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!
Review: “Spurgeon and the Psalms: The Book of Psalms with Devotions from Charles Spurgeon” published by Thomas Nelson
“Spurgeon and the Psalms” published by Thomas Nelson
I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG2). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of “Spurgeon and the Psalms” published by Thomas Nelson Publishers at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom blog.
Few devotionals truly captivate my attention. I find that many of them are full of overly simplistic stories and cutesy platitudes. Certainly, for a new believer or a young person, these types of devotional books may be suitable, but for the serious and mature believer, I often recommend simply turning to the Scriptures themselves because everything else falls short.
That is why this devotional resource is WONDERFUL! “Spurgeon and the Psalms” will get you straight into the Scriptures and focusing on the LORD. That’s the point of having a devotional time, isn’t it!?
It is essentially a “Psalter”: the Book of Psalms published in a lightweight edition. Each Psalm is appropriately prefaced with words written by Charles Spurgeon, a well-known and beloved Christian pastor who lived in England and preached during the 1800’s. His timeless commentary and exhortation will bless you.
Book Review and description
“Spurgeon and the Psalms” published by Thomas Nelson
I was struck by the high quality of “Spurgeon and the Psalms” as soon as I took it out of its protective book jacket. The cover is embossed with a simple mountain/nature picture and the quality of the binding is excellent. Keeping with the mountain theme, the inside front and back covers have beautiful gray-toned mountain art.
Interestingly, near the back of the book, you will find a note on the selection of type/font.I found it to be such a nice touch that the explanation was included, as I had noticed the unique font used in this Psalter.
This definitely seems like a book that the publishers want you to treasure. I’m quite certain of that because there is a guarantee printed on the back of the book jacket: Thomas Nelson guarantees their Leathersoft “Spurgeon and the Psalms” for life!
The book contains all 150 Psalms with unobtrusive devotional commentary preceding each Psalm. There are also blank “notes” pages at the back.
The selections from Spurgeon’s own writings help connect the Psalms to the Gospel narrative. If you are unfamiliar with Spurgeon, you will find his writing to be eloquent, detailed, yet exceptionally applicable. There is no doubt he sought the LORD because his writing reflects that type of close relationship with the Father.
My recommendation:
★★★★★
Rating: 5 out of 5.
If you are looking for a Psalter, this is your book. As Spurgeon laments in the Preface, God’s people don’t know the Psalms the way they used to – and he was saying that well over 100 years ago! I encourage you to take the opportunity to truly meditate on and learn the Psalms, and this book will truly help you to do that.
If you are looking for high-quality devotional material for yourself or as a gift, you will very likely enjoy the newly published
I wholeheartedly recommend the newly published “Spurgeon and the Psalms” book to everyone! It is appropriate for believers at all stages in life, and quite honestly, is the type of book every follower of our Messiah should own.
This would make a wonderful gift for anyone you love and care about.
Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
Book details
Title: “Spurgeon and the Psalms” Author: Compilation Publisher: Thomas Nelson Release Date: May 10, 2022 Genre: Bibles/NKJV/Devotional
I am always a fan of books that primarily use the Scriptures! Check out my review of the Word for Word Bible Comic’s Gospel of Mark! There are so many wonderful resources that directly refer us back to God’s Word, and I love to recommend them so you can grow closer to the LORD each and every day!
Do you read the Psalms as a daily devotional? Let us know! Leave a comment below!
Why everyone needs the Full Gospel
Too many institutions entice young students to look for “truths” rather than the TRUTH
When I was in middle and high school, I was definitely a “seeker.”
I had grown up immersed in pluralism. I had never heard of the “Full Gospel.”
By junior year of high school, encouraged by “pastors” of the United Church of Christ (UCC), (a sect I now consider heretical), I had read all sorts of books from so-called “Christian” mysticism. I was particularly interested in such works as “The Cloud of Unknowing” and Thomas Merton’s writings recommended to me by the pastors of the church our family attended. I dabbled in Buddhism and other false religions. I was considered “well-rounded.”
In college, I visited a local Hindu temple as well as a mosque outside of Chicago. My friends were also exploring world religions, but the frightening thing is, we were all studying to be “Christian pastors.” We weren’t just learning about world religions so that we could properly share the Gospel with the lost, we were learning because we wanted to participate in their practices.
The UCC “associate ministers,” as they were called, (like bishops) were aware that we were learning about Islam and even sat across the table from us during a Ramadan dinner at that mosque that we had all been invited to by an interfaith council. There was no effort on their part to correct our course: all of us who were theology majors were encouraged to explore the commonalities between different faiths. But believe me, we were never encouraged to visit an evangelical or Full Gospel church.
When I was in grad school, we were required to read many books that were also rooted in mysticism. I remember observing (sadly!) that my Divinity School peers were intrigued and absorbing these ideas, likewise encouraged by the seminary’s professors. It is no secret that many who enter seminary lose their faith: but the true tragedy has to do with the leadership of these institutions whoentice young students to look for “truths” rather than the Truth. By this time, I had already met my Savior (to the dismay of many of my theologically liberal professors who wished I had retained my interest in ecumenism and interfaith activities).
Many professors have really gotten into using icons (a form of idolatry). Christian schools and churches now incorporate yoga into their programs despite yoga’s inherent spiritual connection to Hinduism. I have a missionary friend who is a native of India. She is so dismayed by how many American Christians have accepted and incorporated yoga into their “Christian” practices. She shakes her head and says, “if they only knew . . .”
See, you don’t need a whole host of odd rituals or candle lightings or chants. You just need the Full Gospel, brought to you by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I share all this because so many people truly don’t know the Gospel, let alone the Full Gospel.
I feel like Peter writes more succinctly than Paul. He writes in a nutshell, the Gospel is:
In their own ways; however, both Peter and Paul describe what is termed, the “Full Gospel.”
Besides the death and resurrection of our Savior, He also brought healing, signs and wonders. We are saved, and we are healed. We are saved, and we receive the divine infilling of the Holy Spirit, if we will submit to the Holy Spirit’s authority.
“Fully” proclaiming the Good News, as Paul writes, is preaching what Messiah Jesus has accomplished (forgiveness of sin through His death on the cross and resurrection) with power. This is the Full Gospel!
In other words, preaching should be accompanied by signs and wonders – as something normal.
That doesn’t mean a worship service should become an entertainment spectacle.
And certainly none of this has to do with “manufactured miracles.”
But it should be completely commonplace for Gospel preaching to be accompanied by miraculous healings, deliverance, speaking in tongues, etc. The purpose of the spiritual gifts manifesting in power is to essentially give credence to what is preached. That God would heal someone is proof He is living! That God would deliver someone is proof He has power over sin and darkness!
This is the fullness of the Gospel!
A Gospel preached without power isn’t the full Gospel. And do you really want to settle for half?
There are some followers of our Savior who care so much about their outward looks they forget they are quite rotten in their speech and other aspects of their lives. They deny the power of the Gospel through their pettiness and gossip.
Then there are other followers of our Savior who carefully appear to be very godly in their doctrine and behavior, but literally deny the power when they claim that the Holy Spirit isn’t working and moving among the body of Messiah as He did in the past. This leads to anemic doctrine, lacking the vital nutrition of the full understanding of the Gospel.
The LORD is still working modern miracles today! Don’t be afraid!
This weekend we celebrate Shavu’ot, also known as Pentecost. A special time to celebrate this Full Gospel I am telling you about!
We rejoice knowing that the same God who gave us His Torah is the same God who gave us His Spirit!
A lot of people have been trained by our society to be afraid of “Pentecostals.”
I know I used to be!
The only reason anyone should be afraid of a Pentecostal is if they don’t want any deliverance in their lives.
Because when a true Pentecostal believer prays, you better watch out, the demons flee!
Some Pentecostals or Full Gospel folks might dress a certain way or wear their hair a certain way, and I’m not saying any of that is necessarily bad. But your outward appearance isn’t what makes you Pentecostal – its the Holy Spirit within you.
If you have been baptized by the fire from above with the evidence of speaking in tongues, you are Pentecostal. You might attend an Assembly of God church or Church of God (TN), or Pentecostal Holiness, or United Pentecostal. While there are disagreements among Pentecostal people (just as there are disagreements among any group of people!) about things like Trinitarianism or dress codes, we serve the same Mighty God who has this awesome plan to heal you and deliver you.
When you know that you are saved from your sin, you need to know that you weren’t saved just so you’d go to heaven one day.
You were saved so you could start living with the joyous benefits of heaven, starting even now, here on earth.
Life won’t be perfect, but you have access to so much divine opportunity to pray and to witness great miracles occur, even now. Heaven will be wonderful, but we don’t have to sulk while we bear with the sufferings of this life. We can pray in confidence for the LORD to enable us to live in victory, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
You have the opportunity to be saved – and sanctified! Set free to live in abundant joy and peace. Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is described in the Scriptures as a deposit, a seal, so you know without a doubt that you are indeed saved!
The Full Gospel is for you!
If your pastor always stops preaching after Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you may need to start asking some good questions about the rest of the New Testament.
Starting in the book of Acts, you will discover how the early believers operated, constantly ministering to others in power. Healings and miracles were part and parcel of the Gospel Truth.
Your faith walk will be greatly enhanced by knowing this powerful Truth, that the Fullness of the Gospel is for everyone, and you are invited to live endued with power from on high! Whether you are a student or a seasoned believer, don’t ever pass up the opportunity to live your life yielded to the Presence of God in your life and the Full Gospel Truth!
Why does everyone need the Full Gospel?
Everyone needs the Full Gospel because everyone needs the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) will help you when you need to make important decisions. He will lead you closer to the Father. He will help you discern your next steps in life. The Spirit of God (Ruach Elohim) will anoint you and bless you. Your prayer life will improve, your worship will be deeper, and your longings will be much more satisfied.
If you have been a Christian for a really long time, but still feel like you’re missing out on something, don’t turn to mystical and false religions, turn to the Holy Spirit, who will take you to a new level in Him. If you do not yet speak in tongues, don’t think of it as something too strange for you. If Paul spoke in tongues, why can’t you? Our faith is not of this world, so dive in and allow the Holy Spirit to have His way!
A lot of people won’t talk about “speaking in tongues” because our culture has derided people who do as “wackos” and “crazies.”
Don’t let culture define you nor limit your experiences with God.
Follow the Word of God, and He will provide you the Full Gospel experience that you need.
Some great songs for Pentecost/Shavu’ot
I will leave you with some great praise and worship songs that I love! They are perfect for Pentecost/Shavu’ot, and all year round, too. May they benefit you spiritually as you seek the blessings of the Holy Spirit, our Eternal Comforter! I pray He baptizes you with His Holy Fire, even today! It is an experience that will transform your life!
Holy Spirit, How I love You
Send the Fire
Refiner’s Fire
Welcome, Holy Spirit
The Comforter has Come
Bo Ruach Elohim (Come, Spirit of God)
Please leave a comment or send a message to [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you! May you be endued with power from on high!
Order & Anointing: How Numbers 1-3 prove these go hand-in-hand
Numbers chapter 1 begins in the wilderness of Sinai. We are given the very specific date when the LORD spoke to Moses regarding a census.
It is a very orderly book, with very specific details and instructions. Truly, all of God’s Word and, especially the Torah, is well-ordered, and I hope you will be able to see how the divinely-established orderliness goes hand-in-hand with the anointing upon the Israelites.
There was to be a census of those men who could fight for Israel.
Simply, every Israelite son aged 20+ would have to serve in the Israelite army (Numbers 1:3).
It had been 2 years after the Exodus from Egypt. Specifically, the first day of the second month, 2 years later.
The encampment at Mount Sinai would have been taking shape as a full-fledged community meaning Israelite families and their assets would require protection as the community grew.
Men were looked to as protectors. They were numbered so that they could be assigned to their military divisions.
I am aware of feminist interpretations of this passage suggesting that God is somehow “unfair.” Feminists make the mistaken claim that the LORD “ignored” all the women because Numbers 1 only talks about men. Well, I grew up under feminist theology, so let me tell you plainly: it’s a bunch of nonsense.If God didn’t value women, He wouldn’t have gathered up the men to do the protecting: women would’ve been left to fend for themselves.
Men are naturally stronger. This doesn’t make women inferior, just different. We have different roles, that’s all. We do well to live in the order YHVH has established. We will experience the anointing of the LORD on our households when we live as He has prescribed.
The Bible says there were 603,550 men able to go out with the army of Israel (Numbers 1:46).
Certainly, that would suggest a large number of women and children! What a blessing that so many men would be able to protect them.
Numbers 2 defines the expected order for each of the military groups.
I love how the Scriptures are very orderly.
The fact that the Scriptures are so orderly reflects the orderliness of our Heavenly Father.
He has everything well thought out, organized, and He cares about how each facet of how His creation functions.
Sometimes passages like these from Numbers seem tedious or irrelevant, but if you will slow down and look at the wider context, you will discover many treasures even in these words. Likewise, for what to do when the Scriptures make you squirm, check out this recent post on “The Value of Human Life“.
Numbers 3 gives greater depth to a theme introduced in Leviticus 1:47-51a regarding the roles of the Levites. Here is that passage:
Numbers 3 addresses the duties assigned to the Levites (and their families). See, the women weren’t neglected or ignored!
The tragic death of Aaron’s two oldest sons
Before the specifics of the Levitical assignments are addressed, we find out in Numbers 3:2 about the tragic death of Aaron’s two oldest sons, Nadab and Abihu.
Numbers 1 and 2 had us thinking about the military, but these two young men didn’t die in battle.
They were Levites, so they weren’t fighting in the army.
Instead, Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized fire” before the LORD. (Numbers 3:4)
Nadab and Abihu died before the presence of the LORD that day due to carelessness. They didn’t do their assigned task in the orderly manner required.
How often are we guilty of something similar?
The LORD had given specific instructions, but Nadab and Abihu somehow made a mistake that cost them their lives.
I am thankful for the LORD’s grace today! I am also thankful that ADONAI is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). Order has to do with understanding and lack of confusion. He has redeemed us so we do not have to live confused, disordered, disoriented lives.
We must also be careful that we honor the Holy Spirit.When we worship, we must seek to be filled with the Holy Fire that comes from heaven alone and reverence His glorious presence.
Because Nadab and Abihu died, Aaron’s younger sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, served as priests under Aaron, their father (Numbers 3:4b).
Nadab and Abihu were replaced because the community still needed priestly leaders. May we learn from this tragedy to be faithful in all of our ways and to seek God’s guidance in every action we take. If we allow our lives to be ordered by the LORD, we will make right decisions and live in shalom.
The Levite families’ unique giftings
Each Levite family was assigned different duties that ranged from caring for the implements of the sanctuary (such as the menorah, the Ark of the Covenant, and the altars) to the Tent of Meeting and its coverings to the care of the sanctuary itself.
Each family seems to have been anointed with a particular gifting, because as you read, you can observe that they were responsible for specific areas.
The Gershonites
If we analyze it plainly, the Gershonites were responsible for the fabrics. They were responsible for the curtains and the ropes used around the Tabernacle and altar (Num.3:25-26). They had an anointing for working with textiles.
The Kohathites
The Kohathites were responsible for “caring for the sanctuary.” (Numbers 3:28). They were assigned to care for the implements including the menorah, the Ark of the Covenant, and the altars. Perhaps they were anointed in metalworking, able to polish and repair any utensil as needed.
The Merarites
The Merarites held the responsibility to care for the structure of the Tabernacle. Their anointing was in engineering! They were to care for the posts and frames and crossbars, bases, pegs, and ropes.
Each clan had to follow the orderly instructions given by the LORD. If they didn’t, a job would go undone. A mistake could be made.
And we know from Nadab and Abihu that mistakes can prove instantly fatal.
If a non-Levite approached the Tabernacle area, the consequence was also death.
Had our Messiah never come, we would still bear the consequence of death. But praise be to our LORD who has sent His Son, Messiah Yeshua, (Jesus Christ) to save us from sin and death!
Anointing and giftings today
Throughout the Bible, we find all sorts of examples of people having received special anointing and giftings. The purpose of the anointing was so that a person would be divinely empowered or inspired to carry out a task that would be of blessing. The Spirit of the LORD rested on people for a time, and today, the Spirit of the LORD infills believers to accomplish the Great Commission!
God remains a God of order.
If we seek the blessings of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh), we must do so in an orderly manner, with a spirit of gentleness. He will fill us with His supernatural giftings if we seek to use those gifts to bless the Kingdom of God.
Perhaps there is no census of believers taken on tablets of stone or sheets of papyrus, and we haven’t all had to enlist for military service. But we are (as believers) members of the royal priesthood, and even the hair on our head has been numbered (Luke 12:7).
Today, I encourage you to seek to order your life, your every step, on the Biblical pattern God has established for a full and abundant life!
And I believe if you submit to His vital instructions and guidance, He will surely anoint you with His Holy Spirit to serve Him with success and joy!
Thanks so much for reading today! Please leave a comment below and subscribe to our monthly newsletter!
The Supreme Court’s Draft opinion: Will our nation finally stop killing babies?
The leaked Supreme Court draft opinion is captivating the nation’s attention and has brought the discussion about the value of human life front and center.
Wouldn’t it be an answer to prayer if our nation reversed course and stopped shamelessly killing babies?
As God’s own children, we know that there is inherent value and worth in every child, born and not-yet-born.
And yet this week’s parashat is one of those Scriptures that makes me uncomfortable!
What to do when the Scriptures make you squirm
As soon as one of my sons overheard that I was studying Leviticus 27‘s unsettling “valuations” of human beings he immediately said,
“Oh great. God supports slavery?”
It is more complicated than that, but . . . any monetary amount placed on the value of human life is very hard for us to understand.
And pretty much the only time I ever hear the word, “valuation” is on Shark Tank. 😉
So what should you do if you read a passage that just really bothers you?
First, don’t jump to any conclusions.
Pause, and pray.
Ask the LORD to speak to you and teach you through.
Be willing to do some research. Learn about history, context, culture, and any other details that the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) leads you to.
Talk to trusted believers such as your pastor, ministry leaders, and other reliable Bible teachers.
And finally, pray some more!
You will almost always arrive at a place of peace, if you will surrender to the LORD’s leading, and He will instruct you from His very Word about why the Bible says what it does! There are some mysteries, of course, that we will just have to wait until we are in the heavenly kingdom to ask about, but I assure you, if you are willing to put in the work, you will find many answers that you seek!
Back to our disconcerting passage:
If a person made a special vow, these were the valuations for redemption:
Men ages 60+: 15 shekels Women ages 60+: 10 shekels Men ages 20–60: 50 shekels Women ages 20–60: 30 shekels Boys/young men ages 5–20 years: 20 shekels Girls/young women ages 5–20: 10 shekels Boys ages 1 month – 5 years: 5 shekels Girls ages 1 month – 5 years: 3 shekels
This seems to be way outside of anything we are used to in America.
We wonder immediately, how could someone be worth more or worth less than someone else?
And are men worth more than women?
Why are 20-60 year olds worth the most?
Notice, these were the valuations for redemption related to a special vow. (We discussed a bit about redemption last week; you can read about it here). The redemption price didn’t actually have to do with inherent worth. All humans have inherent worth:
The redemption valuation wasn’t about inherent worth. Personhood and value was assumed, and Torah commands us to preserve and cherish life!
The valuation had to do with how much a person could produce, how much they were worth as a worker. What I find surprising is that a value is placed even on one month olds!
The 20-60 year old age group naturally would include the strongest, most productive workers.
We value the ability of each person to contribute to the success of the wider community.
However, this still seems somewhat unsettling.
What about those with dis-ability?
What about the poor?
The valuation list doesn’t make a distinction. This is actually highly inclusive! Ability didn’t matter! The valuations are based on age alone! As for the poor, there is no discrimination either: If a poor person made a vow, but could not afford the redemption prices, an exception would be made. The poor person would go before the priest, and the priest would set a value that would be manageable. (Leviticus 27:8)
No one is ever left out in God’s economy.
He makes a way, for each and ever person, who seeks redemption.
Human life is worth so very much that God our Father sent His Son, Yeshua (Jesus) to die on the cross to take away your sin. You are worth so much, but sin has tainted His beautiful creation. You are a precious treasure, but there is a tarnish until you allow Him to wipe you clean and polish you up anew.
The Scriptures are so very clear that the LORD loves you and made you with a purpose!
Remember, whenever you come across something that makes you question that Truth, be sure to pray, and to seek more deeply answers to your questions in the Word of God.
Have you ever questioned your worth? Do you pray for new generations to live and to learn to love the LORD and His Word? Do you know how valuable you are? Will you join us in praying for our nation and for each other? Please, comment or send an email to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!And subscribe to our monthly newsletter! We promise not to overwhelm your inbox!
This passage contains a very significant Hebrew word: go’el
Are you at all familiar with this term? It is incredibly central to understanding redemption!
גֹּאֵ֑ל Hebrew: go’el.
Go’el translates to “kinsman-redeemer” or “redeeming relative.”
Yeshua (Jesus) is our relative. He is so closely related to us that He qualifies as our kinsman-redeemer.
In a sense, this is obvious, but if you really spend a moment to meditate on this fact, I am sure you will be touched by how truly glorious it is that our Savior is our relative.
“… Blessed be ADONAI, who has not left you without a go’el (Redeemer) today. May His Name be famous throughout Israel.” Ruth 4:14
Redemption was only possible if certain parameters were met.
The nearest kinsman had a choice. He could freely choose whether or not he wanted to redeem his brother. Ruth’s first-in-line kinsman redeemer actually rejected the proposition. Initially, he was interested, but once he realized he would have to marry Ruth and also take on the obligation to care for the widowed Naomi as well, he decided not to go through with the redemption.
He was concerned that he could endanger his inheritance, perhaps fearing things would be divided among a large family if he were to serve as redeemer. We do not know his reasons, but they may well have been financial. Boaz was probably wealthier and in a better position to take on the Redeemer-responsibility of a wife and mother-in-law.
The one in need of redemption is described in the Bible as “having become poor.”
You and I are spiritually bankrupt without the LORD, but He freely chose to redeem us out of our spiritual poverty.
“Becoming poor” means that we started out ok, but something, ie. the fall, happened to separate us from the LORD. If you have done something that makes you feel “less than” or completely “unworthy” or “unable” to “attain” salvation, know this: your poor condition doesn’t have to define your future.
Sin creeps in with the intent of robbing us of relationship with our Merciful Savior, but if you will confess your need and reject sin, you reject spiritual poverty. You can’t earn a place at His banqueting table, but you can accept His generous gift of mercy. He can set you free today from your fears, your anxiety, from anything that is between you and Him. The LORD wants to redeem you today!
The One who is Near
גֹֽאֲלֹו֙ הַקָּרֹ֣ב The full Hebrew description in Leviticus 25:25 for an individual to bring redemption to their “poor brother” is “go’el haqarob.”
קָרוֹב Hebrew: qarob. This means “near.”
“Kinsman” in Hebrew then could be expressed as one’s “near one.” Someone near and dear to you.
Forms of this same verb are used throughout the Psalms to express the nearness of God.
Here again, a form of the term “qarob” is used to describe the spectacular Truth that our Redeemer God is near to us. Who else is so privileged to have God on their side? The LORD is with His nation, Israel; we are members of this holy nation. He not only protects and guides us, He is so near to us, nearer than our own breathing. He is not some distant god. He is not powerless, He is not uninterested in our future. He is deeply involved in our day-to-day lives because He cares for us so profoundly. And whenever we call upon His Name, He is listening. What a privilege!
Our Redeemer lives and He is near to us. Our slavery to sin is ended, our inheritance is restored, and we await our Bridegroom’s return.
“Yet I know that my Redeemer lives and in the end, He will stand on earth.” Job 19:25
Here are some encouraging songs about our Redeemer for you that you may enjoy listening to today!
We used to sing this song, “My Redeemer Lives” during praise time at a wonderful church I attended when I was first saved. It is a song sure to bring you some joy today!
“My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole C. Mullen is another encouraging song about our redemption.
“There is a Redeemer (Love has won)” by Darlene Zschech will usher you in to worship of our Great Redeemer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f_iMHEmsDE
You have an invitation to meet our Kinsman-Redeemer
Let me reiterate that God isn’t some distant, far-off jeffersonian god.
He is near, and His return is likewise near.
He has invited you beyond gleaning in some far away fields. He invites you to draw near to Him because you are His beloved. He is the King of all kings, and He owns everything because He made everything. He will pour out the richness of His grace upon you and prosper you in your daily living. He will heal you and restore you, and yes, redeem you. He is your Father, and He wants to be in relationship with you, His precious child.
Will you accept His invitation today?
Will you draw near to Him and allow Him to bless you today?
If you have questions about just who is this God of Israel, please write to me. I would love to share more with you about our Messiah’s love. You can leave acomment below or send an email to [email protected]. Subscribe to our newsletter to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. If you already know the LORD, share a testimony about when you came to know your Redeemer to encourage others! Shalom!
What Leviticus reveals about the Day of Atonement and Passover
That’s not a word most of us use every day, so if you aren’t quite sure of its meaning, let me suggest that breaking it into its three syllables.
At-one-ment.
It is a theological term meaning to be made whole again, reconciled to God.
God’s Son, Yeshua (Jesus), sacrificed His life to make atonement for our sins.
I was asked an interesting question about the atonement recently and it fits perfectly into our study:
If Yeshua (Jesus) is our atonement, why did He make His sacrifice following the Passover meal rather than on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)?
This is a very fair question.
Our reading from Leviticus 16-18 addresses this question since this very week we will celebrate the Passover Feast, yet this passage discusses Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur included a necessary sin offering and burnt offering, sprinkling of blood around the Ark of the Covenant’s atonement cover, as well as a ritual involving a literal scapegoat.
When Yeshua (Jesus) was crucified, He who knew no sin became sin for us.
The purpose of the sin offering was to cleanse the penitent of their unintentional sins. Yeshua (Jesus) knows we will fail. He knows we will sin unintentionally, despite all of our best efforts to please our LORD. The atonement included forgiveness for these mistakes.
He fulfilled the requirements of the Yom Kippur sacrifices, but He actually did more than that.
He went above-and-beyond.
You see, every year on Yom Kippur (this occurs in the autumn), the High Priest would make atonement on behalf of the people. Israel was symbolically restored as God’s people one time every year.
Can you imagine the burden of sin?
How would you feel if your sins could only be forgiven once per year, and the rest of the time you carried that weight on your shoulders?
The only perk would be that sin was taken seriously. Great effort was made to avoid sin. Nowadays, many people sin nonchalantly, figuring they are “forgiven” so there is no need to flee sin. This is an error in thought. We should always flee from sin and immorality (2 Tim.2:22).
Yeshua (Jesus) shed His blood; the perfect atonement sacrifice. And in so doing, He actually fulfilled the other 3 offerings of Leviticus.
Our Messiah became the meal/grain (matzah) offering
Remember the meal or grain offering? The type of grain being referred to here is matzah, the same unleavened substance we use every Passover. The meal or matzah offering consisted of unleavened flour and oil mixed with frankincense and salt. It was placed over fire.
Yeshua (Jesus) became our meal offering. At his birth, He was given frankincense by the wise men (Matthew 2:11). Yeshua used matzah at the Passover meal.
Our Savior’s body was broken for us, just like we break the matzah during the Passover meal.
Our Savior was offered up as a fragrant aroma, just as the meal offering was matzah and oil mixed with frankincense.
Matzah + oil?
The body of Messiah + the anointing, abiding, consoling Presence of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh).
The atonement was seasoned with salt.
Salt was not only a preservative, it was used to treat wounds.
He was wounded for our transgressions, but this holy sacrifice would bring healing to the nations and we would become the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13).
He was raised up by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you see all of the connections here?
Do you see how intricately interwoven the Scriptures are, truly?
I bet you never thought of frankincense having anything to do with Passover!
Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) also became our guilt offering
This is the offering that required restitution. We have willingly and disobediently gone against God’s Word. Our Redeemer chose to forgive us of our grievous offenses by making atonement for our sin.
So to answer the question: Why did Messiah die at Passover rather than Yom Kippur?
The LORD has His reasons, but it seems to me that He chose Passover because He did more than what could’ve ever been done on Yom Kippur.
At Passover, Yeshua (Jesus) truly embodied every aspect of the meal. He symbolically shared His body and His blood with the disciples at the Passover seder meal and then went on to literally give up His body and blood for the sake of lost humanity as He was horrifically nailed to the cross as atonement.
He is our Passover Lamb and He died so we would be able to see how throughout history, He has masterfully planned every detail of our divine rescue.
He came to rescue us from sin and death, and He did it in the most profound way.
Be encouraged today, that our LORD made a way where there seemed to be no way and bridged the chasm so we could be forgiven. He has atoned for our sin!
The atonement that Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) made for us is a permanent atonement. Not once a year, not once in a lifetime, it is a permanent, ongoing atonement that ensures we are covered by His blood and presented as cleansed and holy before our Perfect and Holy God.
Those of us who have a relationship with our Savior Yeshua ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ) know that He made atonement for our sins. If you do not know this important Truth and do not yet have a relationship with your Creator, please know this: God sent His Son to die in your place, as atonement for you, so that you could be reconciled to God. If you will trust Him today with your eternal future, you can have the confidence and peace of knowing you will live eternally with Him. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about our LORD and His ways!
A Simple Passover in light of the Resurrection
Preparing a simple Passover meal does not have to be complicated. But if you google Passover seder ideas, you may get overwhelmed!
Because Passover is such a central celebration, many wives and mothers love to focus on a beautiful table setting complete with fresh flowers and an exquisite meal.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
I’ve done my share of elegant Passover meals.
But this year, I’m going simple.
Simple can be better. Have a blessed Passover celebration!
Miraculous things have happened during Passover. Not only does Passover commemorate the Israelites receiving freedom from Pharaoh, the Lamb of God – Messiah Yeshua (Jesus the Christ) was our paschal offering. We have been freed from bondage to sin and death!
“Yet I know that my Redeemer lives and in the end, He will stand on earth.” Job 19:25
Even after the resurrection, Passover remained a central celebration.
In the book of Acts, we see that the believers continued to recognize the various Biblical feasts.
In Acts 12, Peter was captured during Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread, but the LORD sent an angel to break the chains and free him from Herod.
It was yet another sign to the believers that the LORD was with them. They would have clearly understood the connection that Peter was set free during the celebration of their collective freedom.
So yes, we absolutely should have a Passover meal, but Martha, dear, we absolutely don’t need to stress out over it.
Remember, Messiah Yeshua took our stresses for us.
Teaching our children
Everyone I know uses a hagaddah for Passover. Hagaddahs are Passover reading guides. They contain lots of Scripture and explanations of why we celebrate Passover at all. The hagaddah can be especially useful for explaining the Messianic fulfillment of Passover to young believers. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it but as the years go along, my little family is getting tired of it. (It is quite lengthy!) Now I know, I know, just because you find something to be (gasp!) a bit redundant or boring doesn’t mean it should be abandoned. But, on the other hand, why do something if you aren’t finding it to be refreshing to your soul? It is ok to take a break!
We are mandated by God to remind and train our children – to teach the generations of the victory won. So we do not abandon Passover! We will still gather and we will still have a wonderful meal together. But we don’t “have to” use a hagaddah.
This year, we plan to do a more simplistic explanation and just enjoy our time together as a family. When we hold congregational seders, I believe using a hagaddah is appropriate, and we have done that many times in the past. If we don’t use it this year, quite possibly we would next year, but give yourself permission to change it up a bit. We don’t want to become “religious” about this. Be led by the Spirit of the LORD – allow Him to help you to teach your children and honor the specialness of the Passover.
The important thing is to ensure that everyone seated at the table understands the purpose and meaning of the seder meal as well as related Scriptures.
Happy Passover!
Some suggestions for a simple Passover meal
Set a simple table setting. Use a table runner or tablecloth that you already have. There’s no need to go out and spend extra money (especially with all the inflation right now). Some people like to use a blue runner that reminds of the Red Sea. Be creative! I have an Amazon link below for the table runner I bought this year. (I’m an Amazon associate and I do get a small commission if you decide to buy something, but it won’t cost you extra)
Don’t have a seder plate? You honestly don’t need one. Use any large platter, and just put each symbolic item on there. We choose not to use the boiled egg because of its similitude to Easter’s fertility symbology. We do have a seder plate which does make it seem special.
Make a simple grocery list ahead of time. If you would like to use the traditional seder meal items, you will need a package of matzah (unleavened bread), parsley, apples, horseradish, and a shank bone, if you can find one. There are a million different versions of charoset, but here is one recipe I’m considering trying this year. Charoset is designed to remind you of the mortar used by the Israelite slaves. Decide what your main dish will be, and get everything a few days before Passover so you don’t have to worry about it. I usually find matzah at local grocery stores like Kroger/PickNSave or Publix. If you need it in bulk for a congregation, Amazon sells it that way, too.
Plan when and how you will pray and read Scripture. We love to sing many of the traditional songs, like Dayenu and Eliyahu haNavi. Focus on the continuity of the Gospel, that salvation has come!
“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and trusts in Him may have eternal life; and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:40
Do our Passover observances as followers of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) differ from that of traditional Judaism?
Some time I will write about the significance of each aspect of the traditional seder meal.
As followers of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ), we are able to understand the seder in a more profound way than a nonbeliever. We can see the parallels between the striped and punctured matzah and His bruised and broken body. We can observe that the 3 pieces of matzot represent the unity of the Godhead – the Oneness of Elohim. The seder meal consists of 4 cups of wine. Our Savior drank the cup of judgment/deliverance for us – we do not partake of this. He will drink the fourth cup – the cup of praise and ultimate redemption with us, in the Kingdom.
We have a significant difference in terms of the understanding of Yom HaBikkurim, the Day of First Fruits. You see, this refers to the glorious day of the Resurrection!
Unbelievers certainly would not value the significance of Resurrection Day, but we should be testifying to Jewish people who do not yet know their Messiah that He has fulfilled this important feast!
I long to travel to Israel just to see that empty tomb with this sign on the door: “He is not here – for He is Risen!”
You see, I was raised in a pluralistic environment. I was taught the lie that Jesus was no different than Mohammed or Buddha, and I believed it for a long time.
But you see, you can go visit Mohammed’s tomb.
Same with the Buddha.
Their remains are marked at their burial place.
But if we go to visit the tomb of Messiah Jesus. . . there is no body there. No remains.
For He is not there! He is Risen! He is Alive!
Our Passover observances are filled with this great joy!
I’ve seen some churches hold seder meals that seem kind of solemn. That is totally the wrong way to go about it.
Passover is a true celebration of freedom and salvation!
It should be joyful!
Give joyous witness to the fact that our Savior lives. Just like the early believers went to tell everyone what they had seen and heard, may you be inspired to do the same. Reach out to your friends, family, and neighbors with the Good News of the Resurrection of our LORD!
How will you be celebrating Passover this year? Leave a comment below, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Shalom, and Chag Pesach Sameach (Happy Passover!)
Each of the Biblical Spring Feasts can also be called by its Hebrew term:
The Feast of Passover = Pesach
The Feast of Unleavened Bread = Chag HaMatzot
The Feast of First Fruits = Yom HaBikkurim
The Feast of Weeks = Shavu’ot
Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) fulfilled the prophetic meaning of each of these Biblical spring feasts (moedim).
Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread
Perhaps your church has held a Passover Seder meal or you have tasted matzah bread at some point in your life.
Passover is so clearly mentioned in the Gospels and we know the Lamb of God came to take away the sin of the world, so most Christians have at least a basic understanding of what the Passover feast is all about. The amazing Truth of Redemption.
However, most do not realize that Passover leads right into the 7 day Feast of Unleavened Bread.
It is also common for many believers to admit they do not know much about the Feast of First Fruits or the Feast of Weeks.
No worries.
I can help you sort this out.
Before we go any further, let me reassure you, you do not need to be “Jewish” in order to celebrate the “Jewish” feasts.
Followers of Messiah, whether native Israeli or grafted-in, are now part of Israel.
Together, truly a nation under God. Israel’s history is our history. We do not compete with Israel, we do not supersede or replace Israel: we are Israel. We have been united by the blood of the Lamb and saved by His unfailing grace.
More and more Christians are learning about our Father’s established feasts!
He has prepared a banquet before you and you don’t have to wait until you get to heaven to feast and celebrate with Him.
The Feast of Firstfruits
The Feast of First Fruits is about harvest. The LORD established it so that the people would bring the first and the best of their harvest. It was a feast day for this expression of worship. (Leviticus 23:9-14)
So what does this mean for us today? Most of us are not farmers. It seems a bit challenging to fully understand agriculturally-centric feasts, but we can understand the simple Gospel teaching that spiritually-speaking, the fields are white and ready for harvest (John 4:35).
This Biblical feast illustrates the victory of the Gospel in the most powerful and marvelous way possible.
You see, Passover is about freedom from death and bondage. The Feast of Unleavened Bread reminds us that He was buried and in that tomb. The Feast of Firstfruits is about the Resurrection!
Messiah Yeshua was the first of the harvest – raised into His glorified, resurrected body. If you read about what was involved with the celebration of First Fruits, you will learn that a sheaf had to be waved before the LORD back and forth.
Waving the sheaf surely seems to represent the movement of the wind through the crops.
A mighty rushing wind.
The power of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) breathing new life!
The Spirit of the LORD stirring up salvation!
We know that in the last days, the harvest will include people from the east and west, north and south.
So back and forth the wave offering was made: prophesying the harvest of the latter days and prophesying the Truth of Resurrection Day!
The Feast of Firstfruits is the Celebration of Resurrection Day!
“The One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Ruach (Holy Spirit) without limit.” John 3:34
The Day of Pentecost as a holy day wasn’t something new.
Bible translators chose to translate the Hebraic term, “Shavu’ot,” with the Greek term “Pentecost.”
Ironically, there are language barriers
It is debatable as to whether those who translated were legitimately trying to help readers understand the Hebrew here or whether they were trying to obstruct it (sadly, it is plausible). Preference for Greek terms in translation led to a loss of the original meanings and intent and propelled the wide separation between the early Messianic movements and later church movements.
Before you start thinking I’m anti-Pentecost, hold it right there.
I love Pentecost. I am an ordained Pentecostal pastor. Yet, using solely the term “Pentecost” actually obscures the fullness of the meaning of the Scriptures here!
We need to become more aware of the deficiencies caused by language. (This is nothing new to us Spirit-filled believers. We know language barriers have been overcome by the amazing infilling power of the Holy Spirit!). The limitations of our vocabulary lead to slight discrepancies in doctrine and practice which over time can become huge discrepancies.
For example: I don’t know any Christians who say, “Happy Shavu’ot Sunday!”
It’s always “Pentecost Sunday” in our vocabulary! And that is ok, in the sense that this is how we understand a word in ourlanguage.
But, we are missing half of the meaning!
We know the Holy Spirit came down. However, many do not realize that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit coincided with the ongoing celebration of the Biblical feast day. The disciples present in the Upper Room literally lived the Messianic fulfillment of the feast day.
The reality is, Shavu’ot (i.e. Pentecost) has been celebrated since the days of Exodus!
It became traditional to celebrate the giving of the Torah on Shavu’ot. As you can see, the Word which was written on tablets of stone would now be written on the hearts of all who would receive Him. Now we also celebrate the giving of the Holy Spirit on Shavu’ot! The LORD never leaves us without instruction and never leaves us comfortless.
The Messianic significance of the omer count
Beginning at the Feast of First Fruits, a special omer count was to begin every year. This was a measurement used for dry goods. Each day, for 50 consecutive days after First Fruits, the day’s omer was to be counted. This had gone on for generations prior to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day we know as Pentecost.
The word, “Pentecost,” is highly appropriate here because it was exactly 50 days after the Feast of First Fruits (Resurrection Day) when the Holy Spirit fell upon the gathered, praying believers and endued them with power from on high.
When the LORD Yeshua (Jesus) walked on this earth, He came to fulfill the prophecies, not to abolish them. He promised that He would send another Comforter (John 14:16, KJV) and that is exactly what He did. Every single action He took and Word He spoke correlated with His mission and He never contradicted Himself.
All of the Biblical Feast Days were established before God sent His Son. Today we are just focusing on the spring feasts, but each Biblical feast day is a part of the divinely orchestrated plan to show us the way of salvation. (If you are interested in the fall feasts, those include what is known as Yom Teruah (aka Rosh Hashanah), Yom Kippur, and Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles).
What shall we do?
On that same Shavu’ot day, Peter preached a Spirit-empowered sermon that resulted in 3,000 immersion baptisms.
The question posed by the crowd should be the same question we still ask.
What shall we do?
And the exhortation of Peter continues to direct us:
Repent
Be immersed (baptized) in water
Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit
Be saved from this twisted generation
Our journey of faith doesn’t end when we are baptized in water. We must seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us for the task of ministry.
How can we be saved from this “twisted” (some translations read, “perverted”) generation?
By doing things God’s way, not our way.
That includes surrendering our manmade traditions.
The Biblical Spring Feasts are about doing things God’s way, not our way. Learn about why you might consider trading in man’s holidays for God’s holy days.
By Acts chapter 5, there was so much going on in the way of outreach and missions that the Jewish authorities became very upset. Miraculous healings, supernatural deliverances, prison doors being opened . . .
This verse isn’t a license to stop listening to the wise people that God has placed in your path. Heed godly counsel. Submit to righteous authority.
But carefully discern what is truly godly.
If we are to obey God rather than men, let me ask you this question today.
Why continue with manmade festivities?
Why not celebrate the LORD in the way the LORD established?
Why allow the world to creep in to our faith practices?
What do the Springtime Biblical Feasts represent?
Easter, Eostre, and Ishtar
It is no secret that the word Easter has been derived from several pagan sources. Do we really need to “Christianize” these false gods?
Look at the linguistics.
We get the term, “Easter” from Eostre, an English goddess, who is likely the same personage as Ishtar, the Babylonian fertility goddess. It is no surprise then, that we see the reappropriation of fertility symbols such as eggs and rabbits in Easter celebrations.
What, then, shall we do?
Obey God rather than men!
Our Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) died to free us from idolatry and sin.
We need to reject the pagan practices that have managed to invade our celebrations of our Savior’s Resurrection.
Resurrection Day exists in Scripture as the Fulfillment of the Feast of First Fruits. We should celebration Resurrection Day! But we really don’t need “Easter.”
Consider celebrating each of the Biblical spring feasts. Consider trading in man’s Lent for God’s teshuvah (time of repentance). Trade in man’s Easter for Yom HaBikkurim (the Feast of First Fruits). In the fall and winter, (I know this one will be controversial) trade in man’s Christmas for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), the most amazing celebration of the Word being made flesh and coming to dwell with us! If you decide to truly follow what Scripture says rather than what the majority of tradition has invented, you will gain so much!
If following the LORD at His Word is important to you, please comment below! If you have questions about the Biblical spring Feasts we would 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. Please subscribe so you don’t miss any new posts! Shalom!
Does Leviticus top your list of favorite books of the Bible?
It is pretty safe to say most people would not list Leviticus as one of their favorite books of the Bible.
When I served as a chaplain, I would often ask patients to share their favorite verse or book of the Bible.
9 times out of 10, the patient would cite the Psalms, regardless of their denominational tradition.
And it’s no wonder. Psalms engage the emotions – they help us make sense out of suffering, bring comfort in times of need, and help us verbalize our praise of our Eternal Father.
Psalms, Proverbs, the Gospels, these books tend to be among the favorites.
Leviticus . . . not so much.
Holiness, Holy-days, and Hope
I do know one Torah observant sister who did tell me that Leviticus is one of her favorites. I told her she is unusual. 😉
But you see, she understands that there is more to Leviticus than lists of burnt offerings and rules.
Leviticus: Holiness, Holy Days, and Hope
Leviticus is about holiness.
Yes, Leviticus outlines the sacrificial system and it can get to be a bit difficult for our modern sensibilities to read about killing bulls and doves, but I assure you, there is more to Leviticus than that. The sacrificial system was needed in order for us to understand the magnitude of what Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) came to do for us.
The LORD is holy and He requires us to be made holy. ” . . . be holy, for I am holy . . .” (Leviticus 11:44). In order to enter into a true relationship with our Heavenly Father, we must first understand the gravity of our sin – the depraved state we find ourselves in without our Savior. We realize through a thorough reading of Leviticus just what exactly is required to obtain holiness. This deepens our gratitude for what Messiah accomplished through His death on the cross! He has made a way for us to be holy as He is holy, if we believe and trust in His Name.
Leviticus is about holy-days.
Who doesn’t enjoy holidays? Leviticus defines for us the holy-days of the LORD. It is in Leviticus that what are known as the moedim (the appointed times) are explained in great detail. The appointed times refers to specific dates and times of year when the LORD desires to meet with His people. Divine appointments. Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles are two of the better known celebrations.
Sorry to be the bearer of unwelcome news, but Christmas and Easter are not moedim – they are manmade holidays of pagan origin reappropriated by some of the Christian church. Certainly the Lord Yeshua (Jesus) is our Emmanuel and our Triumphant Redeemer. The intent is good! But these holidays fall outside that which is Scripturally mandated and at worse, perpetuate many untruths.
Leviticus is about hope.
Ultimately, as I have alluded, Leviticus is about salvation and hope.
The Good News of salvation is available to all, and part of that reality started way back in Leviticus. How could we understand our need for a Savior if we didn’t know our shortcomings?
We are so blessed to be living in these days because we know the fullness of the Good News – that the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) came to the earth, lived, ministered, was crucified, buried, rose again, ascended into heaven, and poured out His Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) upon His people.
The offerings outlined in Leviticus help us understand the Good News
Leviticus 1-5 describes the different offerings that were required in order for people to make themselves right with God again. We can gain a greater understanding of so much of what occurred in the New Testament (Brit Chadasha) if we understand more fully these offerings.
Offerings & Wholeheartedness
It can be hard for us in modern times, especially in the United States, to conceptualize the 5 offerings listed in Leviticus. We are accustomed to giving “an offering” – a sum of money apart from our tithe that we feel led to give to the LORD’s work. Notice, our modern understanding of an “offering” is almost always monetary.
When I traveled to Mexico and preached in the village church, I noticed something very profound. Most of the congregation members are quite poor, but like the widow who gave her mite, the brothers and sisters did not come empty-handed. One sister would bring flowers, a fragrant gift to adorn the pulpit area. A brother would carry a basket of fruit or vegetables, a first fruits offering that would bless the pastor’s family or another family in need. These offerings required planning, love, and care.
It is easy to take out our wallet and toss a few dollars into a collection plate. It would require more forethought on our part to go out to the garden (if we even have one!) and share of our harvest. If we can learn one thing from our brethren in Mexico it is to give our offering wholeheartedly.
Following the time of Leviticus all the way through the Second Temple period, money would have been exchanged (think of the Temple moneychangers) in order to obtain what was needed for the offerings, but the money wasn’t just tossed nonchalantly into an offering plate. The individual seeking pardon had to be more involved than that to obtain purity.
Voluntary offerings and Mandatory offerings.
The offerings in Leviticus can be divided into two types: voluntary and mandatory.
The Voluntary Offerings
The Burnt Offering
The burnt offering had to be a male without blemish out of the cattle or sheep, or doves or pigeons, depending upon one’s financial ability. the Bible calls this a food offering, an aroma that pleased the LORD. It was to be killed at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting (Leviticus 1:3).
That it would be killed at the doorway is significant because Yeshua (Jesus) said, “I am the Door.” The Good Shepherd laid down at the threshold of the doorway and ultimately gave up His life for His sheep. The Lamb’s blood on the doorposts prevents death from entering our lives.
2. The Meal/Grain Offering
This offering consisted of unleavened flour & oil mixed with frankincense and salt placed over fire. Mmmm . . . if you enjoy fresh baked bread, imagine the smell of a perfumed version! Throughout the Bible, oil represents anointing and sanctification – the Presence of the Spirit of the LORD. Salt was a preservative and was even involved in covenant-making! Because of its preserving quality, salt indicates an everlasting Covenant.
The meal offering, as simplistic as it may seem, gives us a picture of the Everlasting Covenant we have as children of the Most High.
3. The Shalom/Peace Offering
Similar to the the burnt offering, the shalom offering had to be of cattle, lamb, or goat. This reconciliation offering restored fellowship. It foreshadowed the shalom (peace) that we receive through the sacrifice of our Savior.
The Mandatory Offerings: Sacrifices for Unintentional Sins
Attribute 12, נֹשֵׂ֥אחַטָּאָ֑הNosei Chatah, describes the LORD as the “Forgiver of sin.” This verb refers to unintentional sins, meaning He forgives our mistakes and the sins we commit it ignorance.
A form of this Hebrew term is found beginning in Leviticus 4. Chata’at means to “miss the mark,” to “miss the target.”
So the sin offering was a mandatory offering for unintentional sins against God. This offering had to be completed before a person could make any other type of offering.
Different sacrifices were acceptable depending upon an individual’s rank/social status. A bull had to be sacrificed for the sins of Israel as a whole. A male goat was brought to be sacrificed on behalf of a leader. The ordinary folk were to bring a female goat or a lamb. The poor could bring a dove or pigeon to be sacrificed as the sin offering. Did you realize this was the type of offering Mary and Joseph brought when they went to Jerusalem to present the Holy Child to the LORD?
As Allen P. Ross writes in Holiness to the LORD: A Guide to the Exposition of the Book of Leviticus, “The point is that no one was barred from access or from worship on the basis of income or ability (Ross, 89).
Like the sin offering, the guilt offering was a mandatory offering but rather than it being for unintentional sins against God, this offering is for unintentional sins against another person.
Restitution was required because the offender was guilty of trespassing against or defrauding another person. If someone’s rights had been violated, a guilt offering was necessary to make things right again. We are so very guilty, but our Savior, Messiah Jesus (Yeshua) has come to save us and take all our guilt away.
Leviticus gives us a portion, and the Gospel gives us the full picture
I hope you have been able to see how each one of the offerings in the book of Leviticus relates to the Good News! As Rabbi Sha’ul (Apostle Paul) said, it may seem as though we are looking through a glass dimly, but we know that one day we will indeed see Him face to face. If we study the Scriptures in depth, we will find that passages that seem obscure or completely irrelevant to us can actually be extremely revelatory and far more intriguing than we initially expect.
I hope you found this short study on the five offerings of Leviticus 1-5 of blessing to you. I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below or consider subscribing to our monthly newsletter!
