Author: Hallel Fellowship

Categories
Torah readings

Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day) readings

Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day): "Behold I am making all things new" (Rev. 21:5)

The Hebrew name for “assembly of the eighth [day]” (Lev. 23:39) is שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת Shemeni Atseret. Functionally, it’s the “last” day of the seven-day festival of ingathering, or Sukkot (Tabernacles).

The annual memorial of Sukkot recalls the transition from Yisrael’s wandering in the wilderness in tents for 40 years, and Shemini Atzeret may point to the new beginning in permanent homes in the Land after crossing the Yarden (Jordan).

This new beginning is likened to entering God’s eternal rest (Psalm 95; Hebrews 3–4). Symbolized by Ha’aretz (“the Land”), this “rest” is points forward to a time when Heaven and humanity are reunited in “the Kingdom,” also known as the messianic age.

Categories
Torah readings

Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) readings

Sukkot (Tabernacles/Booths): "The Word became flesh and dwelled among us"

Here are Bible readings to get you ready for the Sukkot, the festival of Tabernacles (aka Booths). Among a number of biblical lessons, Sukkot points to the ultimate goal of Heaven to once again dwell directly with mankind, something foretold via the Tabernacle/Temple, lived out through Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ) and promised for the apocalyptic Day of the LORD.

Categories
Torah readings

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) readings

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): "Though your sins are as scarlet they shall be as white as snow"

Here are Bible readings from the Torah, Prophets and the apostles of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) about the enduring importance of יוֹם הַכִּפֻּרִים Yom haKippurim (“Day of Coverings,” Day of Atonement) to reveal the holiness and mercy of the Holy One of Israel.

Categories
Torah readings

Torah reading Ha’azinu (האזינו): Deuteronomy 32

Studies in Torah

A common misconception about God’s Law is that it’s all about perfection, that it’s unrealistic in a fallen world. Rather, the capstone passage of the Torah — reading הַאֲזִינוּ Ha’azinu (“listen,” Deuteronomy 32) — recounts Israel’s screwups past, present and future as well as the LORD’s mercy and plan for redemption.

It should be no surprise, then, that the final acts of God’s redemption give the “song of Moses” (Deuteronomy 32) double-billing with the “song of the Lamb” (Revelation 15:3).

Categories
Torah readings

Yom Teruah (Festival of Trumpets, Rosh Hashanah) readings

Renowned blower Robert Weinger of Shofar So Good blows two horn trumpets in Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock mosque on the site of the Holy of Holies of the Temple behind him. (ShofarSoGood.com)

The first day the seventh month on Israel’s calendar is a biblical triple-header memorial festival: Rosh Chodesh (New Moon), Yom Teruah (Day of Blowing Trumpets) and Rosh Hashanah (New Year). There are also a number of connections between and lessons in the mentions of trumpets in the Apostolic Writings (New Testament) and the themes of this festival. Here are Bible readings related to the festival and other details to get you ready to celebrate.

Categories
Torah readings

Torah readings Nitzavim (נצבים) & Vayelech (וילך): Deuteronomy 29:10–31:30

Studies in Torah

In the previous Torah reading, כי תבוא Ki Tavo, we learned the importance of having character that survives stressors big and small. The first part of this week’s double reading, נִצָּבִים Nitzavim (“standing,” Deut. 29:9–30:20), underscores the building blocks of that character: loving the LORD with all our heart, soul, strength and mind. We learn that the “New Covenant,” or “New Testament” really isn’t so new, but choosing a lifestyle that leads to life and not death does require us to leave our old “dead works” behind.

“Be strong and courageous.” Imagine getting that advice as you’re being sent out to accomplish something you feel totally unprepared for. Those were some of the last words Moshe (Moses) left as Israel was about to enter the Promised Land. What counts is how much trust you have in the one in charge. That baton was passing, but the people had to remember the One ultimately leading and fighting for them. The second part of this week’s reading, וַיֵּלֶךְ Vayelech (“he went,” Deut. 31:1–30), introduces what’s really the second verse of the “song of Moses,” mentioned in Rev. 15:3.

Categories
Torah readings

Torah reading Ki Tavo (כי תבוא): Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8

Studies in Torah

“Correcting” an aggressive driver on the road. “Losing it” with a screaming child in the store. We may think we’re far removed from the horror show described in this week’s Torah reading, כִּי־תָבוֹא Ki Tavo (“when you come in,” Deut. 26:1–29:8), but each of us encounters stress that pushes off any mask over our true characters.

A key point in this passage is entering and living in the “rest” God gives us, fully realized through the Messiah and the Spirit. Like Israel’s move from Mitsraim (Egypt) to the Land, our entering God’s “rest” (Hebrews 3–4) is all about a change of identity, purpose and character.