Bamidbar/Numbers 8:1 –
12:16
“Be ha a lot cha”
contains an infinitive Hebrew verb which in this Torah portion comes with a
preposition and personal pronoun. An infinitive verb in a sense has no limits
with regard to person. Gender, number or tense, it does not need to agree with
any other word in the sentence.
We can read deeper
meanings into the title of our Torah portion which as we have learned also
contains the essence of much of the Torah portion is trying to teach us.
“Be ha a lot cha” (hipyl infinitive) can mean
“when you cause to go up” it can also convey a meaning which implies that we
can only truly return to the ways of YHVH and His Torah when the light of His
Ruach (symbolized in the Menorah) shows us the way. This is the seven fold
Ruach/Spirit referred to in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 11.
Isa 11:2 The Spirit of יהוה shall
rest upon Him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel
and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of יהוה,
This Torah portion
strategically follows “Shavuot” (also known as “Pentecoste” in Greek and
therefore the English transliteration “Pentecost”) and once again implies that the
Ruach has been poured out to show us the way of return.
Note the “light” symbolic
of YHVH’s Ruach comes from YHVH and will always return to honour YHVH.
We need to remember why
the Ruach (Spirit) of YHVH was poured out on the day of Shavuot and why the
Ruach will be poured out again in the latter days.
Act 2:1 And when the Day of the Festival of
Weeks(Shavuot) had come, they were all with one mind in one place.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from the
heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they
were sitting.
Act 2:3 And there appeared to them divided tongues,
as of fire, and settled on each one of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Set-apart
Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them to speak.
Act 2:5 Now in Yerushalayim there were dwelling Yehuḏim, dedicated men
from every nation under the heaven.
Act 2:6
And when this sound came to be, the crowd came together, and were
confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
“This was in
direct fulfillment of Yahshua’s own words, that the disciples should remain in Yerushalayim/Jerusalem
until they would be clothed with “the power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Only
after receiving this power, were they to go as Yahshua had commanded, to Yehudah
and Shomeron (Judea, Samaria), and to the ends of the
world, bearing witness of Him to all the nations (Matt 28:19–20). In other
words, until they received the power given by the Ruach/Spirit, they would not
be able to pioneer the mission of gathering in the Gentiles to which there was
no doubt: the immersion of the Ruach, promised by Yochanan/John and Yahshua
after him, had occurred. The message of Moshe/Moses and the Prophets, fulfilled
in the coming of Messiah, was unleashed to begin the harvest of the elect
through the faithful work of His disciples”.
Yochanan/Joh
16:13 “But when He comes, the Spirit of
the Truth, He shall guide you into all the truth. For He shall not speak from
Himself, but whatever He hears He shall speak, and He shall announce to you
what is to come.
This was a new
work of the Ruach. It was in the era subsequent to the ascension of the Messiah
that the harvest of the nations would begin, and this was something that had
not happened before. Surely throughout the history of Yisrael, Gentiles were
added to the people of YHVH, drawn to faith by the Spirit.
It was for this
reason that Yahshua needed to leave and ascend to the Father:
Yoch/Joh 16:7 “But I say the truth to you. It is better for
you that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you
at all, but if I go, I shall send Him to you.
Joh 16:8 “And having come, He shall reprove1
the world concerning sin,2 and concerning righteousness, and
concerning judgment – Footnotes: 1Or confute or prove
wrong. 22 Chr. 24:20, Neh. 9:30, Ezek. 36:27, Mic. 3:8, Acts
28:25-27.
The Festival of
Shavuot, commemorating the giving of the Torah at Sinai, was the fitting
appointed time for the beginning of the harvest of the nations, for the Torah
would now go forth to the nations energized by the Ruach of YHVH emboldening
the followers of Yahshua, and bringing conviction to the chosen ones who heard
their message of the Good News. The promise of the prophets that “the Torah
will go forth from Tzion, and the word of the YHVH from Yerushaelyim” (Isaiah
2:3; Micah 4:2) began to be fulfilled on the first Shavuot following the
ascension of our Messiah, because the Ruach had come to shine the light of
Torah to the nations. And He is still active in this work to this day – be ha
alotcha – when you arise by the light of the Ruach to follow the Torah of Messiah
to return (aliyah) to the Promised Land.
General Overview:
In this week's Torah reading, Beha'alotecha, YHVH instructs Aaron concerning
the Tabernacle Menorah lighting. The Levites are initiated into the Tabernacle
service. The "Second Passover" is instituted. Moshe makes two
trumpets, and is instructed on how and when to use them. The Israelites leave
Mount Sinai, and proceed towards the Land of Canaan. The people unreasonably
complain about their "frugal" manna diet and receive a meat
supplement, albeit with tragic results. Moses appoints seventy elders to assist
him in bearing the burden of the people. Miriam speaks negatively about Moshe
and is punished with tzara'at (a skin disease).
Blessing for the Torah:
Baruch atah YHVH, Eloheynu, Melech ha-O’lam, asher
bachar banu m’kol ha-amim,
v’natan lanu eht Torah-to. Baruch atah YHVH, noteyn
ha-Torah. Ameyn.”
(Blessed are you, YHVH, our Elohim , King of the Universe,
(Blessed are you, YHVH, our Elohim , King of the Universe,
you have selected us from among all the peoples, and
have given us your Torah.
Blessed are you, YHVH, giver of the Torah. Ameyn.)
Torah Readings:
1. 8:1-14
2. 8:15-26
3. 9:1-14
4. 9:15–10:10
5. 10:11-27
6. 10:28–11:29 (Sefardi tradition);
10:35 – 11:29 (Ashkenazi tradition)
7.
11:30 – 12:13
8.
Maftir 12:14-16
Haftarah:
Zechariah 2:14 – 4:7
Aliyah
Rishon 8:1-14
YHVH commands
Aaron to light the golden Tabernacle Menorah on a daily basis. Moshe is then
commanded to initiate the Levites into Tabernacle service. This inauguration
procedure included shaving their bodies, immersion in a mikvah (immersion in
water) and the offering of certain offerings.
Bemidbar/Num 8:1 And יהוה
spoke to Mosheh, saying,
Num 8:2 “Speak to Aharon, and say to him, ‘When you set up (beha alotcha) the lamps, let
the seven lamps give light in front of the lampstand.’ ”
“BeHa’alotcha” literally means “causing to
lift up”(hiphil infinitive) - it literally means when you are causing the light
of the lamps to be sent forth. This verb refers to action going on presently
and continuing infinitely.
“The Menorah with its seven arms is like the
tree of life. According to the Vilna Gaon:
The menorah in the Temple had 7 stems, 9 flowers,
11 pomegranates, and 22 cups. Its height
was, according to one opinion, 17 handbreadths. These numbers correspond to the
number of words in the first verse of
each Book of the Torah: The first verse of Bereishet has 7 words; the
first verse of Shemot has 11 words; Vayikra 9 words, Bamidbar 17 words; Devarim
22 words.
This idea is hinted at in Tehillim/Psa 119:130 The opening up of Your words gives light, Giving
understanding to the simple (naïve, child- like).”
When we receive and
study his Word (Torah) and keep them in our hearts, we too become a light to
the world.
Mat 5:14 “You are the light of the world. It is
impossible for a city to be hidden on a mountain.
Mat 5:15 “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a
basket, but on a lampstand, and it shines to all those in the house.
Mat 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, so that
they see your good works and praise your Father who is in the heavens.
Mat 5:17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the
Torah or the Prophets.1 I did not come to destroy but to complete.
Footnote: 1The Law and the Prophets is a term used for the
pre-Messianic Scriptures.
Note in the above verses how Yahshua connects light with the everlasting
Torah.
Pro 6:23 For the command (mitzvah)
is a lamp, And the Torah a light. (This verse goes on to say that the evidence of this light is a life of
correction and discipline)
Num
8:3 And Aharon did so. He set up the
lamps to face toward the front of the lampstand, as יהוה
commanded Mosheh.
Note how this was the ministry of the Levite to have the
light shine on him and through him in such a way that he would be able to
“carry” this light to the nation of Israel. This command has not passed away.
YHVH has also given this responsibility to bring light to a set apart
priesthood, His called out ones – The “Qehilla” (Hebrew) /“ekklessia” (Greek) or
assembly. We see this truth confirmed in the messages given by Yochanan/John to
the seven assemblies in the book of Revelation.
Num 8:4 And this
is the work of the lampstand: beaten work of gold, from its base to its
blossoms it is beaten work. According to the pattern which יהוה had shown Mosheh, so he made the
lampstand.
Num 8:5 And יהוה spoke to Mosheh, saying,
Num 8:6 “Take the
Lĕwites from among the children of Yisra’ĕl, and you shall cleanse them,
Num 8:7 and do
this to them to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of sin offering on them,
and they shall shave all their body, and shall wash their garments, and cleanse
themselves,
Num 8:8 and shall
take a young bull with its grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil, while
you take another young bull as a sin offering.
The shaving off of all the hair was possibly done to
reflect the intense desire of a priest not to have any hindrance that would
cause an obstruction of the “light” or Ruach of YHVH. It is significant to
consider that the Hebrew word for light and skin are very similar, “or” (aleph
vav resh) is “light” and “or” (ayin vav resh) is “skin.” We understand that the
Ruach is leading us back to the “garden of Eden” where man was covered with the
“shechinah” or light of YHVH.
Some of the sages suggest that shaving off all the hair
was also a reminder of the actions taken when one was found to be with “tzarat”
(leprosy). This action could be seen as a priesthood taking upon themselves the
penalty of the “tzarat” for the people.
Num 8:9 “And you
shall bring the Lĕwites before the Tent of Meeting, and you shall assemble all
the congregation of the children of Yisra’ĕl.
Num 8:10 “And you
shall bring the Lĕwites before יהוה, and the
children of Yisra’ĕl shall lay their hands on the Lĕwites,
The Hebrew word for “lay” is “samech” and means to lean
ie “to place your weight upon so as to be supported.” This speaks of our
dependence upon a priesthood to bring forth the light of the truth for us.
We must realize that the Torah becomes truth when we see
those who proclaim it lay down their lives and pay a price in their lives for
this truth to be proclaimed, making it possible for us to follow their example.
This implies carrying the burden of the priesthood.
Shaul/Paul, understanding what the Torah was saying on
the issue of priesthood, confirms what the Torah says.
2Co 4:6 For Elohim, who said, “Let light shine out of
darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts for the enlightening of the
knowledge of the esteem of Elohim in the face of יהושע Messiah.
2Co 4:7 And we
have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the excellence of the power
might be of Elohim, and not of us –
2Co 4:8 being hard
pressed on every side,1 but not crushed; being perplexed, but not in
despair; Footnote: 1See 1:8.
2Co 4:9 being
persecuted, but not forsaken; being thrown down, but not destroyed;
2Co 4:10 always
bearing about in the body the dying of the Master יהושע, that the life of יהושע might also be manifested in our
body.
2Co 4:11 For we,
the living, are always delivered to death for the sake of יהושע, that the life of יהושע might also be manifested in our
mortal flesh,
2Co 4:12 so that
death indeed is working in us, but the life in you.
2Co 4:13 But
having the same spirit of belief, according to what has been written, “I
believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak,
2Co 4:14 knowing
that He who raised up the Master יהושע shall
also raise us up through יהושע, and
shall present us with you.
2Co 4:15 For all
this is for your sake, so that favour, having spread through the many, would
cause thanksgiving to overflow, unto the esteem of Elohim.
2Co 4:16 Therefore
we do not lose heart, but even if our outward man is perishing, the inward man
is being renewed day by day.
2Co 4:17 For this
slight momentary pressure, is working for us a far more exceeding and
everlasting weight of esteem.
2Co 4:18 We are
not looking on what is seen, but on what is not seen. For what is seen passes
away, but what is not seen is everlasting.1 Footnote: 1See
5:7, and Rom. 8:24, Heb. 11:1 & 13.
Num 8:13 “And you
shall have the Lĕwites stand before Aharon and his sons, and then wave them, a
wave offering to יהוה.
Num 8:14 “Thus you
shall separate the Lĕwites from among the children of Yisra’ĕl, and the Lĕwites
shall be Mine.
To waive the Levites suggests that we are lifting them up
in prayer and doing everything we can to make their burden lighter.
Aliyah
Sheni 8:15-26
The exact
prescribed initiation procedure is followed, and the Levites are consecrated to
YHVH instead of the firstborn who lost their set apart status when they
participated in the sin of the Golden Calf. Towards the end of this section we
learn the Levite service age-requirements and retirement age.
Num 8:15 “Then after that the Lĕwites shall go in to
do service in the Tent of Meeting, when you have cleansed them and waved them
as a wave offering.
Num 8:16 “For they are given ones, given to Me from
among the children of Yisra’ĕl. I have taken them for Myself instead of all who
open the womb, the first-born of all the children of Yisra’ĕl.
Num 8:17 “For all the first-born among the children of
Yisra’ĕl are Mine, both man and beast. On the day that I smote all the
first-born in the land of Mitsrayim I set them apart unto Myself.
Num 8:18 “And I have taken the Lĕwites instead of all
the first-born of the children of Yisra’ĕl.
Num 8:19 “And I have given the
Lĕwites as a gift to Aharon and his sons from among the children of Yisra’ĕl,
to do the service of the children of Yisra’ĕl in the Tent of Meeting, and to
make atonement for the children of Yisra’ĕl, that there be no plague among the
children of Yisra’ĕl when the children of Yisra’ĕl come near the set-apart
place.”
Num 8:20 Thus Mosheh and Aharon and all the
congregation of the children of Yisra’ĕl did to the Lĕwites according to all
that יהוה commanded Mosheh concerning the
Lĕwites, so the children of Yisra’ĕl did to them.
Num 8:21 And the
Lĕwites cleansed themselves and washed their garments, and Aharon waved them, a
wave offering before יהוה, and
Aharon made atonement for them to cleanse them.
Num 8:22 Then
after that the Lĕwites went in to do their service in the Tent of Meeting
before Aharon and his sons as יהוה
commanded Mosheh concerning the Lĕwites, so they did to them.
Num 8:23 And יהוה spoke to Mosheh, saying,
Num 8:24 “This
applies to the Lĕwites: From twenty-five years old and above let him come into
active service in the service of the Tent of Meeting,
Num 8:25 and at
the age of fifty years they retire from active service of the service, and
serve no more,
Num 8:26 but they
shall attend with their brothers in the Tent of Meeting, to guard the duty, but
shall do no service. Thus you shall do to the Lĕwites regarding their duties.”
In ancient times when covenants or binding
agreements were made between parties or tribes, they were confirmed in
different ways. One of the ways was to exchange oldest sons from different
families or tribes. This would ensure that there would be no turning back on
the agreements that were made.
We see this principle illustrated in Bereshit/Gen
22:1-2 Avraham/Abraham, the father of
our faith - Avraham was asked to offer
up Yitschak/Isaac and so that the covenant of faith for our salvation could be
established. We see however in Beresheet 15 that when YHVH came to cut this
covenant He put Avraham to sleep, indicating that this covenant would one day
be established through His own son.
Aliyah
Shlishi 9:1-14
On the first anniversary of the Exodus (when
it was 14th of Aviv again), the Israelites are instructed to bring
the Pesach Offering. Certain individuals, however, couldn't participate because
they were ritually impure. These people lodged a complaint, which Moshe then
transmitted to YHVH. YHVH responds by designating a "Second Passover"
to be observed exactly one month later. Anyone who could not offer the Pesach
Offering in its proper time must do so on the Second Pesach/Passover. YHVH then
informs Moshe concerning the laws of the Second Pesach/Passover( Num 9:10). “
There is a “tittle” which appears over the
word “rechoka”(9:10) which means “far away on a journey” This draws our
attention to the possibility that it is not really a distant journey, but
rather speaks about those who have strayed far from the truth of the Messianic
redemption spoken of at “pesach.” It is possible that at some future date
during a Passover that the Ruach will lead many who realize that they have been
defiled by the incorrect teachings and ways of deceived men and woman, that a
“Pesach sheni” or second Passover will be afforded them, which is really a
second chance to prepare themselves for the journey back to the land (both for
Jew and gentile).
This is possibly the reason why Shaul/Paul
admonishes us to examine ourselves before we come to celebrate the Passover
meal:
1Co 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink
this cup, you proclaim the death of the Master until He comes.
1Co 11:27 So that whoever should eat this bread or
drink this cup of the Master unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood
of the Master.
1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him
eat of that bread and drink of that cup.
1Co 11:29 For the one who is eating and drinking
unworthily, eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the
Master.
1Co 11:30 Because of this many are weak and sick among
you, and many sleep.
1Co 11:31 For if we were to examine ourselves, we would
not be judged.
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by
the Master, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Num 9:1 And יהוה spoke to
Mosheh in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after
they had come out of the land of Mitsrayim, saying,
Num 9:2 “Now, let
the children of Yisra’ĕl perform the Passover at its appointed time.
Num 9:3 “On the
fourteenth day of this month, between the evenings, perform it at its appointed
time. According to all its laws and right-rulings you perform it.”
Num 9:4 And Mosheh
spoke to the children of Yisra’ĕl to perform the Passover.
Num 9:5 So they
performed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, between the
evenings, in the Wilderness of Sinai. According to all that יהוה commanded Mosheh, so the children
of Yisra’ĕl did.
Num 9:6 But there
were men who were defiled for a being of a man, so that they were not able to
perform the Passover on that day. So they came before Mosheh and Aharon that
day,
Num 9:7 and those
men said to him, “We are defiled for the being of a man. Why are we withheld
from bringing near the offering of יהוה at its appointed time among the children of Yisra’ĕl?”
Num 9:8 And Mosheh
said to them, “Wait, let me hear what יהוה commands concerning you.”
Num 9:9 And יהוה spoke to Mosheh, saying,
Num 9:10 “Speak to
the children of Yisra’ĕl, saying, ‘When any male of you or your generations is
unclean1 for a being, or is far away on a journey, he shall still
perform the Passover of יהוה. Footnote: 1Defilement
can be imparted from one to another.
Num 9:11 ‘On the
fourteenth day of the second month, between the evenings, they perform it –
with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they eat it.
Num 9:12 ‘They do
not leave of it until morning, and they do not break a bone of it. According to
all the laws of the Passover they perform it.
Num 9:13 ‘But the
man who is clean and is not on a journey, and has failed to perform the
Passover, that same being shall be cut off from among his people, because he
did not bring the offering of יהוה at its
appointed time – that man bears his sin.
Num 9:14 ‘And when
a stranger sojourns among you, then he shall perform the Passover of יהוה. He shall do so according to the
law of the Passover and according to its right-ruling. You have one law, both
for the stranger and the native of the land.’ ”
Aliyah
Reviee 9:15- 10:10
From the day the Tabernacle was erected, it
was covered by a cloud during the day and a fire by night. When the cloud
lifted, this signalled YHVH's will that Israel should journey onwards --
following the cloud until it came to rest in a new location of YHVH’s choosing.
In some cases the Yisraelites only stayed overnight in a particular location
before the sign came for them to depart again, and on other occasions they
would stay in one place for many years. This section then discusses Moshe's two
silver trumpets. These trumpets were used for several purposes: 1) To assemble
the nation or its leaders. 2) To signal the beginning of a journey. 3) The
trumpets were blown when the Yisraelites went to battle. 4) The trumpets were
sounded when the festivals and accompanying offerings were offered in the
Tabernacle.
Num 9:15 And on the day that the Dwelling Place was
raised up, the cloud covered the Dwelling Place, the Tent of the Witness. From
evening until morning it was above the Dwelling Place like the appearance of
fire.
Num 9:16 Thus it was continually: the cloud covered it
by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
Num 9:17 And whenever the cloud was taken up from
above the Tent, after that the children of Yisra’ĕl would depart. And in the
place where the cloud dwelt, there the children of Yisra’ĕl would camp.
Num 9:18 At the command of יהוה the
children of Yisra’ĕl departed, and at the command of יהוה they camped. They remained camped
as long as the cloud dwelt above the Dwelling Place.
Num 9:19 Even when
the cloud lingered many days above the Dwelling Place, the children of Yisra’ĕl
guarded the Charge of יהוה, and did
not depart.
Num 9:20 And so it
was, when the cloud was above the Dwelling Place a few days: according to the
command of יהוה they
camped, and according to the command of יהוה they would depart.
Num 9:21 And so it
was, when the cloud dwelt only from evening until morning: when the cloud was
taken up in the morning, then they departed. Whether by day or by night,
whenever the cloud was taken up, they departed.
Num 9:22 Whether
two days, or a month, or a year that the cloud lingered above the Dwelling
Place to dwell upon it, the children of Yisra’ĕl camped, and did not depart.
But when it was taken up, they departed.
Num 9:23 At the
command of יהוה they
camped, and at the command of יהוה they
departed. They guarded the Charge of יהוה, at the command of יהוה by the hand of Mosheh.
Num 10:1 And יהוה spoke to
Mosheh, saying,
Num 10:2 “Make two
silver trumpets for yourself, make them of beaten work. And you shall use them
for calling the congregation and for breaking camp.
Num 10:3 “And when
they blow both of them, all the congregation shall meet before you at the door
of the Tent of Meeting.
Num 10:4 “And if
they blow one, then the leaders, the heads of the thousands of Yisra’ĕl, shall
gather to you.
Num 10:5 “And when
you blow a shout, the camps that lie on the east side shall depart.
Num 10:6 “And when
you blow a shout the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side
shall depart – they blow a shout for them to depart.
Num 10:7 “And when
the assembly is to be assembled, you blow, but do not shout.
Num 10:8 “And the
sons of Aharon, the priests, blow with the trumpets. And it shall be to you for
a law forever throughout your generations.
Num 10:9 “And when
you go into battle in your land against the enemy that distresses you, then you
shall shout with the trumpets, and you shall be remembered before יהוה your Elohim, and you shall be saved
from your enemies.
Num 10:10 “And in
the day of your gladness, and in your appointed times, and at the beginning of
your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over
your peace offerings. And they shall be a remembrance for you before your
Elohim. I am יהוה your
Elohim.”
Aliyah
Chamishi 10:11-27
Nearly
one year after the Yisraelites arrived at Mount Sinai, the cloud rises from the
Tabernacle, signalling their impending departure. The Tabernacle was dismantled
and Israel travelled in formation as outlined on last week's Torah reading. Moshe
pleads with his father-in-law Yethro to join them on their journey to the Land
of Yisrael. Note the “Ruach” is not only leading individuals but the whole
nation of Yisrael. The gifts and the callings of YHVH are always to benefit His
Called ones and was never meant to draw excessive attention to individuals
Aliyah
Shishi 10:28-11:29
No sooner than the YIsraelites started
traveling, when they start complaining. First they complained about the
"arduous" journey. Then they grumbled about the manna, expressing
their desire for meat. Moshe turns to YHVH and insists that he cannot bear his
leadership role any longer. YHVH tells Moshe to gather seventy elders who will
assist him in his leadership duties. He also promises to provide Yisrael with
an abundance of meat -- "until it will come out of their noses..."
Moshe gathers seventy elders and brings them to the Tabernacle where his spirit
is imparted upon them. Two additional elders, Eldad and Medad, remain in the
camp, and the spirit of prophecy descends upon them, too, and they prophesy as
well. Yehoshua/Joshua is displeased by this, and Moshe assures him that it is
in order for them to prophecy as well.
1Co 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the
intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Being led by the Ruach of YHVH is not always what we expect or even
desire.
Num 10:29 And Mosheh said to Ḥovav the son of
Re’uw’ĕl the Midyanite, Mosheh’s father-in-law, “We are setting out for the
place of which יהוה said, ‘I give it to you.’ Come with
us, and we shall do good to you, for יהוה has spoken good concerning
Yisra’ĕl.”
Num 10:30 And he
replied to him, “I am not going, but I am going to my own land and to my
relatives.”
Num 10:31 Then he
said, “Please do not leave us, because you know how we are to camp in the
wilderness, and you shall be our eyes.
Num 10:32 “And it
shall be, when you go with us, then it shall be that whatever good יהוה does to us, the same we shall do to
you.”
“and you shall be our eyes” is written in the future
tense. Rashi translates this as “if anything should be hidden from our eyes,
you will enlighten us”
This is a rather profound prophetic statement and is seen
by some as a future prophecy of the significance of “gerim” or the grafted in
branches of YIsrael playing an extremely significant role in bringing light to
the Torah of YHVH as it relates to end time issues and the returning of all
exiles to the land of Yisrael.
Num 10:33 So they
set out from the mountain of יהוה on a journey of three days. And the
ark of the covenant of יהוה went before them for the three
days’ journey, to seek out a resting place for them.
Rashi makes a very
interesting comment on this ark. He says on page 787 in the Stones Chumash –
“The commentators raise the difficulty that the ark traveled after the
formations of Judah and Reuben (vs 17) not at the forefront of the camp, this
ark was not the ark that contained the Tablets but the second ark which
contained the broken pieces of the first tablets which Moses had shattered”.
(Messiah’s broken body)
A fragmented perception
of Messiah will always cause us to make bad judgment calls in the wilderness.
Num 10:34 And the
cloud of יהוה was above them by day when they
went out from the camp.
Num 10:35 And it
came to be, whenever the ark set out, that Mosheh said, “Rise up, O יהוה! And let Your enemies be scattered,
and let those who hate You flee before You.”
Num 10:36 And when
it rested, he said, “Return, O יהוה, to the countless thousands of Yisra’ĕl.”
These two verses (35 and
36) happen to fall between two inverted ‘nuns’ (a nun is one the letters in the
Hebrew alphabet and they appear here in these verses back to front.) Whenever
an oddity appears in the Torah we need to pay special attention to some hidden
deeper message in the text. We must automatically assume that they are pointing
to Messiah.
The sages believe these
two verses are so important that they have given them a status of each
representing one book of the Torah. This implies that there are seven and not
five books in the Torah.
"Wisdom has built her house, she has
hewn out her seven pillars" (Proverbs 9:1).
Bar Kapara interpreted this verse as referring to the Torah and its seven
books. But surely there are only five? Bar Kapara considered the portion from
the beginning of the Book of Numbers until the verse, "And it came to
pass, when the Ark went forth" as one book; the two verses "And it
came to pass..." and "And when it rested..." as another book;
and from there to the end of Numbers as yet another book. By this count, we
have seven.
(Midrash Rabbah)
Today we believe that
these two verses testify to the two comings of our Messiah. In the synagogues
vs 35 is read when the Torah scroll is taken out of a closet called the “ark of
the covenant/Aaron Kodesh” and verse 36 is read when the scroll is returned.
Even in our days I believe this action sends a terrifying message into the
spiritual realm. It is stating that the Messiah has come and scattered and
defeated his enemies and he will return with millions of his followers to enforce
a complete removal our enemies.
Num 11:1 And it came to be, when the people were as
complainers, it was evil in the ears of יהוה. And יהוה heard it, and His displeasure
burned. And the fire of יהוה burned
among them, and consumed those in the outskirts of the camp.
Num 11:2 And the
people cried out to Mosheh, and Mosheh prayed to יהוה, and the fire died down.
Num 11:3 Then he
called the name of the place Tavĕrah, because the fire of יהוה had burned among them.
Num 11:4 And the
mixed multitude who were in their midst lusted greatly, so the children of
Yisra’ĕl also wept again and said, “Who is giving us meat to eat?” (mixture!)
Num 11:5 “We
remember the fish which we ate without cost in Mitsrayim, the cucumbers, and
the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic,
Num 11:6 but now
our throat is dried up. There is naught to look at but this manna!”
Aliyah
Sheviee 11:30-12:16
YHVH
causes a wind to sweep in huge numbers of quail from the sea. The people
gathered piles of quail and started enjoying meat. Those who ate gluttonously
died in a plague. Miryam, Moshe's sister, spoke negatively of Moshe' decision
to take a Cushite wife. YHVH was highly displeased by this talk against His
servant, and Miryam was stricken with tzara'at ("leprosy") for
one week.
Num 12:1 Now Miryam and Aharon spoke against Mosheh
because of the Kushite woman whom he had taken, for he had taken a Kushite
woman.
Num 12:2 And they said, “Has יהוה spoken
only through Mosheh? Has He not also spoken through us?” And יהוה heard it.
Num 12:3 And the
man Mosheh was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the
earth.
Num 12:4 And
suddenly יהוה said to Mosheh, and Aharon, and
Miryam, “You three, come out to the Tent of Meeting!” So the three came out.
Num 12:5 And יהוה came down in the column of cloud
and stood in the door of the Tent, and called Aharon and Miryam. And they both
went forward.
Num 12:6 And He
said, “Hear now My words: If your prophet is of יהוה, I make Myself known to him in a
vision, and I speak to him in a dream.
Num 12:7 “Not so
with My servant Mosheh, he is trustworthy in all My house.
Num 12:8 “I speak
with him mouth to mouth, and plainly, and not in riddles. And he sees the form
of יהוה. So why were you not afraid to
speak against My servant Mosheh?”
Num 12:9 And the
displeasure of יהוה burned
against them, and He left.
Num 12:10 And the
cloud turned away from above the Tent, and look: Miryam was leprous, as white
as snow! And Aharon turned toward Miryam, and look: a leper!
Num 12:11 And
Aharon said to Mosheh, “Oh, my master! Please do not hold against us the sin in
which we have done foolishly and in which we have sinned.
Num 12:12 “Please
do not let her be as one dead when coming out of its mother’s womb, with our
flesh half consumed!”
Num 12:13 And
Mosheh cried out to יהוה, saying,
“O Ěl, please heal her, please!”
Num 12:14 And יהוה said to Mosheh, “If her father had
but spit in her face, would she not be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut out
of the camp seven days, and after that let her be readmitted.”
Num 12:15 And
Miryam was shut out of the camp seven days, and the people did not set out
until Miryam was readmitted.
Num 12:16 And
afterward the people departed from Ḥatsĕroth, and they camped in the
Wilderness of Paran.
I believe this Torah portion starts and ends with the
identity of the two biggest issues of our times: The true identity of the
Messiah and His Bride.
We can trace these two issues back to the Garden of Eden.
Messiah has become our second or last Adam and his bride was taken from his
side. (Remember the water and the blood that came from Yahshua’s body on the
execution stake ? (Yochanan/John 19:34)
1Jn 5:5 Who is the one who overcomes the world but he
who believes that יהושע is the Son of Elohim?
1Jn 5:6 This is
the One that came by water and blood: יהושע Messiah, not only by water, but by
water and blood.(natural birth). And it is the Spirit who bears witness,
because the Spirit is the Truth.
1Jn 5:7 Because
there are three who bear witness:
1Jn 5:8 the
Spirit, and the water, and the blood. And the three are in agreement.
Note: (1Jhn 5:7 in most translations have a whole part
added which is not in the original-put 1John 5:7 in Google search and research
for yourself)
The bride of Messiah according to Rev
12:17 …. those guarding the commands of
Elohim and possessing the witness of יהושע Messiah.
In our Torah portion Miryam has a problem with who Moshe
chooses to be a bride. Imagine taking a second wife, who happens to be black
and comes from a strange ethnic background. Remember Yahshua is a prophet like
unto Moshe. (Deut 18:15)
There is a growing prophetic
voice that is sending a clear message as to the true identity of both, which is
contrary to the popular beliefs held by most Christians and even “Messianics”.
Today thousands refuse to bow their knees to the pagan mixture of the “baal”
infiltration concerning the true identity of Messiah and his bride. Messiah is
not some divine pre- existent deity. To
portray him in this light is to violate the first two commandments and thus the
very foundation of Torah, it is an insult to the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
In so doing we remove the very possibility of regaining a lost right standing
with YHVH.
It is when Messiah is
portrayed as the second or last Adam that sinful man is given a way back to his
original state and calling. If YHVH chooses any other way, He violates the laws
of justice. How can a divine being take the place of an earthly being like you
and me and declare us righteous before the Most High Elohim. Our substitute had
to be exactly like us in every way, yet without sin, to restore us our first
state.
You may differ with this view
and rather choose to keep the peace between different groups with different
views. I believe without any doubt that these issues will become the two major
issues confronting the Jews, the church and the messianic restoration in the
last days, whether we like it or not. The reason I say this is because these
two issues are far too important for YHVH to allow to be misrepresented in any
way.
Many believe the following
scripture speaks to those who refuse to accept Messiah’s humanity and claim
Messiah to be a pre incarnate deity.
Jn 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of Elohim: Every
spirit that confesses that יהושע Messiah has come in the flesh is of
Elohim,
1Jn 4:3 and every
spirit that does not confess that יהושע Messiah has come in the flesh is
not of Elohim. And this is the spirit of the anti-messiah which you
heard is coming, and now is already in the world.
The world is about to be deceived by the anti -messiah,
if we are now confused as to the true identity of the real Messiah, what will
happen to us when a false one appears? Please dear one, don’t underestimate the
power of deception.
2Co 11:3 But I am afraid, lest, as the serpent
deceived Chawwah by his
trickery, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in
Messiah.
2Co 11:4
For, indeed, if he who is coming proclaims another Yahshua/ יהושע,1 whom we have not
proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received,
or a different Good News which you have not accepted, you put up with it well
enough! Footnote: 1Mt. 24:5 & 23-24, John 5:43.
May the reader take note that we believe that the Messiah
Yahshua who came as a man, the second or last Adam, born of a woman, born under
Torah (Gal 4:4), conceived by the Ruach of YHVH, who did only what his Father
told him and spoke his Father’s words, died
as the Lamb of Elohim, rose on the third day as the First fruit of those having
fallen asleep and ascended to heaven forty days later, is now elevated to the
position of sitting at the right hand side of his Father, YHVH (the only true
Elohim who is “echad”-one), from where He, Yahshua the Messaih will come at the
appointed time at the last sound of the heavenly trumpets to rule and reign for
a thousand years from Yerushalayim. “Then the end, when He delivers up the
reign to Elohim the Father, when He has brought to naught all rule and all
authority and power.” “And when all are made subject to Him, then the Son
Himself shall also be subject to Him who put all under Him, in order that
Elohim be all in all”. (See
the whole of ICor 15).
To Yahshua the Messiah is given all authority in heaven
and on earth by his Father (YHVH) (Matt 28:18).
Yahshua confessed in his own
words: Yochanan/Joh 17:3 “And this is
everlasting life, that they should know You, the only true Elohim,
and יהושע Messiah whom You have sent.
1Co 8:6 for
us there is one Elohim,[1] the Father, from whom all came and for whom
we live, and one Master יהושע
Messiah, through whom all
came and through whom we live. Footnote: 1Eph. 4:6, 1 Tim. 2:5, Mk. 12:32,34.
1Tim 2:5 “For there is
one Elohim, and one Mediator between Elohim and men, the Man Messiah
Yahshua.”
Act 2:36 “Therefore let all the house of Yisra’ĕl know
for certain that Elohim has made this יהושע, whom you impaled, both Master and Messiah.”
Mat 28:18 And יהושע came up and spoke to them,
saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on
earth.
Php 2:9-11 Elohim, therefore,
has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every
name, that at the Name of Yahshua every knee should bow, of those in
heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and every tongue should confess that
Yahshua Messiah is Master, to the esteem of Elohim the Father.
Baruch atah YHVH, Eloheynu, Melech ha-‘Olam,
asher natan lanu Toraht-emet, v’chay-yeh o’lam
nata-b’tochenu.
Baruch atah YHVH, noteyn ha-Torah. Ameyn.”
(Blessed are you YHVH, our Elohim, King of the
Universe,
you have given us your Torah of truth, and have
planted everlasting life within our midst.
Blessed are you, YHVH giver of the Torah. Ameyn.)
Please
note these notes are under construction and are subject to correction
and are
in no way a final authority on any subject.