Jacob Ben Avraham

Psalm 23. A verse-by-verse understanding (Part 2) VS 2. HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES, HE LEADETH ME BESIDE STILL WATERS; (KJV) HE HAS ME LIE DOWN IN GRASSY PASTURES, HE LEADS ME BY QUIET WATERS (Complete Jewish Study Bible) When we read the second verse, we look into the life and mind of the shepherd. In this case, David the shepherd, who would one day be King David. He had his father's sheep to tend and care for. The job of a shepherd was to care for the sheep, watching over them and chasing off wild beasts that might want to kill them, or even thieves who might want to steal them. One important job was to see that they were fed. The shepherd would lead the sheep to pasture areas with green grass. Additionally, a water source had to be nearby. After the sheep had eaten the grass, they would drink water to satisfy their thirst. We are the same way. We eat breakfast and have either fruit juice and/or coffee. Food and drink are necessary for a balanced diet. "Lying down" is a relaxing posture. The shepherd would not "hurry" the sheep. No one likes to eat in a hurry. A meal should be a relaxing time. As the shepherd takes his sheep to grassy areas and to water sources, our shepherd, Yeshua/Jesus, gives us our spiritual food. The Bible is our "green pastures" and "Still waters." Yeshua has many titles, including "The Bread of Life" and "The Living Water." Bread has been a staple of man's diet for thousands of years and remains so today. We all need water as well. We get to know God by studying His WORD. It should be a joyful and relaxing time to read and digest the words written down by the prophets and other writers that God chose to record his words. The Holy Spirit is our guiding shepherd, who illuminates our minds and souls with understanding. VS3. HE RESTORETH MY SOUL; HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE (KJV) HE RESTORES MY INNER PERSON. HE GUIDES ME IN RIGHT PATHS FOR THE SAKE OF HIS OWN NAME (Complete Jewish Study Bible) The LORD, who is our shepherd, has given us His WORD as our spiritual food. It is our "green pasture" and "Still and living water". The WORD of God talks to our inner person and leads us to get right with God through a "Born-again" experience, accepting Yeshua as LORD and Savior. He then becomes our Shepherd. Our soul is "restored" from being alienated from God to being reconciled to God through Yeshua. The Bible is our "right path," His commandments, "paths of righteousness." We are righteously saved by faith to walk in righteousness. Following and putting into practice his commandments (even though not all the 613 commandments are for today). His NAME is powerful. "Yeshuah" is "Salvation." For the sake of salvation, He gave up his life as a ransom for ours. The whole Bible is the "Path of Righteousness." Our job is to read, study, and live by God's standards as "His called out sheep"

Psalm 23. A verse-by-verse understanding (Part 2) VS 2. HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES, HE LEADETH ME BESIDE STILL WATERS; (KJV) HE HAS ME LIE DOWN IN GRASSY PASTURES, HE LEADS ME BY QUIET WATERS (Complete Jewish Study Bible) When we read the second verse, we look into the life and mind of the shepherd. In this case, David the shepherd, who would one day be King David. He had his father's sheep to tend and care for. The job of a shepherd was to care for the sheep, watching over them and chasing off wild beasts that might want to kill them, or even thieves who might want to steal them. One important job was to see that they were fed. The shepherd would lead the sheep to pasture areas with green grass. Additionally, a water source had to be nearby. After the sheep had eaten the grass, they would drink water to satisfy their thirst. We are the same way. We eat breakfast and have either fruit juice and/or coffee. Food and drink are necessary for a balanced diet. "Lying down" is a relaxing posture. The shepherd would not "hurry" the sheep. No one likes to eat in a hurry. A meal should be a relaxing time. As the shepherd takes his sheep to grassy areas and to water sources, our shepherd, Yeshua/Jesus, gives us our spiritual food. The Bible is our "green pastures" and "Still waters." Yeshua has many titles, including "The Bread of Life" and "The Living Water." Bread has been a staple of man's diet for thousands of years and remains so today. We all need water as well. We get to know God by studying His WORD. It should be a joyful and relaxing time to read and digest the words written down by the prophets and other writers that God chose to record his words. The Holy Spirit is our guiding shepherd, who illuminates our minds and souls with understanding. VS3. HE RESTORETH MY SOUL; HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE (KJV) HE RESTORES MY INNER PERSON. HE GUIDES ME IN RIGHT PATHS FOR THE SAKE OF HIS OWN NAME (Complete Jewish Study Bible) The LORD, who is our shepherd, has given us His WORD as our spiritual food. It is our "green pasture" and "Still and living water". The WORD of God talks to our inner person and leads us to get right with God through a "Born-again" experience, accepting Yeshua as LORD and Savior. He then becomes our Shepherd. Our soul is "restored" from being alienated from God to being reconciled to God through Yeshua. The Bible is our "right path," His commandments, "paths of righteousness." We are righteously saved by faith to walk in righteousness. Following and putting into practice his commandments (even though not all the 613 commandments are for today). His NAME is powerful. "Yeshuah" is "Salvation." For the sake of salvation, He gave up his life as a ransom for ours. The whole Bible is the "Path of Righteousness." Our job is to read, study, and live by God's standards as "His called out sheep"

PARASHAH: “Shlach’L’kha” (send for yourself) NUMBERS 13:1-14:44 Most of us know the story of the 12 spies that were sent to spy out the land of Canaan, sent by Moshe, by the word of YHVH. But let’s look at the story carefully and see what we can dig out of the sand pile. We might find some valuable stuff hidden in the sand. The word of Moses to the 12 tribes was that they might select a leader from each tribe to represent that tribe, so the list was read. Among those selected, we are going to concentrate on two of the leaders: Kaleb, son of Yephuneh, from the tribe of Y’hudah, and Hoshea, son of Nun, from the tribe of Ephrayim. Now, the idea of spying out or "reconnaissance" the land came from the people in the first place and Moses approved the idea. He mentioned that in Deuteronomy chapter 1. So... The 12 are sent out on a “reconnaissance” mission to “spy out” the land. What do we mean by that? Any time an army is going to invade a territory, the army needs to know how many men the enemy has, what they have, where they live, their fortresses, etc. This is a common battle strategy, nothing new. Adonai has already “promised” them the land, done deal! Yet they still have to go into battle, but the battle already has the outcome: Israelites win! This is what Adonai sees looking up the “finite” time line in the “finite” dimension, and we must remember that HE sees ALL THINGS from the “infinite” time line, the things that have already come to pass, even before they “pass” They travel throughout the land of Canaan for 40 days, and they see many things, the fruit of the land, grapes, pomegranates, figs, date palms, etc. It is indeed a land flowing with “milk and honey” (figs and dates). Yet the beginning of verse 28 starts with BUT! And then follows all the negativity, the people are strong, the cities are walled, the “giants” (and not the team from New York) I mean “the big tall guys” It is very easy to spread discouragement among the people, (vs 32) “and they gave the children of Israel an evil report of the land”. (Yet the bigger they are, the harder they will fall). So, how would you "knock down" the giants? Well, Israel has artillery; Spears, bows and arrows, and slingshots! The soldiers can defeat them from a distance. Imagine that your father promises to give you a brand-new Mercedes Benz for your birthday, and he says; “go to the Mercedes dealer and check it out son!” so you go and look at it, you look into motor, inside, then come back and say; “Hey pop, this is going to eat up a ton of gas, the insurance is going to be high, it might get stolen… Well, dad might say, “OK, son, forget it then, if you feel that way!” The only ones that saw the promise of YHVH were Kaleb and Hoshea; they looked to the promise, but the rest of the leaders set their eyes on the “circumstances”. Going back to verse 16, it points out something interesting; Moses changes the name of “Hoshea” to “Yehoshua”; this is very interesting and sheds light on internal symbolism. The name “Yehoshua” contains two names in the Hebrew language, “YH” (Yah) and YESHUA! When we look at the full name “Yehoshua Ben Nun” from the ancient paleo-Hebrew letters and their symbolism, one could get the following message; “Behold and let the eye see (that God, the All-consuming fire) extends the hand to receive the nail, to give (BEN) life to the house (to families) and by the nail, (His) life was given up so that (we) might have life!” (NUN) When we look at the name “Kaleb Ben Yephuneh” from the ancient Hebrew symbolism, we could get this message: “The house is anointed for instruction” (Kaleb) and “behold let it be made that from the mouth comes forth instruction” (Yephuneh). I guess it depends on how one looks at the letters; perhaps another rabbi would come up with something different, but this is one way we can look at the names from the ancient Hebraic perspective. The result was that panic and discouragement spread throughout the camp, and it wasn’t just a few thousand Israelites, but rather a few million, discouraged by 10 negative leaders. And 10 out-vote 2! Even though Kaleb and Yehoshua tried to encourage the people, the negatives won over. As the saying goes, you can put a few rotten apples in a barrel of good apples, and the good ones will never correct the rotten ones, but the rotten ones will infect the good ones with rottenness. The result, the Israelites had to stay in the desert wilderness for 40 years, 1 year for each day the spies were in Canaan. Then, to make matters worse, they tried to go into the land without the blessing of Adonai, and they were beaten back. YHVH wanted to destroy them all, yet Moshe intercedes for them, and Adonai listened to Moshe. This is the same way Yeshua intercedes for us to the Father, on our behalf. We deserve death, yet we are given life. We have the promises of God through His WORD. We can either believe them and accept them, even though some we can't see yet, or we can have disbelief, and call God a liar. In 1 Samuel 15:23, the prophet says that "Rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft," and "disbelief" is a form of rebellion. Disbelief can spread to others. It is like a cancer. Many find it easier to say, "This can't happen" than "Yes, it is possible through God's will." The rebellion of the 10 spies affected 2 or 3 million people (the ones over 20 years old). So, let's try and have positive mindsets towards God's promises. Even though many have not come into being yet, let us not lose faith in our "waiting" for the completion of the promises. God has proven Himself trustworthy in the past, and He is trustworthy still for the World to Come. Shalom, have a blessed week.

Thank you for your comments

PARASHAH: “Shlach’L’kha” (send for yourself) NUMBERS 13:1-15:41 Most of us know the story of the 12 spies that were sent to spy out the land of Canaan, sent by Moshe, by the word of YHVH. But let’s look at the story carefully and see what we can dig out of the sand pile. We might find some valuable stuff hidden in the sand. The word of Moshe to the 12 tribes was that they might select a leader from each tribe to represent that tribe, so the list was read. Among those selected, we are going to concentrate on two of the leaders; “Kaleb” son of “Yephuneh” from the tribe of Y’hudah, and “Hoshea”, son of “Nun” from the tribe of Ephrayim. The story unfolds as we read the Torah. The 12 are sent out on a “reconnaissance” mission to “spy out” the land. What do we mean by that? Any time an army is going to invade a territory, the army needs to know how many men the enemy has, what they have, where they live, their fortresses, etc. This is a common battle strategy, nothing new. Adonai has already “promised” them the land, done deal! Yet they still have to go into battle, but the battle already has the outcome: Israelites win! This is what Adonai sees looking up the “finite” time line in the “finite” dimension, and we must remember that HE sees ALL THINGS from the “infinite” time line, the things that have already come to pass, even before they “pass” They travel throughout the land of Canaan for 40 days, and they see many things, the fruit of the land, grapes, pomegranates, figs, date palms, etc. It is indeed a land flowing with “milk and honey” (figs and dates). They even brought back some giant grapes. Yet the beginning of verse 28 starts with BUT! And then follows all the negativity, the people are strong, the cities are walled, the “giants” (and not the team from New York) I mean “the big tall guys” It is very easy to spread discouragement among the people, (vs 32) “and they gave the children of Israel an evil report of the land”. (Yet the bigger they are, the harder they will fall) , Imagine that your father promises to give you a brand-new Mercedes Benz for your birthday, and he says; “go to the Mercedes dealer and check it out son!” so you go and look at it, you look into motor, inside, then come back and say; “Hey pop, this is going to eat up a ton of gas, the insurance is going to be high, it might get stolen… Well, dad might say, “OK, son, forget it then, if you feel that way!” The only ones that saw the promise of YHVH were Kaleb and Hoshea; they looked to the promise, but the rest of the leaders set their eyes on the “circumstances”. Going back to verse 16, it points out something interesting; Moshe changes the name of “Hoshea” to “Yehoshua”; this is very interesting and sheds light on internal symbolism. The name “Yehoshua” contains two names in the Hebrew language, “YH” (Yah) and YESHUA! When we look at the full name “Yehoshua Ben Nun” from the ancient paleo-Hebrew letters and their symbolism, one could get the following message; “Behold and let the eye see (that God, the All-consuming fire) extends the hand to receive the nail, to give (BEN) life to the house (to families) and by the nail, (His) life was given up so that (we) might have life!” (NUN) When we look at the name “Kaleb Ben Yephuneh” from the ancient Hebrew symbolism, we could get this message: “The house is anointed for instruction” (Kaleb) and “behold let it be made that from the mouth comes forth instruction” (Yephuneh). I guess it depends on how one looks at the letters; perhaps another rabbi would come up with something different, but this is how I look at the names from the ancient perspective. The result was that panic and discouragement spread throughout the camp, and it wasn’t just a few thousand Israelites, but rather a few million, discouraged by 10 negative leaders. And 10 out-vote 2! Even though Kaleb and Yehoshua tried to encourage the people, the negatives won over. As the saying goes, you can put a few rotten apples in a barrel of good apples, and the good ones will never correct the rotten ones, but the rotten ones will infect the good ones with rottenness. The result, the Israelites had to stay in the desert wilderness for 40 years, 1 year for each day the spies were in Canaan. Then, to make matters worse, they tried to go into the land without the blessing of Adonai, and they were beaten back. YHVH wanted to destroy them all, yet Moshe intercedes for them, and Adonai listened to Moshe. This is the same way Yeshua intercedes for us to the Father, on our behalf, when we “get rotten” (miracle we’re still in the land of the living? Or no?) Going to chapter 15, we read something interesting from verses 38 to 41, about making and wearing “Tzitziot” or “fringes” on our garments. There are many “traditions” in Judaism, such as the wearing of “Yarmulkes” (head coverings) and Ashkenazim dressing in black and white with black hats, even the lighting of two candles comes from “tradition.” Tradition isn’t bad, as long as we understand the meaning behind the tradition. But one should NEVER teach “tradition” as “commandments,” there is a world of difference between the two. However, the making and wearing of Tzitziot IS a commandment; however, many do not follow it, I guess it is up to each individual. One can read it and say, “God says it, but I won’t follow it,” or “God says it and I will do it.” We all have the choice to do or not to do. Whatever the Holy Spirit convicts us to do. No one knows how the original Tzitziot were made, none have survived 3000 years. Today, there are many different styles and “knot tying” and “wrappings” of the thread when making Tzitziot. One only has to go to YouTube and look up “Tying Tzitziot” and you will have quite a few videos of instructions on “how to” that is the way I learned, from watching a few YouTube videos on “making Tzitziot”. But what do the Tzitziot symbolize? The scripture tells us in verse 39, “to remember the commandments”. The blue cord reminds us of the “blue sea” where the Israelites crossed, and the “blue” of the heavens from whence our Messiah and LORD will break through to return to earth. Today, we can use 4 long cords, one of which is blue and is the longest. The cords are folded over to make 8. This cord is used to do the wrappings, and all 4 are used to make the knots. When one ties the knots, it is customary to say, “BaShem Mitzvah Tzitzit” (in the name of the commandment of making) the tzitzit. There are 5 knots, symbolizing the 5 first books of the Torah, the number “5” also symbolizes “grace”; then there are the windings of the blue thread. The 4 cords are folded over so as to give the appearance of “8” cords, “8” is the number of a “new beginning” which we all have when we are “born-again” The windings go as follows (but to get a good view and idea, you need to go to YouTube and view the Tzitziot tying videos): 7 windings, then knot, then 8 windings, then knot, then 11 windings, then a knot, then 13 windings, then the final knot. Why the 7, 8, 11, and 13 windings of the blue thread? Well, these spell out the name Y H V H using numbers. “7” being the “perfect number of God, then 7+8=15 which are the sum of the letters Y + H (Y=10, H=5). 11 = “V +H” (V=6, H=5) so now we have the infallible name Y H V H. “13” is the sum of the word “ECHAD” (oneness of God) Alef=1, Chet=8 and Dalet=4. 1+8+4=13, it also symbolizes the 13 attributes of Adonai found in Exodus when Moshe asks to “see God” and his “Spirit passes before him”

PSALM 23; "A verse by verse understanding" WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ALL BELIEVERS? (Part 1) I would like to begin this study in Psalm 23 and look at it verse by verse. We must ask ourselves, "What does it mean to me?" "How does it relate to me as a born-again believer?" So, this will be a study of a few weeks, so, read a bit and then think about what you have read, then come back for more another day. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WANT (KJV) ADONAI IS MY SHEPHERD; I LACK NOTHING (CJSB) "Complete Jewish Study Bible" The only ones that can call Adonai their "shepherd" are the ones who are part of his selected and chosen flock of human sheep. He has chosen us from the beginning of time, and due to his infinite and all-knowing nature, God knew beforehand who would choose to follow Him through Yeshua, those who would choose to obey His Word above the calling of this lost world. A shepherd's job is to guide his sheep and provide for their everyday needs. This would include food, water, shelter, and protection. Today, we have real-life shepherds who care for actual sheep in the fields. Pastors and rabbis are also shepherds, since they have to care for human sheep. Yeshua pointed this out to Peter in John 21:15-18. He stated, "Feed my lambs," "Shepherd my sheep, "feed my sheep. He wasn't talking about the animal sheep; Peter wasn't a shepherd, he was a fisherman. Yet, He was referring to the human sheep of His pasture. Peter would be the leader of the church in Jerusalem at a later date. The job of shepherds (pastors, rabbis, ministers, etc.) is to teach and guide the "lambs" (young believers) and the "sheep" (older and more mature believers). Sheep and lambs are fed by the WORD of God and guided by the Holy Spirit. The WORD of God in a Holy Spirit-guided pastor or rabbi is what a "flock of human sheep" needs to grow in faith and in maturity. Lambs must grow into sheep eventually. God will provide all of our needs. This is a promise (Philippians 4:19). He will supply our spiritual needs as He knows what they are. He will and has provided us with our physical needs (food, water, clothes, housing, jobs, etc). Paul tells us to be content in the times of plenty and in the times of scarcity. He might have a lot, and at times, a little. Yet the promise still holds, "My God will supply All of my needs through Messiah Yeshua". Yet He has also provided us with "wants" as well. (How many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet? more than one pair, right?) So, our Good Shepherd has provided us with what we need during our sojourn on planet Earth, most importantly, He has provided us with the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (BIBLE) and has sent earthly shepherds to guide His human flock of believing lambs and sheep. So, we can conclude that as sheep, we lack nothing, and have everything we need. "

PSALM 23; "A verse by verse understanding" WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ALL BELIEVERS? (Part 1) I would like to begin this study in Psalm 23 and look at it verse by verse. We must ask ourselves, "What does it mean to me?" "How does it relate to me as a born-again believer?" So, this will be a study of a few weeks, so, read a bit and then think about what you have read, then come back for more another day. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WANT (KJV) ADONAI IS MY SHEPHERD; I LACK NOTHING (CJSB) "Complete Jewish Study Bible" The only ones that can call Adonai their "shepherd" are the ones who are part of his selected and chosen flock of human sheep. He has chosen us from the beginning of time, and due to his infinite and all-knowing nature, God knew beforehand who would choose to follow Him through Yeshua, those who would choose to obey His Word above the calling of this lost world. A shepherd's job is to guide his sheep and provide for their everyday needs. This would include food, water, shelter, and protection. Today, we have real-life shepherds who care for actual sheep in the fields. Pastors and rabbis are also shepherds, since they have to care for human sheep. Yeshua pointed this out to Peter in John 21:15-18. He stated, "Feed my lambs," "Shepherd my sheep, "feed my sheep. He wasn't talking about the animal sheep; Peter wasn't a shepherd, he was a fisherman. Yet, He was referring to the human sheep of His pasture. Peter would be the leader of the church in Jerusalem at a later date. The job of shepherds (pastors, rabbis, ministers, etc.) is to teach and guide the "lambs" (young believers) and the "sheep" (older and more mature believers). Sheep and lambs are fed by the WORD of God and guided by the Holy Spirit. The WORD of God in a Holy Spirit-guided pastor or rabbi is what a "flock of human sheep" needs to grow in faith and in maturity. Lambs must grow into sheep eventually. God will provide all of our needs. This is a promise (Philippians 4:19). He will supply our spiritual needs as He knows what they are. He will and has provided us with our physical needs (food, water, clothes, housing, jobs, etc). Paul tells us to be content in the times of plenty and in the times of scarcity. He might have a lot, and at times, a little. Yet the promise still holds, "My God will supply All of my needs through Messiah Yeshua". Yet He has also provided us with "wants" as well. (How many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet? more than one pair, right?) So, our Good Shepherd has provided us with what we need during our sojourn on planet Earth, most importantly, He has provided us with the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (BIBLE) and has sent earthly shepherds to guide His human flock of believing lambs and sheep. So, we can conclude that as sheep, we lack nothing and have everything we need.

Toggle Members Info ZECH 2:10-4:7 The prophet Zechariah speaks saying: “And many goyim(Gentiles) shall be joined to YHVH in that day, and they shall become MY PEOPLE” (vs 11) But wait a minute, isn’t Israel the people of YHVH? Yes, they will NEVER cease to be, but also, the Gentiles will be “joined with” Israel, and together, AM ECHAD! (One People). The Torah was given first to the Israelites who left Egypt. At Mt. Sinai, they received the "Marriage Covenant" (The Tablets of the Commandments) and God became the husband and Israel the bride. But we need to remember that a "mixed multitude was included with the 2 to 3 million people. Egyptians, Nubians, Ethiopians, (some of them were also slaves). They were accepted as part of the people. In Galatians 3:28 The Apostle Paul states that there is "no difference between Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, all are ONE in Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) Not that there is no "physical or cultural difference" he is talking about our spiritual relationship with the LORD. God does not see a "difference" and will never discriminate, yet will accept ALL as the same when it comes to a salvation experience. That is important and good news for those who think they are "less than" others in importance. There was a High Priest named Yehoshua, and Zechariah the Prophet describes him as wearing filthy garments, YET, his garments are changed to costly robes, and his GUILT has been removed. Is there a connection between the names “Yehoshua” and “Yeshua”? Yes, they are one and the SAME. Yeshua has removed our GUILT of sin, through his sacrifice on Calvary’s cross. Our filthy garments are now sparkling white. Yes, we still have the stain of original sin, the "Yetzer Hara" in Hebrew, yet in the eyes of God, he sees "clean and white garments" on us all, through the sacrifice of Yeshua. The stone with seven eyes, what could that be or symbolize? We could say that the Stone is YESHUA the solid ROCK, who is perfect, (illustrated by the number 7) and through His sacrifice of death on the cross, the sin and guilt of the land were removed on that same day! The land can also symbolize the people of that land. The seven eyes can also symbolize the ever-seeing eyes of God, who sees all. Could we say in "7 directions and/or 7 dimensions? Up, Down, North, South, East, West, and Inside of us all. LUKE 15:1-16:31 Yeshua teaches the Prushim (Pharisees) an important lesson. They were criticizing him for receiving tax collectors, and other “sinners” probably the ones rejected by the religious leaders and listened to Yeshua. Many came to accept His forgiveness and love. Yes, there is great joy in Heaven when one lost soul comes to accept Yeshua as Messiah and LORD. We ALL need to continue to listen to HIM. It does not stop at accepting Yeshua as LORD, it is only the beginning. We need to grow in faith, and continue to “listen” to Him through His Word and the Holy Spirit. When we mature in faith, we also gain spiritual gifts. What do we do with them? Do we use them to the glory of God? Or do we ignore them, and let them waste away? What do we do with the possessions that YHVH gives us? Do we use them wisely? Do we use money wisely? Is it really ours? Or is it HIS? Yes, the passage says; “you can not serve two masters” We can only serve one, yet many serve the “money master” We can have it all on this earth, and have very little or nothing in heaven, or…have a little bit on this earth, and have riches in heaven. We need to look at the BIG picture. Shalom

ZECH 2:10-4:7 The prophet Zechariah speaks saying: “And many goyim(Gentiles) shall be joined to YHVH in that day, and they shall become MY PEOPLE” (vs 11) But wait a minute, isn’t Israel the people of YHVH? Yes, they will NEVER cease to be, but also, the Gentiles will be “joined with” Israel, and together, AM ECHAD! (One People). The Torah was given first to the Israelites who left Egypt. At Mt. Sinai, they received the "Marriage Covenant" (The Tablets of the Commandments) and God became the husband and Israel the bride. But we need to remember that a "mixed multitude was included with the 2 to 3 million people. Egyptians, Nubians, Ethiopians, (some of them were also slaves). They were accepted as part of the people. In Galatians 3:28 The Apostle Paul states that there is "no difference between Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, all are ONE in Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) Not that there is no "physical or cultural difference" he is talking about our spiritual relationship with the LORD. God does not see a "difference" and will never discriminate, yet will accept ALL as the same when it comes to a salvation experience. That is important and good news for those who think they are "less than" others in importance. There was a High Priest named Yehoshua, and Zechariah the Prophet describes him as wearing filthy garments, YET, his garments are changed to costly robes, and his GUILT has been removed. Is there a connection between the names “Yehoshua” and “Yeshua”? Yes, they are one and the SAME. Yeshua has removed our GUILT of sin, through his sacrifice on Calvary’s cross. Our filthy garments are now sparkling white. Yes, we still have the stain of original sin, the "Yetzer Hara" in Hebrew, yet in the eyes of God, he sees "clean and white garments" on us all, through the sacrifice of Yeshua. The stone with seven eyes, what could that be or symbolize? We could say that the Stone is YESHUA the solid ROCK, who is perfect, (illustrated by the number 7) and through His sacrifice of death on the cross, the sin and guilt of the land were removed on that same day! The land can also symbolize the people of that land. The seven eyes can also symbolize the ever-seeing eyes of God, who sees all. Could we say in "7 directions and/or 7 dimensions? Up, Down, North, South, East, West, and Inside of us all. LUKE 15:1-16:31 Yeshua teaches the Prushim (Pharisees) an important lesson. They were criticizing him for receiving tax collectors, and other “sinners” probably the ones rejected by the religious leaders and listened to Yeshua. Many came to accept His forgiveness and love. Yes, there is great joy in Heaven when one lost soul comes to accept Yeshua as Messiah and LORD. We ALL need to continue to listen to HIM. It does not stop at accepting Yeshua as LORD, it is only the beginning. We need to grow in faith, and continue to “listen” to Him through His Word and the Holy Spirit. When we mature in faith, we also gain spiritual gifts. What do we do with them? Do we use them to the glory of God? Or do we ignore them, and let them waste away? What do we do with the possessions that YHVH gives us? Do we use them wisely? Do we use money wisely? Is it really ours? Or is it HIS? Yes, the passage says; “you can not serve two masters” We can only serve one, yet many serve the “money master” We can have it all on this earth, and have very little or nothing in heaven, or…have a little bit on this earth, and have riches in heaven. We need to look at the BIG picture. Shalom

NUMBERS: 8:1-12:16 Parasha: B'Ha'Alotekha (when you go up to...) We see in this parashah study, various themes. The first is “putting up the lamps” or one could say; “going up to light the lamps”. This speaks of the golden Menorah, which was inside the Mishkan. As we know it was made of pure gold, one single piece hammered out to light the inside of the Mishkan. How they did that, making it from one piece of gold is a miracle, but we serve a God of miracles. The menorah had seven branches, “7” is the perfect number of YHVH. Gold symbolizes purity. So, we serve a pure and holy God who sent YESHUA who is the LIGHT of the world. The seven-branch menorah had seven lamps which were filled with pure olive oil. The priests would light the lamps in the evening until morning light. The light of the menorah was the only source of light in the Mishkan. Outside was darkness, yet YHVH was outside in the form of a column of fire, inside, the menorah burned so that light was always there. Yeshua is our light, He is with us and gives us his light both day and night. We are like the branches of the menorah; we need to stay connected to the oil to have light. Yeshua said: “Ye are the light of the world”, just like the moon has no light of its own but reflects the light of the sun. The moon up close is full of meteor craters, it is a pock-marked satellite in space, not very attractive up close, but when we look at it from Earth, we do not see the pock-marked surface, only the light that is reflected from the sun. The same is true with all believers, we are all “pock-marked” with the stain of sin, but YHVH looks at us through the light of Yeshua and sees us as “kol kadosh” (All holy). The stain of sin is not only covered by the blood of Yeshua but also atoned for. Dealt with completely. The Levites were offered up to YHVH for service. To honor this, there was the burnt offering and the sin offering on their behalf. There were two bulls and an offering of fine flour. The bulls speak of the strength of Adonai and the fine flour, one could say “Yeshua the Bread of Life”. Yeshua is our strength and our life, if we are going to be like the Levites, dedicated to serving HIM, then we need HIS strength. In chapter nine, we read about the Passover, always to be celebrated by ALL believers, even if we can’t celebrate it always on the 14th day of the first month, such as the case of some who were unclean by touching a corpse. There is always provision, they could celebrate it on the 14th day of the second month. All believers celebrate the Passover (abbreviated) when we partake of the bread and wine (or grape juice). Some churches do it twice a month, and some celebrate it every Sunday, but no matter what the tradition is, we are reminded of HIS body and HIS blood. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites would move, when it settled, the Israelites would stop and make camp. That is the way all believers should act, when we are led by Adonai, we should be sensitive to his calling, to his direction, sometimes we need to wait on him, wait for him to move, or move others, sometimes the waiting can be a few days, or years. We should try not to get ahead, that HE may not follow US, but US following HIM. Chapter eleven tells us about the “complaining” of the people. Sounds like us at times; “grumble, grumble, grumble and groan!” “What? Manna again?” we’re tired of manna Waffles, manna bagels, fillets of manna, manna patties, manna tortillas, manna shakes, baMANAbread,etc.…Oh the stuff we had in Egypt, we miss it so much!” but…they forgot to mention that they were slaves, slaves to a tyrant. Adonai gets angry and “fires up” the people. “You want meat?” “OK, I’ll give you meat!” God sent quail, and a lot of quail. Then, a plague broke out in the camp. While the meat was still being chewed, the plague started to take lives. One might imagine the source, (just a thought) with no refrigeration, under a hot sun, so much "dead quail" started to rot and attract flies, the flies spread the stench and the bacteria from the rotting and spoiled meat. You can guess the rest. Rex Humbard, a TV preacher once said; “God may give you what you want, but you may not want what you get!” We need to be satisfied with the little or the much that Adonai gives us, be it just beans and rice with tortillas, or a steak with potatoes. HE will ALWAYS supply our needs. Sometimes I think that people eat just too much. We need the physical food but we also need the spiritual food which comes from the Torah. Chapter twelve speaks of Miriam and Aaron when they spoke against their brother Moshe. It says, “because of the Cushite woman that Moshe married” What happened to Zipporah? Maybe she died. A Cushite is an Ethiopian or Sudanese. So what? In some places, there is still racial bigotry. Well, to look at plain facts. There is only ONE race, the "Human Race" Some do not believe in “mixed racial marriages” God doesn’t have a problem with it, and there is no commandment against it. There IS a problem with mixed FAITH marriages, when one is a believer and the other isn’t! Then, there are problems with being “unequally yoked” Yet the problem addressed was that Miriam and Aaron were questioning Moshe’s authority as leader. “Hey, God speaks to us all, right? Well... back then, it was Moshe who conveyed Adonai’s words, yet Adonai placed his spirit upon 70 other tribal leaders too, this was to help Moshe “bear the burden” . Miriam was stricken with “Tza-arat” (leprosy) she was afflicted with some kind of skin disorder for her words against her brother. But why wasn’t Aaron stricken as well? He was there too? Aaron was under the “anointing” while Miriam was not. Moshe prayed for her healing, the shortest prayer in the Bible; “El na r’pha na lah!” (Oh God heal her!) and seven days later, she was healed. Let us be careful of our words that are directed towards servants of the LORD, least we err and suffer the consequences, we may get more than just a skin rash. We should uphold our spiritual leaders and support them. Once again, thanks for reading. Always remember that these articles/study series are like lessons in a classroom. Every Forum site a "school" and every author is a teacher, and the articles are the "classrooms" Students are free to sit and read or leave and go to another class. But always remember to respect the teacher. Remember that comments can either uplift a teacher or tear down a teacher. Yours truly always presents from a Hebraic mindset. Please keep that in mind. It isn't that I am living in the past, as some state. Rather "knowing the past" helps us "understand the present". The Old Covenant is the key to understanding the New.

Thank you for your comments, Yes, we are all ONE in serving the ONE BODY, yet through MANY VESSELS

NUMBERS: 8:1-12:16 Parasha: B'Ha'Alotekha (when you go up to...) We see in this parashah study, various themes. The first is “putting up the lamps” or one could say; “going up to light the lamps”. This speaks of the golden Menorah, which was inside the Mishkan. As we know it was made of pure gold, one single piece hammered out to light the inside of the Mishkan. How they did that, making it from one piece of gold is a miracle, but we serve a God of miracles. The menorah had seven branches, “7” is the perfect number of YHVH. Gold symbolizes purity. So, we serve a pure and holy God who sent YESHUA who is the LIGHT of the world. The seven-branch menorah had seven lamps which were filled with pure olive oil. The priests would light the lamps in the evening until morning light. The light of the menorah was the only source of light in the Mishkan. Outside was darkness, yet YHVH was outside in the form of a column of fire, inside, the menorah burned so that light was always there. Yeshua is our light, He is with us and gives us his light both day and night. We are like the branches of the menorah; we need to stay connected to the oil to have light. Yeshua said: “Ye are the light of the world”, just like the moon has no light of its own but reflects the light of the sun. The moon up close is full of meteor craters, it is a pock-marked satellite in space, not very attractive up close, but when we look at it from Earth, we do not see the pock-marked surface, only the light that is reflected from the sun. The same is true with all believers, we are all “pock-marked” with the stain of sin, but YHVH looks at us through the light of Yeshua and sees us as “kol kadosh” (All holy). The stain of sin is not only covered by the blood of Yeshua but also atoned for. Dealt with completely. The Levites were offered up to YHVH for service. To honor this, there was the burnt offering and the sin offering on their behalf. There were two bulls and an offering of fine flour. The bulls speak of the strength of Adonai and the fine flour, one could say “Yeshua the Bread of Life”. Yeshua is our strength and our life, if we are going to be like the Levites, dedicated to serving HIM, then we need HIS strength. In chapter nine, we read about the Passover, always to be celebrated by ALL believers, even if we can’t celebrate it always on the 14th day of the first month, such as the case of some who were unclean by touching a corpse. There is always provision, they could celebrate it on the 14th day of the second month. All believers celebrate the Passover (abbreviated) when we partake of the bread and wine (or grape juice). Some churches do it twice a month, and some celebrate it every Sunday, but no matter what the tradition is, we are reminded of HIS body and HIS blood. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites would move, when it settled, the Israelites would stop and make camp. That is the way all believers should act, when we are led by Adonai, we should be sensitive to his calling, to his direction, sometimes we need to wait on him, wait for him to move, or move others, sometimes the waiting can be a few days, or years. We should try not to get ahead, that HE may not follow US, but US following HIM. Chapter eleven tells us about the “complaining” of the people. Sounds like us at times; “grumble, grumble, grumble and groan!” “What? Manna again?” we’re tired of manna Waffles, manna bagels, fillets of manna, manna patties, manna tortillas, manna shakes, baMANAbread,etc.…Oh the stuff we had in Egypt, we miss it so much!” but…they forgot to mention that they were slaves, slaves to a tyrant. Adonai gets angry and “fires up” the people. “You want meat?” “OK, I’ll give you meat!” God sent quail, and a lot of quail. Then, a plague broke out in the camp. While the meat was still being chewed, the plague started to take lives. One might imagine the source, (just a thought) with no refrigeration, under a hot sun, so much "dead quail" started to rot and attract flies, the flies spread the stench and the bacteria from the rotting and spoiled meat. You can guess the rest. Rex Humbard, a TV preacher once said; “God may give you what you want, but you may not want what you get!” We need to be satisfied with the little or the much that Adonai gives us, be it just beans and rice with tortillas, or a steak with potatoes. HE will ALWAYS supply our needs. Sometimes I think that people eat just too much. We need the physical food but we also need the spiritual food which comes from the Torah. Chapter twelve speaks of Miriam and Aaron when they spoke against their brother Moshe. It says, “because of the Cushite woman that Moshe married” What happened to Zipporah? Maybe she died. A Cushite is an Ethiopian or Sudanese. So what? In some places, there is still racial bigotry. Well, to look at plain facts. There is only ONE race, the "Human Race" Some do not believe in “mixed racial marriages” God doesn’t have a problem with it, and there is no commandment against it. There IS a problem with mixed FAITH marriages, when one is a believer and the other isn’t! Then, there are problems with being “unequally yoked” Yet the problem addressed was that Miriam and Aaron were questioning Moshe’s authority as leader. “Hey, God speaks to us all, right? Well... back then, it was Moshe who conveyed Adonai’s words, yet Adonai placed his spirit upon 70 other tribal leaders too, this was to help Moshe “bear the burden” . Miriam was stricken with “Tza-arat” (leprosy) she was afflicted with some kind of skin disorder for her words against her brother. But why wasn’t Aaron stricken as well? He was there too? Aaron was under the “anointing” while Miriam was not. Moshe prayed for her healing, the shortest prayer in the Bible; “El na r’pha na lah!” (Oh God heal her!) and seven days later, she was healed. Let us be careful of our words that are directed towards servants of the LORD, least we err and suffer the consequences, we may get more than just a skin rash. We should uphold our spiritual leaders and support them. Once again, thanks for reading. Always remember that these articles/study series are like lessons in a classroom. Every Forum site a "school" and every author is a teacher, and the articles are the "classrooms" Students are free to sit and read or leave and go to another class. But always remember to respect the teacher. Remember that comments can either uplift a teacher or tear down a teacher. Yours truly always presents from a Hebraic mindset. Please keep that in mind. It isn't that I am living in the past, as some state. Rather "knowing the past" helps us "understand the present". The Old Covenant is the key to understanding the New.

Torah/Bible portion and Study: "Naso" (take) Numbers 4:21-7:89 This week's portion of Torah/Bible study is centered on the jobs and service of the Levites in the Tabernacle (Mishkan). As we read, we will note that the families of Gershon, Merari, and Kohat have been selected for different tasks in the setting up and taking down, transporting, and setting up again. Remember that the Children of Israel will be taking their journeys in the desert for 40 years (not the original plan of God) but due, to negativity, and rebellion, (the 12 spies) they had to spend 40 years wandering, (but always being guided) by God. It is interesting to note the roots of the names; Gershon, Merari, and Kohat, as they tell us a story, our story as well. "Gershon" (Ger) a sojourner, "Merari"(maror) Bitterness, and "Kohat" (Kahal) congregation. We are all "sojourners" on this planet called "Earth" because our permanent home is the New Jerusalem, the City of God, and while we go through "bitterness" in our lives, we are still united together by our congregations. Israel wandered in the desert, enduring times of "bitterness" yet still united as ONE people (Am Echad) by the ONE true God (Adonai-Elohim) The families of Levi were in charge of the service of the Tabernacle (Avodah) is the Hebrew word for "Service" and each of the three families had specific jobs or tasks (Mishmeret) as the Hebrew states in 4:28. Some were to carry the Tabernacle furniture on their shoulders by poles, (being covered at all times) others had the job of taking down the curtains and poles, putting them on carts (also covered) drawn by pairs of oxen. 4 pairs of oxen in all, and 4 carts. They would do this at the commencement of every move, and they would put up the Tabernacle at the next campsite. These were specific jobs and tasks that God assigned them through the guidance and instruction of Moses. Everyone had a job to do within the service of the Tabernacle. We, as born-again believers, in the body of Messiah, also have jobs and tasks to do as part of "service" There are many gifts of the Spirit that enable us to perform our tasks; Ref: 1 Corinthians 4-11; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11-16. Some believers have the gifts of teaching, while others have that of evangelism, others are pastors and rabbis, and others have the gift of service, intercession, prayer warriors, music, healing, tongues (the ability to speak different languages), and the list can go on, we could expand to missionary aviation pilots, missionary doctors, and nurses, etc. "Prophecy" is mentioned, and that would come under "teaching" of the WORD. We may not be biblical prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, or Daniel, but those who teach are in the role of prophets. The prophets of old received the Word from God to relay to the people. There were no Bible bookstores back then, so the only source of God's Word came from the mouths of the prophets. We DO have God's Word in print, so, as teachers, we need to convey and interpret the Word of God accurately within (hopefully) the original Hebraic perspective so that those who listen can understand well. So, being in the body of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus, we all perform and partake in "service" (Avodah) and perform our tasks (Mishmeret) The root of that word is "Mishmor" or the verb "Sh+m+r" (Hebrew verbs consist of three letters) in this case, we could say "Shmar" (to guard or protect) We are guarding and protecting our "service" from the attacks of the enemy (Satan) who wishes to destroy us. In the word "Avodah" there are the letters "AD" which means "witness" There are always witnesses to our service, the angels in Heaven and also, unclean spirits (demonic entities) are watching with rage, wishing to devour and thwart our work. Waiting to throw a monkey wrench into the machinery. So, just as the families of the Levites were counted and performed their duties in ministry, so we ALL are counted and selected to perform our spiritual gifts within the body of Messiah. We ALL work for the common GOOD as we are all ONE in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus our LORD and Savior) Chapter 5 deals with expelling from the camp those with skin diseases (Tzara'at) We wonder why. Wouldn't that be cruel? Yet we need to understand the deeper reason. Many times, spiritual rebellion and impurity result in physical revelation. The physical body reveals to others the inner rebellion, gossip, slander, backbiting, hatred, etc. So, as the LORD walks in the camp, YHVH is All Holy, and these people need to taken outside the camp until their diseases are gone, until they repent, and then a priest will examine them, and if they are clean, they will be brought back inside the camp. We can't say that ALL skin diseases result from "Leshon Hara" (evil speech) but there is evidence that in many cases, that was the case. As believers, we need to be holy inside, have pure thoughts, and walk like the MASTER, being careful never to slander, or speak evil of others, especially those of the faith. Who knows if the "rash" that itches is a result of something like that? Chapter 6 deals with the "Nazir" or the "Nazarite vow" Back then, a person would "vow" to serve the LORD for "x" amount of months or years. Not cut his hair, not to drink wine or eat grapes, and not to touch any corpse. Samuel was a nazir, and Samson was a nazir. Paul took the "Nazarite vow" to prove to those around him that he lived by the Torah. Today, we might set aside a period to serve the LORD in some special capacity, for "x" amount of months or years. It doesn't mean we have to let our hair grow or abstain from wine or grape juice, but just be serious in what we wish to do, and honor our word to serve God, according to how the Holy Spirit leads us. But it doesn't mean to go and be a hermit alone on some mountaintop, away from people. Ministry and service is all about PEOPLE. Also, chapter 6 is where we find the Aaronic Blessing. What is it saying to us? MAY YHVH BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU This is written in the Hebrew “singular” YOU not the plural YOU, because Israel, and all believers today are as ONE (Echad) in unity and ONE in fellowship, Adonai KEEPS us by “guarding us against curses and calamity, against sickness, poverty, He delivered our souls from the curse of sin, through Yeshua HaMashiach. HOWEVER, we can, through rebellion, bring on to ourselves these curses! MAY YHVH MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS UNTO YOU. The idea of “shine” is happiness, purity, and friendship so, May “P’nei (faces of) Adonai” bring happiness to you and keep you pure “tahor” and bring to you many friends, also GRACIOUS is from the Hebrew “Chen” (grace) something that is not merited, by GRACE we are saved, not by our own merit, He showed us the “Face of Grace” in YESHUA HaMASHIACH who is our YESHUAH (salvation) LIFT UP HIS COUNTENANCE UPON YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE. May YHVH give his “attention” to you and direct to you, and may you rest in HIS SHALOM! When we have Yeshua as Mashiach, we have that internal shalom, despite the world around us being in a lot of “unrest” So THEY SHALL PUT MY NAME ON THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL AND I WILL BLESS THEM. We can see that one of the names of God which is EL, is part of the name “YisraEL” and the most sacred name; YHVH is part of “Y’HUdaH (Judah) The blessing is for all believers since we have all been grafted into the Community/Commonwealth of Israel. Shalom.

Torah/Bible portion and Study: "Naso" (take) Numbers 4:21-7:89 This week's portion of Torah/Bible study is centered on the jobs and service of the Levites in the Tabernacle (Mishkan). As we read, we will note that the families of Gershon, Merari, and Kohat have been selected for different tasks in the setting up and taking down, transporting, and setting up again. Remember that the Children of Israel will be taking their journeys in the desert for 40 years (not the original plan of God) but due, to negativity, and rebellion, (the 12 spies) they had to spend 40 years wandering, (but always being guided) by God. It is interesting to note the roots of the names; Gershon, Merari, and Kohat, as they tell us a story, our story as well. "Gershon" (Ger) a sojourner, "Merari"(maror) Bitterness, and "Kohat" (Kahal) congregation. We are all "sojourners" on this planet called "Earth" because our permanent home is the New Jerusalem, the City of God, and while we go through "bitterness" in our lives, we are still united together by our congregations. Israel wandered in the desert, enduring times of "bitterness" yet still united as ONE people (Am Echad) by the ONE true God (Adonai-Elohim) The families of Levi were in charge of the service of the Tabernacle (Avodah) is the Hebrew word for "Service" and each of the three families had specific jobs or tasks (Mishmeret) as the Hebrew states in 4:28. Some were to carry the Tabernacle furniture on their shoulders by poles, (being covered at all times) others had the job of taking down the curtains and poles, putting them on carts (also covered) drawn by pairs of oxen. 4 pairs of oxen in all, and 4 carts. They would do this at the commencement of every move, and they would put up the Tabernacle at the next campsite. These were specific jobs and tasks that God assigned them through the guidance and instruction of Moses. Everyone had a job to do within the service of the Tabernacle. We, as born-again believers, in the body of Messiah, also have jobs and tasks to do as part of "service" There are many gifts of the Spirit that enable us to perform our tasks; Ref: 1 Corinthians 4-11; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11-16. Some believers have the gifts of teaching, while others have that of evangelism, others are pastors and rabbis, and others have the gift of service, intercession, prayer warriors, music, healing, tongues (the ability to speak different languages), and the list can go on, we could expand to missionary aviation pilots, missionary doctors, and nurses, etc. "Prophecy" is mentioned, and that would come under "teaching" of the WORD. We may not be biblical prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, or Daniel, but those who teach are in the role of prophets. The prophets of old received the Word from God to relay to the people. There were no Bible bookstores back then, so the only source of God's Word came from the mouths of the prophets. We DO have God's Word in print, so, as teachers, we need to convey and interpret the Word of God accurately within (hopefully) the original Hebraic perspective so that those who listen can understand well. So, being in the body of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus, we all perform and partake in "service" (Avodah) and perform our tasks (Mishmeret) The root of that word is "Mishmor" or the verb "Sh+m+r" (Hebrew verbs consist of three letters) in this case, we could say "Shmar" (to guard or protect) We are guarding and protecting our "service" from the attacks of the enemy (Satan) who wishes to destroy us. In the word "Avodah" there are the letters "AD" which means "witness" There are always witnesses to our service, the angels in Heaven and also, unclean spirits (demonic entities) are watching with rage, wishing to devour and thwart our work. Waiting to throw a monkey wrench into the machinery. So, just as the families of the Levites were counted and performed their duties in ministry, so we ALL are counted and selected to perform our spiritual gifts within the body of Messiah. We ALL work for the common GOOD as we are all ONE in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus our LORD and Savior) Chapter 5 deals with expelling from the camp those with skin diseases (Tzara'at) We wonder why. Wouldn't that be cruel? Yet we need to understand the deeper reason. Many times, spiritual rebellion and impurity result in physical revelation. The physical body reveals to others the inner rebellion, gossip, slander, backbiting, hatred, etc. So, as the LORD walks in the camp, YHVH is All Holy, and these people need to taken outside the camp until their diseases are gone, until they repent, and then a priest will examine them, and if they are clean, they will be brought back inside the camp. We can't say that ALL skin diseases result from "Leshon Hara" (evil speech) but there is evidence that in many cases, that was the case. As believers, we need to be holy inside, have pure thoughts, and walk like the MASTER, being careful never to slander, or speak evil of others, especially those of the faith. Who knows if the "rash" that itches is a result of something like that? Chapter 6 deals with the "Nazir" or the "Nazarite vow" Back then, a person would "vow" to serve the LORD for "x" amount of months or years. Not cut his hair, not to drink wine or eat grapes, and not to touch any corpse. Samuel was a nazir, and Samson was a nazir. Paul took the "Nazarite vow" to prove to those around him that he lived by the Torah. Today, we might set aside a period to serve the LORD in some special capacity, for "x" amount of months or years. It doesn't mean we have to let our hair grow or abstain from wine or grape juice, but just be serious in what we wish to do, and honor our word to serve God, according to how the Holy Spirit leads us. But it doesn't mean to go and be a hermit alone on some mountaintop, away from people. Ministry and service is all about PEOPLE. Also, chapter 6 is where we find the Aaronic Blessing. What is it saying to us? MAY YHVH BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU This is written in the Hebrew “singular” YOU not the plural YOU, because Israel, and all believers today are as ONE (Echad) in unity and ONE in fellowship, Adonai KEEPS us by “guarding us against curses and calamity, against sickness, poverty, He delivered our souls from the curse of sin, through Yeshua HaMashiach. HOWEVER, we can, through rebellion, bring on to ourselves these curses! MAY YHVH MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS UNTO YOU. The idea of “shine” is happiness, purity, and friendship so, May “P’nei (faces of) Adonai” bring happiness to you and keep you pure “tahor” and bring to you many friends, also GRACIOUS is from the Hebrew “Chen” (grace) something that is not merited, by GRACE we are saved, not by our own merit, He showed us the “Face of Grace” in YESHUA HaMASHIACH who is our YESHUAH (salvation) LIFT UP HIS COUNTENANCE UPON YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE. May YHVH give his “attention” to you and direct to you, and may you rest in HIS SHALOM! When we have Yeshua as Mashiach, we have that internal shalom, despite the world around us being in a lot of “unrest” So THEY SHALL PUT MY NAME ON THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL AND I WILL BLESS THEM. We can see that one of the names of God which is EL, is part of the name “YisraEL” and the most sacred name; YHVH is part of “Y’HUdaH (Judah) The blessing is for all believers since we have all been grafted into the Community/Commonwealth of Israel. Shalom.

PARASHA: “B’Midbar” (in the wilderness) NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 We start the Book of “Numbers” in English because it talks about “numbering” the tribes of Israel. In Hebrew, the name is "B'Midbar (In The desert). This is the book that tells about the journeys of Israel in the desert. Traveling under the watchful eye of Adonai, being led always by his "Shekinah" presence. Now, We wonder why the reason for “numbering the people?” for this reason, we need to go back to the beginning to see. In Egypt, Israel was a hodge-podge of undisciplined slaves working for Pharaoh, In Adonai’s timing, He sent Moshe, a “Messiah Type” to lead the people out of slavery to freedom. Once out of Egypt, came the task of taking Egypt out of the Israelites. They came to Mt. Sinai, ready to become a nation united under YHVH. The Ten Commandments served as the document in stone, a “Ketubah” to solidify the covenant. Now, the United Tribes of Israel under YHVH is established. But this is only the first part. Each Shavuot, (Pentecost) we remember the giving of the “Torah in Stone” amid thunder and fire. Now that the nation is established, YHVH takes a count, why the count? As a nation, as every nation in the world has, the Nation of Israel needs an army! So, the count is taken to form the very first IDF (Israel Defense Force). I am sure that many of you who are reading this have served in one of the branches of the Armed Forces of the USA, or other countries. I served in the US Army from 1972-1984. I met many people and learned many things. It was a great experience and a special time in my life. Quite a few of my family members also served in the Armed Forces, the first being an ancestor of mine, Richard Ellis, who served in the Massachusetts Militia in 1640. YHVH takes up the count and “enlists” every man who is 20 years old and older. They will serve in the armies of Israel. All those who are …”20 years old and upward who can go to war.” After the numbering, part of daily life would have been practicing and learning how to use different combat weapons, back then would have been swords, spears, bows and arrows, and slingshots. Every soldier has a job to do. Today we call these jobs MOS, (Military Occupation Specialties) One of mine was that of chaplain assistant. I was to assist a catholic chaplain who everyone called; “Father McCarthy” who had a bulldog named “Gus” who also went to chapel with him. 11 of the 12 tribes were called to be fighting men yet the tribe of Levi, was called to be the “chaplain tribe” They were exempt from combat duty, they would attend the Tabernacle and services. There were the kohanim (the priests) who would be the “chaplains” and the “Levites” who would serve as the “chaplain assistants” So, you are thinking, what does this numbering have to do with us as born-again believers in Messiah Yeshua? We are all soldiers in God’s army of believers. He’s got us all numbered. Yes, he has your number! We need to again, go back and look at our lives before and after Messiah Yeshua. Before, we were just a bunch of “hodge-podge lost sinners in the camp of HaSatan, until Yeshua took us out of that camp by shedding his blood on the cross of Calvary, when we accepted his sacrifice, we were officially “out” of the camp. Yet, there would still be a lot of “HaSatan and worldly influence” still in us, so, like the Israelites, “Egypt” was still in us. When we accepted Messiah Yeshua as our Mashiach and Goel (Redeemer) we were added to the Commonwealth of Israel, now part of the Community, the “Adat” which began at Sinai 3500 years ago. We are the “olive branches” that have been “grafted into” the Olive Tree. Now that we are members and citizens of “HIS People” we also are considered “soldiers” in the LORD’s Army. However, we fight a different type of war. In this world, armies fight with RPGs, M-16s, Kalashnikovs, Berettas, M-60s, etc. We fight against, “spirits and principalities of darkness” it is a spiritual war against HaSatan and his demons. Only through the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) and the power of His WORD can we overcome the onslaughts of the enemy. He realizes he has lost the war, yet still continues to fight a losing battle, which was won at the cross 2000 years ago. As the Kohenim (the priesthood) ministered and had jobs to do, and also the soldiers had their jobs to do, we believers also have jobs within our “Kehilot” and “Adat” (congregations). That is why the Holy Spirit has given gifts of the Spirit so that we might all serve in different capacities in the body of Messiah. In this way, the body grows and prospers. Some of us are rabbis, pastors, who also serve as teachers, also we have ministers in music and praise, finances, maintenance, prayer intercessors, counselors, and the list can go on. The twelve tribes of Israel encircled the Tabernacle, with the tribe of Levi next to it. The “Mishkan” was at the center of the People. So also, YHVH should be the “Center” of our life. The whole purpose of our life is to serve our God and Creator, while loving and supporting our brothers and sisters in the faith, reaching out to others who are lost, and teaching Torah to those who have ears to hear and learn. We are “numbered” in the eyes of Elohim, HE knows who we are, He has numbered the hairs on our head, and there is no such thing as “retirement” in the work of YHVH, well, there is…. It is called d-e-a-t-h. Another detail which I would like to add to this midrash. When Adonai numbered the people, he chose leaders out of each tribe. In all groups of “chosen” there are “leaders”. They can be pastors, rabbis, Sunday school teachers, Torah teachers, counselors, etc. But every group needs a leader or leaders. If not, we have a lot of sheep running around without shepherds. We see the names of the leaders. Many ask about the meanings of the names. Well, here they are as follows. Starting with chapter 1, verse 5; “Elizur’ = My God is the rock;” Shelumiel” = At peace with God. (I know, it sounds like “Schlemiel” but it isn’t. “Zurishaddai” = My Rock is Shaddai; “Nahshon” = Serpent, “Amminadab” = The (Divine) kinsman is generous ; “Nethaniel” = God hath given; “Eliab” = God is Father; “Elishama” = God hath heard, or God hears; “Ammihud” = The (Divine) kinsman is glorious; “Gammaliel” = God is my reward. In later times, it was the name of many famous rabbis, like the rabbi of Apostle Paul; “Pedahzur” = The Rock hath redeemed; “Abidan” = The Father hath judged; “Ahiezer” = The (divine) Brother is a help; “Ammishaddai” = The People of Shaddai; “Pagiel” = The lot (or fate) is given by God; “Eliasaph” = God has added; “Deuel” or “Reuel” = God is a friend; “Ahira” the (divine) brother is a friend. One other interesting aspect of the word "B'Midbar" (in the desert) that I would like to mention, is that within that, there is another word "D'bar" (Word) So, we can conclude that during the wanderings of the Children of Israel in the vast desert, they were not alone, they had the "WORD" God's promise that they would inherit the land of Canaan and that they are a "special and chosen people. All believers are part of that chosen people. We have been grafted into that covenant, the covenant renewed in the person of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus our Messiah). So, as we walk our journeys in life, (which are many) examples: childhood, teen years, adulthood, marriage, job and career, social life, etc. we need to remember that we need to keep the WORD in our journeys, the "Living WORD" (Yeshua) needs to be part of every aspect of our life's journeys. After our journeys are over, we will face a journey that will never end. Where will you spend that journey? Each journey we walk will take us to a different destination