V'Zot HaBerachah - Reading #4

V'Zot HaBerachah וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה - And this is the blessing

Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12

Reading #4 -  Deuteronomy 33:18–21

My Thoughts:

Blessings on two more tribes. It’s almost like every tribe has a “role” in the Kingdom of Elohim and here on earth. To each tribe, he ascribes unique blessings that must align with their particular gifts and callings. Zebulun was apparently a seafaring tribe. Doing trading with fish, etc. Hashem was going to bless this about them, for they would “draw out of the abundance of the seas” verse 19. This makes me think that whatever Hashem calls us to do, if we are obedient to Him and His Torah, He will allow us to draw out of the abundance. This abundance will be in our area of need. We follow, and He blesses us.

Challenge:

There are blessings on the tribe of Gad in today’s readings. Remember that Gad is one of the tribes that wanted to settle east of the Jordan, not west. However, they offered to join the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan River. They were apparently known as skilled fighters, efficient in battle. And that’s where Hashem wanted them. From that story, we learn that it’s okay to ask Hashem for special things (like settling east of Jordan), but when He asks us to do extraordinary things, we must return His favor. That’s my challenge today. If Hashem is asking you to do something special, and maybe it’s out of your comfort zone, do it. If He wants you to go to war and fight for Him, do it. He will give you what you want, but we also have to do what He wants. Be ready to settle “East” but be prepared to also go “West” for a while to do His will.

Reading #4 -  Deuteronomy 33:18–21

18 About Zebulun he said,

“Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out;

    and Issachar, in your tents.

19 They will call the peoples to the mountain.

    There they will offer sacrifices of righteousness,

for they will draw out the abundance of the seas,

    the hidden treasures of the sand.”

20 About Gad he said,

“He who enlarges Gad is blessed.

    He dwells as a lioness,

    and tears the arm and the crown of the head.

21 He provided the first part for himself,

    for the lawgiver’s portion reserved was reserved for him.

He came with the heads of the people.

    He executed the righteousness of Hashem,

    His ordinances with Israel.”

Ha'Azinu - Reading #4

Ha'Azinu הַאֲזִינוּ - Listen!

Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 32:19–28

My Thoughts:

After Moses explains the trouble they are going to be getting into when they abandon Hashem, he says in verse 28, ”For they are a nation void of counsel. There is no understanding in them.” He is predicting that they will have a time in the future when they will no longer “consult” with Hashem. They will be “void” of His counsel. Therefore, since they are not in a relationship with Hashem, there will be no understanding. That’s what is happening today. People no longer believe or communicate with the one true Elohim. They are going it alone. And the end result is that they have no understanding of spiritual matters. People have become totally carnal, devoid of the one true spiritual relationship with Hashem. This is sad. You and I can be a part of changing this. We can be “lights” to His truth and existence, bringing His real love to others. We can teach people about Him and how to communicate (pray) with Him. If they do this, they will gain understanding. 

Today's Challenge:

In verse 20, we read that the result of disobedience among His people is that, “I will hide My face from them.”. Having the face of Hashem “hid” from you means He is no longer visible or tangible in your life. It is like when we sin, the “hand” of Hashem is lifted off our lives -- we can only go it alone. Do you want that? I don’t. And I can feel this happening every time I deliberately sin against Him. It’s like He really does “hide His face” from me. It takes true repentance and teshuvah to regain that personal relationship with Him. My challenge for you today is to assess your spiritual life. Do you feel Hashem’s Hand in upon your life, or do you feel He is “hiding His face” from you? If it is the latter, please take action. Repent and return to Him. Make restitution for what you have done and pray that He will return to you. Scripture says He will (Malachi 3:7). Don’t be content with a life absent from Hashem; invite Him back into your life. And show Him that you really mean this.

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 32:19–28

19 Hashem saw and abhorred,

    because of the provocation of His sons and his daughters.

20 He said, “I will hide My face from them.

    I will see what their end will be;

for they are a very perverse generation,

    children in whom is no faithfulness.

21 They have moved Me to jealousy with that which is not Elohim.

    They have provoked Me to anger with their vanities.

I will move them to jealousy with those who are not a people.

    I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

22 For a fire is kindled in my anger,

    that burns to the lowest Sheol,

    devours the earth with its increase,

    and sets the foundations of the mountains on fire.

23 “I will heap evils on them.

    I will spend my arrows on them.

24 They shall be wasted with hunger,

    and devoured with burning heat

    and bitter destruction.

I will send the teeth of animals on them,

    with the venom of vipers that glide in the dust.

25 Outside the sword will bereave,

    and in the rooms,

    terror on both young man and virgin,

    the nursing infant with the gray-haired man.

26 I said that I would scatter them afar.

    I would make their memory to cease from among men;

27 were it not that I feared the provocation of the enemy,

    lest their adversaries should judge wrongly,

    lest they should say, ‘Our hand is exalted,

    Hashem has not done all this.’”

28 For they are a nation void of counsel.

    There is no understanding in them.

Vayelech - Reading #4

Vayelech וַיֵּלֶךְ - And He Went

Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30

Shanah Tovah U'Metukah! A good and sweet new year!

Rosh Hashanah Monday Evening September 22 - Wednesday September 24

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 31:10–13

My Thoughts:

Can you imagine reading the Torah every seven years at Sukkot, in front of thousands of people? How long would that take? What does that look like? It is called the “Hakhel Ceremony”. Not all of Torah is read, but selected verses. This is why it is important to join the Jewish people in Israel, who have carried on for centuries the Laws and Feasts of Torah. They will instruct us how to do these things. If you research this, apparently, this particular ceremony has not occurred since the destruction of the Temple. I believe we need to study this. Connect with Israel and its people, and we will learn together. This commandment confirms to us that we must be immersed in Torah every day.

Challenge:

Why is it important to study Torah every day (just like we do through the portions and daily readings)? In verse 12, we learn it is so that “...the men and the women and the little ones, and the foreigners who are within your gates, that they may hear, learn, fear Hashem your Elohim, and observe to do all the words of this law.” That is my challenge to you today. Stay with these daily readings, every year. So that you hear and learn. Share them with your family and friends. It is life to you. Hashem will help you to hear, and He will teach you so that you learn. The end result is that we will fear Hashem, which means we will love Him so much that we will want to obey Him in every way.

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 31:10–13

3:10 Moses commanded them, saying, “At the end of every seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of booths, 11 when all Israel has come to appear before Hashem your Elohim in the place which He will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and the foreigners who are within your gates, that they may hear, learn, fear Hashem your Elohim, and observe to do all the words of this law, 13 and that their children, who have not known, may hear and learn to fear Hashem your Elohim, as long as you live in the land where you go over the Jordan to possess it.”

Nitzavim - Reading #4

Nitzavim נִצָּבִים - Standing (Witnessing)

Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 30:1–6

My Thoughts:

The idea here today is that if Hashem’s people are dispersed among the nations (as they have been), then they must “return” to Hashem with their whole heart and soul. When they do that, He will gather them from the nations (verses 2-3). In the 1940s, after World War 2, that is precisely what happened. People prayed, people returned to Hashem, the Holocaust was over, and He brought them back to Israel. And now Hashem is restoring the country. However, there is a cost -- that is, the people must serve only Him and not false gods. It is mandatory from Him, or else we will lose everything. We must pray every day that the chosen people will return their hearts to Hashem, as will the rest of the world.

Challenge:

In verse 5, we read “He will do you good”. What does that look like? Will he give you things, bless you with good health, give you good relationships -- a new car, a house, a job? I think it means just what it says: He will be good to you. Maybe He will meet you in worship in a special way. Perhaps He will speak to you in a small, still voice. Or maybe you will just feel content in knowing that He loves you. It doesn’t have to be material things; it can be beautiful spiritual things. That’s the kind of good I am looking for and waiting for. My challenge to you is to take a minute today and reflect on the good Hashem has given you. Then praise Him for it all. I see Him do good in my life, several times a day. Thank you, Hashem.

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 30:1–6

30:1 It shall happen, when all these things have come on you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations where Hashem your Elohim has driven you, 2 and return to Hashem your Elohim and obey His voice according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, 3 that then Hashem your Elohim will release you from captivity, have compassion on you, and will return and gather you from all the peoples where Hashem your Elohim has scattered you. 4 If your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of the heavens, from there Hashem your Elohim will gather you, and from there he will bring you back. 5 Hashem your Elohim will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you will possess it. He will do you good, and increase your numbers more than your fathers. 6 Hashem your Elohim will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your offspring, to love Hashem your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

Ki Tavo - Reading #4

Ki Tavo כִּי-תָבוֹא - When You Enter In

Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 27:1–10

My Thoughts:

In verse 7, we read again that after your sacrifice to Hashem, your Elohim, you are to rejoice. Sometimes, when I read about sacrifices, they seem challenging. Bringing in a spotless offering to the Tabernacle/Temple to the priest, having him slaughter it, then cooking and eating it (the ones that you are permitted to eat). But we don’t realize that this is all done for Hashem. The creator of the universe! It’s not just some “chore”, it is a total privilege and blessing. So, that’s when we rejoice. When we realize it is Hashem, the L-rd of L-rds, the Elohim of all. That is who we are giving to. And what an honor that it is. All so much worth giving Him glory and praise. We don’t have the type of offering today, but we can do other “offerings”. And when we do, be sure to rejoice before Him. Giving and then rejoicing, something we are not used to?

Challenge:

In verse 9, Moses tells the people to be quiet and listen. That they have become the people of Hashem, so obey His Commandments. I believe these words are “alive” today. We are to be listening to the voice of Hashem, but we need to get quiet to do so. We can’t hear His voice when we are leading busy and loud lives. Going places, doing things, talking, and texting. We need to find a place to get quiet so we can hear His voice. Picture a house full of kids playing, shrieking with laughter, and running around. But one of the kids is trying to talk to you. You can’t hear him/her because of all the noise. Same with Hashem. If we have so much going on around us, we won’t be able to hear Him speak. So that’s the challenge today. Get somewhere quiet and peaceful. Spend some time praising Hashem. Then listen to what He wants to tell you. It will change your life for sure.

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 27:1–10

7 Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, “Keep all the commandments which I command you today. 2 It shall be on the day when you shall pass over the Jordan to the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you, that you shall set yourself up great stones, and coat them with plaster. 3 You shall write on them all the words of this law, when you have passed over, that you may go into the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Hashem, the Elohim of your fathers, has promised you. 4 It shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that you shall set up these stones, which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall coat them with plaster. 5 There you shall build an altar to Hashem your Elohim, an altar of stones. You shall not use any iron tool on them. 6 You shall build Hashem your Elohim’s altar of uncut stones. You shall offer burnt offerings on it to Hashem your Elohim 7 You shall sacrifice peace offerings, and shall eat there. You shall rejoice before Hashem your Elohim 8 You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.”

9 Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying, “Be silent and listen, Israel! Today you have become the people of Hashem your Elohim 10 You shall therefore obey Hashem your Elohim’s voice, and do His commandments and His statutes, which I command you today.”

Ki Teitzei - Reading #4

Ki Teitzei כִּי-תֵצֵא - When You Go Out

Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 23:8–24

My Thoughts:

Keeping the camp clean is very important. It is important for people to be righteous, and for the camp to be physically clean (especially without modern plumbing)! Why?  Verse 14 tells us, “...for Hashem your Elohim walks in the middle of your camp, to deliver you, and to give up your enemies before you. Therefore your camp shall be holy, that he may not see an unclean thing in you, and turn away from you.” He “walks” in the middle of the camp. What does that look like? We can’t see Him in physical form, but I am assuming His Spirit walks through our lives, through our dwelling places. Now, that is something to think about. If He “walks” in the middle of our lives, shouldn’t we be very, very concerned about being “clean” before Him also? Review your life. Make sure you are repenting, turning away from sin, and washing yourselves clean so that He can walk among us!

Challenge:

Are you a man/woman of your word? In verse 23 we read, “You shall observe and do that which has gone out of your lips.” Hashem is teaching us that when we say we are going to do something, we are obligated to do it! This reminds me when I meet someone and we are talking. Then I say to them “I will pray for you”. Well, I better be sure that I will pray for them, or I better not say it. It is better to either pray for them on the spot, or tell them you will try and remember to pray for them and be honest. The challenge today is for you to think about who you have told you would do something for recently. Have you fulfilled your word? Did you do what you said you would? If not, make it right today. Make your “yes be yes, and your no be no". Be a person of integrity.

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 23:8–24

8 The children of the third generation who are born to them may enter into Hashem’s assembly.

9 When you go out and camp against your enemies, then you shall keep yourselves from every evil thing. 10 If there is among you any man who is not clean by reason of that which happens to him by night, then shall he go outside of the camp. He shall not come within the camp; 11 but it shall be, when evening comes, he shall bathe himself in water. When the sun is down, he shall come within the camp. 12 You shall have a place also outside of the camp where you go relieve yourself. 13 You shall have a trowel among your weapons. It shall be, when you relieve yourself, you shall dig with it, and shall turn back and cover your excrement; 14 for Hashem your Elohim walks in the middle of your camp, to deliver you, and to give up your enemies before you. Therefore your camp shall be holy, that He may not see an unclean thing in you, and turn away from you.

15 You shall not deliver to his master a servant who has escaped from his master to you. 16 He shall dwell with you, among you, in the place which he shall choose within one of your gates, where it pleases him best. You shall not oppress him.

17 There shall be no prostitute of the daughters of Israel, neither shall there be a sodomite of the sons of Israel. 18 You shall not bring the hire of a prostitute, or the wages of a male prostitute, into the house of Hashem your Elohim for any vow; for both of these are an abomination to Hashem your Elohim

19 You shall not lend on interest to your brother: interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest. 20 You may charge a foreigner interest; but you shall not charge your brother interest, that Hashem your Elohim may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land where you go in to possess it.

21 When you vow a vow to Hashem your Elohim you shall not be slack to pay it, for Hashem your Elohim will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you. 22 But if you refrain from making a vow, it shall be no sin in you. 23 You shall observe and do that which has gone out of your lips. Whatever you have vowed to Hashem your Elohim as a free will offering, which you have promised with your mouth, you must do. 24 When you come into your neighbor’s vineyard, then you may eat your fill of grapes at your own pleasure; but you shall not put any in your container.

Shoftim - Reading #4

Shoftim שֹׁפְטִים - Judges

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 18:6–13

My Thoughts:

Today we learn that Hashem says, “you shall not learn to imitate the abominations of those nations (verse 9)”. How would they learn to imitate? If they stayed in their own communities and celebrated, worshiped and worked together -- there would be no chance of imitation. It only happened when they went outside of their community. Isn’t that what happens to us? If we go outside the “circle” of our close friends and family, church or synagogue, and hang out with other people we are super susceptible to be influenced by others behaviors. When I was young and I hung out with this certain “crowd” -- I did things I would never do with the people close to me. I was imitating the bad habits of others. How do we avoid this happening to us? Stay close in your own community and only wander out if you have a purpose and a plan (like helping out someone for a short time). Yes, we are to love our neighbors, serve them and be a light to them. But, be careful how you choose your "friends" that are in the "world" and what you do with them. Guard your heart and keep your eyes on Him!

Challenge: 

A long time ago I was on a road trip with my sister. She doesn’t have a formal “belief system”, but I do believe even back then that she knew Hashem. We were talking about her going to a fortune teller. I told her that Hashem says that by doing this she was an abomination to G-d. She was shocked and wanted to know where in the Bible it said this. I read these verses in today’s portion, “...one who uses divination, one who tells fortunes, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or someone who consults with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For whoever does these things is an abomination to Hashem.” (Verses 10-12) When she heard me quote Torah, she immediately reacted and said, “Well, I didn’t know that. I will never go again!” And to my knowledge she never has. The written Word of Elohim is powerful. It spoke right into her heart and immediately changed her mind. My challenge to you today is to do what I did. If you know of someone who is involved with any of these kinds of people -- quote them these verses. You never know, it may literally change their lives. And their relationship with Hashem.

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 18:6–13

6 If a Levite comes from any of your gates out of all Israel where he lives, and comes with all the desire of his soul to the place which Hashem shall choose, 7 then he shall minister in the name of Hashem his Elohim, as all his brothers the Levites do, who stand there before Hashem. 8 They shall have like portions to eat, in addition to that which comes from the sale of his family possessions.

9 When you have come into the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who tells fortunes, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, 11 or a charmer, or someone who consults with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For whoever does these things is an abomination to Hashem. Because of these abominations, Hashem your Elohim drives them out from before you. 13 You shall be blameless with Hashem your Elohim.

Re'eh - Reading #4

Re'eh רְאֵה - See!

Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 14:1–21

My Thoughts:

In the last verse of today’s portion (verse 21) we read a curious commandment, “You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.” It’s like it comes out of nowhere. Many commentators agree that this is a commandment derived from the custom of bowling kid goats for animal sacrifice. Others will say it is Hashem being so kind to the mother as to not boil her kid in milk. Today I read a new commentary that said maybe the kid represents a new generation or new fruits (or other offerings)  and the milk represents the old generation or older fruits (or other offerings). So that in an offering it would not be good to mix old fruit with new fruit, just to make it a larger offering. Or old wheat with new wheat, etc. Whatever it could mean, current Jews will not mix dairy with meat at a meal. Or even use the same plates or utensils. This is a commandment you may have to study awhile to see what it means to you. Then arrive at a conclusion that brings you peace with Hashem.

Challenge:

In verses 3 and on we read about clean and unclean animals. Hashem calls the unclean animals “abominable”. So, what don’t we “get” about that? He has picked out very specific dietary laws for us and has His reasons. It could be to test our obedience, or for safety reasons, or for both. The point is, if Hashem declares it -- then we do it. We don’t question. It’s pretty clear. This is what you can eat and this is what you cannot eat. We don’t need a theological discussion. We are not permitted to change or delete Hashem’s Laws. My challenge to you today is to review your dietary habits. Are you abiding by Hashem’s Laws? If not, it is time to clean it up. And by the way, here is a whole other discussion. What products at the store have pig products in them.  Do some studying and see what you find out, you may be a little surprised. Marshmallows and gelatin are a big concern. And there are many others. 

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 14:1–21

14:1 You are the children of Hashem your Elohim. You shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. 2 For you are a holy people to Hashem your Elohim and Hashem has chosen you to be a people for His own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.

3 You shall not eat any abominable thing. 4 These are the animals which you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, 5 the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the chamois. 6 Every animal that parts the hoof, and has the hoof split in two and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat. 7 Nevertheless these you shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of those who have the hoof split: the camel, the hare, and the rabbit. Because they chew the cud but don’t part the hoof, they are unclean to you. 8 The pig, because it has a split hoof but doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat their meat. You shall not touch their carcasses. 9 These you may eat of all that are in the waters: you may eat whatever has fins and scales. 10 You shall not eat whatever doesn’t have fins and scales. It is unclean to you. 11 Of all clean birds you may eat. 12 But these are they of which you shall not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the osprey, 13 the red kite, the falcon, the kite of any kind, 14 every raven of any kind, 15 the ostrich, the owl, the seagull, the hawk of any kind, 16 the little owl, the great owl, the horned owl, 17 the pelican, the vulture, the cormorant, 18 the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat. 19 All winged creeping things are unclean to you. They shall not be eaten. 20 Of all clean birds you may eat.

21 You shall not eat of anything that dies of itself. You may give it to the foreigner living among you who is within your gates, that he may eat it; or you may sell it to a foreigner; for you are a holy people to Hashem your Elohim.

You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.

Ekev - Reading #4

Ekev עֵקֶב - As a Result

Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25

Reading #4 -  Deuteronomy 10:1–11 

My Thoughts:

Hashem writes the Commandments on the stone -- a second time. Moses doesn’t try to correct the mistake of his people (the golden calf), he only begs for forgiveness. Hashem corrects the mistake (breaking of the first tablets) and writes them again. Can you imagine? Here Moses has first had a wonderful set of tablets which Hashem wrote with His finger. He gets angry and breaks them. And then Hashem writes a second set. That is such a testimony that our Elohim is full of second chances. We must never forget this. He seems to continue to love us no matter what. Amen.

Challenge:

Hashem wants a “house” for His Holy Commandments. He has Moses build a small ark to contain them. The ark protects them and preserves them. Just like Hashem asks Moses to build a Tabernacle. And inside the Holy of Holies is the “protected” Shekinah glory of Elohim. It shows that Hashem “guards” holy things and we should do the same. We should take good care of our Bibles and reverence them. Even though the material they are constructed of,  is not necessarily “holy” the Words inside are. Today’s challenge is to make sure your Bible(s) are in a special place and that you take good care of it (them). Don’t pile other books on top of it. Don’t leave it outside in the rain, or in the bathroom. Remember that Hashem’s Words are holy and give you life. Protect and guard these Words - physically and in your heart. 

Reading #4 -  Deuteronomy 10:1–11

10:1 At that time Hashem said to me, “Cut two stone tablets like the first, and come up to me onto the mountain, and make an ark of wood. 2 I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets which you broke, and you shall put them in the ark.” 3 So I made an ark of acacia wood, and cut two stone tablets like the first, and went up onto the mountain, having the two tablets in my hand. 4 He wrote on the tablets, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which Hashem spoke to you on the mountain out of the middle of the fire in the day of the assembly; and Hashem gave them to me. 5 I turned and came down from the mountain, and put the tablets in the ark which I had made; and there they are as Hashem commanded me.

6 (The children of Israel traveled from Beeroth Bene Jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest’s office in his place. 7 From there they traveled to Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of brooks of water. 8 At that time Hashem set apart the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of Hashem’s covenant, to stand before Hashem to minister to him, and to bless in His name, to this day. 9 Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brothers; Hashem is his inheritance, according as Hashem your Elohim spoke to him.)

10 I stayed on the mountain, as at the first time, forty days and forty nights; and Hashem listened to me that time also. Hashem would not destroy you. 11 Hashem said to me, “Arise, take your journey before the people; and they shall go in and possess the land which I swore to their fathers to give to them.”

Ve'etchanan - Reading #4

Va'etchanan וָאֶתְחַנַּן - Pleaded
Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 5:1–22

My Thoughts:

Here is something amazing. Those of you who are Protestant or Catholic -- you may not know this. The first commandment of the Ten Commandments is verse 6, “I am Hashem your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Yes, this is true. It is a command to always remember Hashem and that He is the deliverer. Before following any of the following 9 commandments, you need to obey this one. That your Elohim is Adonai. That He delivered you. When you acknowledge this it places your life in order. It puts the commandments in order. Remember this. Remember Him.

Challenge:

Today’s challenge is this. Go through the Ten Commandments, review them, search your heart and repent to Hashem if you have been in disobedience. Here are the ten commandments and questions:

1. Do you remember and worship Adonai as your G-d and deliverer?

2. Have you worshiped any false gods?

3. Are you respecting and honoring His Name?

4. Have you honored the Sabbath every week as He has commanded you?

5. Are you honoring and obeying your parents (and those in authority over your life/job/family)?

6. Have you murdered anyone?

7. Have you committed adultery (pornography, or imagination)?

8. Have you stolen anything -- intentionally or unintentionally?

9. Have you lied about someone you know?

10. Have you coveted (desired) things that are not yours?

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 5:1–22

5:1 Moses called to all Israel, and said to them, “Hear, Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears today, that you may learn them, and observe to do them.” 2 Hashem our Elohim made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 Hashem didn’t make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive today. 4 Hashem spoke with you face to face on the mountain out of the middle of the fire, 5 (I stood between Hashem and you at that time, to show you Hashem’s word; for you were afraid because of the fire, and didn’t go up onto the mountain) saying,

6 “I am Hashem your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

7 “You shall have no other gods before Me. 8 “You shall not make a carved image for yourself—any likeness of what is in heaven above, or what is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 9 You shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them; for I, Hashem your Elohim, am a jealous G-d, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate Me; 10 and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments.

11 “You shall not misuse the name of Hashem your Elohim; for Hashem will not hold him guiltless who misuses His name.

12 “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as Hashem your Elohim commanded you. 13 You shall labor six days, and do all your work; 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Hashem your Elohim, in which you shall not do any work— neither you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. 15 You shall remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and Hashem your Elohim brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Therefore Hashem your Elohim commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

16 “Honor your father and your mother, as Hashem your Elohim commanded you; that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you.

17 “You shall not murder.

18 “You shall not commit adultery.

19 “You shall not steal.

20 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

21 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. Neither shall you desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

22 Hashem spoke these words to all your assembly on the mountain out of the middle of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice. He added no more. He wrote them on two stone tablets, and gave them to me.

Devarim - Reading #4

Devarim דְּבָרִים - Words

Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 1:39–2:1

My Thoughts:

Lessons to be learned. In verse 42 we read, “Don’t go up and don’t fight; for I am not among you, lest you be struck before your enemies.” How many times in your life have you clearly heard from Hashem (in whatever way He speaks to you) -- don’t do what you are thinking of doing! You kind of get that feeling in your belly like you are doing something wrong, but you do it anyway! With this group of Israelites that were learning about Hashem and how to follow Him, they clearly made this mistake. They try to make the first mistake right (that is being fearful and doubtful to enter the Land), by taking things into their own hands. It doesn’t work. Hashem doesn’t go with them into battle, and they are defeated. We must learn from this. Do not go into task, ministry, job, marriage, etc., unless Hashem has called you to do so. If He has called you then He will go with you. If He hasn’t -- well, you are on your own and will suffer consequences. 

Challenge:

Do how do we know when Hashem is “calling” or not “calling” us to do something? You learn by knowing His voice. Sometimes He can speak to you through other people. Sometimes through Scripture, Torah, or a thought in your mind. When He speaks there is peace and comfort. If you are hearing another “voice” it will usually bring you anxiousness or worry. My challenge to you today is to practice hearing the voice of Hashem. When you think you hear Him, test it out. Through experience and trial and error, you will eventually learn to hear Him pretty well. Start today. It will change your life. Remember He is the giver of eternal life and the good life here on earth. Amen!

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 1:39–2:1

1:39 Moreover your little ones, whom you said would be captured or killed, your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, shall go in there. I will give it to them, and they shall possess it. 40 But as for you, turn, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea.”

41 Then you answered and said to me, “We have sinned against Hashem. We will go up and fight, according to all that Hashem our Elohim commanded us.” Every man of you put on his weapons of war, and presumed to go up into the hill country.

42 Hashem said to me, “Tell them, ‘Don’t go up and don’t fight; for I am not among you, lest you be struck before your enemies.’”

43 So I spoke to you, and you didn’t listen; but you rebelled against the commandment of Hashem, and were presumptuous, and went up into the hill country. 44 The Amorites, who lived in that hill country, came out against you and chased you as bees do, and beat you down in Seir, even to Hormah. 45 You returned and wept before Hashem; but Hashem didn’t listen to your voice, nor turn His ear to you. 46 So you stayed in Kadesh many days, according to the days that you remained.

2 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as Hashem spoke to me; and we encircled Mount Seir many days.

Mattot/Massei - Reading #4

MATTOT/MASSEI

Torah Reading: Numbers 30:2-36:13

Reading #4 - Numbers 32:20-33:49

My Thoughts:

At the end of today’s reading we have a summary of the travels of the Israelites. A journey that would normally have taken a few weeks, turned into 40 years. Along the way there were struggles and joys, miracles and punishment. 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?

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 will come back to bite you. And the worst thing is -- it will separate you from Hashem. We don’t want that do we?

Reading #4 - 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. 32 We 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 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 one hundred twenty-three years old when he died in 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, in 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.