Beha’alotcha - “When You Raise the Lamp”
Beha’alotcha - “When You Raise the Lamp”
Num 8:1–12:16
Zechariah 2:10 - 4:7
John 5–6
This weeks Scripture portion begins with the lighting of the lamp stands in the Dwelling Place. What is so awesome about this portion is that Father tells Moses to have the Qehathites place smaller lamp stands in front of the Greater Lamp Stand. He says that the smaller lights are to give light to the Larger, Wow! That is a picture of us in relation to living a life that points to and gives light to Yashuah Who Is the Light of the World! Amen!
It goes on to give regulations on the required Marching Order of the children of Israel as they transitioned through the wilderness. They moved as Yahweh commanded them and in the order that He established for their movement in the desert. The order seems unusual because they did not move out in pecking order, but moved as shown below:
First to move Judah “Praised
Second to move Issachar 'He will bring a reward' or recompense
Third Zebulun “Habitation”
Forth Levities “Attached”
1st son of Levi Gershom “Exile”
3rd son of Levi Merari “Bitter”
they carried the Dwelling Place
Fifth Reubĕn “Behold a son”
Sixth Simeon “Hearing”
Seventh Gad “Troop”
Eighth Qehathites“Assembly”
2nd son of Levi
Carried the set-apart objects,
Ninth Ephrayim “I shall be doubly fruitful”
Tenth Menashsheh “Causing to forget”
Eleventh Binyamin “Son of the right hand”
Twelfth Dan “Judge”
Is the rear guard of the encampment
Thirteenth Ashĕr “Happy”
Fourteenth Naphtali “Wrestling”
This order tells a story of the relationship that Yahweh has with His people. Starting with father Abraham Praising the Father and Yahweh giving him an inheritance or habitation, the bitter struggle of being exiled and Father Yahweh looking upon His son and hearing his cry, bringing them forth as a mighty troop or assembly and making them doubly fruitful and causing them to forget the harshness of slavery and raise them up to be the receiver of the 'first born' Blessing and finally the son is judged and there is happiness but also wrestling.
Yahweh’s Presence in the desert was always over His people as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. They could not move unless the cloud moved; not before and not after. It was not an option for them to move ahead or behind, but they had to move with His Presence. Father was their Protector and Provider. Isn't it just like Yahweh to caused them to dwell in a place that seemed to be harsh and desolate and prosper them despite the adversities. While reading this Scripture portion I realized what Moses was proclaiming as the lifted the ark and brought is to its resting place each time:
Num 10:35-36 And it came to be, whenever the ark set out, that Mosheh said, “Rise up, O יהוה! And let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You.” And when it rested, he said, “Return, O יהוה, to the countless thousands of Yisra’ĕl.”
I believe that Moses was proclaiming Father to be not only Israel's Warrior, but also he spoke prophetically of the myriads “countless thousands” of Israel. Now we know that they took a count and they know approximately how many people were out there, but what he was proclaiming this in my opinion he was speaking the promise of multiplicity given to father Abraham more then 500 years before. Yahweh confirms His Word over and over again and through prophets of each age. So Father provided protection and sustenance along with a legacy that would become the “Melo HaGoyim.”
The next verses deal with Israel and their relationship with Yahweh. You always know that something bad is going to happen when the verse begins with “and it came to be,” it is almost like telling a story and saying “and once again they did what they were not supposed to do.” It seems that these people who Father had brought out of degradation and poverty did not want to be taken to a wealthy place in The Creator of the Universe. We see it every day, people give their life to Yahshuah and cry and weep and they are on fire for a while, but then the fire dies down and they begin to return to what they thirsted for before giving their life. They come before the Father without thinking about their decision to live for Him. This is dangerous, Yahshuah states in Luke 14:28, “For who of you, wishing to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Can this be the case with these people in the wilderness with Yahweh, they just didn't take the time to count what the cost would be to follow The Omnipotent, remember how they reacted when Father began giving His Laws and guidelines to them at the foot of Mt. Sinai they became afraid and told Moses, “ you speak to us Moses...” I believe that they all were supposed to go into the thick darkness with Moses, but because of their fear they “stood at a distance,” isn't that what some do today, “you pray for me.” Let me make myself clear, it is not wrong to ask someone to pray with you concerning a situation, but know that if you want to have that close relationship with Father you will have to push past your own fears and press into Him, and know that posture of living only comes with total trust to and obedience to the One Who you are depending on to bring about the change that you require. So the children of Israel complained again and Yahweh sends fire on the outskirts of the camp and what happens next is what happened constantly during their travels in the desert they run to Moses and Moses prays to Yahweh and Father Yahweh stops the consumption, but they continue to complain this time about meat and not only complain about not having meat, but they act like they had it so good back in Egypt, seems that they would have remembered that they were slaves! Father sends them what they ask for and sends a plague so that many died with the meat still between their teeth. This tells me that we need to be careful what we ask for and when we ask we need to do so without complaining, just ask Yahshuah states in Matthew 6:32 “For all these the gentiles seek for. And your heavenly Father knows that you need all these.” So it's not wrong to ask, but there is a definite way to ask and complaining would not be the correct way.
Complaining seems to be the theme of this time of wondering for Israel we see Miriam and Aaron bring charges against Moses. This what I call a sibling dispute gone really bad. I have always thought it interesting that Miriam was struck with leprosy and not Aaron. The only reason that comes to me is the heart. Each had their area of leadership that they were called to and with that comes accountability. Apparently they had an opinion concerning the bride that Moses had taken and Yahweh judged them according to their hearts. Only Yahweh can judge the heart and stop a plan in progress. Miriam may have been the originator and therefore bringing judgment on herself. Why leprosy, the Torah tells us that when a man takes a wife he takes a year off to attend her and all her needs. Could it be that Moses was trying to take time off or maybe he was trying to not take time off because of his call to the people of Yahweh, I don’t know but what I do know is that if you trace this incident back to Deuteronomy 24 when Moses if reiterating the laws governing new and existing marriages this incident is spoken of and Father says in Deuteronomy 24:9,“Remember what יהוה your Elohim did to Miryam on the way when you came out of Egypt. It is very clear that we need to understand what had happen with these sibling leaders and in all this we must have a heart that is perfect before the Father, because if we don't and try to attempt even good we will be judged.accordng to our hearts.
In conclusion, as we travel through our time in this wilderness, let us keep our hearts in the Righteous place concerning our relationship with Yahweh and He will place us in the order where we belong, provide protection and sustenance and most importantly we will not have to be judged harshly, but will be found righteous and worthy of Blessings. Contrary to popular belief we do have to live righteous; we don't just receive Blessings regardless to how we live, but we will be judged according to our walk. So let us make wise decisions when speaking and praying so that Father will find us faithful and lift us up before the nations as a beacon of light to show the way to Yahshuah Messiah. Then we are luminous and not for ourselves or for others to look upon us as the Light, but that we will always be pointing to Yahshuah for He is the Great Light!
Blessings and Shalom!
Num 8:1–12:16
Zechariah 2:10 - 4:7
John 5–6
This weeks Scripture portion begins with the lighting of the lamp stands in the Dwelling Place. What is so awesome about this portion is that Father tells Moses to have the Qehathites place smaller lamp stands in front of the Greater Lamp Stand. He says that the smaller lights are to give light to the Larger, Wow! That is a picture of us in relation to living a life that points to and gives light to Yashuah Who Is the Light of the World! Amen!
It goes on to give regulations on the required Marching Order of the children of Israel as they transitioned through the wilderness. They moved as Yahweh commanded them and in the order that He established for their movement in the desert. The order seems unusual because they did not move out in pecking order, but moved as shown below:
First to move Judah “Praised
Second to move Issachar 'He will bring a reward' or recompense
Third Zebulun “Habitation”
Forth Levities “Attached”
1st son of Levi Gershom “Exile”
3rd son of Levi Merari “Bitter”
they carried the Dwelling Place
Fifth Reubĕn “Behold a son”
Sixth Simeon “Hearing”
Seventh Gad “Troop”
Eighth Qehathites“Assembly”
2nd son of Levi
Carried the set-apart objects,
Ninth Ephrayim “I shall be doubly fruitful”
Tenth Menashsheh “Causing to forget”
Eleventh Binyamin “Son of the right hand”
Twelfth Dan “Judge”
Is the rear guard of the encampment
Thirteenth Ashĕr “Happy”
Fourteenth Naphtali “Wrestling”
This order tells a story of the relationship that Yahweh has with His people. Starting with father Abraham Praising the Father and Yahweh giving him an inheritance or habitation, the bitter struggle of being exiled and Father Yahweh looking upon His son and hearing his cry, bringing them forth as a mighty troop or assembly and making them doubly fruitful and causing them to forget the harshness of slavery and raise them up to be the receiver of the 'first born' Blessing and finally the son is judged and there is happiness but also wrestling.
Yahweh’s Presence in the desert was always over His people as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. They could not move unless the cloud moved; not before and not after. It was not an option for them to move ahead or behind, but they had to move with His Presence. Father was their Protector and Provider. Isn't it just like Yahweh to caused them to dwell in a place that seemed to be harsh and desolate and prosper them despite the adversities. While reading this Scripture portion I realized what Moses was proclaiming as the lifted the ark and brought is to its resting place each time:
Num 10:35-36 And it came to be, whenever the ark set out, that Mosheh said, “Rise up, O יהוה! And let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You.” And when it rested, he said, “Return, O יהוה, to the countless thousands of Yisra’ĕl.”
I believe that Moses was proclaiming Father to be not only Israel's Warrior, but also he spoke prophetically of the myriads “countless thousands” of Israel. Now we know that they took a count and they know approximately how many people were out there, but what he was proclaiming this in my opinion he was speaking the promise of multiplicity given to father Abraham more then 500 years before. Yahweh confirms His Word over and over again and through prophets of each age. So Father provided protection and sustenance along with a legacy that would become the “Melo HaGoyim.”
The next verses deal with Israel and their relationship with Yahweh. You always know that something bad is going to happen when the verse begins with “and it came to be,” it is almost like telling a story and saying “and once again they did what they were not supposed to do.” It seems that these people who Father had brought out of degradation and poverty did not want to be taken to a wealthy place in The Creator of the Universe. We see it every day, people give their life to Yahshuah and cry and weep and they are on fire for a while, but then the fire dies down and they begin to return to what they thirsted for before giving their life. They come before the Father without thinking about their decision to live for Him. This is dangerous, Yahshuah states in Luke 14:28, “For who of you, wishing to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Can this be the case with these people in the wilderness with Yahweh, they just didn't take the time to count what the cost would be to follow The Omnipotent, remember how they reacted when Father began giving His Laws and guidelines to them at the foot of Mt. Sinai they became afraid and told Moses, “ you speak to us Moses...” I believe that they all were supposed to go into the thick darkness with Moses, but because of their fear they “stood at a distance,” isn't that what some do today, “you pray for me.” Let me make myself clear, it is not wrong to ask someone to pray with you concerning a situation, but know that if you want to have that close relationship with Father you will have to push past your own fears and press into Him, and know that posture of living only comes with total trust to and obedience to the One Who you are depending on to bring about the change that you require. So the children of Israel complained again and Yahweh sends fire on the outskirts of the camp and what happens next is what happened constantly during their travels in the desert they run to Moses and Moses prays to Yahweh and Father Yahweh stops the consumption, but they continue to complain this time about meat and not only complain about not having meat, but they act like they had it so good back in Egypt, seems that they would have remembered that they were slaves! Father sends them what they ask for and sends a plague so that many died with the meat still between their teeth. This tells me that we need to be careful what we ask for and when we ask we need to do so without complaining, just ask Yahshuah states in Matthew 6:32 “For all these the gentiles seek for. And your heavenly Father knows that you need all these.” So it's not wrong to ask, but there is a definite way to ask and complaining would not be the correct way.
Complaining seems to be the theme of this time of wondering for Israel we see Miriam and Aaron bring charges against Moses. This what I call a sibling dispute gone really bad. I have always thought it interesting that Miriam was struck with leprosy and not Aaron. The only reason that comes to me is the heart. Each had their area of leadership that they were called to and with that comes accountability. Apparently they had an opinion concerning the bride that Moses had taken and Yahweh judged them according to their hearts. Only Yahweh can judge the heart and stop a plan in progress. Miriam may have been the originator and therefore bringing judgment on herself. Why leprosy, the Torah tells us that when a man takes a wife he takes a year off to attend her and all her needs. Could it be that Moses was trying to take time off or maybe he was trying to not take time off because of his call to the people of Yahweh, I don’t know but what I do know is that if you trace this incident back to Deuteronomy 24 when Moses if reiterating the laws governing new and existing marriages this incident is spoken of and Father says in Deuteronomy 24:9,“Remember what יהוה your Elohim did to Miryam on the way when you came out of Egypt. It is very clear that we need to understand what had happen with these sibling leaders and in all this we must have a heart that is perfect before the Father, because if we don't and try to attempt even good we will be judged.accordng to our hearts.
In conclusion, as we travel through our time in this wilderness, let us keep our hearts in the Righteous place concerning our relationship with Yahweh and He will place us in the order where we belong, provide protection and sustenance and most importantly we will not have to be judged harshly, but will be found righteous and worthy of Blessings. Contrary to popular belief we do have to live righteous; we don't just receive Blessings regardless to how we live, but we will be judged according to our walk. So let us make wise decisions when speaking and praying so that Father will find us faithful and lift us up before the nations as a beacon of light to show the way to Yahshuah Messiah. Then we are luminous and not for ourselves or for others to look upon us as the Light, but that we will always be pointing to Yahshuah for He is the Great Light!
Blessings and Shalom!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ms. Elaine Johnson on
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Shalom Rabbi, great post! Very enlightening. I enjoyed your teaching immensely. In fact, since coming over here I looked for the Hebrew perspective on Scripture and found NONE worthy of heeding. However, you have changed all that. I love this teaching. The relevance of the 12 patriarchs is very enlightening. I hadn't thought about that. The Bible says, 'all Scripture is profitable...." and you just proved that. :-)
Do post over here often teaching and enlightening. Now, with regard to Miriam and her 'leprosy.' As I understand it, 'Miriam was struck with leprosy' because one of the ways she showed her dislike for Zipporah was to attack Zipporah's skin color. Yahweh retaliated by attacking Miriam's skin via ataching leprosy to it, that she might learn not to be uppity in the wicked manner she did.
Don't get me wrong, Miriam did not attack Zipporah, Moses' wife because she was black as Miriam and the Hebrews were themselves black. Miriam attacked Zipporah's 'country, shepherdess' simple lifestyle that would leave Zipporah's skin coarse and unkempt whereas the Egyptians who left Egypt with Moses and the Hebrews were 'smooth of skin.'
Miriam was bred to adore the Egyptian style of dress, walk, talk, Since Miriam was bold and unclean (in her dispositionshe would feel the wrath of Yahwe.
Thus, Yahweh wpould punish her for judging someone because of her foolish arrogant, mad ramblings.
Anyway, again, this post is very enlightening. Thanks for sharing. Shalom -
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Permalink Reply by Rabbis Aviyah Byers on
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Shalom Sister!
Thanks so much Praise Yahweh for your response! I will be posting these every week, thanks for the confirmation! HalleluYah!
Concerning Miriyim and the Kushite bride. It wasn't Zipporah she was his first wife who returned back to Midian with her father Ruwal who was also called "Yethro' (this is a title like pharoah). This other woman was a Kushite of the children of Kush from the lineage of Ham one of Noah's sons. The Israelites through father Abraham was from the lineage of Shem, so actually the womaan would have been a cousin and it would have been in line with him to marry her. The issue was this...in the Torah it states that when a man marries he is to take 1 year off to be with his new bride...from the dialogue between Moses, Aaron and Miriyim it sounds more like they wanted Mose to take his time off to minister to his wife, but Moses would not and then Father YHVH states I speak to Moses face to face and he is My prophet so why did you feel like you had the right to talk to him in that way (I'm paraphrasing) after the cloud lifted she was leperous. The Torah does not give specifics, but you can go back into the Torah to find the answers most times.
Now, this Torah of marriage is set for soliders but it would have been true for men who were in minisrty such as the Levities.
I hope that this clears some of the confusion, many times people assume that Miriyim was jealous or prejudice, but that would not be the case. I think the main clue in the conversation between the syblings was when Aaron and Miriyim said, "Does Yahweh not speak through us too?" Assuming that it would be ok for them to take charge while Moses tended to his new bride. Read Deuteronomy 24.
Shalom, Shalom! -
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Shalom and wow, I apologize for the delay in replying. I'm using a what I call, 'cheap' but 'blessed to have it versus nothing' web tv. It acts up a lot so do be patient with me.
Now, I had heard some proclaim the 'Ethiopian' woman described in Numbers 12 as a different Kushite woman from Zipporah (Ex. 2:21). However, though Zipporah was sent back, later she and their sons' were brought to Moses by Jethro (Ex. 18:1-5). As so, I am under the belief that it was the one and same Ethiopian/Kushite woman.
Would you explain why you believe it is a different Kushite woman.
Also, yeah thanks for sharing the great clue with regard to the 'marriage set aside' that part is very insightful. In fact, this whole reply is more food for thought so again and again, I thank you. -
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