Parashot Matot-Mas’ei (Numbers/B’midbar 30:2-36) 5782 B”H

A Study looking at Kavanah: Intentionality/Focus

Do you speak legalese?

I grew up learning legalese.

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 angry with 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

In Numbers 35:2-5, 7 the Hebrew word  מִגְרָשׁ migrash is used.

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 intent behind 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:

“You are not to defile the land where you live, where I dwell, for I dwell among Bnei-Yisrael.”

Numbers 35:34

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!

Parashat B’midbar (B’midbar/Numbers 1-4:20) 5782 B”H

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:

The Levites, however, were not counted by the tribe of their ancestors, for ADONAI told Moses saying, “Definitely you are not to number the tribe of Levi, nor take the sum of them among Bnei-Yisrael. Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, over all its implements and all pertaining to it. They are to carry the Tabernacle and all its utensils, tend to it and camp around it.Whenever the Tabernacle sets out, the Levites are to dismantle it, and whenever the Tabernacle is pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Leviticus 1:47-51a

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)

The New Living Translation (NLT) simplifies this to the “wrong kind of fire.” (Num.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.

"You are to appoint Aaron and his sons to maintain the priesthood; any commoner who approaches must be executed."  Numbers 3:10

That’s another one of those verses that makes me say, “WHAT?”

But we must understand. The Tabernacle was set-up to teach us about the holiness of God. He is unapproachable without our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).

"For there is one God and there is one Mediator between God and men - a human, Messiah Yeshua, who gave Himself as a ransom for all —the testimony at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:5-6

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!

Parashat Pinchas (B’midbar/Numbers 25:10 – 29) 5781 B”H (Updated 7/19/22 5782)

The Law had been given, but clarification was needed

By Numbers 25, Israel had Torah (God’s instructions), but different situations arose in Israel’s history which needed clarification.

One such instance occurred in Numbers (B’midbar) 27 when a man named Tzelophehad (commonly spelled, Zelophehad, in English translations) died in the wilderness.

He was survived by 5 daughters.

Tzelophehad’s family

It appears Tzelophehad had been a decent man.

Nothing is said about his wife, so she may have died many years earlier.

Yet somehow Tzelophehad managed to raise up 5 thoughtful daughters:

Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Machlach‘s name refers to “sickness.” If she was the firstborn, as suggested by the name-order listing in the Bible, perhaps her mother struggled during childbirth. Noah‘s name is derived from a word meaning, “movement,” referring to “trembling” or “quivering.” Perhaps she was seen as “nervous” or “anxious.” Choglah’s name is a bit more obscure, probably meaning, “partridge” according to Strong’s Hebrew Concordance. Maybe she was a crier as an infant, because, according to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, partridges were known for their loud cries that attracted plenty of attention. Milcah is a form of Malchah, meaning “queen,” and Tirtzah describes a “favored” one or one in whom there is “delight.”

These women knew right from wrong and just from unjust. They were respectful of Moses and they concerned themselves with a legal matter, demonstrating that they also respected YHVH.

The legal precedence was such that sons received a father’s inheritance.

But Tzelophehad had no sons!

He did, however, have some independent thinkers!

His daughters concerned themselves with an issue of fairness, seeking justice, not only for themselves, but for the legacy of their father.

Moses & Eleazar hear the daughters’ petition

Tzelophehad was never part of Korah‘s clan. Tzelophehad’s daughters made a special point to ensure their father’s legacy would in no way be connected to Korah.

Tzelophehad had nothing to do with the rebellious uprising.

Read about Korah, the (wicked) Social Influencer of their day HERE

Machlah, Noah, Choglah, Milcah, and Tirzah appeared before Moses, Eleazar, and the princes of the entire Israelite assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

No sickness or nervousness would keep them from walking in favor.

They did not seek attention for attention’s sake.

The 5 sisters had in them the confidence that they were daughters of Israel, queens in the royal kingdom of a holy nation blessed by the Almighty One. They were bound as sisters, and they made their petition together.

They posed this question to Moshe and Eleazar, and the leaders: “Why should our father’s name diminish from his family just because he had no son? Give to us property among our father’s brothers.” (Numbers 27:4)

A verdict from on high

Moses didn’t make a decision until he had consulted the Supreme Law-Giver, ADONAI. Moshe prayed and the LORD responded to him that Tzelophehad’s daughters were right:

They should be given the inheritance of their father, and the commandment would stand for all of Israel.

There was only one caveat (described in Numbers 36) which was that the daughters had to marry within their tribe.

Individual and community rights

These five brave women took a stand for their human rights. Some would say they remained limited due to the provision that they must marry within their clan, but culturally speaking, they were still granted significant freedom to marry whoever they wished within their tribal grouping.

Rabbi Johnathan Sacks, of blessed memory, delves deeper into the human rights discussion that arises from Numbers 27 in his article titled, Complexity of Human Rights. Of particular interest, the dichotomy of the individual rights justly pursued by the five daughters of Tzelophehad and the group or tribal rights that are also an important part of wholesome justice.

Today, most people are only focused on their individual rights, to the exclusion or disregard of the needs and rights of the wider society. This can lead to major distortions in appropriate social justice. The “me” culture of today forces wider society to adapt to outlandish policies demanded by at times defiant individuals, in a less-than-holy and unjust way.

The lesson from Numbers 27 is that when an individual pursues justice in a righteous and holy way, then their needs can and should be addressed, and the wider society will benefit from that individual situation.

Machlah, Noah, Choglah, Milcah, and Tirzah would marry within the tribe, for their own benefit, but also for the benefit of the nation of Israel.

Families come first, and this Scripture passage illustrates that.

The 5 daughters of Tzelophehad were blessed and heard because of their faithfulness and obedience, and the nation of Israel prospered, even to this day.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation in which you needed to stand for justice? Are you going through a circumstance right now in which you need to lean on the LORD’s favor to help you win your case? Do you have a prayer request? Leave a comment, or email us at [email protected]. We would love to pray for you! Also, take a moment to subscribe to our email list so you can receive encouragement straight to your inbox! We promise not to overwhelm you with emails. Shalom!

Korah: the Rebellious Social Influencer

Parashat Chukat (B’midbar/Numbers 19-21) 5781 B”H (Updated 7/15/22 5782)

We continue our study through Numbers today.

Most people probably don’t count the passages of Scripture in Numbers 19-21 (known as Parashat Chukat) as among the most understandable or relatable of the Bible.

This portion of Scripture definitely won’t be the favorite of anyone uncomfortable with dead bodies!

The Red Heifer and Bible Prophecy

These chapters talk about a red heifer that is to be burned so that, mysteriously, its ashes can purify an unclean individual who has touched a dead body. Specific instructions are given about how to be purified if you’ve touched a corpse, what to do if an open container without a lid fastened on was in the tent when someone died there . . . lessons on decontamination, in a sense. Relatedly, the origins of medical advice, quarantines, and cleanliness are all rooted in Torah: even the serpent symbol used today by the medical community was loosely inspired by Moses’ bronze snake in Numbers 21:9.

The puzzling role of the red heifer that is described in Numbers 19 is a source of much debate surrounding the Third Temple and the fulfillment of end times prophecy. PBS Frontline has an interesting article in its Apocalypse series describing some of the issues around the red heifer in modern context titled, “Forcing the End: Why do a Pentecostal cattle breeder from Mississippi and an Orthodox Rabbi from Jerusalem believe that a red heifer can bring change?” Perhaps you will find it interesting reading, along with an article humorously titled, “In Quest of the Holy Cow” from Israel my Glory.

While red cows exist, they have not existed in Israel until very recently, 2018 to be specific. That means that for over 2,000 years, there was no red heifer anywhere in Israel. CBN news reported on the 2018 red heifer and since then, there have been other candidates. Ever heard that Crystal Lewis song, “People get ready, Jesus is coming?” Yeah. It’s true. He’s coming back! Get ready.

LINK: Holy cow! Prophecy fulfilled after red heifer is born at Temple of Israel

A stutterer told to talk . . . to a rock

While it is impossible for us to fully understand the LORD’s reasons for each instruction given in His Word, we can rest assured that He does have a reason for everything, even if we don’t understand.

Moshe (Moses) of all people, knew to obey God’s instructions, yet, on one famous occasion, he let his emotions get the best of him. When the people complained that they had no water to drink, ADONAI told Moshe to speak to a rock, and it would “give out its water” (Numbers 20:8, TLV).

In Numbers 20:10, Moses called the people “rebels” (an insult in their day) and pounded on the rock twice rather than speaking to it.

We generally assume this is because Moses was angry.

He might also have been extraordinarily nervous.

Speaking was not Moses’ forte. He stuttered – – – so the idea of talking to a rock in front of the entire nation of Israel was probably not something he was too eager to do.

Was Moses indeed a stutterer? Neurologists and theologians don’t collaborate as much as perhaps they should, but an article in First Things looks at the evidence from neurological science that CONFIRMS the widely-held interpretation/assumption that Moses stuttered.

The LORD had his reasons for commanding Moses to trust Him and speak. The rock contained water and could respond to verbal command. What’s more, Jesus Christ the Anointed One, Messiah Yeshua, warned the Pharisees that rocks would cry out if the believers ceased from praising their Father (Luke 19:40). But ultimately, the command to speak to the rock in Meribah was not so much to prove that such a feat could be done as it was a test of faith! Moses failed to obey, and it cost him: he and that generation would not live to see the long-awaited Promised Land.

In any case, water did gush out of that rock, quite a sight to see.

Something out of a movie?

The LORD provides for the Israelites’ needs, but the people can’t seem to shake their grumbling addiction.

They complain there is no bread, no water, and that they are sick of manna.

By Numbers 21:6, ADONAI’s patience had grown thin. He sent poisonous snakes which started biting people and many died. God is long-suffering, so even after all of this He makes a way for healing and restoration. Moses is instructed to construct a bronze snake on a pole (nehushtan), which would provide healing whenever a bite victim looked at it.

So many supernatural occurrences! These accounts in the book of Numbers really seem like something out of a movie!

Unlike a movie, however; all of what is written in Scripture is completely true. The Author is your Creator, and He will be your Savior if you will turn to Him in faith!

The King’s Highway

If all of this wasn’t enough trial and tribulation, the Israelites had to traverse land that was controlled by enemies.

In ancient times, there was a highway that connected the north to the south for purposes of travel and trade. This highway was known as the “King’s Highway,” and it was rightly named, because different kingdoms controlled access to the main road.

The King of Edom would not allow Israel to pass through their territory, nor would King Sihon and Og of the Amorites.

Israel had to wage war.

Israel won and began to live in the land which had belonged to the Amorites.

Israel’s history is full of struggle and strife, but ultimately, Israel wins.

Today, as believers, we are part of Israel. We, too, have rebelled and fallen short of the expectations set out for us by the Word of God. Yet, in His infinite grace, mercy, and love, the LORD God of Israel has made a way for us.

We do not deserve permission granted to walk upon His Holy Road, but we walk the True King’s Highway, and He gives us victory along the way.

I am reminded of a hymn we sang growing up:

I know not where the road will lead
I follow day by day,
or where it ends: I only know
I walk the King’s highway.
I know not if the way is long,
and no one else can say;
but rough or smooth, up hill or down,
I walk the King’s highway.
And some I love have reached the end,
but some with me may stay,
their faith and hope still guiding me:
I walk the King’s highway.
The way is truth, the way is love,
for light and strength I pray,
and through the years of life, to God
I walk the King’s highway.

King’s highway, Evelyn Atwater Cummins

Thanks for reading! Let’s continue walking along our King’s Highway together as we study the book of Numbers together! What strikes you as most interesting from this passage? Please leave a comment and consider joining our email list or sharing with your friends! Shalom!

Parashat Korach/Korah (B’midbar/Numbers 16-18) 5781 B”H (Updated July 14, 2022/5782)

Grumbling and rebellion along for the journey

When the Israelites left Egypt, they were full of joy and the promise of a new future. They looked forward to the day when they would reach the Promised Land, the land flowing with milk and honey.

But the Promised Land was more than just special adamah אֲדָמָה (earth/ground). That Land was to be reflective of the spiritual posture of its inhabitants . . . and this generation was not up to par.

Grumblings, murmurings, and rebellion have a way of interfering with what could otherwise be a pleasant journey.

Ever try to take a fun road trip with grumpy children? So much for a pleasant journey.

And every congregation, large and small, has to deal with the occasional segment of dissenters.

Today, let’s look at Numbers 16, the account of Korach’s (Korah’s) rebellion against Moses and Aaron.

Korach’s Populist Plan for an Uprising

Korah (Korach) convinced 250 other Israelite men to join him in a populist plan for an uprising.

When trying to reason with Korah didn’t work, Moshe wanted to talk to Dathan and Abiram, but those two had fallen as low as Korah and refused to even have a discussion:

And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come up! Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you should keep acting like a prince over us? Moreover you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up!”  Numbers (B'midbar)16:12-14

You see, sowers of dissent create distrust of leadership and cause disunity in the congregation.

Korah’s ambitions demonstrate that he wasn’t content with what he had been given and was convinced he could do a better job at being priest than those who were appointed to those positions.

Like Lucifer, Korah wanted a position that didn’t correspond to him. He wanted to be High Priest.

Power struggles in Ministry

Maybe you have served on a ministry team or even pastored.

I’ve lost count of how many times we as congregational leaders have had to deal with the Korahs of our day.

How often we meet wolves in sheep’s clothing vying for power, unwilling to submit to wise counsel, questioning leadership, and ultimately trying to divide the flock.

It is a sad situation really, because these types of negative people are truly dealing with jealousy issues, anger, resentment, pride, and a whole host of sinful attitudes which they have never dealt with, repented from, or healed from.

These types of unhealthy individuals want to take down half the congregation – right down into that pit of defiance right along with them.

Don’t take the bait.

Spiritual Abuse is Real

Since we’re already talking plainly, let’s be real.

Just like not every sheep is a rebellious Korah, not every pastor is a humble Moses.

There can be a lot of toxic relationships, even in the church.

Sometimes pastors themselves are immature or hurt and treat their congregants inappropriately, or even abusively.

Pastors who do not have the backbone nor Moses-like prayer life to handle a challenge to their authority will often use an illustration like the account of Korah to attempt to scare rogue sheep into compliance.

Unfortunately, this can lead to spiritual abuse on a wider scale, as entire congregations have to endure harsh sermons warning them that if they don’t obey (the pastor or church leaders), the LORD might have a giant sinkhole take them out.

Recognize these types of unhealthy situations and make sure you and your family are being pastored with love and genuine care.

How true leaders respond in times of betrayal or unrest

Moses demonstrates how pastors and ministry leaders ought to respond in times of betrayal and unrest: he gets on his face before the LORD.

Later in the chapter, Aaron stands in the gap between the living and the dead to intercede.

True leaders spend time in sincere, earnest prayer.

Korah’s friends become slaves to their pride

Dathan and Abiram attempt to rewrite history to suit themselves.

These former slaves now claimed Egypt’s riches had been accessible to them as a land flowing with milk and honey.

These former slaves used Moses’ previous status as Prince of Egypt against him, to claim he lords over them.

Truly, Dathan and Abiram aren’t really just former slaves, they have bought into the insubordinate spirit of Korah.

They had become slaves to their pride.

The devil has a way of twisting history to make the Egypts in life sound so pleasant and deceive us right into temptation.

Dathan and Abiram absorbed Korah’s poison.

They sound like two deceived puppets spewing up Korah’s own complaints, which happen to be unrealistic expectations of Moses.

They are upset that Moses hasn’t brought them into the land ADONAI will bring them into, when HE decides. Dathan and Abiram whine that they haven’t been given their inheritance, but unlike the daughters of Tzelophehad who justly approach Moses regarding their inheritance, the Korah followers are bitter and impatient.

Korah, the Social Influencer

Today, we have social media “influencers.”

Korach was the social influencer in his day. He didn’t get YouTube awards or Facebook fans, but he had enough followers to cause a major disruption. That generation would never make it to the land of milk and honey.

Hebrews 3:19 “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the rest of his gang had a choice between life and death, but their own hunger for ambition was met with a severe punishment from on high.

Rather than their hunger being satiated, these defiant individuals were swallowed alive by the earth and went straight into “she’ol.”

Hell.

Straight to hell.

Be careful who you allow to influence you.

Korah’s fate and our lives today

If the LORD is going to cause the earth to swallow anyone up, let them go by themselves!

Don’t get dragged down right along with them.

What kind of media do you listen to?

What kind of social media do you participate in?

Make sure you are on the right side of history, so you can enjoy the provisions of milk and honey that are prepared for the faithful.

This portion of Scripture has been used to scare people, and we all benefit from a healthy reverence and fear of the LORD. But, rather than be consumed with terror, this passage should be seen as an encouragement to all who believe and follow our Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ).

God will deal with the rebellious ones.

Follow God’s Word and learn what it is He wants for you. Pray and stay faithful and He will bring you into His Promised Land.

Giant sinkhole swallows cars in Jerusalem:

During the same week of this Parashat in 2021, a giant sinkhole swallowed up some cars in Jerusalem! I’ll leave it up to you to decide if it was mere coincidence! 🙂

Here’s a link to a news article on it:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/giant-sinkhole-swallows-cars-in-jerusalem-hospital-parking-lot/

Are you a positive, godly influencer? How do you handle the Korahs in life? Please leave a comment, subscribe, or share with your friends! Be blessed, to be a blessing. Shalom!

Parashats Beha’alotecha & Shlach (Numbers 8-15) B”H 5781, updated 7/8/22 5782

Today, we will look at Numbers 8-15 as well as a familiar passage from John 8 as we explore what happened to a man who was gathering firewood on the Sabbath.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Many of us learned this somewhat outdated rhyme growing up.

Contrast its claim with a verse from Proverbs:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21

Proverbs 18:21 teaches us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Words do have the power to harm. Harsh, hate-filled words can hurt us and can leave us pretty scarred. On the flip side, words can be life-giving and confidence-building, a source of blessing.

Obviously, the childhood rhyme intends to help a child overcome being teased with the reassurance that childish name-calling usually excludes physical harm.

Unfortunately, our own words can come back to bite us. Sometimes we harm ourselves by the foolish things we say. A careless thought can become a careless word, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."  Luke 6:45 

Care must be taken to cultivate a life of kindness, goodness, and self-control, led by the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh), so that the demeanor of the believer becomes more righteous in outlook and attitude rather than maintaining the self-serving posture of the natural man.

Learning from Miryam: We must be careful how we speak

Lashon Hara in Parashat Beha’alotcha/Beha’alotecha

When an individual fails to speak in a righteous manner, he or she risks committing sin known in Hebrew as lashon hara. Lashon hara means “evil tongue” or “wicked talk” and is considered a grave sin in Judaic thought, and for good reason. In Parashat Beha’alotecha Miryam was punished by God because she disapproved of her brother Moshe’s marriage to a Cushite woman and spoke against him (Numbers 12:1, 10).

Miryam ended up with leprosy.

Lashon hara engages the realm of death and brings curse right along with it. Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik aptly wrote “Death is the symbol of the most intense defilement; therefore, he who is holy unto his Lord must keep away from such defilement.” (Soloveitchik, Halakhic Man, 32).

Most Christians have never so much as heard of lashon hara let alone tried to refrain from it. Overly simplistic sermons lightly address gossip, but all too many churches thrive on the gossip mill and abuse the doctrine of grace. If you have a prayer request for someone else, there is no need to give every exhausting, gossipy detail. The LORD knows the need. Explain enough, but have wisdom to avoid gossiping.

Scripture calls us to a much higher plane.

As called out, set-apart people, followers of Messiah should emulate Him. Yeshua (Jesus) was careful with His words, and we should be, as well. He, of course, knew Torah, and would have been entirely familiar with passages such as Numbers 15:30-31. In it, the reader is cautioned, that “the person who sins defiantly, whether native or outsider, reviles ADONAI and that person is to be cut off from his people. Because he has despised the word of Adonai and has broken His commandment, that person will certainly be cut off—his guilt will remain on him.”

Regardless of whether or not Miryam was justified in her opinion, evil speech could not be tolerated under the Law as it would lead to defilement. Defilement can be described as a state of being in which the offender could not rightly appear before the Holy One. Ultimately, lashon hara leads to destruction, so it must be dealt with immediately at its source. As the Apostle Paul (Rabbi Sha’ul) said, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” (Rom.6:1-2a).

Learning from an unnamed man who was gathering firewood: We must be obedient

Keep Parashat Beha’alotcha in mind as you study Parashat Shlach

In Numbers 15:32, an unnamed fellow is stoned for collecting sticks and stones on the Sabbath day.

Yes, you read that right. Stoned. To. Death.

Consider this:

Have you ever worked on a Saturday?

Have you ever tidied up your house or done some yard work on the Sabbath?

Miryam became a leper, but this Sabbath-breaking man was immediately put to death.

What is the difference between Miryam’s sin and firewood-man’s sin?

Miryam’s lashon hara sin was directed at Moshe (Moses).

The unknown guy’s Sabbath-violating sin was directed right at the Holy One.

Miryam endured a status of defilement as a punishment, but the unnamed man truly, in a sense, selected defilement – as a choice.

He did not concern himself with things above, but lived for the moment and disregarded God’s commandments.

The man in Numbers 15:32 is not named because he could be any of us

Why is gathering wood on Shabbat such a horrible thing?

Well, to put it into everyday language: it was like shaking your fist at your Creator.

The work involved with gathering wood suggests the man was planning to start a fire, likely to cook a meal.

These are all prohibitions outlined by the Torah as violations of the Holy Sabbath.

He was guilty of blatant defiance.

Gathering firewood just doesn’t seem “so bad.”

As human beings with our limited understanding, we tend to “rank” sins. It would seem gathering firewood is a much “lesser” sin than a murderer or an abuser.

But we have to realize that sin is sin. Any transgression of God’s Eternal Law constitutes sin. Any.

According to the Bible, “. . . all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

All.

The murderers.

The abusers.

The Sabbath firewood-gatherers.

We are all guilty and we all need salvation.

And there is Good News! It’s more than Good, it’s Excellent News — the LORD has made a way for us through His Son, Yeshua (Jesus).

We fall short. But He doesn’t. He is the All-Sufficient One. And He extends His grace and mercy, His perfect forgiveness to you and me if we will receive Him.

Forgiveness is Available

This point is beautifully demonstrated by our Savior when, in the Gospel of John chapter 8 Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) forgave a woman caught in adultery.

She was guilty, on all counts, of violating Torah.

Like the Sabbath firewood gatherer, she had violated Torah and her punishment (according to the Law) should be stoning.

Also like the firewood man, this woman is unnamed. All of us should see in her our own rebellions and failings.

Despite the adulterous woman’s sin, the LORD pointed out the sinfulness of all those who accused her.

Whoever had no sin, whoever was completely sinless, this person could go right ahead and cast the first stone.

The only One who could condemn her (the LORD Himself) chose instead to forgive her.

“Yeshua knelt down and started writing in the dirt with His finger. When they kept asking Him, He stood up and said, ‘The sinless one among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’” John 8:6b-7

You and I have failed.

We have fallen short.

We have broken His Law.

We have violated Sabbath.

We have sinned against the Most Holy God.

But forgiveness is available to us, if we will repent of our sin and allow Him to restore and deliver us.

Shabbat is intended to be a divine appointment

The LORD has commanded us to keep His Sabbath, and to keep it Holy because it is a set-apart time for us to pause, rest, reflect, and enter into communion with our Father. It is intended to be a blessing, not a burden; but in today’s fast-paced world, it can be a challenge to keep Shabbat.

It has been said that if we truly understood how glorious it is to meet with ADONAI on Shabbat, we would never dare to disrespect that time. We would never miss that Sabbath sacred appointment and we would choose to strive for purity of thought, word, and deed, that we would never be defiled and unable to come before His throne.

Our lives depend upon us being in communication and right relationship with our Savior, the One who washes us and declares us clean.

The man being stoned to death for dishonoring the Sabbath is an illustration for us.

Underneath that pile of stones laid a man who had no understanding of his need for a relationship with his Maker.

Bruised and buried, that man represents all of those who do not yet understand that Messiah has come – that Messiah was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities so that we might live and never die. Firewood man was completely clueless about how his transgression would end in disaster.

May you be inspired by the grace and mercy of the LORD to seek a greater communion with the Eternal One, the LORD of the Sabbath. May you guard your lips for this protects your life, (Proverbs 13:3), follow the Way of the LORD and keep His commands, and may you be blessed to be a blessing!

I hope this teaching has inspired you, challenged you, or otherwise blessed you! Leave a comment below and please consider joining the Adonai Shalom email list today!