Friends of the Bridegroom Ministries

Parashah 34

B’midbar (In the desert) June 11, 2016 Friends of the Bridegroom Ministries TORAH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 The book of Numbers is the history of the wilderness from the second month of the second year until the last two months before entering the promise land where Joshua will replace Moshe as a friend of the Bridegroom. Though named Numbers this book is not about numbers but about how ordinary people respond to extreme trials and testing. Who will continue to listen to YHVH’s voice? The book of Numbers shows Israel as well as us (believers) what we are really made of. Many of Israel will not complete the journey, some wanted to return to Egypt (sin) but for those who made it, it was all worth it. YHVH pulled back the curtain of heaven at Mt. Sinai and showed them beauty and their destiny unknown to any human. The book of Numbers holds the worst sin scenarios, but the Covenant Keeper (YHVH) is faithful and sees Israel and believers as His loving Bride. He is a relentless lover, He has released over Israel and all believers what He wants us to become, and therefore we are overflowing with the potential to change. We have to relinquish ownership of ourselves, declaring self null and void as the wilderness is, so that we are able to dedicate ourselves totally to the pursuit of YHVH. 1 1:2 “Take a census of the entire assembly of the people of Isra’el, by clans and families. Record the names of all the men…” Up until now most of Israel was unknown to us by name. We were introduced to Moshe, Aharon, Miriam and a few others but Israel as a whole was unknown, now YHVH desires for them to be counted and named. He counted them when they left Egypt; after the sin of the golden calf, to see how many remained, even now when He rested His presence upon them. Counting Israel shows love in a unique way; when man counts that which is precious to him, because he is fond of it and, thus wants constantly to be aware of its existence. YHVH, however, is aware of everything, so why does He need to count? This was done to make known how greatly they are loved by Him. He doesn’t need this knowledge, we do. As Israel, we should realize how much we mean to YHVH, how precious we are to Him; we are not a statistic, each of us have a place in His order of things.  Knowing that you are precious to YHVH, should it ennobled you to act as one valued, causing you to develop a closer relationship with Him, or even be more observant of your character?  Upon being numbered each person was able to personally come before their leaders (Moshe, Aharon, etc) those how serve YHVH and be counted. Do you value being known by those who serve you and YHVH? 2 2:1, 2 Adonai said to Moshe and Aharon, “The people of Isra’el are to set up camp by clans, each man with his own banner and under his clan’s symbol; they are to camp around the tent of meeting, but at a distance.” YHVH has order in the camp, though some are closer in proximity only, His presence is at the center of them all. Each tribe and individual has their own role to be fully connected to YHVH.  Have you embraced your role in the Body of Christ being fully connect to YHVH without clamoring for a perceived superior position? 3 3:12 “I have taken the L’vi’im from among the people Isra’el in lieu of every firstborn male that is first from the womb among the people of Isra’el; the L’vi’im are to be mine”. The firstborn is a bridge (closest to the parents and close to the younger siblings), they are a transitional figure or bridge; to convey the moral values of the parents to the next generation. Levi was given as a bridge (3:6-9) they were to serve the Aharon and the people, (convey YHVH’s moral values) (Deut 33:10) unlike the firstborn of Egypt was killed, eliminating the transmission of all that was contemptible. Levi was elevated to this position because they were the only tribe that stood with Moshe (Ex 33:26-29). Only those that stay committed to YHVH is able to convey His truths.  Are you one that can be trusted and convey YHVH’s Word? PSALMS READING 122

HAFTORAH/GOSPEL READING NOTES LUKE 2:1-7

PROPHET READING NOTES HOSEA 1:10-20