God is Not "ONE OF US" | Parashat Emor | By His EVERY Word

Parashat Emor “Speak”
פרשת אמור

Torah Portion: Leviticus 21:1-24:23
Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15-31
B’rit Chadashah/New Covenant: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Shabbat | 14 May 2022 | 13 Iyyar 5782

Day 28 of the Omer

If you have been joining us for the weekly cycle of readings through the Torah, by this point, one concept should be coming into clarity—Adonai is meticulously building a people and a place to bear His Holy Presence and convey His Holy Name to the world.  

Adonai forged life from chaos, compelling order to the universe. Where chaos and anarchy reigns, life is laid waste. Destruction is the way of the satan, who resists order, law, rules, and Torah. The antichrist (anti-Messiah) is also known as the man of lawlessness—he resists the Law or Torah of God. 

Throughout history, all of the enemies of God have made the observance of Torah a crime. Is this the side God’s people want to be on? 

Rabbi J.H. Hertz wisely notes, 

“Liberty without law is a doubtful boon, whether to men or nations.”

Yet how can we understand these difficult commandments and standards that we read in the Torah? While some are beneficial for health, for family care and continuity, for social welfare, and for community worship; some seem harsh, and others simply random and absurd. 

Perhaps the answer is simply His answer: 

“I AM the LORD.” 

Join us now at the Father’s Table, as we plumb these mysteries, and delve into foundational treasures, unearthing the riches of hidden insights revealed in the original Hebrew language, sometimes “listening” through the ears of Yeshua’s contemporaries to gain a fresh understanding of this faith sprung from Hebraic soil, and purchased with Jewish blood, by a Son of Israel, the King of the Jews. 

We pray you are not put off by the emphasis on priestly requirements and regulations in this week’s parsha. There are riches to be mined in every precious word given us by our gracious God and King! 

If you have been redeemed by Yeshua, Revelation 1:6 says that through Him we are now priests in His Kingdom, 

“...to serve his God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen!” 

Therefore, may we learn to appreciate the high calling of our office, as the Holy Spirit instructs and enlightens us through these wonderful passages of Scripture.

Thousands of years removed, the plethora of specific “rules and regs” that a priest had to learn to live by probably seem harsh and burdensome to our present day way of thinking. We tend to major on personal freedom, expression, and fulfillment—especially in the area of faith. 
After all, isn’t it this very “legalism” that Yeshua (Jesus) came to set us free from? 
This concept bears closer consideration...

Leviticus 22:17-31  A Higher Standard

To some, the world of Torah may seem little more than an overwhelming set of complex regulations. In reality, however, the world of Torah is a world liberally supplied by God's grace and lovingkindness—a world wrought in love, preserved by mercy, and ever bearing sustenance for man’s upward reach from chaos to heaven.

We like to think in lofty and poetic terms, because we really don’t like rules. 

We want to hear about God’s love, but not about His standards. 

We want to know we have our reservation in eternity, 

but for right now, we want things our way. 

That’s why Jesus is so popular—He is presented as anti-Torah, anti-Law ... 
 instituting a “do what you feel,” more relaxed religion. 

Hmmm... the Word just doesn’t bear this out. 

Although the Apostolic Scriptures comprise a much smaller portion of the Bible than the Old Covenant, there are at least two to three times as many commandments contained in the New as in the Old!

Yeshua (Jesus), being the Living Word, and the visible representation of the invisible Divine, came not to tear down the foundation of the Torah, but to fulfill (fill full, fully preach, and rightly interpret, see Matthew 5:17-19) the prophetic and redemptive promises, and reveal the Father. He is not a new God, but the manifest embodiment of the Godhead ... therefore Creator, Redeemer, and giver of the Torah as well.

Adonai forged life from chaos, compelling order to the universe. Where chaos and anarchy reigns, life is laid waste. Destruction is the way of the satan, who resists order, law, rules, and Torah. The antichrist (anti-Messiah) is also known as the man of lawlessness—he resists the Law or Torah of God. 

Throughout history, all of the enemies of God have made the observance of Torah a crime. Is this the side God’s people want to be on? 

Rabbi J.H. Hertz wisely notes, 

“Liberty without law is a doubtful boon, whether to men or nations.”

Yet how can we understand these difficult commandments and standards that we read in the Torah? While some are beneficial for health, for family care and continuity, for social welfare, and for community worship; some seem harsh, and others simply random and absurd.

Perhaps the answer is simply His answer: “I AM the LORD.” 

Depending on the version you are reading (OR the particular version’s translation of the original text), MORE THAN 160 TIMES ADONAI FINISHES A DIRECTIVE WITH:
“For I AM the LORD.” 

If you are a parent, perhaps your child has questioned you, "Why? Why? Why?" regarding a decision, and in exasperation, rather than trying to explain a complex reason beyond their comprehension, you simply replied, “Because I SAY SO!” This carries with it the understanding that because you are the authority, there need not be an explanation adequate for their limited understanding.

How much more is this so when the authority is that of the Creator, the Holy One of Israel, God Almighty, King of kings, and LORD of lords?

If you have been joining us for the weekly cycle of readings through the Torah, by this point, one concept should be coming into clarity—Adonai is meticulously building a people and a place to bear His Holy Presence and convey His Holy Name to the world.  

This is what it all boils down to—it’s all about HIM—and how the world will know that HE IS by the way we carry His Name in our lives.

Leviticus 22:32-33 is known as Israel’s Bible in miniature: 

“So you shall keep My commandments, and do them; I am the LORD. You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be sanctified among the sons of Israel; I am the LORD who sanctifies you, who brought you out from the land of Egypt, to be your God; I am the LORD.”

This verse carries the solemn warning against profaning the Divine Name, which literally means that those who call themselves by His Name (believers) must not mock His Name by their life—by the way they carry or bear His Name before the world. Although spoken in reference to the priests as guardians of the sanctuary, this commandment, both in the positive and negative, applies to all Israel, and by extension, the Body of Believers in Yeshua, as priests in His Kingdom. 1 Peter 2:4-10,  Revelation 1:6

Therefore, we must be exceedingly circumspect in our actions, guarding the honor of the Divine Name that we carry before others, lest it be tarnished or mocked. For we are all living epistles, “known and read by all men.” (II Corinthians 3:2) The Jewish commentaries remind us that the Glory of the Living God, as it were, is entrusted to our care. We are bidden to add luster to the Divine Name that it will shine throughout the Nations.

The world has no light, but the ministers of the Most High are flames of fire. Psalm 104:4

Through those who fear Him, Adonai desires to commend His standards of holiness—to define the difference between that which is precious and profane in His Kingdom. 

As our Haftarah echoes, “...they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23
For this is the way that leads to life.

The Rabbis say: “Wild beasts visit and afflict the world because of the profanation of the Divine Name.” (Ethics of the Fathers, v, II) 

Where unworthy conduct contradicts faith, there the wild beast in man is unleashed.

Desecrating the Holy Name of God in public apostasy kindles a fire that tarnishes and defiles many.
Where the holiness of God is profaned, faith is stunted and distorted.

“The Rabbis, in a striking apalogue, picture a boat at sea, full of men. One of them begins to bore a hole in the bottom of the boat and, on being remonstrated with, urges that he is only boring under his own seat. ‘Yes,’ say his comrades, ‘but when the sea rushes in we shall be drowned with you.’”
FROM THE PENTATEUCH AND HAFTARAHS, SONCINO PRESS, 1938, CHIEF RABBI DR. J.H. HERTZ

So it is with the testimony of our lives.

Our lives, far more than our words, touch those around us, and preach a message of life or death. 

Does our life demonstrate to others that we truly believe in and fear a holy and righteous God, that they may seek Him unto redemption? 

Or does our careless, irreverent behavior demonstrate to others that God is just another belief system to put on and take off at will, thereby “preaching” a false gospel with our lives?

“Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.”
II Corinthians 5:11

Tragically, we have lost reverence and awe for the LORD, which is the very beginning, first step (tĕchillah in Hebrew) to understanding and discernment, according to Proverbs 9:10. Perhaps that's why the church is full of baby believers, still on milk, after years or decades ... that are no different from the world around them except for what they may do on most Sunday mornings.

God is NOT
"one of us,"
 NOT
"a slob like one of us."
(Joan Osborne song)

No, He is holy, holy, holy.
And it is an honor and a privilege to represent His Kingdom,
and carry His Divine Name before men.

In our zeal to fill pews,
we have preached a peculiar Messiah.
One who came to serve ME,

Who suffered to make ME happy,
Who gave everything to give ME entrance into His glorious Kingdom,
but requires NOTHING of ME once I'm there.
The songs of worship rarely even contain His Name ...
They center on ME ...  MY freedom ...
How much He loves ME even though I keep sinning ...
How far I can wander and fall and sin and He is always there to love ME ...
WHO IS THE OBJECT OF WORSHIP
IN TODAY'S CHURCH?
"ME."
Rather than being elevated and transformed to the image of Messiah,
we drag Him down, to conform Him to everything that appeals to our fleshly nature ...
to every bright idea that pops into our head ...
We put "Jesus stickers" on the common and profane,
thinking that will make it holy ...

So, why the detailed instructions for priests?
(Who had a holy calling, just as we as priests do today.)
"Where there is no vision 
(i.e., Isaiah's vision of God's holiness),
the people are unrestrained, 
"But happy is he who keeps the law." (Torah)
Proverbs 29:18

Leviticus 23  Divine Appointments

The Mo’edim—Appointed Times with Adonai

“The LORD spoke again to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD's appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:’” Leviticus 23:1-2

“They shall also keep My laws and My statutes in all My appointed feasts and sanctify My sabbaths.” Ezekiel 44:24

Leviticus 23 sets the radial point for the yearly rhythm of observances and festivals which unify Adonai with His People and tell the great redemption story. What a blessed people we are that God Almighty has set these special times to meet with us!

Eight observances, or mo’edim (Hebrew—literally, appointed times with God) are listed in Leviticus 23:


• Shabbat שבת The Lord’s Sabbath —A weekly celebration of Creation, Creator, Redemption, and Redeemer v. 3

The Spring Feasts—Messianic in Prophecy, Fulfilled by Yeshua, the Lamb of God

• Pesach  פסח The Lord’s Passover v. 5
• Chag HaMatzot  חַג הַמַּצֹּות  The Feast of Unleavened Bread vs. 6-8
• Bikkurim  בכורים  First Fruits vs. 10-14
• Shavuot  שבועות  Pentecost vs. 16-21

The Fall Feasts—Look to the Return of Messiah, Resurrection, and Final Redemption

• Yom Teruah  יום תרועה  Day of Trumpets, also called Rosh Hashanah vs. 25-26
• Yom Kippur  יום כיפור  Day of Atonement vs. 27-32
• Sukkot  סוכות  The Feast of Booths or Tabernacles vs. 34-36

Three of these mo’edim are called “pilgrimage festivals,” for all the men of Israel were called to  bring their sacrifice to the Temple in Jerusalem on Passover, Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Tabernacles). It was at Shavuot that crowds gathered for this pilgrim festival and heard the apostles speaking in their own language as the Spirit of God empowered them to utter the glorious message of the Messiah. Acts 2

There are seven High Sabbath days—specials days of rest in the LORD—associated with the mo’edim. These are different from the weekly Sabbath, which still takes place during the festival.

When Yeshua was crucified, it was midweek, just as the special Sabbath of the Passover was about to begin at twilight. Because most Christians are unfamiliar with the Torah, they are unaware that the Passover week contained more than one Sabbath (which the New Testament text reveals), and thus concluded Yeshua’s death to take place on Friday before the weekly Sabbath. This reckoning does not allow Yeshua to fulfill His own Word and the “only sign,” that He would “be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40

What Happened to “The Faith First Delivered to the Saints”?
Why doesn’t the Church embrace these biblical observances that our God calls HIS appointed times? The historical and biblical account records the early communities of Jewish and Gentile believers continuing the rhythm of festivals and biblical holy days. The New Testament gives no new observances, nor directive to cease these appointed biblical observances.

Historically, the formal shift came following the 325 AD Council at Nicaea under Constantine (who was not a Christian until his deathbed confession). The determination to remove all “Jewish influence and custom” from the church was based not upon Scriptural exegesis, but rabid anti-Semitism, believing the Jews to be the “most wicked of men,” and “beyond hope of salvation” for the crime of deicide—killing God. Therefore, the church must have nothing in common with the “detestable Jewish crowd.” (See the writings of the early "Church Fathers," Origen, Justin Martyr, Chrysostom, Ignatius of Antioch and others.)

The Christian Oath
All believers (the Nazarenes in particular) who continued to observe the “law of Moses” were branded heretics, accustomed to, “practice in the synagogues of Satan.” 

To be accepted as a Christian from that time forward, one was required to make a profession of faith renouncing: “all customs, rites, legalisms, unleavened breads, sacrifices of lambs of the Hebrews, and all the other feasts of the Hebrews, sacrifices, prayers, aspirations, purifications, sanctifications, and propitiations, and fasts, and new moons, and Sabbaths, and superstitions, and hymns and chants, observances and synagogues, and the food and drink of the Hebrews; in one word, I renounce absolutely everything Jewish, every Law, rite, and custom. ...shall I be found eating with the Jews, or feasting with them ... may the leprosy of Gehazi cleave to me ... and may I be anathema in the world to come, and may my soul be be set down with Satan and the devils.” Stefano Assemani, Acta Sanctorium Martyrum Orientalium at Occidentalium, Vol. 1, Rome 1748, page 105, also known as the The Constantine Creed, from the Church of Constantinople, 325 AD

Unfortunately, centuries of this religious antisemitism left an indelible mark on Christianity, and an antipathy toward the Old Testament Scriptures as if they were written by another God. (Which by the way, was a heresy called Marcionism, that originated in the early church.)

Rejoice! Hidden riches remain undiscovered in these unique observances Adonai calls HIS appointed times—islands in the continuum of existence, to come into His Presence, for His Pleasure and His Glory—and be refreshed, renewed, and refilled! Leviticus 23 bids us, “rest ... rejoice ... celebrate!”

The Sabbath is a sanctuary which crowns each week. Time stops in a chaotic and demanding world. The family gathers around a table prepared to honor the invitation of their King. At the center, candles illuminate the evening. Yeshua said of Himself that He was the Light of the World and the Lord of the Sabbath. His presence is evident at the table of believers.

A day of rest and refreshing is a blessing, but the day is really about the LORD. As Christians, we too often look for own blessing, yet, our highest call is to bring glory to HIM. In Ezekiel 44:24, Adonai calls us to sanctify HIS Sabbaths. By meeting with Him, setting this day apart for Him, others see we exalt His Holiness.

The Passover glorifies Yeshua, our Passover Lamb, slain for the sins of the world. This ancient and joyous festival is richly imbued with prophetic symbolism, recounting the dramatic redemption of the sons of Israel from Egypt, beginning the great redemption story. Paul compares believers to the unleavened bread—the bread the Israelites ate when leaving Egypt, using the occasion of the church celebrating Passover for a profound exhortation in I Corinthians 5:6-8.

Shavuot or Pentecost became known as the Festival of Revelation. Following the Israelites’ redemption from bondage in Egypt, they went into the desert of Sinai to meet with their God. The Rabbis speak of this fifty day period, known as the Counting of the Omer, as a season of anticipation, “like one who expects his most intimate friend on a certain day, counts the days and even the hours. This is the reason we count the days that pass since the offering of the Omer, between the anniversary of our departure from Egypt and the anniversary of the Law-giving.” —Rabbi J.H. Hertz

The redemption from Egypt was not an end in itself, but a prelude to Sinai, as a betrothal is to marriage. The marriage took place at the foot of Sinai with the Nation of Israel receiving the marriage contract (Hebrew, ketubah) from her Heavenly Bridegroom in the form of the Torah. A People was formed through this union to bring redemption to the world.

In the fullness of time, following another prophetic Passover, another group of God’s people were gathered in expectation, following this fifty day season of anticipation. After Yeshua’s death and resurrection, He was with His apostles, and: “Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” (Acts 1:4-5) And this expectation was fulfilled on Shavuot—called Pentecost in the New Covenant. 

Jeremiah 31:31 prophetically spoke that the New Covenant will be different from the Law of Moses, given that first Shavuot, which was on tablets of stone. Through the Holy Spirit, the LORD will put the Law within us, written on our hearts—accomplished through this miraculous event recorded in Acts 2 on another Shavuot that changed the world. 

After the richly prophetic Spring Festivals, there is a long summer lull. This can be compared to the long waiting period between Messiah’s first coming and His return.

The Fall Feasts resume in September or October, depending on the biblical calendar. We will look at those feasts of promise in greater detail in an upcoming study.

It is all about Him, but we cannot bless Him without recognizing the magnitude and divine might His Word carries in our lives. 

He is God. Praise Him for His Word and the enabling it gives to live as He would have us live.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.  

II Timothy 2:15

In other words, live as any priest of the God Most High should!

Haftarah Ezekiel 44:15-44:31

Faithfulness Earns Honor for Generations

It is amazing to think of it, but in the Millennial period of time the Temple sacrificial system will be restored. A  fourth Temple will be in existence. And the Levitical priesthood then reestablished will once again be keeping charge of the sanctuary.

Ezekiel 44:15-31 speaks of all of this. At that time it will be the sons of Zadok or only those descended from the line of Zadok who will be allowed to make the most holy sacrifices. The family of Zadok will have this honor because according to Ezekiel at a time when the rest of Israel and the priesthood engaged in apostasy, the family of Zadok remained faithful to God.

What a testimony for a family name. Honor on into the Millennium for faithfulness to God in the past. Ever wonder how your family name will be carried on as a result of your life today?

B’rit Chadashah 1 Peter 2:4-10

Bearing the Presence of God

We have been speaking much here about priests. Our B'rit Chadashah passage of 1 Peter 2:4-10 carries on that theme by declaring that the priestly office is not for the Jewish nation and the tribe of Levi only. Peter says of us:

“But you are a chosen race, A royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...”

This has reference to every believer in Yeshua. Wonderful, isn’t it? Whereas only an elite few of an entire nation were selected to offer sacrifices to God, not even one believer found in Yeshua is excluded from this royal priesthood and the sacrificial service that accompanies it.

Our priestly duty is found in v.5: “ ...you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 

This really is something. The Old Testament priest could only perform his priestly service in the Tabernacle or Temple. But, not so with believers in Yeshua.

We have no Temple in which to worship. Indeed we each are the temple of God and it is through our lives that spiritual sacrifices are offered. 

This ought to be very sobering for each of us. As priests we are actually engaged 24/7—no matter where we are, no matter what we are doing—in the business of offering spiritual sacrifices through the lives we live.

So how goes your service in proclaiming, “...the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light ?”

Shabbat Shalom!

In Messiah's Love,

His EVERY Word Ministries

The Glory of the LORD Fills His Tabernacle! | Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei | By His EVERY Word

Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei

פרשת ויקהל 

The Glory of the LORD Fills His Tabernacle! 

Torah: Exodus 35:1 - 38:20
Haftarah: 1 Kings 7:40 - 50 
B’rit Chadashah: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

:: Shabbat HaChodesh ::

Shabbat | 13 March 2021 | 29th of Adar, 5781

In Hebrew, Vayak’hel וַיַּקְהֵל literally means “and he assembled,” as our parashah begins with Moses assembling all the “congregation of the sons of Israel” for instruction from the LORD regarding the Sabbath, the Tabernacle, and congregational life.

Pekudei פְקוּדֵי is translated “accounts," "sum” or “records.” This portion is added some years as a double portion, recounting the stunning generosity of the assembly in over supplying the building of the Tabernacle.

With these final portions we complete the book of Exodus. 

Adonai has formed His congregation of the Sons of Israel, who have devoted their resources, gifts, and talents to preparing a dwelling place on earth for His Divine Presence according to the heavenly blueprint SHOWN to Moses. (This account captivates the imagination! Exodus 25)

Upon completion of this holy enterprise, their efforts are rewarded as His awesome Shekhinah filled the Tabernacle, a celestial acceptance of their labor of love.

Adonai is STILL building His congregation until the final redemption when we will at last see the Heavenly Tabernacle, which is created by His eternal presence. 

As we take the time to read through the Torah, Haftarah, and B'rit Chadashah, we see His plan and pattern—lovingly, painstakingly, and oft times heartbreakingly, wrought in flesh through the millennia—generation to generation.

In these days of growing spiritual darkness...

“Chazak! Chazak! Be strong, be strong! And let us strengthen one another!” These words of the ancient warrior, paraphrased from 2 Samuel 10:12, are customarily  proclaimed upon completing the reading of each of the five books of the Torah—as in today’s parsha, as we complete the book of Exodus.

It is our personal message to each of our readers as well during these days of trial and tribulation. May you be strengthened in the LORD who gives you each breath, and has numbered your days, remembering He alone is your refuge and your fortress. And strengthen others with your certain hope! Under the shadow of His wings, take refuge—that you may not fear the terror by night, the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence, plague, or virus that walks in darkness! (Psalm 91)

The LORD bless and keep you, now and ever, in His perfect Shalom! (Health, well-being and peace)

—His EVERY Word Ministries

Join us now at the Father’s table as we keep the rhythm of Israel for more than two millennia, anticipating fresh manna from our God and King. As followers of Messiah we have added a corresponding New Covenant portion reflecting the fulfillment and crown of the Torah.
 

Exodus 35  The Holy Congregation—Assembled for a Holy Purpose

vv. 1-3 “Then Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and said to them, 'These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do: For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a sabbath of complete rest to the LORD; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall not kindle a fire in any of your dwellings on the sabbath day.'” 

The Hebrew word assembled is 'kä·hal קהל, meaning to assemble, to gather, to call together.

From kahal is derived the word kehillah, the Hebrew word for ASSEMBLY, SYNAGOGUE, or CONGREGATION. Kahal is also the Old Testament Hebrew equivalent of the Greek word ἐκκλησία or ekklēsia. 

Most are familiar with its English usage in the New Testament: CHURCH—an assembly or gathering of “the called” among the Jews or Gentiles who believed in Yeshua.

Most are familiar with the admonishment in James 2:2-4, regarding treating the wealthy better than the poor:

“...if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?”



However, very few realize that the described scenario—involving believers in Yeshua—takes place in a synagogue.

The word assembly in James 2:2 is συναγωγή synagōgē. It is the Greek word for kehillah from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Tenakh, the Old Testament). 

In the B’rit Chadashah/New Covenant/New Testament, synagogue generally refers to the assembling of the Jews, and ekklesia or church generally speaks to the assembly of believers—Jews and Gentiles. However, in first century lingo, ekklēsia and synagōgē were used interchangeably.

We find another very familiar verse in Hebrews 10:25 that most can quote by heart. Yet it may surprise some to find out it utilizes the word synagogue, not church:

“...not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” 


This is ἐπισυναγωγή episynagōgē, which also occurs in 2 Thessalonians 2:1: “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him...”

Many have a myopic view built around the word “church.” Even those who know the word church does not mean a building that people go to on Sunday, but rather the people who are called [out of the world, together for worship] assembling together, often have somewhat of a skewed or narrow view. This view paints a picture of the glorious church, birthed at Pentecost as an entirely new and unique thing, as contrasted with "the corrupt synagogue of the Jews," an idea graphically portrayed on the edifices of some of the grand cathedrals of Europe in the characters of Ecclesia and Synagoga.

There is no dispute that “the church,” the Body of Messiah, the assembly of believers is a glorious thing! 

Entirely new, however? Not entirely.
For thousands of years, 

Adonai has been forming His Congregation. 

As we take the time to read through the Torah and Haftarah,
we see His plan and pattern—lovingly, painstakingly,
and ofttimes heartbreakingly,
wrought in flesh—generation to generation.

Israel in the wilderness at Mt. Sinai is referred to as "the church" in Acts 7:38 in the KJV, again using the Greek word for church/assembly/congregation: ἐκκλησία ekklēsia.


Something Old, Something New


The believers were together “in one place” on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, oft noted as the “birth of the church.” The reason they were together was not a new thing—this was the ancient practice of the “congregation of the sons of Israel.” Exodus 35:1

In the New Covenant, Shavu’ot is called by the Greek word, Pentecost, but it is the pilgrimage festival from Leviticus 23:15-22, when the men of Israel were called by Adonai to come up to Jerusalem fifty days after Passover. Paul continued to observe this rich festival as noted in Acts 20:16 and I Corinthians 16:8.

The believers were “...continuing with one mind in the Temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47

The life of faith is meant to be shared, as exemplified in this week’s parasha. Each member, alone being limited, contributes an essential piece for the vitality of the “...whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:16

Observe the Sabbath, Do Not Create Fire

In Exodus 35, we see Moses assembling the congregation together to hear the Word of the Lord:



vv. 2-3 “For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a sabbath of complete rest to the LORD; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall not kindle a fire in any of your dwellings on the sabbath day.” 

The issue of the Sabbath seems to be one of extreme importance to Adonai, as often as He revisits the subject! Embodied in the Sabbath observance is a weekly demonstration of TRUST for provision, thus recognizing and testifying to the world that the LORD God is a faithful provider. How many times do the Scriptures entreat, exhort, and admonish those who fear the LORD to trust the LORD, as in Psalm 115:11? 



It is also a reminder and testimony of His magnificent work of Creation. Why would Adonai command us not to kindle a fire on the Sabbath? 

Making light is an act of creation. God rested from His work of creation on the seventh day, and sanctified it for man to rest with Him. Therefore observant Jews prepare for the Sabbath, lighting their candles before sunset, turning on lights, preparing foods, etc., that they may rest with their Creator on this blessed day—His first appointment with His beloved in the Leviticus 23 list of mo’edim, or "appointed times."

No Fundraising Schemes ... Receive from Those Who Had a Heart to Give

vv. 5-9 “Take from among you a contribution to the LORD; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD'S contribution: gold, silver, and bronze, and blue, purple and scarlet material, fine linen, goats' hair, and rams' skins dyed red, and porpoise skins (or tanned skins), and acacia wood, and oil for lighting, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastpiece.” 

Adonai must have had faith in His People and His plan, as He didn’t employ persuasive or clever fundraising principles to raise the resources needed to build His Tabernacle!

Let Each Joint Supply Accordingly and Liberally

vv. 10-29 “Let every skillful man among you come, and make all that the LORD has commanded: the tabernacle, its tent and its covering ... the ark and its poles, the mercy seat ... the table and its poles ... the lampstand also for the light ...the oil for the light ... the woven garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests. 

“Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses' presence. Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD'S contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments. Then all whose hearts moved them, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and bracelets, all articles of gold; so did every man who presented an offering of gold to the LORD.” 

Skins—cloths of Tekhelet blue and scarlet were brought by every man who had them in his possession, and all who could contribute silver, bronze, and acacia wood brought it forth. 

Women whose hearts were stirred, spun fine linen, goats’ hair, and materials in Tekhelet blue, scarlet, and purple. The onyx stones, and precious stones for the ephod and breastpiece were contributed by the rulers. All that was needed, was given by a “freewill offering to the LORD.” v. 29

vv. 30-33 Moses proclaimed that the LORD had called by name, Bezalel of the Tribe of Judah, filling him “with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work.” 

vv. 34-35 Not only was Bezalel gifted to do the work, but Adonai “also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan,” filling them with “skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer...” 

Here we see a practical application of the Congregation working together—each one utilizing his skill, and teaching and equipping others—to build the earthly dwelling place for the LORD. Isn’t this an apt picture of Ephesians 4:16 where, “...every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part?”

This is the Body, formed by Adonai to build a habitation for His Divine Presence on earth ... then and now. In the time of Moses, His Glory would reside in the Tabernacle and then the Temple crafted by human hands—“the congregation of the sons of Israel.” Today, Adonai dwells in tabernacles of flesh and blood, who together form His Body for His Kingdom purposes on earth.

Exodus 36  Sufficient Unto His Purpose

Just as in verse 1, where we are told, “Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded,” each member of His Body performs an essential function for Adonai's eternal purposes.

There are those who seek to know what God has for them to enhance their own life, and those who conform the Scriptures to what is comfortable, palatable, culturally relative, or popular. There are those who “go to church” on Sunday and then live the rest of the week for themselves—although they may pray for theirs’ and others’ needs, and seem very "spiritual." 



God, however, is forming a Body for His purposes. A body that only puts forth a foot or an eye for service—on its own terms—and even then, only one day a week is seriously handicapped.

God is seeking a Holy Tabernacle from which His Holy Presence may penetrate this dark world as a beacon, exposing the deadly deceptions of wickedness, compromise, and rebellion. 

He is defining the Way that leads to Life. If we are conformed to the darkness of this age, we have dimmed that light. “If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” Mark 6:23

As we are yielded to HIS purposes, HIS desires, and seek HIS will—not ours, we will be sufficiently supplied to fulfill His purposes through the lives He has given us. 

And that chief purpose is this: that God be glorified—in His people ... in the earth.

Dayeinu! It is Sufficient!

v. 7 As suspected, Adonai knew what He was doing in taking an offering from His People “as stirred by their heart.” 

They gave ... and gave ... and gave! In fact, they gave sufficient materials for the entire Tabernacle, and even “more than enough for all the work, to perform it.” 

Have you ever heard of such a thing? Without a fundraising strategy or clever gimmicks—the people gave more than was needed! 

Moses had to issue a command and a proclamation to circulate throughout the camp, saying, “Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary” (v. 6) to restrain the people from bringing any more!

The Passover Seder (traditional supper) contains a song called Dayeinu (pronounced die-ā-noo), a Hebrew word דַּיֵּנוּ, meaning “it would have been sufficient.”

The song has 14 verses recounting the many wonderful things Adonai did for our people in the Exodus story, “If He had brought us out from Egypt, and had not carried out judgments against them ... Dayeinu! It would have been sufficient! If He would have supplied our needs in the wilderness for forty years, but not given us manna ... given us the Shabbat, but not brought before Mount Sinai, etc., etc. ...Dayeinu!”

Dayeinu is formed from the Hebrew word dai די in verse 7: “they gave sufficient materials...” This is the same word translated as overflows in Malachi 3:10: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”

Exodus 37-39  The Tabernacle Constructed

According to Adonai’s meticulous instructions, with the over-abundant supply of

materials and willing craftsmen, the Wilderness Tabernacle is constructed.

An interesting insight from the Jewish commentaries on Exodus 38:8: “Moreover, he made the laver of bronze with its base of bronze, from the mirrors of the serving women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.”

In keeping with the theme of consecration for the service of the LORD, it is thought these women sacrificed their mirrors—essentially renouncing their vanity—as a demonstration of their devotion to Adonai and His service. 

“So the sons of Israel did all the work according to all that the LORD had commanded Moses. And Moses examined all the work and behold, they had done it; just as the LORD had commanded, this they had done. So Moses blessed them.” Exodus 39:42-43

Moses had been given a view of the Heavenly Tabernacle—the Divine Blueprints for Adonai’s dwelling place among His People. (Exodus 25:9) He was able to bless the congregation for their zealous dedication to the sacred task of preparing God’s Tabernacle in the Wilderness.

Exodus 40  The Glory of the LORD Fills His Tabernacle































vv. 1-16 “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.’ ...You shall put the holy garments on Aaron and anoint him and consecrate him, that he may minister as a priest to Me. You shall bring his sons and put tunics on them; and you shall anoint them even as you have anointed their father, that they may minister as priests to Me; and their anointing will qualify them for a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.’ Thus Moses did; according to all that the LORD had commanded him, so he did.” 

The Tabernacle had been scrupulously prepared for the Almighty.
The priesthood is now to be prepared with holy garments.

Holy garments represent consecration unto Adonai, being undefiled, and separated unto Him for His service and glory. 

“Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
And who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.”
Psalm 24:3-4

vv. 17-34 “Now in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected. ...He erected the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the veil for the gateway of the court. Thus Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD  filled the tabernacle.” 

Some may say that God is too demanding.

Why so many details?

But this was the reward for the generosity and months of dedication
 in the desert for the congregation of the sons of Israel—the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle they had built for Him!

The awesome Divine Presence was His seal of approval on their completed work.

How many long to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21

v. 35 “Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”

Shekhinah

The Hebrew sages spoke of the manifest Divine Presence as the Shekhinah שכינה (Pronounced: sheh-kee-nah), which has been adopted by Christianity. 

The word Shekhinah does not appear in the the Bible, but is likely derived from the word, shakhan שכן, translated as settled in verse 35. Shakhan is also translated abide, dwell, tabernacle. 

Thus, in Judaic tradition, Shekhinah is defined as the Divine Presence of the Almighty.

Follow Me!

vv. 36-37 “Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up.” 

Thus the congregation of the sons of Israel would learn to follow the LORD in the wilderness. Again, we find  a parallel—something old, something new. 

And much like Israel, who had to learn to follow Adonai so many generations ago, we too, are called to follow. For Yeshua entreats us: “follow me!” “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26) Do you hear His voice today?

v. 38 For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.”

When we finally see the Heavenly Tabernacle, which is the LORD Almighty Himself, we will finally walk perfectly by His Divine Light...

“The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.” Revelation 21:27

With This We Complete the Book of Exodus!

Chazak! Chazak! Be strong, be strong! And let us strengthen one another! These are the words of the ancient warrior paraphrased from 2 Samuel 10:12, and are customarily  proclaimed upon completing each of the five books of the Torah.

To be continued...

Haftarah Vayak’hel 1 Kings 7:40-50

Well, here we are again with more information on the Tabernacle being given in our Torah portion of Scripture. That which we have already seen in Exodus is a preliminary to what God is going to do when He has Solomon build the first permanent Temple. In the Exodus 35:1-38:20 portion there are some things of note that reflect upon this week’s Haftarah and B’rit Chadashah. First though, some dissimilarities between the Torah (Tabernacle) and Haftarah (Temple) passages.

The first is that the opportunity to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle was extended to all of the congregation. (Exodus 35:4-5) That’s everyone. “Moses spoke to all the congregation...”(v.4) With Solomon’s Temple there was no contribution of wealth from the people. David had either provided it prior to his death or it came from taxation. 

The second is that the giving for the Tabernacle was done willingly and not out of compulsion. “...whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring...” (v.5)  Moses was quite clear on both of these points when he spoke to the people. “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded, saying, ‘Take from among you a contribution to the Lord; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze...’” (Exodus 35:4-5) Significant here is that the laborers on Solomon’s Temple were not voluntary, but conscript.

And the third dissimilarity is that this giving to the Tabernacle's construction seemed to just pour out of the proverbial horn of plenty. It just never stopped. “They received from Moses all the contributions which the sons of Israel had brought to perform the work in the construction of the sanctuary. And they still continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning.” (36:3) This could be summed up by saying that with the Tabernacle God’s children were invited to participate and willingly did so; whereas with the building of the first Temple they were commanded to. They had no choice in the matter. Ouch, that must have hurt. And so...

I Kings 7:40-50 is the Haftarah selection of Scripture to which we are comparing the Torah. While these verses deal solely with some construction issues of Solomon’s Temple there are unspoken points of similarity. What might some of them be? Why would the Sages have chosen these verses as a compliment—or substitutionary reading—to the Torah portion?

Perhaps the most obvious link the Sages saw between this and the Torah portion is that both speak of the collection of materials for, and the construction of God’s House. But beyond that, this process was to make a place for God to meet His people, and be a place from which God’s people would offer their sacrifices to Adonai.

We must not forget as well that both the Tabernacle and Temple reflected the best that could be given to the task of creating these structures at that time.

At this point, let’s hold off making any application for now and move on to our B’rit Chadashah portion. I think we’ll see the application there.

B'rit Chadashah Vayak’hel
II Corinthians 9:6-11

As we move into our B’rit Chadashah passage of II Corinthians 9:6-11 we are introduced to a portion of the doctrine concerning New Testament giving. As you read these verses see if your able to find similarity and contrast with the previous Tabernacle and Temple passages. Here we go.

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, ‘HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.’ Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.”

The Apostle Paul was on a mission. The believers in the Jerusalem church were in financial need and Paul was committed to meeting that need through offerings from other churches. So he writes to the Corinthian church regarding a commitment they had made to contribute to this circumstance. “So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness.” II Corinthians 9:5

With the thought of an impending collection in mind Paul pulls out some of those Tabernacle giving principals. 

• First of all, the opportunity to contribute was extended to all the saints in Corinth. In 8:1 Paul addresses the “brethren.” Paul has been speaking to the whole church in this letter and goes right on doing so as he launches into this portion on giving. No one was to be excluded from this opportunity. All were invited to share in the blessing.

• Secondly, Paul wanted only what was going to be given willingly and not because one felt they had to. In 9:7 he says, ”Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

As the Holy Spirit brought these points to Paul’s thinking for the process of the divinely inspired act of pen to paper, this educated Pharisee’s mind had to leap back to the process whereby the Tabernacle was “funded.”  Both of these points must have reminded Paul of Exodus 35:4-5. Remember how... “Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, ‘This is the thing which the LORD has commanded, saying,  'Take from among you a contribution to the LORD; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze...’ ” And 35:21 then goes on to say, “Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord’s contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments.”

• The third point could be no different in the Apostle’s thinking. He must have recalled how Moses, in recounting this Tabernacle event, wrote of those giving, “They received from Moses all the contributions which the sons of Israel had brought to perform the work in the construction of the sanctuary. And they still continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning.” Exodus 36:3

These giving Israelites, one and all, were first, offered the opportunity to give. Then they were, instructed how to give. It had to be out of a willing heart. And lastly the fruit of this was that they just didn’t stop giving.

What a contrast we see when we consider the construction of Solomon’s Temple. Let’s first understand though, that the building of the Temple was of the Lord. God had instructed King David to prepare much of what would be needed. He just could not do the building himself. Solomon, his son and the next King, was to use what had been assembled along with other materials acquired largely from a foreign country. This was God’s plan. It was a blessed and divinely led endeavor. But there were major differences.

These differences centered around the interaction of the Jewish people with the project of building the Temple. 

• First, there was no offer made to them to contribute goods or wealth to the project. 
• And so, secondly, there could be no giving out of that willing heart so openly seen in the construction of the Tabernacle. 
• This meant that, third, there was no continual giving and no consequential blessing in their lives which would have come as a result of that giving.

As we move on in the story of the Temple building we see that it was successfully finished and it was the grandest of structures. Not only had David planned and then Solomon erected the Temple, but they completed many other building projects in each of their respective reigns. 

The Temple itself was seven years in the making and then after that there was another thirteen years to build Solomon’s house. And after that there was more building.  

II Chronicles 8:1-6 tells us that Solomon built city after city. How this was accomplished was warned of by Samuel. Let’s visit that.

It is in I Samuel 8 that the children of Adonai come to Samuel and ask for a king to  rule over them. Up until then they had what would be called a theocratic kingdom. In other words, God was their King. He ruled over them through appointed representatives. But these Israelites wanted to be like all the other folks and do things the way everyone else did, the world’s way. Samuel warned them of the bad consequences of this desire. We find it in I Samuel 8:1-22, especially verses 9 and 16.

Here God says to Samuel, “Now then listen to their voice; however you shall solemnly warn them and tell them of the procedure of the king who will reign over them” (v.9). And then Samuel says to the people speaking of these kings they want, “He will also take your male servants and your female servants and your best young men and your donkeys and use them for his work.” v.16

The people would be used to serve the king. But they insisted, and so God allowed the institution of the monarchy. This system was oppressive and was abused. When Israel finally divided into two separate  kingdoms the specific reason given for initiating its division was the oppressive labor forced on the people by Solomon.

You’ll see this in I Kings 12:1-16. In verse four, Jeroboam, soon to be the first king of the new Northern Kingdom, says to Rehoboam, at that point the next king of Israel after his father Solomon, “Your father made our yoke hard; now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you." Ultimately this agreement was not reached and Israel was thus divided into two separate kingdoms.

Suffice it to say that where the Tabernacle was concerned there was much blessing. Where the Temple was concerned that blessing which comes from giving did not exist. Two ways of building, two different outcomes when it comes to the blessing of giving or not giving. The way of blessing came because the process of building the Tabernacle was done under God’s rule, done His way. The missed blessing happened because the people were under a King’s rule and things were just done differently.

So where does all of this lead us? Hopefully as believers in Yeshua and therefore members of the Body of Messiah, it impresses upon us the necessity of giving in a Biblical way.

There are many gimmicks, schemes, programs, rallies, and the like to get believers to give.  Let's recognize them for what they are; man-made substitutes for giving God’s way. But God’s way, the right way, is found in Scripture—a bit of it in our II Corinthians passage.

Why don’t we just stick with that. The opportunity to give is open to all. Those that give willingly and not out of compulsion will be blessed. 

And our God will supply the need, even meet it with excess.

Have a blessed Shabbat!

In Messiah's Love,
His EVERY Word Ministries