We attempted to discuss two portions in this short podcast. We needed to keep it short this week.
In our short discussion we are reminded that Moses’ is sharing with the second generation their covenantal blessings in obeying Yahweh. If they choose to obey Yahweh, it will go well with them. If they choose to disobey, they are choosing the curse. The Torah is their instructions for life from their God, who is the God of gods, Yahweh. He is giving them the special sacred truth they need to live lives distinct from the pagan nations in Canaan. This Torah or instruction is to shape their daily lives and all their relationships: with Yahweh, their spouse, their children, their neighbor, their servants, their animals, and their enemies. This was a short podcast but we hope that you are able to catch the major insight around how Yahweh’s instructions, Torah, was to be the foundation of their lives and it would bring blessing if they allowed it to shape them and their lives.

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In this portion Moses’ continues to remind the nation of Israel of the covenant love of Yahweh and how he has continually demonstrated that love through their deliverance from Egypt and their wilderness travels. These instructions were to be written on their circumcised hearts so that they could obey Yahweh with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. To love is to obey. To hear His commands were not enough, obedience is our appropriate response. Shema means to listen and obey. Reading through Deuteronomy is like reading through a mini Torah. Moses makes so many connections to the ancestors and the fulfillment of Yahweh’s promise by this second generation going in to possess their inheritance. It is a good read!!! We are reminded of Yahweh love and faithfulness even when we are not, He provided the people with a deliverer and anointed one in Moses who foreshadows the Anointed One, Yeshua who came to deliver us all and to lead us back home to our Father. We have this new and better covenant on better promises. We have this great salvation because of the obedience of Yeshua. We give glory to Yahweh for his glorious plan of redemption.

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In this portion, Moses implores Israel to follow the commands of Yahweh. He reminds them of how Yahweh had given them the victory over the giant kings,Sihon and Og. His promise to go before them to drive out the other nations in the Promise Land, was secure because of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, this is why their obedience was paramount. Their covenant relationship with Yahweh, the True and Living God, set them apart from all other nations. Moses is reiterating the terms of their covenant and what they must do in order to live as Yahweh’s treasured possession.

The traditional Jewish prayer, the Shema, is in this portion. It is the prayer that encompasses the covenant between Hashem and his people. Yeshua taught that all of the Torah hangs on it.

Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deut. 6:4

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

Understanding the Bible Commentary Series: Deuteronomy by Christopher J.T. Wright

Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

The Unseen Realm:Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Michael S. Heiser

Link to an article about suzerain/vassal treaties in Ancient Bear East. Excellent insights into creation and the Torah given to Moses.

https://ancient-hebrew.org/cul...

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This first portion of Deuteronomy, Devarim is translated, These are the words and is Moses’ first sermon to the second generation in preparation for them going in to take possession of the Promised Land. It is a rehearsing of the first generations journey and what happened with the rebellion of Kadesh Barnea, but it is interesting to note that Moses focuses on the inhabitants of the land and how they have already defeated some of the giant clans. It seems to like this first sermon is a bit of a “pep rally” for the second generation. Moses is reminding them that Yahweh has promised to go before them and drive out the inhabitants so they can not shrink back in fear like their parents, then needed to be bold and courageous.

The last two verses of the portion, Deut. 3:21,22 says, “ At that time I commanded Joshua: “You have seen with your own eyes all that the LORD you God has done to these two kings, the LORD will do the same wo all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them the LORD your God himself will fight for you.”
That is it in a nutshell. Moses was declaring to the second generation, Go up and possess the land, Be the Giant Slayers, do not be afraid face off the giants. Take the blessing of the LORD. He will fight for you!!!

Resources:

Giants: Sons of the Gods by Douglas Van Dorn 10th Anniversary Edition
https://www.amazon.com/Giants-...=tmm_hrd_

Dream Giver: Following Your God-Given Destiny By Bruce Wilkerson
https://www.amazon.com/Dream-G...

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This week’s portion is a double portion to finish up the book of Numbers. In this podcast we discuss the importance of our vows, commitments and words. Vows were important spiritual transactions in the Ancient Near East, and our vows are just as important spiritually. We then reflect on the journey through the wilderness and what has be revealed through Israel’s testings and failures. What have we learned from reading through this book?

the Bible Project has really good podcasts on the Torah scrolls. I would encourage you to check out the Numbers scroll and listen to get a great macro view of the book and understanding of the lessons we are to glean from Israel’s wilderness journeys.

Bible Project Numbers Scroll
Entering the Promised Land

https://bibleproject.com/podca...

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This portion is name after Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, whose zealous obedience to Yahweh ended a plague within the nation. During this time Israel has experienced several judgments because of complaining, rebellion and out right disobedience. In this time of rebellion, a tribal leader, Zimri, fornicated with a foreign woman right in the midst of the camp. His disobedience brought judgment on the camp, however, Phinehas, filled with righteous indignation killed both of them in the act. This zealous obedience pleased Yahweh and He rewarded him with a promise of priesthood. His radical obedience invoked radical blessing and radical promises.

We also see how similar boldness was rewarded through the daughters of Zelophedad. These women took a stand for what they believed would honor their father and received his inheritance, when women were not even allowed to own property. Yahweh agreed with their assertion and commanded Moses to institute a new inheritance law for the nation. Their convictions were rewarded.

Reference to high-handed sin, “defiant” is found in Numbers 15:30. Arguably, the Israelite Zimri, who sinned with the Midianite woman acted because he did it in the camp in the sight of everyone.

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This week’s portion is a double portion. In Chukat, translated statue or decree we learn about the red heifer and the water of cleansing. In past portions, we learned of how important it was to keep the sacred space sacred if Israel wanted Yahweh Presence in its midst. The Red Heifer is what was used along with the water of cleansing to purify the community from the uncleanness associated with death. It is a bit of a paradox around how the water of cleansing works to purify since those who do the process with the red heifer become unclean. All of it demonstrates the need for a redeemer and that the Mashiach will come and fulfill this role. Chukat has two other symbols for Yeshua in the portion: the rock and the bronze serpent. The main thing is that Jesus fulfills all in all and his obedience has ransomed and redeemed all that have faith in his cross, burial and resurrection.

The next portion, Balak focuses on the Moabite king after which it is named and his plan to curse Israel. He hires a diviner, Balaam to curse Israel but Salaam ends up blessing Israel. Balaam ends up prophesying the Messiah and end time events in his oracles. It is very interesting that Yahweh has a way for his purpose to prevail.

The book mentioned in the podcast is The Passover King: Exploring the Connection Between Passover, the End Times, and the Return of Jesus by Travis Snow.

It is available on Amazon or a pdf version is available on Snow’s ministry website.

https://shilohmedia.org/books/

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In the last portion, we see the community of Israel sin in unbelief when they fail to believe in Yahweh’s promise to give the Promised Land. Just when you think that things couldn’t get any worse, a seed of rebellion is sown and it has dire consequences. Korah, Moses and Aaron’s first cousin, resisted the transferring of the priestly duties solely to Aaron and his sons. As a son of Kohath he was to serve Aaron and his sons, but not at the altar, he also had been overlooked as a leader of the Kohathites. He instigated rebellion with the Reunites and other firstborn leaders against the leadership of Moses and Aaron protesting that the entire community of Israel is holy, along with all the first-born so why had Moses elevated Aaron and his sons. Well, things do not turn out well. Yahweh judges Korah and all those who aligned themselves with his rebellion. A major point to note is that Moses and Aaron continue to fall facedown and intercede for the people despite their rebellion. They continue to ask Yahweh to forgive sin and rebellion. Judgements are given but not to the degree that it could have been. Aaron is able to stop a plague because he is willing to “stand between the living and the dead”; he fulfills his role as an mediator as he prefigures Jesus Christ in his role as our faithful High Priest.

I am extending apologies now for the waterworks during the recording; when I think about the faithfulness of my Savior Jesus and his ability to endure and my own human weaknesses, it causes me to weep and ask Holy Spirit to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. As Yahweh’s people, we need his heart for the lost so that we too can be kings and priests asking Yahweh for forgive sin and rebellion. He is faithful to forgive when we are faithful to ask.

Here is a link to the article: The Levitical Priesthood by Bible Scholar L. Michael Morales
The Levitical Priesthood
https://equip.sbts.edu/publica...

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This portion includes the biblical account of the twelve spies sent into the Promised Land to see exactly what Yahweh had promised His people. Was it a land flowing with milk and honey? Well, when they return the reports are flying and we learn that ten of the spies spread an evil report about the land, saying that it devoured its inhabitants while only two, Caleb and Joshua, believed the promise of Yahweh and wanted to go take their inheritance. What caused the majority of the spies to be fearful, the inhabitants of the land were the descendants of Anak, who was a descendant of the Nephilim. We learn that these descendants were real giants, not just big people, but a hybrid race of people from the seed of the “sons of God” and human women. If you are not familiar with the biblical account of Genesis 6, we want to invite you to check out some of the links below and begin your own journey of My recommendation is to start with The Unseen Realm Documentary with the late Dr. Michael S. Heiser produced by Logos Bible.

Remember, without faith it’s impossible to please God! This portion reminds us of how important our faith and obedience are to Yahweh and the promises for the generations.

Resource:
the Bible Project Spiritual Beings Series
https://bibleproject.com/explo...

The Unseen Realm Documentary on Youtube
https://youtu.be/2QM7anD5vSI

The Unseen Realm:Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Dr. Michael S. Heiser
https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-...

Giants: Sons of the Gods by Douglas Van Dorn
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gia...

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In this Torah portion Yahweh continues to prepare His people to move out from Mt. Sinai. There are more instructions for Aaron, his sons and the Levites. The Glory Cloud and Fire lead the people of Yahweh, they are learning how to move with His Presence however in the midst of all of this there are still lessons to be learned. Complaining and speaking evil of leaders grieves Yahweh’s heart and Israel and their leaders had to learn that there are consequences to this behavior. His people were to be set apart and those following His command. Moses also learns that Yahweh is willing to give help in the time of need by giving His Spirit to the seventy elders so that they could aid Moses in leading the people. A release of the Spirit inspired the leaders to prophesy to the people which foreshadowed the infilling of the Holy Spirit in believers and the gift of prophecy. Yahweh’s ways are higher than our ways, his thoughts are higher than our thoughts but it is all for our good and His glory.


The new book by Carmen Joy Imes was released on June 6. Here is an announcement from her blog. It was a nice listen on Audible, narrated by Carmen herself.

https://carmenjoyimes.blogspot...

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