Behar - Reading #7

Behar - On the mountain  בְּהַר

Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-26:2

Haftarah: Jeremiah 32:6-27

Apostolic Writings: Luke 4:14-22

Reading #7 - Leviticus 25:47–26:2

My Thoughts:

Again we learn about redeeming the Jewish “brothers” that are sold into slavery. Hashem is very clear that one day they will have the right to be free. He helps us to remember that once all of His people were in slavery in Egypt and he chose to redeem them and bring them to freedom. It seems He wants a “fairness” of how to negotiate this redemption and payment according to the calendar of the upcoming Jubilee. Just as Hashem is fair and just, so should be. Think about that.

Challenge:

Some groups have done Bible research and say that “keep the Sabbath” is mentioned over 172 times (in both the Old and New Testaments). It would seem with this kind of acknowledgment that following Sabbath must be pretty important. And yet how many of us actually do this. Do you completely rest with your family on the seventh day of the week (Saturday). Do you resist going out shopping, banking, to get gas, or going to a restaurant? Are you “sloppy” about keeping the Sabbath? I know there have been many times that I have been. I use the excuse that we are not in a Jewish or Messianic community so I don’t have the support to follow many of the commandments. Really there is no excuse for not honoring the blessed Shabbat that is given to us each week. So my challenge to you today is that you start to do this. That you consciously make a point to make the Sabbath a holy day in your life. If you are struggling with this then seek Hashem for help. I will try to do this too.

Reading #7 - Leviticus 25:47–26:2

25:47 “‘If an alien or temporary resident with you becomes rich, and your brother beside him has grown poor, and sells himself to the stranger or foreigner living among you, or to a member of the stranger’s family, 48 after he is sold he may be redeemed. One of his brothers may redeem him; 49 or his uncle, or his uncle’s son, may redeem him, or any who is a close relative to him of his family may redeem him; or if he has grown rich, he may redeem himself. 50 He shall reckon with him who bought him from the year that he sold himself to him to the Year of Jubilee. The price of his sale shall be according to the number of years; he shall be with him according to the time of a hired servant. 51 If there are yet many years, according to them he shall give back the price of his redemption out of the money that he was bought for. 52 If there remain but a few years to the year of jubilee, then he shall reckon with him; according to his years of service he shall give back the price of his redemption. 53 As a servant hired year by year shall he be with him. He shall not rule with harshness over him in your sight. 54 If he isn’t redeemed by these means, then he shall be released in the Year of Jubilee: he and his children with him. 55 For to me the children of Israel are servants; they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am Hashem your Adonai..

26 “‘You shall make for yourselves no idols, and you shall not raise up a carved image or a pillar, and you shall not place any figured stone in your land, to bow down to it; for I am Hashem your Adonai..

2 “‘You shall keep my Sabbaths, and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am Hashem.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

So Hashem is instructing Jeremiah as in Torah about the redeeming of land. A word comes to Jeremiah from Hashem to purchase the land. The transaction is completed and Jeremiah praises Hashem for all He has done and continues to do. I don’t really understand all of this regarding redemption, but I believe they were in a time where getting the land back was really important. And for this Jeremiah is grateful. Just as we should be when Hashem helps us through difficult times.

Challenge:

I love the name “Hashem of armies” in verse 18 (and many other Scriptures). I believe He is called that because of the angels He is in charge of in the heavenlies. Can you imagine the countless amount of angels that He has created. And all of them to His service. They are His army and He is the commander. To me, that is a very comforting thought. I have mentioned this in other blogs. That we should be grateful for the angels that Hashem set charge over our lives. They have most likely been life saving at times we were unaware. And comforting in other situations. Right now take a moment to thank Hashem for His ministering angels in your life. Amen! 

Haftarah: Jeremiah 32:6-27

32:6 Jeremiah said, “Hashem’s word came to me, saying, 7 ‘Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle will come to you, saying, “Buy my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is yours to buy it.”’”

8 “So Hanamel my uncle’s son came to me in the court of the guard according to Hashem’s word, and said to me, ‘Please buy my field that is in Anathoth, which is in the land of Benjamin; for the right of inheritance is yours, and the redemption is yours. Buy it for yourself.’

“Then I knew that this was Hashem’s word. 9 I bought the field that was in Anathoth of Hanamel my uncle’s son, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver. 10 I signed the deed, sealed it, called witnesses, and weighed the money in the balances to him. 11 So I took the deed of the purchase, both that which was sealed, containing the terms and conditions, and that which was open; 12 and I delivered the deed of the purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the presence of Hanamel my uncle’s son, and in the presence of the witnesses who signed the deed of the purchase, before all the Jews who sat in the court of the guard.

13 “I commanded Baruch before them, saying, 14 Hashem of Armies, Adonai of Israel says: ‘Take these deeds, this deed of the purchase which is sealed, and this deed which is open, and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may last many days.’ 15 For Hashem of Armies, the Adonai of Israel says: ‘Houses and fields and vineyards will yet again be bought in this land.’

16 Now after I had delivered the deed of the purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed to Hashem, saying,

17 “Ah Hashem Adonai! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you. 18 You show loving kindness to thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them. The great, the mighty Elohim, Hashem of Armies is Your name: 19 great in counsel, and mighty in work; whose eyes are open to all the ways of the children of men, to give everyone according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings; 20 who performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even to this day, both in Israel and among other men; and made Yourself a name, as it is today; 21 and brought your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, with wonders, with a strong hand, with an outstretched arm, and with great terror; 22 and gave them this land, which you swore to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey. 23 They came in and possessed it, but they didn’t obey your voice and didn’t walk in your law. They have done nothing of all that you commanded them to do. Therefore you have caused all this evil to come upon them.

24 “Behold, siege ramps have come to the city to take it. The city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans who fight against it, because of the sword, of the famine, and of the pestilence. What you have spoken has happened. Behold, you see it. 25 You have said to me, Hashem Adonai ‘Buy the field for money, and call witnesses;’ whereas the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.”

26 Then Hashem’s word came to Jeremiah, saying, 27 “Behold, I am Hashem, Adonai of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?

Apostolic Writings

My Thoughts:

In verse 16 we read that it was Yeshua’s “custom” to read in the synagogue. That is because He was a rabbi. Not many people teach this because if they did they would have to admit that He taught the Torah, believed the Torah, followed the Torah and some believe He IS THE TORAH (the Word spoken by Elohim). If you would like to learn more about this go to my blog: Jesus Was a Rabbi .

Challenge:

Verse 21 says that the Scripture He read from Isaiah has been fulfilled by Him. That He is the Mashiach who has come to set His people free. Only we killed Him. He was unable to usher in the Messianic Era. The great news is that many people think He will be the returning Mashiach! Regardless, we need to be praying every day that the Mashiach sent by Hashem will come soon! That He will rule and reign from Jerusalem, from the Temple. Proclaiming the Torah!

Apostolic Writings: Luke 4:14-22

14 Yeshua returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and news about him spread through all the surrounding area. 15 He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

16 He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. He entered, as was His custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,

18 “The Spirit of Hashem is on me,

    because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted,

    to proclaim release to the captives,

    recovering of sight to the blind,

    to deliver those who are crushed…”.

19  and to proclaim the acceptable year of Hashem.”

20 He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

22 All testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, and they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Behar - Reading #6

Behar - On the mountain  בְּהַר

Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-26:2

Reading #6 - Leviticus 25:39–46

My Thoughts:

We are learning today about rules regarding slaves. Interestingly enough, the Israeli slaves were released with their families in the year of Jubilee. But, alien slaves were bought and passed on to the following generations. Why the difference? We don’t live in a time of “formal” slavery so it may be hard for to understand this type of statute. I’m thinking that Hashem is making a very common point and part of His “theme” to take care of your “brothers” or fellow Jews in a special way. Do not neglect them. Other slaves who are not Hebrew do not receive such a special consideration. Hashem is never wrong, even though we may not understand some of His rules. In the Olam Haba, things will be made clear to us!

Challenge:

In verse 43 we read, “You shall not rule over him (fellow Jewish slaves) with harshness, but shall fear your Elohim.” First of all, no abuse or harsh treatment for slaves. Remembering that the Hebrew people were recently in slavery. And secondly, they were to “fear” Hashem. To me that means, “Listen to what I am telling you. I am the Elohim of everything, everywhere.” Nobody is more powerful than Him! We must fear, respect and honor Him and all He tells us to do. Are you doing that today? Do you fear Hashem? When the day comes in the Olam Haba when we are even blessed to catch a glimpse of Hashem – we will then know what “to fear” means. Until then walk in faith that you must follow every commandment to the best of your ability.

Reading #6 - Leviticus 25:39–46

25:39 “‘If your brother has grown poor among you, and sells himself to you, you shall not make him to serve as a slave. 40 As a hired servant, and as a temporary resident, he shall be with you; he shall serve with you until the Year of Jubilee. 41 Then he shall go out from you, he and his children with him, and shall return to his own family, and to the possession of his fathers. 42 For they are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. They shall not be sold as slaves. 43 You shall not rule over him with harshness, but shall fear your Elohim.

44 “‘As for your male and your female slaves, whom you may have from the nations that are around you, from them you may buy male and female slaves. 45 Moreover, of the children of the aliens who live among you, of them you may buy, and of their families who are with you, which they have conceived in your land; and they will be your property. 46 You may make them an inheritance for your children after you, to hold for a possession. Of them you may take your slaves forever, but over your brothers the children of Israel you shall not rule, one over another, with harshness.

Behar - Reading #5

Behar - On the mountain  בְּהַר

Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-26:2

My Thoughts:

Some more instructions on poverty. In verse 35 we are told if our “brother” is poor and can not take care of himself then we are to help. Notice it says “brother”. I am pretty sure this means a fellow Jew and/or family member or neighbor. Someone close in your own community. Sometimes I think we all worry that we must go out and support the world of the poor. We see starving children on TV and it touches our hearts. But, in all reality if we each took care of those in our own communities then everyone in the world would be taken care of. Each community helps each other. That makes perfect sense right? Make sure YOU are doing this! And me too!

Challenge:

Verse 37 is interesting, “ You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.” Basically Hashem is telling us not to take advantage of those who are needy. If your sister asked you for a loan of $1000 to pay her rent, you are not going to charge her interest. Yes, she should pay you back if it is possible. Or you are not to sell a bag of groceries to your neighbor for a higher price then you bought them (who would do that?). I look at our check cashing stores. They will cash your check instantly instead of going to a bank, but they charge you an outrageous service charge. That is definitely taking advantage of someone who does not have resources to have a bank account. As I always say – review your life and make sure you are doing what Hashem says we are NOT to do!

Reading #5 - Leviticus 25:29–38

29 “‘If a man sells a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it has been sold. For a full year he shall have the right of redemption. 30 If it isn’t redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be made sure in perpetuity to him who bought it, throughout his generations. It shall not be released in the Jubilee. 31 But the houses of the villages which have no wall around them shall be accounted for with the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee.

32 “‘Nevertheless, in the cities of the Levites, the Levites may redeem the houses in the cities of their possession at any time. 33 The Levites may redeem the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, and it shall be released in the Jubilee; for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel. 34 But the field of the pasture lands of their cities may not be sold, for it is their perpetual possession.

35 “‘If your brother has become poor, and his hand can’t support himself among you, then you shall uphold him. He shall live with you like an alien and a temporary resident. 36 Take no interest from him or profit; but fear your Adonai, that your brother may live among you. 37 You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. 38 I am Hashem your Adonai, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your Elohim.

Behar - Reading #4

Behar - On the mountain  בְּהַר

Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-26:2

Reading #4 - Leviticus 25:25–28

My Thoughts:

The whole concept of the year of Jubilee is so fascinating. I don’t know of any other government, systems or cultures where such a thing is practiced. Of course today this is not done. We were exiled for over 2,000 years and now just getting back to the land. The type of “religious” Torah government system is not set up yet. But, isn’t it amazing to think about what will happen when it is? Hashem will “own” the land, others will be redeemed in debts and sales – in ways that we are yet to understand. We do know this. With Hashem He has reasons for every commandment. And we know His reasons are good and fair.

Challenge:

More fairness. Equity. That’s how Hashem wants us to treat each other. And as a family we have the responsibility to help out other members who are poor. The cool part is Hashem will show you how to do that. If there is someone in your family who has some financial difficulty, then pray and ask Hashem what you can do to help. You will be surprised at what He suggests. It will be things you may not have ever thought of. He has a “method” for us to follow, even for today. Pay attention and do what He says. Amen.

Reading #4 - Leviticus 25:25-28

25 “‘If your brother becomes poor, and sells some of his possessions, then his kinsman who is next to him shall come, and redeem that which his brother has sold. 26 If a man has no one to redeem it, and he becomes prosperous and finds sufficient means to redeem it, 27 then let him reckon the years since its sale, and restore the surplus to the man to whom he sold it; and he shall return to his property. 28 But if he isn’t able to get it back for himself, then what he has sold shall remain in the hand of him who has bought it until the Year of Jubilee. In the Jubilee it shall be released, and he shall return to his property."

Behar - Reading #3

Behar - On the mountain  בְּהַר
Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-26:2

Reading #3 - Leviticus 25:19–24

My Thoughts:

Verse 21 reads, “...then I will command My blessing on you…”. Reminds me of the Joseph anointing. Where Joseph was able to gather up food and there was enough for everyone during a severe famine. It just shows that Hashem will always take care of us – even when the land is “resting”. And remember the manna. At this time they are still collecting it (for forty years). And on the sixth day of the week they collect enough for that day and the Sabbath! Why do we ever worry that we will have enough food, money or clothing. He takes care of us with it all! Thank you Hashem!

Challenge:

Hashem is also teaching us a lesson on preparation. If the land has to rest for a year, then we must plan for that seventh year of rest. Just like the Sabbath. We need to prepare food ahead of time and get things ready – so that we are able to rest. Hashem talks about eating from the “old store”. This was probably dried fruit, maybe some sort of preserving methods of food. That takes time to prepare for the future, and we live in an “instant” society. My challenge for you today is to start doing that. Prepare for the future. With food, money, wills, burial plots – get ready for when times can be hard and/or you will be gone. Don’t leave everything for others. Be responsible and plan for yourself and your loved ones.

25:19 The land shall yield its fruit, and you shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. 20 If you said, “What shall we eat the seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase;” 21 then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year, and it shall bear fruit for the three years. 22 You shall sow the eighth year, and eat of the fruits from the old store until the ninth year. Until its fruits come in, you shall eat the old store.

23 “‘The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and live as foreigners with Me. 24 In all the land of your possession you shall grant a redemption for the land.

Behar - Reading #2

Behar - On the mountain  בְּהַר

Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-26:2

Reading #2 -  Leviticus 25:14–18

My Thoughts:

Being fair to each other is really important to Hashem (verse 14). In all of our encounters – financial or any type of help. We are to be honest with all our dealings. Hashem had a special way to figure out all this according to the year of Jubilee.  He asks us to not wrong each other and to not do so because we fear Him. What does that mean? I believe it means that we are to respect and honor Him. After all He is the creator of EVERYTHING AND EVERYBODY. It is the second most important commandment to love our neighbor more than ourselves. That includes in all business situations too! If you are not doing this, then change.

Challenge:

Hashem asks us to follow His commands so we can dwell safely (verse 18). Originally set for the people going into Israel. Think about it. They were coming out of slavery and taking over a country with lots of idolatry. They had to learn a way to leave peacefully, with respect for others and for Hashem. The Law is exactly what would show them how to do this. Remember it’s not a burden to follow the Law, it is LIFE. And to follow it gives you peace and joy. Remember this the next time someone challenges you about following Torah. Do your best to follow it. It will keep you safe.

Reading #2 -  Leviticus 25:14–18

Leviticus 25:14 “‘If you sell anything to your neighbor, or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another. 15 According to the number of years after the Jubilee you shall buy from your neighbor. According to the number of years of the crops he shall sell to you. 16 According to the length of the years you shall increase its price, and according to the shortness of the years you shall diminish its price; for he is selling the number of the crops to you. 17 You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your Elohim; for I am Hashem your Elohim.

18 “‘Therefore you shall do My statutes, and keep My ordinances and do them; and you shall dwell in the land in safety.

Behar - Reading #1

Behar - On the mountain  בְּהַר
Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-26:2

Reading #1 - Leviticus 25:1–13

My Thoughts:

Keeping a Sabbath the seventh year for the land. When we had a country home we noticed there were years the farmers would let the fields rest. It was so they would have better crops and the land would have a chance to rejuvenate. That is just how Hashem created the land. To produce and then in the seventh year to rest. That’s how He created us too! To work six days and rest on the seventh. So that we could produce more too! Think of how more fruitful your life would be – just like the land – if you took a Sabbath rest! 

Challenge:

We also learn about the year of Jubilee. After seven times seven years there will be a loud trumpet and in the fiftieth year special things happen. Property is returned and debts are canceled. Can you imagine? If you sold a piece of land and fifty years later it was returned to you? But, not really. Because what Hashem is teaching is that it all belongs to Him – not us! That’s what we should realize in today’s world and time. Really nothing totally belongs to us. In fact, when we die we can’t even take our clothes with us – let’s remember that. 

Reading #1 - Leviticus 25:1-13

25:1 Hashem said to Moses on Mount Sinai, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When you come into the land which I give you, then the land shall keep a Sabbath to Hashem. 3 You shall sow your field six years, and you shall prune your vineyard six years, and gather in its fruits; 4 but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to Hashem. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard. 5 What grows of itself in your harvest you shall not reap, and you shall not gather the grapes of your undressed vine. It shall be a year of solemn rest for the land. 6 The Sabbath of the land shall be for food for you; for yourself, for your servant, for your maid, for your hired servant, and for your stranger, who lives as a foreigner with you. 7 For your livestock also, and for the animals that are in your land, shall all its increase be for food.

8 “‘You shall count off seven Sabbaths of years, seven times seven years; and there shall be to you the days of seven Sabbaths of years, even forty-nine years. 9 Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land. 10 You shall make the fiftieth year holy, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee to you; and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family. 11 That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee to you. In it you shall not sow, neither reap that which grows of itself, nor gather from the undressed vines. 12 For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you. You shall eat of its increase out of the field.

13 “‘In this Year of Jubilee each of you shall return to his property.”