Tag Archives: Exodus

Welcome to the Tabernacle of Moses

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If you were the Creator of the universe, what means would you use to communicate with those that you had created through love in your likeness and image? In a remote way, it’s like a human standing over an anthill trying to communicate with the ants. What’s more, how does an all powerful, Spirit Being, loving Father in heaven relate to his mortal children who are but mere dust without vaporizing them with his raw power? The difficulty is compounded when fearful humans don’t want to hear the voice of Elohim, which is what happened when YHVH Elohim’s voice thundered from Mount Sinai. The children of Israel begged him not to talk to them, lest they die. They asked the Almighty One to speak to them instead through Moses (Exod 20:19).

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When man sinned at the tree of knowledge and YHVH kicked them out of the Garden of Eden, direct communications between man and his Maker were hampered, if not all but cut off. However, Elohim had a plan to restore the loving relationship he had with man before the rebellion. But if men refuse to hear you when you speak, what are you do?

To be certain, the Almighty doesn’t lack for ways to communicate with men. Man is without excuse when it comes to hearing Elohim, for even the heaven’s declare the glory of the Creator and the plans he has for mankind. The visible things of this creation shout loudly about the spiritual mysteries heaven desires to reveal to its earthly subjects. Furthermore, Elohim speaks to select servants through dreams, visions, signs, wonders, angels, and even jackasses! But how does he speak to a whole nation, if that nation is plugging its ears refusing to hear its Master’s voice?

Enter into the picture the Tabernacle of Moses, which was literally a three-dimensional gospel message tract. It is the visual demonstration Continue reading →

 

The Feasts, Tabernacle, Man in 3D

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Exodus 23:14–19, Three times you shall keep a feast. Conventional Jewish wisdom teaches us that during the three pilgrimage festivals all the individuals of the nation are to appear out of all isolations personally in the presence of the one God of Israel in the festival circle (or chag) around the common sanctuary (where YHVH has chosen to place his name, Deut 16:2,11,15), thereby becoming conscious that each one is connected to all the other members of the nation, with YHVH Elohim, and with the Torah (The Pentateuch—Deuteronomy, p. 310, by S. R. Hirsch).

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But there is much more than this if we add Yeshua the Messiah of Israel into the picture. Each of the three feasts point directly to him. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles all point to Yeshua, since the first three spring feasts point to Yeshua’s first coming, while the last fall feast points to his second coming. Each of these feasts represent milestones in the spiritual walk of the redeemed believer.

But it gets better. There were three sections in the Tabernacle of Moses: the outer courtyard, the holy place and the holy of holies. These correspond with the three parts of man: body, soul and spirit (1 Thess 5:23).

The feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread are the first two feasts we celebrate in the spring and represent the first steps in a new believer’s spiritual walk. This corresponds with the outer courtyard and relates more to the spiritual cleansing of the outer parts or body of man. It is here that one begins their spiritual walk and relationship with Yeshua, who is the Word of Elohim.

The Feast of Weeks or Pentecost is the next step one takes in their spiritual walk. The holy place speaks of bring the soul (the mind, will and emotions) into submission to the will of YHVH as one advances in their spiritual walk and learns about the fruits and gifts of the Spirit of Elohim, who they are as redeemed Israelites, and about worship and praise.

Finally, the holy of holies corresponds to the Feast of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day and the spirit part of man. This part of the tabernacle speaks more of man’s ultimate spiritual relationship with Elohim. It is here that man relates to Elohim, who is a Spirit, on a spirit to Spirit level (John 4:24; 1 Cor 2:10–13). This points to man’s ultimate destiny as glorified beings in the New Jerusalem as adopted members into the family of Elohim (John 1:12; Rom 8:14–15, 23; 9:4; 2 Cor 6:18; Gal 4:5–6; Eph 1:5; 1 John 3:1; Rev 21:7).

This is just the tip of the iceberg. I’m sure there’s much more to learn on this subject.

 

 

Make No Mention

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Exodus 23:13, Make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of your mouth. (See also Ps 16:4.) Not only is YHVH against the worship of pagan deities and wants their names to be destroyed (Deut 12:3), but he says that he will take from the lips of his people the names of pagan deities (Hos 2:17), and eventually, he will restore a pure language (presumably one that is free of pagan names) to his people (Zeph 3:9).

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Living this Torah principle out today is difficult in view of the fact that such common things as the days of the week and some of the months of the year are named for pagan deities making normal communication without using these names difficult. Nevertheless, the redeemed righteous of YHVH will endeavor to be mindful of this command and speak as cleanly as possible.

In our modern society, only a few people worship ancient pagan deities. In our materialistic and secular society, people are more likely to worship themselves, money, the mind of man, pleasure, power, fame, sex, entertainment, education, possessions, success or whatever else is first place in their lives ahead of YHVH Elohim.

By the way, the name Jesus doesn’t derive from the name of the Zeus, the name of a pagan Greek god, as some have erroneously claimed.

 

Exodus 19 Versus Hebrew 4:16 on Coming Before Elohim

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Why is it essential to study the example of the children of Israel preparing themselves to come into the presence of YHVH in Exodus 19? After all, if Yeshua did it all for us, we can just come boldly before the Father’s throne anytime, anyway we want, right (Heb 4:16)?

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Let’s explore this concept a little to see what the Bible has to say about it.

Paul says in I Corinthians 10:11,

Now all these things happened to them [i.e., the children of Israel] as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (See also Rom 15:4.)

The writer of Hebrews has something similar to say in his prefatory remarks to his statement in Hebrews 4:16 about coming boldly before the throne of YHVH through the merits of the sinless righteousness of Yeshua our High Priest. In the preceding several verses, the author draws upon the example of the children of Israel (Heb 4:1–10) as an example for us not to follow. They were a faithless and disobedient lot (they rebelled against the Torah-word of Elohim)!

Then in Hebrew 4:11, the author starts with the connecting word “therefore,” indicating that what follows is related to that which preceded it. He goes on to admonish us not to follow the Israeites’ example of disobedience (i.e., Torahlessness or lack of faith in and obedience to the word of Elohim).

Next, the author likens the word of Elohim to a sharp two-edged sword Continue reading →

 

What Does YHVH Require of Humans to Come into His Presence?

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What are the terms and conditions to coming into the presence of Elohim? Even though now we have access to the Father by the blood of Yeshua the Lamb of Elohim, and even though the veil between the Holy of Place and the Holy of Holies (representing the divine presence or throne room of Elohim) has been opened for all to come in), what can we learn from this passage about preparing ourselves to come into YHVH’s presence? Let’s read and find out.

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Exodus 19, An invitation. In this chapter, YHVH invites his people to come near to him, to receive his Torah, and to enter into a spiritual relationship with him. He had just delivered them from their sins, suffering and bondage when he led them out of Egypt (Exod 19:4). He now offered them enticing blessings and status among the nations of the world (Exod 19:6) if, and only if, his people would agree to his terms and conditions (Exod 19:5).

But YHVH would not allow his people to accept his benefits on their terms, but only on his terms. This is where men and religious systems have missed it: they want to accept YHVH on their own terms, not YHVH’s terms. Such is the religion of humanism—that man knows better than YHVH what is good for him, which is the religion the serpent pawned off on the first man and woman at the tree of knowledge. The problem is that accepting YHVH on our terms is called sin, which leads to misery and eventually to eternal death!

There are preconditions to meeting with YHVH and coming into relationship with him—coming to his high and holy mountain, his place of abiding, and his presence. Continue reading →

 

What Can I Do on the Sabbath?

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What can I do on the Sabbath? This is a  question that many people have—especially our children. The Sabbath can be a joyful and exciting day.

The Sabbath can be a joyful and exciting day.

The Sabbath can be a joyful and exciting day.

As we look to the Bible for answers to this question, we find many wonderful possibilities to make this day not only enjoyable, but spiritually meaningful and edifying.

As we study the Scriptures, we see that certain activities were viewed to be within the perimeters of the purpose of the Sabbath, which is to draw humans closer to Elohim, their Creator, and to one another. These activities include…

  • The Scriptures were read and taught to the people on the Sabbath day (Luke 4:16; Acts 13:14–15, 27,44; 15:21; 17:2).
  • The Word of Elohim could be taught on the Sabbath (Mark 6:2; Luke 4:16-27,31; Acts 13:15–48; 15:21; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4).
  • Preaching occurred on the Sabbath (Acts 13:42; 15:21).
  • Exhorting (or strongly encouraging or urging) one another occurred on the Sabbath (Acts 13:15).
  • The gifts of the Set-Apart Spirit of Elohim were practiced on the Sabbath in the congregation (1 Corinthians 12 and 14).
  • Work connected with religious service was lawful on the Sabbath (Num 28:9; Matt 12:5; John 7:23).
  • Good deeds and works of mercy are lawful on the Sabbath such as healing the sick (Matt 12:11–12; Mark 3:1–5; Luke 6:6–10; 13:10–13; 14:1–4; John 5:8–16; 9:14).
  • Acts needed to sustain life could be performed on the Sabbath such as feeding farm animals, pulling an ox out of a ditch or performing a circumcision (Matt 12:1–5; Mark 2:23–26; Luke 6:1–4; 13:15; 14:5; John 7:22–23).
  • One is not to go out of one’s dwelling place on the Sabbath to gather food (to work, earn a living; see Exod 16:29–30), but attendance of religious meeting is acceptable (see below).
  • Yeshua attended synagogue on the Sabbath (Mark 1:21; 6:2; Luke 4:16; 6:6; 13:10).
  • Paul attended synagogue on the Sabbath and taught or discussed the Scriptures (Acts 13:14, 42; 17:2 and 18:4).
  • The apostles encouraged believers to attend synagogue on the Sabbath (Acts 15:21).
  • Traveling a short distance to get to the Sabbath services is acceptable (Acts 1:12).
  • Sabbath services could be held outdoors in a beautiful setting even if it was necessary to hike there on foot (Acts 16:13).
  • Gather together to worship YHVH on the Sabbath (Lev 23:3; Isa 66:23; Ezek 46:3; Acts 16:13; 18:4).
  • It was acceptable to heal the sick on the Sabbath (Matt 12:9–14; Mark 3:1–6; Luke 6:6–11; 13:14; John 5:9; 9:14)

Most of these principles apply to the seven biblical feasts as well.

Now a question for you the reader: What are some Sabbath activities that you do that not only honor YHVH and the Sabbath, but bring you into a closer relationship with him and our fellow redeemed Israelites? How about for the kids? How can we keep them excited about the Sabbath?

One possibility of a Sabbath activity is our Torah Explorers Torah study guide for young people available for free at http://www.hoshanarabbah.org/parshiot.html. My adult Torah study guide is located at this link as well. Enjoy!

 

 

Sabbath Glue

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The Glue That Holds a Family and Spiritual Community Intact

As a Jewish saying goes, even though the Jewish people have been keeping the Sabbath for thousands of years, it’s not that the Jews have been keeping the Sabbath, but rather that the Sabbath has been keeping the Jews. As a weekly rallying point, the Sabbath acts a spiritual glue that helps to hold the family and religious community together.

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The joy, peace, timelessness and eternal nature of the Sabbath is felt no more than on Erev Shabbat (the eve of the Sabbath).

Preparations in the home have been made all week for this family and community event. Expectations are high. It is as if a curtain suddenly drops between acts in a theater and the curtain lifts to reveal a completely new set and scene. “Suddenly, the frenzied pace of life is slowed; the concerns of the outside world recede; and all doubts and worries are set aside” ( Abraham B.Witty, Exploring Jewish Tradition, p. 153). It’s a whole new world, a whole new feeling. Time stops. It is time to focus on those things which are of the greatest meaning in life and which are of enduring and eternal value: one’s Creator, one’s family, and spiritual orientation and instruction.

At this point, if the reader happens to own the movie Fiddler On the Roof, I suggest that you play the part at the beginning of the movie where the Jewish society prepares for the Sabbath and then ushers in the Sabbath over the Friday evening meal. After viewing this, one will have a better idea of the idea of the sanctity of the Sabbath and the central role it plays in the Hebrews’ life. As one author notes, “A[n] … important principle concerning the stability of the Jewish family is seen in the description of the Sabbath observance that is given in Fiddler [on the Roof]. In the small village of Anatevka in pre-Communist Russia, there is a sense of joyous anticipation as the Sabbath draws near (see Isa 58:13). The seventh day of the week is a dramatic symbol of community. It may be summed up in the word holiness. For Tevye and his family, holiness means an act of separation from many of the routine and mundane affairs of life. From the moment Golde, his wife, lights the Sabbath Eve candles until the first star appears in the sky some twenty-four hours later, there is a sense of wellbeing and spiritual satisfaction in the midst of their seething society. The Jewish community of Anatevka is in constant threat of another Russian pogrom. Yet we catch a snatch of this spiritual serenity as, around the Sabbath table, Tevye and Golde sing “A Sabbath Prayer” to all five daughters. The song concludes, ‘May YHVH protect and defend, may YHVH preserve you from pain. Favor them, O Lord, with happiness and peace. O hear our Sabbath prayer. Amein’” (Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, by Marvin Wilson, pp. 223–224).

The Sabbath has helped the observant Jew to refocus, sustain serenity and regain divine perspective in the midst of the weekly pressures of life, so ought “the Lord’s Day [Sunday] for the Christian ought … provide renewal in similar ways” (Wilson, pp. 223–224). Although a nice thought, the comparison between Sabbath and Sunday is without scriptural precedence or mandate. Such thinking ignores the divinely revealed truth and reality of the Sabbath and its uniqueness and sanctity as compared to any other day of the week, including Sunday for the Christians—a day which never has been, nor ever will be sanctified by the Creator of the Universe as a day of rest from our work and a time for special communion with him.