LECH LECHA: new Torah portion video: http://youtu.be/uTgM9qSDDvg
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
VID-EOTIONALS
As I have been beginning the Torah all over, I have tried to come up with not only ways to make it fresh for myself, but also ways to make my findings new for my readers. I have taken to the thought of video blogs, or what I like to call: vid-eotionals. Until I can figure out how out add a link for such things, I encourage you for look at the following links.
B'REISHEET: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otPV_EqOk4o&feature=plcp
NOACH: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8wG2hruLOQ&feature=plcp
B'REISHEET: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otPV_EqOk4o&feature=plcp
NOACH: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8wG2hruLOQ&feature=plcp
Monday, October 15, 2012
THE BLESSING OF MOSHE
“This is the blessing that Moshe the man of God pronounced on the Isra’elites before his death.”
Deuteronomy 33:1
If you recall, back in the later portions of Genesis, we looked at details both visible and hidden within the words of Ya’akov given to his sons before his passing. Of all the sons listed, there were three specifically that I pointed to that later had references once more to Deuteronomy 33. I would like to spend a few minutes looking at these again as we come close to the end of this book, and the Torah as a whole.
We begin once more with Zebulun. Ya’akov prophesied over this son that the tribe would live at the seashore. Four hundred plus years later this prophecy would be seen truthful as Joshua would allot to this tribe the area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. This allowed for trading routes, in which Zebulun was heavily involved, and as was also declared on them by Moshe in Deuteronomy 33:19, stating they shall take the abundance of the seas and the treasures hidden in the sand. It is awesome to see all the pieces come together. Ya’akov spoke also that the border of Zebulun’s territory would be at Sidon. When Joshua divided the land, Sidon was not included in the piece given to Zebulun. In fact, it was not theirs until the tribe of Asher was unable to defeat the remaining Canaanities. The tribe of Zebulun began attacking and defeating the Canaanities and this victory allowed them the land that had been spoken of as theirs prior.
Genesis 49:19 speaks concerning Gad, and Ya’akov jumped right to the point with one sentence. “Gad – a troop will troop on him, but he will troop on their heel.” This verse doesn’t seem to make sense. A troop will troop? Although written with the same words in English, in Hebrew it reads that a GADUWD (army) will GUWD (invade) him. In the end, however, Gad would GUWD them back. In this we piece together that Gad would be attacked but in the end would find victory. In Judges 10 we see this truth as for eighteen years the Philistines vexed the children of Isra’el before finally having their justice served. It is this constant state and declaration of war that kept the men of Adonai ready with the faces of lions. Even Moshe blessed the tribe of Gad in Deuteronomy 33:20, stating that they dwelled like a lion and tore the arm with the crown of the head. Although no one famous person in the Bible is shown to derive from the tribe of Gad, one main theme is. As stated in I Peter 5:8, we are to be ready at any moment for the enemy to attack us. He may indeed guwd us, but in the end we will be victorious and guwd his heel.
To Asher also Ya’akov is quick and to the point, stating that Asher’s food is rich, fit for a king. In saying little, Ya’akov was stating that Asher would enjoy the rich products of the fertile land, teeming with items to sustain life and find himself serving his food before royalty. The tribe of Asher failed to remove the Canaanite/Phoenican inhabitants once in their Promised section, and perhaps forewent their military capability. There is thought that based on the words of Moshe in Deuteronomy 33:24, oil was present within the land of Asher, be this an idea of an oil such as olive oil or in the manner of Texas tea. In the end, though, we read that Asher would be blessed, despite the oil’s form.
While we could go on with each of the sons and tribes and find how the words spoken by Ya’akov later matched the words spoken by Moshe, I wanted just to leave us with the tidbits of these three. It is in these three I find a hope for myself. The time span between these words first spoken by Ya’akov and later spoken by Moshe is close to 440 years, and yet, in Adonai’s time, they came true. So then here is the hope. What He has promised to you and me, He has every intention of completing. We are not forgotten even though at times we may feel that way. And we are not forsaken even though sometimes we feel alone on this journey. Adonai will be sure to allow His promise to become our reward. Let us not give up on waiting for Him.
Deuteronomy 33:1-29
Deuteronomy 33:1
If you recall, back in the later portions of Genesis, we looked at details both visible and hidden within the words of Ya’akov given to his sons before his passing. Of all the sons listed, there were three specifically that I pointed to that later had references once more to Deuteronomy 33. I would like to spend a few minutes looking at these again as we come close to the end of this book, and the Torah as a whole.
We begin once more with Zebulun. Ya’akov prophesied over this son that the tribe would live at the seashore. Four hundred plus years later this prophecy would be seen truthful as Joshua would allot to this tribe the area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. This allowed for trading routes, in which Zebulun was heavily involved, and as was also declared on them by Moshe in Deuteronomy 33:19, stating they shall take the abundance of the seas and the treasures hidden in the sand. It is awesome to see all the pieces come together. Ya’akov spoke also that the border of Zebulun’s territory would be at Sidon. When Joshua divided the land, Sidon was not included in the piece given to Zebulun. In fact, it was not theirs until the tribe of Asher was unable to defeat the remaining Canaanities. The tribe of Zebulun began attacking and defeating the Canaanities and this victory allowed them the land that had been spoken of as theirs prior.
Genesis 49:19 speaks concerning Gad, and Ya’akov jumped right to the point with one sentence. “Gad – a troop will troop on him, but he will troop on their heel.” This verse doesn’t seem to make sense. A troop will troop? Although written with the same words in English, in Hebrew it reads that a GADUWD (army) will GUWD (invade) him. In the end, however, Gad would GUWD them back. In this we piece together that Gad would be attacked but in the end would find victory. In Judges 10 we see this truth as for eighteen years the Philistines vexed the children of Isra’el before finally having their justice served. It is this constant state and declaration of war that kept the men of Adonai ready with the faces of lions. Even Moshe blessed the tribe of Gad in Deuteronomy 33:20, stating that they dwelled like a lion and tore the arm with the crown of the head. Although no one famous person in the Bible is shown to derive from the tribe of Gad, one main theme is. As stated in I Peter 5:8, we are to be ready at any moment for the enemy to attack us. He may indeed guwd us, but in the end we will be victorious and guwd his heel.
To Asher also Ya’akov is quick and to the point, stating that Asher’s food is rich, fit for a king. In saying little, Ya’akov was stating that Asher would enjoy the rich products of the fertile land, teeming with items to sustain life and find himself serving his food before royalty. The tribe of Asher failed to remove the Canaanite/Phoenican inhabitants once in their Promised section, and perhaps forewent their military capability. There is thought that based on the words of Moshe in Deuteronomy 33:24, oil was present within the land of Asher, be this an idea of an oil such as olive oil or in the manner of Texas tea. In the end, though, we read that Asher would be blessed, despite the oil’s form.
While we could go on with each of the sons and tribes and find how the words spoken by Ya’akov later matched the words spoken by Moshe, I wanted just to leave us with the tidbits of these three. It is in these three I find a hope for myself. The time span between these words first spoken by Ya’akov and later spoken by Moshe is close to 440 years, and yet, in Adonai’s time, they came true. So then here is the hope. What He has promised to you and me, He has every intention of completing. We are not forgotten even though at times we may feel that way. And we are not forsaken even though sometimes we feel alone on this journey. Adonai will be sure to allow His promise to become our reward. Let us not give up on waiting for Him.
Deuteronomy 33:1-29
Thursday, October 4, 2012
THE SONG OF MOSHE
“’Hear, oh heavens, as I speak! Listen, earth, to the words from my mouth!’”
Deuteronomy 32:1
This second to last parashah in the Torah is titled Ha’azinu, and translated from the Hebrew it means “Listen to this.” It is in this portion we read of Moshe’s final words, known by many as the song of Moshe. Following this song, Moshe would ascend Mount Nebo and overlook the Promised Land before passing away. Remember, as a result of his own disobedience in hitting the rock as opposed to speaking to it, he lost the option to enter. Yet nonetheless, he obeyed this time in writing his song, knowing full well what would soon come. It was in this song, however, that future generations would find their way back to the Torah.
But with a title that translates as “Listen to this,” what are we supposed to listen to? Moshe speaks that his words are like the rain that waters the grass and showers the plants. He also states that Adonai is great. Those two items alone could keep us busy for days. As I have taken the time this year to study the Torah, I can agree that Adonai has used Moshe’s words to water my faith. And in so doing, I feel I have come into a deeper understanding of His ways, with a strong desire to do His will. I will be honest, I had read the Bible from cover to cover in the past, but in taking a full year to read just the Torah, to study the words and depth, and to challenge myself to live it despite the comments of those around me, I now see just how awesome Adonai is. In reading on this deep level, I want to do as He commands.
As I continue to read and re-read this chapter, I find things that grab my attention. For instance, look with me at Deuteronomy 32:10-11. It is here we read that Adonai found His people in the desert, calling out to Him for deliverance. And what was His action? Adonai protected His people. Is this not what He does even still? Hearing His name called, Adonai comes with aid and rescue because we are still the pupil of His eye. In Him we have the deliverance that we cry out for. And then look with me at verses 12-14. I love how it says so clearly that the people were not led through the desert by happenstance, or chance, or even another god, but by Adonai Himself. This too is true of today. We are so quick to believe life is good based on everything but Adonai, but it comes down to Adonai leading us. There is no one who compares to our God.
Clearly these happy days did not last for the entire forty year travel, and as we soon read in the verses that follow, the people turned from Adonai. I cannot answer for you, but I know this is me being explained here. I am fully aware that I have been one who, even though knowing the truth of Adonai, found myself desirous of other gods. Adonai in verses 26-27 could easily be speaking about me in stating that He considered putting an end to these people. These were, just as I was, supposed to be solely His, yet both they and I allowed ourselves to be turned around. I became a nation with no common sense, lacking discipline, and having no wisdom. But praise be to Adonai who took pity on me (v 36), and made atonement for the land of His people (v 43).
Again, I do not know about you, but this chapter explains me in perfect order. If not for the grace of Adonai, I too should have passed away in the desert. Call it being born in the right time at the right place, or call it luck, or call it chance, I will call it His will. But the greatest thing about it is seen right at the beginning. In heeding, or hearing, His words, I have turned from my wicked ways so as to worship Him. I have heard the song of Moshe. If my life were to end tonight, as Moshe’s did after this psalm, would I find myself in His kingdom, or in that of the ruler of this world? I know my answer, do you know yours? If not, let the truth in this Torah portion point your way. I pray it points you to the watering of your grass and the truth of Adonai’s awesomeness.
Deuteronomy 32:1
This second to last parashah in the Torah is titled Ha’azinu, and translated from the Hebrew it means “Listen to this.” It is in this portion we read of Moshe’s final words, known by many as the song of Moshe. Following this song, Moshe would ascend Mount Nebo and overlook the Promised Land before passing away. Remember, as a result of his own disobedience in hitting the rock as opposed to speaking to it, he lost the option to enter. Yet nonetheless, he obeyed this time in writing his song, knowing full well what would soon come. It was in this song, however, that future generations would find their way back to the Torah.
But with a title that translates as “Listen to this,” what are we supposed to listen to? Moshe speaks that his words are like the rain that waters the grass and showers the plants. He also states that Adonai is great. Those two items alone could keep us busy for days. As I have taken the time this year to study the Torah, I can agree that Adonai has used Moshe’s words to water my faith. And in so doing, I feel I have come into a deeper understanding of His ways, with a strong desire to do His will. I will be honest, I had read the Bible from cover to cover in the past, but in taking a full year to read just the Torah, to study the words and depth, and to challenge myself to live it despite the comments of those around me, I now see just how awesome Adonai is. In reading on this deep level, I want to do as He commands.
As I continue to read and re-read this chapter, I find things that grab my attention. For instance, look with me at Deuteronomy 32:10-11. It is here we read that Adonai found His people in the desert, calling out to Him for deliverance. And what was His action? Adonai protected His people. Is this not what He does even still? Hearing His name called, Adonai comes with aid and rescue because we are still the pupil of His eye. In Him we have the deliverance that we cry out for. And then look with me at verses 12-14. I love how it says so clearly that the people were not led through the desert by happenstance, or chance, or even another god, but by Adonai Himself. This too is true of today. We are so quick to believe life is good based on everything but Adonai, but it comes down to Adonai leading us. There is no one who compares to our God.
Clearly these happy days did not last for the entire forty year travel, and as we soon read in the verses that follow, the people turned from Adonai. I cannot answer for you, but I know this is me being explained here. I am fully aware that I have been one who, even though knowing the truth of Adonai, found myself desirous of other gods. Adonai in verses 26-27 could easily be speaking about me in stating that He considered putting an end to these people. These were, just as I was, supposed to be solely His, yet both they and I allowed ourselves to be turned around. I became a nation with no common sense, lacking discipline, and having no wisdom. But praise be to Adonai who took pity on me (v 36), and made atonement for the land of His people (v 43).
Again, I do not know about you, but this chapter explains me in perfect order. If not for the grace of Adonai, I too should have passed away in the desert. Call it being born in the right time at the right place, or call it luck, or call it chance, I will call it His will. But the greatest thing about it is seen right at the beginning. In heeding, or hearing, His words, I have turned from my wicked ways so as to worship Him. I have heard the song of Moshe. If my life were to end tonight, as Moshe’s did after this psalm, would I find myself in His kingdom, or in that of the ruler of this world? I know my answer, do you know yours? If not, let the truth in this Torah portion point your way. I pray it points you to the watering of your grass and the truth of Adonai’s awesomeness.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
SUKKOT
“Adonai said to Moshe, ‘Tell the people of Isra’el, “On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of Sukkot for seven days to Adonai. On the first day there is to be a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work. For seven days you are to bring an offering made by fire to Adonai; on the eighth day you are to have a holy convocation and bring an offering made by fire to Adonai; it is a day of public assembly; do not do any kind of ordinary work.”’”
Leviticus 23:33-36
As we come to the end of the Jewish season of high holy days, we come to the beginning of the seven days of Sukkot. This Festival begins on the 15th of Tishri, the fifth day following Yom Kippur, and moves us from a solemn time to a joyous occasion. Sukkot is so joyful that it has also been named Z’man Simuchteinu, the Season of Rejoicing. Like Pesach (Passover), and Shavu’ot (Pentecost), this season is also one of the three pilgrimage festivals.
Sukkot is a season we find two distinct purposes within. Historically, Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the Isra’elites wandered in the desert and lived in temporary shelters, known as sukkahs. To quote Barney Kasdan, "We know from the Torah that God dwelt with his people in their forty-year wilderness camping trip. Yet, as we camp in booths today, we should be reminded that this same faithful God watches over our lives." The second derives from Leviticus 23 where Adonai speaks concerning the fall harvest. Sukkot was to be a time of bringing in the latter harvest; a Jewish Thanksgiving so to say. No work is permitted on the first and second day, as well as the final day following where convocation is performed.
The word “sukkot” translates as “booths” and refers to the temporary dwelling place known as the sukkah. In Leviticus 23:42 we read that within these booths for seven days, all people of Isra’el are to dwell. It is in these temporary homes that one is to, at the very least, enjoy a meal with family as a reminder of the command. Since it is only temporary, it serves that the exterior three walls would seem flimsy. It is the roof that bears the utmost importance as it should consist of anything grown from the ground, be it corn stalks, branches, or palm branches. Likewise, the interior also fits in with the harvest theme as fruit decorates the inside of the sukkah. As the feast then begins when the sun falls, the kiddush is said over the wine and a blessing pronounced over the challah.
Reading in Leviticus 23:40, we find the details of taking for ourselves a fruit, palm branches, twigs of a braided tree and brook willows. With these we are to rejoice before Adonai for seven days. This mix is known as arba minim in Hebrew, or the Four Species. Today we know this as an etrog (a citrusfruit similar to a lemon), and palm branch, two willow branches and three myrtle branches. The six branches are woven together and are referred to in themselves as the lulav, while the citrus is held separately. While holding these one recites a blessing, then waves the items in all directions. This symbolizes the fact that Adonai is everywhere. These items are also held during the Hallel prayer as well as during processions around the pedestal where the Torah is read from. But why these plants? It is said that the long straight palm branch represents the spine, the myrtle leaf represents the eye, the willow the mouth, and the fruit the heart. All of these parts have the potential to be used for sin, but should be used instead to live out His commands.
But let us consider a deeper truth found in the remembrance of Sukkot. Let us consider the memory of Yeshua dwelling with us. Look with me at John 7:2. It is here we read that the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near. Starting in verse 14, we read that not only did Yeshua attend, but He also taught the people. It was on the final day, the great day of the Feast that something awesome happened, but is overlooked by so many.
“On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Yeshua stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’”
John 7:38-39
So what is so exciting here? This event happened on the final day of Sukkot, the day on which all the people would come together in the Temple. The priest would pour water on the altar seven times, and the people would all walk around the altar seven times, shouting each time, “Save us!” Here they were calling to the Messiah, yet not seeing He was right in front of them. Hearing this, in their presence, Yeshua stood and declared, “I am here! I am the water poured out; the living water. Taste me and you will never thirst again.” Yeshua saw the praise and spoke out that He indeed was there. He was their drink. And He speaks these same words to us. Do we see Him as our drink?
Better yet, do we see Him as our salvation? Many believe that Sukkot could indeed be the true time of Yeshua's birth. Whether we take the three and a half years of Christ's ministry to subtract from Shavout, or we consider the shepherds would not have been outside with sheep in the cold of winter, we still would come to rest that sometime in the late fall that Yeshua was born. Both these ideas add to show us that Yeshua was born in the season on Sukkot. It is Sukkot that is known as the holy day commemorating Adonai's dwelling with His people, and how fitting that it would be fulfilled in this season. He truly was Emmanuel – God with us.
So then, how does Sukkot apply to us today? The sukkah is a guideline illustrating Adonai's desire to dwell with His people. Perhaps the true question that should be asked in this season is more straight forward. We asked it once, but I ask it again. Is Yeshua dwelling with you? There are many Jews who this season will set up a sukkah and thank Adonai of the latter harvest. A simply search on Google.com brings up many illustrations of the ways and booths people will celebrate in. But as this is just a demonstration, perhaps we need to focus more on you personally.
Is Yeshua able to dwell in you? Have you opened yourself up and received Him as Lord of your life? Are you going through the motions and confessing only for the security of 'life insurance', or do you truly worship Adonai? Yes, this is a season of celebrating the harvest, but there are many that have not been harvested (Matt 9:37-38). Adonai wants to dwell with all His children; He wants to sukkah with them. Isn't it time we ask ourselves if He has a place to dwell in us? And then, isn't it time we invite others into our dwelling as well?
Leviticus 23:33-36
As we come to the end of the Jewish season of high holy days, we come to the beginning of the seven days of Sukkot. This Festival begins on the 15th of Tishri, the fifth day following Yom Kippur, and moves us from a solemn time to a joyous occasion. Sukkot is so joyful that it has also been named Z’man Simuchteinu, the Season of Rejoicing. Like Pesach (Passover), and Shavu’ot (Pentecost), this season is also one of the three pilgrimage festivals.
Sukkot is a season we find two distinct purposes within. Historically, Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the Isra’elites wandered in the desert and lived in temporary shelters, known as sukkahs. To quote Barney Kasdan, "We know from the Torah that God dwelt with his people in their forty-year wilderness camping trip. Yet, as we camp in booths today, we should be reminded that this same faithful God watches over our lives." The second derives from Leviticus 23 where Adonai speaks concerning the fall harvest. Sukkot was to be a time of bringing in the latter harvest; a Jewish Thanksgiving so to say. No work is permitted on the first and second day, as well as the final day following where convocation is performed.
The word “sukkot” translates as “booths” and refers to the temporary dwelling place known as the sukkah. In Leviticus 23:42 we read that within these booths for seven days, all people of Isra’el are to dwell. It is in these temporary homes that one is to, at the very least, enjoy a meal with family as a reminder of the command. Since it is only temporary, it serves that the exterior three walls would seem flimsy. It is the roof that bears the utmost importance as it should consist of anything grown from the ground, be it corn stalks, branches, or palm branches. Likewise, the interior also fits in with the harvest theme as fruit decorates the inside of the sukkah. As the feast then begins when the sun falls, the kiddush is said over the wine and a blessing pronounced over the challah.
Reading in Leviticus 23:40, we find the details of taking for ourselves a fruit, palm branches, twigs of a braided tree and brook willows. With these we are to rejoice before Adonai for seven days. This mix is known as arba minim in Hebrew, or the Four Species. Today we know this as an etrog (a citrusfruit similar to a lemon), and palm branch, two willow branches and three myrtle branches. The six branches are woven together and are referred to in themselves as the lulav, while the citrus is held separately. While holding these one recites a blessing, then waves the items in all directions. This symbolizes the fact that Adonai is everywhere. These items are also held during the Hallel prayer as well as during processions around the pedestal where the Torah is read from. But why these plants? It is said that the long straight palm branch represents the spine, the myrtle leaf represents the eye, the willow the mouth, and the fruit the heart. All of these parts have the potential to be used for sin, but should be used instead to live out His commands.
But let us consider a deeper truth found in the remembrance of Sukkot. Let us consider the memory of Yeshua dwelling with us. Look with me at John 7:2. It is here we read that the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near. Starting in verse 14, we read that not only did Yeshua attend, but He also taught the people. It was on the final day, the great day of the Feast that something awesome happened, but is overlooked by so many.
“On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Yeshua stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’”
John 7:38-39
So what is so exciting here? This event happened on the final day of Sukkot, the day on which all the people would come together in the Temple. The priest would pour water on the altar seven times, and the people would all walk around the altar seven times, shouting each time, “Save us!” Here they were calling to the Messiah, yet not seeing He was right in front of them. Hearing this, in their presence, Yeshua stood and declared, “I am here! I am the water poured out; the living water. Taste me and you will never thirst again.” Yeshua saw the praise and spoke out that He indeed was there. He was their drink. And He speaks these same words to us. Do we see Him as our drink?
Better yet, do we see Him as our salvation? Many believe that Sukkot could indeed be the true time of Yeshua's birth. Whether we take the three and a half years of Christ's ministry to subtract from Shavout, or we consider the shepherds would not have been outside with sheep in the cold of winter, we still would come to rest that sometime in the late fall that Yeshua was born. Both these ideas add to show us that Yeshua was born in the season on Sukkot. It is Sukkot that is known as the holy day commemorating Adonai's dwelling with His people, and how fitting that it would be fulfilled in this season. He truly was Emmanuel – God with us.
So then, how does Sukkot apply to us today? The sukkah is a guideline illustrating Adonai's desire to dwell with His people. Perhaps the true question that should be asked in this season is more straight forward. We asked it once, but I ask it again. Is Yeshua dwelling with you? There are many Jews who this season will set up a sukkah and thank Adonai of the latter harvest. A simply search on Google.com brings up many illustrations of the ways and booths people will celebrate in. But as this is just a demonstration, perhaps we need to focus more on you personally.
Is Yeshua able to dwell in you? Have you opened yourself up and received Him as Lord of your life? Are you going through the motions and confessing only for the security of 'life insurance', or do you truly worship Adonai? Yes, this is a season of celebrating the harvest, but there are many that have not been harvested (Matt 9:37-38). Adonai wants to dwell with all His children; He wants to sukkah with them. Isn't it time we ask ourselves if He has a place to dwell in us? And then, isn't it time we invite others into our dwelling as well?
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