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Parashat Vayikra—Study Guide

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Leviticus 1:1-5:26 [6:7]

 Haftorah Reading

Isaiah 43:21–44:23

Testimony of Yeshua

  • On our victory over sin through Messiah: omans 8:1–13
  • Yeshua’s better sacrifice: ebrews 9:11–28; 10:1–22; 13:10–16

Overview of the Book of Leviticus/Vayikra

Key Points of Leviticus

  • Leviticus stands at the center of the Torah.
  • Its narrative covered probably only a month.
  • It is the first book of Torah that religious Jews start teaching their young children, since it is believed that those who are pure in heart (i.e., children) should be engaged in the study of purity (i.e., the laws of purification and atonement)—the central themes of Leviticus.
  • Even today, Leviticus remains the foundation for Jewish life, since it includes the laws pertaining to diet, the feasts, sex, marriage, family purity, and our relationship with our fellow man.
  • Leviticus is at the heart of the modern Jewish synagogue service, and forms the basis for the daily devotions of religious Jews. Jewish liturgical prayer is largely based on the tabernacle service outlined in this book.

Outline of Leviticus

  • The five main offerings (Lev 1–7)
  • The ordination of priests (Lev 6:8–7:38)
  • Laws of cleanliness (food, childbirth, diseases, etc., Lev 11–15)
  • Day of Atonement (Lev 16–17)
  • Moral laws regulating relationships between humans (Lev 18–20)
  • Regulations for priests, the offerings of the annual feasts (Lev 21:1–24:9)
  • Punishment for blasphemy, murder, etc. (Lev 24:10–23)
  • The Sabbatical year, Jubilee, land laws, slavery (Lev 25)
  • Blessings and cursings (Lev 26)
  • Regulations pertaining to vows made to YHVH (Lev 27)

Themes of Leviticus

  • Holiness (set-apartness) is the key theme of Leviticus. The set-apartness of YHVH and the need for man to become set-apart (Heb. kadosh; Lev 11:44).
  • The offerings and other ceremonies served to show the holiness of YHVH.
  • YHVH can only be approached through proper and prescribed protocols.
  • In Leviticus, spiritual set-apartness (holiness) is symbolized by physical perfection. All blemishes or defects symbolize man’s spiritual defects, which break his spiritual wholeness. Therefore, the religious system in Leviticus required:
    • Perfect animals for sacrifices (Lev 1–7)
    • Priests without physical deformity (Lev 8–10)
    • A woman to be ritually purified from hemorrhaging after childbirth (Lev 12)
    • Ritual purification from sores, burns, baldness (Lev 13–14)
    • Ritual purification from a man’s bodily discharges (Lev 15:1–18
    • Ritual purification after a woman’s menstrual cycle (Lev 15:19–33)
  • Those with certain diseases or ailments had to leave the camp (symbolic of leaving YHVH’s Presence—like Adam and Eve leaving the Garden of Eden after they had sinned). Israelites could be readmitted to the camp (symbolic of returning to YHVH’s Presence) only after certain protocols had been performed and the person had been pronounced whole by the priests.
  • In Exodus 19:6, YHVH calls for Israel to be a kingdom of priests. As such, they were to be a light to the nations and to show Elohim’s glory to the world (Deut 4:4–8). Israel was to be YHVH’s representation of YHVH’s kingdom on earth. Leviticus showed Israel how to walk in a set-apart (kadosh or holy) manner before YHVH and the world.

All Was Overseen by the Priests

The priests (Heb. kohenim) oversaw and controlled the sacrifices, rituals, ceremonies, and everything pertaining to the tabernacle.

It was their job to establish Israel as a kadosh (set-apart) nation, and to instruct Continue reading →

 

Leviticus 1:1–5:26 Parashat Vayikra

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This is a gospel-oriented Torah study. Our goal is to connect the good news of Yeshua the Messiah (the gospel message) to its Hebraic, pro-Torah roots or foundations. The information given here is more than head knowledge. Understanding and wisdom (the right application of knowledge that is based on truth) is taught thus making biblical truth practical, relevant and applicable to your daily life. The truths of the Bible not only have the power to transform your life here and now for the better, but eventually to take you past the veil of death and into eternity.

This Torah study is subdivided in sections by topic in a magazine format thus making it easy to watch at several sittings.

May you be blessed as you watch this video.

For a free, printable adult and youth Torah study guide on this Torah portion (parashah), please go to http://www.hoshanarabbah.org/parshiot.html

 

Parashat Pekudei Exodus 38:21-40:38

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Exodus 38:21-40:38

Haftorah Reading

1 Kings 7:51–8:21

Testimony of Yeshua

  • On the ark of the testimony: cts 7:44; Revelation 11:19
  • On the priestly, wedding garments of the saints: atthew 22:12; Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 3:4–5, 18; 19:7–8
  • On the golden band or belt worn by the glorified Yeshua: evelation 1:13
  • On Yeshua, Our Great High Priest, carrying our burdens on his shoulders: atthew 11:28–30; Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:24–25; 9:11–10:21; 1 John 2:1
  • On the saints’ breastplate of righteousness: phesians 6:14
  • On the 12 tribes of Israel represented in the New Jerusalem: evelation 21:12,19–21
  • On the saints receiving crowns:  Corinthians 9:25; Phil 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; 3:11 cp. 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6
  • On the saints having the name of YHVH written on their foreheads: evelation 14:1, 22:4–5
  • On the saints being holy: omans 6:19, 22; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:24; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:7; Hebrews 12:14
  • On the saints being spiritual menorahs for YHVH: atthew 5:14–16; Philippians 2:15; Revelation 1:12–13; 2:1
  • On the prayers of the saints being as sweet incense before YHVH’s throne: evelation 5:8; 8:3
  • On the temple of Elohim in heaven: ebrews 9:23–24; Revelation 11:19; 15:5, 8
  • On Yeshua’s sacrifice on the altar for our sins: ebrews 13:10–13; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 13:8
  • On the priesthood: ebrews 5:1–11; 7:1–8:6
  • On YHVH’s glory cloud:  Corinthians 10:1; Revelation 15:8

Outline of This Week’s Parashah

  • —38:21 The Accounting or Sum of the Materials (Gold, Silver and Brass) Used in Constructing the Tabernacle
  • —39:1 Aaron’s Priestly Robes
  • —39:2 The Ephod
  • —39:8 The Breastplate
  • —39:22 The Robe of the Ephod
  • —39:27 Tunics of Linen
  • —39:30 The Golden Head-Plate or Crown
  • —39:33 Moses Inspects the Tabernacle and Its Furnishings and Blesses Them
  • —40:1 YHVH Issues the Command to Set Up the Tabernacle on the First Day of the First Month of the Second Year After the Exodus From Egypt
  • —40:17 The Tabernacle Is Erected
  • —40:35 The Kavod or Glory of YHVH Fills the Tabernacle; The Glory Cloud Leads Israel Through the Wilderness

Study Questions for This Week’s Midrash (Torah Discussion)

1— 38:21, This is the sum of the Tabernacle. Compared to the gold and silver used in the Temples of Solomon and Herod, the amounts listed here in the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) of Moses are insignificant. Both temples fell into enemy hands and were looted and destroyed. Not so with the mishkan. Additionally, the mishkan surpassed both temples in sanctity showing that YHVH places his presence not where there is wealth (or power, prestige, knowledge, acclaim, accolades, credentials), but where there is set-apartness and righteousness. What are your heart motives, priorities and orientation for serving YHVH—for wanting to be a spiritual temple or tabernacle for him to dwell in? Are you seeking to be set-apart and righteous out of a sincere and humble heart or out of a desire for power, prestige, wealth and acclaim in your life and using “sanctification” as an outward facade to look good to others? In 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 we read,

For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called, but Elohim has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and Elohim has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, has Elohim chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.

 2— 39:1, The holy garments for Aaron. The vestments of the high priest (kohen hagadol) are symbolic of the robes of righteousness that saints should be wearing in preparation for the return of the Messiah. Gold symbolizes purity of heart. Blue symbolizes heaven and spirituality. White linen pictures robes of righteousness. White symbolizes purity and Continue reading →

 

Parashah Vayakhel — Exodus 35:1-38:20

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Exodus 35:1-38:20

Haftorah Reading

1 Kings 7:13–26, 40–50

Testimony of Yeshua

  • On violating YHVH commands: ebrews 10:26–31
  • On giving to YHVH’s work:  Corinthians 9:1–15
  • On YHVH’s spiritual temple:  Corinthians 3:9–17
  • On spiritual gifts for the purpose of building up the spiritual house of Elohim:  Corinthians 12:4–11; James 1:17
  • On the ministry of the Tabernacle: ebrews 8:1–5; 9:1–28

Outline of This Week’s Parashah (Torah Portion)

  • —35:1 The Sabbath: No Work, No Fires
  • —35:4 The People to Contribute Materials for the Building of the Tabernacle
  • —35:10 The Israelites Invited to Participate in the Construction of the Tabernacle
  • —35:30 The Master Craftsmen Are Selected: Bezalel (of Judah) and Aholiab (of Dan)
  • —36:1 More Than Enough Workers and Materials Pour In
  • —36:8 The Work of Building the Tabernacle Begins: Making the Curtains
  • —36:19 Making the Cover
  • —36:20 Making the Planks (Walls) of the Tabernacle and Their Components
  • —36:35 Making the Partitions for the Interior
  • —36:37 Making the Screen for the Entrance to the Tabernacle
  • —37:1 Making the Ark of the Covenant
  • —37:6 Making the Cover (Mercy Seat) for the Ark
  • —37:10 Making the Table of Showbread
  • —37:17 Making the Menorah
  • —37:25 Making the Altar of Incense
  • —38:1 Making the Elevation Offering Altar
  • —38:8 Making the Bronze Laver
  • —38:9 Making the Linen Fence Around the Outer Courtyard
  • —38:18 The Screen of the Gate of the Courtyard

Study Questions for This Week’s Midrash (Torah Discussion)

1— 35:2, The seventh day … shall be … a set-apart day. In our journey through the Torah, the subject of the seventh day Sabbath keeps popping up. When YHVH said in Exodus 20:8 to “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it set-apart (Heb. kadosh),” he keeps reminding them of it so that they won’t forget it! What does this tell us about the importance YHVH places on the weekly Sabbath? With each reminder, he gives additional instructions about how to keep the Sabbath. (Quickly review YHVH’s instructions in the Torah up to this point pertaining to the Sabbath: Gen 2:2–3; Exod 16:23–30; 20:8–11.)

2— Exodus 35:3, Kindle no fire…on the Sabbath day. There are several prevailing viewpoints on the exact meaning of this passage. Let’s explore them.

The Orthodox Jews take literally the Torah’s prohibition to kindle no fire on the Sabbath. As such, many do not turn on a light switch or start their cars (i.e., fire in the spark plugs) on the Sabbath for fear of violating this command. To counter balance this viewpoint, the Torah does indicate that the priest lit the menorah in the tabernacle each morning, the Sabbath not excluded (Exod 27:21–21; 30:7). So, for ministry purposes, lighting a fire seems not to be prohibited.

There is also the viewpoint that since the next verse (Exod 34:4) begins YHVH’s instructions to build the tabernacle, the immediate context of the Sabbath-fire passage has to do with not starting fires that pertain only to one’s trade or job—in Israel’s case, their job was the building of the mishkan. Fires would have been needed for tanning hides, working with metal, and possibly bending wood and dying cloth along with other activities.

This we know for certain. On the Sabbath, YHVH’s people are not to bake, cook or prepare food from scratch (Exod 16:23), but reheating food seems not to be prohibited—something that is even permitted in some Orthodox Jewish circles today. What is the bottom line issue here? We are to cease creating on the Sabbath, and cooking food from scratch (as opposed to reheating) changes the chemistry of the food which constitutes creating something (i.e., transforming something from its original state into another state). So fires for cooking would have been prohibited, to be sure. Food must be prepared ahead of time on the sixth day.

Is this Torah command forbidding the lighting of fires for heat and light? Some would say yes, since part of preparing for the Sabbath involves insuring that your heating fire and Continue reading →

 

Parashat Ki Tisa Exodus 30:11-34:35 Outline & Study

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Parashat Ki Tisa (when you take) Exodus 30:11-34:35 Outline & Study Sheet

Haftorah Reading

1 Kings 18:1–39

The Testimony of Yeshua

  • On the gifts of the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:1–31
  • On keeping the Sabbath: Hebrews 4:9
  • On the golden calf and idolatry: Acts 7:39–42; 17:29–31; 1 Corinthians 10:1–13
  • Come out wickedness; put on righteousness: 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Hebrews 10:22
  • On the Book of Life: Revelation 3:5; 17:8; 21:27; 22:19; Matthew 11:28
  • On seeing the Father: John 1:18
  • On the grace of Elohim: Titus 3:5
  • On YHVH’s Feasts: Acts 2:1; 20:16; 1 Corinthians 5:8; 16:8
  • On the greater glory of Yeshua, the Second Moses: Hebrews 3:1–6
  • On the letter versus the spirit; first glory versus the second and greater glory: 2 Corinthians 3:1–18; John 17:1–2
  • On the second coming: 2 Peter 3:3–4

Outline of This Week’s Parashah (Torah Portion)

— 30:11 The Census/The Sacred Half-Shekel

— 30:17 The Bronze Laver

— 30:22 The Sacred Anointing Oil: Its Contents and Uses

— 30:34 The Sacred Incense: Its Contents and Uses

— 31:6 Bezaleel and Oholiab Chosen to Be the Chief Artisans Over the Construction of the Tabernacle/Mishkan

— 31:12 The Sabbath: A Sign Between YHVH and His People, An Eternal Covenant

— 31:18 Moses Receives the Tablets

— 32:1 The Golden Calf Incident

— 32:7 YHVH’s Anger Against Israel for Their Idolatry

— 32:11 Moses’ Successful Prayer of Intercession

— 32:15 Moses Descends From Mount Sinai

— 32:19 Moses Smashes the Tablets, Grinds the Idol into Powder and Causes the Israelites to Drink It

— 32:30 Moses Intercedes to YHVH Again on Behalf of the People

— 33:1 Aftermath of the Golden Calf Incident

— 33:7 Moses Pitches the Tabernacle/Tent of Meeting Outside the Camp

— 33:12 Moses Pleads for YHVH’s Presence

— 33:19 Moses Sees the Glory of YHVH Through the Cleft of the Rock

— 34:1 The Second Set of Tablets

— 34:5 YHVH Reveals the Thirteen Attributes of His Mercy

— 34:8 Moses’ Request; YHVH Seals the Covenant With Israel and Forbids Israel to Make Covenants With the Pagans

— 34:17 Israel Is Forbidden from Making Idols and Is Commanded to Observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Shabbat, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) and the Feast of Tabernacles (the Three Pilgrimage Festivals)

— 34:27 Renewal of the Covenant

— 34:33 The Radiance of Moses’ Face

Study Questions for This Week’s Midrash (Torah Discussion)

1— 30:11–16, Everyone was expected to contribute to the building of the mishkan (tabernacle). What can we learn from this passage about the Israelites’ spirit of giving? How are we about giving of our treasure to the work of YHVH?

2— 30:15 and 16, To make atonement for your souls. Some will read these verses and conclude that one can buy their redemption through charitable giving and therefore circumvent the need to place one’s faith in Yeshua’s atoning death on the cross. Does this passage suggest a theology where man can save himself from his sins by acts of charity? Let’s dig a little deeper to see what these verses are really teaching us.

In this passage, YHVH instructed the Israelites to pay an annual half-shekel temple tax. This money went, in part, toward, the service (verse 16) and constructing of the Tabernacle of Moses (e.g., Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the OT, vol. 1, p. 459; Exod. 3— 38:21–31), and later toward the purchase of the animals the priests sacrificed (The Temple and Its Service, by Alfred Edersheim, p. 48). In this way, the people were participating vicariously in the act of sacrificing an innocent animal as an offering or atonement for their sins. Again, the Scriptures reveal that this sacrificial system merely Continue reading →

 

Exodus 30:11–34:35 Parashat KiTisa

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This is a gospel-oriented Torah study. Our goal is to connect the good news of Yeshua the Messiah (the gospel message) to its Hebraic, pro-Torah roots or foundations. The information given here is more than head knowledge. Understanding and wisdom (the right application of knowledge that is based on truth) is taught thus making biblical truth practical, relevant and applicable to your daily life. The truths of the Bible not only have the power to transform your life here and now for the better, but eventually to take you past the veil of death and into eternity.

This Torah study is subdivided in sections by topic in a magazine format thus making it easy to watch at several sittings.

May you be blessed as you watch this video.

For a free, printable adult and youth Torah study guide on this Torah portion (parashah), please go to http://www.hoshanarabbah.org/parshiot.html

 

Exodus 18:1—20:26 Parashat Yitro

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This is a gospel-oriented Torah study. Our goal is to connect the good news of Yeshua the Messiah (the gospel message) to its Hebraic, pro-Torah roots or foundations. The information given here is more than head knowledge. Understanding and wisdom (the right application of knowledge that is based on truth) is taught thus making biblical truth practical, relevant and applicable to your daily life. The truths of the Bible not only have the power to transform your life here and now for the better, but eventually to take you past the veil of death and into eternity.

This Torah study is subdivided in sections by topic in a magazine format thus making it easy to watch at several sittings.

May you be blessed as you watch this video.

For a free, printable adult and youth Torah study guide on this Torah portion (parashah), please go to http://www.hoshanarabbah.org/parshiot.html