Jimmie
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NUMBERS: 8:1-12:16
In this week's Torah study, there are several themes, yet for time's sake, I would like to concentrate on two themes. First theme. On "Going up to light the lamps" (The lamps of the Menorah). (8:2,3) In the "Holy Place" within the Tabernacle in the desert, and later on, in the Temple, there were three Holy and sacred artifacts. The Golden Menorah, the Table of Shewbread, and the Table of Incense.
Each artifact pointed to Yeshua/Jesus in some way or another. The Menorah or "Lampstand" pointed to Yeshua as the "Light of the World" (John 8:12). The Table of Shewbread with the 12 loaves of bread; "Yeshua, the Bread of Life" (John 6:35) and the incense altar that was infront of the veil separating the "Holy of Holies" can sybolize our prayers before God and how Yeshua is who "interceeds" for us before the Father. Our prayers are like "sweet incense" before the LORD.
Numbers 8 starts out with instructions on "going up" or "ascending" to light the lamps of the Menorah. 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.
Now, according to the Torah commentator "Rashi," He states that three steps ascended to the Menorah in the Temple, so the priest had to "go up" those steps, and "reach up" with the arms to light the wicks. Sounds interesting. Well, I wasn't there back then, so we can't be 100% sure. Yet it does make sense.
Numbers 8:2 states that the 7 lamps were set to give light "over, against the candlestick." (KJV) The Complete Jewish Study Bible says: "In front of the Menorah," as well as other translations. So, we might imagine that the lamps were pointed outward in front of the Menorah, pointing towards the Table of Shewbread, which was opposite the Menorah. That could carry the message that the "Light of the World is also the Bread of Life" and we could also say that the "Torah, which is light, reveals to us the 'Bread of Life." But what does the original Hebrew say in Numbers 8:2? It says something different:
"HaNerot El Mul P'nei HaMenorah" (the lamps, point or face/directed towards, the Face of the Menorah). The Hebrew Bible says "Towards the body of the Menorah," quite a different message. The central stem is the body or the face of the Menorah, and the lamps were faced towards that stem! So, the flames from the lamps on the right and left sides of the Menorah all looked towards the center. Yeshua is that "Center Branch," and we could be considered those other branches (three on the right and three on the left). We need to look towards the "center," who is Yeshua. Our light is the light of Yeshua. We need to reflect the "Light of Messiah" in our lives.
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 pockmarked satellite in space, not very attractive, but when we look at it from Earth, we do not see the pockmarked surface, only the light reflected from the sun.
The same is with all believers; we are all “pockmarked” 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. We need to let our "light" shine forth, and not be hidden:
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (Matthew 5:15). Another verse that reminds us of light is Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path".
So the Torah itself is our "light" of instruction that leads us to the "Light of the World". So, we are to be evangelists that broadcast the message of salvation that comes from Yeshua. The internet media was not available 30 years ago; we only had radio and TV. Now, we can broadcast the message of Salvation through Facebook and YouTube that can reach all over the world, right from our own PCs.
Another part of this study which teaches us a valuable lesson is found in Numbers 10:29-32, (second theme) which reads:
Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place about which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.” He answered, “No, I will not go; I am going back to my own land and my own people. But Moses said, “Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes. 32 If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the Lord gives us.”
The name "Hobab" can mean "beloved"; it comes from the Arabic word "Habib" or "Habibi." And this "Hobab" symbolizes the whole world. We can see the blessings of Adonai all around us, and we are invited to participate in those blessings if we choose to follow Yeshua, and be "born again" and thus become His "beloved" sons and daughters, yet many of the world want to "go back to their former lives" and say, "No, I will not go." That is sad, to taste blessings and still say, "No, this isn't for me. "Jesus is not my cup of tea." "I prefer the world of women, fast cars, beer, wild parties, money, etc."
Yet we are not told if Hobab went back or if he accepted Moses' invitation. Many think he did since, in the Book of Judges, the "Kenites" were Hobab's descendants in the land of Canaan, who were allies of the Israelites. So, we can be certain that he DID come along, after Moses' persuasion. Thus, many will be persuaded when we witness. Some who said "No" will end up saying "Yes" to "Salvation" (Yeshuah). So, don't lose faith; continue the race and share the Good News to those who are willing to listen. Many who will say "no" will have second thoughts after realizing the blessings that the LORD has in store for his "beloved" children
Have a blessed week.
In this week's Torah study, there are several themes, yet for time's sake, I would like to concentrate on two themes. First theme. On "Going up to light the lamps" (The lamps of the Menorah). (8:2,3) In the "Holy Place" within the Tabernacle in the desert, and later on, in the Temple, there were three Holy and sacred artifacts. The Golden Menorah, the Table of Shewbread, and the Table of Incense.
Each artifact pointed to Yeshua/Jesus in some way or another. The Menorah or "Lampstand" pointed to Yeshua as the "Light of the World" (John 8:12). The Table of Shewbread with the 12 loaves of bread; "Yeshua, the Bread of Life" (John 6:35) and the incense altar that was infront of the veil separating the "Holy of Holies" can sybolize our prayers before God and how Yeshua is who "interceeds" for us before the Father. Our prayers are like "sweet incense" before the LORD.
Numbers 8 starts out with instructions on "going up" or "ascending" to light the lamps of the Menorah. 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.
Now, according to the Torah commentator "Rashi," He states that three steps ascended to the Menorah in the Temple, so the priest had to "go up" those steps, and "reach up" with the arms to light the wicks. Sounds interesting. Well, I wasn't there back then, so we can't be 100% sure. Yet it does make sense.
Numbers 8:2 states that the 7 lamps were set to give light "over, against the candlestick." (KJV) The Complete Jewish Study Bible says: "In front of the Menorah," as well as other translations. So, we might imagine that the lamps were pointed outward in front of the Menorah, pointing towards the Table of Shewbread, which was opposite the Menorah. That could carry the message that the "Light of the World is also the Bread of Life" and we could also say that the "Torah, which is light, reveals to us the 'Bread of Life." But what does the original Hebrew say in Numbers 8:2? It says something different:
"HaNerot El Mul P'nei HaMenorah" (the lamps, point or face/directed towards, the Face of the Menorah). The Hebrew Bible says "Towards the body of the Menorah," quite a different message. The central stem is the body or the face of the Menorah, and the lamps were faced towards that stem! So, the flames from the lamps on the right and left sides of the Menorah all looked towards the center. Yeshua is that "Center Branch," and we could be considered those other branches (three on the right and three on the left). We need to look towards the "center," who is Yeshua. Our light is the light of Yeshua. We need to reflect the "Light of Messiah" in our lives.
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 pockmarked satellite in space, not very attractive, but when we look at it from Earth, we do not see the pockmarked surface, only the light reflected from the sun.
The same is with all believers; we are all “pockmarked” 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. We need to let our "light" shine forth, and not be hidden:
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (Matthew 5:15). Another verse that reminds us of light is Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path".
So the Torah itself is our "light" of instruction that leads us to the "Light of the World". So, we are to be evangelists that broadcast the message of salvation that comes from Yeshua. The internet media was not available 30 years ago; we only had radio and TV. Now, we can broadcast the message of Salvation through Facebook and YouTube that can reach all over the world, right from our own PCs.
Another part of this study which teaches us a valuable lesson is found in Numbers 10:29-32, (second theme) which reads:
Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place about which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.” He answered, “No, I will not go; I am going back to my own land and my own people. But Moses said, “Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes. 32 If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the Lord gives us.”
The name "Hobab" can mean "beloved"; it comes from the Arabic word "Habib" or "Habibi." And this "Hobab" symbolizes the whole world. We can see the blessings of Adonai all around us, and we are invited to participate in those blessings if we choose to follow Yeshua, and be "born again" and thus become His "beloved" sons and daughters, yet many of the world want to "go back to their former lives" and say, "No, I will not go." That is sad, to taste blessings and still say, "No, this isn't for me. "Jesus is not my cup of tea." "I prefer the world of women, fast cars, beer, wild parties, money, etc."
Yet we are not told if Hobab went back or if he accepted Moses' invitation. Many think he did since, in the Book of Judges, the "Kenites" were Hobab's descendants in the land of Canaan, who were allies of the Israelites. So, we can be certain that he DID come along, after Moses' persuasion. Thus, many will be persuaded when we witness. Some who said "No" will end up saying "Yes" to "Salvation" (Yeshuah). So, don't lose faith; continue the race and share the Good News to those who are willing to listen. Many who will say "no" will have second thoughts after realizing the blessings that the LORD has in store for his "beloved" children
Have a blessed week.
