Matot-Massei - Day #7

Matot-Massei  

Torah Portion: Numbers 30:2-36:13

Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-24

Shabbat: Numbers 35:9-36:13

35:9 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 11 then you shall appoint for yourselves cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the man slayer who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. 12 The cities shall be for your refuge from the avenger, that the man slayer not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment. 13 The cities which you shall give shall be for you six cities of refuge. 14 You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and you shall give three cities in the land of Canaan. They shall be cities of refuge. 15 These six cities shall be refuge for the children of Israel, for the stranger, and for the foreigner living among them, that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.

16 “‘But if he struck him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall surely be put to death. 17 If he struck him with a stone in the hand, by which a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall surely be put to death. 18 Or if he struck him with a wooden weapon in the hand, by which a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall surely be put to death. 19 The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death. When he meets him, he shall put him to death. 20 If he shoved him out of hatred, or hurled something at him while lying in wait, so that he died, 21 or in hostility struck him with his hand, so that he died, he who struck him shall surely be put to death. He is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.

22 “‘But if he shoved him suddenly without hostility, or hurled on him anything without lying in wait, 23 or with any stone, by which a man may die, not seeing him, and cast it on him so that he died, and he was not his enemy and not seeking his harm, 24 then the congregation shall judge between the striker and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. 25 The congregation shall deliver the man slayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to his city of refuge, where he had fled. He shall dwell therein until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

26 “‘But if the man slayer shall at any time go beyond the border of his city of refuge where he flees, 27 and the avenger of blood finds him outside of the border of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the man slayer, he shall not be guilty of blood, 28 because he should have remained in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. But after the death of the high priest, the man slayer shall return into the land of his possession.

29 “‘These things shall be for a statute and ordinance to you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

30 “‘Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain based on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify alone against any person so that he dies.

31 “‘Moreover, you shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death. He shall surely be put to death.

32 “‘You shall take no ransom for him who has fled to his city of refuge, that he may come again to dwell in the land before the death of the priest.

33 “‘So you shall not pollute the land where you live; for blood pollutes the land. No atonement can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed in it, but by the blood of him who shed it. 34 You shall not defile the land which you inhabit, where I dwell; for I, Hashem, dwell among the children of Israel.’”

36:1 The heads of the fathers’ households of the family of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spoke before Moses and before the princes, the heads of the fathers’ households of the children of Israel. 2 They said, “Hashem commanded my lord to give the land for inheritance by lot to the children of Israel. My lord was commanded by Hashem to give the inheritance of Zelophehad, our brother, to his daughters. 3 If they are married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then their inheritance will be taken away from the inheritance of our fathers, and will be added to the inheritance of the tribe to which they shall belong. So it will be taken away from the lot of our inheritance. 4 When the jubilee of the children of Israel comes, then their inheritance will be added to the inheritance of the tribe to which they shall belong. So their inheritance will be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers.”

5 Moses commanded the children of Israel according to Hashem’s word, saying, “The tribe of the sons of Joseph speak what is right. 6 This is the thing which Hashem commands concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, ‘Let them be married to whom they think best, only they shall marry into the family of the tribe of their father. 7 So shall no inheritance of the children of Israel move from tribe to tribe; for the children of Israel shall all keep the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. 8 Every daughter who possesses an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel shall be wife to one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may each possess the inheritance of his fathers. 9 So shall no inheritance move from one tribe to another tribe; for the tribes of the children of Israel shall each keep his own inheritance.’”

10 The daughters of Zelophehad did as Hashem commanded Moses: 11 for Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to their father’s brothers’ sons. 12 They were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. Their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father.

13 These are the commandments and the ordinances which Hashem commanded by Moses to the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.

Today’s Meditation:

We are finishing up the book of Numbers, and Hashem is talking about murder and blood in the land. In verse 35:33, we read, “‘So you shall not pollute the land where you live; for blood pollutes the land. No atonement can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed in it, but by the blood of him who shed it.’” I equate this today to the sin of abortion. You may not agree with me, but I feel strongly about this. Abortion is the taking of a life. Yes, there is forgiveness for anyone involved with this, as there is for other sins. Hashem does not like the innocent shedding of blood. He creates all life, and abortion destroys life. In this verse, He is saying there is no atonement for the land. 

This is frightening for our country (USA). Over 70 million abortions (recorded) have been performed in the United States since 1973. That is more than the number of lives lost in all wars combined throughout history. It is time to take the Word of Hashem seriously. Do what you are able to help stop abortion in your community and state.  If abortion is illegal in your state, consider helping and educating women who are fleeing to other states where it is legal. Help women in your state/community realize all the wonderful support available to them for parenting or choosing adoption. At least, please pray that abortion will end in our country (and your country), in the world, and that Hashem will forgive us. Pray for support to come forth for pregnant women in unplanned pregnancies.

Today’s Challenge:

Pray and search how you can become involved in the battle against abortion and the preservation of innocent lives. Almost every city (and in many countries) has a pro-life pregnancy center. Do an internet search to find a pregnancy center in your community. Call them and ask them how you can help. Or if your time is limited, then give financially. You can also support national pro-life organizations. Take some time to research and then take action. Help to be a part of saving babies’ lives from being aborted. There are also organizations that help women (and men) who have suffered emotionally/spiritually from the effects of abortion. 

Go to: https://hopeafterabortion.com. It is time to repair our world from this devastation.

This Week’s Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-24

66:1 Hashem says,

“Heaven is My throne, and the earth is my footstool.

    What kind of house will you build for Me?

    Where will I rest?

2 For my hand has made all these things,

    and so all these things came to be,” says Hashem:

“But I will look to this man,

    even to he who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

    and who trembles at My word.

3 He who kills an ox is as he who kills a man;

    he who sacrifices a lamb, as he who breaks a dog’s neck;

    he who offers an offering, as he who offers pig’s blood;

    he who burns frankincense, as he who blesses an idol.

Yes, they have chosen their own ways,

    and their soul delights in their abominations:

4 I also will choose their delusions,

    and will bring their fears on them;

because when I called, no one answered;

    when I spoke, they didn’t listen;

but they did that which was evil in My eyes,

    and chose that in which I didn’t delight.”

5 Hear Hashem’s word,

    you who tremble at His word:

“Your brothers who hate you,

    who cast you out for My name’s sake, have said,

‘Let Hashem be glorified,

    that we may see your joy;’

    but it is those who shall be disappointed.

6 A voice of tumult from the city,

    a voice from the temple,

    a voice of Hashem that repays his enemies what they deserve.

7 “Before she travailed, she gave birth.

    Before her pain came, she delivered a son.

8 Who has heard of such a thing?

    Who has seen such things?

Shall a land be born in one day?

    Shall a nation be born at once?

For as soon as Zion travailed,

    she gave birth to her children.

9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to be delivered?” says Hashem.

   “Shall I who cause to give birth shut the womb?” says your Elohim.

10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her.

    Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn over her;

11 that you may nurse and be satisfied at the comforting breasts;

    that you may drink deeply,

    and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.”

12 For Hashem says, “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river,

 and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream;

    and you will nurse.

You will be carried on her side,

    and will be dandled on her knees.

13 As one whom his mother comforts,

    so I will comfort you.

    You will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

14 You will see it, and your heart shall rejoice,

    and your bones will flourish like the tender grass.

Hashem’s hand will be known among his servants;

    and he will have indignation against his enemies.

15 For, behold, Hashem will come with fire,

    and His chariots will be like the whirlwind;

to render His anger with fierceness,

    and His rebuke with flames of fire.

16 For Hashem will execute judgment by fire and by his sword on all flesh;

    and those slain by Hashem will be many.

17 “Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go to the gardens, behind one in the middle, eating pig’s meat, abominable things, and the mouse, they shall come to an end together,” says Hashem.

18 “For I know their works and their thoughts. The time comes that I will gather all nations and languages, and they will come, and will see My glory.

19 “I will set a sign among them, and I will send those who escape of them to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to far-away islands, who have not heard My fame, nor have seen My glory; and they shall declare My glory among the nations. 20 They shall bring all your brothers out of all the nations for an offering to Hashem, on horses, in chariots, in litters, on mules, and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem, says Hashem, as the children of Israel bring their offering in a clean vessel into Hashem’s house. 21 Of them I will also select priests and Levites,” says Hashem.

22 “For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me,” says Hashem, “so your offspring and your name shall remain. 23 It shall happen that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh will come to worship before Me,” says Hashem. 

24 “They will go out, and look at the dead bodies of the men who have transgressed against Me; for their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”

Today’s Haftarah Meditation:

Hashem is not happy when we turn against Him. Verse 66:4  “Also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears on them; because when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they didn’t listen; but they did that which was evil in my eyes, and chose that in which I didn’t delight.” Imagine, no one answered, no one listened. We cannot be too condemning about this, because I know there are times when we don’t listen to Hashem. But we must listen and obey. As we do daily Torah readings, we need to pay attention to what He is teaching us through His word and follow through with obedience. We do not want to be making choices in life that He doesn’t delight in. We want to delight Him with our prayers, worship, and obedience. 

Today’s Haftarah Challenge:

In the end, every knee will bow towards Hashem. In verse 23, we read, “It shall happen that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh will come to worship before Me,” says Hashem. There won’t be any choice when this happens. We will all be worshiping the Creator. And, interestingly enough, we will do it on Rosh Chodesh and Shabbat. Just like Torah commands. Torah is eternal. My challenge to you is to study it daily, learn and live it. It is life to you. It seeds His eternal life in you. 

Book of Bamidbar (Numbers) Completed

After completing the reading of a book of the Torah, it is tradition to say, "Chazak, chazak, venitchazek!" which means "Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened!" This is a customary expression of encouragement to continue studying the Torah and to return to it in the future. And that is just what we hope you will do. 

Now, I would like to invite you to study Devarim (Deuteronomy), which is the fifth book of the Torah. I encourage you to study it just like you did this devotional. Spend a few minutes each day reading the portion and reflecting on the daily meditation and challenge. I assure you that your life will be changed. You will grow closer to Hashem and deepen your faith.

Blessings and shalom, shalom.

Nancy Kujawa

Michigan, USA

Blog: www.messianicfootprints.com

Matot-Massei - Day #6

Matot-Massei  

Torah Portion: Numbers 30:2-36:13

Numbers 34:16-35:8

34:16 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 17 “These are the names of the men who shall divide the land to you for inheritance: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun. 18 You shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land for inheritance. 19 These are the names of the men: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 20 Of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud. 21 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon. 22 Of the tribe of the children of Dan, a prince, Bukki, the son of Jogli. 23 Of the children of Joseph: of the tribe of the children of Manasseh, a prince, Hanniel, the son of Ephod. 24 Of the tribe of the children of Ephraim, a prince, Kemuel, the son of Shiphtan. 25 Of the tribe of the children of Zebulun, a prince, Elizaphan, the son of Parnach. 26 Of the tribe of the children of Issachar, a prince, Paltiel, the son of Azzan. 27 Of the tribe of the children of Asher, a prince, Ahihud the son of Shelomi. 28 Of the tribe of the children of Naphtali, a prince, Pedahel the son of Ammihud.” 29 These are they whom Hashem commanded to divide the inheritance to the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.

35:1 Hashem spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel to give to the Levites cities to dwell in out of their inheritance. You shall give pasture lands for the cities around them to the Levites. 3 They shall have the cities to dwell in. Their pasture lands shall be for their livestock, and for their possessions, and for all their animals.

4 “The pasture lands of the cities, which you shall give to the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outward one thousand cubits around it. 5 You shall measure outside of the city for the east side two thousand cubits, and for the south side two thousand cubits, and for the west side two thousand cubits, and for the north side two thousand cubits, the city being in the middle. This shall be the pasture lands of their cities.

6 “The cities which you shall give to the Levites, they shall be the six cities of refuge, which you shall give for the man slayer to flee to. Besides them, you shall give forty-two cities. 7 All the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall be forty-eight cities together with their pasture lands. 8 Concerning the cities which you shall give of the possession of the children of Israel, from the many you shall take many, and from the few you shall take few. Everyone, according to his inheritance, which he inherits, shall give some of his cities to the Levites.”

Today’s Meditation:

Today, we read about how Hashem organized the division of the land for the Israelites. This is all in preparation for when they get there and acquire the land. He chooses princes out of every tribe, and Joshua and Eleazar. They are all qualified leaders whom He must trust. The lesson to learn here is that Hashem first makes plans, prepares, and executes them. That is a model for us. There is Scripture that without plans or vision, people fail (Proverbs 29:18). Follow Hashem’s practice of planning. It will improve your life greatly.

Today’s Challenge:

Today, I challenge you to go to Hashem and ask Him for His vision/plan for your life. Are you right where He wants you? Or has He been nudging you to do something else? Pray and ask Him. He will answer. Just put your spiritual antennas up and listen. See what comes into your life, or what people are saying to you. Look for what makes your heart jump and what gives you peace. Do a little soul-searching and see if you are in the place He wants you to be and serving His purpose. 

         

Matot-Massei - Day #5

Matot-Massei  

Torah Portion: Numbers 30:2-36:13

Numbers 33:50-34:15

33:50 Hashem spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, 51 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, “When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their stone idols, destroy all their molten images, and demolish all their high places. 53 You shall take possession of the land, and dwell therein; for I have given the land to you to possess it. 54 You shall inherit the land by lot according to your families; to the larger groups you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give a smaller inheritance. Wherever the lot falls to any man, that shall be his. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers.

55 “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those you let remain of them will be like pricks in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land in which you dwell. 56 It shall happen that as I thought to do to them, so I will do to you.”

34:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When you come into the land of Canaan (this is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan according to its borders), 3 then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the side of Edom, and your south border shall be from the end of the Salt Sea eastward. 4 Your border shall turn about southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass along to Zin; and it shall pass southward of Kadesh Barnea; and it shall go from there to Hazar Addar, and pass along to Azmon. 5 The border shall turn about from Azmon to the brook of Egypt, and it shall end at the sea.

6 “‘For the western border, you shall have the great sea and its border. This shall be your west border.

7 “‘This shall be your north border: from the great sea you shall mark out for yourselves Mount Hor. 8 From Mount Hor you shall mark out to the entrance of Hamath; and the border shall pass by Zedad. 9 Then the border shall go to Ziphron, and it shall end at Hazar Enan. This shall be your north border.

10 “‘You shall mark out your east border from Hazar Enan to Shepham. 11 The border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain. The border shall go down, and shall reach to the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward. 12 The border shall go down to the Jordan, and end at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to its borders around it.’”

13 Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, “This is the land which you shall inherit by lot, which Hashem has commanded to give to the nine tribes, and to the half-tribe; 14 for the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their fathers’ houses, the tribe of the children of Gad according to their fathers’ houses, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance. 15 The two tribes and the half-tribe have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, toward the sunrise.”

Today’s Meditation:

The Israelites are being given instructions to drive out the people that are in the land He has promised to them. He orders them to destroy all the false gods and high places. Then He says something very curious in verse 55, “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those you let remain of them will be like pricks in your eyes and thorns in your sides.” In other words, if you don’t do what I tell you, you will be very, very sorry. There is a reason Hashem gives us the commandments. He knows what is best for us. If we don’t follow them, there will be trouble in the future.

Today’s Challenge:

They are entering a land with false gods. Isn’t that the land that we live in today? We don’t have the right to drive out people who are not worshiping our Hashem, so we live side by side. We need to be so careful. Others can influence us so much. Be sure you are following the one true Elohim. Make sure you do not mix with those who do not follow our Hashem. That is my challenge to you today. Be sure to love others and serve your neighbors, but be careful about whom you associate closely. We want to be lights for Hashem, and for the people we know who are aware that we follow Hashem, and who look to us to see what that means. We can be a witness to His love for them, but not if we are participating in sin with them. Be who you say you are.

Matot-Massei - Day #4

Matot-Massei  

Torah Portion: Numbers 30:2-36:13

Numbers 32:20-33:49

32:20 Moses said to them: “If you will do this thing, if you will arm yourselves to go before Hashem to the war, 21 and every one of your armed men will pass over the Jordan before Hashem until he has driven out his enemies from before Him, 22 and the land is subdued before Hashem; then afterward you shall return, and be clear of obligation to Hashem and to Israel. Then this land shall be your possession before Hashem.

23 “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against Hashem; and be sure your sin will find you out. 24 Build cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which has proceeded out of your mouth.”

25 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do as my lord commands. 26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our livestock shall be there in the cities of Gilead; 27 but your servants will pass over, every man who is armed for war, before Hashem to battle, as my lord says.”

28 So Moses commanded concerning them to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers’ households of the tribes of the children of Israel. 29 Moses said to them, “If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over the Jordan, every man who is armed to battle before Hashem, and the land is subdued before you, then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession; 30 but if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.”

31 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, “As Hashem has said to your servants, so will we do. 32We will pass over armed before Hashem into the land of Canaan, and the possession of our inheritance shall remain with us beyond the Jordan.”

33 Moses gave to them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan; the land, according to its cities and borders, even the cities of the surrounding land. 34 The children of Gad built Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, 35 Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, 36 Beth Nimrah, and Beth Haran: fortified cities and folds for sheep. 37 The children of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim, 38 Nebo, and Baal Meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities which they built. 39 The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, went to Gilead, took it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were therein. 40 Moses gave Gilead to Machir, the son of Manasseh, and he lived therein. 41 Jair, the son of Manasseh, went and took its villages, and called them Havvoth Jair. 42 Nobah went and took Kenath and its villages, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

33:1 These are the journeys of the children of Israel, when they went out of the land of Egypt by their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron. 2 Moses wrote the starting points of their journeys by the commandment of Hashem. These are their journeys according to their starting points. 3 They traveled from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the next day after the Passover, the children of Israel went out with a high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians, 4 while the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom Hashem had struck among them. Hashem also executed judgments on their gods. 5 The children of Israel traveled from Rameses and encamped in Succoth. 6 They traveled from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness. 7 They traveled from Etham, and turned back to Pihahiroth, which is before Baal Zephon, and they encamped before Migdol. 8 They traveled from before Hahiroth, and crossed through the middle of the sea into the wilderness. They went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and encamped in Marah. 9 They traveled from Marah and came to Elim. In Elim, there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there. 10 They traveled from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea. 11 They traveled from the Red Sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin. 12 They traveled from the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah. 13 They traveled from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush. 14 They traveled from Alush and encamped in Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink. 15 They traveled from Rephidim and encamped in the wilderness of Sinai. 16 They traveled from the wilderness of Sinai and encamped in Kibroth Hattaavah. 17 They traveled from Kibroth Hattaavah and encamped in Hazeroth. 18 They traveled from Hazeroth and encamped in Rithmah. 19 They traveled from Rithmah and encamped in Rimmon Perez. 20 They traveled from Rimmon Perez and encamped in Libnah. 21 They traveled from Libnah and encamped in Rissah. 22 They traveled from Rissah and encamped in Kehelathah. 23 They traveled from Kehelathah and encamped in Mount Shepher. 24 They traveled from Mount Shepher and encamped in Haradah. 25 They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth. 26 They traveled from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath. 27 They traveled from Tahath and encamped in Terah. 28 They traveled from Terah and encamped in Mithkah. 29 They traveled from Mithkah and encamped in Hashmonah. 30 They traveled from Hashmonah and encamped in Moseroth. 31 They traveled from Moseroth and encamped in Bene Jaakan. 32 They traveled from Bene Jaakan and encamped in Hor Haggidgad. 33 They traveled from Hor Haggidgad, and encamped in Jotbathah. 34 They traveled from Jotbathah and encamped in Abronah. 35 They traveled from Abronah and encamped in Ezion Geber. 36 They traveled from Ezion Geber, and encamped at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. 37 They traveled from Kadesh, and encamped in Mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom. 

38 Aaron the priest went up into Mount Hor at the commandment of Hashem and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first day of the month. 39 Aaron was 123 years old when he died at Mount Hor. 40 The Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the South in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel. 41 They traveled from Mount Hor and encamped in Zalmonah. 42 They traveled from Zalmonah and encamped in Punon. 43 They traveled from Punon and encamped in Oboth. 44 They traveled from Oboth, and encamped in Iye Abarim, on the border of Moab. 45 They traveled from Iyim and encamped in Dibon Gad. 46 They traveled from Dibon Gad, and encamped in Almon Diblathaim. 47 They traveled from Almon Diblathaim and encamped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo. 48 They traveled from the mountains of Abarim and encamped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. 49 They encamped by the Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth even to Abel Shittim in the plains of Moab.

Today’s Meditation:

Here is a summary of the Israelites' travels. A journey that would normally have taken a few weeks turned into forty years. Along the way, there were struggles and joys, miracles and punishments. Kind of like our lives. It is such a wonderful lesson to learn. If we follow Hashem and obey Him, our journey to success will be short. If we don’t follow and sin, our journey will be long. The miracle is that either way, He will be with us. Isn’t that something amazing to ponder?

Today’s Challenge:

In verse 23, we read, “If you will not do so, you have sinned against Hashem, and be sure your sin will find you out.” Isn’t this so true? We can’t hide anything from Hashem, including sin. We may think we have gotten away with something, but then “our sin finds us out”. Usually, when that happens, it is not a good thing. Haven’t you noticed, though, that the closer you get to Hashem, the more obvious temptations become. You will get a huge check in your spirit when you are about to do the wrong thing. My challenge to you today is to watch out for those “checks” and pay attention. Do not do what you were planning; it may come back to bite you. And the worst part is that it will separate you from Hashem. We don’t want that, do we?