V'Zot HaBerachah - Reading #7

V'Zot HaBerachah וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה - And this is the blessing

Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12

Haftarah: Joshua 1:1-18

Shabbat Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 34

My Thoughts:

Here we are at the end (but really the beginning). Our kind and generous Elohim takes Moses to the top of Pisgan and supernaturally shows Moses the complete Land of Israel. He can see all the way to the western sea. And yet Hashem says to him in verse 4, “I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” Moses sees the majestic beauty of the Land that has been promised for several centuries, and I’m sure his heart soared. And even though he could not go into the Land, he had the satisfaction of leading all the people there safely. What a journey it was. Now it is his turn to die. I believe Moses must have felt so complete. So comforted. He left his charge in trustworthy hands to Joshua. All was well, and now it was time to step into eternity. With perfect peace.

Challenge:

Moses knows his time is over, and he is leaving it all to the faithful hands of Joshua, who was “full of the spirit of wisdom.” I was thinking, did you ever have to turn something over (that was very important to you), to someone else? Did you trust them? What a difference it would make. Sometimes it is very difficult to leave a job, ministry, or even a family in the care of someone who may or may not be capable of tending to it. My last challenge of the year to you is this. Reflect on your life. Thank Hashem for all the good and for being with you through all the bad. If you have had to leave something to someone else, ask Hashem to give that person the Spirit of wisdom to know how to handle it/them and to take good care of it/them. Then trust Him to help that person take care of things for you. Pray for that person as often as you are able. Turn it all over to Hashem, really, it is all His.

Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 34

34:1 Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is opposite Jericho. Hashem showed him all the land of Gilead to Dan, 2 and all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, to the Western Sea, 3 and the south, and the Plain of the valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, to Zoar. 4 Hashem said to him, “This is the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your offspring. I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.”

5 So Moses the servant of Hashem died there in the land of Moab, according to Hashem’s word. 6 He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth Peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day. 7 Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died. His eye was not dim, nor his strength gone. 8 The children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the days of weeping in the mourning for Moses were ended. 9 Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. The children of Israel listened to him, and did as Hashem commanded Moses. 10 Since then, there has not arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom Hashem knew face to face, 11 in all the signs and the wonders which Hashem sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, 12 and in all the mighty hand, and in all the awesome deeds, which Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

Haftarah: Joshua 1:1-18

Now after the death of Moses the servant of Hashem,  Hashem spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go across this Jordan, you and all these people, to the land which I am giving to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border. 5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.

6 “Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause these people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. 9 Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Hashem your Elohim is with you wherever you go.”

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 “Pass through the middle of the camp, and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare food; for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you to possess.’”

12 Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying, 13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of Hashem commanded you, saying, ‘Hashem your Elohim gives you rest, and will give you this land. 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan; but you shall pass over before your brothers armed, all the mighty men of valor, and shall help them 15 until Hashem has given your brothers rest, as he has given you, and they have also possessed the land which Hashem your Elohim gives them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and possess it, which Moses the servant of Hashem gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.’”

16 They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may Hashem your Elohim be with you, as he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn’t listen to your words in all that you command him shall himself be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”

My Thoughts:

Joshua has taken over for Moses. He is appointed by Hashem because of his faith and dedication. And he had gained confidence from the people. It is so important that the people we are in charge of, or that we lead, have confidence in us. You are a role model for Hashem in all you do and say. If there is an area of your life that you have been struggling with, try to go to Hashem and ask Him for His help to fix it.

Challenge:

We have just finished a year of Torah Portions. We have completed the reading of the entire Torah. It is tradition to say "Chazak, chazak, v'nitchasek!" This means, "Be strong, and may we be strengthened." This is my desire for you as you have finished up five very sacred and wonderful books from Hashem, that you will be strong and strengthened. Through this past year and the reading of the complete Torah, He has given us directions of how to follow Him, obey Him, how to love Him, and love others. We know Torah is Life, and He has given this gift to us.

May you be blessed and grow closer to Hashem as you move into the next Torah cycle, B'reisheet. It is a privilege to have walked this journey with you, and I look forward to doing so again beginning next week. Every new chapter of Torah, is a new chapter in your life with Hashem.

Ha'Azinu - Reading #7

Ha'Azinu הַאֲזִינוּ - Listen!

Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52

Haftarah: 2 Samuel 22:1-51

Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 32:44–52

My Thoughts:

Here is the end of Moses' journey with Hashem to the Promised Land. It is so very sad that, after all of Moses’ dedication and work, he can not enter the land. However, it serves as a stark reminder to all of us that sin is powerful and has severe repercussions. Yes, we know Hashem forgave Moses, but He did not forget. He passed a judgment at the time of Moses' sin (at the water of Meribah), and He held to that judgment. It makes me think that there is a consequence to disobedience. We can repent and teshuvah, but we still must suffer the effects of what we have done. This reminder serves as a check for us today. Let us think carefully before disobeying the Father.

Today's Challenge:

Today, we are also reminded that Torah is life. In verse 47, we read, “...it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long…”. As we have studied Torah each day throughout this past year, we have been filled with Hashem’s Word. What a blessing it is to have eaten it every day. Soon, we will return to the beginning of the Torah and start all over again. It will be a new year with new revelations and more miracles in our lives. We will be reminded every day of Hashem’s promises and His requirements of how to live our lives. My challenge to you today is to start over again after Sukkot in the new Torah cycle. Read, study, pray, worship, and live His Word every day. It will give you an abundant life and liberty.

Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 32:44–52

32:44 Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. 45 And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. 47 For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”

48 That very day the Lord spoke to Moses, 49 “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. 50 And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat Me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. 52 For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.”

Today's Haftarah

My Thoughts:

Here is a beautiful testimony from David about Hashem’s deliverance, love, and faithfulness. In verse 36, we read, “You have given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your gentleness made me great.” Hashem gave David a special anointing. He protected in fierce ways and yet was gentle in displaying His love for him. This is just what we can look forward to today in Hashem. Again, His faithfulness and protection require us to be righteous and faithful to Him. We must be obedient to His Laws and Commandments. Make today a new day and resolve to do this. That you will serve Hashem with your whole heart, soul, and strength.

Today's Haftarah Challenge;

If you are in trouble, sick, or need Hashem’s help, here is a wonderful Scripture to read, especially verse 7, “In my distress I called upon Hashem; to my Elohim I called. From His Temple, He heard my voice, and my cry came to His ears.” I believe when we call out to Hashem with all of our hearts, that He does hear us. Sometimes it may not seem so, because our prayers don’t appear to be being answered. However, from my experience, I can attest that He always hears you. He just may have a different way of hearing your prayer. Sometimes we pray for healing for someone, and they die. We think He didn’t hear our prayer. But He did. That person we prayed for has ultimate incredible healing in Paradise with Him. That person is in the best part of eternity. My challenge to you is to ask for more faith from Hashem. Faith that He does hear us and that we have evidence of that.

Haftarah: 2 Samuel 22:1-51

22:1 And David spoke to Hashem the words of this song on the day when Hashem delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said,

“Hashem is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

3     my Elohim, my Rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation,

    my stronghold and my refuge,

    my Savior; You save me from violence.

4 I call upon Hashem, who is worthy to be praised,

    and I am saved from my enemies.

5 “For the waves of death encompassed me,

    the torrents of destruction assailed me;

6 the cords of Sheol entangled me;

    the snares of death confronted me.

7 “In my distress, I called upon Hashem;

    to my Elohim I called.

From His Temple, He heard my voice,

    and my cry came to His ears.

8 “Then the earth reeled and rocked;

    the foundations of the heavens trembled

    and quaked, because He was angry.

9 Smoke went up from His nostrils,

    and devouring fire from His mouth;

    glowing coals flamed forth from Him.

10 He bowed the heavens and came down;

    thick darkness was under His feet.

11 He rode on a cherub and flew;

    He was seen on the wings of the wind.

12 He made darkness around him, His canopy,

    thick clouds, a gathering of water.

13 Out of the brightness before Him

    coals of fire flamed forth.

14 Hashem thundered from heaven,

    and the Most High uttered His voice.

15 And He sent out arrows and scattered them;

    lightning, and routed them.

16 Then the channels of the sea were seen;

    the foundations of the world were laid bare,

at the rebuke of Hashem,

    at the blast of the breath of His nostrils.

17 “He sent from on high, He took me;

    He drew me out of many waters.

18 He rescued me from my strong enemy,

    from those who hated me,

    for they were too mighty for me.

19 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,

    but Hashem was my support.

20 He brought me out into a broad place;

    He rescued me, because He delighted in me.

21 “Hashem dealt with me according to my righteousness;

    according to the cleanness of my hands He rewarded me.

22 For I have kept the ways of Hashem

    and have not wickedly departed from my Elohim.

23 For all His rules were before me,

    and from His statutes I did not turn aside.

24 I was blameless before Him,

    and I kept myself from guilt.

25 And Hashem has rewarded me according to my righteousness,

    according to my cleanness in His sight.

26 “With the merciful you show Yourself merciful;

    with the blameless man You show Yourself blameless;

27 with the purified You deal purely,

    and with the crooked You make Yourself seem tortuous.

28 You save a humble people,

    but Your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.

29 For you are my lamp, Hashem,

    and my Elohim lightens my darkness.

30 For by You I can run against a troop,

    and by my Elohim I can leap over a wall.

31 This Elohim—His way is perfect;

    the word of Hashem proves true;

    He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.

32 “For who is Elohim, but Hashem?

    And who is a rock, except our Elohim?

33 This Elohim is my strong refuge

    and has made my way blameless.

34 He made my feet like the feet of a deer

    and set me secure on the heights.

35 He trains my hands for war,

    so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

36 You have given me the shield of Your salvation,

    and your gentleness made me great.

37 You gave a wide place for my steps under me,

    and my feet did not slip;

38 I pursued my enemies and destroyed them,

    and did not turn back until they were consumed.

39 I consumed them; I thrust them through, so that they did not rise;

    they fell under my feet.

40 For You equipped me with strength for the battle;

    you made those who rise against me sink under me.

41 You made my enemies turn their backs to me,

    those who hated me, and I destroyed them.

42 They looked, but there was none to save;

    they cried to Hashem, but He did not answer them.

43 I beat them fine as the dust of the earth;

    I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets.

44 “You delivered me from strife with my people;

    You kept me as the head of the nations;

    people whom I had not known served me.

45 Foreigners came cringing to me;

    as soon as they heard of me, they obeyed me.

46 Foreigners lost heart

    and came trembling out of their fortresses.

47 “Hashem lives, and blessed be my Rock,

    and exalted be my Elohim, the Rock of my salvation,

48 the Elohim who gave me vengeance

    and brought down peoples under me,

49 who brought me out from my enemies;

    You exalted me above those who rose against me;

    You delivered me from men of violence.

50 “For this I will praise you, O Hashem, among the nations,

    and sing praises to Your name.

51 Great salvation He brings to His king,

    and shows steadfast love to His anointed,

    to David and his offspring forever.”

Vayelech - Reading #7

Vayelech וַיֵּלֶךְ - And He Went

Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30

Haftarah Hosea 14:2-10; Micah 7:18-20; Joel 2:15-27

Apostolic Reading Matthew 21:9-17

Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 31:25–30

My Thoughts:

Moses seems anxious about how the Israelites will fare after his death. In verse 29, he says, “For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves…”. How sad is this? After 40 years of substantial miracles and witnesses of Hashem’s power and glory, the chosen people are still disobeying Him. What is it about humankind that just can’t seem to get it together? How could they have looked upon the pillar of the cloud in the day and the pillar of fire at night? Wouldn’t that miracle alone (His presence) be enough in your life to want to stay on your knees day and night? Why are we so weak? Even today, look at the world. It is crazy. Right is wrong and wrong is right. We are so upside down. Those of us who profess to know Hashem and love Him still disobey Him and sin. The beauty of it all is teshuvah. As we are in the ten days of awe leading to Yom Kippur, we must repent and turn around. When we turn around, we don’t look back. We must become beacons of light for Hashem to the rest of the world. So that He wants to send the Mashiach.

Challenge:

The book of the Law in verse 25 reminds them (us) about how to live. It is a witness. That’s why they carry it in the ark. It needs to be with them at all times. Just like now. We need the Torah by our side every day. It needs to be in plain view where we can study it and learn from it. That is the advantage of doing the daily reading schedule. It is always in your life, every day. And that is my challenge to you today. Make a promise to yourself that as the new Torah cycle begins (after Sukkot), you will immerse yourself. Pick a time every day to study, and if you happen to miss a study, make it up. Get yourself a journal to record your thoughts. Let the Torah speak to you in powerful ways each day. Remember, it is life.

Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 31:25–30

31:25 Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of Hashem’s covenant, saying, 26 “Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of Hashem your Elohim’s covenant, that it may be there for a witness against you. 27 For I know your rebellion and your stiff neck. Behold, while I am yet alive with you today, you have been rebellious against Hashem. How much more after my death? 28 Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them. 29 For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn away from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days, because you will do that which is evil in Hashem’s sight, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.”

30 Moses spoke in the ears of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song, until they were finished.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

Micah 7:8 contains a beautiful passage, “Who is an Elohim like You, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of His heritage? He doesn’t retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving kindness. ” When we were reading the Torah today, we saw how Moses predicted the failure of his people. But even when we fail, Hashem is there to forgive us. He actually will pass over our disobedience. He doesn’t stay mad for long. This is because He is a kind and loving Elohim. I’m sure you have seen evidence of this in your life. You have done dumb things, confessed, and really felt like Hashem has forgiven you. Because He has. We should be more like Him. When people do things to upset us and make us angry, we should show loving kindness instead of retaliation. We need to forgive and make things right. When we do this, the world will be such a better place. Remember, it starts with you and me. 

Challenge:

In Joel 2:27, we read, “You will know that I am among Israel, and that I am Hashem, your Elohim, and there is no one else; My people will never again be disappointed.” What a wonderful promise. We must remember there is no other Elohim but Hashem. His presence will be known in Israel and around the world. And when that happens, there will be no more sin, no more tears, no more wars, no more disappointment. My challenge to you is to try to be like that now. Let’s strive to show the world that Hashem is perfect, loving, and kind. That we can cast our burdens upon Him and He will carry them for us. Let us try to portray to the world that by following the one true Elohim, joy and peace will follow. Be that as it may, today, I will join you.

Haftarah: Hosea 14:2-10; Micah 7:18-20; Joel 2:15-27

Hosea 14:2-10 

2 Take words with you, and return to Hashem.

    Tell him, “Forgive all our sins,

    and accept that which is good:

    so we offer our lips like bulls.

3 Assyria can’t save us.

    We won’t ride on horses;

    neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, ‘Our gods!’

    for in you the fatherless finds mercy.”

4 “I will heal their waywardness.

    I will love them freely;

    for my anger is turned away from him.

5 I will be like the dew to Israel.

    He will blossom like the lily,

    and send down his roots like Lebanon.

6 His branches will spread,

    and his beauty will be like the olive tree,

    and his fragrance like Lebanon.

7 Men will dwell in his shade.

    They will revive like the grain,

    and blossom like the vine.

    Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.

8 Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols?

    I answer, and will take care of him.

    I am like a green cypress tree;

    from me your fruit is found.”

9 Who is wise, that he may understand these things?

    Who is prudent, that he may know them?

    For the ways of Hashem are right,

    and the righteous walk in them;

    But the rebellious stumble in them.

Micah 7:18-20

8 Who is an Elohim like you, who pardons iniquity,

    and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of His heritage?

He doesn’t retain His anger forever,

    because He delights in loving kindness.

19 He will again have compassion on us.

    He will tread our iniquities under foot;

    and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

20 You will give truth to Jacob,

    and mercy to Abraham,

    as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

Joel 2:15-27

Blow the trumpet in Zion!

    Sanctify a fast.

    Call a solemn assembly.

16 Gather the people.

    Sanctify the assembly.

    Assemble the elders.

    Gather the children, and those who nurse from breasts.

Let the bridegroom go out of his room,

    and the bride out of her room.

17 Let the priests, the ministers of Hashem, weep between the porch and the altar,

    and let them say, “Spare your people, Hashem,

    and don’t give your heritage to reproach,

    that the nations should rule over them.

Why should they say among the peoples,

    ‘Where is their Elohim?’”

18 Then Hashem was jealous for His land,

    And had pity on His people.

19 Hashem answered His people,

    “Behold, I will send you grain, new wine, and oil,

    and you will be satisfied with them;

    and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations.

20 But I will remove the northern army far away from you,

    and will drive it into a barren and desolate land,

    its front into the eastern sea,

    and its back into the western sea;

    and its stench will come up,

    and its bad smell will rise.”

Surely He has done great things.

21 Land, don’t be afraid.

    Be glad and rejoice, for Hashem has done great things.

22 Don’t be afraid, you animals of the field;

    for the pastures of the wilderness spring up,

    for the tree bears its fruit.

    The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.

23 “Be glad then, you children of Zion,

    and rejoice in Hashem, your Elohim;

    for He gives you the early rain in just measure,

    and He causes the rain to come down for you,

    the early rain and the latter rain,

    as before.

24 The threshing floors will be full of wheat,

    and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

25 I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,

    the great locust, the grasshopper, and the caterpillar,

    my great army, which I sent among you.

26 You will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied,

    and will praise the name of Hashem, your Elohim,

    who has dealt wondrously with you;

    and My people will never again be disappointed.

27 You will know that I am among Israel,

    and that I am Hashem, your Elohim, and there is no one else;

    and my people will never again be disappointed.

Apostolic Reading

My Thoughts:

In today’s reading, we learn how Yeshua did not tolerate sin. Selling anything in the temple was, of course, forbidden. The temple was the place where Hashem would dwell. There was to be no bartering or exchanging of money, and so on. How could people get to this point? How could they dishonor the presence of Hashem? Yeshua came to bring people back to Hashem. To remind them of Torah and the commandments. He told the people that if they loved Him, they would follow His commandments. That is so true. If we really love Hashem, we would delight in following Torah. It would not be drudgery or a burden. It is a blessing, and it is life. Let us not become like the “money-changers” in the temple, forgetting the presence and power of Elohim. Let’s be more like Yeshua and remind the world of what is right.

Challenge:

Why were the priests indignant that Yeshua was healing people in the temple? Apparently, people were coming to the temple who needed healing. They needed a touch from Hashem. They needed restoration. Yeshua was Hashem’s vehicle to bring that touch. Were these particular priests jealous, confused, or low on faith? Whatever reason made them skeptical of Yeshua and who He was, it did not end well. Yeshua was killed, and the temple was destroyed. Two huge losses. But here lies the hope. We know from the Torah that the Mashiach will come. That He will rule in the final Temple, where the glory of Hashem goes forth to the world. That is my challenge to you today. Begin to be used by Hashem to give a touch to others. This may be praying for them, helping them, or studying Torah with them. Don’t worry about people around you who don’t understand what you are doing. Just follow Hashem and do what He tells you. We want Mashiach to return. We want the glory of Hashem to fill the earth. So let’s bring the Torah to those around us. Let us help to prepare the world for the Olam Haba.

Apostolic Reading Matthew 21:9-17

9 The multitudes who went in front of Him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 

10 When He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?”

11 The multitudes said, “This is the prophet, Yeshua, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

12 Yeshua entered into the temple of Elohim and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers!”Jeremiah 7:11

14 The lame and the blind came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children who were crying in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and said to Him, “Do you hear what these are saying?”

Yeshua said to them, “Yes. Did you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of children and nursing babies, you have perfected praise?’”

17 He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and camped there.