Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command
Exodus:27:20-30:10
Ezekiel 43:10-27
Matthew 5:13-20
1.1 First reading — Exodus 27:20–28:12
1.2 Second reading — Exodus 28:13–30
1.3 Third reading — Exodus 28:31–43
1.4 Fourth reading — Exodus 29:1–18
1.5 Fifth reading — Exodus 29:19–37
1.6 Sixth reading — Exodus 29:38–46
1.7 Seventh reading — Exodus 30:1–10
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 preside 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 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 Elhim 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.”
Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering
Exodus:25:1-27:19
Reading #6 - Exodus 27:1–8
My Thoughts:
The altar of sacrifice. This is a very important part of Temple service to Hashem. In order to come before Him in the Holy of Holies -- and to have His continual presence -- there must be sacrifice. We must give in order to receive! And the way that Hashem has chosen is sacrifice.
We don’t have a Temple to offer our sacrifices, but we still serve Hashem and want to be in His “presence”. We can offer the sacrifice of prayer, giving, serving and loving others. He has gifted us to give to others. Ask Him today what He would want you to “sacrifice” for the gift of being in His “presence”. Amen!
Challenge:
One of the greatest sacrifices we can give to Hashem is our gift of “time”. Whether we spend some time helping someone out, or volunteering, or most importantly praying -- we can present this gift to Hashem. Today I ask you to reflect on who needs your help. Or what organization you can support. And if you are praying daily to Hashem! It’s time to give back to Hashem for all the wonderful things He has given us!
Reading #6 - Exodus 27:1–8
Exodus: 25:1-27:19
Reading #5 - Exodus 26:31–37
My Thoughts:
Today we learn about the veil between the Holy of Holies and the Holy Place. It is the veil that only the high priest can go through, once a year. It covers the room that contains the Ark of the Covenant. It has to be very special and the “work of a skillful workman (verse 31)”. And again there are cherubim weaved in it. I find it curious that the Ark has two cherubim and the veil has more cherubim. I believe Hashem is in the presence of many angels in His heavenly Kingdom and wants to recognize their continual presence in the Tabernacle. He is familiar with having them around Him in the Kingdom and wants the same on the earth. What do you think?
Challenge:
How about doing a quick study on angels? Go to Chabbad.org and read this very interesting article called: ANGELS. And if you have time maybe just “google” angels online. Or go to your Bible and look up angel verses. We know they are real and a very part of Hashem’s Kingdom. So, it is important to know more about Hashem!
Reading #5 - Exodus 26:31–37
26:31 “You shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. It shall be the work of a skillful workman. 32 You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, on four sockets of silver. 33 You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the covenant in there within the veil. The veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you. 34 You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant in the most holy place. 35 You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lamp stand opposite the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south. You shall put the table on the north side.
36 “You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. 37 You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold. Their hooks shall be of gold. You shall cast five sockets of bronze for them.
Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering
Exodus:25:1-27:19
Reading #4 - Exodus 26:15–30
My Thoughts:
The boards in today’s reading were built and placed on three sides of the Tabernacle structure. Apparently on the front entrance there were five pillars. The curtains went in between the boards. Most interesting is the boards are overlaid with gold! That’s a lot of gold! But, remember the Israelites had “received” gold and other goods from the Egyptians just before they left. Now they were giving their best for the building of the tabernacle. This place was the most special place -- it was going to be the resting place for Hashem. It could only be the best.
Challenge:
Are you giving Hashem your best? If you were “building” a resting place for Him, would you contribute your gold? It is important that we are giving to Hashem in whatever way He asks us. It may be given to a charity, a friend, a family member -- or the actual preparation for the Temple in Jerusalem. As mentioned before you can give to the: Temple Institute Jerusalem. Think about how you are supporting or giving to Hashem today. Together we can all support the Kingdom of Elohim!
Reading #4 - Exodus 26:15–30
26:15 “You shall make the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing upright. 16 Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and one and a half cubits the width of each board. 17 There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle. 18 You shall make twenty boards for the tabernacle, for the south side southward. 19 You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons. 20 For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty boards, 21 and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. 22 For the far side of the tabernacle westward you shall make six boards. 23 You shall make two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far side. 24 They shall be double beneath, and in the same way they shall be whole to its top to one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners. 25 There shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
26 “You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, 27 and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the far side westward. 28 The middle bar in the middle of the boards shall pass through from end to end. 29 You shall overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars. You shall overlay the bars with gold. 30 You shall set up the tabernacle according to the way that it was shown to you on the mountain.
Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering
Exodus:25:1-27:19
Reading #3 - Exodus 25:31–26:14
My Thoughts:
Interesting in verse 26:17 “You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red” - we see that Hashem is asking for rams to be sacrificed so that a covering will be made. We know the importance of the ram in the story of Abraham and Isaac. The ram is the substitute offering for Isaac’s life. How appropriate the tent will now be covered in ram’s skins. Every detail of the Tabernacle has meaning. Maybe the skins were dyed red to remind us of the power of blood sacrifices -- repentance and forgiveness. It is all so carefully planned by our Elohim!
Challenge:
This reading is about detailed instructions for the house of Elohim. He gives instructions for a lamp stand. This lamp stand will bring light into the “Holy Place”. There are no windows, the lamp will give its light. Without it the priests would be in the dark. Of course, the same in our lives. Without the light of Hashem and His only begotten son Yeshua, we walk in the dark. The Torah brings light and life into our lives. My challenge for you today is to look at your daily life. Are you reading Torah and Scriptures on a daily basis and bringing Hashem’s light into your life and others? If not, please start to do so today. We all need to stop walking in the dark.
Reading #3 - Exodus 25:31–26:14
25:31 “You shall make a lamp stand of pure gold. The lamp stand shall be made of hammered work. Its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it. 32 There shall be six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lamp stand out of its one side, and three branches of the lamp stand out of its other side; 33 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower, so for the six branches going out of the lamp stand; 34 and in the lamp stand four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers; 35 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of the lamp stand. 36 Their buds and their branches shall be of one piece with it, all of it one beaten work of pure gold. 37 You shall make its lamps seven, and they shall light its lamps to give light to the space in front of it. 38 Its snuffers and its snuff dishes shall be of pure gold. 39 It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these accessories. 40 See that you make them after their pattern, which has been shown to you on the mountain.
26 “Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. You shall make them with the work of a skillful workman. 2 The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure. 3 Five curtains shall be coupled together to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another. 4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling, and you shall do likewise on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the second coupling. 5 You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling. The loops shall be opposite one another. 6 You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains to one another with the clasps. The tabernacle shall be a unit.
7 “You shall make curtains of goats’ hair for a covering over the tabernacle. You shall make eleven curtains. 8 The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall have one measure. 9 You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent. 10 You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outermost in the coupling, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which is outermost in the second coupling. 11 You shall make fifty clasps of bronze, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. 12 The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent—the half curtain that remains—shall hang over the back of the tabernacle. 13 The cubit on the one side and the cubit on the other side, of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it. 14 You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.
Reading #2 -Exodus 25:17–30
My Thoughts:
Hashem is beginning to give specific instructions for His dwelling place, the holy Tabernacle. His very first instruction is for the place where “I will meet with you (verse 22)”. The ark of the covenant. He designs a place where He can dwell over His Covenant with the people. The Covenant is the Law. Try to understand this, His Law is so important that He wants us to create a special housing for it, and a place over it for Him to dwell. Under the wings of angels will reside His Covenant with and for the people. That should make us think. Sink this Truth into your heart. Of all the places Hashem would dwell -- He chooses to be “over” His Law. It is very, very symbolic. His authority and purpose is over the Law today. We need to understand and respect this.
Challenge:
Are you following the Torah -- Hashem’s Law? Are you just beginning to understand it and trying to do your best in obeying it? That’s where I am. Coming to the Law as a “stranger” or “foreigner” is not easy. We might not have the opportunity to go to a synagogue, but there are many online groups that do wonderful studies on the Torah. You might check out: Chabbad It had so much information on Judaism and the Torah. Also a "Messianic" site - First Fruits of Zion. Check them out. There is so much to learn and be blessed by!
Reading #2 - Exodus 25:17–30
25:17 You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two and a half cubits shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its width. 18 You shall make two cherubim of hammered gold. You shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat. 19 Make one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end. You shall make the cherubim on its two ends of one piece with the mercy seat. 20 The cherubim shall spread out their wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat. 21 You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the covenant that I will give you. 22 There I will meet with you, and I will tell you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the covenant, all that I command you for the children of Israel.
23 “You shall make a table of acacia wood. Its length shall be two cubits, and its width a cubit, and its height one and a half cubits. 24 You shall overlay it with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it. 25 You shall make a rim of a hand width around it. You shall make a golden molding on its rim around it. 26 You shall make four rings of gold for it, and put the rings in the four corners that are on its four feet. 27 The rings shall be close to the rim, for places for the poles to carry the table. 28 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them. 29 You shall make its dishes, its spoons, its ladles, and its bowls with which to pour out offerings. You shall make them of pure gold. 30 You shall set bread of the presence on the table before me always.