Parshah 41- Pinchas - Phineas (Dark Skinned)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Parshah 41- Pinchas - Phineas (Dark Skinned) Parshah 41- Pinchas - Phineas (dark skinned). Torah - B'midbar - Numbers 25:10 to 29:40 Haftarah - 1 Kings 18:46 - 19:21. B'rit HaChadashah (N. Covenant, N. Testament) - John 2: 13-25. A person guided by God. Rabbi Marcelo Guimarães, in his commentary on this Parshah, says: "We cannot forget that the study of the Torah allows us to trace the parallel between our spiritual life and its growth. One day we were also lost without the God of Israel, whether we were born in a corrupt society or in the midst of a pagan, idolatrous and promiscuous people, we were living in our crimes and sins, in the system of a world away from the principles of the Eternal. God has been and still is merciful to us and has overtaken us, allowing us to hear these words today. Then, in the Person of Yeshua, we have obtained salvation, the forgiveness of our sins, and therefore we can begin a new life with God, with faith and hope in eternal life." (B'midbar / Numbers page 162) "Let Adonai, God of the spirit of all human beings, appoint a man to be over the community." (B'midbar 27: 16, BJC). These words were spoken by Moshe, immediately after God has told him that he would soon be gathered unto his people, a common euphemism to die. After the incident in Meribah, where Moshe struck the rock to bring water to the people instead of speaking to it according to the instructions, Aharon died (B'midbar 20: 22-29). Moshe was also warned that in a short time he himself would die, although some battles and the book of D'varim (Deuteronomy) were still to be completed. Jonathan Allen, describes this passage as follows: "Instead of the human response that might have been expected, Moshe's first thought is for the community; Who will take them: "Let the Lord, Source of the breath of all flesh, point out someone over the community, who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall take them out, and bring them in, so that the Lord's community may not be like sheep that have no shepherd."(B'midbar 27:16 -17, JPS). The middle of the verse provides a description of the functional work for the successor of Moshe. Ancient rabbinical commentaries say that Moshe "exemplified the merit of the righteous, because at the time of his death he did not concern himself with his personal well-being, but with the needs of the community" (Sifre 138). The word “ish” is often translated as "man." It is translated by Gunther Plaut (following the JPS translation) as "sent," suggesting that "the line of history evokes the occasional sense of an appointed agent." The book of D'varim/Deuteronomy refers explicitly to "Moshe a man of God." (D'varim 33:1) or a man sent by God. Also, both the prophet Elijah and the prophet Elisha are called "man of God" (1 Kings 17:18, 2 Kings 4:7), making the relationship transparent. Joshua is the agent appointed by God and the "man sent by God" in his generation. From the time they left Egypt, Moshe was the leader (under God) for Israel. This is mentioned in a series of texts, such as: "Then his people remembered the days of antiquity, the days of Moses and his people, where is he who brought them out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock. Where is he who set the Holy Spirit in the midst of them? "(Isaiah 63:11, ESV) Now Moshe is worried that without another leadership figure Israel will be "like a flock without a shepherd" and may be scattered. The image also reappears in later texts of the Hebrew Scriptures: "[Micah the prophet] said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep that have no shepherd, and the Lord has spoken, `These have no master; Let each one return to his house in peace'."(1 Kings 22:17, ESV) Jacob Milgrom comments that, "This image, as before, is a description of David: "In the past when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel in the war, and the Lord said to you, "You must shepherd my people Israel, you will be their ruler." (2 Samuel 5:2 and 1 Chronicles 11:2, ESV). Thus, the image of David is forged along the mosaic model. This same image is also used in the Greek Scriptures of the B`rit Hachadashah (NT): "When [Yeshua] disembarked, he saw a great multitude and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd." (Mark 6:34, ESV). Yeshua HaMashiach is the Good Shepherd of who John talks about. (John 10:11, 14), fulfilling the vision of the prophets: "And he shall stand and shepherd the people in the power of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God, and they shall dwell safely.”(Micah 5: 4: ESV) and the image of David is repeated: "And I will put over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them and guide them. He shall be their shepherd."(Ezekiel 34:23, ESV). All these scriptures are Messianic Scriptures. We can see how important this is in the Scriptures of the B`rit Hachadashah (New Covenant/New Testament). Yeshua delegated the role of shepherds to the leaders within His Body: "Moreover, He gave some people as emissaries, some as prophets, others as proclaimers of the Good News, and others as shepherds and teachers." (Ephesians 4:11, CJB). Observe how the Greek word "shepherds" was translated, which comes from the Latin Vulgate translation, "one who feeds or cares for sheep or cattle." Today we see evangelistic pastors, singing pastors, etc. They vulgarized a concept and changed the way this ministry operates. We have people with the title of pastors who have no flock! A true absurd, a shepherd without a flock is like a barbecue without meat! It does not work. Apostle Kefa/Peter uses the same vocabulary to demonstrate that leaders should take on the responsibility of shepherding within the congregation: "Therefore I warn the congregational leaders that are among you, as leader and witness of the sufferings of the Messiah, as well as a partaker of glory to be revealed .... shepherd the flock of God that is in your care .... not for the desire of dishonest gain, but with enthusiasm. "(1 Peter 5: 1-2, CJB). But what does that entail? Rav Sha'ul lists the qualifications of the leaders in his letters to Timothy and Titus. What does the pastor do? Rabbi Hirsch gives the answer: "Man is bound to be at the forefront, walking as an example to public and private life, and generally by his influence bring the people to faithfully fulfill all public and private duties. The activity of a shepherd is dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of the flock." This agrees with Kefa/Peter's comments on supervision and how to be an example, emphasizing the pastor's motivation in a helpful way. Unlike the pastors described by Jeremiah, who are "ruthless and do not seek Adonai, therefore they have not prospered and all their flocks are scattered." (Jeremiah 10:21, and in Ezekiel 34: 8, JPS). The leaders in the Body of Mashiach (rabbis, pastors, group leaders, school teachers, and theologians in colleges and seminaries) should be concerned with the good of the flock, of those whom God placed in their care, rather than their own careers, business and welfare. This is not to say, of course, that full-time or part-time workers are to receive an inadequate salary, “for the worker is worthy of his labor” (Matthew10:10, NIV) but that the Kingdom's work must be carried out with fidelity and honesty to serve the people, not just to earn a salary. We, as the Body of Mashiach, should cry out to the Lord in the very words of Moshe: "May Adonai, the God of the Spirit of all human beings, appoint a man to lead the community of Israel" (B'midbar 27:16, CJB) May God enlighten our minds. May Him lift up men and women willing to pay the price to care for the common good, with diligence and honesty, both in our congregations and in the political/governmental area. I still believe that it is possible to see profound changes in this Nation, if we apply the biblical principles and walking accordingly to the word of the Lord. May He bless us. Shavuah tov! Bible Versions Used: CJB - Complete Jewish Bible. ESV - English Standard Version. JPS - Jewish Publication Society. NIV - New International Version. Richmond, July 7th, 2018. Rabbi Jaime Araujo..
Recommended publications
  • Torah Texts Describing the Revelation at Mt. Sinai-Horeb Emphasize The
    Paradox on the Holy Mountain By Steven Dunn, Ph.D. © 2018 Torah texts describing the revelation at Mt. Sinai-Horeb emphasize the presence of God in sounds (lwq) of thunder, accompanied by blasts of the Shofar, with fire and dark clouds (Exod 19:16-25; 20:18-21; Deut 4:11-12; 5:22-24). These dramatic, awe-inspiring theophanies re- veal divine power and holy danger associated with proximity to divine presence. In contrast, Elijah’s encounter with God on Mt. Horeb in 1 Kings 19:11-12, begins with a similar audible, vis- ual drama of strong, violent winds, an earthquake and fire—none of which manifest divine presence. Rather, it is hqd hmmd lwq, “a voice of thin silence” (v. 12) which manifests God, causing Elijah to hide his face in his cloak, lest he “see” divine presence (and presumably die).1 Revelation in external phenomena present a type of kataphatic experience, while revelation in silence presents a more apophatic, mystical experience.2 Traditional Jewish and Christian mystical traditions point to divine silence and darkness as the highest form of revelatory experience. This paper explores the contrasting theophanies experienced by Moses and the Israelites at Sinai and Elijah’s encounter in silence on Horeb, how they use symbolic imagery to convey transcendent spiritual realities, and speculate whether 1 Kings 19:11-12 represents a “higher” form of revela- tory encounter. Moses and Israel on Sinai: Three months after their escape from Egypt, Moses leads the Israelites into the wilderness of Sinai where they pitch camp at the base of Mt.
    [Show full text]
  • Elijah in the Bible Selections
    Elijah the Prophet: The Man Who Never Died 1. Ahab son of Omri did evil in eyes of YHVH, more than all who preceded him. As though it were a light thing for him to follow in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat [who had set up golden calves], he took as his wife Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he went and served Baal and bowed down to him. And he set up an altar to Baal in the house of Baal that he built in Samaria. ha-asherah), an asherah [a cultic pole or stylized tree) האשרה And Ahab made symbolizing the goddess Asherah, a consort of Baal]. Ahab did more to vex YHVH, God of Israel, than all the kings of Israel who preceded him. (1 Kings 16:31–33) 2. Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “By the life of YHVH God of Israel, whom I have served, there shall be no rain or dew these years except by my word.” (1 Kings 17:1) 3. Eliyyahu, “My God is Yahu.” 4. Go from here and turn eastward and hide in the wadi of Cherith, which is by the Jordan. And it shall be, that from the wadi you shall drink, and the ravens I have commanded to sustain you there” (1 Kings 17:3–4) The wadi dried up, for there was no rain in the land (17:7). 5. The widow says to Elijah: By the life of YHVH your God, I have no loaf but only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug, and here I am gathering a couple of sticks, so I can go in and make it for me and my son, and we will eat it and die (17:12).
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Secret #6: Learn How to Handle Bad Days 1 Kings 19:1-4 Dr
    SECRET #6: LEARN HOW TO HANDLE BAD DAYS 1 KINGS 19:1-4 DR. ROBERT JEFFRESS | December 10, 2017 Introduction: Bad days…we all have them! While bad days -- or bad seasons of life -- are inevitable, they don’t have to paralyze us. People who want to experience successful and significant lives learn how to manage times of disappointment and discouragement, just as Elijah did. Two Portraits of Elijah 1 Kings 18 1 Kings 19 “The hand of the Lord was on Elijah” (18:46). “He was afraid and ran for his life” (19:3). Elijah was full of faith. Elijah was full of fear. Elijah bravely confronts 850 false prophets. Elijah cowardly flees from one woman. Elijah prayed for God to glorify Himself. Elijah prayed for God to take his life. Elijah became the leader of the people. Elijah abandoned the people. I. What Bad Days Look Like A. Discouragement (1 Kings 19:4) 1 Kings 19:4 “But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.’” B. Restlessness (1 Kings 19:3) 1 Kings 19:3 “And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.” 1 SECRET #6: LEARN HOW TO HANDLE BAD DAYS 1 KINGS 19:1-4 DR. ROBERT JEFFRESS | December 10, 2017 C.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Kings 19:1-18 • God's Definition of Victory
    1 Kings 19:1-18 • God’s Definition of Victory Introduction It’s important to understand exactly who Jezebel is and what she represents both at this time in history and as a prophetic symbol in future Scripture. • The historical Jezebel is the daughter of the King of Sidon (Sidon is both a city and the center of a foreign power to the north of Israel) given in a political marriage to then-king of the northern kingdom of Israel, Ahab. Even being a powerful Phoenician or “queen-to-be”, Jezebel was no normal woman as she was a chief representative of Baal. Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel will cause the introduction of false worship so intense that all but 7,000 Israelites will convert to her religion. • Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel is symbolic of one’s unfaithfulness to God. The relationship between God and His people is repeatedly expressed in terms of marriage with Israel – or Believers – often described as a bride. This is a picture not just of unfaithfulness but of adultery, as well as rejection of the One True God in favor of a false god. • In Revelation 2:18-29 in the message to the church at Thyatira, Jezebel is mentioned: “‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond- servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Kings 18:1-40 MEMORY VERSE 1 KINGS 18:39 “Now When All the People Saw It, They Fell on Their Faces; and They Said, ‘The LORD, He Is God! the LORD, He Is God!’”
    Lesson 099 Elijah Defeats The Prophets Of Baal 1 Kings 18:1-40 MEMORY VERSE 1 KINGS 18:39 “Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, ‘The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!’” WHAT YOU WILL NEED: A list of 10 – 15 statements about God; some true and some false (false questions can range between sounding absurd and being close to the truth). Picture of an altar (check a Bible encyclopedia or dictionary), construction paper, glue, regular crackers, red, yellow and orange crayons. A copy of the curriculum template (provided with the curriculum) for each child, red construction paper, glue stick, scissors, clear contact paper and magnetic strips with adhesive backing. ATTENTION GRABBER! True or False Game Before class come up with a list of 10 – 15 statements about God. Make some of them true and some of them false. You can make some sound absurd and some that aren’t true, but sound close to the truth. When class time begins tell your class that you are going to be reading several statements to them about God. The class will then “vote” on whether the statement is true or false. With each question record how many votes for true and how many votes for false. At the end of your list of questions read through the questions again and give the right answers. Ask the children if there were any surprises. In today’s lesson we will be learning about true prophets and false prophets. We have to be careful of false prophets because they want to deceive us.
    [Show full text]
  • The Troubler of Israel 1 Kings 18:1-18
    The Troubler of Israel 1 Kings 18:1-18 This account is written three years into a drought. There has been no rain, people would be angry. The nation would be in huge unrest, and there was one man to blame. Elijah had prayed earnestly for this drought – and the nation of Israel were not happy. This is a story of God bringing drought on the Israelites - but this is not a story of an unloving God, but the story of a stubborn people. Israel belongs to the true God, but Jezebel had turned the nation to the worship of Baal, the fertility god, and god of rain and storm – one who could not stop this drought. God Wants Your Heart Ready to Obey Him After three years, there is no evidence of change. Ahab has been chasing Elijah, searching for him. The nation has been under hardship, blaming Elijah. At this point, God calls Elijah: ‘Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land’. For Elijah, this could feel like a complete failure. There has been no change, and God is calling this plan to a stop – putting Elijah straight into danger. This may feel like the right time to abandon the plan, to give up. But Elijah did not give up on God; ‘Elijah went to present himself to Ahab’. There is immense moral courage in Elijah’s response – incredible faith and total trust. Elijah sets a great example as he obeys God. Many people aren’t ready to hear and obey God.
    [Show full text]
  • Elijah: Prophet of Courage
    Elijah: Prophet of Courage Bible Background • 1 KINGS 18-19; MATTHEW 17:1-3 Printed Text • 1 KINGS 18:5-18 | Devotional Reading • LUKE 19:28-39 Aim for Change By the end of this lesson, we will COMPARE Elijah’s response to speak to Ahab to that of Obadiah’s response to report back to Ahab, GAIN a sense of Obadiah’s concerns when reporting Elijah’s message to Ahab, and ACT in boldness when speaking the Word of God. In Focus When Cris fled her abusive husband, she vowed never to depend on another human. She packed her bags and drove across the country to a new job in a strange new town. She worked hard and at the end of the day she would sit down with a cup of tea and a book. She went to church, but the closest she ever got to anyone was to Mandy, a single mother living in the same apartment complex. She would nod at Mandy as they passed each other in the halls and quickly turn away with a polite little cough. As the weeks went by, the polite cough became serious and a throbbing pain settled in her chest. The violence she suffered had taken a toll. A series of contradictory doctors discouraged her and slowly her apartment and solitary life started falling into disarray. Mandy met her one day as she was catching her breath on the stairs. “Hey Cris! Want a hand with those groceries?” “No, thanks. Actually… yes. That would be great.” She accepted Mandy’s help but hesitated a bit to let her into the chaos her apartment had become.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Kings 202 1 Edition Dr
    Notes on 1 Kings 202 1 Edition Dr. Thomas L. Constable TITLE The Books of 1 and 2 Kings received their names because they document the reigns of the 40 monarchs of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah following David. Israel had 20 kings, and Judah had 20, including one female who usurped the throne: Athaliah. In the Hebrew Bible, 1 and 2 Kings were one book until the sixteenth century. The ancients regarded them as the continuation of the narrative begun in Samuel. The Septuagint (Greek) translation of the Hebrew text, dating from about 250 B.C., was the first to divide Kings into two books. That division has continued to the present day. The Septuagint translators, however, called these two books 3 and 4 Kingdoms (or Reigns). First and 2 Kingdoms (or Reigns) were our 1 and 2 Samuel. Jerome's Vulgate (Latin) translation, which dates to about A.D. 400, changed the name from Kingdoms to Kings. "The English Bible presents the books primarily as historical accounts. Their placement next to 1, 2 Chronicles demonstrates the collectors' interest in detailing all [not all] the events of Israel's history. In contrast, the Hebrew Bible places Joshua-Kings with the prophets, which highlights their common viewpoints. This decision implies that 1, 2 Kings are being treated as proclamation and history."1 First and 2 Kings are the last of the Former Prophets books in the Hebrew Bible. The others are Joshua, Judges, and Samuel. 1Paul R. House, 1, 2 Kings, p. 70. Copyright Ó 2021 by Thomas L.
    [Show full text]
  • Big Idea Guide
    BIG IDEA GUIDE WEEK 1 - FEAR TO FAITH SERIES BIG IDEA God wants to write a new story with my life. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of MESSAGE BIG IDEA water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. When our stories are dominated by fear, addiction, shame, or failure, we are stuck in an old story that is not The angel of the Lord came back a second time the story God intends to write with our lives. When you and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the find your way back to God, he begins to write a new journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate story with your life, a story of faith, freedom, redemption, and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled and promise. May we let go of our old stories and allow forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, him to write something new. Today we are going to the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and explore how our new story can be one of faith not fear. spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are SCRIPTURE you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:1-15 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your ICEBREAKER covenant, torn down your altars, and put your What was one thing you were afraid of when you were a prophets to death with the sword.
    [Show full text]
  • God's Messengers
    PARENTS’ PAGE, EARLY ELEMENTARY LEVEL: THE STORY FOR CHILDREN, LESSON 15 PAGE 29 GOD’S Messengers Timeless Truth: God is more powerful than any other god. Bible Basis: 1 Kings 17:1–6, 18:1–39, 19:3–18, 2 Kings 2:1–15, Amos 3:1–11, 4:2–10, 5:14–15, 9:8 Key Verse: [Elijah said,] “I serve the LORD. He is the God of Israel.” —1 Kings 17:1 Resource: The Story for Children, Chapter 15 PARENT TIPS Read the key point from the Sunday school lessons that relate to your children. Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity lets your family make rain and thank God for his provision. The Extra Mile encourages your family to get out and run—just like Elijah did. GET THE POINT God encouraged Elijah in hard times. God encourages me. TABLE TALK • Elisha was an awesome man of God. He did many miracles, including making the blind see and raising a child from the dead. In 2 Kings 2:23–24, it tells of a time that some young people made fun of Elisha’s bald head. Elisha called down a curse on them, and two bears came out of the woods and attacked 42 of the young fellows. What do you think is the main point of this story? • Has anybody ever made fun of you? • What did you do? • How do you think God would want you to act when others make fun of you? • Is it ever a good idea to make fun of people? LIVING FAITH When Ahab became king of Israel, he did more evil things than any of the kings who had ruled before him.
    [Show full text]
  • Elijah Confronts Pantheism of Baal Worship
    Major Event: Elijah at Mt. Carmel Lesson: Elijah Confronts Pantheism of Baal Worship Scriptures: 1 Kings Chapter 18 Central Text: 1 Kings 18: 20 – 40 Suggested Subjects: 1. The Lord required obedience to the Mosaic Law by the kings of Israel & Judah, if their kingdoms were to receive His blessings; disobedience would bring discipline / exile (1 Kings 9:3-9). 2. Unfortunately, all of the kings of Israel and the majority of the kings of Judah “did evil in the sight of the Lord.” 3. King Ahab reigned for 22 years and “did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all (kings) who were before him.” (1 Kings 16: 29-30). 4. The Lord sent His prophet, Elijah, to confront King Ahab & the people with their sin and their need to return to Him. 5. The people chose to place their faith in Baal (a nature god) 6. Elijah mocked Baal because (1) he knew that Baal is not the one true God of the universe and (2) he knew Baal would not answer them (v. 29). – See Constable’s Notes below1 7. The false prophets were slain. Suggested attributes: 1 Of God: Sovereignty, Veracity (absolute truth), Justice (regarding vs. 40) 2 Of Man: Sinful, Too easily swayed to believe lies -- without consistent intake of God’s word, we do not have the truth in us so use to recognize the lies. Suggested Home Study: Acts 17; Hebrews 4:12. Notes: 1. Teach the application today regarding the need for us, individually, as families, and as a nation to obey God’s mandates, such as walking by means of the Spirit rather than carrying out the sinful desires of our sin nature Gal.
    [Show full text]
  • Highlights from the Book of 1 Kings Source Material
    Highlights from the Book of 1 Kings Source Material................................................................................2 1 Kings - Outline of Contents.........................................................3 Chapters 1-2.....................................................................................6 Chapters 3-6...................................................................................14 Chapters 7-8...................................................................................27 Chapters 9-11.................................................................................40 Chapters 12-14...............................................................................63 Chapters 15-17...............................................................................75 Chapters 18-20...............................................................................89 Chapters 21–22............................................................................134 Source Material This material has been sourced from the 2014 Watchtower Library compact disk. Scriptures Included. Only verses that are explained in some way are included in the Scripture Index. Hence, if the material explains the meaning of the text, gives its background, tells why the text was written, or clarifies an original-language word and its implications, the text would be indexed, since the verse or part of it is explained. Scriptures that are used as proof texts but that are not explained are omitted. For example, Ezekiel 18:4 may be used merely to
    [Show full text]