Bamidbar - Reading #7

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 4:1-17

Reading #7 - Numbers 4:1–20

My Thoughts:

This reading is about “coverings”. When they get ready to move on and have to pack up the Tabernacle, Hashem has instructed them to use coverings over the holy items. He does not want the sons of Kohath touching anything holy. He wants everything to remain holy. He is a caring and merciful Elohim. He wants things taken care of properly with order. I think we forget how holy and special the Tabernacle and all the items contained are -- and of course the Holy of Holies. The presence of Hashem is so wonderful and glorious that much care must be given in the how and way this will occur. We have no idea how incredible the presence of Hashem is. We weren’t there. But, Hashem gives special instructions -- in case we forget. And when the Temple returns, and the glory of Adonai fills the Temple -- we must be ready for special procedures and careful preparation.

Challenge:

When you think of “coverings”, you may think of the Kippah -- the hat that Jewish men wear. It is done to honor Elohim. And to not be like “gentiles”. I had heard that it is a covering that covers you from the presence of angels above. Whatever the reason, it is a symbol of being “covered” in order to maintain Elohim’s holiness, just like the articles of the Tabernacle. Today, think about your own life. What kind of “coverings” do you have that protect you? We use umbrellas in the rain, blankets at night, and hats in the sun (and sports games). But, what do we do spiritually? Do we cover ourselves with purity, righteousness, peace and love? This type of spiritual covering could certainly maintain holiness with Hashem in our lives. Anger, hate, lying, cheating -- any sin, will keep us “uncovered” and “naked”, not preparing us to be in the presence or holiness of Hashem. Try to prepare yourself for the holiness of Hashem. “Cover” yourself with holy things, not evil. All so you can enjoy His presence!

Reading #7 - Numbers 4:1–20

4:1 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, 3 from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all who enter into the service to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.

4 “This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting, regarding the most holy things. 5 When the camp moves forward, Aaron shall go in with his sons; and they shall take down the veil of the screen, cover the ark of the Testimony with it, 6 put a covering of sealskin on it, spread a blue cloth over it, and put in its poles.

7 “On the table of show bread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the spoons, the bowls, and the cups with which to pour out; and the continual bread shall be on it. 8 They shall spread on them a scarlet cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

9 “They shall take a blue cloth and cover the lamp stand of the light, its lamps, its snuffers, its snuff dishes, and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it. 10 They shall put it and all its vessels within a covering of sealskin, and shall put it on the frame.

11 “On the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

12 “They shall take all the vessels of ministry with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a blue cloth, cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on the frame.

13 “They shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth on it. 14 They shall put on it all its vessels with which they minister about it, the fire pans, the meat hooks, the shovels, and the basins—all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread on it a covering of sealskin, and put in its poles.

15 “When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it; but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. The sons of Kohath shall carry these things belonging to the Tent of Meeting.

16 “The duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the continual meal offering, and the anointing oil, the requirements of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, the sanctuary, and its furnishings.”

17 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 18 “Don’t cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; 19 but do this to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint everyone to his service and to his burden; 20 but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.”

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

Wonderful last verse in 18 “In that day I will make a covenant for them with the animals of the field, and with the birds of the sky, and with the creeping things of the ground. I will break the bow, the sword, and the battle out of the land, and will make them lie down safely.” After all that mankind will do to Hashem, ignore Him, forget Him, disobey Him -- He will restore us. He has an unconditional love for us that exceeds anything we know on this planet. Imagine if we treated others like He treats us. There would be no war, no fighting, no starvation, abuse, etc. Because no matter what we do, He still loves us and will redeem us. Love Adonai with your whole heart, soul and strength. And try to do good.

Challenge:

In verse 13 we read that they “forgot Him”. They went after other gods, did their own thing, disobeyed and literally forgot about Adonai. We can read this and think, “How could they do this?”. And yet we do it too! Every time we disobey Torah we are “forgetting” Hashem! We are forgetting His unconditional love and forgiveness. His faithfulness to us every day. I notice the closer I try to get to Hashem, the more severe the littlest disobedience appears to become. I can hardly stand it anymore when I disobey. My challenge to you today is to think about how you “forget” Hashem in your life. Correct what you find and do it immediately. Disobedience separates us from Hashem. But, gratefully He will always bring us back.

Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22

2:1 “Say to your brothers, ‘My people!’

    and to your sisters, ‘My loved one!’

2 Contend with your mother!

    Contend, for she is not my wife,

    neither am I her husband;

and let her put away her prostitution from her face,

    and her adulteries from between her breasts;

3 Lest I strip her naked,

    and make her bare as in the day that she was born,

and make her like a wilderness,

    and set her like a dry land,

    and kill her with thirst.

4 Indeed, on her children I will have no mercy;

    for they are children of unfaithfulness;

5 For their mother has played the prostitute.

    She who conceived them has done shamefully;

for she said, ‘I will go after my lovers,

    who give me my bread and my water,

    my wool and my flax,

    my oil and my drink.’

6 Therefore behold, I will hedge up your way with thorns,

    and I will build a wall against her,

    that she can’t find her way.

7 She will follow after her lovers,

    but she won’t overtake them;

and she will seek them,

    but won’t find them.

Then she will say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband;

    for then it was better with me than now.’

8 For she didn’t know that I gave her the grain, the new wine, and the oil,

    and multiplied to her silver and gold, which they used for Baal.

9 Therefore I will take back my grain in its time,

    and my new wine in its season,

    and will pluck away my wool and my flax which should have covered her nakedness.

10 Now I will uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers,

    and no one will deliver her out of my hand.

11 I will also cause all her celebrations to cease:

    her feasts, her new moons, her Sabbaths, and all her solemn assemblies.

12 I will lay waste her vines and her fig trees,

    about which she has said, ‘These are my wages that my lovers have given me;

    and I will make them a forest,’

    and the animals of the field shall eat them.

13 I will visit on her the days of the Baals,

    to which she burned incense,

when she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels,

    and went after her lovers,

    and forgot Me,” says Hashem.

14 “Therefore behold, I will allure her,

    and bring her into the wilderness,

    and speak tenderly to her.

15 I will give her vineyards from there,

    and the valley of Achor for a door of hope;

and she will respond there,

    as in the days of her youth,

    and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

16 It will be in that day,” says Hashem,

    “that you will call me ‘my husband,’

    and no longer call me ‘my master.’

17 For I will take away the names of the Baals out of her mouth,

    and they will no longer be mentioned by name.

18 In that day I will make a covenant for them with the animals of the field,

    and with the birds of the sky,

    and with the creeping things of the ground.

I will break the bow, the sword, and the battle out of the land,

    and will make them lie down safely.

19 I will betroth you to me forever.

    Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in loving kindness, and in compassion.

20 I will even betroth you to me in faithfulness;

    and you shall know Hashem..

21 It will happen in that day, I will respond,” says Hashem,

    “I will respond to the heavens,

    and they will respond to the earth;

22 and the earth will respond to the grain, and the new wine, and the oil;

    and they will respond to Jezreel.

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

All three times that Yeshua is tempted He uses Scripture to refute the enemy. I suggest that we would do the same. Whenever I feel like I am under “attack” and things are going poorly I may pray, “Greater is He in me – than He who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4.  It helps me to remember that Hashem will always be with me and that He is far greater than any pesky demon. Right? Also, the power of the spoken word of Adonai makes a powerful weapon. We know His word is holy and right – it gives life and protects. Use it.

Challenge:

In verse 17 we read, “...repent the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” I believe this is exactly why Hashem sent Yeshua, His emanation to the world. To have everyone repent and turn back towards Hashem. People were straying from Hashem and His Truth. They were following false idols and disobeying His anointed Torah instructions. Yeshua knew the Temple was going to be destroyed, the people persecuted and sent away. He came to usher in the Messianic Age – an age of peace and His presence. But, people did not believe Him, killed Him and punishment came. Here is the great news – He (the Mashiach) is coming back. And this time He will usher in the Messianic Age and the Olam Haba. My challenge is to you for conviction. To be convicted of your sins and to repent. To teshuvah and make retribution for what you have done. I believe the sooner we do this, the sooner He will come back. Let’s start today. Make things right with Hashem and your neighbor. Do not delay! Amen!

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 4:1-17

4:1 Then Yeshua was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 When He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was hungry afterward. 3 The tempter came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of G-d, command that these stones become bread.”

4 But He answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of Adonai's mouth.’

5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city. He set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If you are the Son of G-d, throw yourself down, for it is written,

‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and,

‘On their hands they will bear you up,

    so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’”

7 Yeshua said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Hashem your Elohim.’” 

8 Again, the devil took Him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 He said to Him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”

10 Then Yeshua said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship Hashem your Elohim, and you shall serve Him only.’” 

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served Him.

12 Now when Yeshua heard that John was delivered up, He withdrew into Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, He came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

    toward the sea, beyond the Jordan,

    Galilee of the Gentiles,

16 the people who sat in darkness saw a great light;

    to those who sat in the region and shadow of death,

    to them light has dawned.”

17 From that time, Yeshua began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

Bamidbar - Reading #6

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #6 - Numbers 3:40–51

My Thoughts:

Hashem is very detail oriented. Today He is commanding a redemption for the firstborn that exceed the number of Levites. Why? I can only imagine because He wants everything to be fair and equal. And He is taking care of the Levites, His very special people. He wants equality down to the littlest detail. It makes me think that He does care about even the small details in our lives too. I just told a friend that I didn’t want to bother Hashem with the small needs of my life and she said she thought that I should ask Him. That He does care, even about the little things. Like a parent wants to please even the small things that their child/ren ask him/her for. That makes sense doesn’t it?

Challenge:

When you are praying today and asking Hashem to do the big things (protect Israel, your family, stop sickness and hunger, etc) take a moment to ask Him for something minor. Do it with praise and of course any repentance you need to make. I think He does care about everything in our lives. He sure did at the time of this reading. After He honors your prayer, be sure to give Him all the praise and honor. I see Hashem in every part of my life and I pray you do too!

Reading #6 - Numbers 3:40–51

3:40 Hashem said to Moses, “Count all the firstborn males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names. 41 You shall take the Levites for me—I am Hashem—instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the livestock of the children of Israel.”

42 Moses counted, as Hashem commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel. 43 All the firstborn males according to the number of names from a month old and upward, of those who were counted of them, were twenty-two thousand two hundred seventy-three.

44 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 45 “Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock; and the Levites shall be mine. I am Hashem. 46 For the redemption of the two hundred seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel who exceed the number of the Levites, 47 you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; according to the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs; 48 and you shall give the money, with which their remainder is redeemed, to Aaron and to his sons.”

49 Moses took the redemption money from those who exceeded the number of those who were redeemed by the Levites; 50 from the firstborn of the children of Israel he took the money, one thousand three hundred sixty-five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; 51 and Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and to his sons, according to Hashem’s word, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Bamidbar - Reading #5

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #5 - Numbers 3:14–39

My Thoughts:

We read today how the Levites and their families camped all around the Tabernacle. They “surrounded” the Tabernacle. It is so interesting how Hashem would determine this. Don’t you like to be “surrounded” by friends? Or have you ever physically gotten in the “space” of someone you love to protect them? It’s not like Hashem needed protection, but what He did want was serious, committed, holy people encompassing His dwelling place. The rest of His people were neatly situated around the Levites. Hashem has order and meaning to everything He does. And so should we. 

Challenge:

How neatly ordered are the tribes situated in relation to the Tabernacle. Hashem has order and distinction to keep things going right. And in our lives it should be the same. Is your life well ordered, and organized? Or is it chaotic? Do you live off the “seat of your pants” or do you make deliberate plans? I know in my life, I like things to be in order. It feels safer and more peaceful. When my life is disorderly it feels very stressful. It’s like when you bring a new baby home and you don’t know what to expect. Your whole life may be turned upside down for a while until you set a schedule. It may feel pretty tiring and stressful until this happens. As it is in our everyday life. We need order, purpose and a schedule. Of course we can be flexible, but always having a plan is important. If you feel stressed, look at your life and see if you can organize it better. It will bring peace. And of course ask the Father for His help.

Reading #5 - Numbers 3:14–39

3:4 Hashem spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, 15 “Count the children of Levi by their fathers’ houses, by their families. You shall count every male from a month old and upward.”

16 Moses counted them according to Hashem’s word, as he was commanded.

17 These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

18 These are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.

19 The sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

20 The sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi.

These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses.

21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites. These are the families of the Gershonites.

22 Those who were counted of them, according to the number of all the males from a month old and upward, even those who were counted of them were seven thousand five hundred.

23 The families of the Gershonites shall encamp behind the tabernacle westward.

24 Eliasaph the son of Lael shall be the prince of the fathers’ house of the Gershonites. 25 The duty of the sons of Gershon in the Tent of Meeting shall be the tabernacle, the tent, its covering, the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting, 26 the hangings of the court, the screen for the door of the court which is by the tabernacle and around the altar, and its cords for all of its service.

27 Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, the family of the Izharites, the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites. These are the families of the Kohathites. 28 According to the number of all the males from a month old and upward, there were eight thousand six hundred keeping the requirements of the sanctuary.

29 The families of the sons of Kohath shall encamp on the south side of the tabernacle. 30 The prince of the fathers’ house of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. 31 Their duty shall be the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, the screen, and all its service. 32 Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be prince of the princes of the Levites, with the oversight of those who keep the requirements of the sanctuary.

33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari. 34 Those who were counted of them, according to the number of all the males from a month old and upward, were six thousand two hundred.

35 The prince of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They shall encamp on the north side of the tabernacle. 36 The appointed duty of the sons of Merari shall be the tabernacle’s boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, all its instruments, all its service, 37 the pillars of the court around it, their sockets, their pins, and their cords.

38 Those who encamp before the tabernacle eastward, in front of the Tent of Meeting toward the sunrise, shall be Moses, with Aaron and his sons, keeping the requirements of the sanctuary for the duty of the children of Israel. The outsider who comes near shall be put to death. 39 All who were counted of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron counted at the commandment of Hashem, by their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty-two thousand.

Bamidbar - Reading #4

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #4 - Numbers 3:1–13

My Thoughts:

In verse 13 we learn that the firstborn of Israel, both man and animal are holy to Hashem, because of the loss of the firstborn of Egypt. Sometimes we reflect on Egypt and think that they were evil people. But in all reality, Hashem loved them the same as He loved His people. The loss of the firstborn must have been very sad for Hashem. Now in memory of them He has the firstborn of His people dedicated - to Him! With this dedication of the firstborn all of mankind can remember the sadness and loss of the Egyptian firstborn. Forever. Let us never think that when a “bad” person dies that it is a good thing. A person is “bad” because of many reasons, sometimes the way he was raised. Hashem loves everyone and in today’s reading we witness this.

Challenge:

The Levites are Hashem’s. They are “set apart” and dedicated. How special that is. He has chosen them to take care of His House. To lead, prepare and move. Hashem really does give all of us special ministries. If you look at your own life you can probably see where He has given you a special “assignment”. When you figure this out it is important you do your ministry with love and care, without grumbling. Sometimes the things He gives us to do are not easy. We just do our best and honor Him. That is my challenge for you today. Do your best with what He has called you to do. If you have been messing up, just start over today. Every day is a new day and a new chance to make things right.

Reading #4 - Numbers 3:1–13

3:1 Now this is the history of the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that Hashem spoke with Moses in Mount Sinai. 2 These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office. 4 Nadab and Abihu died before Hashem when they offered strange fire before Hashem in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the presence of Aaron, their father.

5 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him. 7 They shall keep his requirements, and the requirements of the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle. 8 They shall keep all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting, and the obligations of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. 9 You shall give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons. They are wholly given to him on the behalf of the children of Israel. 10 You shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall keep their priesthood, but the stranger who comes near shall be put to death.”

11 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine, 13 for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I made holy to me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and animal. They shall be mine. I am Hashem.”

Bamidbar - Reading #3

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #3 - Numbers 2:1–34

My Thoughts:

Today we learn about the tribes camping around the Tabernacle. Interesting to me is that Judah is placed on the east side of the Tabernacle. In Jerusalem the Temple would face east. And in prophecy, the Mashiach will come back from the east. There is something very special about the “east”. Also in prophecy the river from the throne will flow to the east (see Ezekiel and Revelations). I encourage you to do a special study about this.

Challenge:

Moses listened to Hashem and directed the tribes. In the last verse (34) we learn that the people of Israel obeyed Moses and camped right where he told them. Again we are being taught about leadership and authority. Hashem has taught throughout Scriptures about following and respecting authority. In the past few weeks I have challenged you to review your relationship with the authority in your life, and correct things if they are not right. Are you respecting him/her? Are you obedient (unless they are asking you to sin)? Today’s challenge is to do something NICE for the person in authority. It is so much responsibility to be in charge and make things run correctly. So, get a gift or do a special extra task for your boss or spouse, rabbi or pastor. Go out of your way to give it to them and tell them how much you appreciate them. It will be so special and you will be blessed in return.

Reading #3 - Numbers 2:1–34

2:1 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “The children of Israel shall encamp every man by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall encamp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it.”

3 Those who encamp on the east side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah, according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Judah shall be Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 4 His division, and those who were counted of them, were seventy-four thousand six hundred.

5 Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar. The prince of the children of Issachar shall be Nethanel the son of Zuar. 6 His division, and those who were counted of it, were fifty-four thousand four hundred.

7 The tribe of Zebulun: the prince of the children of Zebulun shall be Eliab the son of Helon. 8 His division, and those who were counted of it, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

9 All who were counted of the camp of Judah were one hundred eighty-six thousand four hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out first.

10 “On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur. 11 His division, and those who were counted of it, were forty-six thousand five hundred.

12 “Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon. The prince of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 13 His division, and those who were counted of them, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

14 “The tribe of Gad: the prince of the children of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel. 15 His division, and those who were counted of them, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.

16 “All who were counted of the camp of Reuben were one hundred fifty-one thousand four hundred fifty, according to their armies. They shall set out second.

17 “Then the Tent of Meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps. As they encamp, so shall they set out, every man in his place, by their standards.

18 “On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud. 19 His division, and those who were counted of them, were forty thousand five hundred.

20 “Next to him shall be the tribe of Manasseh. The prince of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 21 His division, and those who were counted of them, were thirty-two thousand two hundred.

22 “The tribe of Benjamin: the prince of the children of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni. 23 His army, and those who were counted of them, were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

24 “All who were counted of the camp of Ephraim were one hundred eight thousand one hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out third.

25 “On the north side shall be the standard of the camp of Dan according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 26 His division, and those who were counted of them, were sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

27 “Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Asher. The prince of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ochran. 28 His division, and those who were counted of them, were forty-one thousand five hundred.

29 “The tribe of Naphtali: the prince of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan. 30 His division, and those who were counted of them, were fifty-three thousand four hundred.

31 “All who were counted of the camp of Dan were one hundred fifty-seven thousand six hundred. They shall set out last by their standards.”

32 These are those who were counted of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses. All who were counted of the camps according to their armies were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty. 33 But the Levites were not counted among the children of Israel, as Hashem commanded Moses.

34 Thus the children of Israel did. According to all that Hashem commanded Moses, so they encamped by their standards, and so they set out, everyone by their families, according to their fathers’ houses.

Bamidbar - Reading #2

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #2 - Numbers 1:20–54

My Thoughts:

Today we are reading about all the tribes and their “princes” being counted for possible war. And we learn that the Levites are not counted but set aside to take care of the Tabernacle. They are the only ones that can pack up, carry and set up the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Hashem has set them apart to do this work. It makes me think about our spiritual leaders today. Our rabbis and our pastors whose job it is to take care of their family of believers. And even the buildings they meet in. Hashem has “called” them into this service, just like He did with the Levites so many years before. We should be respecting them and helping to provide for them. Do you have a rabbi or pastor in your life?

Challenge:

Why all the organizing of the tribes? Why does Hashem divide them by tribes? Could it be people who serve in the family of ancestors that they are a part of -- that they will be super devoted. Makes sense they would be defending their families. Hashem always knows the very best way to motivate and protect His people. And this is the way He chose. Sometimes we have authority over us that will direct us in certain ways. If they are not a part of our family (for example our boss) -- are we dedicated to obey them? Do a check on yourself and your authority. Make sure you are following them and obeying what they ask (unless it is illegal or immoral). Remember they are in charge, and have been appointed to be authority. Respect them.

Reading #2 - Numbers 1:20–54

1:20 The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 21 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty-six thousand five hundred.

22 Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, those who were counted of it, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 23 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

24 Of the children of Gad, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 25 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Gad, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.

26 Of the children of Judah, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 27 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Judah, were seventy-four thousand six hundred.

28 Of the children of Issachar, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 29 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty-four thousand four hundred.

30 Of the children of Zebulun, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 31 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

32 Of the children of Joseph: of the children of Ephraim, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 33 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand five hundred.

34 Of the children of Manasseh, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 35 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty-two thousand two hundred.

36 Of the children of Benjamin, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 37 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

38 Of the children of Dan, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 39 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Dan, were sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

40 Of the children of Asher, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 41 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Asher, were forty-one thousand five hundred.

42 Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 43 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty-three thousand four hundred.

44 These are those who were counted, whom Moses and Aaron counted, and the twelve men who were princes of Israel, each one for his fathers’ house. 45 So all those who were counted of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war in Israel— 46 all those who were counted were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty. 47 But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not counted among them. 48 For Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 49 “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not count, neither shall you take a census of them among the children of Israel; 50 but appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; and they shall take care of it, and shall encamp around it. 51 When the tabernacle is to move, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall set it up. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death. 52 The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, according to their divisions. 53 But the Levites shall encamp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel. The Levites shall be responsible for the Tabernacle of the Testimony.”

54 Thus the children of Israel did. According to all that Hashem commanded Moses, so they did.

Bamidbar - Reading #1

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #1 - Numbers 1:1-19

My Thoughts:

In the Book of Numbers we are going to read about organization and leadership. This very large group of Hebrew people and mixed multitude are going to go through some challenging territory to get to the promised Land of Israel. They are going to need to be organized, have strong leadership and be able to follow orders. As we already know the story -- some of the leadership fail, some of the “soldiers” fail. But, nonetheless, the structure is in place. Hashem in all His perfect Wisdom, is starting to reveal His plan for success. And that is how it is today. He picks leaders for us to serve under and through this we are to follow His instructions. A thought for today is that we must respect the leaders Hashem appoints, whether we like them or not. We pray for them that they will hear from Adonai at all times. Remember, everything we do we do in service to Hashem.

Challenge:

Think about the “leaders” you have in your life. Are you respecting them? Are you following their instructions without grumbling or objection? Yes, if you have valuable input to impart, it is good to do so. But, if in the end your “leader” is choosing to go a different way (unless it violates Torah) you are to go with him/her. I am convicted today to think about someone in “leadership” in my life whom I have not been respecting very well lately. I challenge myself to do better. And I challenge you to do the same.

Reading #1 - Numbers 1:1-19

1:1 Hashem spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying, 2 “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, every male, one by one, 3 from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall count them by their divisions. 4 With you there shall be a man of every tribe, each one head of his fathers’ house. 5 These are the names of the men who shall stand with you:

Of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur.

6 Of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

7 Of Judah: Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

8 Of Issachar: Nethanel the son of Zuar.

9 Of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon.

10 Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim: Elishama the son of Ammihud; of Manasseh: Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

11 Of Benjamin: Abidan the son of Gideoni.

12 Of Dan: Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

13 Of Asher: Pagiel the son of Ochran.

14 Of Gad: Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

15 Of Naphtali: Ahira the son of Enan.”

16 These are those who were called of the congregation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel. 17 Moses and Aaron took these men who are mentioned by name. 18 They assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month; and they declared their ancestry by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, one by one. 19 As Hashem commanded Moses, so he counted them in the wilderness of Sinai.