not participate in the transportation of the produce. "Can two walk together unless they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)..
5. "When they returned from spying out the land, at the end of forty days, they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and to show all the congregation the fruit of the land. Thus they told him...nevertheless, the people who live there are strong...we saw the descendants of Anak...Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and...Jebusites...Amorites...Canaanites...Caleb quieted the people toward Moses and said, We should by all means go up...we will surely overcome it. But the men...said...we are not able...so they gave out a bad report of the land...a land that devours its inhabitants...we saw the Nephilim [giants]...and we became like grasshoppers..." (Numbers 13:25-33).
The spies returned after forty day and nights of traversing and reconnoitering the land, but did not report privately to Moses first. Instead, they gave their evaluations, publically and loudly, to the gathered people who had demanded the expedition in the first place. The word nevertheless was a contradiction to the spies' first comments, and revealed that they lacked faith. They advised the people not to attempt an advance on Canaan, whose inhabitants were too large and mighty; whose cities were unassailable. They even mentioned the terrible king, Amalek, to further frighten the listeners and fortify their own argument. Thus the faithless ten spies misled the people in two ways: (1) They exaggerated the difficulties that existed, magnified obstacles, and created fearful creatures in Israel's imagination. "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity..." (James 3:6). (2) They ignored the promise of divine aid that would enable them to overcome every enemy. In doing this, the "ten" removed from Israel's sight the fact that when the Most High calls someone to a work, He equips them, and pledges Himself and His strength to the cause. "And He said, Certainly, I will be with you" (Ex. 3:12; See also: Deut. 33:25; 1 Cor. 10:13). After the crowd had ignored the faith-filled exhortation of Caleb, the unbelieving spies' bad report circulated unchallenged throughout the camp, and doused any remaining vestiges of hope in going forward. Keep in mind, these two tendencies--overstating the challenges and downplaying His promises--operate together, and remain common pitfalls to believers even today. A. The spies and people, by ignoring the true Guide, had embarked on a path of backsliding. The conflicting report, unbelief, and even cowardice were the evidence, and they loomed as large to Moses, Joshua and Caleb as the giant grapes, pomegranates and figs did to Israel. B. The counsel of the ten was opposed to the counsel and course of the Almighty, but the congregation approved and cheered on the doubters. It had been almost two years since Israel had left Egypt. The lofty hope of Moses and believing Israel, in whose sight were the inviting hills of their inheritance, was dashed. "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of live' (Prov. 13:12). The nations of Canaan would remain in the land thirty-eight more years. That generation of Israel would not enter the land because of their unbelief.
Jude admonished early believers concerning murmurers, lawless complainers, and lustful men [antinomians]--those who turn grace to lasciviousness. They speak great swelling words, and are opposed to sound doctrine and godly counsel. They are reminiscent of the ten spies. "...and exhort you that you should contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (verse 3). This is written for us. Jude exhorts believers in this hour to steadfastness in truth, that we not fall victim to deception and seducers who mix wholesome truth with subtle, destructive errors. The first example Jude uses of people given over to deception are the Israelites in the wilderness (verse 5). "They could not enter because of unbelief" (Heb. 4:6). As an old sage once said, "Difficulties soon discover the distrustful heart." We observe that unbelief is utter folly, and its end is bitterness.
It is often asked, why was it necessary to send out spies? Was not YHVH's promise sufficient? After the disastrous results of the first spy mission, why did both Moses (Deut. 21:32) and Joshua (Joshua 2:1) send out spies again at a later date? Why were the spies, who were given a list of questions to answer, condemned for bringing back what they saw as the truth? After all, Moses himself commented on the power of the Canaanite nation that was poised to fight Israel once they crossed Canaan's border. Perhaps the previous parsha, B'ha'alothca, can shed some light for us.
The chapter about the spies, the first of Parsha Sh'lach Lecha, immediately follows the last chapter of B'ha'alotcha, which contains the account of the murmuring and criticism of Miriam for Moses, and her severe punishment for her evil speaking [lashon hara]. The episode with the spies took place shortly following her merciful deliverance, procured only by the fervent, persistent intercession of Moses. Her experience should have been an object lesson for the people about the grievous results of malicious slander, especially if such would interfere with the progress of YHVH's current move. Nevertheless, the unbelieving spies were evidently not very discerning or astute, even though they were leaders, and were not dissuaded by the example of Miriam from speaking slanderously concerning the land and the promise of YHVH. After all, there are "...six things the Lord hates...seven are an abomination to Him...a false witness that speaks lies, and he [a person, or persons] who spreads strife among brothers" (Prov. 6:19). Note: Lashon Hara is gossip or slander. Lashon means "tongue" or "language." It is using and manipulating truth (true speech) for wrong and malicious purposes. It is a most serious sin! Miriam, Moses' sister, committed it. We read last week of the dire consequences. "Thou shall not go up and down as a talebearer among the people" (Lev. 19:16). Motzi Shema Ra is "spreading a bad name". The term refers to slander and defamation by any verbal means, including dishonesty and exaggeration. The bad report and the general support of the assembly condemned Israel to the Wilderness. It was unbelief.
6. "Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried and the people wept that night...grumbled against Moses and Aaron...Would that we had died in the land of Egypt" (Numbers 14: 1-2).
By this time, all Israel was unnerved, frightened and bewildered by the bad report brought by the ten spies. We are told all Israel, even the newly formed seventy-member Sanhedrin [the High Court], was swayed by the spies comments and the vociferous reinforcement of the most vocal trouble-makers, and began to distrust Moses. The people became convinced they would perish if they entered Eretz Yisrael. To avoid going forward, and what they thought would surely be catastrophic defeat, the assembly attempted to replace Moses with another "leader," an idol (Sanhedrin 107a), and return to the land of bondage. [1] They had forgotten the Word of YHVH: "And you shall chase your enemies..." (Lev.26:7).
7. "Moses and Aaron fell on their faces" (v.5).
The leaders, Moses and Aaron, after imploring the people to reconsider and repent of their unbelief and disorder, and having no other recourse, fell before the unruly, rebellious congregation. Their efforts to persuade the people had failed, and they waited in silent dread. They were fearful and groaned, unable to make human intercession, and greatly sorrowful. Moses and Aaron anticipated the inevitable--the heavy punishment that would come upon the people. Note: Today, we have a Helper who can come alongside us an assist when we have run out of strength. "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how we ought to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" (Rom. 8:26-27).
8. "Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh...tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceeding good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us...do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them" (Numbers 14:6-9).
Joshua [from the tribe of Ephraim] and Caleb [from the tribe of Judah] tore their clothing in a display of grief and sense of loss. The "last ditch" gesture was also intended to shock the people into repentance for their unbelief in YHVH to fulfill His promise. Further, Israel's rejection of Moses and Aaron was, to the two faithful tribal leaders, like the loss of dear loved ones. Joshua and Caleb had seen the goodness of the land that was being spurned, and fervently desired to impress upon the assembly its glories so as to overcome the bad report. They cried out, "Their protection has been removed..." YHVH had removed the regional angels [principalities] from Canaan, and left the land and its people powerless. But Israel was not listening or perceiving.
Israel understood that she was heading for a new existence in Canaan. In the wilderness there had been miracles, provision, protection, water, and the cloud. In the Promised Land, however, this would change. They would have to lead normal, natural lives again; building, planting, plowing, and running businesses. Their purpose was to live in this manner and yet, always remember that their success and prosperity came only from the Most High, and not by their own exertions. The spies also understood that conquering the land would be accomplished through natural means, but wrongfully thought that they themselves would have to become more strong, able, and armed to succeed, without any miraculous, supernatural help from YHVH. Hence, they saw themselves as totally vulnerable, absolutely helpless before the giants and high city walls. The ten spies were guided by their human logic, and not by faith, as were Caleb and Joshua. The people did not understand that since the Almighty had wanted them to overcome their enemies, they would be successful in their assault on Canaan despite any odds against them. The chosen leaders should have had the sense to look beyond the reasoning with their mind and senses, and see the truth. But they lacked faith, and disaster was the result. The author of Hebrews tells us what Yahweh thinks of an unbelieving heart. "And take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away [in falling away] from the living God" (Heb. 3:12).
"But what does it say...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes..." (Romans 10:8-10). What is in the heart will come out of the mouth. "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Mt. 12:34). Saving faith is not mental assent. "...the demons also believe and shudder" (Jas. 2:17). Faith must abide in the heart, as a living operative, and appreciate and appropriate the righteousness of YHVH in Messiah. Heart faith is essential for eternal and abundant life.
"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God, must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him" (Heb. 11:6).
A. Faith is the eye of the soul with which we see the invisible and eternal blessings, and supernatural truths of Scripture, and embraces them. It is "...the conviction of things not seen." Our conviction of the things not seen rests upon the Spirit's illumination of the testimony of the Most High in our hearts. The world says, "seeing is believing." But YHVH's maxim is, conversely, "believing is seeing." B. Faith is the hand of the soul with which the believer reaches out and accesses the promises of the Eternal One. Faith lays hold of the hope [YHVH's unseen, intangible realities] that has been set before the saint in Scripture, and brings it into his reality. Thus faith also is "the confidence [assurance; fulfillment] of things hoped for." Keep in mind, natural faith is a principle of the mind: "The chair will hold me if I sit down." But saving faith, spiritual faith, is a principle of the inner man of the heart. It has set before it a higher level of realities, the invisible and eternal truths revealed in the Scriptures and illuminated to our hearts by the Spirit. Each believer has a deposit of divine faith placed in him/her at conversion to Messiah by the Holy Spirit, which is built up by reading and meditating upon the Word of Elohim (Rom. 10:17; Ps. 119:32), and praying in tongues (Jude 1:20). A little is a lot. "...if you [Spirit-filled believer following Yeshua]] have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain [that which obstructs the establishment of the kingdom, power, and glory of YHVH in your life], move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing [with regard to His promises] will be impossible for you" (Mt. 17:20).
Three antediluvian figures spoken of in the Torah are inspiring illustrations of heart-centered faith (Heb. 11:4-7). Abel is first (Verse 4). His sacrifice was "more excellent" than his brother, Cain's. Why? Some teach that Cain's sacrifice of the produce of the ground represented the work of his hand, while Abel's was a blood sacrifice, the best of the flock. This is true, but there is a deeper insight suggested. Abel's oblation, the sacrifice of the first of the flock, was better because his faith established a holy communion with the Most High, and enabled him to select the appropriate offering. Abel's faith teaches mankind that we can only approach the Most High through the propitiation of Messiah. Thus we see that faith is the basis of acceptable worship. Enoch is next. "He was not, for God took him." He was translated to glory before he grew old and experienced death, and his faith is attributed as being the reason. You could say his translation was a reward for a truly holy life. After all, holiness is the fruit of true faith, and thus Enoch, before his translation, obtained divine favor. With Enoch we find the two indispensable elements of faith: (1) YHVH is. (2). YHVH is benevolent. Hence, we see that faith is the basis of holiness. Finally, there is Noah. The great Flood was an unprecedented event for mankind. Noah's faith was severely tried by the building of the ark, and the associated events. But he was "strong and courageous" (Josh. 1:9), proceeded with "godly fear" and perseverance, and his faith boldly triumphed. With Noah we see that faith is the basis of separation from the life and destiny of the ungodly, and it condemns the spirit of cessationism. Let us always remember that though ages change, and generations will come and go, Yeshua remains the same; unchangeable. "Yeshua Messiah, the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). Note: Cessationism is the belief that the supernatural, miraculous gifts of the Spirit ceased being practiced early in the history of the Body of Messiah ["Church"]. Continuationism is the belief that the gifts and miraculous power of the Spirit were given at Pentecost to all believers for the edification and strengthening of the saints, and that divine supernatural works continue today.
The immensity of the Father's love is seen in His willingness to give His eternal Son as a Sacrifice for the redemption and salvation of mankind. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish [in a dark, infernal; a Godless wilderness] but have eternal life [headquartered in the New Jerusalem]" (John 3:16). This is the promise. It is procured by faith--by believing in the heart--that we accept the testimony of Messiah as our Redeemer. Faith is the instrument of our justification. It is the foundational principle of abundant and eternal life.
We press the point. "And Yeshua said to him, If you can? All things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23). Confidence in the Almighty and courage should characterize believers today. Our faith identifies with the Person and power of the Most High, and is supernaturally inspired so all things pertaining to redemption are possible for us, and we can succeed in all to which He calls us. Therefore, our good report is, "If God be for us, who can be against us" (Romans 8:31).
"But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of YHVH appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before the all children of Israel" (Bamidbar 14:10).
A sizeable contingency of Israel morphed into a lynch mob, and was on the verge of committing a violent sin from which the nation would not recover--the stoning YHVH's two chosen leaders, even while they were on the very doorstep of hostile, dangerous, watchful Canaan. The glory of Elohim appeared immediately, flashing forth brilliantly, at once drawing the awestruck attention of the people from their wicked intention and saving the day. "And I saw heaven opened..." (see Rev. 19:11-21).
9. "And YHVH said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long ere [before] they believe me...I will smite them...disinherit them...make of thee a greater nation" (Bamidbar 14:11-12).
Moses, we suppose, had stood up, approached the glory of YHVH, and heard His words. Comment: "By electing Moses in the place of Jacob, to be the founder and ancestor of the chosen race, God would still have made good His promise to Abraham, and would only have vindicated for Himself the same freedom of choice which he had used in the case of Ishmael and of Esau. We cannot, however, regard this offer as embodying a deliberate intention, for we know that God did not really mean to cast off Israel; nor can we regard it as expressing the anger of the moment, for it is not of God to be hasty. We must understand it distinctly as intended to try the loyalty and charity of Moses, and to give him an opportunity of rising to the loftiest height of magnanimity [unselfishness, and courage]. Moses would unquestionably have been less noble than he was if he had listened to the offer; it is therefore certain that the offer was only made in order that it might be refused (32:10)." [2]
Moses must have learned from the Golden Calf incident the value of heart-felt repentance and fervent prayer (Ex. 32:11-14). He quickly responds with unrehearsed honesty, addressing first the honor and reputation of YHVH.
10."And Moses said unto the YHVH, Then the Egyptians will hear it...and they will tell it to the inhabitants of the land...You, O Lord, are seen eye to eye, while Your cloud stands over them; and You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. Now if you slay this people as one man, then the nations who have heard of Your fame will say, Because the Lord could not bring this people into the land..." (Numbers 14:13-16).
The people rebelled and YHVH said, "How long will this people spurn Me...I will smite them with a pestilence and dispossess them" (verses 11-12). Israel was in trouble when they worshiped the Golden Calf, and Moses learned then (1) how to successfully intercede, and (2) that no decree or sentence of judgment was impervious [irresistible, impenetrable] to true repentance and sincere intercession. With this debacle worsening, Moses enters into desperate and bold intercession again for the sons of Israel. He had no thought for himself, or interest in him becoming a great nation. He knew and loved YHVH too much to see His name compromised and ridiculed among the nations that had heard of His great works in Egypt. Moses contended that YHVH's Name would be desecrated if He wiped out Israel. His manifested, public presence upon the people had been so pronounced, Moses argued, that the observing nations would never believe that Israel was to blame for its own demise. The Egyptians, for instance, would prate and gloat that the Mighty One of Israel had Himself destroyed His own people, reducing them to rubble, because He was not able to combat the rival Canaanite deities and bring His people into the Promised Land. So Moses appealed on the grounds that Elohim should forgive Israel, complete the undertaking, and protect the honor of His Name. His excellent reasoning won over the Most High "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16). The situation served to elevate Moses, and lay the groundwork for preparing a people to enter Canaan who would not be burdened with the memories and enculturation of the Egyptian bondage. YHVH's power to overcome demonic Canaanite and Amorite deities and fulfill His word was never an issue. In fact, God has such an abundance of strength and goodness that He readily shares His kingdom, power, and glory with us, and is entirely undiminished in the process. "...you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now...you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you..." (Acts 1:5-8). [Note: ef-fec'-tu-al. adj: producing or able to produce a [the] desired effect: syn. effective.]
11. "And now, I beseech thee, let the power of YHVH be great...YHVH is long-suffering, and of great mercy...pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people...And YHVH said, I have pardoned according to thy word" (see Bamidbar 14:17-20).
Moses beseeched the Most High to remember His unchangeable character and the most wonderful of His divine prerogatives [exclusive, special rights], that of forgiving iniquity and showing grace and mercy to the repentant.
"But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of YHVH" (v. 21).
All that Moses prayed for was granted. He would not need to be worried. The surrounding nations would not sneer at or exalt themselves over Israel. Moses is assured that Israel, and all the earth, will be filled with YHVH's glory.
12. "Surely all the men who have seen My glory and My signs...yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who spurned Me see it" (see Numbers 14:22-25).
"The sages take this to be the exact number of times that the nation tested God (Avos 5:4). The ten times were: (a) when the Egyptians chased them into the Red Sea (Exodus 14:11); (b) when they had nothing to drink but the bitter waters of Marah (ibid. 15:24); (c) when they ran out of food (ibid. 16:3); (d) when they left manna over [to the next day], even though they had been told not to (ibid. 16:20; (e) when they left the camp to gather manna on the Sabbath even though they had been told not to (ibid. 16:27); (f) when their water ran out at Refidim (ibid. 17:2); (g) when they worshiped the Golden Calf (ibid. 32:4); (h) when they rebelled against God's mitzvos (Numbers 11:1); (i) when they complained that the manna was not good (ibid. 11:4); and here (j) when they believed the spies evil report about Eretz Yisrael (Arachin 15a)" [Chumash, Bamidbar, 807.]
13. "And YHVH spoke unto Moses and Aaron...how long will I bear this evil congregation, which murmur against Me...Say unto them...Your carcasses shall fall in the wilderness; and all that were numbered of you..." (see Numbers/Bamidbar 14: 26-29).
All the Israelites that had been numbered were thereby enlisted as soldiers in the army of Israel. These people were responsible to fulfill their charge and fight for YHVH and Israel, but had refused, and were therefore guilty of dereliction of duty and mutiny, and fell under judgment. The sin of the spies occurred on the 9th of Av, the same day both the first and second Temples were destroyed. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Pr. 18:21).
14. "Surely you shall not come into the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. Your children...I will bring them in, and they will know the land which you have rejected...your sons shall be shepherds [shall roam] for forty years in the wilderness and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness, until your corpses lie in the wilderness...forty days, a day for a year...shall you bear your iniquities [guilt], even forty years" (Numbers 14:30-34).
Moses informed the people of the sentence of forty years of hard wandering, which applied to the nation as a whole. The men of fighting age would perish in the wilderness, but the women and children, who did not participate in the rebellion of the spies, would live out their normal life-spans, and many would survive to enter the land. Though their children would wander around, led just like goats and sheep, YHVH would not desert His flock, but would watch over Israel as Provider and Protector. The ten spies, and the co-conspirators who aligned with them, died sooner. "The people who spread the evil report...died in a plague before YHVH" (verse 37).
15. "...the people mourned greatly. In the [next] morning, however, they rose up early and went up to the ridge of the hill country, saying, here we are...we will go up...But Moses said...Do not go up, or you will be struck down before your enemies, for the Lord is not among you...but they went up heedlessly...Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites...struck them and beat them down as far as Hormah" (Numbers 14: 39-45).
The rebuked and judged sons of Israel realized their mistake too late. Upon hearing the sobering words of Moses, they started coming to their senses, and decided they wanted the Promised Land after all. But the time of favor had passed, and Elohim no longer intended to give the land to that generation, with its proclivity (predisposition) for rebellion. Not to be deterred by Moses' words warning of failure and defeat, or that they would march without YHVH's help [here we go again], they stormed forward. The Amalekites and Canaanites ambushed and soundly defeated them, and sent the terrified survivors running for their lives back to the camp. Israel had forfeited her blessing. There would be no regaining it. "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved" (Jer. 8:20). The people had awakened too late from their spiritual stupor. The portal had closed. "...he hath passed the time appointed" (Jer. 46:17).
"...our lamps are going out...And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut" (Matt. 25:9-10). The five virgins had awakened to discover the Bridegroom's approach, and that they had a lack of oil in their vessels, not enough to support them. Their flames were flickering, almost out. They had quenched the Holy Spirit by their spiritual indolence, sloth and aversion to commitment and prayer. [Note: The Greek word here rendered "going out" and that translated "quench" in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 are the same. Pulpit Commentary, Matthew.] They ran to their pastors and group leaders; "Pray for us!" But, alas, it was too late. The precious "oil" they needed comes from Messiah. He told the Laodicean churches, "I counsel thee to buy of Me..." (Rev. 3:18). Yeshua is our Baptizer with the Spirit. Thus, the door which was once open, was shut to the foolish, short-sighted virgins upon their return. We are sure they did not find the oil, but cried out desperately, all the more, "...open to us!" The Master's response was, "I know you not." May our souls be knit into the unseen realities of heaven and not woven to the value fabric of the world. We must make the effort to grow in grace and in the renewing of the Holy Spirit. We must also move with the Spirit, and remain watchful for the Bridegroom's approach. We do not want to miss our appointed time.
16. " Now the Lord spoke to Moses saying, Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, When you enter the land where you are to live, which I am giving you, then make an offering by fire to the Lord, a burnt offering or a sacrifice to fulfill a special vow, or as a freewill offering or in your appointed times, to make a soothing aroma to the Lord from the herd or from the flock" (Numbers 15:1-3).
New instructions are given by the servant of Elohim, Moses, concerning offerings that had to be accompanied by meal offerings and wine libations [pouring a liquid as a sacrifice]. The new law would become active in the Promised Land, almost thirty-nine years from the time it was given. The law was a consolation, an assurance that there would be a generation that would obey them in the Promised Land. The ordinances for sacrifice were intended, in part, for giving the younger generation hope that the Almighty was already preparing for their future. We have just such a sure word for the future too. "In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).
17. "If an alien sojourns with you, or one who may be among you throughout your generations, and he wishes to make an offering by fire as a soothing aroma to the Lord, just as you do so shall he do. As for the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the alien who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations" (Numbers 15:14-15).
The proselyte [convert] had the same status, privileges and responsibilities as the native Israelite, and brought the same sacrifices. In Israel today, that concept is paramount. For instance, the Sabbath is recognized nationally, and most the people, Jew or non-Jew, cease from their business labors. And everyone from the start of repatriation has been afforded the same rights. "One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you" (v. 16).
18. "...YHVH spoke unto Moses...when you come into the land...when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall offer up an heave offering unto YHVH...you shall offer up a cake...of the first of your dough..." (Bamidbar 15:17-21).
By the time the new generation had made it to the Promised Land they would not be familiar with baked bread, only manna. Once they had conquered and settled Canaan, and coarse bread had been prepared (from wheat, oats, or perhaps, corn), a heave offering would be required. It was intended as a type of a first-fruits offering (Ex. 22:29; 23:9).
19. "And if any soul sinned through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering" (Bamidbar 15:27; read 22-31).
YHVH expected obedience from His people and was strict, but also compassionate, considerate of human frailty. He gave Israel many diverse and detailed commandments to follow and left nothing to the Israelites discretion [wishes, preference, foresight]. Everything was laid out. Yet He knew men would fail, break the statutes, or grow weary and fail to fully obey them fully or regularly. So He provided for such occasions. The soul that distained YHVH, and treated His Word with "a high hand" by sinning purposely and presumptuously (v. 30)--refusing circumcision, rejecting the Sabbath rest or to celebrate Passover--the "same reproacheth YHVH". Such unrepentant behavior was an affront that declared the guilty soul was an open enemy of the Most High. For such offenses there was no sacrifice and the sinning party forfeited his place in YHVH's covenant society. King David committed presumptuous sins for which there was, apparently, no prescribed sacrifice. The was no hope for him in the written Law. He remained unrepentant until confronted by the prophet Nathan: "...why have you despised the word of YHVH...?" (see 2 Samuel 11 and 12). David's conscience was sorely smote, yet he did not despair as had King Saul before him. David was well aware of how Moses personally approached the Almighty (Exodus 34:6-7) with an earnest plea for Israel after hearing of His attributes of mercy that were revealed to him following the Golden Calf incident. There was yet hope for David. The multi-applicable mercies of the Most High were not listed legislatively in the Law, but were nonetheless set forth in the Torah, even declared by the mouth of YHVH (Ex. 34:5-6) before He renewed the covenant with sinful Israel. Hence, David called upon the Name of YHVH, repented, confessed his sin and was forgiven of His transgressions. "YHVH has taken away your sin; you shall not die. However..." For the one who falls down at Yeshua's feet there is always mercy (Jn. 8:1-11). In Psalm 19:7-14 ["The Law of YHVH is perfect."] there are meditations birthed from the heart of David concerning the Law, which he viewed as the means of turning men from moral blindness to truth and light. Anyway, here's the good news: "By Messiah all that believe are justified from all things, from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:39).
"O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: because His mercy endureth forever" (Ps. 118:1).
Psalm 118 was written for the occasion of dedicating the Second Temple (Ezra 6:13-22). It exhorts Israel, the House of Aaron (typical of the families in Israel), and all who fear Him (Ps. 118:2-4; 115:9-11) to praise Elohim for His everlasting loving-kindness. Zechariah, the post-exilic prophet, said of the Almighty, "He shall be called YHVH-tsidkenu", or "YHVH our Righteousness." He is entirely righteous [acting in accord with divine or moral law]. The Law teaches Israel of Elohim's righteousness. He cleanses His people from sin by the blood of His Sacrifice, our Messiah on the cross, and imputes to them righteousness. This is mercy. How does the true worshipper respond to such grace? By rendering unto Him a life of righteousness. It must be understood that the mercies of YHVH are not simply pleasant provisions that make for a happy home-life or success in business; His mercy is extended for the purpose of securing trust, relationship, and service...and to bring forth fruit--thirty, sixty, and one-hundred fold.
20. "Now while the sons of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the Sabbath day...and they put him in custody...then the Lord said to Moses, The man shall surely be put to death; all the congregation will stone him with stones outside the camp. So the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him to death with stones, just as the Lord commanded Moses" (Numbers 15:32-36).
The man had been collecting sticks and branches when he was found committing the sin. Commentators draw the conclusion that those witnessing his actions had warned him that he was committing a capital crime. Yet, despite their pleas, he defiantly persisted. This attitude and corresponding action satisfied the halachic requirement that a guilty person is liable to the death penalty when his offense is witnessed by at least two people, and he ignores clear warnings. The arrogance and rebellion could not be allowed to go unchallenged. The man was convicted by the elders on Moses' court. The execution was carried out in the presence of the entire assembly. This occurred at the beginning of Israel's journey in the Wilderness. Note: Halakha refers to the collective body of Jewish religious law, including biblical law--the 613 mitzvot, and the Talmudic and Rabbinic law, along with the customs and traditions. In the Diaspora, halakha served the Jewish communities as the foundation of civil and religious conduct.
21. "The Lord also spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. It shall be a tassel to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot" (Numbers 15:37-39).
Tzitzis are the means for reminding Jewish people to remember all the commandments and precepts, and thus assist them in maintaining allegiance to YHVH. Tzitzis are braided tassels, or fringes. But the word does not refer to the fringes themselves, but rather to what they call upon the wearers to do. The related word, spelled tsah'dee soh'feet--yod--tsah'dee--heh, means to focus, stare, or peer at something intently. "My beloved is like a gazelle...of the stags...behind our wall. He is looking through the windows, he is peering through the lattice" (Song of Solomon 2:9). Tzitzis point to a role of the Holy Spirit. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you" (John 14:26). The message: (1) The commandments are to be remembered, and followed. (2) Observe the tzitzis intently, as vivid reminders. (3) Look for and listen to the Holy Spirit, as one would peer through a lattice at his loved one. He will speak to us living words, and bring all things to our remembrance. "...remember...do all My commandments...be holy unto your Elohim" (v. 40).
22. "I am the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God; I am the Lord your God" (Numbers 15:41).
YHVH brought to Moses' attention His great intention of bringing Israel out of Egypt. He affirmed the reason for doing so: "To be your God." This truth had not yet leavened the hearts and minds of the sons of Israel, and their limited perception of the purpose of liberty kept them in a place of discontent. It was one thing for the people to be delivered from bondage, and another to finally realize why they had been brought out. The people griped and complained in the wilderness as much as they had while in Egypt. Their existence in the wilderness could never have become better than Egypt until they understood and appreciated YHVH's purpose for them, and embraced his purpose as theirs. Israel was not delivered from her prison to be set free like a wild donkey on the plains, to do whatever it wanted. Israel was redeemed and delivered from the bitterness of slavery in Egypt to enter into the service of YHVH. The same is true for believers today. By grace and faith we are freed from our "Egypts" not to wallow around the salt-licks of the world in bewilderment and unbelief, but to become bondservants of Messiah. We are freed from sin and debauchery to know and serve the Holy One of Israel. This is our purpose and our joy. Yeshua died for us and rose again, that we can rise with Him, and not live for ourselves but for Him who redeemed us. When this reality becomes a revelation for all His people, "...their life will be like a watered garden, and they will never languish again" (Jer. 31:12). [See: Rom. 6:4, 10-13; 12:1; 14:7-9; 1 Cor. 3:22-23; 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:15-18; 10:5; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 1:20-21; Col. 3:1-3.]
"But beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and the things that accompany salvation...God is not unjust as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name...that each one of you show the same diligence...so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience, inherit the promises" (Heb. 6:9-12).
Good things are on the way for the Body of Messiah. In the midst of the birth pangs in the earth, Israel (Judah) and Christians (Ephraim) are converging, YHVH's Torah and Glory are being restored to all His people, the supernatural and miraculous are on the increase, and we are experiencing greater intimacy to the realites of the Kingdom of Elohim. The Body of Messiah is being summoned to the highway of love and holiness where a divine work will transfigure her in preparation for the coming of her King. "God wants us to possess sufficient faith now to act on the Word; His Kingdom is already at hand. The fact that pinnacle fulfillment of many prophetic promises is still ahead ought to inspire, rather than inhibit, us to believe now for the supernatural [Spirit] and sacred [Torah/Word] to invade the natural and secular in ever-increasing anointing." (S. Teplinsky, Israel Anointing, pg. 166.)
Consider Caleb and Joshua who saw the good things ahead and had another spirit than that of the ten naysayers. "Let us go up at once and possess it, for we are well able to overcome it" (Nu. 13:30). A. "Go up." The land ahead was elevated, and the ascent from the Arabah was steep and demanding. B. "At once." Strike while the iron is hot. Delay would weaken Israel's resolve and strengthen the hands of their enemies. C. "Possess it." Victory was assured. YHVH Nissi was prepared to fight alongside Israel, and with them declare victory!
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward" (Heb. 10:35).
As was the voice of Caleb in that hour, so also is the voice of the Holy Spirit--and the voices of all believers who are led by the Spirit--in this day of the convergence of Spirit and Torah, the house of Judah and the house of Israel, of Jewish and non-Jewish believers into "one new man in Messiah." Though dangers and difficulties may loom ahead along the pathway of holiness and love, we say: (1) Let's go up! The ascent will require toil and produce fatigue, which is to be expected. Nevertheless, the rewards are great (Acts 14:22). (2) At once! No more dilly-dallying. Delay and uncertainty could be disastrous, and will allow time for difficulties and oppositions to enlarge and multiply (Heb. 3:13; James 4:13-14). [Watchman, take your place on the wall, now! Giver, give now! Helper, help now! Merciful one, befriend now! Exhorter, uplift now! Teacher, teach now! Administrator, rule now! Believer, return to the ancient paths--now! Israelite, ascend to the highway of holiness now! Disciples of Yeshua, love one another--now!] (3) Possess it! We have a holy confidence instilled within us by the Spirit of Messiah which motivates us to go forward. It is faith. That which He has called us to, along with His redemption blessings, we will obtain. We will succeed as we ascend in Spirit and Truth because the Holy One will hold us up and bring us through to transformation and victory.
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates of the city" (Rev. 22:14).
We believe His Words, His promises, which are set before us as an enduring hope. By faith and patience we procure their fulfillment. Yeshua has ascended and is our High Priest and Intercessor. We have the Spirit. Sending out spies and seeking the approval of man will not be necessary. "I can do all things through [in] Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).
Haftorah
1. "And Joshua...sent out of Shittem [Acacia Grove] two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went..." (Joshua 2:1; read 1-24).
The haftorah tells the story of the two spies Joshua sent out to reconnoiter Jericho before Israel crossed the Jordan. Its theme is common with the Torah reading. The spies were hidden by the harlot Rahab. "And she said to the men, I know that Elohim has given you the land...we have heard how Elohim dried up the water of the Red Sea for you...and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites...Sihon and Og, whom you completely destroyed." Rahab asked for safety from destruction when the Israelites came for the city, and the men granted her request. She was to tie a scarlet cord from her window as a sign, and the troops, upon seeing it, would pass by and leave and family unharmed.
Rahab is an example of the mercy and grace of the Almighty. She did not merit any salvation. She resided in a condemned city, doomed to destruction, and [we presume] was engaged in sinful activities. But she acted in faith by placing the scarlet thread [cord, marker] in the window, and was spared from the judgment of YHVH which came on Jericho through His agent, Israel. Rahab, as unlikely a candidate for blessing as one might find, became the mother of Boaz and ancestress of David in the Messianic line.
The scarlet thread [cord, marker] speaks of the salvation of Elohim that comes to man through the blood of the sacrifice, and points specifically to Yeshua and His atonement. "...and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb. 9:22).
Yeshua: The Living Torah "I did not come to abolish but fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
1. "And He goeth up into a mountain, and called unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils' (Mark 3:13-15).
There were those of the twelve who had been selected already by the Messiah, and had spent time in His company. Other men had been with Him for a shorter periods. But this formal appointment established the twelve as His closest associates and companions; disciples who would become His students and first spiritual descendants. Some thoughts: A. Yeshua's selection of His disciples was made by virtue of His own wisdom and authority just before the Sermon on the Mount. Unlike Moses, He is the all-wise King of His Kingdom and possesses complete and perfect knowledge. He is able and fitted for supremacy and unshared rule. His decisions are always good. For that we can be glad. B. He chose His band of twelve apostles from the lower strata of society, not from the wealthy, comfortable, influential, or powerful ranks. Apparently, only one apostle was from Judea, and the rest were from the northern province of Galilee, which was noted for its unlettered, crude, socially unpolished citizenry. [John, James, and Levi, along with the tax-collector Matthew, may have enjoyed somewhat better circumstances.] Again, in the New Testament as in the Old, we see that He chooses "the weak things of the world to confound the mighty." We could say that Yeshua's "tool bag" consists of "the foolish things...weak things...base things...despised...things which are not [much to boast about] to bring to nought [nothing; none effect] the things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 Cor. 1:27-29). C. Yeshua Himself ordained and authorized the twelve men he selected. They would be "sent out". Thus they were called apostles [shlichim], which means "emissaries." The Twelve, as they would become known, were messengers; ambassadors representing Him, His kingdom, power, and glory. They were called: (1) To preach, and publish abroad the Master's teachings and glad tidings of salvation and the advent of the Kingdom of Elohim. (2) To receive and utilize His authority to cast out demons , carry on the healing work of Messiah, contend successfully with the kingdom of Satan, and establish the rule of Messiah--light, His righteousness, peace--in the hearts of people. Learn: Our first call is to discipleship. We must learn from the Master and emulate Him. Then we are summoned to dedicate ourselves to His service, and consecrate all our resources to Immanuel's cause, which is the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. We must have intimacy of fellowship with Yeshua if we want to be well equipped for this work. This is the honor and happiness to which He summons us. May we see our commission and prospect in the same manner as did Caleb and Joshua of old, and not pull back. "The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If YHVH is pleased with us, then He will bring us in to this land and give it to us..." (Numbers 14:7-8). For you and me, the land to which we are headed is the restoration of the kingdom, power, and glory of the YHVH to all Israel. Always forward!
The Holy Spirit "...but you shall receive power..." (Acts 1:8).
1. "Send out for yourself men..." (Bamidbar 13:2).
Moses had urged Israel to go up and take possession of the land, but the people proposed to send men to explore and assess the inhabitants and resources of Canaan first. Moses evidently liked the idea (see the Deuteronomy 1:21-22 account), and, we are sure, only acted upon it once he referred the matter to Elohim. That all the people might have a hand [be more directly represented] in the undertaking, a leading man was selected from each tribe and sent. They searched the land and returned. The forty-day trek had uncovered, or proven, the hearts of Israel's representatives. The majority brought a report that magnified the difficulties of advancing into Canaan [an unreasonable concern since YHVH was with them], weakened the resolve of Israel, and caused them to be kept in the Wilderness forty years. Lesson: When the Living Elohim makes our call or duty clear we should never permit our minds to dwell upon the difficulties or to enlarge the challenges that will be encountered. Such thinking diminishes the true character and ability of YHVH Himself, and weakens our own determination. When He summons us to a demanding work it is because He wants to be involved in it. There will always be obstacles and barriers stepping up to resist His Kingdom. Faith is the thing. Faith stands up to seemingly insurmountable odds because it sees the promise, the strength, and the faithfulness of the Holy One of Israel. "If thou can believe, all things are possible to him that believeth" (Mark 9:23 KJV).
2. "Now there were in the church that was in Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon...and Lucius...and Manaen...and Saul [Paul]. As they ministered to Adonai, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away" (Acts 13:1-3).
The wealth and strength of the early Apostolic Ecclesia was in its consecrated and anointed teachers and prophets, not with its numbers, money, or buildings of which nothing is said. The spiritual quality of the believers at Antioch is an example. "I know your tribulation and poverty (but you are rich)..." (Rev. 2:9). The commissioning of the ministers/missionaries there was preceded by fasting and prayer. There was also the laying on of hands (Heb. 6:1-2) for confirmation, activation of gifts, baptism in the Spirit, and such impartation and anointing that was required for their work and seemed good to the Almighty (Acts 8:17).Paul and his companions represented a vigorous missionary-minded fellowship that sent them out inspired and empowered.
Yeshua provided the primary means for the spiritual empowerment of His disciples. "...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes..." (Acts 1:8). John Lake, notable missionary and minister of the previous century, makes a relevant comment reflecting his regard for the sacredness of the gift. He said : "The ministry of Jesus [Yeshua] during His life was localized by His humanity. Localized again in that His message was only given to Israel. But the descent of the Holy Spirit brought to the souls of men the universal ministry of [Yeshua] to every man [believer], right from the heart of God. Heavenly contact with the heart of God in power, set their nature all aflame for God and with God...There is no subject in all the Word of God that seems to me should be approached with so much reverence, as the subject of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Beloved, my heart bleeds every day of my life when I hear the flippancy with which Christians discuss the Baptism of the Holy Spirit." [John G. Lake, KCP, pg. 476.]
We could say that speaking in tongues is the bridal language, and, as we have stated, is the first evidence of the baptism (emersion) in the Spirit. It carries blessings and benefits for those who utilize their prayer language regularly. We will look at three benefits this week, and examine more later.
A. Speaking in tongues is commanded by Elohim. "What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding...let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Cor. 14:15, 37).
B. Speaking in tongues builds a foundation of faith within the believer. "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church" (1 Cor. 14:4). Jude, along with Paul, commented on the value of praying in tongues. "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 1:20).
C. Speaking in tongues is an act of obedience, and a divine means of experiencing more of the power and tangible presence of the Spirit while making disciples of all nations. "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues...they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18). These verses list the credentials of the preacher of the Gospel of the Kingdom. All such evidences are as necessary today as they were with the early Ecclesia, even more so. "Verily, verily, [truly, truly] I say to you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go o unto Mt Father" (John 14:12). Fervent, effectual prayer, empowered and guided by the Spirit--prayer that altars the course of nations--is a greater work to which believers are called.
"So the Lord said, I have pardoned them according to your word, but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord" (Numbers 14:20-21).
Moses, again, is an example. YHVH granted him a reprieve for His ardent intercession. Instead of condemning Israel He sentenced her to forty years servitude in the desert. Elohim said He would be glorified and assured Moses that he therefore had no need for unease or concern. "As I live," connotes an oath. The people groups of Canaan would have no cause to sneer at or exalt themselves over Israel. Their demonic deities would eventually be swept out of the land. The day will come when all the earth shall be filled with the manifested glory of God. Then Heaven will declare, " The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of YHVH and His Messiah; and He will reign forever and ever" (Rev. 11:15).
Glory Note # 37: "The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but YHVH shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory" (Isaiah 60:19). The splendid, radiance of YHVH's glory will be the light of the new heaven and the new earth (Rev. 21:23-24). In this present world, His light is meant to shine through us who believe, by our walking in His truth. (Mt.5:14-16).
Parsha Summary
1. "That you may remember, and do all My commandments, and be holy unto you Elohim" (Bamidbar 15:40).
The spies were sent into the land and returned to discourage Israel from venturing forth. Among the people, only Joshua and Caleb remained faithful to the vision of possessing Canaan. There was a revolt, the glory of Elohim appeared, Moses interceded, and YHVH decreed that Israel will be held back from entering the Promised Land for forty years. Parsha Shelach L'cha also describes laws about offerings, violation of the Sabbath, and tzitzits.
The Numbers/Bamidbar narrative of the "spies episode" appears somewhat fragmentary when compared to Deuteronomy 1:20-25, which is more detailed. The Numbers account starts with YHVH seemingly taking as His own the idea which the people pressed upon Moses. They had said to him, "We will send us men before us..." (Deut. 1:22). In Numbers, Elohim tells Moses, "Send thou men." Why would YHVH appropriate [adopt, embrace] the ill-considered demand of the Israelites. Because He knew the true nature of the Israel's heart, and the disaffection [discontent, resentment, alienated loyalty] they harbored, that it would likely lead to open rebellion, defection, and multiplied heartaches before they completed their march into Canaan. The spies account would end up telling the tale, and revealing the heart of the nation they were selected to represent. The need for purging would be made manifest. Extended wandering in the desert, as miserable and demanding as it would be for the nation, would serve well as a discipline that would prepare the next generation for better things. Conquering Canaan would take faith, long-term commitment, courage, and self-discipline--quality virtues that Israel did not possess in the needed quantity. But they were vital and would need to be developed. Once the nation embarked into the fray, if Israel was defeated and failed, it would be an irrevocable national disaster. The nation would never recover to have another chance. Thus YHVH said to Moses: "...be holy to your God" (Bamidbar 15:40).
Section 2: 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 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: Now, read through the parsha and answer the questions using your own words.
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).
Numbers 13:1-15:41: Moses sends spies/ Spies report/ Murmuring/ Joshua and Caleb/ Revolt/ YHVH's glory/ Moses intercedes/ Pardon/ Forty years of wandering/ One law for Israel/ Atonement/ Sabbath/ Tzitzits.
Joshua 2:1-24: Spies sent/ Contrasting report.
Hebrews 3:7-19: Exhortation/ Hear His voice.
[Note: Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were being coerced/pressured to return to Judaism and deny the Messiah. Its message is that the remedy for backsliding and apostasy is a proper understanding (revelation) of the Person, Work and Glory of Yeshua, our High Priest. The epistle of Hebrews shows the eternal Son to be superior to angels, the prophets, Adam, Moses, Joshua, and Abraham. Yeshua is our true Savior. Hebrews is a book of comparisons.]
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).
"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). "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).
Note: New Scriptures are included for prayer and declaration for the Numbers section.
Stand and stretch forth your hands toward Jerusalem in prayer and declaration weekly after you finish each parsha.
1. Pray for Israel
Isaiah 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]
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your loving kindness in the morning and your faithfulness by night" (Psalm 92:1-2).
Sing, "How great are Your works, O Lord," over Israel. Declare His loving kindness and faithfulness over the land.
Section 4: Living the Parsha
Conclusion
1. "Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Messiah was faithful as a Son over His house--whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and boat of our hope firm unto the end" (Heb. 3:5-6).
The writer of Hebrews is exhorting his readers to consider what he has written about Yeshua HaMashiach, claiming He is greater than the prophets, the angels, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and all the heroes of faith. Yeshua is pre-eminent.
As we have seen in the parshas, Moses was a great man, a venerated deliverer, lawgiver, prophet, and leader. He was divinely commissioned, supported, and "faithful in all mine house" (Num. 12:7). His memory is cherished. But Messiah is worthy of still much greater honor. Moses was a servant on YHVH's house. Yeshua is the Builder of the house of which Moses is a stone. Yeshua is the Son that has been set over the house. Messiah is the Incarnate Word of Elohim of Whom Moses was a fore-runner, a harbinger. Yeshua is superior in His work, His Person (see John 6:1-21 for instance), and His office of High Priest, Apostle, and Intercessor. He came as one not receiving the Law, but giving and fulfilling it.
A. Personal application: " Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as when they provoked Me, as in the day of trial in the wilderness, where your fathers tried Me by testing Me, and saw My works for forty years' " (Heb. 3:7-9).
The Holy Spirit speaks to people. If we are acute, and attentive enough to listen, we will not harden our hearts to His voice. He instructs us in the way of salvation. He speaks through: (1) the Words and example of Yeshua. He "...hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in His Son;" (2) all Scripture; (3) our conscience; (4) people; (5) circumstances--all of which are under His providence [divine care and control]; (6) the ministry (gifts, etc.), influences, and voice of the Holy Spirit; (7) godly counsel. Further, the verse suggests He speaks daily. Therefore, we ought to listen for and attend to His voice, and the voice of the conscience, daily; now. It is our duty. It's our advantage. Turning a deaf ear to the Spirit grieves Him, and gives place to the progressive process of spiritual hardening, the fruit of which is personal stagnation and, in the long term, denominational institutionalism.
Therefore, let us "take heed...exhort one another daily...hold our confidence [faith] steadfast unto the end" (Hebrews 3:12-14). You too are sent. "...you will hear His voice..." If you "take heed" you shall walk in strength and victory. Remember His proverb: "Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse: he that guards his soul [from unbelief] shall be far from them" (Prov. 22:5). Tamid Kadima. Always Forward! Shalom.
Next week: Parsha Korach ("Korah") Numbers/Bamidbar 22:2-25:9
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, Shelach, p. 803. 2.
