Nasso - Reading #7

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Torah Reading: Numbers 4:21-7:89

Haftarah: Judges 13:2-5

Apostolic Scripture: Luke 1:11-20

Reading #7 - Numbers 7:72–89

My Thoughts:

In verse 89 we read that Moses heard “His voice” speaking to him above the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies.  How magnificent this must have been! Hashem is pleased with His special gifts from His special people. The offerings and sacrifices of obedience have been met. All is well. If even just for a short time. Isn’t that the way it is with us too? All can be super good and right - or a short time. But, that’s when we have to show our love and trust even during the hard times. It’s during those times we grow really close to Hashem, because we are having to depend on Him. If you are going through a good time -- give your shouts of praise to Hashem. If you are going through a challenging time -- thank Him for staying by your side and assuring you that it will all work out! Amen!

Challenge:

Who could enter the Holy of Holies during this time? Just Moses and the High Priest Aaron. And I believe Aaron could only enter on Yom Kippur -- the Day of Atonement. Time with Hashem is a special time. Time to be appreciated and to look forward to. My challenge to you today is to think about the “time” you spend with Hashem. Is it special? Do you plan it? Do you try to spend time with Him every day? I tend to talk to Him throughout the day. I like to think He is with me through everything I do. In the morning I do my Bible Torah study and I always feel like He is giving me revelation and direction through His Holy Scripture. I try to pray for His Land and His people (Israel) every day. Make sure you are giving special time to be with the Father (and Yeshua if you believe). He is the whole reason for our existence. I pray we never forget that.

Reading #7 - Numbers 7:72–89

72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, prince of the children of Asher, 73 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

74 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

75 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

76 one male goat for a sin offering;

77 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran.

78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, 79 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

80 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense;

81 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

82 one male goat for a sin offering;

83 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

84 This was the dedication offering of the altar, on the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden ladles; 85 each silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels, and each bowl seventy; all the silver of the vessels two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; 86 the twelve golden ladles, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the ladles weighed one hundred twenty shekels; 87 all the cattle for the burnt offering twelve bulls, the rams twelve, the male lambs a year old twelve, and their meal offering; and twelve male goats for a sin offering; 88 and all the cattle for the sacrifice of peace offerings: twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty male goats, and sixty male lambs a year old. This was the dedication offering of the altar, after it was anointed.

89 When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with Hashem, he heard His voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; and He spoke to him.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

In this week’s Torah Portion, Hashem describes to us the “Nazarite vow”. And here in Judges we read about Samson and how even before he is conceived an angel tells his mother that Samson will be a Nazarite. And he will be set apart to defend Israel. Sometimes Hashem does call us to tasks and sets us apart. I think the next time He does this with me I will try and follow the Nazarite instructions. It makes sense. A clear mind from alcohol, especially over time, really helps you to have a clearer focus. This might be something we all think about.

Challenge:

I don’t know if any of you have ever had an “angel” from Hashem come to you. I know that there have been times in my life when it seems like an “angel” came and helped me through a particular situation. Our family has a story about when our two adopted sons first came to us from Korea. Before we met them on the plane, we had arrived at Chicago O’hara Airport. We had gotten lost at the airport and it was getting close to their arrival. Out of nowhere appeared a woman, dressed in a suit, and asked us if we needed help. She walked with us for a while and then showed us clearly where to go. We thanked her and started walking. We turned around and she had disappeared! There were a few other times too, where we feel we may have had a little “visitation”. The challenge today is to think of times when unusual things happened. Did it involve an angel? Maybe a special “messenger” from Hashem has visited us. And that is a wonder and an honor don’t you think?

Haftarah: Judges 13:2-5

2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and childless. 3 Hashem’s angel appeared to the woman, and said to her, “See now, you are barren and childless; but you shall conceive and bear a son. 4 Now therefore please beware and drink no wine nor strong drink, and don’t eat any unclean thing; 5 for, behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son. No razor shall come on his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to Elohim from the womb. He shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.”

Apostolic Scripture Reading

My Thoughts:

This is the story of Gabriel, an angel appearing to the father of John “the Baptizer”. He tells the father that John will be a Nazarite, just like Samson that we read about in Judges today. His son, John, will be “set apart” do a wonderful task. He will teach the people to return to Hashem, and prepare the way for the Mashiach Yeshua. To do this, John has to be clean and thoughtful, regarding the things of Hashem. When Hashem picks people to do special things for Him, He wants them to be serious about their calling. He wants them to be spiritual and not worldly. 

Challenge:

I was thinking this may be one of the few times an angel is named (Gabriel). Isn’t it interesting to think that Hashem has named all of His celestial beings? There is a Psalm that says He has an angel to protect us (Psalm 91:11 “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”). Isn’t that amazing? My challenge for you today is to think about the angel that Hashem has given you to protect you. Does he have a name? Wouldn’t that be so wonderful if we knew the name of our special protector? Let’s take a minute to thank Hashem for the angel He has given us! Amen!

Apostolic Scripture: Luke 1:11-20

11 An angel of Hashem appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of Hashem, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to Hashem their Elohim. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for Hashem.”

18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of Elohim. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Nasso - Reading #6

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Numbers 4:21-7:89

Reading #6 -  Numbers 7:42–71

My Thoughts:

The tribe leaders all gave the same sacrifices to Hashem. Equality in worship of the Father. That’s an interesting concept. But, they didn’t give it all on the same day. They each had their own day. It reminds me of how it is now in a way. We each bring something to Hashem on our own special day. It could be on Shabbat or another day of the week. But, we can still do something or give something on a day set apart. The question is -- what are we giving/doing? Give this some thought and be like the tribe leaders, giving it a beautiful gift(s) to Hashem!

Challenge:

I feel like today’s reading is a lot about equality. No tribe leader was trying to “outdo” the other. They probably saw the first leader give their sacrifice and gifts and they decided it would be good to do the same. Maybe they realize that Hashem sees us all as “equals” -- so why outgive each other? It is a wonderful example of being fair. My challenge to you today is to think about your kids, grandkids,coworkers or friends and do you treat them equally when it comes to gift giving? Or do you have your favorite one that you treat differently? Maybe rethink your giving and try to make things EQUAL. I have a feeling that this is important. Probably, because no one gets hurt this way. Take a look at it and make any necessary changes. Shalom!

Numbers 7:42–71

7:42 On the sixth day, Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, 43 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

44 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

45 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

46 one male goat for a sin offering;

47 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, 49 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

50 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

51 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

52 one male goat for a sin offering;

53 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.

54 On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh, 55 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

56 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

57 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

58 one male goat for a sin offering;

59 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, 61 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

62 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

63 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

64 one male goat for a sin offering;

65 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.

66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, 67 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

68 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

69 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

70 one male goat for a sin offering;

71 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

Nasso - Reading #5

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Numbers 4:21-7:89

Reading #5 - Numbers 7:1–41

My Thoughts:

The Tabernacle is finished and anointed. The princes from each tribe come to bring their offerings, which mostly go to the priests. It’s really about sharing what you have for the glory of Hashem. They took what they had and found a gift for Hashem, His tabernacle and His priests. It may seem to like us like it was an obligation, but really they must have seen it as an honor. Remember they were coming out of Egypt, idolatry and slavery. They were meeting the one true Elohim for the first time. Some did not even know who He was. Now they were witnessing His power, glory and majesty. They were probably eager to give gifts to support this!

Challenge:

How eager are you about giving gifts to Hashem and His people? Do you support Israel, the people and the Land? Maybe take some time to pray about how you can support Hashem’s people and the Land. In doing so you are giving honor to Hashem. Just make sure you do it with eagerness and joy. Check your motive. Maybe think about how the princes gave their gifts from their tribes. And how they were meeting Hashem, some for the very first time. They were learning how to worship, pray and give. It must have changed their lives. Maybe if we do some joyful giving -- it will change ours!

Reading # - Numbers 7:1–41

7 On the day that Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, and had anointed it and sanctified it with all its furniture, and the altar with all its vessels, and had anointed and sanctified them; 2 the princes of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, offered. These were the princes of the tribes. These are they who were over those who were counted; 3 and they brought their offering before Hashem, six covered wagons and twelve oxen; a wagon for every two of the princes, and for each one an ox. They presented them before the tabernacle. 4 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 5 “Accept these from them, that they may be used in doing the service of the Tent of Meeting; and you shall give them to the Levites, to every man according to his service.”

6 Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them to the Levites. 7 He gave two wagons and four oxen to the sons of Gershon, according to their service. 8 He gave four wagons and eight oxen to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 9 But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders.

10 The princes gave offerings for the dedication of the altar in the day that it was anointed. The princes gave their offerings before the altar.

11 Hashem said to Moses, “They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedication of the altar.”

12 He who offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah, 13 and his offering was:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,[a]

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

14 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

15 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

16 one male goat for a sin offering;

17 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

18 On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, gave his offering. 19 He offered for his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

20 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

21 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

22 one male goat for a sin offering;

23 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar.

24 On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, 25 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was a hundred and thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

26 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

27 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

28 one male goat for a sin offering;

29 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.

30 On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, 31 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

32 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

33 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

34 one male goat for a sin offering;

35 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.

36 On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, 37 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

38 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

39 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

40 one male goat for a sin offering;

41 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

Nasso - Reading #4

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Numbers 4:21-7:89

Reading #4 - Numbers 5:11–6:27

My Thoughts:

Hashem wants unity, trust and honesty in a marriage. And if this is challenged, He provides a way to solve any issues regarding faithfulness. It sounds rather harsh, but the offense in itself is harsh. Doubt in a marriage can be very troublesome. It is better to get things out in the open and resolved. If you are married, make sure you have everything you worry about communicated to your spouse. Talk about things and bring them forward. Have an honest and truthful relationship with your partner. This honors Hashem.

Challenge:

In chapter 6 we learn about the Nazarite vow which is for men and women. Apparently, it is a time to separate yourself from the things of the world and get closer to Hashem, even to become “holy”. Again, Hashem goes into great detail about this. Holiness is very important to Hashem. So, my challenge for you today is to look at your life and think about how you could “separate” yourself unto Hashem. You could even pray about taking a Nazarite vow and follow these instructions. You may want to do a study on it to make sure you are following it appropriately. Think of the blessings that would follow as you grow closer to Hashem!

Reading #4 - Numbers 5:11–6:27

5:11 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them: ‘If any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him, 13 and a man lies with her carnally, and it is hidden from the eyes of her husband and this is kept concealed, and she is defiled, there is no witness against her, and she isn’t taken in the act; 14 and the spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his wife and she is defiled; or if the spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his wife and she isn’t defiled; 15 then the man shall bring his wife to the priest, and shall bring her offering for her: one tenth of an ephah of barley meal. He shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense on it, for it is a meal offering of jealousy, a meal offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to memory. 16 The priest shall bring her near, and set her before Hashem. 17 The priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and the priest shall take some of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle and put it into the water. 18 The priest shall set the woman before Hashem, and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse. 19 The priest shall cause her to take an oath and shall tell the woman, “If no man has lain with you, and if you haven’t gone aside to uncleanness, being under your husband’s authority, be free from this water of bitterness that brings a curse. 20 But if you have gone astray, being under your husband’s authority, and if you are defiled, and some man has lain with you besides your husband—” 21 then the priest shall cause the woman to swear with the oath of cursing, and the priest shall tell the woman, “May Hashem make you a curse and an oath among your people, when Hashem allows your thigh to fall away, and your body to swell; 22 and this water that brings a curse will go into your bowels, and make your body swell, and your thigh fall away.” The woman shall say, “Amen, Amen.”

23 “‘The priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall wipe them into the water of bitterness. 24 He shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causes the curse; and the water that causes the curse shall enter into her and become bitter. 25 The priest shall take the meal offering of jealousy out of the woman’s hand, and shall wave the meal offering before Hashem, and bring it to the altar. 26 The priest shall take a handful of the meal offering, as its memorial portion, and burn it on the altar, and afterward shall make the woman drink the water. 27 When he has made her drink the water, then it shall happen, if she is defiled and has committed a trespass against her husband, that the water that causes the curse will enter into her and become bitter, and her body will swell, and her thigh will fall away; and the woman will be a curse among her people. 28 If the woman isn’t defiled, but is clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive offspring.

29 “‘This is the law of jealousy, when a wife, being under her husband, goes astray, and is defiled, 30 or when the spirit of jealousy comes on a man, and he is jealous of his wife; then he shall set the woman before Hashem, and the priest shall execute on her all this law. 31 The man shall be free from iniquity, and that woman shall bear her iniquity.’”

6 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them: ‘When either man or woman shall make a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to Hashem, 3 he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink, neither shall he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried. 4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is made of the grapevine, from the seeds even to the skins.

5 “‘All the days of his vow of separation no razor shall come on his head, until the days are fulfilled in which he separates himself to Hashem. He shall be holy. He shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.

6 “‘All the days that he separates himself to Hashem he shall not go near a dead body. 7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die, because his separation to Adonai is on his head. 8 All the days of his separation he is holy to Hashem.

9 “‘If any man dies very suddenly beside him, and he defiles the head of his separation, then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing. On the seventh day he shall shave it. 10 On the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest, to the door of the Tent of Meeting. 11 The priest shall offer one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make atonement for him, because he sinned by reason of the dead, and shall make his head holy that same day. 12 He shall separate to Hashem the days of his separation, and shall bring a male lamb a year old for a trespass offering; but the former days shall be void, because his separation was defiled.

13 “‘This is the law of the Nazirite: when the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the Tent of Meeting, 14 and he shall offer his offering to Hashem: one male lamb a year old without defect for a burnt offering, one ewe lamb a year old without defect for a sin offering, one ram without defect for peace offerings, 15 a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil with their meal offering and their drink offerings. 16 The priest shall present them before Hashem, and shall offer his sin offering and his burnt offering. 17 He shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings to Hashem, with the basket of unleavened bread. The priest shall offer also its meal offering and its drink offering. 18 The Nazirite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the Tent of Meeting, take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of peace offerings. 19 The priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them on the hands of the Nazirite after he has shaved the head of his separation; 20 and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before Hashem. They are holy for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is offered. After that the Nazirite may drink wine.

21 “‘This is the law of the Nazirite who vows and of his offering to Hashem for his separation, in addition to that which he is able to afford. According to his vow which he vows, so he must do after the law of his separation.’”

22 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.’ You shall tell them,

24 ‘Hashem bless you, and keep you.

25     Hashem make His face to shine on you,

    and be gracious to you.

26 Hashem lift up His face toward you,

    and give you peace.’

27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”

Nasso - Reading #3

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Numbers 4:21-7:89

Reading #3 - Numbers 5:1–10

My Thoughts:

Hashem does not want His Tabernacle or the camp in which He dwells, to become defiled with people who have leprosy. So, if someone does have it, they have to go outside the camp (verse 3). We really have no concept about the holiness of Hashem. He is so holy you cannot get anyone or anything near Him that is contaminated. That makes me think about our own lives. When we disobey Hashem and His commandments we are in a sense “defiled”. In this state we cannot be in the presence of Hashem. For us that would be during prayer, praise or our daily walk with Him. If you want this special time to be filled with Hashem’s power and glory -- you must stay clean -- and that means to be holy. Repent today so that you can be clean before Hashem.

Challenge:

Again we learn in Torah about making “restitution” when we sin (verse 7). It gives some details about who to give the restitution to and how to add a fifth and a sacrifice. Torah is teaching me a lot about this. The other day I did something really stupid and immediately felt remorse. I repented but I felt horrible. It was then that I remembered Torah and the commandment to make restitution. So, to make a long story short I did something for someone that I really did not want to do, but I felt like it could be a part of making restitution. It would have been impossible to do something for the person I offended, so instead I feel Hashem directed me to someone who really needed some help. And if I were to help out that person it would be the same as making restitution to the person I harmed. So (a little reluctantly) I did just that. I helped the person that needed it. And I had to make an attitude adjustment. I had to remember it was “unto the L-rd” that I was doing this. That really helped. I did my task unto Hashem. And honestly, it made me feel so wonderful! Sin is wrong but doing something sacrificial will help you to find freedom sooner. Amen Shalom!

Reading #3 - Numbers 5:1–10

5:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel that they put out of the camp every leper, everyone who has a discharge, and whoever is unclean by a corpse. 3 You shall put both male and female outside of the camp so that they don’t defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.”

4 The children of Israel did so, and put them outside of the camp; as Hashem spoke to Moses, so the children of Israel did.

5 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Speak to the children of Israel: ‘When a man or woman commits any sin that men commit, so as to trespass against Hashem, and that soul is guilty, 7 then he shall confess his sin which he has done; and he shall make restitution for his guilt in full, add to it the fifth part of it, and give it to him in respect of whom he has been guilty. 8 But if the man has no kinsman to whom restitution may be made for the guilt, the restitution for guilt which is made to Hashem shall be the priest’s, in addition to the ram of the atonement, by which atonement shall be made for him. 9 Every heave offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they present to the priest, shall be his. 10 Every man’s holy things shall be his; whatever any man gives the priest, it shall be his.’”

Nasso - Reading #2

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Numbers 4:21-7:89

Reading #2 - Numbers 4:38–49

My Thoughts:

Thousands of people from the age of 30 to fifty to help take care of the Tabernacle and its surroundings. It just dawned on me that there were so many, many men available. Obviously they must have been on some sort of “rotation”. And even then the work must have been done quickly with so many available hands. Can you imagine why Hashem would appoint so many thousands of men for this task? Maybe to make sure there were plenty of available people in times of war, sickness, change and other things. It makes me think that being prepared (the boy scout motto) was first Hashem’s motto. So, shouldn’t we always be prepared?

Challenge:

Hashem commanded Moses and he counted. I’m sure he did not ask Hashem why He was doing things the way He was. Again it is about authority. And this is the HIGHEST authority in the universe! Hashem asks Moses to do something and he does. And we will learn later on when Moses does question or not, as Hashem asks, that the penalty is severe (hitting the rock instead of speaking to the rock!). Do we question our authority? Do we do what they ask us to do without giving our own suggestions? Sharing ideas is important but there is a time and place to do that. My challenge to you today is to review how you are responding to those in authority in your life. Are you quickly obeying? You may need a little “adjustment” in this area. Today is the day to make that adjustment, especially if it concerns your attitude! Shalom!

Reading #2 - Numbers 4:38–49

4:38 Those who were counted of the sons of Gershon, by their families, and by their fathers’ houses, 39 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old—everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting, 40 even those who were counted of them, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, were two thousand six hundred thirty. 41 These are those who were counted of the families of the sons of Gershon, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted according to the commandment of Hashem.

42 Those who were counted of the families of the sons of Merari, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, 43 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old—everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting, 44 even those who were counted of them by their families, were three thousand two hundred. 45 These are those who were counted of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron counted according to the commandment of Hashem by Moses.

46 All those who were counted of the Levites whom Moses and Aaron and the princes of Israel counted, by their families and by their fathers’ houses, 47 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered in to do the work of service and the work of bearing burdens in the Tent of Meeting, 48 even those who were counted of them, were eight thousand five hundred eighty. 49 According to the commandment of Hashem they were counted by Moses, everyone according to his service and according to his burden. Thus they were counted by him, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Nasso - Reading #1

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Numbers 4:21-7:89

Reading #1 - Numbers 4:21–37

My Thoughts:

The special sons of Aaron and the Levites had the privilege of “taking care” of the Tabernacle. They were to take care of the place where Hashem would place His glory. What an honor. For some reason Hashem picks this particular group and tribe. It makes me think. What has He asked us to “take care” of?

Challenge:

Continuing on with the thought above, I am pondering what Hashem has asked me to take care of. He has given me so much. Family, a home, careers and friends. How do I take care of them? By being kind, giving, peaceful and righteous. By being an example and a “light” to those around me. And the physical things He has given me, like my house and car, must be maintained (and with joy). If something breaks on my car -- I need to be expedient and take care of it. If something needs repair in my house -- I need to do it right away. If you don’t, I guarantee it will start piling up. That is why we work six days a week and rest on the seventh. So that we can be good stewards of what Hashem has given us. Believe me, it is a witness to others around us. My challenge to you today is to look at the repairs on your home and car. Start fixing them - today. Shalom!

Reading #1 - Numbers 4:21–37

4:21 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 22 “Take a census of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers’ houses, by their families; 23 you shall count them from thirty years old and upward until fifty years old: all who enter in to wait on the service, to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.

24 “This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens: 25 they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the Tent of Meeting, its covering, the covering of sealskin that is on it, the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting, 26 the hangings of the court, the screen for the door of the gate of the court which is by the tabernacle and around the altar, their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and whatever shall be done with them. They shall serve in there. 27 At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden and in all their service; and you shall appoint their duty to them in all their responsibilities. 28 This is the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonites in the Tent of Meeting. Their duty shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29 “As for the sons of Merari, you shall count them by their families, by their fathers’ houses; 30 you shall count them from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old—everyone who enters on the service, to do the work of the Tent of Meeting. 31 This is the duty of their burden, according to all their service in the Tent of Meeting: the tabernacle’s boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, 32 the pillars of the court around it, their sockets, their pins, their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service. You shall appoint the instruments of the duty of their burden to them by name. 33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service in the Tent of Meeting, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.”

34 Moses and Aaron and the princes of the congregation counted the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers’ houses, 35 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting. 36 Those who were counted of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred fifty. 37 These are those who were counted of the families of the Kohathites, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted according to the commandment of Hashem by Moses.