BLESS THE LAND

PARSHA COMMENTARY

Parsha Commentary Study

Tazriah ("She bears seed")

Metsora ("Infected one")

Bless the Land

Written by Hutch Church

April, 2010

Torah: Tazriah: Lev. 12:1-13:59.  Metsora: Lev. 14:1-15:33.

Haftora: Tazriah: 2 Kings 4:42-5:19.  Metsora: 2 Kings 7:3-20.

Sugg. N.T.: Tazriah: Matt. 8:1-4.  Metsora: Rom. 6:9-23.

Gospel: Tazriah: Luke 10-11.  Metsora: Luke 12-13.

Welcome "Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us, but He will heal...He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day, that we may live before Him" (Hos 6:1-2).

Ephraim [Northern Kingdom] suffered from the deadly, self-inflicted disease of apostasy. YHVH, the Physician, could not help or correct the kingdom because Ephraim had not sought Him, or acknowledged his offense. Instead, Ephraim turned for comfort and security to treacherous Assyria, who became the instrument of YHVH's judgment upon the errant people, eventually conquering and taking them into captivity. The prophet Hosea, who had rebuked Israel's apostasy, foresaw the divinely imposed affliction accomplishing its purpose by turning Ephraim back to YHVH. Hosea envisioned the Ephraimite exiles awakening and displaying new resolve to return and seek the Lord, and encouraged them that the Holy One of Israel was willing to welcome them home and heal their wounds.

The Scriptures reveal that the exiled Israelites understood the Source of their affliction. "...for He has torn us." They recognized His hand in what had befallen them. They realized YHVH's hand was also one of mercy. "He has torn, but He will heal." They perceived that the tribulation of exile they had experienced had subdued and displaced their rebelliousness, and brought them to genuine repentance and restoration. They were confident of the Almighty's willingness and power to heal. Their argument: His power to judge and smite is great, so His power to heal must be great also. They saw His power to tear as also power to mend. This assures us today that the repentant person may have confidence with YHVH that his return to His statutes will be warmly  welcomed, and bring healing and restoration.

For those who are returning to the Father's ancient pathways and hunger for revival, there are several things to remember that might be helpful. (1) Revival implies a previous condition of death. [Banishment, for Israel, was like becoming dead, cut off from YHVH. Recovery was like "life from the dead" (Ro. 11:15). The soul in its un-regenerated state, however, is already "dead in trespasses..." (Eph. 2:1) and needs eternal life through Yeshua.] (2) Revival is an act of divine power. YHVH is omnipotent. Only He could re-gather and restore Israel. Only He can open graves and raise the exiled, scattered Israelites around the world (Ezek. 37:11-14) to new life and restoration. His power is required for every resurrection from the dead (Mt. 22:29)--the resurrection of Yeshua from the tomb (Eph. 1:20), the resurrection of the soul that is dead in sins (Jn. 5:25), and the resurrection of the body from the grave (Jn. 5:28,29; 1 Cor. 15:35-59). And only He, by the Spirit, can put a greater measure of holy fire, divine power, and resurrection life into the Hebrew Roots movement when we say, "let us return to YHVH" (verse 1), to both His Torah and the fullness of the Spirit. (3) Revival comes on the heels of true repentance. Yeshua does not keep us waiting on His mercy. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." He waits on us! David was forgiven the moment he repented and confessed his sin (Ps. 32:5). The prodigal son was received and reinstated by his father at once (Lk. 15:22-24). (4) Revival  is through Messiah Yeshua. He is "the resurrection and the life" for all who trust in His shed Blood. His welcome for us, who have heard the Spirit and are returning to our biblical Hebraic heritage, is "as certain as the dawn, and He will come to us as the rain [heaven sent, sweet, comforting, distinct, beneficial influences], like the spring rain watering the earth" (Hos. 6:3).

Returning Israelite (biological/grafted-in), your homecoming has been foreseen and foretold. The promise of revival and resurrection has been made by your Abba.  The purpose of your warm welcome: "That you may [again] live before Him" (verse. 3).

[Note:  Double parsha week]

The Written Torah:

Last week: "Now it came to pass on the eighth day..." (Lev. 9:1).

Parsha Sh'mini described the beginning of the priestly service in the Tabernacle, the offerings of Aaron and his sons, the priestly blessing and the glory of YHVH, and the incident with Nadab and Abihu. The reading also covered clean and unclean foods. The Torah impressed us clearly that the Most High desires His people to be holy, and living with clean habits, because He is holy.

This week: Tazriah ("She bears seed"): "When a woman gives birth and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean for seven days, as in the days of her menstruation shall she be unclean" (Lev. 12:2).

In the opening of this week's double Torah reading, we find that YHVH spoke to Moses about the institution of rituals and regulations concerning the purification from uncleanness [tuman] associated with/derived from childbirth. These kinds of rules are found in many nations. Human instinct tends to regard certain physical aspects associated with actual childbirth as defiled, debased, or contaminated with blood, and thus unpleasant and impure. Hindoo custom, as an example, declares a new mother unclean for forty days, and requires the father to bathe when his child is born. Even ancient Greece and Rome had purification laws and offerings for the birth of children. Israel was no exception.

"The creation of human life is the most sublime phenomenon in the universe. By bringing it into being, a man and a woman become partners with God, Who gives a soul to their offspring. But this new life begins with tumah (uncleanness), spiritual impurity, to show [and this can be said to reveal to] people that the mere fact of life [in and of itself] is not enough [to win high merits alone]. Life must be a [sanctified, cleansed] tool for the service of God, otherwise it is worth nothing." [Chumash]

With Tazriah, we advance from Sh'mini, and dealing with priestly regulations and rules about foods, to personal cleanness and uncleanness as related to childbirth, personal purification rites, and the tests for leprosy on a person or in a garment. We begin to perceive from the parsha how much YHVH values cleanness. Hence, we appreciate the wisdom of avoiding that which would cause moral uncleanness, even everything which would contaminate/weaken the body, soul, and spirit, and thereby vitiate [make faulty or defective; impairs; render ineffective, weaken] the power of His faith, hope, and love working within us. Our discipline in honoring His moral commandments is the condition required for the maintenance of purity, strong faith, and being continually led by the Spirit.

"Blessed are the pure [clean, undefiled] in heart [in this case, the seat of affections and motives] for they shall see God" (Mt. 5:8). The heart of man, the locality of the spirit, is the inner sanctuary of the believer, is a place of paramount importance to Yeshua. Without a pure heart, there can be no cleanness of hand.

Also this week: Metsora ("Infected one"): "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, this shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing" (Lev. 14:1-2).

Parsha Metsora continues with the subject of cleanliness, but goes beyond discussion about the tests for skin diseases on the body and clothing, and discusses the law of cleansing the leper and uncleanness of persons and houses. The rite of purification of the leper, and the cleansing of mold/leprosy [whatever is unclean, repulsive, offensive] within or upon a corrupted house are included.

The uncleanness of lepers excluded them from/kept them outside the camp/community of Israel and denied them access to the Tabernacle/Temple. They were not reconciled back into the congregation of YHVH until the priest pronounced them clean and they went through a purification ritual. This is a picture of the people of the world, who are unclean and contaminated by the curse of sin, of which leprosy is a type. Until their sins are washed away by the Blood of the Passover Lamb, Messiah Yeshua, "Who takes away the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29), they remain excluded from the Commonwealth of Redeemed Israel and the Kingdom of God.  "...and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Rev. 21:27).

Both of this week's parshas focus on issues of uncleanness, particularly that which is derived from an association with leprosy. Leprosy is a disease that produces a most foul disfiguring and destruction upon the human form. It has, at one time or another, afflicted just about every nation, and because of its loathsomeness and hideousness, is seen as a fitting type and symbol of sin. Below are some points of interest comparing leprosy and its affect on one's body with sin and its affect on the soul. Why do this? To help believers, in this day of heaven's clear call to sanctification, to disdain and avoid anything unclean (habitual sin) that would bring the soul into a ghastly condition comparable to/analogous to a body grossly afflicted and destroyed by leprosy. Foul imaginations and embraced grossness produce a life that is degraded in the sight of YHVH. The reward of holiness, purity, cleanness is a proper vision of the Most High.

Testing for leprosy [Tazriah] and purification rituals for cleaning of uncleanness [Matsora] are  the paramount subjects in the two parshas. Therefore, it is appropriate to look at Leprosy as a type of sin.

Leprosy is similar to sin by:

(1) Its mysterious origin. By whatever cause, leprosy often makes its appearance on the body/flesh of the person it besets without any apparent, precise reason on which to blame the existence of the infection. Suddenly, the suspicious spot of leprosy just mysteriously appears. "...I was brought forth in iniquity...in sin my mother conceived me" (Ps. 51:5). Theology calls it "original sin" and Scripture does support the notion of congenital depravity, not just here but in Job 14:4; Ps. 58:3, and such is implied in Isa. 43:27 and Hosea 6:7. We are born with a mysterious, natural propensity toward sin which manifests early in a child's life.

(2) Its small, unobtrusive  beginning. Leprosy begins with a small spot on the body--nothing much at first; like the kind of thing that comes and goes.

(3) Its painlessness in the first stages. In the beginning the disease does not interfere or meddle  with the enjoyments or duties of living. The observed spot causes no noticeable trouble, and men remain unconcerned.

(4) Its slowness of growth. Sometimes months, or even years may pass between leprosy's first appearance and it broader, deeper development. The rapidity of its growth will depend on the type of leprosy and the place on the body to which it has affixed itself. 

(5) Its insidiousness [treacherous, seductive; having a gradual and cumulative effect; subtle]. Leprosy will continue to thrive without producing noticeably great damage, so the affected (ignorant) person may assume that no real harm will come from it after-all. But the evil remains, hiding in the system, lingering, waiting for its time to erupt.

(6) Its resistless, persistent progression, if it is not eradicated immediately when it first appears. It has been reported in some cases that leprosy has been arrested and cured in its earliest stages, if medically treated when the symptoms (spots) first appeared. However, once the leprosy has advanced, even a little, there is no known cure. Certainly, if the disease has progressed considerably, it is still subject to medical treatment and arrestment, but it remains incurable.

(7) Its final hideousness. "First it affects the hair around the spot, and changes its color and its character until at last it falls off. The spots afterwards pierce through the cellular tissues [of the skin] and reach the muscles and bone. Hard gelatinous swellings are formed in the cellular tissues; the skin gets hard, rough, and seamy, lymph exudes from under it, and forms large scabs, which fall off from time to time, and under these there are often running offensive sores. The nails then swell, curl up, and fall off, entropium is formed, with bleeding gums, the nose stopped up, and a considerable flow of saliva" (Trusen). "A characteristic of the disease is the horribly repulsive features of its later stages, when the face becomes shockingly disfigured, and often the separate joints of the body become mortified and drop off one by one" (Gardiner). [Leviticus. Eerdsman, Pgs. 198-199.]

(8) Its increasing, sadistic infliction of suffering as it progresses. Painless in the initial stages, leprosy inflicts much constant physical pain in the final stage, and great mental distress and horror in the sufferer, who has become loathsome and offensive to both himself and society. Patients at this juncture will resist visitors.

(9) Its unexpected ending. Leprosy speeds its pernicious ending when, at last, the disease reaches, penetrates, and infects the vital organs of the patient, and other diseases, often dysentery, arise from its intrusion to dispense their havoc. The sufferer, his miseries having been multiplied, commonly becomes emaciated, suffers from diarrhea, incessant thirst, and a burning fever. Then death, at last, comes.

(10) Its likeness to a living death. Leprosy is the emblem of sin, and also of death which sin produces. When a person rejects Yeshua, Who is the remedy for sin, he remains in his sin, just as a leper would remain under Leprosy's increasingly destruction work. Sin's final corruption--death and loss of the soul for eternity.

The above points (a) outline the pernicious and debilitating progression of leprosy on and in the body and mind of the sufferer, and (b) thereby represent the deterioration of the soul of a man given over to the dominion of sin, of which leprosy is a type. Sin, at some point in one's life arises in the heart, quietly asserting itself unannounced and without solicitation (as does leprosy on the body), manifesting from an undetected, somewhat mysterious, pre-existing condition of corruption (fallen human nature). In the beginning, sin seems unobtrusive, as causing no noticeable alarm or pain to the afflicted. It promises pleasure, freedom (false), and for a season provides degrees of short-lived enjoyment. It may take years for its true, debilitating, damning character to be discerned. But, sin gathers strength and momentum by repetition, making sick the heart and head of the individual and causing its victim to become morally putrid. As is the one who's sick from the contagion of leprosy, the uncleanness of the person/people captured by sin demoralizes his family and neighbors, and can actually bring down judgment on their affected community. The plague of sin and its uncleanness, like leprosy, will eventually have an adverse affect on the mental and material prosperity of the community, large or small.  Indeed, unchecked sinfulness will take more and more possession of the soul, destroying and distorting all of its faculties, rendering to the victim a confused, circus-mirror distortion of reality, until it becomes absolutely indelible, unconquerable, irremovable by any internal or human power. Then sin's true, hideous character is unveiled, and revealed as repulsive, destructive, pain-producing, and damning. Its end is sudden death and condemnation, and consignment of the unredeemed soul to perdition. It is no wonder then, that a leper should be considered unclean, and that unrepentant believers be avoided, for it is extremely improbable that any good will come from their close associations. "Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous" (Psalm 1:5).

Our simple but noteworthy conclusion, which has been gathered from parshas Tazriah and Metsora, is for all returning Israelites who long for a visitation and the full restoration of the kingdom, power, and glory of YHVH to all Israel, is: (1) Avoid everything that could bring your soul into a unclean, leprous condition. [Your last thought, or yesterday's deed, were they a touching and contracting of leprosy? Check yourself quickly.] (2) Positively seek what will bring life and prosperity  to your soul. Start now with Proverbs 3:13-18.

The Living Torah: Yeshua  "I did not come to abolish but to fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).

Tazriah: "But if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves...the one for a burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her , and she will be clean" (Lev. 12:8).

In ancient Israel a woman was considered unclean for a specified period of time after she gave birth. It was a regulation that strongly implies the reality of primal sin, or spiritual corruption, and that a person's origin, or one's start in life, is not without some degree of contamination/imperfection. Nevertheless, she was ceremonially cleansed and restored through her offerings. [Note: Women are not being singled out here. Men can also be unclean for a number of personal reasons. As a matter of fact, it is Yeshua Who dignifies women, and lifts them to a place of equality and honor among men. In His kingdom, "There is neither male not female; ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Both men and women are saved by faith,  baptized in water and endowed with the Holy Spirit. A woman was the medium for the incarnation of the Son of God, the virgin Miriam, who brought two turtle doves for her offering in fulfilling the law of purification. Women were quick to discern the truth of Yeshua's preaching and were faithful servants, even in supporting and assisting His apostles in their ministries. Women adored the infant Messiah, supplied His wants and needs in life and ministry, bathed His feet, anointed His head before burial, bestowed their best gifts, followed Him along Calvary's road, were nearest in compassion, and did not run away from the cross, were first at the tomb on resurrection day, were anointed witnesses, opened their homes to the saints, occupied notable and honorable ministries in the spreading of the Gospel from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, to the world. They prophesied, excelled in helps, and throughout history have shown great effectiveness as fearless missionaries and evangelists, who have been for centuries martyred for the Gospel's sake alongside the men, and on we could go. This is a testament to the greatness of the Kingdom of God. How? The  respect, honor, and freedom from oppression that women enjoy in any kingdom or nation serves as an index to its spiritual quality.  "And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new" (Rev 21:5)].

Metsora: "Now he shall be brought to the priest, and the priest shall go out to the outside of the camp. Thus the priest shall look, and if the infection  of leprosy has been healed in the leper, then the priest shall give orders  to take two live clean birds and cedar wood and a scarlet string and hyssop for the one who is to be cleansed" (Lev. 14:2-4). In both parshas consideration was given to those undergoing purification cleansings who were not financially well off. Doves and pigeons could be used in the place of lambs for burnt offerings.

Leprosy and sin share similar characteristics, as we have discovered. The cleansing of the leper is an illustration of absolution--the pronouncement of a priest for the remission of the offenses of the sinner. Both the healing of the leper and the redemption of the sinner require divine power for deliverance from an otherwise incurable, deadly, ever-consuming ailment.

"And a leper came to Him and bowed before Him, and said, Lord, if You are willing You can make me clean. Yeshua stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed" (Mt. 8:2-3).

Yeshua had departed the Mount of Beatitudes and the multitudes were following Him. It was a great sermon. It appealed to their hearts and satisfied the longings of their souls. He taught as one having authority, and they wanted to hear and see more of Him, and to learn more. These people of old are an example for us. May we not forget what we read and hear of Him, and daily stir up a holy hunger for His words; we must follow Him with much the same expectancy. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst..." (Mt. 5:6).

A loathsome leper came forward unexpectedly, full of leprosy, unclean, reeking, miserable, in rags and disfigured. He had been tested and pronounced unclean by a priest, and felt the fatal power of the disease withdrawing his life, separating him from society, annexing him away from friends, family, and sympathies. The approaching Messiah, of Whom he had heard and to Whom he had listened (from a legal distance), was actually passing by the man's area, and the leper knew this was his moment, his only hope. When the opportunity came, he shuffled up to Yeshua, managed a reverent, humble kneeling posture, and said, "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." The pitiful man was aware of his unworthiness and degradation. He may have questioned whether the Teacher would actually be willing to help anyone as unworthy and guilty as was he, but he did not doubt Yeshua's power. He was in mortal danger and so he came with earnest, pressing, heart-felt supplication. There was no pride left in this poor figure. There is room here for us pause for a moment, and understand that this wretched fellow in the story is a picture of all humanity, you and me included. He shows us how fallen, sin-contaminated people must come to the Teacher if they want to be cleansed from the defilement of their spiritual leprosy, their besetting sin. We all must feel our guilt, sense our weakness and danger, and the magnitude of our need; we must hunger for forgiveness and long to be made clean, and approach the Saviour by faith, acknowledging our defilements, confessing our unworthiness of His grace and mercy, and  having faith in His willingness (mercy) and power to deliver and restore. "...and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out" (John 6:37).

Yeshua responded. He "put forth his hand and touched him saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed" (Mt. 8:3). Messiah was never afraid of defilement. No evil work can live in the glory realm. He healed with miraculous authority then, and does so today as well. The compassionate Redeemer's divine touch has power in every age and dispensation. His Blood cleanses those who come to Him from all their sin and uncleanness. If there is a dearth of power and needed miracles in the congregations today, the fault is not His, the fault is with believers (us). "You shall receive power..." Acts 1:8). Whatever our need, let us come in faith, bearing the earnest supplication of the leper, and we will find Him willing to touch us also, wash away our sin, cleanse us from unrighteousness, and fill us with His Spirit.

The leper was healed and cleansed. He was instructed to fulfill the law and present himself to the priest on duty at the Temple and make the appointed offering, and give thanks to YHVH for his life-saving recovery and restoration. Yeshua's final words (1) directed the healed man to refrain from a loud public trumpeting about his healing [silence], and (2) obey the law of Moses.

"Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried" (Isa. 53:4). We serve a magnificent healer with a gentle touch, compassionate heart, and perfect healing power.

Learn: We must hear Yeshua more than once. One sermon is not enough. Sin is like a lurking leprosy, subtle at first and fatal in the end. It's imperative that stay close to Him, Who "is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Let us follow closely so we might hear more of Him.

The Holy Spirit

Tazriah: "Then the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, When a man has on the skin of his body a swelling or a scab or a bright spot, and it becomes an infection of leprosy on the skin of his body, then he shall be brought before Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests...if...it is an infection of leprosy...he shall pronounce him unclean" (Lev.13:1-2).  

A white spot on the skin is the first sign of tzaraas. The patch should be about the size of a lima bean, approximately 3/4" across. The Kohen alone is authorized by the Torah to examine tzaraas, to search out the physical evidence and from it deduce its status, and then publically pronounce a diagnosis.

The Priest performed the examination on the afflicted person by eyesight. "For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches [examines] all things, even the depths of God" (1 Cor. 2:10). Believers today have the Spirit to help them distinguish/discern between right and wrong, clean and unclean, and what's more, impart revelation of the unseen and unheard things of YHVH. These revelations would include insights of the callings, destinies, higher joys of eternity, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption, assurances of son-ship and heir-ship, and more, that are vouch-saved [granted as a privilege] to the spiritually hungry. The knowledge of His glory and goodness is not accessible to the normal powers of man. Revelations of the Spirit are reserved for them who love YHVH and walk uprightly. See: Psalm 25:14; Prov. 3:32.

"...I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds" (Rev. 2:23). The Son has an interest in each of His disciples/sheep, and so He searches us to locate and remove infirmities that prevent the growth of good fruit. He says, "I know thy works."  He looks into the deepest realms of our minds and hearts, where no man or angel can see, and examines the arenas of spirit and soul where moral battles are waged, secret desires and motives arise/reside, and character is formed. He examines all the unclean areas, even those to which we are blind, and recommends the remedy. "He who has ears to hear let him hear what the Spirit says..." His concern is for our sanctification and good.  Holiness comes before happiness. One day He will reward us according to our deeds.

Metsora:  "The priest shall give orders to slay the one bird in an earthenware vessel over running [living] water" (Lev. 14:5).

If the priest, after examining the spot on the skin, pronounced the patient clean, a purification ritual was required for complete restoration.

The bird was slaughtered over an earthenware [pottery] vessel. This was so the bird's blood would flow [drip] into the vessel containing fresh spring water. The water was necessary because there was not enough blood in one small bird for the seven required sprinklings. The water was "running water" [literally living water] in that it was taken from a clean fountain or running stream, which directs our excited thoughts to "the river of the water of life" of Revelation 22. The cleansing power of blood and water are here pictured. What is more, by this purification rite our thoughts are further directed to 1 John 5:8: "This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies...for there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; the three are in agreement." The knowledge that Yeshua is the eternal Son is enforced by the testimony of three historical incidences represented by: (1) The water. This is a reference to Yeshua's baptism by John the Baptist "...the Spirit of God descending...behold, a voice...this is My Son" (Mt. 3:16-17). Under Mosaic Law, a priest had to be ceremonially washed before entering his office. In so doing, He Who was considered as without sin, fulfilled all righteousness and became our representative. (2) The blood. This speaks of the crucifixion. "Jesus bare our sins in His own body upon the tree." He poured out/shed His precious Blood for us, as a lamb without spot or blemish (Mt. 20:28, 26:28; Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:20; Rev. 1:5). (3) The Spirit. Our Redeemer sent "the promise of the Father," the Holy Spirit, Who would be the gift of the resurrected Savior. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the crowning evidence (seal) that Yeshua was/is the divine Son of God.

The gift of the Holy Spirit was proof that Yeshua had received all power in heaven and in earth, that He reigned over all things, and had full authority to give, restore and sustain life. "Above the floodwaters is God's throne from which His power flows, from which He rules the world. God makes His people strong. God gives His people peace (Psalm 29:1-11 The Message).

Being Led by the Spirit/Hearing His Voice

Tazriah: "But if the bright spot remains in its place and does not spread, it is only the scar of the boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean" (Lev. 13:23).

The person with the white spot would be quarantined for seven days. If the affliction had not spread by the end of the seven day period, no further isolation was necessary. The Kohen would rule that spot/mark was not a leprosy, but only a scar left behind by the inflammation. The Kohen's words would make the difference between incarceration and freedom, and the patient would expectedly be attentive to understand and honor every word he spoke.  

Metsora: "...take two male lambs...a yearling ewe lamb without defect, and three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, and one log [pint] of oil; and the priest who pronounces him clean..." (Lev. 14:11).

The final stage of the purification rite was the offering. The metsora is told to bring three animal sacrifices, each one accompanied by a meal offering. This procedure was an uncommon because sin and guilt offerings were not usually accompanied by a grain offering. Commentaries suggest that in such a case the metsora  was accorded this honor as a testimony from God of his sincere repentance and faith, as evidenced by his total healing and cleansing.

We see again, this time in parshas Tazriah and Metsora, that YHVH is the Elohim of set times, standards, and order, and thus delegates to His cleansed priests the responsibility of knowing and  establishing them. The priest had the keys of authority that sanctioned him to  either shut out or admit into the camp the leper who came for examination. "Whatsoever you shall bind [declare illegal; not allow] on earth shall be bound in [by] heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose [declare lawful, permit, enforce] on earth shall be loosed in [by] heaven" (Matt. 18:18). YHVH enforces/backs up the legal decisions and declarations of His ordained, anointed, and implanted priests, then and also now, as they serve His people and minister/enforce His Word in the earth. When we believe, speak, and act in faith on His Word, demonstrating that we have both heard and understand His decrees, we use the keys of His kingdom to establish/advance YHVH's dominion [provision, healing, love, joy, peace] and defeat/undo enemy strongholds [demonic strongholds, works of darkness and the flesh]. [Note: Healing was available and obtainable by faith in the Old Testament, just as it is today. It has always been this way for those who hear [shema: listen and obey] His Word. The leper who actually discerned in the Old Testament regulations the implications of healing (Ex. 15:26; 23:25; Deut. 7:12,15; Prov. 4:20-22; Isa. 53:4-5; Luke 17:11-21), and came truly believing, not hoping, that he would be healed, would find himself given a clean bill of health, ritually absolved and purified, and then allowed back into the community with all rights restored. See: Luke 4:27; 2 kings 5:1-14. For provision. See: Luke 4:25; 1 Kings 17:1.]

The Holy Spirit will speak to and instruct listening believers concerning redemption realities, including His truth on healing, provision, wisdom, victory, sanctification, and the believer's authority in Messiah. The key to success in hearing Him is developing sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit/the Almighty. Using one's prayer language--speaking, praying, interceding, and singing in tongues regularly--is a powerful, anointed exercise; it is a spiritual ability that has been given to us for growth in Spirit and truth. When the Holy Spirit came on Shavuot, He came with the sound of a mighty wind, fire, and tongues. He continues to come in these latter days with tongues (Acts 2:4). Speaking in tongues is not necessary for salvation, but is a valuable and necessary asset for prayer, and very effectual for growth in grace and the knowledge of Yeshua. Speaking (and even singing) in tongues is beneficial to our spiritual growth, and builds up our faith, as we have been already instructed: "...building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit..." (Jude 1:20-21). It enables greater intimacy with the Almighty. It refreshes us when we are spiritually weary. The more we speak in tongues, the more we are possessed by the Spirit. What's more, tongues is the holy language of the Spirit and it helps us magnify Yeshua. It is the language of glory. The use of our individual prayer language, which we receive with the baptism in the Holy Spirit, is a God-given, powerful means of spiritual development that is not utilized often enough. As rich a blessing that it is, tongues is the outward sign of an even greater miracle--that the eternal Elohim has come to man by His Spirit to regenerate and permanently indwell followers of Yeshua.

We are in the season of Counting the Omer. As we spent the weeks discussing the benefits of tongues, let us keep in mind that Pentecost (of which tongues played an integrated, important part) was not an accident, or an afterthought of the Most High. It has always been an integral part of His end-time plan, and was  prophesied by the Prophet Joel centuries before the historic event. "It shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions" (Joel 2:28-29). [Note: Joel called Judah to repentance, to rending his garment and heart. As encouragement, YHVH promised the nation of Judah refreshing, revival, and restoration through seasons of steady, poured-out, natural rainfall. This fore-shadowed and prophesied the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the people of Israel, believers in Messiah, in the end-times. In the book of Joel, Yeshua is seen as the Promiser (Lk. 24:49) and Baptizer in the out-poured Holy Spirit (Jn. 1:31-33).]

Begin using your prayer language, your "unknown tongue." If you have not spoken in your prayer language, ask Yeshua, your Baptizer, to submerge you in the Spirit and release from within your "tongues." What you surrender to Him by faith He will bless, strengthen, and multiply "...exceeding abundantly, above all we ask or thing" (Eph. 3:20). More on this next week.

Weekly Parsha Commentary Study

Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).

Leviticus 12:1-13:59; 14:1-15:33 [Torah]: Childbirth/Purification/Skin disease/Cleaning the leper/Unclean houses.

2 Kings 4:42-5:19; 2 Kings 7:3-20 [Haftorah]: Materialism and distraction/Exiled lepers.

Mt. 8:1-4; Rom. 6:9-23 [New Testament]: Yeshua and the leper/Dead to sin/Alive to Yeshua.

Luke 10-13 [Gospels]: Seventy sent/Prayer/Covetousness/Repentance/Healing of the Sabbath.

Study Questions: Listen to the Ruach HaKodesh, and then write out your answers.

1. What are the prominent themes of Tazriah and Metsora?

2. What major teaching/common truth do they share?

3. In what way does Yeshua demonstrate, illustrate, or fulfill these parshas?

4. What did they teach you about your Hebraic heritage?

Israel

Tazriah: "But if the priest looks at it, and indeed, there is no white hair in the bright spot and it is no deeper than the skin, but is dim, then the priest shall isolate him for even days" (Lev. 13:26).

The passage in which the verse is situated concerns the method of discerning between a leprous spot and an old scar burn. Interestingly, an old burn mark or ulcer are more likely places, than those that are healthy, for a leprous spot to appear. It's a picture of the moral sphere of man. Sin revisits and more easily attaches itself to, and bursts forth from, old, unresolved soul addictions and wounds. This tells us to flee temptation, not flirt with it. Once restored, we must keep clean, beginning with the heart.

"Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness [feed securely oh His faithfulness]" Psalm 37:3). The psalmist is encouraging the reader about the sure goodness of YHVH for those who remain in the land and dwell in His righteousness; for them who trust in His providential care despite contradictory circumstances. He exhorts us (21st century readers) to remain firm in believing His Word and to be renewed and kept spiritually clean by meditating upon YHVH's faithfulness. "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted firmly  by rivers [channels] of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf [foliage, fruit] does not wither [become dull, fade, weaken, or becomes unclean]" (Psalm 1:3).

Metsora: "The priest shall take some of the blood of the guilt offering, and the priest shall put it on the lobe of the right ear of the one to be cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot" (Lev. 14:14).

The blood placed upon the three body parts of the leper is done to teach/indicate that the senses and active powers of the restored Israelite--the ear (intelligence; next to the mind), the thumb, (representing action and talents), and the big toe (representing forward progress; ambition)--must be henceforth dedicated to YHVH and His purposes. Grace gives us license, not for self-indulgence and foolishness [a prominent mind-set in the west], but to know and to serve the Most High. Again, Tazriah includes instructions on testing for defilement, and Metsora deals with the cleansing rites. Both are expressions of YHVH's grace in the Torah.

The laws for purification of uncleanness were still in place in Israel at the time of the Roman occupation. [We will pick up, from last week, with basic history here.] Many felt that the land was unclean, though, because of the Roman presence. Thus, Jewish resistance continued. After the end of the first revolt by the zealots [see Sh'mini], many more Roman soldiers were assigned to Israel/Palestine. The towns that were destroyed in the revolt were rebuilt and changed into Roman military bases. Despite this, Jewish life and customs continued, prospering especially outside Jerusalem. Galilee became the leading, preeminent region of Jewish life and enterprise, while Christianity spread and gained converts even among the Romans.

In 117 CE Hadrian became emperor. He was oppressive, abusive, insensitive to the Jews, and issued decrees prohibiting Torah reading, circumcision, and various other Jewish rites and customs. In 132 CE another revolt took place. This one was led by a Jew known as Bar Kochba, which means "son of the star." He was an able and inspiring general who won seemingly impossible [miraculous) victories over the Roman enemy, was therefore acclaimed a "messiah". The revolt ended in 135. Roman reaction had been furious and overwhelming, unrelenting as they crushed the revolt, smashing Jewish towns in the process, and wiping out villages by the hundreds.

When the fighting was ended, Jerusalem was rebuilt. Hadrian had a statute of himself erected on the Temple Mount, where the Temples had been built. Jewish people were not allowed entry into Jerusalem at all, except for one day a year, Tisha b'Av, the anniversary of the destruction of the Second Temple. This was the beginning of the Diaspora--the migration and settling of Jews outside Israel/Palestine--that would last into the nineteenth century. [Note: Some regard the destruction of Solomon's Temple and the concurrent Babylonian captivity as the beginning of the Jewish diaspora.]

Latter Days

Tazriah: "Now if a man or woman has a infection on the head or on the beard, then the priest shall look at the infection, and if it appears to be deeper than the skin, and within it is weak, golden hair; the priest shall pronounce him unclean" (Lev. 13:29-30).

The greater passage referenced deals with leprosy [tzaraas] of the head, scalp, or beard. It was recognized as starting with a scale [nesek], loss of hair, and the appearance of short, weak golden hairs in the spot in question. The regulations apply to any areas where hair once normally grew. The priest's examinations were careful and very thorough. It is the same with He who stands in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, our High Priest. "...I am He who searches the minds and hearts [inner man]..." (Rev. 2:23). He knows everything about us, hence, no imperfection or unclean thing is hidden from His sight. Let us never despise His corrections and disciplines, which come in various forms, because He loves us with an everlasting love and corrects us for our own welfare.

Metsora: "The priest shall offer up the burnt offering and the grain offering on the altar. Thus the priest shall make atonement for him, and he will be clean" (Lev. 14:20).

Once the patient is exonerated [cleared; reckoned as clean after-all], the appropriate sacrifice is necessary. The priests offers up the sin, burnt, and meal offering for the one who had been unclean, and that person is then restored to a state of legal cleanness, and of communion with the Almighty and man.

"But the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times [latter days] some will fall way [commit apostasy] from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron..." (1 Tim. 4:1-2).

Apostasy in the Ecclesia is also prophesied by Daniel (7:25; 8:23), Yeshua (Mt. 24:4,11), and Paul (2 Th. 2; Acts 20:29-20; Col. 2). [Study these verses.] A historically re-occurring phenomenon, it will appear in a pronounced fashion in the later days. Some people, but not all, will fall away from faith in Messiah. The reason, or source of the apostasy will be false teachers (as always), wearing masks of holiness (cleanness), whose unclean minds are inspired by demons. Their consciences will have become seared [scarred] by un-going corruption and uncleanness of heart and mind, and they will not be able to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and error. Our protection from confusion and a seared conscience bears repeating. Once we are pronounced clean [saved, delivered and healed], we must remain clean. "Go and sin no more."

Bless the Land

Tazriah: "Now if a man loses the hair of his head, he is bald; he is clean" (Lev. 13:40).

Loss of hair on a man's head did not constitute uncleanness. The person was not contaminated because of spreading baldness, a condition that is usually hereditary.

Metsora: "Moreover the rest of the oil that is in the priest's palm he shall put on the head of the one to be cleansed...he shall then offer one of the turtledoves or young pigeons, which are within his means. He shall offer what he can afford...so the priest shall make atonement before the Lord..." (Lev. 14:29-31).

Here we have a concession to poverty, the substitution of doves or pigeons for the cleansed leper's sin offering. These people, of course, would be bereft [woefully lacking] of resources and in need of a little assistance. "...He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting" (Ps. 118:1). The lamb decreed for the trespass offering was required for the rich and poor alike, no exceptions. The newly restored party was afterwards free to return to the community of men and become a blessing in Israel. Please bless the land this week.

1. Pray for Israel and Jerusalem.

"For thus saith the Lord, sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise and say, O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel" (Jer. 31:7).

2. Pray for America/Pray for your Nation.

"In the morning, O Lord, you will hear my voice; in the morning will I order my prayer to you and eagerly watch" (Ps. 5:3).

3. Sing the Song of the Lord. Prophetic Praise and Worship

"...he appointed those who sang to the Lord and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah" (2 Chron. 20:21-22).

As the Israelite army marched and the Levites began to sing and praise YHVH in faith, zeal, and holiness, their enemies became confused [totally discombobulated], charged at one another's throats, and did not stop fighting until all three alien armies had been mutually destroyed; exterminated. 

On this occasion, Judah never lifted a sword against their enemies, but spent three days collecting the spoil, and then returned to Jerusalem: (1) without delay, (2) without loss, (3) without disorder, and (4) without sorrow. Learn: There is great value in a sacred song of praise. It is the means of exciting faith, stirring courage, quickening inspiration, and sustaining fortitude in the time of threat or warfare. The inspired, anointed Song of the Lord needs to be sung and the power of the Spirit released in times of conflict and crises. Sing over Israel.

Conclusion

Tazriah: "As for the leper who has the infection, his clothes shall be torn, and the hair of his head shall be uncovered [disheveled, purposely messed-up; the leper had to present himself at all times as unkempt], and he shall cover his mustache and cry, Unclean! Unclean" (Lev. 13:45)!

The condition of the metsora's isolation was harsh, but necessary. He dwelled outside the camp, separated from clean society. If a leper violated the laws he was punished with forty strips. The primary reason for the exclusion of the lepers from the community was to avoid widespread ceremonial uncleanness. Of course, isolation taught that the fate of men whose sins had not been covered and removed by atonement meant separation from the people of God in the hereafter.

Metsora: "This is the law for any mark of leprosy--even for any scale, and for the leprous garment or house, and for a swelling, and for a scab, and for a bright spot--to teach when they are unclean and when they are clean. This is the law of leprosy" (Lev. 14:54-57).

The closing verses of the chapter reveal the essence of the parsha, the search for and removal of what would cause ceremonial uncleanness in Israel. Even garments and houses deemed unclean by the priest were to be removed from the congregation of YHVH.

The two parshas contend with the issues of personal purity. From them we harvest some truths to strengthen our faith and encourage our growth in grace. First, personal purity and integrity--morality, excellent behavior, and decency of thought--are matters of great importance to Yeshua. Secondly, it is expedient [advantageous, profitable] for believers to receive clear instructions/commandments in order to remain separated from destructive, surrounding impure customs and unholy characters. Thirdly, in the matters of cleanness and purity, we must not only look after ourselves, but to the well-being of others also. The precepts of our two parshas show us that everyone who came in to contact with an unclean, afflicted man or woman became unclean also. Thus, a basic truth has been raised up for our benefit. Evil is communicable!! For instance, how does the Eternal Judge look upon the unclean, nefarious business of pornography, and the printing of impure unholy, man-exalting literature that has spread and now contaminates countless people today? What about the unclean contagion of the movie industry? The uncleanness of our nation not only demoralizes our own citizens, but pollutes other nations also. In the Almighty's opinion, anything that even rubs against the borders of indecency and impurity should be abandoned at once. "...hating even the garment polluted by the flesh" (Jude 23). But we have not abandoned uncleanness, nor are we shouting, "Unclean, unclean!"  to warn others. Hence, one must ask, "How many stripes await our nation?" Because of the need, and in order that we effectually contend for the faith in these latter days, we believe that the spirit of holiness, of the nature alluded to in Jude's writing, will be supernaturally raised up by the Spirit within seeking believers in the times ahead.

Living the Word

Tazriah: "This is the law of the mark of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, whether in the warp [yarn extended lengthwise] or in the woof [a filling thread or yarn], or in any article of leather, for pronouncing it clean or unclean" (Lev. 13:59).

Here, we learn, the chapter's concluding verse juxtaposes the Torah with leprous affliction. "This teaches that if one has earned the punishment of tzaraas, he should occupy himself with Torah study, because Torah is the spiritual fire that purges impurity (see Numbers 31:23). The last words of the Sidrah are to declare it pure or to declare it contaminated, which suggests [remez] that the person who studies Torah absorbs the potential for purity, but the one who neglects it opens the door to impurity." [Sifsei Kohen]

Metsora: "Thus you shall keep the sons of Israel separated from their uncleanness, so they will not die in their uncleanness by their defiling My Tabernacle that is among them" (Lev. 15:31).

The primary reason for the regulations/laws of cleanness was to: (1) keep YHVH's Tabernacle/Temple ceremonially clean, and (2) keep His people free from the danger of defilement by foul, unclean things which cause ceremonial defilement and symbolize moral defilement.

"...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Messiah is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we [let us] pursue the things that make for peace and the building up  of one another" (Rom. 14:17-19).

The characteristics of the kingdom [and it could be said, of cleanness] are: (1) In relation to YHVH--righteousness. His statutes and directions are to be obeyed. (2) In relation to people--peace. True peace is based upon righteousness and cleanness of society, and such as is in harmony with the nature of YHVH. (3) In relation to the heart--joy. Happiness, assurance, serenity, and contentment are the portion of followers of Messiah. "Rejoice evermore!" Finally, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit account for the transformation of the skeptical, fearful unclean sinner into a cleansed, peace-filled saint who joyfully anticipates eternal life with YHVH.

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous [declared unclean] will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, not thieves, nor the covetous, not drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified [declared clean, welcomed into the kingdom] in the name of the Lord Yeshua Messiah and in the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

Abba offers mankind a priceless gift. It is a genuine moral transformation, which is indispensable to our peace and happiness, which comes through conversion to Messiah, regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and sanctification. The miraculous change is not doctrinal, religious, or institutional. It is the creation of a new moral nature. It is the seed of holiness.

"Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord."

Next week: Another double parsha:  Acharei ("After the death") and K'doshim ("Holy ones").

Hutch Church, BTL scribe, D. Min. /blesstheland@live.com/www.blesstheland.net