Review: “Eternity Now: The New Testament Series” (NET)
I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG2). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of “NET Eternity Now: The New Testament Series”published by Thomas Nelson Publishers at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom USA blog. #BG2
The“Eternity Now: New Testament Series” comes as a boxed set of five books. Each cover is appealing and each title captures the essence of the New Testament books contained within them. The titles are creative but remain theologically appropriate. I was particularly struck by the “Now but not Yet”title for John’s writings because it reminded me of one of my seminary professors who always reminded us of this aspect of John’s record. To me, this suggests accuracy and faithfulness to the original texts while tastefully displaying the creativity of those who compiled this series.
“Eternity Now: The New Testament Series” set of 5 books
The New English Translation (NET)
Of note, the Bible version used here is the NET, the New English Translation. This is a fairly recent translation, completed in 2019. The translators’ aim according to the series’ note to the reader was to “creat[e] an English Bible translation that could overcome old challenges and boldly open the door for new possibilities.”
I’m assuming the “challenges” may refer to moving beyond the archaic language of the King James Version, but I am unsure as to of what exactly consistent the “new possibilities” hoped for by the translators. It seems to me that the New English Translation seeks a more vernacular tone making it easier for modern readers to understand without losing accuracy.
In each book, a letter to the reader explains more about the NET translation. One thing that I found particularly interesting was this claim: “Throughout the NET’s translation process, every working draft was made publicly available on the Internet. Bible scholars, ministers, and laypersons from around the world logged millions of review sessions. No other translation is so openly accountable to the worldwide church or has been so thoroughly vetted” (Eternity Now, viii). Additionally, the NET allows ministries to use the translation freely due to “ministry-first copyright innovations” (Eternity Now, x).
That really is very unique and an awesome use of modern technology for the sake of the Gospel!
Book Review and Description
The “Eternity Now“ series is a compilation of all of the books of the New Testament/B’rit Chadashah arranged in a manner making it read more like a novel. This book set would be a wonderful gift idea for a young person in your life who might not otherwise read the Bible.
“Eternity Now: The New Testament Series” New English Translation
Each book contains the writings of the New Testament, still divided into chapters, but verse number superscripts are left out. Again, this makes the text read more like a novel than a traditional Bible, but the Biblical text remains the same and has not been altered. This series would perhaps not be appropriate for traditional “study” due to the lack of verse number indicators, but would work well for any type of personal devotional.
Eternity Now spine
The paperback format makes these books easy to carry. Someone sitting beside another on the metro will not immediately recognize that the person with one of these books is reading Scripture. It is reader-friendly, eye-catching, and somewhat unconventional.
Eternity Now back cover“Grand Tour” (Luke) and “Death to Life” (Paul) Eternity Now NET
My recommendation:
★★★★★
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I value anything that gets Scripture out to people, especially to people who might not otherwise read the Bible for themselves. This is a useful evangelical tool that I could see placed on coffee tables at clinics and coffeeshops with the hope that someone might pick it up to read and be surprised by the wonderful Good News it contains.
I recommend the “Eternity Now: New Testament Series” and hope that you find it to be a blessing either for yourself personally or for someone who you are praying will come to the saving knowledge of and relationship with our LORD.
Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
“Eternity Now: The New Testament Series (NET)” New English Translation
Book details
Title: “NET Eternity Now: The New Testament Series” Author: Compilation Publisher: Thomas Nelson Release Date: July 2022 Genre: Bibles/Other English Translations/Reading
Shmittah is a year-long Sabbatical for the land. It is intended to allow the land to rest, but also to allow the poor or indebted to rest. It is the year of debt-cancellation. Awesome!
Just for clarification: shmittah can be transliterated in several ways. Some of the more common ways you will see this word spelled include shmitah, shmita, and shemitah.
Shmittah became more well-known to the Christian community in recent years due to a popular book written by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn called “The Mystery of the Shemitah.” He served as a mentor to Rabbi Jason Sobel who wrote “Mysteries of the Messiah,” a book that I reviewed about this time last year. Cahn overelaborates at times and perhaps it is a fair critique that he may be (ironically) overcapitalizing on a topic that has to do with debt cancellation, but I am glad that more people have at least been exposed to the topic and that the Biblical principles of shmittah are becoming more widely known.
Are you worried about Inflation? Learn about shmittah!
I am no economist, but I have read from several sources over the years that there has been a correlation between Shmittah years and cycles of recessions in our nation. Apparently, the stock market often crashes during Shmittah. So, if you’re into investing . . . you may want to research Shmittah years!
Strong’s Concordance defines “shemittah” as “letting drop” or “remission.” It is a “release.” Creditors are required to “drop the issue,” to “forgive the debt” owed to them.
If we took the Bible more seriously, our credit structure in this country would look different. You can see how Biblical cycles did influence our financial system in that credit scores do not report the same way after 7 years, but the Biblical requirement is much more thorough, offering release to the indebted.
When we do not do as Scripture tells us . . . look where it gets us.
A shmittah year occurred from September 2021 and will end in September 2022.
Is the inflation we are experiencing due to the Shmittah year?
Was America spared a worse economic crisis due to certain repentant actions taken during this year such as the stronger restrictions on the sin of abortion?
Will inflation subside as this Shmittah cycle comes to an end?
It is worth praying about.
Our nation as a whole does not observe the precepts of Shmittah, but we like to claim we are still at least loosely Christian. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD . . .” Psalm 33:12. If we claim to seek to be a godly nation, we need to follow the instructions given by Scripture, even when they seem very difficult. Allowing the land to rest for a full year? Cancelling the debts of our brothers? It is a lot to ask! We must pray for our nation to return to the LORD.
Shmittah, the year of release, should be a time when all of God’s children feel refreshed and renewed. Released from burdens and allowed to rest.
Isn’t it wonderful that God has made this provisions in His Word? Wouldn’t more people be in better health if they didn’t have so much stress and could rest from some of their obligations? The LORD has provided for our wholeness and peace, for our shalom, in His Word.
A Worship Song you may enjoy today: Spirit of the Sovereign God: (This is the Year) by Lindell Cooley Brownsville Revival
Spirit of the Sovereign God (This is the Year) Lindell Cooley, Brownsville Revival
Other topics found in this passage that may interest you
What to eat and what NOT to eat
This passage from D’varim/Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17 also outlines what animals are considered by Scripture to be appropriate for human consumption. If you are interested in this topic, check out my teaching on The Leviticus 11 Controversy that goes into depth about the dietary laws of the Torah.
Is there an area in your life in which you need to experience a release? Do you long for freedom from a burden? Do you need forgiveness today? The LORD is strong and mighty, full of compassion, and willing to help you. He will bring the victory into your life that you need if you will rest in Him and place your trust in Him today!
As we near autumn, today let’s revisit that passage of Scripture from Leviticus that describes the feasts, but this time we will focus on the Biblical Autumn Feasts! Most people call them the Biblical Fall Feasts and I do admit it is easier to say . . . but since . . . Adam and Eve and the Fall . . . yeah I just personally prefer the word autumn. It’s just me, I know. A little too obsessed with linguistics. Go ahead and call them the Fall Feasts, it is perfectly fine 🙂
This post will be a quick overview on the autumn feasts. In future posts I will help us look more deeply at each of these.
Each of the Biblical Autumn Feasts can also be called by its Hebrew term:
The Feast of Shofars = Yom Teruah*
The Day of Atonement = Yom Kippur
The Feast of Tabernacles = Sukkot
*Note: Yom Teruah is more widely known as Rosh HaShanah. Yom Teruah is the literal translation for the “Feast of Trumpets” and is more Biblical. Rosh HaShanah signifies “Head of the Year” meaning this is a celebration of the Jewish New Year.
Just like the Biblical Spring Feasts, Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) fulfilled the prophetic meaning of each of these Biblical autumn feasts (moedim). The Hebrew word “moedim” more literally means “appointed times.” These are appointments that God made for us – the appointed feast times to meet with our Creator! What a privilege! Throughout the year, we gather to experience these feasts. The Autumn Feasts are no exception, in fact, they are extremely eschatologically significant because they point us to the end of days.
The Feast of Shofars (Yom Teruah)
The Feast of Shofars is more commonly called “The Feast of Trumpets” in English. But most people who think of a trumpet think of a beautiful brass instrument in the marching band. This autumn feast has nothing to do with those! A more correct translation is the “Feast of Shofars.” The ram’s horn was used as an instrument – an alarm to warn and even alert the enemy.
Have you ever heard several shofars played at the same time? The sound is awe-inspiring.
If you want to have a profound experience, find a place where the shofars will sound this Yom Teruah (Rosh Hashanah)! You will undoubtedly be touched by the sheer magnitude of the sound and inspired by all it represents for God’s people.
It is like a rehearsal. We will know what to listen for the day the trumpet (shofar) sounds:
I love to hear my boys practicing theirshofar skills a few days before Yom Teruah! It is a wonderful way to bring in the Hebrew New Year!
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
Another one of the Biblical autumn feasts is Yom Kippur. This is the most solemn occasion on the Jewish Biblical calendar. This is a day of fasting as people ask for forgiveness for the sins committed during the past year. When the Temple was still standing, this was the day when the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement on behalf of the people.
Today, we know that Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) has provided our atonement (Hallelujah!!!) so most followers of the King of all kings participate by fasting and praying for Israel.
The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
Immediately after Yom Kippur, Jewish and Messianic believers begin setting up their sukkahs (outdoor tabernacles) for the upcoming Biblical autumn feast known as the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).
The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is great fun! Many English speakers know this feast as the Feast of Booths. But booths? That’s a little hard for us to understand, unless you have seen an actual sukkah.
A sukkah is a tabernacle – a temporary structure intended for nonpermanent residency!
This feast is a lot like camping (but better) and lasts for a whole week! It is definitely family-friendly!
It is said that the best time to visit Israel is during the autumn feast of Sukkot. The entire nation sets up their temporary structures. The sukkahs are decorated and there is plenty of food. Did you know it is commanded to be joyful during these holy days of Sukkot? It is truly a celebration that the LORD chose to dwell with us.
Zechariah prophecies of a future time when all the nations will celebrate Sukkot, so it is certainly something we ought to learn about and participate in to understand the full meaning of our Scriptures! It really is like a dress rehearsal for the last days!
I encourage you to learn more about the Feast of Tabernacles as autumn draws near. A fun project (especially if you have boys) is to build a backyard sukkah! Invite your friends and neighbors, and you will have a wonderful time of fellowship as you live out the Word of the LORD!
For a more thorough, theological look at the Sukkot and the spiritual meaning of it, I encourage you to check out my post: “Living Water at the Feast of Tabernacles: Exploring John 7.” You will discover the reason “why” our Messiah proclaimed that He is the Living Water!
If you have questions about the Biblical autumn Feasts we would truly love to help you! And most importantly, if you have questions about the Messiah, please let us know and we would love to share the Good News with you. We hope that following the LORD at His Word is important to you and hope that this post will help you in your faith journey! Please subscribe so you don’t miss any new posts! Shalom!
L’shanah tovah! May you have a very happy New Year!
Today, let’s look at the 7 kinds or “species” promised to the land and people of Israel in Deuteronomy.
Moshe (Moses) continues to speak to the Israelites
Deuteronomy/D’varim 7:12-11:25 continues Moshe’s (Moses’) speech to the Israelites, reminding them of all the wonders of the LORD’s deliverance and encouraging them toward blessing as they continue toward the Promised Land. Contained within these verses are the revelation of the 7 species that would be part of the land of Israel.
This passage reiterates that Israel will see increase “little by little (Deuteronomy/D’varim 7:22) and that the duty of the people was to remain faithful to the God of Israel and His commands so that they would continually experience abundant provision and blessing.
People of the Promise
We know that the Israelites struggled to maintain a positive outlook. Many of them failed to look with the eyes of faith toward a better future. Many of them grumbled and complained. They had heard of a Promised Land, but would they grasp onto its promise? Would they themselves live to see that Promised Land? Would they walk as people of the Promise or would they continue to walk around in circles?
How many of us today know intellectually of God’s promises but fail to continually walk in His path, choosing instead to try our own routes only to wind up back where we started with feelings of unaccomplishment and frustration?
The life of faith can be challenging. But while we may break our own promises or have others do so to us, God is faithful and He will never break His promises to you.
For those who would trust in the God of Israel as people of the promise, 7 species or special “kinds” of provision awaited them in the Promised Land.
7 Promised Species in Israel
I don’t know about you, but when I hear the word, “species,” I tend to think of animals.
We’re planning a zoo trip for the kiddos in the coming weeks, so I have lions, tigers, and bears on my mind. I have one child who says he has never seen a live penguin (not true, but he was very young last time we were at the zoo) and another who claims kangaroos don’t exist because he has never seen one (so I really hope this zoo has an Australia exhibit . . . a lesson on doubting Thomas might be better for him than the zoo, but I guess we will start with the zoo!)
Back to Israel’s 7 species.
In Deuteronomy/D’varim 8:8, Scripture is talking about agricultural species. God promises that the land of Israel will be a land of
“You will eat and be full, and you will bless ADONAI your God for the good land He has given you.” D’varim/Deuteronomy 8:10
The 7 species are still found in Israel today as the LORD continues to bless that Holy Land.
And notice, of course, that there are precisely 7 listed! That perfect number reminds us of the perfection of His provision.
Grains & Fruits
If we analyze the seven species, we see that they can be described as either grains or fruits. Grains are so essential for basic sustenance, providing the main ingredients for bread, etc. Fruits give us sweetness and joy! It has become traditional to eat these 7 species of food on celebratory holidays such as the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost/Shavu’ot).
So give thanks today for all of God’s gifts, especially the provision of life-sustaining food. As the autumn/fall Biblical feasts draw near, perhaps you want to incorporate some of these delicious items on your family’s table! Rejoice today, because Messiah Yeshua (Jesus the Christ) is Perfect in all of His ways and He died and rose again so that we may join Him in the heavenly banquet.
Thanks for reading this short teaching about the 7 species of the land of Israel. If this blessed you, please share or leave a comment below! Shalom!
He was asking what is known as a sh’eilah – a question regarding the Torah. This Pharisee happened to be a lawyer. As such, he was trying to set up an argument against our Savior, but our LORD All-Wise and All-Knowing answered perfectly:
Yeshua quoted Scripture to answer the Pharisee’s question
Yeshua (Jesus) recited D’varim (Deuteronomy) 6:4-9 to respond to the Pharisee’s question about the Greatest Commandment. Messiah faithfully pointed back to the Scriptures that even the Pharisees knew so well. Rabbi Yeshua couldn’t be accused of “adding” or “inventing” a new faith.
He was pointing out that it was time tolive the faith!
Because in Him, having a living faith would be possible because the Lord Yeshua alone was Perfect and He alone would fulfill Torah, giving us the possibility of new and eternal life if we will trust in Him.
There are many Jewish people who know this passage very well, but have no idea it is the Greatest Commandment according to the Messiah! By reciting it with such passion and dedication, they are actually in agreement with the New Testament (Br’it Chadashah)! The testimony of generations proclaims the importance of Sh’ma, but not everyone has yet realized its fulfillment in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ).
When we speak or sing the words of the Sh’ma, all of us can be reminded of several important truths that I believe can be listed out like note-taking . . .
Important Truths about the Greatest Commandment:
The LORD: YHWH: ADONAI: He is.
The LORD is our God. This is collective. He is the God of our nation and our communities if we will choose to follow Him.
He is One. He has made Himself known as our Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is Elohim (a plural term in Hebrew), but He is also One. There are no other gods. We are not pluralists or polytheists. These verses establish monotheism.
We are Israel. These verses speak to a Holy Nation, a set apart people. Whether native-born or grafted in, those who have chosen to follow Messiah are part of Israel. So these verses are true for you and me.
We are to love the LORD our God. The Sh’ma points back to the First Commandment, which was given just one chapter earlier (D’varim/Deuteronomy 5). The Ten Words (aka “Ten Commandments”) cannot be lived out and obeyed without first loving their Author. Notice, the first four commandments require us to love God. The last six commandments require us to love our neighbor.
Children are valued. The Sh’ma assumes there will be children who must be taught. We are responsible to care for them and to “diligently” teach our children. If we are to do this task, we ourselves must be prepared. Therefore, study is expected and each generation is tasked to continue to teach the next.
We are to discuss the words of Scripture. We are to speak of these good things when we are in our homes but also when we are walking somewhere. We are to speak of the goodness of God when we are going to bed and when we wake up.
Our faith is a part of us – it is to be bound to us. It should be known by your kindness and hospitality that your home is a house where disciples live. Your home should not house idols or worthless things. Your home is a reflection of your faith. Some of us have mezuzot מְזוּזוֹת(plural for mezuzah) on our doorposts – beautiful reminders that contain the words of Sh’ma in them.
Yeshua (Jesus) cited the Sh’ma as the Greatest Commandment!
Yeshua cited the Sh’ma as the Greatest Commandment.
We learn from His example that Jesus came not to abolish the Torah, but to fulfill it.
He shows us the law of love – that we must love God and love our neighbor and He did so by pointing back to the Scriptures and demonstrating it by His way of life.
We are challenged to live out the Greatest Commandments as well.
The Sh’ma in Revelation
Would you be surprised to know the Sh’ma‘s influence is even found all the way in the book of Revelation?
When Yochanan (John), the writer of Revelation, describes New Jerusalem, he describes the river of the water of life and the throne of God. Notice in verse Revelation 22:4, he writes that “His name shall be on their foreheads.” For those who had grown up with the Sh’ma, this would be a very obvious allusion to Deuteronomy 6.
No other book contains so many cross-references and clear fulfillments of its words as the Bible.
When I first became a follower of Messiah, I was truly fascinated by this reality. For so many years, I had been taught lies that the Scriptures (even from their original form) contained errors and that they were not to be fully trusted.
When I discovered for myself, through the study of the original languages, that the Scriptures were most certainly trustworthy and that their testimony proves the Truth of our Savior’s love and sacrifice, I felt free. Scripture is consistent and what I love most is that it proves itself time and time again through God-inspired verses that reveal His Truth.
The Sh’ma being the Greatest Commandment proves the continuity of Scripture.
Let us look to Messiah Yeshua’s example
Messiah Yeshua taught us to know Scripture, believe it, and use it!
When questioned by a Pharisee about the Greatest Commandment or by the devil himself tempting him in the desert, our LORD always had Scripture to use as armor. His responses were right out of Scripture. This is why Scripture memorization is so important!
When we feel that our faith is being challenged, we must look to our Savior’s example. We, too, need the sword of the Spirit to rightly divide the Word of God and stay armed for any spiritual battle. We will not be able to live out the Greatest Commandment to love the LORD our God without dedication to Him and His Word.
Let us love God and love one another, and in so doing, we will fulfill the Greatest Commandments.
What is your favorite aspect about Scripture? Are you familiar with the Sh’ma? What tips can you give to others to help them memorize the Word of God? Leave a comment below! We’d love to hear from you!
The book of Deuteronomy is known as “D’varim” in Hebrew, which simply means, “Words.”
D’varim is comprised of 34 chapters, so yes, there are many words!
Our English term, “Deuteronomy” comes from the Greek term in the Septuagint, “deuteronomion,” which means “Second Law.” This is a misnomer; however. The Tree of Life Bible Introduction to Deuteronomy recognizes this and aptly states, “There is no second Torah.” It is a “second telling” of that which has already been told, the law and story of Israel, a recap for the next generation of Israelites.
Just as it was then, it remains important to continue to tell the story – HIStory: the marvelous true story of the LORD’s unfolding plan of salvation.
Do you know that wonderful hymn? It is a great song to remind us of the beauty of the Word of God.
For the full lyrics and even Spanish translation, check out this page on Hymnary. Here’s a recording you might enjoy listening to today:
From stuttering to speech-giving
In D’varim (Deuteronomy), Moshe (Moses) has matured in his ministry role.
We must smile for a moment. Moshe the reluctant stutterer is now providing full speeches! D’varim records three of his speeches addressing the growing nation of Israel.
Moshe overcame his fear of using words!
This is a lesson for us: if we fear public speaking or get nervous sharing the Good News of salvation with strangers, we can overcome those fears and anxieties. Moshe knew that he needed to provide pastoral instruction to the Israelites, just as we are called to live out the Great Commission.
Sometimes we overcome our fears because there is a need. If we place the need above our personal preferences and pray that the LORD by the power of His Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) helps us, we can overcome and be used mightily for the salvation of souls.
Moshe did this and served as a spokesman for God. Then, One-Greater-Than-Moses came: Yeshua (Jesus). Yeshua was also a spokesman for God, but there is a key difference: Yeshua IS God!
HIS Word is so valuable, we must share the Good News that Yeshua has come!
May He help us share the wonderful words of life.
D’var HaShem (Lit.: “The Word of the Name”): The Word of God
I point this out so that you can see a link between Deuteronomy and the Gospels. Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) quoted from Deuteronomy frequently! When He was tempted in the desert(Matthew 4:1-11) He used the words of Deuteronomy to fend off the devil. Why Deuteronomy? It is a very practical book and contains the Sh’ma(Deuteronomy 6:4-9): the prayer that would become central to Jewish religious practice.
The Words, the D’varim, could be used as armor. Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) shows us that if we know the Bible, if we memorize Scripture, we can combat the fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16) of hasatan (satan) – and win!
There is power in those words because they are D’varim HaShem. They are the Words given by God. Divine words that all came together in the person of the Holy Word, the Word Incarnate – D’var HaShem, our LORD and Savior Yeshua (Jesus).
The Prophet Greater than Moses
Moses is so very revered by the Jewish tradition that to say anyone could be greater signifies a great deal. Many Jewish people today do not believe in Messiah because they do not realize that the One Greater-than-Moses has come. Great efforts have been taken to avoid using passages of Scripture such as Isaiah 53 in synagogue services so that Jewish people will not contemplate that the passage is talking about Yeshua of Nazareth. This is tragic! If you are able to befriend a Jewish person, you must share with them the d’varim of Isaiah 53 so they can see how this Scripture has been fulfilled in Messiah.
So share the wonderful words of life with someone today, that you may be an instrument, a spokesperson for the kingdom of God!
Just as the unbelieving Jewish people need to know Messiah, the believing Christians in our world need to know their connection to Israel. How much more deeply can we know our Savior if we understand the Messianic prophecies and His connection to the Jewish nation! May you be blessed today by His Word! Join us in praying for the nation of Israel, that unbelieving Jewish people would come to know their Messiah. We are praying also for Christian believers to learn more about the Jewish roots of their faith! Please leave a comment below and share with your friends!
My dad is an attorney so I knew legal phrases like “for all intents and purposes” and strange terms like “eminent domain” from an early age. I may not have known exactly what went into an affidavit or deposition, but I had the idea . . . ad nauseam. 😉
In the second grade, I dressed up like a patent attorney for career day (do they really dress that differently than the rest of us?). By high school, I couldn’t decide whether I would become a judge or the U.S. Ambassador to France. (Objection? Only one is appointed at a time? N’importe quoi! I didn’t care about those details . . . )
I was aware that the “normal kids” at school got an allowance. I was voted “Most Unique” female of my senior class, so “normal” wasn’t really what I was after. My sister and I used to write up chore contracts. We felt we were missing out on the “normal life”, but we actually got some good training! To this day, I can draft some pretty tough contracts.
I joined the high school mock trial team and was talented at prosecution, but could sense that my talents could take me down a very callous, dangerous road.
So perhaps in the interest of making sure my own soul would be saved, I decided to study . . . theology.
So much for lucrative. Sorry, dad. I know that fine man still wishes I were a lawyer!
I tell you this story because the Scripture passage we are studying today has much to do with that legal phrase: “for all intents and purposes.” You’ll see why as we go along.
Tribes and Journeys
If you follow the weekly parashat readings, it will help you to know (if you don’t already) that the terms “Matot” and “Mas’ei” refer to tribes and journeys, respectively. These Torah portions continue the accounts of the tribes, their journeys to the Promised Land, and their inheritance as the 40 year wilderness wandering comes to an end.
We should pause here a moment.
How could the spiritual condition of the people be described here?
With so much grumbling in the wilderness, what was their heart-condition?
Did this generation feel they had a “purpose?”
Did they understand the blessing of their inheritance?
We are informed in Numbers 31:1-2 that Moses would soon die. The Hebrew idiom is translated“you will be gathered to your people.” This was a more pleasant sounding way to describe death. Remember, the ancient Israelites did not yet have the hope of resurrection as we do today because Messiah had not yet come. Being “gathered to one’s people” referred to the very literal sense of being buried in the family cemetery but also referred to the person being spiritually gathered with other spirits in She’ol.
Since we have reached the end of the book of Numbers, it is fitting that the different accounts and histories come to a conclusion here. Balaam reaches his end as well, as he was killed by sword in Numbers 31:8.
Not all of the passages are sad, as these parashot end with the victory of Tzelophehad’s daughters.
But we must be honest. Numbers 30-36 are chapters filled with some difficult things. It covers oaths and annulation of vows, particularly those made by young women, and then there’s this:
The Midianite Women
Moshe (Moses) was angrywith the army officers when they were attacking Midian.
Why?
Because they had spared the women.
Hold on.
Moses wanted all the Midianite women dead?!
Hadn’t Moses spent many years in exile among the Midianites?
Doesn’t he have any female friends or acquaintances there?
Does he condone femicide?!
Why so much violence!?
Sadly, over time, the Midianites had allied with the Moabites and became enemies of Israel.
Moshe reasons that the Midianite women had followed some of Balaam’s bad advice and caused the children of Israel to be unfaithful in the matter of Peor (Numbers 31:16).
He concedes that the virgin women should live, but every boy and all the other women should be killed. (Numbers 31:18)
From there, Moses commands purification and Eleazar explains the purification rules to the army. They plundered property, virgins, and gold.
It is hard for me to wrap my head around the righteousness of all that.
I look at what’s happening with the war in Ukraine and it is really hard to grasp. I do not believe that God wanted Russia to invade Ukraine. I do believe the attack lines up with Biblical prophecy; however, and these things must take place.
We can talk about good intentions or divine purposes, but violence and bloodshed are things that will just never make sense to me. For all intents and purposes, I am perplexed, baffled . . . I really am a pacifist at heart.
What to do when things don’t make sense
When something doesn’t make sense, it’s time to trust. Trust in the LORD. And just like you wouldn’t sign legal documents without understanding that legal jargon, make sure you find a way to gain understanding.
Do you need an interpreter?
Do you need a dictionary?
When it comes to the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Spirit will help you interpret and gain clarification.
Trust that the LORD will make things plain for you and put people into your life who can assist you in understanding those things which you find difficult.
Don’t be ashamed if you need to use a dictionary or a Bible dictionary when you study the Word. On the contrary, you ought to use these valuable tools! Otherwise, even Scripture itself can seem overwhelming.
Speaking of being overwhelmed . . . when you feel overwhelmed in life, the way to find peace is by trusting in the LORD.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the world’s problems?
For me, when I watch the news and see images of the war itself or the consequences of war (such as famine and mass migration) I know that it is all out of my hands. I can’t do much anything about it except pray. And that requires trust. I have to trust that the LORD hears my prayer and will intervene on behalf of those who trust in His Name.
See, God has a plan and whether or not it makes sense to us, He will see it through. Likewise, He had a plan for Israel and still does. With the Midianites turning against Israel, logically there would be a consequence – whether it was war or otherwise. The borders of Israel were being formed and action had to be taken to ensure that the land would be prepared for the Israelites.
מִגְרָשׁ Migrash in Biblical Zoning & City Planning
This is not to be confused with the more commonly known term, midrash, which refers to Biblical interpretation and commentary.
“Migrash” refers to green, open space. It is often translated as “pastureland” or “suburb.”
Did you know that Scriptural zoning regulations require open space around cities and special open spaces within the city?
I find this to be intriguing because way back in the desert wilderness, divine instruction was given for future city planning to ensure green spaces – even in and most especially in Israel.
To this day, Israel is an agricultural marvel, a miracle really, but those of us who believe what the Bible says cannot be completely surprised. After all, we are talking about the land of milk and honey, the place where water can come out of rocks and manna appears on the ground. There is water in this desert and even luscious greenery.
Have you heard the new song, Honey in the Rock? I love the Brooke Fraser Ligertwood version, but YouTube wouldn’t let me embed the video. Oh well. You can easily find it by searching Google. Here is a sweet sister singing that same song in a church:
What is the intentbehind this green space? What is the purpose of these “suburbs?”
Certainly the green space provides a place for the animals and also allows for urbanization to be tempered by parks and places of solace. The land is to be cared for – there should be concern for the environment and all inhabitants.
Ultimately, the green spaces help the land to be purified:
We are not to defile the land because the LORD dwells with us – on Holy Ground, in that Holy Land!
כַּוָּנָה Kavanah: The Intention of the Heart
The word Kavanah comes from the Hebrew root כון kun which refers to “being firm.” Strong’s Hebrew Concordance helps us to understand that the term carries with it the connotations of something being “set up and established” or “fixed/securely determined.”
Kavanah is central to Jewish thought, taking this idea of firmness and applying it to one’s intention. It refers to the sincereness of the heart. Kavanah: what is the direction of your heart?
Maybe you have heard the old saying: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
Truly, good intentions can’t save you, but good intentions can improve your spiritual life.
Incidental vs. Intentional
Do you just incidentally “happen” to worship because you know you should?
Or do you with total intentionality worship because you have a depth of sincerity in your heart?
The Jewish tradition would say that the person who “incidentally” participates in worship is not participating at all. Without kavanah, without intentionality, worship is not worship at all.
We cannot be ambivalent.
What is the attitude with which you approach worship?
What is your spiritual intention?
What is the direction of your heart toward God?
Are your eyes fixed on Jesus (Yeshua)?
Are you a person who is securely determined to walk in faith?
As the tribes began to settle in the land, their intentions would become clear. Would they choose to continue to obey the God of Israel? Would they select land based on selfish ambition or based on care for their neighbor? Would they seek God with their whole heart or drift away to follow pagan deities?
Whenever faith becomes an afterthought it becomes an incidental.
Ever been to a pricy hotel?
Those incidentals will cost you.
One extra fee might not seem like much, but if you keep helping yourself to those miniature-sized snacks in that miniature convenience fridge, you will not have such a miniature bill at the end of your stay.
You’ve got to watch out for the incidentals.
You’ve got to read that fine print.
I’d rather get out a magnifying glass than not understand the covenant . . .
Oh Magnify the LORD! Set your intentions on Him! Seek Him with total sincerity!
In this way, your life, your family, your land, and even your city will be blessed.
Because truly, where there is focus, there is vision! Some people strive for many years to “find their purpose.” Some of that is ok. But, ultimately, as a believer, your purpose is to live for Him and He will outline His calling in your life. He will be your sense of direction and your purpose, if you allow Him.
Adhering to a purpose-filled lifestyle that puts God and His Eternal Word first will enable you to benefit from all of the blessings He has for you. I encourage you to focus on Him so you see clearly the path He has set for you, set your sights on heaven as you walk with Him, and walk in the ways of our Messiah Yeshua (Lord Jesus) today!
