Subject: Torah Portion "Naso" / "Beha'alotekha" Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 23:59:54 +0000 To: "Parasha-Page List"<heb_roots_chr@geocities.com>
>From Eddie: ************* Shalom Mishpachah (family): The following Torah portion studies comes from First Fruits of Zion. First Fruits of Zion is a Messianic Jewish organization based in Jerusalem, Israel. Everyone should enjoy a Torah commentary coming from a Messianic Jewish perspective. First Fruits of Zion is a new ministry within our GLOBAL network of ministries and individuals who are teaching and studying the Hebraic Roots of Christianity. We are hoping to receive a Weekly Messianic Jewish Torah commentary. We welcome FFOZ to our Hebraic Roots family. They have a Website located at: (http://www.ffoz.org) Eddie Chumney Hebraic Heritage Ministries Int'l *********************************************************************** To: heb_roots_chr@geocities.com From: Boaz Michael Subject: Torah Portion "Naso" Naso Make an accounting Torah: Numbers 4:21-7:89 Reading Date: June 6, 1998 By: Cesar Martinez First Fruits of Zion http://www.ffoz.org This week's Torah portion, Parashat Naso, continues to outline the diverse priestly responsibilities which were established and delegated to the Levite family heads by the command of Adonai. God gave detailed instructions for each one of the activities of the Tabernacle to be carried out. The tribe of Levi had a unique relationship with God, and a unique role in Israel. They were the "chosen within the chosen." The reason for God's apparent "favoritism" in this manner is that the Levites were the only tribe to remain faithful in a time of idolatry and rebellion. They displayed trustworthiness in a way that greater Israel did not (Exodus 32:26). Therefore, God, in his sovereignty and supreme authority, designated the tribe of Levi to carry out the work of discerning between the holy and profane, between unclean and clean-tamei and tahor, and with teaching Israel the Word of God: "You must distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean, and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees Adonai has given them through Moses" (Leviticus 10:10-11). God entrusted each of the Levite family heads with the care of some portion of the Tabernacle and its utensils. The family of Kohat, encamped on the south side of the Tabernacle, was entrusted with the most holy resposibilities: the sacred ark, the bread table, the candlestick, and the golden altar. Camped behind the Tabernacle, to the west, God placed the family of Gershon, who was charged with the care of the covers, curtains and all the associated implements; on the north He put Merari, entrusting to him the structures. And God placed Moshe and Aaron to the east, at the entrance, to take overall care of the Tabernacle, to ensure that everything was done according to the instruction of the Lord (3:1-39, 4:17-49). DISOBEDIENCE AND STRANGE FIRE God is unutterably holy, and there is nothing we can or could do on our own that would make us worthy to enter His presence. The prophet wrote that our best attempt at righteousness is but filth as compared with the righteousness of God (Jeremiah 64:6). Because of this, we can come to Him only on His terms. Thus, He prescribes the precise steps and conditions whereby we might enter His presence, and the penalty for failing to follow them exactly was death. This was the case of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who, though princes among the Levites, left their place of honor and did not carry out their tasks in the manner in which God had commanded. Rather they offered a strange fire, one that God never instructed, and for their presumption they paid with their lives (Leviticus 10:1). ISRAEL: THE CHOSEN PEOPLE The context for this delegation of responsibility to the Levites was God's choice of Israel to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6, Acts13:47), and a kingdom of priests-mamlechat kohanim (Exodus 19:6). Such a priesthood would serve as an example to the nations, through their special way of living, according to the requirements that Adonai expressed in his Torah. This consecrated, set-apart lifestyle was to bring the nations to recognition of the one true God, Creator of the heaven and the earth, the God of Israel. CHOSEN FOREVER After the children of Israel failed in the fulfillment of God's expectations, God brought judgment on His people, and spread them over the entire earth. Yet even in these circumstances He never set aside His sovereign plan, and even in the most remote places of the earth where He placed them, He-the Eternal God, the Creator of all that is-has been for them as a sanctuary from which He sustained and kept them, preserving them for a later return to the land from where He had sent them. Paul, writing to the believers in Rome, emphasized that Israel was not cast off, but set aside only for a season, until the full number is brought in from among the nations (Romans 11:25-29). We have the privilege and blessing to witness a part of the regathering and return of Israel in our days, testifying to the faithfulness of God and the election of the people of Israel, in order to fulfill His sovereign and specific plan for redemption of a fallen, rebellious creation. ".The creation itself will be delivered from bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (Romans 8:21). Adam failed to fulfill God's intent for him, and after him the whole of humanity, also, following in his footsteps. And when God separated-sanctified-the children of Israel, and they also failed, God never forgot his purpose, but rather continued his beautiful plan of redemption. Therefore, God has never left us without a way whereby we can re-establish our communion with Him. It is in this way that after the failure of Israel in the desert, God had provided that by means of the Levitical priesthood, his people and all the nations might approach near unto him. PRIESTHOOD OF ISRAEL OR LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD Why did God establish the Levitical priesthood, when He called the children of Israel to be a kingdom of priests? In his great love, God was preparing his people and all of humanity in order to introduce the full restoration, which He had prepared from before the foundation of the world: the Messiah, Redeemer and Savior of the world, Yeshua ben David-Jesus son of David-"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Among the sons of Abraham were those who were lost, but to Abraham, the father of Israel, God gave the promise that through the seed of Abraham He would bless "all the families of the earth." And so it happened that through Abraham came the redemption of God: the Messiah. Through Messiah, we-both Israel and the nations-have access by one Spirit to the Father. Now therefore we are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:18-19). It is by means of Messiah Yeshua that the Gentiles-the nations, those who were afar off-come to participate in the same call that God gave to Israel in the desert, to be a nation of priests and a light to the nations. After having lived as heathens, in idolatry and immorality, our families affected by curses caused by serving false gods and pagan practices, such as eating blood in our "traditional feasts" (here in Mexico there is a traditional recipe based on animal blood), God in His great love redeemed us, transporting us from that kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of his beloved Son, Yeshua HaMashiach-Jesus the Messiah. Now we see our lives restored, now we can carry out our position in the priesthood together with the children of Israel, and be that holy nation. Now we see our restored families enjoying the inheritance of the sons of God: the Sabbath, the Passover, and much more. Now we have the Torah!-Yesh lanu Torah! Now we can dispense the message of salvation and redemption to others, each one of us serving in the specific function that He has assigned us. And now, therefore, we conclude examining Parashat Naso. "And they sang a new song, saying, `You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.'" (Revelation 5:9-10) Hallelujah! For more information please see http://www.ffoz.org For First Fruits of Zion Magazine written by: Cesar Martinez Cesar has studied business accounting and currently manages his father's business in Tijuana, Mexico. There he and his father attend a home fellowship where they study the Torah, Prophets and New Covenant from a Messianic perspective inorder to prepare them to be a good testimony to the Jew first and also to the Gentiles in the place they are called. Cesar was redeemed in 1977 when he was 7 years old. In July 1989, the Lord called him work together with his father in the Lord's ministry. *********************************************************************** To: heb_roots_chr@geocities.com From: Boaz Michael Subject: Torah Reading Beha'alotekha SHABBAT SHALOM-From Jerusalem! First Fruits of Zion Torah Commentary for Shabbat-June 13th / Sivan 19, 5758 A VOICE OF THE BELIEVING REMNANT OF ISRAEL The First Fruits of Zion Torah Commentary offers readers the unprecedented richness of a wide range of Torah insights, written by the believing remnant in Israel. Those capable of pursuing further research should use this commentary as a springboard to broaden and deepen personal Torah knowledge. Bear in mind, however, it is not a substitute for in-depth study of the Torah itself. The commentary cannot possibly offer a detailed review of every word or nuance of the sources it draws from, nor a complete survey of conflicting interpretations. It should provide thought-provoking exhortations and a wide variety of insights for every disciple of Messiah Yeshua. The Word of the Lord is going forth from Zion. The collective voice of these commentaries calls out to all the nations, sharing the wonderful truths found in the Torah of God. We at First Fruits of Zion pray that you will be able to make profitable life applications from these teachings. For more information on additional teachings and resources please see our web site at: http://www.ffoz.org Please encourage your friends and family to SUBSCRIBE to this information source. Beha'alotekha "When you set up" Torah: Numbers 8:1-12:16 Reading Date: June 13, 1998 By Clarence Wagner WHAT TRUMPET IS SOUNDING IN YOUR LIFE? The Sounding of the Trumpet In Numbers 10:1-10, God gives instructions to make two silver trumpets, for calling God's people. This passage and others list the ways the silver trumpet and the shofar were used to call the people to attention and action. The principles are valid for us today, as God seeks to send a clear message that He longs to be intimately involved in our lives. 1) The trumpet was used to call an assembly: "Make two trumpets of hammered silver and use them for calling the community together. To gather the assembly, blow the trumpets" (Numbers 10:2, 7). 2) The trumpet was used to direct God's people: "The blast will be the signal for setting out" (Numbers 10:6). 3) The trumpet was used to call the people to consecration: "Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly.. Let the priests who minister before the Lord, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, 'Spare your people, O Lord.'" (Joel 2:15-17). 4) The trumpet was used for warfare: "When you go into battle.against an enemy., sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the Lord your God and be rescued from your enemies" (Numbers 10: 9). What a wonderful promise of protection and deliverance, which we see in action when Israel marched around Jericho (Joshua 5). It was the trumpet, blown before the people, that reminded them of God's presence. This gave them faith to keep marching, to give that final shout at the last, long trumpet blast, and to see the walls crash. In Judges 7, Gideon slew 120,000 of the enemy with 300 men who blew trumpets and carried torches into the battle. "When the 300 trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords" (verse 22). We read in I Corinthians 14:8, "If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?" We all have battles that need God's help and intervention. Are we sounding the Lord's trumpet in our lives and looking to Him for the deliverance? Or are we trying to do it on our own? 6) The trumpet was used in worship: "Also at your times of rejoicing-your appointed feasts and new moon festivals-you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God" (Numbers 10:10). In Psalm 150:3, we are commanded to "praise the Lord with the sound of the trumpet." In modern Israel, the shofar is sounded to proclaim the Shabbat of worship and rest. Today, there is a call to worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. Are we listening to the clear sound of the Lord's trumpet? When He comes, will we hear the trumpet and fall on our knees in worship? 7) The trumpet was blown in the presence of God: "So David and all the house of Israel brought up [to Jerusalem] the ark of Yahweh with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet" (II Samuel 15:10). Worship was lifted up continually before the Lord in the Temple. I Chronicles 16:6 tells us "and Beniah and Yahaziel, the priests, were to blow the trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God." 8) The trumpet was used for the coronation of kings: "Then Zadok the priest took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew the horn, and all the people said, 'Long live King Solomon!'" (I Kings 1:39) The picture is also true in the spiritual realm. Soon, there will be a great coronation when every knee shall bow before the True and Living God. "Then the seventh angel sounded: and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He shall reign forever and ever!'" (Revelation 11:15) 9) The trumpet announced the coming of God's judgement: "Blow the trumpet in Zion, sound the alarm on my holy mountain. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming.. It is close at hand" (Joel 2:1). John writes (Revelation 8:6-10:7) of seven trumpets over a period of time that is filled with horror and disaster for this sinful world. The last trumpet will bring an end to this creation. The early trumpet blasts are a warning to repent to escape the coming judgement. Are we faithful watchmen on the walls, blowing the trumpet to call people to repentance? If not, surely we will be held accountable before the Lord (Ezekiel 33). 10) The shofar heralds the Second Coming of the Lord-Messiah Yeshua: "For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage each other with these words" (I Thessalonians 4:16-18). WHICH TRUMPET IS SOUNDING IN YOUR HEART? - The call to consecration-of getting your life in order so that you can tabernacle with the Lord, minister for Him and be a witness for His holy name? Before the last trumpet, there is still time to repent, to grow, and to change. - The call to worship-of devoting more time in His presence instead of being a slave to the cares of the world? - The call to war-calling you to rise against evil and fight the good fight? - The trumpet of impending judgement upon an unsaved world-a call for you to be the watchman on the wall, calling others into His kingdom? -The trumpet of rest-calling you into a Shabbat, preparing you for the things yet to come? - The call to a new move of God in your life-a new direction to follow Him by faith in His guidance and provision? - The trumpet of sacrifice-calling you to lay your gifts and talents on the altar for His service, so that you can be a gift to others? - The trumpet announcing the soon coming of the Lord? Look up and be ready, get your house in order. Whenever the trumpet is sounded in the Bible, God is present. Whether it is a call to assemble, to consecrate, to war, to celebrate, or to any other command of God-God is there. Jeremiah said, "I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not hearken" (Jeremiah 6:17). Let us not be like those who ignored the watchmen. God is calling us to Himself. For the unsaved, the approaching end of the world strikes terror. But for the saved it is a time to "look up" and to rejoice. "Happy are the people who know the trumpet sound of the Lord. They shall walk in the light of Your presence" (Psalm 89:15). ----------------------------------------------------------------- Clarence Wagner Jerusalem, Israel Clarence H. Wagner, Jr. is the International Director of Bridges for Peace, a Jerusalem-based Christian organisation dedicated to the building of sincere relationships between Christians and Jews, while encouraging greater support for the people and Land of Israel. He edits the Dispatch from Jerusalem and the Israel Teaching Letter, and is also the co-host of the television program, Jerusalem Mosaic. Clarence has lived in Jerusalem since 1977, along with his wife, Pat, and daughters, Ashley and Allison. ++++++++++++++++++++++ First Fruits of Zion has endeavored to make this section a voice of many believers in Eretz Yisrael. Theologies, ideas and applications will vary and may not necessarily express the opinions of this magazine, the Editor, or the Board of Directors. Please read the text carefully, and study for yourself to find the truth. For more information on additional teachings and resources please see our web site at: http://www.ffoz.org Please encourage your friends and family to SUBSCRIBE to this information source. ***********************************************************************