Gateway To Freedom Torah Notes
Matot: Tribes
Numbers 30:2[1]-32:42
Haftorah Reading
Jeremiah 1:1–2:3
B’rit Chadashah
Phillipians 3:12-16
Masei: Stages
Numbers 33:1-36:13
Haftorah Reading
Jeremiah 2:4-28 & 3:4, 4:1,2
B’rit Chadashah
James 4:1-12
Chapter 30
Because I have already written a booklet on Kingdom Principles entitled, "Vows, Authority & Responsibilities," to which the reader may refer, I believe I'd like to briefly point out that which lies below the not so obvious character we are to show forth. In other words, beyond the commandment principles what is YHVH showing us in this chapter? Isn't He once again giving us a set of "laws" which show the character of YHVH in the law?
Our words/promises bind the soul and you are either righteous or not in how you keep them. Since YHVH's Word is sure, He once again shows us that His commands are to show forth His righteousness in His people.
The feminist movement around the world has obscured the scriptural principles which teach that women are subject to the authority over them - whether it is father or their own husband. (Eph 5:24) Rightful authority has a veto over vows made because that authority assumes the burden/iniquity for non compliance to a vow made. Thus, Jesus said simply, "swear not" but let your yea, be yea and your nay, nay.
Notice verses 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc. repeatedly emphasizes that one's vows "bind your soul." And if such vows are broken, then the authority over her shall also bear her iniquity! (verse 15). (Hasn't YHVH said that "they shall be one flesh?" Thus, a husband has the responsibility to speak up within the appointed time. Yes, silence can mean approval.) Let's put this plainly. A broken word/vow makes a person a liar and a supporter of the chief of liars - ha satan. Thus, as was taught last week, "let your words be few" - for you will have to give account of every idle word (Mat 12:36).
Chapter 31
Following the plague of judgment for Israel's adultery with the God of the Midianites, it is now time to deal with the source of the disease that caused Israel's apostasy. There is a lesson here that is restated in Job and reiterated by Peter. The lesson is YHVH deals with the sin of both the deceived and the deceiver. Thus, our objective should be to be neither (deceived nor the deceiver). Job 12:16 says, ".. the deceived and the deceiver are his." In the New Testament Peter reminds us of the same principle that judgment is first among the beloved, but does not end there. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1Pe 4:17
31:1 YHVH commands Moses for one last battle before his rest - gathered unto thy people. 12,000 (1000 from each tribe) went out to war with Midian.
31:6 Phinehas goes to war with the holy instruments (ark - Num 14:44), and the trumpets (silver) to blow in his hand. Do you think we ought to be using the weapons we know: timbels, shofars, shouts, declaration, faith and above all the Word?
31:7 They slew all the males, burnt the cities, BUT spared the women who were responsible for Israel's downfall. [What happened to Phinehas' example? Didn't he tell them to kill the women? Wouldn't they listen?]
31:14 The result of their taking human "booty" was the anger/admonishment by Moses for sparing the women. So Moses passes judgment on the non virgin women (guilty) and the male children (no seed for continual corruption) while the girls became "booty" for Israel.
31:19 - 24 Purify yourselves, your captives (virgin girls), your raiment, garments and booty. The metals that survive fire are to go through the fire and be melted; while the wood, skins and other materials are to be cleansed by the waters of separation (reminder: red heifer ashes, cedar, scarlet, hyssop and water - see Torah Chukat) according to the laws of cleansing (3rd day and 7th).
31:25 - 47 In the distribution of rewards, notice that there are two elements of favoritism to the warriors 1) less tribute and 2) greater reward. The allocation of booty was equally divided between those who went to war and those who did not. However, the Lord's portion was one part of 500 for the soldiers, but 1 part of 50 for the rest of the congregation. In other words, those who laid their life on the line we required to contribute ten times less than those stayed in the safety of the camp. Since this seems to be the principles of rewards (which David reaffirmed i.e. I Sam 30:24, 25), maybe we should look at the numbers?
There were 12,000 that went to war. If there were 337,500 "rewards" (i.e. the sheep or the rewarded "glories"), the warriors would receive 168,750. Then, the Lord was to be offered 1 in 500 or 338, there would be 168,412 to be split among the soldiers. This equates to 14 "rewards" per man.
In contrast, there were 589,730 (601,730 [Num 26:51] - 12,000) non combatant men of Israel. They would divide 165,375 (168,750 less 3375) "rewards" or .28 rewards per man. In other words the warriors would receive a fifty fold increased portion over those who didn't enter the battle.
How should we consider this "law of conquest distribution" in our lives regarding such things as: business, spiritually, a soldier's pension, etc. Can you think of other areas? Also, what about future spiritual rewards? After all, Yeshua does give rewards for the things done in this life:
2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
31:48 - 54 The officers of the warriors come to Moses and give praise unto YHVH, saying, "not one of us is missing." (vs :49) Less than 2% of Israel's fighting force went out to war for the victory over Midian. YHVH was able to "keep" each and every one of them. Here is something we need to settle - one of the ten tests of our walk in the wilderness…Can YHVH preserve us…. when the whole world is crumbling around us (as it appears to be)? Yes, he can! So why do we continue to walk in doubt and fear?
Moses and Eleazar accepted the offered gold and jewels (gold valued at 16,750 shekels!) as an atonement (or covering) for their sins (not killing the women, taking personal gain, other associated sin which each man had) as a memorial for the children of Israel. Even though we've taught on this before, some still may have a question about sin coverings without blood sacrifice. The scriptures teach that there is no remission of sin without blood (Heb 9:22) However,
1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Jas 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Strong's definitions (note bolded fundamental difference):
Remission = freedom; (figuratively) pardon: - deliverance, forgiveness, liberty,
Atonement = to cover; figuratively to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel: - appease, make (an) atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, to pitch, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile
Do you remember that one of the "betterments" of the new covenant is freedom - freedom from conscience.
Heb 9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
In other words: atonement can "cover' sin(s) but never purge the flesh unto freedom, deliverance, complete forgiveness and power over sin.
Chapter 32
32:1-5 Now when the children of Reuben and Gad SAW the land…. Most commentaries on this passage agree that materialistic lust dominates these two tribes' request to make this land their portion - short of/and separated from YHVH's Promised Land. In considering this self serving request I couldn't help wonder what "set them up" for such a predisposed mindset and what message was there for us today.
The common thread that seems to run through the connection between the children of Rueben, Gad and Manasseh is one of birthright and loss of full privileges. Reuben was the first born who forfeited his birthright by defiling his father's bed. It was obvious that Judah was the recipient and the family strength by Judah's numbers, position in the march, offerings, mention, and patriarchal longevity (Caleb). Gad was also a firstborn son (of Zilpah, but not of Jacob) who also hadn't received a double portion. Likewise joining them was the half tribe of Manasseh who was the firstborn to be replaced by Ephraim. It would seem that, not unlike Esau who first occupied Seir, this might give opening to a mindset of providing for "me first" attitude so they would be assured of receiving a fair inheritance that matched their obvious husbandry skills. Thus, they went after the first portion, without consideration of YHVH's promise or the good of all Israel. And, Moses replied to their own self interests most strongly.
(As an aside and addition to last week's parsha, "Pinchas", it is interesting to note that the tribe of Simeon went from a census 59,300 at Sinai to 22,200 at the plains of Moab encampment. This is a loss of -37,100 men of war! Since Zimri was a ringleader to the adulterous rebellion with the Midianites, it seems likely that a large portion of the 24,000 lost to the plague could have come from this tribe.)
32:8-15 Moses responds harshly to their petition and points out Israel's previous sin and how those of faint heart and doubting minds had caused the judgment of the last 40 years. He concludes that their self interest is of their fathers' sin (verse 14) and by not going into the promise land they would be responsible for the destruction of Israel.
32:16-42 Reuben and Gad propose to build sheepfolds for their stock, but go up in arms with all of Israel until all the tribes establish their inheritance (a proposal of faith). Moses accepts their petition under those terms and they establish "the fat cows of Bashem."
This whole chapter should give each individual pause before thinking of themselves before the community of YHVH. You can't be a servant of, nor like Yeshua, and think of self first. We must learn to put the Master and the body before ourself.
Haftorah Reading
Jeremiah 1:1–2:3
In a very peculiar structure the haftorah is but thinly related to the Torah parasha Matot. This Haftorah, together with the next two, are called the "three of affliction." This one teaches us that YHVH will use even the youngest and the unknown of his prophets to warn His people. The Haftorah relate to the prophecies' of the First Temple's destruction. However, at the end there is a remembrance of the things spoken of in Numbers when the Lord says, "..Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. (3) Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD. Jer 2:2-3
B’rit Chadashah
Philippians 3:12-16
We, just as the Israelites are on a constant progression to obtain the promised land that YHVH has given to us. Here the Apostle Paul reiterates that quest and gives us insight that we are on a journey which will not be fully achieved until the fullness of the kingdom has come. "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Php 3:12-14
Masei: Stages
Numbers 33:1-36:13
Chapter 33
33:1-49 Moses summarizes the 42 stops in the wilderness to get to the promise land, while emphasizing only the most significant of events and YHVH's care through His miracles and mercies.
33: 50-56 Israel is commanded to drive out all the inhabitants (so they wouldn't again be corrupted by inhabitants idol worship). If they didn't drive out the inhabitants, then YHVH says then they, "shall be barbs in your eyes, and throns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell." Additionally, He said, "I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them."!! And yet there were many areas and peoples that Israel didn't drive from the land that was given to them. What should this say to us about the spiritual enemies in our lives? Have we have chosen to accommodate some of our soul's enemies rather than overcome and drive them out? True peace does not come with just being able to "live with it." "That's just the way I was made," will not be an acceptable response to YHVH in the day of accounting.
Chapter 34 - 35
34:1–35:6 Each tribe had its land allotment in the Promised Land. Where did the non-Israelite sojourners find their allotment? They were joined to one of the twelve tribes. Similarly, New Jerusalem has twelve gates only named after the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev 21:12). If we do not identify ourselves as a spiritual Israelite as Paul teaches, what gate will you enter through in the heavenly tabernacle? There is no “Gentile Gate” listed!
35:6 Forty eight cities to Levites, six of them are cities of refuge.
35:28 The man who had committed manslaughter would be freed from the sentence of blood revenge upon the death of the high priest. This little understood commandment is a foreshadowing of Messiah's death, resurrection and resulting freedom for the sinner.
Abortion: Its judgment upon the land
Num 35:33 So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. (Num 35:34 KJV) Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.
Chapter 36
YHVH sets the rules governing each tribe's inheritance. In essence the inheritance of a tribe shall not be passed from tribe to tribe, all intermarried inheritance shall revert to the original tribe on jubilee and the daughters of Zelophehad were to marry within their tribe (Manasseh). Thus, they married their cousins.
Conclusion:
The book of Numbers concludes with "these are the commandments and the ordinances which our Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.." The Torah was not a theological or philosophical foundation upon which to build thousands more commands or to simply enter into intellectual debate. The Torah was a guidebook of practical living that showed the character and righteousness of our G_d. Any change to the commandments and ordinances also implies a picture or character trait of YHVH. Thus, legalism instead of love and mercy was not the Torah Yeshua or YHVH taught, but it is and was the invention of man's own mind.
Haftorah Reading
Jeremiah 2:4-28 & 3:4, 4:1,2
2:13 Jeremiah states that Israel was guilty of two sins: they had forsaken YHVH, the Fountain of Living Waters, and had exchanged his divine and life-giving truth for the stagnant waters of man-made cisterns, which in Hebraic poetic symbolism is a metaphor for false, humanistic religious and philosophical systems of men.
For America doesn’t this include our nation’s humanism, immorality, abortion, rebellion against the biblical laws of YHVH, Marxism/socialism, Eastern “spirituality”/New Age and the so-called New World Order? And the latest addition to this list includes the Antichrist religion of Islam and its associated anti-Semitism.
2: 27 Jeremiah accuses Israel of turning its back on YHVH and exchanging worship of the Creator for worship of the creation and material objects (idols). This is reminiscent of a society that rejects the divinely revealed truth of YHVH as found in Scripture, and then begins worshipping the creation, the earth, animals and their own bodies (leading to sexual perversion)
In this parsaha alone we have touched on a number of things for which our nation is in sin:
-Honoring father and mother (from vows) and family order
-Not murdering & polluting the land in blood – aborting our children and our heritage
-Turn from the Midianite spirit of sexual lust and perversions
-Turn away from all embracing of demonic influence and worship witchcraft, satanism, divination, sorcery, astrology, mother earth worship, New Age, New Thought and science of the mind religions, Eastern religions (including Freemasonry) and Luciferianism.
The following passage speaks to these issues - in the church!
B’rit Chadashah
James 4:1-12
From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (4) Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (5) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (9) Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. (10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (11) Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. (12) There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
Shabbat Shalom,
Randy
Exhibit:
Numbers 31:25-47
There were 12,000 that went to war. If there were 337,500 "rewards" (i.e. the sheep or the rewarded "glories"), the warriors would receive 168,750. Then, the Lord was to be offered 1 in 500 or 338, there would be 168,412 to be split among the soldiers. This equates to 14 "rewards" per man.
In contrast, there were 589,730 (601,730 [Num 26:51] - 12,000) non combatant men of Israel. They would divide 165,375 (168,750 less 3375) "rewards" or .28 rewards per man. In other words the warriors would receive a fifty fold increased portion over those who didn't enter the battle.
Warriors Non-Combatants
Total Rewards 337,500
Divided 168,750 168,750
Minus offering 338 3,375
For Division 168,412 165,375
Divided by 12,000 589,730*
Rewards/man 14 .28
Ratio 50 : 1
* (601,730 [Num 26:51] - 12,000 = 589,730)