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Anger Discussions Torah

Numbers 30–36: ‘Be angry, and yet do not sin’

The men of Midian used their wives to seduce the Israelites. In the dual Torah readings מטות Matot and מסעי Massei, we learn that Midian did this under the belief that they had to conquer Israel for their own long-term survival, for the sake of their sons.

At some point in our lives, we have all unintentionally “murdered” someone in our hearts. If you hate someone, you are guilty. We should repent, but we still have to deal with that murder guilt. That guilt was paid by the High Priest, our High Priest is Yeshua. It is only the death of Yeshua that pays for that sin.

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Torah readings

Parashat Massei (מסעי): Numbers 33–36

When life or our trust in the LORD seems to get too tough for too long, it’s tempting to give up. Yet we should look back on how far we have come in our new life in the Kingdom of Heaven through the mercy given us on the name of Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ). Our journey from our old life is much like Israel’s journey from bondage in Mitsraim (Egypt) to freedom at Sinai and rest in the Promised Land, a trek recounted for the second generation in the Torah passage (parashah) Massei (“journeys of”).

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Torah readings

Parashat Matot (מטות): Numbers 30–32

Yisrael’s promise to remain faithful to the One Who delivered the people out of bondage in Mitsraim (Egypt) eroded under the temptation of a flesh-friendly religion. So a former ally of 40 years ago became an existential enemy and had to be defeated. The wisdom of being very careful in making promises and seeking the strength to keep them is the subtext of the Torah reading Matot (“tribes”), covering Numbers 30–32.

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Discussions Torah

Numbers 19–21: Mystery of the red heifer reveals the work of Messiah

The Torah reading חֻקַּת‎ Chukat (“statute of”) starts with “the statute (khukat) of the red heifer” and the bronze serpents, which are both symbolic of the role of the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus).

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Discussions Torah

Numbers 16–18: No shortcuts to authority in God’s kingdom

The Torah reading קֹרַח Korakh/Korach is a study in what it means to rebel against God and opens a window into the destructive power of antichrist.

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Discussions Torah

Numbers 13–15: Don’t give God’s rest a one-star review

We can read about how our forefathers in faith in the LORD kept grumbling and rebelling, even as Heaven was blessing them with freedom, purpose and global mission. “There, but for the grace of God, go I”

In the Torah reading (parashah) שְׁלַח Shelakh (“send,” Numbers 13–15), we read about 12 spies from Israel into the Promised land, and 10 one-star reviews of the LORD’s capability to make it happen.

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Appointments With God Discussions Gossip and Slander Life With God Passover Torah

Numbers 8–12: The LORD calls, but will we answer?

As the Torah reading בהעלתך Beha’alotcha begins, the menorah and the Levites are dedicated to God’s service, and the Tabernacle is ready for business. However, this reading is permeated with all sorts of ingratitude and complaining, from the people complaining about the manna to Miriam and Aaron complaining about Moses. God doesn’t put up with any of it. Whether it’s sending down a consuming fire or a plague, God doesn’t put up with people grumbling about His provision.