Blessed are You, YHVH our Elohim, You have set us apart by Your commandments and have commanded us to actively study Your Torah. Please YHVH, our Elohim, sweeten the words of Your Torah in our mouths and in the mouths of all Your people Israel. May You open our eyes to see marvellous truths from Your Torah. Thank You for calling us who were once gentiles excluded from the citizenship of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having no expectation and without Elohim- but now through the blood of Messiah we have gained access into the covenant and have obtained citizenship into the commonwealth of Israel. Blessed are You, YHVH, Who teaches Torah to His people Israel. Amein
אלה
מסעי – ‘’these are the journeys’’
Around 70% of the Torah
is occupied with the 42 journeys of the Israelites through the wilderness.
Beginning with the Egyptian Exodus in Parshat Bo, the remaining 39 (out of 53)
Torah portions concern themselves – all take place and are part of – the
forty-two journeys, from Ramses in Egypt to the last journey as the people
arrive at the East bank of the River Jordan.
This is the calling of
an Israelite - Gen 26:25 And he built a slaughter-place there, and called on the
Name of יהוה, and he
pitched his tent there, and the servants of Yitsḥaq dug a well there.
Israelites build altars,
pitch tents and dig wells.
Clearly this 42-leg
journey plays a central and fundamental role in Torah. And as a blueprint of
our pilgrimage from bondage to freedom in this life and in the life to come.
Thus, whether it was for
two days, a month, or a full year, no matter how long the cloud remained at
rest over the Tabernacle the Israelites would remain in one place and not move
on. Then, when the cloud rose, they would continue their travels. They thus
camped at YHVH’s word and moved on at YHVH’s word, keeping their trust in YHVH.
The secret of knowing
when to travel and when to rest, when to make a move, when to stay put, is
related in this Torah portion. ‘’When the cloud moved, they moved’’ An end time
generation will be blessed and guided by the 144 000 witnesses of Revelation
7&14.
1Co 10:11 And all these came upon
them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of
the ages have come,
1Co 10:12 so that he who thinks he stands, let him take heed lest he fall.
“The
object of the whole Torah is that man should become a Torah himself.” – Baal
Shem Tov.
Joh 1:14 And the Word (Torah) became flesh and pitched His tent among
us, and we saw His esteem, esteem as of an only brought-forth of a father,
complete in favour and truth.
When going through these
journeys one identifies with the old proverb – ‘’fools rush in where angels are
fearful to tread’’ or when someone says they feel like a’’ bull in a China
shop’’ These 42 journeys serve as a cryptic code of our final 42 month journey
during the great tribulation - this parashah is the map of our journey back to
the promised land. Attempting to explain them may appear to be a ‘’fools’ errand’’
So, how will we know
these 42 journeys are from YHVH and are relevant for us?
Exo 3:11 And Mosheh said to Elohim, “Who am I that I should go to
Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Yisra’ěl out of
Mitsrayim?” Exo 3:12 And He said, “Because I am with you. And this
is to you the sign that I have sent you: When you have brought the
people out of Mitsrayim, you are to serve (תעבדון) Elohim on this mountain.” (The
word Moshe received from YHVH at the burning bush)
Reflections of my own
personal journey in the Sinai wilderness.
Recounting Israel's Journey
Num 33:1 These are the departures of the children of Yisra’ěl, who went out
of the land of Mitsrayim by their divisions under the hand of Mosheh and
Aharon.
Num 33:2 And Mosheh wrote down the starting points of their departures at the mouth of יהוה, and these are their departures according to their starting points:
Disclaimer: The comments and order of the camps as I have presented them are simply midrashic.
Num 33:3 So they departed from
Ra‛meses in the first new moon, on the fifteenth day of the first new moon,
on the morrow of the Pěsaḥ the children of Yisra’ěl went out with boldness
before the eyes of all the Mitsrites,
Num 33:4 and the Mitsrites were burying all their first-born, whom יהוה had stricken among them. Also, on their mighty ones יהוה had executed judgments
Ramases – “child of the sun” Before we can even embark on this journey we have got to make a break with all forms of sun worship – “Sunday worship” Everything that has the remotest link to paganism must be severed if we are to make any progress in our pilgrimage into YHVH’s Kingsom.
Num 33:5 Then the children of Yisra’ěl departed from Ra‛meses and camped at Sukkoth.
1.Succoth or temporary shelters – camp # 1 – We embark on these journeys because of our desire for him to tabernacle with us and we with him. We want to share the same space. It’s all about intimacy.
Num 33:6 And they departed from Sukkoth and camped at Ětham, which is on the edge of the wilderness.
2. Etham - camp #2 - plowshare" or a place of “Contemplation.” Luk 9:62 And Yeshua said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God
Num 33:7 And they departed from Ětham and turned back to Pi Haḥiroth, which is east of Ba‛al Tsephon (master of what is hidden) And they camped near Miḡdol (occultic tower)
3. Pi Hahiroth camp #3 (S6367) consists of two Hebrew words – “pi’ which is opening or mouth and “chor” which means a hole – in this case the plural is used. Therefore, we assume it’s a place of holes or caves that served as a reminder of where the Israelites were confronted with demonic powers and strongholds.
Num 33:8 And they departed from before Haḥiroth and passed over through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, went three days’ journey in the Wilderness of Ětham, and camped at Marah.
4. Marah camp #4 - Drinking the waters of bitterness (Marah) – perhaps to purge their bodies from all non-kosher foods they ate in Egypt. Perhaps also to remind them of the bitterness of disobedience.
Num 33:9 And they departed from Marah and came to Ělim. And at Ělim were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, so they camped there.
5. Elim camp #5 – Elim
was a place where there were 12 fountains and 70 palm trees – the
fountains speak of the 12 tribes and 70 palm trees speak to us of the seventy
elders of the Sanhedrin (and 70 nations of the world). ‘’wilderness of the
nations’’ Ezek 20:35 - ‘’the erev rav’’ והבאתי אתכם אל מדבר העמים
Eze 20:35 “And I shall bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and shall enter into judgment with you face to face there. Eze 20:36 “As I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Mitsrayim, so I shall enter into judgment with you,” declares the Master יהוה….. And you shall know that I am יהוה. See Ex 3:11-12.
Num 33:10 And they departed from Ělim and camped by the Sea of Reeds.
6.The Yam Suf - Reed Sea - Camp # 6 – Maybe this speaks of Mikveh or immersions.
Num 33:11 And they departed from the Sea of Reeds and camped in the Wilderness of Sin.
7.(Sin camp #7). (S5512 and 5514) Hebrew - sîyn or Sin = “thorn’’ Rom 7:13 2 Cor 12:7
Num 33:12 And they departed from the Wilderness of Sin and camped at Dophqah.
8. Dophkah camp #8). – “to strike or to beat (heart)’’
Num 33:13 And they departed from Dophqah and camped at Alush.
9. (Alush camp #9). - Alush = “I will knead (bread)” (We will be sustained)
Num 33:14 And they departed from Alush and camped at Rephiḏim, and there was no water for the people to drink.
10. Rephidim camp #10 – Wiki – “At Rephidim, they can find no water to drink, and angrily demand that Moses give them water. Moses, fearing they will stone him, calls on Yahweh for help and is told to strike a certain "rock in Horeb," which causes a stream to flow from it, providing ample water for the people. He names the place Massah (meaning 'testing') and Meribah (meaning 'quarreling').(Exodus 17:1-7)
Num 33:15 And they departed from Rephiḏim and camped in the Wilderness of Sinai.
11. They left Rephidim and camped for the “Wilderness of Sinai camp #11). Wilderness - Hebrew “Midbar” as in the title of this book of Numbers – Sinai means ‘’thorny’’ this is the place where YHVH’s Words ‘’penetrate’’ His people like a thorn.
Num 33:16 And they departed from the Wilderness of Sinai and camped at Qiḇroth Hatta’awah.
12. Graves of Craving (Kibroth Hattaavah camp #12 – where your desire for the pleasures of the past will catch up to you and may even cause your death.
Num 33:17 And they departed from Qiḇroth Hatta’awah and camped at Ḥatsěroth.
13. The Courtyard (Chazeroth camp #13) This is a very, very dangerous place. This is possibly where Korach went into rebellion also where Miriam and Aaron grumbled against Moshe because he married a Cushite woman. You speak judgment against YHVH’s anointed in your self-appointed ‘’courtyard’’.
Num 33:18 And they departed from Ḥatsěroth and camped at Rithmah.
14. Smoldering place (Rithmah camp #14). The spies were sent out
from here.
Bamidbar
(Numbers) 13:1-3 – Tisah b Av - the
saddest day in Israels history.
Everything seems to go up in smoke – smoulders. One bad decision can bring you great harm and cause your journey to your destiny to be prolonged or even ended.
Num 33:19 And they departed
from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon Perets.
Num 33:20 And they departed
from Rimmon Perets and camped at Liḇnah.
16. White Brick place. (Livnah camp #16). - Livnah comes from the root meaning “white,” which is often associated with purity
Mat 5:8 “Blessed are the clean in heart,1 because they shall see Elohim. Footnote: 1Ps. 24:3-4.
Num 33:21 And they departed from Liḇnah and camped at Rissah.
17. The Well Stopped Up With Stones - ruin - (Rissah camp #17). – There will be times when we will have to dig and remove rubble before we get to the truth. We will have to be patient and willing to work hard when necessary.
Num 33:22 And they departed from Rissah and camped at Qehělathah.
18. The Assembly (Kehelathah or Mak'helath camp #18). Now Israel
is becoming a close knit community - a ‘’kehelah’’ – there is unity. They are
close to the place where they are about to receive the Torah. Unity brings
great blessings from Yahweh.
Psa 133:1 See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in
unity –
For there יהוה commanded the blessing, Life forever!
Num 33:23 And they departed from Qehělathah and camped at Mount Shapher.
19. Beautiful mountain vs 24 (Shepher camp #19). – Son 8:5 Who is this coming up from the wilderness, Leaning upon her beloved? Is this a reference to Mountt Sinai where YHVH enters into a marriage covenant with Israel? Hos 2:14 “Therefore, see, I am alluring her, and shall lead her into the wilderness, and shall speak to her heart,
Isa 52:7 How pleasant (Heb -beautiful) upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings good news, who proclaims deliverance, who says to Tsiyon, “Your Elohim reigns!”
Num 33:24 And they departed from Mount Shapher and camped at Ḥaraḏah.
20. Terror – Strongs 2732 (Haradah camp #20). The Korach-incident.
'Trembling' -This is where they trembled because of the plague (Bamidbar 17:12 Targum Yonathan)
Num 33:25 And they departed from Ḥaraḏah and camped at Maqhěloth.
21. Assemblies (Makheloth camp #21).Kehelah or assembly. Being part of the righteous assembly is going to extremely important for us to complete our journey. Lone rangers will be in danger of being separated.
Num 33:26 And they departed from Maqhěloth and camped at Taḥath.
22 To be under (Tahath camp #22). 1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves, then, under(Heb ‘’tachat’’) the mighty hand of Elohim, so that He exalts you in due time, בעתו שפילו נפשכם תחת יד־אלהים החזקה למען ירומם אתכם
Num 33:27 And they departed from Taḥath and camped at Teraḥ.
23 (Terah camp #23). Delay – Terah was Abram’s father who he was instructed to leave behind in Mesopotamia.
Num 33:28 And they departed from Teraḥ and camped at Mithqah.
24 The place of Sweet delight (Mithcah camp #24). Vs 29
It’s a place of . “Motke-מֹתֶק” means sweeti or darling in Hebrew. Modern Hebrew use ‘’motek’
Num 33:29 And they departed from Mithqah and camped at Ḥashmonah.
25. Fruitfulness place (Chashmonah camp #25).
Num 33:30 And they departed from Ḥashmonah and camped at Mosěroth.
26. Correction place – chastisement – restraint- (Moseroth camp #26).
According to tradition, the Israelites returned as far as Moserah after Aaron's
death. This was an act of rebellion, and a large number of Israelites were
killed (Yerushalmi, Yoma 2:2, 2a).
There is a real danger that during this journey, some people may feel they have suffered enough trial and simply decide to go their own way.
Num 33:31 And they departed from Mosěroth and camped at Beněi Ya‛aqan.
27.Wells of the Narrow Path (Bene Jaakan camp #27). Hebrew means “sons of twisting” these refer possibly to the descendents of Esav – who twist the truth and persecute those who seek the truth.
Num 33:32 And they departed from Beněi Ya‛aqan and camped at Ḥor Haggiḏgaḏ.
28. Hole of the Cleft (Char Haggidgad camp #28). Also called the “cavern of pleasantness”. Yahweh will hide us in the cleft of the Rock when the storms seem most severe.
Num 33:33 And they departed from Ḥor Haggiḏgaḏ and camped at Yotḇathah.
29. Place of Pleasantness (Yotvathah camp #29). A place described as having flowing brooks. A good, calm place. “Targum Yonathan”
Num 33:34 And they departed from Yotḇathah and camped at Aḇronah.
30. They left the pleasant place (Yotvathah) and camped at the Transitional
place (Avronah camp #30).
From the same root as our namesake, Ivrim—Hebrews / Border-Crossers.
Num 33:35 And they departed from Aḇronah and camped at Etsyon Geḇer.
31. Man's backbone (Ezion Geber camp #31). A place where men are required to be strong and to take responsibility.
Num 33:36 And they departed from Etsyon Geḇer and camped in the Wilderness of Tsin, which is Qaḏěsh.
32.The Sanctuary (Kadesh camp #32) They arrived on Aviv 1/Nisan 1, - a new start.
Num 33:37 And they departed from Qaḏěsh and camped at Mount Hor, on the boundary of the land of Eḏom.
33. Mountain of mountains vs 38 (Hor camp #33) - Repetition of the same word – ‘’hor harar’’ Mountain of the mountain. This camp was just before entering the land. Possibly a time to reflect on the enormous challenges YHVH has guided us through during this wilderness period and now we are ready to enter the promised land.
Num 33:38 Then Aharon the
priest went up to Mount Hor at the mouth of יהוה, and died there in the fortieth
year after the children of Yisra’ěl had come out of the land of Mitsrayim, on
the first day of the fifth new moon.
Num 33:39 Now Aharon was one
hundred and twenty-three years old when he died on Mount Hor.
Num 33:40 And the sovereign of Araḏ, the Kena‛anite, who dwelt in the South in the land of Kena‛an, heard of the coming of the children of Yisra’ěl.
Num 33:41 So they departed
from Mount Hor and camped at Tsalmonah.
This is where the people began complaining again. “Targum Yonathan”
Num 33:42 And they departed
from Tsalmonah and camped at Punon.
Num 33:47 And they departed
from Almon Diḇlathayemah and camped in the mountains of Aḇarim, before Neḇo.
Num 33:48 And they departed from the mountains of Aḇarim and camped in the desert plains of Mo’aḇ by the Yarděn of Yeriḥo.
Dan 11:12 Matt 24:15 – Abomination of
desolation in the last days.
This is
where Balaam tried to curse Israel and also where Phineas killed the two
fornicators.
Num 33:50 And יהוה spoke to
Mosheh in the desert plains of Mo’aḇ by the Yarděn of Yeriḥo, saying,
Num 33:51 “Speak to the
children of Yisra’ěl, and say to them, ‘When you have passed over the Yarděn
into the land of Kena‛an,
Num 33:52 then you shall drive
out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and shall destroy all
their engraved stones, and shall destroy all their moulded images, and lay
waste all their high places,
Num 33:53 and you shall
possess the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to
possess.
Num 33:54 And you shall divide
the land by lot as an inheritance among your clans. To the larger you give a
larger inheritance, and to the smaller you give a smaller inheritance. Wherever
the lot falls to anyone, that is his. You inherit according to the tribes of
your fathers.
Num 33:55 And if you do not
drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that
those whom you let remain shall be pricks in your eyes and thorns in your
sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell.
Num 33:56 And it shall be that
I do to you as I thought to do to them.’ ”
We need to remind ourselves that this Torah portion is a summary of 70% of the events of the entire Torah.
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