RECOGNITION

2. RECOGNITION THE MESSIANIC PROPHECY BIBLE PROJECT http://www.messianicbible.com HEAR O ISRAEL www.hearoisrael.org SHEEPFOLD GLEANINGS WRITTEN BY JULIE PARKER www.sheepfoldgleanings.com MESSIANIC ISRAEL ALLIANCE http://www.messianicisrael.com AZAMRA TORAH FOR OUR TIME – RABBI AVRAHAM GREENBAUM http://www.azamra.org

3. BEHA’ALOTCHA -“In your going up.” TORAH: Numbers 8:1-12:16 HAFTORAH: Zechariah 2:10 [14]–4:7 B’RIT HADASHAH: On the consecration of the apostles: Rom 1:1; Gal 1:15  On Yeshua our Great High Priest: Heb 4:14–5:10; 7:1–28; 9:23–25  On following Yeshua, spiritual pillar of fire: 1 Cor 11:1; Rev 14:4; Phil 2:14 On murmuring: 1 Cor 10:10 All references: The Scripture 1998+ unless otherwise noted

4. YEARNING FOR THE PAST For the next few weeks, much of what we read about in Numbers will not be about how the Israelites are adjusting to wilderness life, but rather how they are yearning for the life they had in Egypt where civilization was highly advanced and much more predictable. As we consider the possibility of the prophesied 2nd Exodus occurring in our lifetime, the words of the prophet Isaiah come to mind: declaring the end from the beginning, and from of old that which has not yet been done, saying, ‘My counsel does stand, and all My delight I do,’ (Isaiah 46:10) What are the promises that we can cling to? Will the Almighty tell us ahead of time what we need to know? Will we repeat the mistakes of the past? Isaiah again comes through with answers: “See, the former predictions have come, and new ones I am declaring; before they spring forth I let you hear them.” (Isaiah 42:9)

5. THE WORD The Word ofיהוה is our assurance. As we follow His commandments יהוה continues to open our eyes to understand them. We must do this without complaining or questioning His authority. In this week’s Parsha, we will see many of the last minute instructions given to the Israelites before they leave Mt. Sinai and head for the Promised Land. Sadly, they were not able to uncompromisingly follow the One who had redeemed them from Egypt and betrothed them at Mt. Sinai. Will we study their experiences and learn from their mistakes? And all these came upon them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come, so that he who thinks he stands, let him take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:11-12)

6. MENORAH And יהוה spoke to Mosheh, saying, “Speak to Aharon, and say to him, ‘When you set up the lamps, let the seven lamps give light in front of the lampstand.’ ” And Aharon did so. He set up the lamps to face toward the front of the lampstand, as יהוה commanded Mosheh. And this is the work of the lampstand: beaten work of gold, from its base to its blossoms it is beaten work. According to the pattern which יהוה had shown Mosheh, so he made the lampstand. (Numbers 8:1-4)

7. BE’HAALOTECHA The name of our Torah reading….Be’HaAlotecha verse 2 translates as “in the lifting up”. To consider what it really means when you look at its root – alah – which has the meaning of “to go up” or “to ascend”. This is the same word that is used when speaking of “going up to Jerusalem” and also the root of the phrase “to make aliyah” for those who immigrate to Israel. Another related word is olah, which you can see contains the same Hebrew consonants . The olah was the burnt offering which the Apostle Paul also connected to us: I call upon you, therefore, brothers, through the compassion of Elohim, to present your bodies a living offering – set-apart, well-pleasing to Elohim – your reasonable worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim. (Romans 12:1-2)

8. INSTRUCTIONS Now Moses had already received some of these instructions for the menorah back in Exodus 25. In Numbers יהוה reiterates two commands: That the menorah’s lamps should all be turned in the direction of the main trunk of the menorah (the central stem from which the menorah’s arms extend). That the entire menorah should be hammered out of a single block of gold. The menorahs that we are familiar with today may not be accurate according to these instructions. It is possible that the branches containing the six lamps extended forward and upward in what would look like a “V” if viewed from up above. The highest central lamp is called the “servant”, and it is plain to see that this symbolizesיהושע . As our lights are turned in His direction, it represents our keeping our eyes on the Messiah. It is the entire duty of the lamps to point to the central lamp, i.e. יהושע.

9. MENORAH: REPRESENTATION Beaten gold from its base to its blossoms, from its foundation to its fruit; in every way it has been beaten, tested by the love (gold) יהוה has for His creation. The Hebrew word “menorah” # 4501 comes from the root word “manowr” meaning “beam” or “yoke”, as used in ploughing and supporting. So this lamp stand is not the light in and of itself but supports the light or lamps. The numeric value of the letters in “menorah” is 301, which equals “ha Tsuwr” or “the Rock”, “rafacha” or “that heals you”. The “lamps” or “niyr‟ot” in the Hebrew means “lamp”, “bearer of light”. The numeric value of the letters, as they appear in Torah (niyr‟ot or nun-yud-reish-tav) is 660, which also equals “v‟tehartam” or “and you shall be clean”. Scripture shows us that the Menorah, and not the cross, is the symbol of יהושע’s spiritual body of believers. Revelation 1:12, 20 and 2:1 the seven congregations are symbolized as a seven-branched Menorah!

10. MENORAH: יהושע “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who stays in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit. Because without Me you are able to do naught! (John 15:5) This is a perfect picture of the Menorah, which has a central trunk with six (the number representing man) branches growing out of the trunk. “You are the light of the world. It is impossible for a city to be hidden on a mountain. “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it shines to all those in the house. (Matthew 5:14-15) Apostle Paul makes reference in Romans 11, as representing the Tree of Life (which ultimately represents יהושע) into which all must be grafted if they are to be part the spiritual body of יהושע and have his eternal life. SYMBOL OF WORSHIP: When we lift our hands it is a sign of surrender and worship. By doing this we are acting out what we are—a lamp stand to the world radiating forth the good news of the truth and love of יהושע.

11. MENORAH: ZECHARIAH ‘Now listen, Yehoshua the high priest, you and your companions who sit before you, for they are men of symbol. For look, I am bringing forth My Servant – the Branch. ‘See the stone which I have put before Yehoshua: on one stone are seven eyes. See, I am engraving its inscription,’ declares יהוה of hosts, ‘…. ‘In that day,’ declares יהוה of hosts, ‘you shall invite one another, under the vine and under the fig tree.’ ”….“What do you see?” So I said, “I have looked, and see: a lampstand all of gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven spouts to the seven lamps. “And two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” …“What are these, my master?” …‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ said יהוה of hosts. These seven are the eyes of יהוה, which diligently search throughout all the earth.” “What are these two olive trees, ..?” ….“These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Master1 of all the earth.” (Zechariah 3:8-4:14)

12. MENORAH: TWO WITNESSES Only two returned with a good report of the promised land: Caleb, from the tribe of Judah; and Joshua, from the tribe of Ephraim (Num 13:2, 6, 8).Thus, the first example of two witnesses were a Judahite and an Ephraimite. Lampstands are said to be congregations (ekklesias), thus they are two congregations of called out ones (Rev 11:3, 4; 1:20). Metaphorically, the two witnesses are two anointed olive trees who speak for the God [or Elohim] of Israel. Judaism and Christianity are the only two religions on earth that give testimony about Him. Although the people of Islam claim to follow Abraham’s God, יהוה calls Himself “The [Elohim] of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Exod 3:16; Acts 3:13). Islam denies that Isaac and Jacob are Abraham’s heirs, and instead claims that Ishmael is Abraham’s true heir. Our Father is now calling forth two congregations. They are the “two sticks” that are presently being made “one in His hand” (Ezek 37:15–28).They are Judah and Ephraim.

13. OUR MENORAH It was the duty of the High Priest to light the lamp. הושע is our High Priest. It is His life that lights our lamps: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. He was in the beginning with Elohim. All came to be through Him, and without Him not even one came to be that came to be. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. (John 1:1-4) And here are our instructions once our lamp is lit: “You are the light of the world. It is impossible for a city to be hidden on a mountain. “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it shines to all those in the house. “Let your light so shine before men, so that they see your good works and praise your Father who is in the heavens. (Matthew 5:14-16) The light should remain on the lampstand. We must listen lest our High Priest follows through with His warning to remove our lampstand: For the command is a lamp, And the Torah a light, And reproofs of discipline a way of life, (Proverbs 6:23)

14. ORDINATION OF LEVITES Numbers 8:5-26…. and the children of Yisra’ĕl shall lay their hands on the Lĕwites, … The Levites were separated and ordained in the wilderness to: Stand in for the first-born of Israel; To help the priests with the burden of Tabernacle service; To be distinctly assigned to the official ministry of keeping charge of the Sanctuary, and solemnly charged and set apart to a life of ministry within the congregation of Israel.  And He Himself gave some as emissaries, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as shepherds and teachers for the perfecting of the set-apart ones, to the work of service to a building up of the body of the Messiah, (Ephesians 4:11-12) The laying on of hands entails the assumption of mutual responsibilities on behalf of the participating parties.  Warning:"Lay hands suddenly on no man..." (1 Tim.5:22).

15. TIME OF SERVICE “This applies to the Lĕwites: From twenty-five years old and above let him come into active service in the service of the Tent of Meeting, and at the age of fifty years they retire from active service of the service, and serve no more, but they shall attend with their brothers in the Tent of Meeting, to guard the duty, but shall do no service. Thus you shall do to the Lĕwites regarding their duties.” (Numbers 8:24-26) from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the Tent of Meeting. (Numbers 4:3) First five years is for training, watch and learn, after fifty in their retirement, they remained to “guard the duty”. And, they remained to teach the next generation how to lead worship according to the instructions for true worship and not the oral equivalent of “strange fire” as offered by many in the mixing of musical worship today.

16. COMMENTRY: RABBI AVRAHAM GREENBAUM RavGreenbaum writes, “Singing in prayer is a unique human ability that even the angels wait to hear. It is the crowning moment of the Service. We may want to hurry the prayers so we can get away from the Synagogue, but instead we ‘slaughter the animal’, ‘sacrifice ourselves’ and stand there singing instead. The song is made up of air, RU'ACH, spirit. The song is GEVURAH, sifting the animal RU'ACH, the side that wants to run away and occupy ourselves with the secular world, from the uniquely human RU'ACH -- the air of our songs. This air or RU'ACH is the vessel through which the even higher faculty of Knowledge is able to enter and dwell, and then everything is complete: the Meat is on the Table (the sacrifice), the Lights are kindled (the Menorah) and the Choir is singing.

17. 1ST PESACH And יהוה spoke to Mosheh in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they had come out of the land of Mitsrayim, saying, “Now, let the children of Yisra’ĕl perform the Passover at its appointed time. “On the fourteenth day of this month, between the evenings, perform it at its appointed time. According to all its laws and right-rulings you perform it.” (Numbers 9:1-3) Keeping the Passover in the second year of freedom demonstrated to the Children of Israel that in the future HaShem was going to lead them to the Promised Land. They kept the Passover at the appointed time before going on the wilderness trek and not again until they were in Canaan and the new generation had been circumcised and dedicated (Josh. 5:5-10). Why we must keep the pesach? that at that time you were without Messiah, excluded from the citizenship of Yisra’ĕl and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no expectation and without Elohim in the world. But now in Messiah יהושע you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah. (Ephesians 2:12-13)

18. 2nd PESACH “Speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl, saying, ‘When any male of you or your generations is unclean for a being, or is far away on a journey, he shall still perform the Passover of יהוה. ‘On the fourteenth day of the second month, between the evenings, they perform it – with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they eat it. ‘They do not leave of it until morning, and they do not break a bone of it. According to all the laws of the Passover they perform it. ‘But the man who is clean and is not on a journey, and has failed to perform the Passover, that same being shall be cut off from among his people, because he did not bring the offering of יהוה at its appointed time – that man bears his sin. (Numbers 9:10-13) A "Second Passover" is instituted in response to the petition "Why should we be deprived?" by a group of Jews who were unable to bring the Passover offering in its appointed time because they were ritually impure.

19. 2ND PESACH: NOTES Failure to observe Pesach: If you do not accept יהושע you will be cut off : "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission.“ For the wages of sin is death, but the favourable gift of Elohim is everlasting life in Messiah יהושע our Master. (Romans 6:23) "Survival of the fittest is a cruel remedy for the world's miseries. Messiah's doctrine is elevation of the lowest. Atonement for your souls is the beginning of all true life." [J., Book of Leviticus, pg. 269] Everything mentioned in the first Pesach had to be done to the finest detail in the second Pesach. The feast of unleavened bread and the counting of the Omer can be kept as no sacrifice needed to me made thus even the ritually unclean can participate.

20. CLOUD And on the day that the Dwelling Place was raised up, the cloud covered the Dwelling Place, the Tent of the Witness. From evening until morning it was above the Dwelling Place like the appearance of fire. Thus it was continually: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. And whenever the cloud was taken up from above the Tent, after that the children of Yisra’ĕl would depart. And in the place where the cloud dwelt, there the children of Yisra’ĕl would camp. At the command of יהוה the children of Yisra’ĕl departed, and at the command of יהוה they camped. They remained camped as long as the cloud dwelt above the Dwelling Place. (Numbers 9:15-18) “I indeed immerse you in water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to bear. He shall immerse you in the Set-apart Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11)

21. CLOUD: LEADING THE WAY For as many as are led by the Spirit of Elohim, these are sons of Elohim. (Romans 8:14) Light in Scripture is a metaphor for the Torah while the term the way (Hebrew, derek) means “the way of Torah righteousness.” Scripture uses the term way(s)/derekas a reference to the Torah in the following passages (and many more, as well): therefore you shall guard the commands of יהוה your Elohim, to walk in His ways and to fear Him. (Deuteronomy 8:6) ‘For if you diligently guard all these commands which I command you, to do it, to love יהוה your Elohim, to walk in all His ways, and to cling to Him, (Deuteronomy 11:22) I run the way of Your commands, For You enlarge my heart. (Psalms 119:32) Teach me, O יהוה, the way of Your laws, And I observe it to the end. (Psalms 119:33)

22. CLOUD OF HEAVEN “I was looking in the night visions and saw One like the Son of Enosh, coming with the clouds of the heavens! And He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. (Daniel 7:13) And after six days יהושע took Kĕpha, and Yaʽaqoḇ, and Yoḥanan his brother, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves, and He was transformed before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as the light. And see, Mosheh and Ěliyahu appeared to them, talking with Him. And Kĕpha answering, said to יהושע, “Master, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, let us make here three booths: one for You, one for Mosheh, and one for Ěliyahu.”1 Footnote:1Mark 9:4. While he was still speaking, see, a bright cloud overshadowed them. And see, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I did delight. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:1-5) This was the same cloud that was over Mount Sinai.

23. CLOUD OF GLORY And having said this, while they were looking on, He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. (Acts 1:9) For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we made known to you the power and coming of our Master יהושע Messiah, but were eye-witnesses of His superbness. For when He received respect and esteem from Elohim the Father, such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Esteem, “This is My Son, the Beloved in whom I did delight.” (2 Peter 1:16-17) And I looked and saw a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was One like the Son of Aḏam, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. (Revelation 14:14)

24. TWO SILVER TRUMPETS And יהוה spoke to Mosheh, saying, “Make two silver trumpets for yourself, make them of beaten work. And you shall use them for calling the congregation and for breaking camp. “And when they blow both of them, all the congregation shall meet before you at the door of the Tent of Meeting. “And if they blow one, then the leaders, the heads of the thousands of Yisra’ĕl, shall gather to you...“And the sons of Aharon, the priests, blow with the trumpets. And it shall be to you for a law forever throughout your generations. (Numbers 10:1-8) They were to be used to: Summon the Israelites Order them to assemble in their ranks and march toward Canaan. When they went to war Celebration and feasts First days of months

25. TWO SILVER TRUMPETS The ram’s horn is יהוה’s instrument: ‘Not a hand is to touch it, but he shall certainly be stoned or shot with an arrow, whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, let them come near the mountain.” (Exodus 19:13) The silver trumpet is the people’s instrument. “Make two silver trumpets from hammered silver.” The trumpets were long, straight, narrow with a wide mouth, and "of beaten [hammered] work.“ Thus we see, that when the trumpets would be blown, the Elohim of Israel would remember His people, cover them, and deliver them from their enemies. This suggests to us that the blowing of the silver trumpets is a type, or figure, of the prayers of the saints. ...“Your prayers and your kind deeds have come up for a remembrance before Elohim. (Acts 10:4)

26. WHY THE TRUMPETS That while we do not need to shout our prayers, they should have our full heart, strength, and clarity behind them. And Yehuḏah turned and saw the battle was both in front and behind them. Then they cried out to יהוה, and the priests sounded the trumpets. (2 Chronicles 13:14) The trumpets sent forth a ringing, upbeat sound that stirred gladness and hope among the people. Our prayers should also be pervaded with faith, hope, and a sense of joy?  The silver trumpets and the Cloud were to be for the Israelites memorials of Sinai. יהוה appeals to both the eye and the ear of man to convey to man what he needs to know. Not everyone watched the cloud, but everyone would hear the sound of the trumpet give the command to assemble and march. Note: The trumpets were not blown on a daily basis

27. CAMP LAYOUT W Manasseh Benjamin Ephraim (Rachel) 108100 Gershonites Reuben Simeon Gad (Leah - Zilpah) 151450 Tabernacle Dan Asher Naphtali (Zilpah – Bilhah) 157600 Kohathites Merarites N S Moses, Aaron & Priests Judah Issachar Zebulun (Leah) 186400 E

28. MOVING INTO THE DESSERT And it came to be on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from above the Dwelling Place of the Witness. And the children of Yisra’ĕl departed, setting out from the Wilderness of Sinai. And the cloud dwelt on it in the Wilderness of Paran. Thus they departed the first time, according to the command of יהוה by the hand of Mosheh....(Numbers 10:11-28) Judah Issachar Zebulun 186400 Gershonites Merarites Reuben Simeon Gad 151450 Manasseh Benjamin Ephraim 108100 Dan Asher Naphtali 157600 Kohathites Priests

29. HOBAB And Mosheh said to Ḥoḇaḇ, the son of Reʽuw’ĕl the Miḏyanite, Mosheh’s father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place of which יהוה said, ‘I give it to you.’ Come with us, and we shall do good to you, for יהוה has spoken good concerning Yisra’ĕl.” And he replied to him, “I am not going, but I am going to my own land and to my relatives.” Then he said, “Please do not leave us, ..“And it shall be, when you go with us, then it shall be that whatever good יהוה does to us, the same we shall do to you.” (Numbers 10:29-32) Hobab, son of Reuel, the name occurs here and in Judges 4:11, and identifies Hobab with Jethro, and Jethro with Reuel, the "priest of Midian."Hobab was a Kenite, a son of the desert who worshipped Elohim. "Come with us.“ We are on our way to Glory." Hobab was invited to be a partner in their pilgrimage to Canaan, a partaker in their discomforts and trials ["light afflictions"], but also a shareholder in their many rich blessings ["eternal weight of glory"], of which Israel would partake (Rom. 9:3; 10:2).

30. ARISE AND RETURN And it came to be, whenever the ark set out, that Mosheh said, “Rise up, O יהוה! And let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You.” And when it rested, he said, “Return, O יהוה, to the countless thousands of Yisra’ĕl.” (Numbers 10:35-36) The sages of Israel say that Moses was trying to draw our attention to the wisdom in those two verses. They go further. They say that the wisdom in verses 35 and 36 are equivalent to the wisdom of Genesis or any other books of the Torah. They said with Numbers divided into three parts by the Inverted Nuns, that the Torah is seven pillars of wisdom. In the Talmud (Shabbat 115b, 116a) it is stated that any part of the Torah with 85 or more letters is itself considered a “book,” and therefore this passage of Scripture actually demarcates a separate book of the Torah Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out its seven columns, (Proverbs 9:1)

31. REVERSE NUN The letter nun means life (the quickening of life). The letter pictures a fish swimming away quickly. But a letter drawn backwards, what does that mean? It is the quickening of life from the dead. That which was dead has come alive. It is sign for resurrection.

32. REVERSE NUN: MEANING Verse 35 describes the resurrection of the Messiah. This is when יהושע gained victory over his enemies. As a result, they have been scattered and must flee from His presence. He has gained victory over death. Verse 36 describes our resurrection which happens at the Lord’s return to Israel. The myriads of Israel’s family is the flock of Jacob, the redeemed of Jacob. This portion of Scripture is so profound that Jews use these words to open and close the Ark with the Torah scroll. Whenever the Torah is brought out of the ark, they say, "Arise O Lord,..." and whenever, it is put back, we say, "Return O Lord, ...“

33. VALUE OF NUN The letter “nun” is the 14TH letter of the Hebrew aleph-bet. 14 is the numeric value of “David” (Dalet-vav-dalet), who, as the King with a heart for יהוה. The numeric value of the letter “nun” is 50; which, in addition to “Malchut” or “the kingdom”, represents also “divine revelation” and the “fullness of life”. Example: 50 days from the Exodus to the giving of Torah (Counting the Omer to Shavu’ot) other examples: 50th year or “Jubilee Year”, all land returned to its original owner, 50 years of age before a man is considered wise. In “Hebraic thought” the “Nun” represents Mashiach, as “Heir to the Kingdom, or Throne”. As David praises “Mashiach יהוה” in: Let His Name be forever, His Name continue before the sun; And let them bless themselves in Him; Let all nations call Him blessed. Blessed be יהוה Elohim, Elohim of Yisra’ĕl, He alone is doing wonders! And blessed be His esteemed Name forever! And let all the earth Be filled with His esteem. Amĕn and Amĕn. (Psalms 72:17-19) Translated: “while the sun lasts, let His Name Nun”

34. 7 PILLARS OF WISDOM

35. ANGER OF יהוה And it came to be, when the people were as complainers, it was evil in the ears of יהוה. And יהוה heard it, and His displeasure burned. And the fire of יהוה burned among them, and consumed those in the outskirts of the camp. (Numbers 11:1) This is not the first time we read of the Israelites complaining in the wilderness. In exodus we read: And the children of Yisra’ĕl said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of יהוה in the land of Mitsrayim, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to satisfaction! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to put all this assembly to death with hunger.” (Exodus 16:3) יהוה responded not with fire but with manna from heaven. And יהוה said to Mosheh, “See, I am raining bread from the heavens for you. And the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, in order to try them, whether they walk in My Torah or not. (Exodus 16:4) Other instances are Exodus 17:2 (Water) and 15:23 (Bitter Water). יהוה responded with such understanding and generosity in the above instances in Exodus, why did He react so differently in now?

36. TWO REASONS Timing – The stories in Exodus took place only days after they left Egypt. They were still not accustomed to their new freedom and every difficulty was a challenge. The story in Numbers took place “in the second year in the second month” (Numbers 10:11). This is after they received the Torah from Mt. Sinai and after the Tabernacle was raised. They should have reached a much higher level of trust by this time. Instead of “complaining”, they were “like complainers”. This is more obvious in Young’s Literal Translation of 11:1: And the people is evil, as those sighing habitually in the ears of YHVH , and YHVH heareth, and His anger burneth, Circumstances – Before the manna rained down from heaven, they were truly fearful of dying of hunger. The incidents in Exodus also reflect a legitimate thirst. The difference here is not a shortage of food or a fear of starvation, but a “lust” for “meat”. And the mixed multitude who were in their midst lusted greatly, so the children of Yisra’ĕl also wept again and said, “Who is giving us meat to eat? (Numbers 11:4)

37. PEOPLE BEGAN COMPLAINING יהוה reacted differently when the Israelites had some rationale behind their complaints, יהוה reacted with kindness and long-suffering. But when they became chronic complainers, He became angry. The Yiddish for this type of complaining is “kevetching”! Not only did they lust for meat, but they verbally attacked the “manna”: “We remember the fish which we ate without cost in Mitsrayim, the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic, but now our throat is dried up. There is naught to look at but this manna!” (Numbers 11:5-6) In the wilderness of Sinai יהוה taught two of the most important aspects of faith. He taught the Children of Israel to remember His deeds and; be content with what He provided.

38. SEVEN WAYS TO MISUSE THE MOUTH THE BACKBITER:One who speaks against an absent individual. (Ps 15:2–3; Rom 1:30; Prov 25:23; 2 Cor 12:20) THE BUSYBODY: One who seeks out information on a false report and spreads it by means of gossip, slander, backbiting, etc. יהוה takes this very seriously. In fact, he equates being a busybody with being an evildoer or even a murderer. (1 Pet 4:15; 1 Tim 5:13; 2 Thess 3:11) THE COMPLAINER: One who finds fault. This type of person often uses a personal situation as a platform for his or her complaint. “I was treated unfairly.” “Do you know what this person did?” You think that’s bad, let me tell you what happened to me.” (Num 11:1; Jude 16)

39. SEVEN WAYS TO MISUSE THE MOUTH THE MURMURER: One who grumbles. We find that this person is usually complaining but only loudly enough for those in close proximity to hear. (Phil 2:14; Num 16:2; Jude 16) THE SLANDERER: This is an individual who tries to injure someone’s reputation or character by false and defamatory statements. (Num 14:36; Jer 6:28; 9:4; 1 Tim 3:11; Prov 10:18; Ps 101:5) THE TALEBEARER (OR GOSSIP): This is a person who elaborates and exaggerates so as to make a story more dramatic or “juicy”). (Prov 11:13; Lev 19:16; Rom 1:28–30; see also Prov 18:8; 20:19; 26:20,22; 1 Tim 5:13) THE WHISPERER: This is an individual who talks about other people privately, secretly and covertly in order to hurt them. (Prov 16:28; Ps 41:7)

40. FREE FISH “We remember the fish which we ate without cost in Mitsrayim, ..(Numbers 11:5) Why fish? What exactly is the fish that we used to eat in Egyptthat the Israelites craved? According to ibn Ezra, fish was so abundant in the Nile that it was virtually free. The Jewish Publication Society Commentary states (p. 83) that “…the ‘meat’ requested by the Israelites meant fish…a plentiful and cheap commodity in Egypt.” Well, if fish was plentiful then, it wasn’t exactly a luxury. Other commentators claim that the Israelite slaves got the fish the Egyptians rejected.

41. FREE The ancient sages tell us that “free” meant that the food was “free from mitzvot” (free from commandments). In other words, now the Israelites were obligated to observe the commandments, as their sustenance was dependent upon keeping the Torah: ‘And it shall be that if you diligently obey My commands which I command you today, to love יהוה your Elohim and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your being, then I shall give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, and you shall gather in your grain, and your new wine, and your oil. (Deuteronomy 11:13-14) The people began to rebel against the Torah system of mitzvot! So why attack the manna? Because this was the Father’s provision, and manna represented the Word. This is likely the reason why the Torah inserts here the verses on the goodness of the manna: Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like the appearance of bdellium. The people .. ground it ... and made cakes of it. And its taste was as the taste of cakes baked with oil. (Numbers 11:7-8)

42. יהוה’s RESPONSE - MOSES Then יהוה said to Mosheh, “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Yisra’ĕl, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them. And bring them to the Tent of Meeting, and let them stand there with you. “And I shall come down and speak with you there, and shall take of the Spirit that is on you, and put on them. And they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you do not bear it yourself alone. (Numbers 11:16-17) And what is the connection in chapter 11 between the 70 appointed elders and the flesh/meat? יהוה response to the craving of “flesh” is to take some of Moshe’s “spirit” and place it on the 70 elders. This will distribute a broader Mosaic leadership amongst the people. These elders are authentic representatives of the nation (11:16 – “elders of the people”). Thus, in the midst of the people, they will be able to lead the nation to follow Moses (i.e. Torah) instead of yielding to the temptation of following the “rabble” (asaf). Numbers 11:24 says that יהוה caused them to “stand around the Tabernacle (represents the unity of יהוה people)”.

43. יהוה’s RESPONSE - PEOPLE “And say to the people, ‘Set yourselves apart for tomorrow, you shall eat meat, because you have wept in the hearing of יהוה, saying, “Who is giving us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Mitsrayim.” And יהוה shall give you meat, and you shall eat. ‘You are going to eat, not one day, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days, but for a month of days, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes an abomination to you, because you have rejected יהוה who is among you, and have wept before Him, saying, “Why did we come up out of Mitsrayim?”.. And a wind went forth from יהוה, and it brought quail from the sea and let them fall beside the camp, about a day’s journey .. all around the camp, and about two cubits above the surface of the ground. And the people were up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and gathered the quail. ... The meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, and the wrath of יהוה burned against the people, and יהוה smote the people with an exceeding great plague. Then he called the name of that place QiḇrothHatta’awah, because there they buried the people who had lusted. ..(Numbers 11:18-35)

44. FIRST MEMORIAL - GREED But greedily lusted in the wilderness, And tried Ěl in the desert. And He gave them their request, But sent leanness within their being. (Psalms 106:14-15) They ask for meat, and the Almighty decides to comply with their unreasonable request as their problem really wasn’t about food. The Hebrew word for “meat”, (basar), is also the word for “flesh”. The “flesh” is often used as the opposite of “spirit”, so what was it exactly that they were asking for? Did they prefer the “world” (flesh) over the “spirit”? יהוה gave them more “basar” (meat/flesh) than they needed, He handed them over to their greed. The first memorials of Israel in her march to Canaan were the sad graves of the greedy. Greed for physical pleasures impoverishes the soul.  Question: What did living in the world cost you?

45. MIRIAM AND AARON Now Miryam and Aharon spoke against Mosheh because of the Kushite woman whom he had taken, for he had taken a Kushite woman. And they said, “Has יהוה spoken only through Mosheh? Has He not also spoken through us?” And יהוה heard it. (Numbers 12:1-2) Miriam and Aaron were not speaking solely to Moses but to יהוה, as Moses was יהוה’s appointed representative. Moses had compassion on his sister; he forgave her and reminded יהוה of the great thing she did for him when he was a baby hidden in the bulrushes. As a result, Miriam lived out her seven-day contamination separation outside the camp before her cleansing and return. Even though she repented, she still had to live out the consequences of her sin outside the camp. This is still יהוה’s order today. If we speak slander to one another or have slanderous thoughts – even small ones – we contaminate ourselves and forego blessings for seven days, outside the camp.

46. ASAF As Richard Elliot Friedman points out in his book Commentary on the Torah, Chapters 11 and 12 of Bemidbar repeat a form of the verb “asaf” nine times. Its basic meaning is “to gather”, and following the word takes us through a range of contexts, from the self absorbed concerns of complaining troublemakers to the embracing generosity of a loving community. NEGATIVE: Chapter 11:4 The Rabble (gathering) to complain, Three other instances in chapter 11 have negative connotations. In context, we see people “gathering” (large numbers of quail which they were ravenously eager to eat immediately. POSITIVE: The last five instances of “asaf” used in chapters 11 and 12 are all used positively. Two relate to the “gathering” of the 70 elders. The third is an unusual Hebrew phrasing as Moshe re-enters the camp Numbers 11:30 And Moshe is gathered to the camp after his conversation with יהוה. The last two instances of its use as it refers to Miriam being “gathered” back into the camp following her punishment.

47. REAR GUARD Then the banner of the camp of the children of Dan, which formed the rear guard of all the camps, departed according to their divisions. And over their army was Aḥiʽezer, son of Ammishaddai. (Numbers 10:25) The tribe of Dan is referred to as “m’asaf”, the “rear guard”. Rashi explains that Dan’s task was to “gather” (asaf) up lost objects, returning them to their owners. They also “gathered” (asaf) individuals who had become lost or had fallen behind. Put this first usage of “asaf” in Numbers 10:25 together with its final usage in 12:15, where it refers to Miriam. Both refer to acts of “gathering” (asaf) that are generous, compassionate, and inclusive. The tribe of Dan ensures that no one is left behind. At the other end, a community reintegrates an outcast (Miriam – her name means “rebellion”). Between these two, we read of the “gatherings” of people who are self-centered and ungrateful. But the result of kindness (Dan) and forgiveness (of Miriam/rebellion) “gathers” (asaf) all of Israel back together.

48. GIFT OF PROPHECY However, two men had remained in the camp. The name of one was Eldaḏ, and the name of the other Mĕyḏaḏ. And the Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but did not go out to the Tent. And they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and informed Mosheh, and said, “Eldaḏ and Mĕyḏaḏ are prophesying in the camp.” And Yehoshua son of Nun, Mosheh’s assistant from his youth, answered and said, “Mosheh my master, forbid them!” (Numbers 11:26-28) יהוה’s goal in placing the “spirit” onto the 70 was to strengthen the “spirit” of the nation by forming a group of spiritual people who would prophecy and thereby influence those lusting after the “flesh”. Therefore He answers Joshua, Then Mosheh said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Oh, that all the people of יהוה were prophets, that יהוה would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29) יהוה wants ALL to have the right heart that they might receive the “spirit”. Pursue love, and earnestly seek the spiritual gifts, but rather that you prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:1)

49. GATHERING THROUGH PROPHECY All are “gathered” back to the camp for the same purpose – to influence, educate and serve those who are of a “fleshly” attitude by bringing the “spirit of prophecy” to them. ..Worship Elohim! For the witness of יהושע is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10) The “harvest of souls”, pointed to by the concepts of “gathering” (asaf) and “spirit” is seen in the Feast of Sukkot, called …the Feast of “Ingathering”: ..and the Festival of the Ingathering at the outgoing of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labours from the field. (Exodus 23:16) It is יהוה’s intention to “gather” (asaf) His people, despite their longing for “flesh”. He will even give them what they want…more “flesh”. He will position His representatives in the midst of His people to spread more of the “spirit” of Moshe/Torah/ יהושע. Others, like Eldad and Medad, whose names mean “El has loved” and “loving”, will also catch the “spirit”. This is all part of the “gathering” (asaf) process which culminates at the Feast of “Ingathering” (asaf).

50. FLESH AND SPIRIT “That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:6) “It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh does not profit at all. The words that I speak to you are Spirit and are life. (John 6:63) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the matters of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the matters of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. Because the mind of the flesh is enmity towards Elohim, for it does not subject itself to the Torah of Elohim, neither indeed is it able, and those who are in the flesh are unable to please Elohim. (Romans 8:5-8)