Chukkat” means “statute” and the portion opens with the requirements of the famous red heifer, that perfect red young cow that is so sacred, nothing else will do to inaugurate the entire sacrificial infrastructure. Not surprisingly then, the requirements for finding and then preparing for such a massively important sacrifice are detailed and intricate. Other purity laws follow after which we are confronted with the sad news of Moshe’s sister Miriam dying. Ironically, instead of Moshe getting compassion from the Israelites on this occasion they immediately rise up in rebellion against him once more!
In response to this latest threat, Abba YHWH assembles all of Israel and tells Moshe He will cause water to come from a rock that Moshe will strike with his staff. The problem is of course Moshe doesn’t wait for the official command to do so and impulsively strikes the rock twice. The waters come out and Israel is refreshed, but Moshe and Aaron are punished for not being more patient. Abba YHWH tells them plainly that neither of them will enter into the Promised Land.
After these events, the Israelites ask permission to pass through the lands of their Edomite cousins, but their king refuses. This time though, Abba YHWH does not punish the Edomites because He is primarily incensed with Israel, so He simply orders them around Edom to a place called Mount Hor. It is there that Abba YHWH exacts the first part of His punishment against Moshe and Aaron, by having Aaron die on that mountain. The final full chapter (21) ends as the first one in this portion did. Israel asks for deliverance—this time from the Canaanites, Abba YHWH delivers and then Israel complains again, resulting in punishment. Are we learning yet? Keep Reeding
“Korah” refers to the man of the same name who was responsible for mounting a rebellion against Moshe. There are many unique aspects to this act of rebellion, such as it being led by a Levite and a confederation of other leaders and that Moshe and Aaron are on the same side against them. We also have touches of foreshadowing of Eliyahu’s later contest against the prophets of Baal. The results of this rebellion are among the most graphic of disasters depicted in Tanakh. Because the very fabric of the priesthood was threatened, the stakes for the right side surviving were incredibly high, and when order is eventually restored this time Abba YHWH confines His instructions to the priests so that they can regain some credibility.
“Korah” refers to the man of the same name who was responsible for mounting a rebellion against Moshe. There are many unique aspects to this act of rebellion, such as it being led by a Levite and a confederation of other leaders and that Moshe and Aaron are on the same side against them. We also have touches of foreshadowing of Eliyahu’s later contest against the prophets of Baal. The results of this rebellion are among the most graphic of disasters depicted in Tanakh. Because the very fabric of the priesthood was threatened, the stakes for the right side surviving were incredibly high, and when order is eventually restored this time Abba YHWH confines His instructions to the priests so that they can regain some credibility.
“Shelach Lecha” means “send out for yourself”, referring to the spies that Moshe will send into Canaan to do a little “reconnaissance” on the strategic strengths of the various peoples living in Canaan. When the spies let their fear get the better of them and bring back an evil report, Abba YHWH officially enacts punishment that they will spend an additional 40 years wandering in the wilderness, or a total of 42 years from the time they left Egypt. However Caleb and Joshua prove themselves to be the voices of righteousness and will not give into fear.
Then, for the second time, Abba YHWH offers to destroy all Israel and start over a new tribe with Moshe as leader and the fallout from this occasion is most interesting, to say the least. Chapter 15 though also follows the pattern of the previous cycle when Abba YHWH offered to start over with Moshe, Moshe refused, and the final verdict from Abba YHWH comes down. In both cases, Abba YHWH reassures Israel by re-issuing his Torah requirements, meaning that even for those who will die in the wilderness the tribes they are part of will live through obedience to Abba YHWH’s Word. Keep Reeding
“Shelach Lecha” means “send out for yourself”, referring to the spies that Moshe will send into Canaan to do a little “reconnaissance” on the strategic strengths of the various peoples living in Canaan. When the spies let their fear get the better of them and bring back an evil report, Abba YHWH officially enacts punishment that they will spend an additional 40 years wandering in the wilderness, or a total of 42 years from the time they left Egypt. However Caleb and Joshua prove themselves to be the voices of righteousness and will not give into fear.
Then, for the second time, Abba YHWH offers to destroy all Israel and start over a new tribe with Moshe as leader and the fallout from this occasion is most interesting, to say the least. Chapter 15 though also follows the pattern of the previous cycle when Abba YHWH offered to start over with Moshe, Moshe refused, and the final verdict from Abba YHWH comes down. In both cases, Abba YHWH reassures Israel by re-issuing his Torah requirements, meaning that even for those who will die in the wilderness the tribes they are part of will live through obedience to Abba YHWH’s Word.
“BeHalotekha” means “when you elevate” as in “when you lift up the lamps.” Aaron is commanded to light the lamps of the menorah and the tribe of Levi is commanded to serve the sanctuary. This is also when the institution of the 2nd Pesach is established and when the Israelites grumble over only having manna to eat as well as showing rebellion against Moshe from his own siblings! The 2020 SHAVUOT SPECIAL IS JUST BELOW THE PARSHA!
From some of the most intriguing parts of Genesis to deep into the last book of Revelation, understand the Great Feast that has as many applications and faces as it does names. Shavuot encompasses so much insight and so much controversy that we really need to take our time to go through it together. Enjoy!
“Naso” means “take”, as in “you will take an accounting of Israel” or a census. This portion begins with the census on the Gershonites and details all their prescribed duties in ministering to the Tabernacle. This is followed by the bitter waters test for an adulterous woman in Numbers 5 and other instructions for the sons of Aaron, culminating with the Blessing of the Priests in chapter 6. The 7th and last chapter in the portion details the contributions for the Tabernacle made by each tribal leader.
“Naso” means “take”, as in “you will take an accounting of Israel” or a census. This portion begins with the census on the Gershonites and details all their prescribed duties in ministering to the Tabernacle. This is followed by the bitter waters test for an adulterous woman in Numbers 5 and other instructions for the sons of Aaron, culminating with the Blessing of the Priests in chapter 6. The 7th and last chapter in the portion details the contributions for the Tabernacle made by each tribal leader.
“BaMidbar” means “in the wilderness” and it begins with a census being taken of the nation, particularly of men 20 years and older who are able to serve in combat. The total comes to 603,550 excepting Levites who cannot be counted for this purpose. After this more details are given for how the Levites are to maintain the Tabernacle as well as their own purity.
“BaMidbar” means “in the wilderness” and it begins with a census being taken of the nation, particularly of men 20 years and older who are able to serve in combat. The total comes to 603,550 excepting Levites who cannot be counted for this purpose. After this more details are given for how the Levites are to maintain the Tabernacle as well as their own purity.
“BeChukkotai” means “by/through My statutes”, referring to Abba YHWH’s judgments being “walked in” or followed. There is a distinction made between “laws” and “statutes” and “commandments” which we will look into later. This portion though goes beyond just listing a bunch of rules; rather it deals with the rewards for obedience and punishments for disobedience. Most striking of these enactments is the prediction in 26:34-35, where Israel is warned they will be vomited out of the land if they fail to keep the Land Sabbath. The 27th chapter has extensive details on the monetary values of making an oath of consecration regarding a person based on gender and age.