Tetzaveh - Reading #1

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command

Exodus:27:20-30:10

Reading #1 - Exodus 27:20–28:12

My Thoughts:

This reading is a lot about symbolism. The priests were to be wearing the names of the twelve sons (tribes) on their shoulders. To me that seems to be like they were “carrying” the representation of the tribes into the Tabernacle. Like they were “representing” them before Hashem. Bringing a witness of them to Elohim. Some people believe that the remnant of Hashem’s people that will be brought back to Israel in the end times, will all belong to one of the tribes.

Priestly service is very important in the Tabernacle. The priests are the “liaison” between the people and Hashem. They have a particular “holy” role in the Tabernacle. Instructions in Torah must be followed or it seems like you will be consumed (like Aaron’s sons). Maybe this is the same for the rest of Torah and common people. We must follow the instructions Hashem has set forth in His Commandments or we too, could be “consumed”.

Challenge:

In this reading we have the menorah burning continually in the Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle). I never thought about it before but the Tabernacle does not seem to have any windows. Without windows there is no light. Except in the Holy of Holies, where the Shekinah glory would reside. What a beautiful light that would create! It seems like Hashem would want the Priests to see clearly, once inside the Holy Place. And I was thinking, it would bring a “warmth” from the light. 

Speaking about “lights” for Hashem, we can examine our own lives. Are we a “light” for Hashem? Do we present His love and care to others in a “comfortable” way? Are we illuminating His love and truth in our lives? Take a minute to ponder this. If you are not exhibiting a “light” for Hashem, you may want to change and make sure you do. If we are “lights” others may find their way to Him.

Reading #1 - Exodus 27:20–28:12

27:20 “You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually. 21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the covenant, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before Israel: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

28 “Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office: Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. 2 You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 3 You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office. 4 These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a fitted tunic, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office. 5 They shall use the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen.

6 “They shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman. 7 It shall have two shoulder straps joined to the two ends of it, that it may be joined together. 8 The skillfully woven band, which is on it, shall be like its work and of the same piece; of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. 9 You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel. 10 Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, in the order of their birth. 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Israel. You shall make them to be enclosed in settings of gold. 12 You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel. Aaron shall bear their names before Hashem on his two shoulders for a memorial.

Tetzaveh - Week #8

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 - 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 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 - Reading #6

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

27 “You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits wide. The altar shall be square. Its height shall be three cubits. 2 You shall make its horns on its four corners. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. You shall overlay it with bronze. 3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes; and its shovels, its basins, its meat hooks, and its fire pans. You shall make all its vessels of bronze. 4 You shall make a grating for it of network of bronze. On the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners. 5 You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar. 6 You shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze. 7 Its poles shall be put into the rings, and the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar when carrying it. 8 You shall make it hollow with planks. They shall make it as it has been shown you on the mountain.

Terumah - Reading #5

Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering

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 - Reading #4

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 - Reading #3

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.