Bamidbar - Reading #4

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #4 - Numbers 3:1–13

My Thoughts:

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

Challenge:

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

Reading #4 - Numbers 3:1–13

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

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

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

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

Bamidbar - Reading #3

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #3 - Numbers 2:1–34

My Thoughts:

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

Challenge:

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

Reading #3 - Numbers 2:1–34

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bamidbar - Reading #2

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #2 - Numbers 1:20–54

My Thoughts:

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

Challenge:

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

Reading #2 - Numbers 1:20–54

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bamidbar - Reading #1

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #1 - Numbers 1:1-19

My Thoughts:

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

Challenge:

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

Reading #1 - Numbers 1:1-19

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

Of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur.

6 Of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

7 Of Judah: Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

8 Of Issachar: Nethanel the son of Zuar.

9 Of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon.

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

11 Of Benjamin: Abidan the son of Gideoni.

12 Of Dan: Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

13 Of Asher: Pagiel the son of Ochran.

14 Of Gad: Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

15 Of Naphtali: Ahira the son of Enan.”

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

Bamidbar - Reading #1

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Torah Portion Numbers 1:1-4:20

Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22

Apostolic Writings: Matthew 4:1-17

1.1 First reading — Numbers 1:1–19

1.2 Second reading — Numbers 1:20–54

1.3 Third reading — Numbers 2:1–34

1.4 Fourth reading — Numbers 3:1–13

1.5 Fifth reading — Numbers 3:14–39

1.6 Sixth reading — Numbers 3:40–51

1.7 Seventh reading — Numbers 4:1–20

Bechukotai - Reading #7

Bechukotai - In my statutes בְּחֻקֹּתַי

Torah Portion: Leviticus 26:3 - 27:34

Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14

Apostolic Writings: Matthew 16:20-28

Reading #7 - Leviticus 27:29–34

My Thoughts:

Today we are learning about the “tithe of the land” verse 30. He is instructed that when they get into Israel and they begin to farm – plant and reap – that a tithe of all that – is Hashems. That equals 10%. And even if you trade it out, then what you trade for is still His. This is something that is not an option. In our modern day churches and synagogues we are getting teaching on “tithes”. Religious institutions have to have a way to financially exist. This we know. But, whether it is a tithe is debatable. I believe we should be giving back to Hashem a tenth (at the very least) of what we have. Think about doing that. Find a charitable organization that is in line with Torah and what Hashem instructs in helping others and/or the poor. Give to them today!

Challenge:

We are finishing up Leviticus today. Hashem has given some new commandments and reviewed some already given. In verse 34 we read, “These are the commandments which Hashem commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mt. Sinai”. Notice He does not say the commandments which Hashem “suggested” or “recommended” – He says COMMANDED. Again, as I have said many times, what about following the Torah do we not understand? It’s not hard to follow. We do our best for commandments that are possible – to obey them today. Remember – we are commanded to follow them. It is not an option. And really the Torah gives us life! The commandments ARE life to us! We should be so happy and willing to do all that we can to obey them! Today is a good day to start doing this. Make a promise to yourself that you will start reading Torah portions every day. That you will think about them and how they apply to your life. Obey Hashem. Through this you will find the most loving and kind relationship with Him! Amen.

Reading #7 - Leviticus 27:29-34

27:29 “‘No one devoted to destruction, who shall be devoted from among men, shall be ransomed. He shall surely be put to death.

30 “‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Hashem’s. It is holy to Hashem. 31 If a man redeems anything of his tithe, he shall add a fifth part to it. 32 All the tithe of the herds or the flocks, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy to Hashem. 33 He shall not examine whether it is good or bad, neither shall he exchange it. If he exchanges it at all, then both it and that for which it is exchanged shall be holy. It shall not be redeemed.’”

34 These are the commandments which Hashem commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

In verse 17:7 we read, “Blessed is the man who trusts in Hashem, and whose confidence is in Hashem.” Then it goes on to say you won’t worry when there is heat or drought. Yesterday I was listening to the news and they were saying we are on a brink of a food shortage - world food shortage. That can bring panic to your soul, unless you put your trust in Hashem. Yes of course, we are to be wise and store up some food for emergencies. But, in the end, our trust and confidence have to be in the Father. He is the provider and the sustainer. Think about how we read in Torah that He provided manna throughout the time in the desert. And when they got thirsty, water flowed from rocks. It takes great faith and patience to get through hard times. This passage confirms you will be taken care of.

Challenge:

In verse 17:10 we read, “I, Hashem, search the mind. I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Wow this can be frightening – right? Hashem knows our thoughts and our hearts, and everything we do. We can’t hide things from Him, like we hide things from people. If you think you are getting away with some sort of sin right now, well, you aren’t. Hashem knows all about it. So, it’s time to confess and repent. Make things right. Especially if your sin is affecting other people. Although it is so hard to tell people when we have done something wrong – Hashem demands this. By doing so we will make our minds better and cleaner. So, fix what you have to fix – today! And so will I!

Haftarah;  Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14

Hashem, my strength, and my stronghold,

    and my refuge in the day of affliction,

the nations will come to you from the ends of the earth,

    and will say,

“Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies,

    vanity and things in which there is no profit.

20 Should a man make to himself gods

    which yet are no gods?”

21 “Therefore behold, I will cause them to know,

    this once I will cause them to know My hand and My might.

    Then they will know that My name is Hashem.”

17 “The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron,

    and with the point of a diamond.

It is engraved on the tablet of their heart,

    and on the horns of your altars.

2 Even their children remember their altars

    and their Asherah poles by the green trees on the high hills.

3 My mountain in the field,

    I will give your substance and all your treasures for a plunder,

    and your high places, because of sin, throughout all your borders.

4 You, even of yourself, will discontinue from your heritage that I gave you.

    I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you don’t know,

    for you have kindled a fire in My anger which will burn forever.”

5 Hashem says:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man,

    relies on strength of flesh,

    and whose heart departs from Hashem

6 For he will be like a bush in the desert,

    and will not see when good comes,

but will inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,

    an uninhabited salt land.

7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in Hashem,

    and whose confidence is in Hashem.

8 For he will be as a tree planted by the waters,

    who spreads out its roots by the river,

and will not fear when heat comes,

    but its leaf will be green,

and will not be concerned in the year of drought.

    It won’t cease from yielding fruit.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things

    and it is exceedingly corrupt.

    Who can know it?

10 “I, Hashem, search the mind.

    I try the heart,

even to give every man according to his ways,

    according to the fruit of his doings.”

11 As the partridge that sits on eggs which she has not laid,

    so is he who gets riches, and not by right.

In the middle of his days, they will leave him.

    At his end, he will be a fool.

12 A glorious throne, set on high from the beginning,

    is the place of our sanctuary.

13 Hashem, the hope of Israel,

    all who forsake you will be disappointed.

Those who depart from me will be written in the earth,

    because they have forsaken Hashem,

    the spring of living waters.

14 Heal me, O Hashem, and I will be healed.

    Save me, and I will be saved;

    for you are my praise.

Apostolic Writings

My Thoughts:

Yeshua teaches in verse 24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” Yeshua always taught that the “cost” of being obedient and following Him and Torah was big. It was a time where there was great persecution (and after Yeshua left) for Jews. He says it is more important to follow Hashem than to follow man. Don’t you agree? Yes, but how often do we seek to please others even with the cost of sinning? We must stay in Hashem’s Word, pray, obey Torah, love Him and follow Him. We must “take up our cross” daily. And stand strong.

Challenge:

In verse 26 we read, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?” What a profound teaching! We can go after the world, make money and follow other gods, or we can choose Hashem. If we are in the world we forfeit our life. If we are in Hashem we gain eternal life. Which do you choose? Make your decision today and stand by it!

Apostolic Writings: Matthew 16:20-28

16:20 Then He commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Yeshua the Mashiach..

21 From that time, Yeshua began to show His talmidim that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, L-rd! This will never be done to You.”

23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of Adonai, but on the things of men.”

24 Then Yeshua said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with His angels, and then He will render to everyone according to his deeds. 28 Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.”

Bechukotai - Reading #6

Bechukotai - In my statutes בְּחֻקֹּתַי

Torah Portion: Leviticus 26:3 - 27:34

Reading #6 - Leviticus 27:22–28

My Thoughts:

How beautiful is verse 28, “Everything that is permanently devoted is most holy to Hashem.” Things we dedicate to Him become holy. Can we even begin to understand that? We live in a world that is so focused on our own needs and wants. Everything is about “me”. Not others. Not Hashem. But, if we were to dedicate anything to Him – it automatically becomes holy. Have you ever heard a teaching on this? I haven’t. It is something to think about, and study more intently. It is an amazing concept. For instance, I dedicate to Hashem my house. It becomes holy to Him! So we better be acting holy in this house and giving Him glory for it! Take some time to think about this concept today!

Challenge:

And in verse 28 there is a stipulation. “Everything that is permanently devoted….”. It must be given to Hashem forever, not given and taken back. I have made promises to Hashem over the years, and then taken them back. Have you done that? If we “give” Hashem a promise, if we say “Hashem this is forever” – then we better mean it. Another example is marriage. We give a vow before Hashem to honor our husband/wife through anything. But if we think it’s not working out, then we take back that vow. We need to be giving to Hashem – permanently. Let’s really focus on this. If your marriage is seeing some hard times, I pray that you will seek Hashem to heal it! Or anything else that you have vowed or given to Him. I pray we all realize our gifts and dedications to Hashem are forever and never to be revoked. Amen.

Reading #6 - Leviticus 27:22–28

27:22 “‘If he dedicates a field to Hashem which he has bought, which is not of the field of his possession, 23 then the priest shall reckon to him the worth of your valuation up to the Year of Jubilee; and he shall give your valuation on that day, as a holy thing to Hashem. 24 In the Year of Jubilee the field shall return to him from whom it was bought, even to him to whom the possession of the land belongs. 25 All your valuations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel.

26 “‘However the firstborn among animals, which belongs to Hashem as a firstborn, no man may dedicate, whether an ox or a sheep. It is Hashem’s. 27 If it is an unclean animal, then he shall buy it back according to your valuation, and shall add to it the fifth part of it; or if it isn’t redeemed, then it shall be sold according to your valuation.

28 “‘Notwithstanding, no devoted thing that a man devotes to Hashem of all that he has, whether of man or animal, or of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed. Everything that is permanently devoted is most holy to Hashem.