Pekudei - Reading #7

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Haftarah: 1 Kings 7:51-8:21

Apostolic Reading: Luke 16:1-13

Reading #7 -  Exodus 40:28–38

My Thoughts:

The Tabernacle is up and ready to serve. And the first thing that happens is Hashem’s glory FILLS the Tent of the Meeting. The place where He meets with the High Priest. All I can imagine is that there was a peaceful, powerful, overwhelming soft light of His presence. It was so amazingly strong that Moses could not enter. And it didn’t end. It continued to “hover” over the Tabernacle day and night. At night it manifested as a cloud of fire. He wanted to journey with His people to the Promised Land, and this is how He did it. I believe His presence still goes with us today, just in a different way. Maybe sometimes it is a particular sign of Him, or a feeling – but I know His Spirit travels with us – all the time. 

Challenge:

Here is the big “take away” from today’s Parashat. When the cloud gets up and moves - you move! You don’t wait to see if He really meant it and maybe He will come back. Or you don’t take your time to decide if you want to follow Him now or wait until later. You go. He goes, you go. And that is what I am talking about for TODAY. If He is asking you to do something – simply follow His lead. Don’t hesitate, you will regret it forever. I remember one of our trips to Israel and we were in Jerusalem. It was raining and I had an umbrella but an older gentleman passed me by and was getting soaked because he did not have one. I felt like Hashem said to me, “Give him your umbrella”. I don’t know if I was scared, or didn’t really believe Hashem told me to do this. But, I hesitated and soon the man was way down the street. I have regretted that decision for years. Who knows, maybe that act of kindness would have changed his life. Or maybe he was having a really hard day and just needed to know someone cared. I missed my chance. I repented and have tried to faithfully listen to Hashem ever since. Follow the “cloud” of Hashem, and when He moves, you move.

Reading #7 - Exodus 40:28-38

28 He put up the screen of the door to the tabernacle. 29 He set the altar of burnt offering at the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering, as Hashem commanded Moses. 30 He set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water therein, with which to wash. 31 Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and their feet there. 32 When they went into the Tent of Meeting, and when they came near to the altar, they washed, as Hashem commanded Moses. 33 He raised up the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and Hashem’s glory filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses wasn’t able to enter into the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and Hashem’s glory filled the tabernacle. 36 When the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward, throughout all their journeys; 37 but if the cloud wasn’t taken up, then they didn’t travel until the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of Hashem was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

Amazingly, centuries later the Tent of Meeting is brought to Jerusalem where Solomon has built a “house” Temple for Hashem. They bring in all the items and in verse 10 we read, “It came to pass, when the priests had come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled Hashem’s house.” Just like when Moses completed the Tabernacle and the cloud filled the holy of holies! It makes you think that Hashem must be so pleased and happy when He can dwell with His people in His house! We must keep praying that the Temple is rebuilt for Hashem so He can come back and fill His house with His glory. Imagine that!

Challenge:

David wanted to build a house for Hashem, but Hashem instructs him that He wants his son, Solomon, to build His house. Was David disappointed, or did He respect Hashem’s decision? Or was he just so amazed and excited that Hashem would even speak to him – and then tell him He wanted a house. Hashem chooses David to be King over Israel, and then after him, Solomon rules. The point being sometimes we don’t always get what we want. David wanted to build the house but could not. I’m sure Moses wanted to go into the Holy of Holies, but could not. Can you think of something you wanted that you never got? Maybe Hashem just wants to appreciate and care for what you have. Maybe He just wants you to be happy about knowing Him and His Torah! What do you think?

Haftarah: 1 Kings 7:51-8:21

51 Thus all the work that king Solomon did in Hashem’s house was finished. Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of Hashem’s house.

8 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, with all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’ households of the children of Israel, to king Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of Hashem’s covenant out of David’s city, which is Zion. 2 All the men of Israel assembled themselves to king Solomon at the feast, in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 3 All the elders of Israel came, and the priests picked up the ark. 4 They brought up Hashem’s ark, the Tent of Meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tent. The priests and the Levites brought these up. 5 King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who were assembled to him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and cattle, that could not be counted or numbered for multitude. 6 The priests brought in the ark of Hashem’s covenant to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, even under the cherubim’s wings. 7 For the cherubim spread their wings out over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its poles above. 8 The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the holy place before the inner sanctuary; but they were not seen outside. They are there to this day. 9 There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets which Moses put there at Horeb, when Hashem made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 It came to pass, when the priests had come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled Hashem’s house, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for Hashem’s glory filled Hashem’s house. 12 Then Solomon said, “Hashem has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness. 13 I have surely built you a house of habitation, a place for you to dwell in forever.”

14 The king turned his face around, and blessed all the assembly of Israel; and all the assembly of Israel stood. 15 He said, “Blessed is Hashem, the Elohim of Israel, who spoke with His mouth to David your father, and has with His hand fulfilled it, saying, 16 ‘Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house, that My name might be there; but I chose David to be over My people Israel.’

17 “Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Hashem, the Elohim of Israel. 18 But Hashem said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well that it was in your heart. 19 Nevertheless, you shall not build the house; but your son who shall come out of your body, he shall build the house for My name.’ 20 Hashem has established His word that He spoke; for I have risen up in the place of David my father, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as Hashem promised, and have built the house for the name of Hashem, the Elohim of Israel. 21 There I have set a place for the ark, in which is Hahsem’s covenant, which He made with our fathers, when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.”

Apostolic Reading

My Thoughts:

This is a tough parable to understand. I did some research on it and so might you. The best I can say is that the manager apparently was not doing a good job. Looks like he was going to lose it so it tries to make some instant friends by diminishing their debt. Maybe the manager doesn’t know this, but the debtors begin to pay their debts. The manager did get a little “creative” about retrieving some money. Was that what he was commended for? I have no idea. But one could discern that Yeshua wants us to be “shrewd” with the gifts (money) that we have, or maybe even our talents. This has to do with getting reading for the world to come. How do you interpret this story? Talk about it with someone you know – it will make a good discussion.

Challenge:

Verse 10 says if you are faithful in little things you will be faithful in bigger ones. Is that true about you? Do you respect and take care of small things in your life? For example, your child asks you to play with him/her and you are too tired and make some excuse. Or do you take time and play with him/her – even though you would rather rest? In other words, you put your child above yourself. You become faithful in being a good parent with something small. This qualifies you to believe you will also be faithful when it comes to a larger challenge. Ponder on this for a minute and make sure you take heed to those small things today.

Apostolic Reading: Luke 16:1-13

16 He also said to his disciples, “There was a certain rich man who had a manager. An accusation was made to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2 He called him, and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’

3 “The manager said within himself, ‘What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me? I don’t have strength to dig. I am ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from management, they may receive me into their houses.’ 5 Calling each one of his lord’s debtors to him, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe to my lord?’ 6 He said, ‘A hundred batos of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘How much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred cors of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’

8 “His lord commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own generation, wiser than the children of the light. 9 I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the eternal tents. 10 He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 If you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve Elohim and Mammon.”

Vayakhel - Reading #7

Vayakhel  וַיַּקְהֵל - And He Assembled

Torah Reading: Exodus 35:1-38:20

Haftarah: 2 Kings 11:17-12:17

Apostolic Reading: Matthew 12:1-13

Reading #7 - Exodus 38:1–20

My Thoughts:

Verse 8 refers to women ministering in the Tabernacle, or at least at the door. There is some speculation as to what this means but we can only believe that women played a large part in the development of the Tabernacle. They most likely helped out in any way possible. They most likely donated items along with the men, cleaned and made things. I can only imagine how amazed and excited they were to learn more about Hashem every day and witness His great miracles! What a privilege to be with Moses and Israel during such a time as this.

Challenge:

The women were “ministering” at the door of the Tabernacle (verse 8). What does that look like? Did they have a ladle and basin of water to offer drinks to those coming into the Tabernacle? Were they standing there praying and praising Hashem? Were they there simply offering any help that anyone needed? We can only speculate, but the point is – they were there. Has Hashem called you to be somewhere to “minister” to people? It could be anywhere. The grocery store, the gas station, work, home, church, synagogue – all places where Hashem can give us “divine appointments” to minister Hashem’s love to others. Be aware as you go through your day for your chance to “minister” to others. It is a privilege. 

Reading #7 - Exodus 38:1-20

38 He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its width was five cubits, and its height was three cubits. 2 He made its horns on its four corners. Its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with bronze. 3 He made all the vessels of the altar: the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. He made all its vessels of bronze. 4 He made for the altar a grating of a network of bronze, under the ledge around it beneath, reaching halfway up. 5 He cast four rings for the four corners of bronze grating, to be places for the poles. 6 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with bronze. 7 He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks.

8 He made the basin of bronze, and its base of bronze, out of the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

9 He made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, one hundred cubits; 10 their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 11 For the north side one hundred cubits, their pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver. 12 For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver. 13 For the east side eastward fifty cubits, 14 the hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three; 15 and so for the other side: on this hand and that hand by the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 16 All the hangings around the court were of fine twined linen. 17 The sockets for the pillars were of bronze. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. Their capitals were overlaid with silver. All the pillars of the court had silver bands. 18 The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. Twenty cubits was the length, and the height along the width was five cubits, like the hangings of the court. 19 Their pillars were four, and their sockets four, of bronze; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals, and their fillets, of silver. 20 All the pins of the tabernacle, and around the court, were of bronze.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

In verse 2 and 3 we read about King Keshoash, “Jehoash did that which was right in Hashem’s eyes all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. However the high places were not taken away.” Doesn’t this strike you as so tragic? Here the young king is following and honoring Hashem, except to remove the “high places” – the places of idol worship. Then I got to thinking, isn’t that alot like us as believers and what we do? We go to Hashem and profess our love for Him. We repent, we worship Him, we pray - we ask for favor. But, we leave many “places” of idol worship in our lives. Take a moment to think about the possible “places” in your life where you have not turned them fully over to Hashem. And then take time today to repent and do so.

Challenge:

We learn in Chapter 12 where the King is asking money from the people to repair the Temple (house). Seems like there is a small dispute of whether to use this money to do repairs. But, somehow the money is produced and used to pay the workers. What bothered me was the “hesitation”. If we had a Temple here on earth, in Jerusalem, and it was in need of repair – would we hesitate to invest in the repairs? I guess it’s all about priorities. I challenge you today to look at your priorities. What is important to you in regards to serving Hashem? Are you giving of your time, talents and finances to help build the Kingdom?

Haftarah: 2 Kings 11:17-12:17

17 Jehoiada made a covenant between Hashem and the king and the people, that they should be Hashem’s people; also between the king and the people. 18 All the people of the land went to the house of Baal, and broke it down. They broke his altars and his images in pieces thoroughly, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. The priest appointed officers over Hashem’s house. 19 He took the captains over hundreds, and the Carites, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from Hashem’s house, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king’s house. He sat on the throne of the kings. 20 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. They had slain Athaliah with the sword at the king’s house.

21 Jehoash was seven years old when he began to reign.

12 Jehoash began to reign in the seventh year of Jehu, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 Jehoash did that which was right in Hashem’s eyes all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 3 However the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. 4 Jehoash said to the priests, “All the money of the holy things that is brought into Hashem’s house, in current money, the money of the people for whom each man is evaluated, and all the money that it comes into any man’s heart to bring into Hashem’s house, 5 let the priests take it to them, each man from his donor; and they shall repair the damage to the house, wherever any damage is found.”

6 But it was so, that in the twenty-third year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the damage to the house. 7 Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and for the other priests, and said to them, “Why don’t you repair the damage to the house? Now therefore take no more money from your treasurers, but deliver it for repair of the damage to the house.”

8 The priests consented that they should take no more money from the people, and not repair the damage to the house. 9 But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into Hashem’s house; and the priests who kept the threshold put all the money that was brought into Hashem’s house into it. 10 When they saw that there was much money in the chest, the king’s scribe and the high priest came up, and they put it in bags and counted the money that was found in Hashem’s house. 11 They gave the money that was weighed out into the hands of those who did the work, who had the oversight of Hashem’s house; and they paid it out to the carpenters and the builders, who worked on Hashem’s house, 12 and to the masons and the stonecutters, and for buying timber and cut stone to repair the damage to Hashem’s house, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it. 13 But there were not made for Hashem’s house cups of silver, snuffers, basins, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money that was brought into Hashem’s house; 14 for they gave that to those who did the work, and repaired Hashem’s house with it. 15 Moreover they didn’t demand an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to give to those who did the work; for they dealt faithfully. 16 The money for the trespass offerings, and the money for the sin offerings was not brought into Hashem’s house. It was the priests’.

17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it; and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.

Apostolic Reading

My Thoughts:

The real question in today’s reading is what is allowed on the Sabbath. Of course, every Scripture verse can be interpreted individually, but I believe what Yeshua is saying is this – if you can help someone on the Sabbath – then do it! He confirms this in verse 12, “Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day”. For those of you who follow the Seventh Day Sabbath Commandment, I encourage you to spend some thinking about what Yeshua is teaching here. What I absolutely love about Yeshua’s teachings is that He always looks at the “heart” of Torah. Yes, Hashem is telling us to “rest” on the Sabbath, but He also tells us to love others more than ourselves. And to help them whenever we are able. If the Sabbath is the only time your friend/family needs important help, I believe Yeshua is telling you that it is alright to do so. Something to pray about for sure.

Challenge:

Some people did not like that Yeshua was doing bold things, like eating grain and healing on the Sabbath. But, these were things He felt were important. His disciples were hungry and a man needed healing. These were “good” things. Does Hashem ever ask you to step out of your comfort zone and do something that others may perceive as “wrong”. But, because Hashem has asked you – you know it is right! Do you shrink back or obey? We are human, but we have got to learn to listen and obey Hashem first. We serve Hashem not man. I encourage you to move forward with boldness with that task(s). You will be blessed.

Apostolic Reading: Matthew 12:1-13

12 At that time,Yeshua  went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.”

3 But He said to them, “Haven’t you read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered into Hashem’s house and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. 7 But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you wouldn’t have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is L-rd of the Sabbath.”

9 He departed from there and went into their synagogue. 10 And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. They asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” so that they might accuse Him.

11 He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, won’t he grab on to it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.” 13 Then He told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out; and it was restored whole, just like the other.

Ki Tisa - Reading #7

Ki Tisa  כִּי תִשָּׂא - When You Elevate

Exodus 30:11-34:35

Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16-38

Apostolic Writings: Mark 9:1-10

Reading #7 - Exodus 34:27–35

My Thoughts:

Another huge miracle in today’s reading. Moses does not eat or drink for forty days when he meets Hashem on the mountain a second time. We know this is not physically possible. But, with G-d all things are possible. He enters the presence of Hashem for forty days. It must have seemed much shorter for him. The glory of Hashem sustained him physically, emotionally and spiritually. How utterly amazing and wonderful! And when he descends the mountain and meets his people -- his face is shining -- glowing, from being in the presence of Hashem. This is all so hard to imagine. But, think if we just would spend some “time” with Hashem, in prayer and worship. A part of our “self” would glow also. I think that is why when you meet certain people you literally “see” Hashem’s peace all over them. Let’s strive for that today!

Challenge:

Hashem has given Moses a second chance at receiving the Ten Commandments -- the Law. The first set was written by the finger of Elohim, now this new set is written by Moses. The whole experience is glorious, yet not the same. It makes me think that when Hashem gives us a second chance it may not have been what He had originally intended for us. He adjusts it a little. But, it is still good.

If you need a second chance at something in life (I know I do, I am thinking of it right now). Do not expect it to be what G-d had intended originally, but He will still make it good. I do believe there is a contingency that we are following Him, obeying Him, repenting and worshiping. Go ahead today and ask Hashem for a second chance (or third or fourth). Praise Him and repent that you did not accept His original gift. 

Reading #7 - Exodus 34:27–35

27 Hashem said to Moses, “Write these words; for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.”

28 He was there with Hashem forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread, nor drank water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mountain, Moses didn’t know that the skin of his face shone by reason of his speaking with Him. 30 When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come near him. 31 Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them all the commandments that Hashem had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses was done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. 34 But when Moses went in before Hashem to speak with Him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and he came out, and spoke to the children of Israel that which he was commanded. 35 The children of Israel saw Moses’ face, that the skin of Moses’ face shone; so Moses put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

Hashem makes it pretty clear what will happen when He returns to rule and reign in Jerusalem, in the Temple, forever. He states in verse 27, “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes. You will keep My ordinances and do them.” His Spirit will inhabit us when we are obedient to His Law. Clear and simple. His Law is NEVER taken away, in fact when He returns it is fully followed. Why? Because it is LIFE. Let us remember that. We have so diminished His Torah over time. Even those of us as strangers and not Jews who hope to attach to Israel -- we do not even fully understand His Law. But, we can try and do our best. Each day we must study His Torah. That is what this blog is all about.

Challenge:

In verse 20 Hashem explains that they have “profaned” His holy Name. I believe today we profane His holy Name when we do not follow Torah. When we carelessly study Torah, and go back into the world to live a “pagan” life. Yes, we live in a world where a majority of people do not honor or respect Hashem. But, that is why we are supposed to reflect His “light”.  Let’s try today to change our lives and respect His holy Name and His holy Words. Let us stop being careless about following His commands, and by doing so we will begin to respect His Name. I’m with you all on this today!

Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16-38

36:16 Moreover Hashem’s word came to me, saying, 17 “Son of man, when the house of Israel lived in their own land, they defiled it by their ways and by their deeds. Their way before Me was as the uncleanness of a woman in her impurity. 18 Therefore I poured out my wrath on them for the blood which they had poured out on the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols. 19 I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed through the countries. I judged them according to their way and according to their deeds. 20 When they came to the nations where they went, they profaned My holy name; in that men said of them, ‘These are Hashem’s people, and have left his land.’ 21 But I had respect for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations where they went.

22 “Therefore tell the house of Israel, ‘Hashem says: “I don’t do this for your sake, house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. 23 I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am Hashem,” says Hashem, “when I am proven holy in you before their eyes.

24 “‘“For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your filthiness, and from all your idols. 26 I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes. You will keep My ordinances and do them. 28 You will dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers. You will be my people, and I will be your Elohim. 29 I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain, and will multiply it, and lay no famine on you. 30 I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field, that you may receive no more the reproach of famine among the nations.

31 “‘“Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good; and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. 32 I don’t do this for your sake,” says Hashem. “Let it be known to you: be ashamed and confounded for your ways, house of Israel.”

33 “‘Hashem says: “In the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited and the waste places will be built. 34 The land that was desolate will be tilled instead of being a desolation in the sight of all who passed by. 35 They will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The waste, desolate, and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’ 36 Then the nations that are left around you will know that I, Hashem, have built the ruined places, and planted that which was desolate. I, Hashem, have spoken it, and I will do it.”

37 “‘Hashem says: “For this, moreover, I will be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them: I will increase them with men like a flock. 38 As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so the waste cities will be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am Hashem.’”

Apostolic Writings

My Thoughts:

In verse 3 Yeshua goes to the mountain and His clothes begin to “glow” from the presence of Hashem -- like snow. Just like Moses when he goes to the mountain. Our lives should “glow” too, from being in the presence of Hashem on a daily basis. Yeshua is an example of how we are to live and follow Torah. He is Torah (John 1).

Challenge:

In verse 7, Hashem speaks from a cloud and says “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him.” I believe He is saying we are to listen to what He is teaching and He is fully teaching Torah. He is the “Heart of Hashem”. So, if Hashem were here on the earth -- this is what His “heart” would look like. It’s like we get a chance, through Yeshua, to learn more about Hashem and His heart for us. It is simply beautiful. 

Take time to reread the Gospels and look at them from the perspective that you are “reading” G-d’s heart. Everything Yeshua teaches in the Gospels is Torah, the “heart” of Torah. We learn more about G-d from studying Yeshua. Let’s do that today. 

Apostolic Writings: Mark 9:1-10

9 He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see God’s Kingdom come with power.”

2 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them. 3 His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus.

5 Peter answered Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 For he didn’t know what to say, for they were very afraid.

7 A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him.”

8 Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Yeshua only.

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the “rising from the dead” meant.

Tetzaveh - Reading #7

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command

Exodus:27:20-30:10

Haltarah: Ezekiel 43:10-27

Apostolic Reading: Matthew 5:13-20

Reading #7 - Exodus 30:1–10

My Thoughts:

If you do some research on the altar of incense you will find some varying opinions. We know that it was required by Hashem, that it filled the Holy Place with smoke, that it ascended, and it was to be enforced day and night. Most likely it was a display of obedience from the Priests to Hashem of following the Laws. Whatever reason Hashem chose for the burning of incense -- it must have made it very special to the senses of smell and sight. Maybe there was even an “association” that when you were in the Tabernacle and smelled the special spices burning that you were reminded of Hashem’s presence. Again, everything in the Tabernacle was special and for a specific purpose.

Challenge:

Some people believe that the incense in the Tabernacle is representative of our prayers. As incense smoke ascends upward, so should our prayers to Hashem. Some of the prophets in Scripture refer to the incense being like prayers ascending to the altar in heaven. This is a good reminder to us that Hashem does acknowledge our prayers -- maybe sees them like incense. So we must be presenting them to Him on a daily basis. This does not necessarily mean prayers of requests, but prayers of praise and honor to Hashem for all He does in our lives. Praising and thanking Him should be natural and often, for our very existence on the planet is because of Him! Thank you Hashem for all you do in our lives and those whom we love. We love You and praise You with all of our hearts! Amen!

Reading #7 - Exodus 30:1–10

30 “You shall make an altar to burn incense on. You shall make it of acacia wood. 2 Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit. It shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. 3 You shall overlay it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns; and you shall make a gold molding around it. 4 You shall make two golden rings for it under its molding; on its two ribs, on its two sides you shall make them; and they shall be for places for poles with which to bear it. 5 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. 6 You shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the covenant, before the mercy seat that is over the covenant, where I will meet with you. 7 Aaron shall burn incense of sweet spices on it every morning. When he tends the lamps, he shall burn it. 8 When Aaron lights the lamps at evening, he shall burn it, a perpetual incense before Hashem throughout your generations. 9 You shall offer no strange incense on it, nor burnt offering, nor meal offering; and you shall pour no drink offering on it. 10 Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year; with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once in the year he shall make atonement for it throughout your generations. It is most holy to Hashem.”

Haftarah Reading

My Thoughts: 

In Ezekiel's reading today we learn more about the building of a sacrificial altar for burnt offerings. Many people believe that these instructions are for a future Temple. Isaiah and others have similar references to a future Temple. Some people believe that when the last Temple was destroyed that that was the end of the Temple era. But Scripture like in Ezekiel, defines the opposite. That there will be another Temple and we need to prepare and get ready. The future Mashiach will reside there and the glory of Hashem will dominate it. I look forward to this day when the world will be made right again. Don’t you?

Challenge:

I have challenged you in the past to do some Temple studies. There is not a whole lot of teachings out there that support the prophecies of the third Temple. But, I believe with my whole heart that there will be a Temple prepared for the return of the Mashiach, where He will rule and reign for eternity. It only makes sense. But, I recommend you study it on your own.

Haltarah: Ezekiel 43:10-27

43:10 “You, son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern. 11 If they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the form of the house, and its fashion, and its exits, and its entrances, and all its forms, and all its ordinances, and all its forms, and all its laws; and write it in their sight; that they may keep the whole form of it, and all its ordinances, and do them.

12 “This is the law of the house. On the top of the mountain the whole limit around it shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.

13 “These are the measurements of the altar by cubits (the cubit is a cubit and a hand width): the bottom shall be a cubit, and the width a cubit, and its border around its edge a span; and this shall be the base of the altar. 14 From the bottom on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the width one cubit; and from the lesser ledge to the greater ledge shall be four cubits, and the width a cubit. 15 The upper altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar hearth and upward there shall be four horns. 16 The altar hearth shall be twelve cubits long by twelve wide, square in its four sides. 17 The ledge shall be fourteen cubits long by fourteen wide in its four sides; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and its bottom shall be a cubit around; and its steps shall look toward the east.”

18 He said to me, “Son of man, Hashem says: ‘These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they make it, to offer burnt offerings on it, and to sprinkle blood on it. 19 You shall give to the Levitical priests who are of the offspring of Zadok, who are near to me, to minister to me,’ says Hashem, ‘a young bull for a sin offering. 20 You shall take of its blood, and put it on its four horns, and on the four corners of the ledge, and on the border all around. You shall cleanse it and make atonement for it that way. 21 You shall also take the bull of the sin offering, and it shall be burned in the appointed place of the house, outside of the sanctuary.

22 “On the second day you shall offer a male goat without defect for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they cleansed it with the bull. 23 When you have finished cleansing it, you shall offer a young bull without defect, and a ram out of the flock without defect. 24 You shall bring them near to Hashem, and the priests shall cast salt on them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering to Hashem.

25 “Seven days you shall prepare every day a goat for a sin offering. They shall also prepare a young bull, and a ram out of the flock, without defect. 26 Seven days shall they make atonement for the altar and purify it. So shall they consecrate it. 27 When they have accomplished the days, it shall be that on the eighth day, and forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings on the altar, and your peace offerings. Then I will accept you,’ says Hashem.”

Apostolic Reading

My Thoughts:

As far as I know, heaven and earth have not passed away, so the Law is still in effect (v. 18). It seems to be obvious. In the Torah we read that you cannot add or take away from the Law, you certainly can not abolish it. There is a rising number of non-Jewish believers in the world that have discovered the Torah and it’s eternal requirements. I am one of them. My hope is that people who believe in Hashem and Yeshua will discover the truth of following the Laws. The Torah is eternal. It was never abolished -- proof is in the section of Apostolic Reading. I challenge you to study this.

Challenge:

If you are following Yeshua, then you are following what He taught - He taught the Torah. He was a Rabbi. Hashem once showed me that Yeshua is the "heart of the Torah." I have a website called “Jesus Was a Rabbi”. Go to: Jesus Was a Rabbi and check it out!

Apostolic Reading: Matthew 5:13-20

5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.

14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16 Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

17 “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Terumah - Reading #7

Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering

Exodus: 25:1-27:19

Haftarah: 1 Samuel 15:1-34

Apostolic Reading: Mark 12:35-44

Reading #7 - Exodus 27:9–19

My Thoughts:

This reading continues on with Temple construction. This is about the hangings that will cover the outside walls. Again they are to be excellent and beautiful. Nothing is to be spared for Hashem and His presence. But, it also had to be “portable” because they were picking up and moving. It truly was a “portable sanctuary”. Hashem in all His wisdom and love gave them this, as He also gave them His presence in a cloud by day and fire by night. What a faithful Elohim!

Challenge:

Just as the Tabernacle (“house”) of Hashem is to be beautiful and perfect for His residing presence, so should our hearts be the same. Make sure you are keeping your heart clean and perfect so that His love can reside in you! If you need to do some work in some areas, take some time right now to make a plan. What sin do you need to get rid of? Who do you need to forgive? Do you need to repay someone? Do you simply need to spend more time in His Scripture and in prayer? Start today. Make a “place” for Him in your heart. 

Reading #7 - Exodus 27:9–19

9 “You shall make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen one hundred cubits long for one side. 10 Its pillars shall be twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. 11 Likewise for the length of the north side, there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long, and its pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver. 12 For the width of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits; their pillars ten, and their sockets ten. 13 The width of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits. 14 The hangings for the one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 15 For the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 16 For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer; their pillars four, and their sockets four. 17 All the pillars of the court around shall be filleted with silver; their hooks of silver, and their sockets of bronze. 18 The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, and the width fifty throughout, and the height five cubits, of fine twined linen, and their sockets of bronze. 19 All the instruments of the tabernacle in all its service, and all its pins, and all the pins of the court, shall be of bronze.

Haftarah Reading

My Thoughts:

“To obey is better than sacrifice” (verse 22). That does not mean that Hashem no longer wants sacrifice, like some doctrines will teach. You need to read this in context. Saul gives the excuse that the reason he did not follow Hashem’s command to completely destroy everything, including livestock, was because then they had animals to sacrifice. No, that is not what Hashem asked for! He asked them to completely destroy everything and they disobeyed Him! That is why Samuel tells Saul that Hashem would rather have obedience then sacrifice. Because Saul disobeyed and wanted to use this as an excuse to sacrifice. 

Hashem’s Law is eternal. And someday when the Temple is restored and He sends His Mashiach to rule and reign -- there will still be sacrifice. Read Isaiah and Ezekiel on this. It is clear. Man can not erase Hashem’s Commandments and like Saul cannot replace them. Think about it.

Challenge:

What Commandment are you “hedging” on in your life? Do you watch shows on TV or go to the movies and watch things that you know are not approved by Hashem? Do you treat people in a way that disregards Hashem’s commands in that area? Do you dishonor your parents with excuses to do so? Reevaluate your life and make sure you are following and obeying Hashem’s Commandments. Do not be like Saul and make exceptions to His rules. It is wrong and there will be consequences.

Haftarah: 1 Samuel 15:1-34

15 Samuel said to Saul, “Hashem sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel. Now therefore listen to the voice of Hashem’s words. 2 Hashem of Armies says, ‘I remember what Amalek did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way when he came up out of Egypt. 3 Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and don’t spare them; but kill both man and woman, infant and nursing baby, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”

4 Saul summoned the people, and counted them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen and ten thousand men of Judah. 5 Saul came to the city of Amalek, and set an ambush in the valley. 6 Saul said to the Kenites, “Go, depart, go down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the children of Israel when they came up out of Egypt.” So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.

7 Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is before Egypt. 8 He took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, of the cattle, of the fat calves, of the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to utterly destroy them; but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

10 Then Hashem’s word came to Samuel, saying, 11 “It grieves me that I have set up Saul to be king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” Samuel was angry; and he cried to Hashem all night.

12 Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning; and Samuel was told, saying, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, turned, passed on, and went down to Gilgal.”

13 Samuel came to Saul; and Saul said to him, “You are blessed by Hashem! I have performed the commandment of Hashem.”

14 Samuel said, “Then what does this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the cattle which I hear mean?”

15 Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the cattle, to sacrifice to Hashem your Elohim. We have utterly destroyed the rest.”

16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stay, and I will tell you what Hashem said to me last night.”

He said to him, “Say on.”

17 Samuel said, “Though you were little in your own sight, weren’t you made the head of the tribes of Israel? Hashem anointed you king over Israel; 18 and Hashem sent you on a journey, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then didn’t you obey Hashem’s voice, but took the plunder, and did that which was evil in Hashem’s sight?”

20 Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed Hashem’s voice, and have gone the way which Hashem sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and cattle, the best of the devoted things, to sacrifice to Hashem your Elohim in Gilgal.”

22 Samuel said, “Has Hashem as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying Hashem’s voice? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected Hashem’s word, He has also rejected you from being king.”

24 Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Hashem and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Hashem.”

26 Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you; for you have rejected Hashem’s word, and Hashem has rejected you from being king over Israel.” 27 As Samuel turned around to go away, Saul grabbed the skirt of his robe, and it tore. 28 Samuel said to him, “Hashem has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you. 29 Also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent.”

30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and come back with me, that I may worship Hashem your Elohim.”

31 So Samuel went back with Saul; and Saul worshiped Hashem. 32 Then Samuel said, “Bring Agag the king of the Amalekites here to me!”

Agag came to him cheerfully. Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.”

33 Samuel said, “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women!” Then Samuel cut Agag in pieces before Hashem in Gilgal.

34 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.

Apostolic Reading

My Thoughts:

Yeshua is teaching in the story of the widow that it is important to give back to Hashem. Just as in the time of the Torah readings this week, people were giving back to Hashem. They were taking the presents they had received from the Egyptians and giving it back for the creation of the Tabernacle. I’m sure some did so without hesitation. Do we give back to Hashem, some of what He gave us to help His work? Search your conscience and see if you have given back what He has asked you.

Challenge:

Yeshua is telling people to not be “showy” in their service to Hashem. That we are in service to Elohim we do so humbly and without pride. Whether you belong to a synagogue, a church, a Bible study group it is important to remember this story about serving Hashem with humility. That will be an example to others that we do not seek any glory of our own, but give Him all the glory! Amen!

Apostolic Reading: Mark 12:35-44

12:35 Yeshua responded, as He taught in the Temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Mashiach is the son of David? 36 For David himself said in the Holy Spirit,

‘The L-rd said to my Lord,

    “Sit at my right hand,

    until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”’Psalm 110:1

37 Therefore David himself calls him L-rd, so how can he be His son?”

The common people heard Him gladly. 38 In His teaching He said to them, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces, 39 and the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts: 40 those who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

41 Yeshua sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much. 42 A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin. 43 He called his disciples to Himself, and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, 44 for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.”