Bamidbar

Parashas Bamidbar

Numbers 1: 1 – 4:20

Please Pray this

Prayer

First before reading.

In the name of Yahushua

Our Messiyah,

I pray for the Spirit of Understanding

The Spirit of Knowledge and

The Spirit of Wisdom

As I read through this Parashas

Bamidbar, which means “in the wilderness,” is the 33^rd Torah Portion and first in the Book of Numbers. Its name is derive from the beginning of the first verse, “then the CREATOR spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai….” The Book of Numbers tells the story of the Children of Yisrael’ journey through the wilderness on their journey to the Promise Land, their subsequent forty years of wondering.

The Book of Numbers end with the Yisraelites back at the borders of Canaan, ready again to take what the CREATOR had told them is their inheritance.

The Torah tell us that the CREATOR came to Moses in the Sinai desert and told him “take a census of all the congregation of the children of Yisrael, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the numbers of their name, every male in their polls.” The Creator were not asking Moses to count the people the way we usually do.

Our system is inaccurate; we see an individuak as one person; we see a couple  as two; and so their souls. The spiritual number associate with a person could be very different. One person like Moses or Aaron or even King Davis or the Apostle paul, could be sourounded by  thousands of other souls. While most of us may not see the souls attached to us, Men like Moses and Aaron could.

One way of assessing a person’s spiritual worth is by the number of people they bring to the various altars of the Tabernacle. The CREATOR told Moses and Aaron that they should count those who was over twenty years old, those who are in the spiritual realm of young men, or those who are spiritually in the Holy Place.

This Torah Portion Bamidbar is always read on the Shabbat prior to Shavuot “Passover.”

We read the Torah portion of Bamidbar before Passover “Shavuot” because it helps to prepare us to receive the Light of the Tree of Life on Passover. Why you may ask? Because Bamidbar is the Shabbat when the CREATOR told Moses and Aaron to go down and infuse sparks into the soul of those who truly awaken their desire for growth and change.

This is the Shabbat when we sow the seeds for an ibur on the Shabbat of Bamidbar, we are about to move one stage closer to the perfect Light of Shavuot, the removal of death from our world. It is the time for ABBA YAHVEH to see how many of HIS son has reached the second or final stage in their spiritual development, which is the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies.

As we come close to Shavuot, the CREATOR gives us gifts according to degree we are ready to receive it, and the strength to finish off the negative side, the following year. The world depends on our spiritual work. Fortunately, on the Shabbat of Bimidbar, Messiyah Yahushua and the Ruach HaKodesh come to each of us and awaken a sense of how vitally important we are and our spiritual work really are.

The Book of Bamidbar/Numbers deals with the laws and history of the Tabernacle as it journey through the Wilderness. There are similarities between the journey of the Tabernacle and our own personal lives.

These comparisons suggest that the Tabernacle and later the Temple were to serve as substitute for the Heavenly presence that rested upon the Mount at Sinai. By making the Tabernacle central to the Hebrew people, not only geographically but conceptually, the people would keep the purpose of their existence among themselves.

Just as they were commanded to surround the Mountain at Sinai, keeping the Very Presence of יהוה in their midst, they were to strive comparatively to go up, to draw near to the mountain to fellowship with יהוה .

This Book contains the Commandments to safeguard the principles of the Tabernacle. The fact that the twelve tribes were to camp, to be arrayed around it, and for the conduct of the Kohanim and the Levites when it was dismantled and transported. All of these commands enhance the glory and prestige of the Sanctuary, both corporately and individually.

Verse 1 – 19 describe the census in the Wilderness. יהוה  Command Moses and Aaron, with the participation of the tribal leaders, to take a tribe by tribe census of all the males above the age of twenty.

Since it was יהוה Will for the Children of Yisrael to go directly into the Promise Land, it was essential for them to conduct a Census to determine the allotment of the Land and for any military campaign. However the sin of the twelve spies brought a quick end to that.     

Num 1:1  And יהוה  spoke to Mosheh in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Mitsrayim, saying, -  This second month is the month of Iyar, the Scriptural year begins with Nissan, the seventh month is Tishrei.

We know that this was the second year, or the second day of Creation, when יהוה is still trying to separate the waters above the Heavens and the water under the Heavens. We see the same spiritual parallel here. The establishing of the Tribal identity, what was the physical and spiritual capability of each tribe. What were the spiritual resources of the tribes, how much children were there? How much young men were there? and how much mature individual were there.

Num 1:2 “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Yisra’ĕl, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by head, - The literal interpretation of take a census, is to lift up the head. This has two possible meaning, one positive and one negative. It can mean that the people would be uplifted to a higher level spiritually, or it could mean that the head of the people would be removed, as in the instance when Joseph suggested to the baker he would be executed.

The suggested implication here implies that if the people were worthy, they would be uplifted spiritually; but if not, they could suffer greatly.

The earlier censuses in Exodus had counted the nation as a whole, without recognizing the tribal identity separately. Once it was established, that all the tribes would looked to the Tabernacle as their primary unifying force, the establishing of separate identities would be about to begin.

This example shows that when we corporately and individually make the Tabernacle the central point of our lives, we will begins to develop our tribal identity and our individual identity, whether we are a child, a young man or even a father spiritually.

In the Hebrew culture, the name of a person as the name of a Tribe has a Divine implication. There was a predominant spiritual characteristic that governs a tribe, as it is for an individual.

It is forbidden to count the people literally by the head, so they gave a half-shekel per head, and the coin was then counted.

Num 1:3 from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army in Yisra’ĕl. Number them by their divisions, you and Aharon. -  The minimum age to serve in the army was twenty. 1Jo 2:12…I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 13  I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14  I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of YAHVEH abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. From one month to 5 years, child spiritually, from 5 to 20 a young man, from 20 – 60 an grown man. 60 and up, a very wise man, someone who have walk in the fulness for a while.

The term “you shall count”, when it is used in Scripture, it has an implication of concern for, and taking cognizance of, the person under discussion. Every year on the first month, at Passover, we should move spiritually from one spiritual level to the next. Even as a child, it is imperative that there is some resemblance of growth. Heb 5:12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. - In Yisrael there are babes and persons of full age, as there are in the Gospel, milk and strong meat.

Those that are babes, are unskillful in the word of righteousness, they must be fed with milk; they must be entertained with the plainest truths, and the Word must be delivered in the plainest manner; there must be line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little, Isa. 28:10.

Yahushua despises not His babes; He provided suitable food for them. It is good to be babes in Messiyah, but not always to continue in that childish state; we should endeavor to pass the infant state; we should not always remain in malice as children, but in understanding, we should grow up to be a young person, the a Father.

2. There is strong meat for those that are of full age. The deeper mysteries of religion belong to those that are of a higher class in the knowledge of Messiyah, who have learned the first principles of truth and well improved them; so that by reason of use they have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil, duty and sin, truth and error. 

(1.) There have always been in Yisrael the state: children, young men, and fathers.

(2.) Every Yisraelite, having received a principle of spiritual life from YAHVEH, stands in need of nourishment to preserve that life.

(3.) The Word of YAHVEH is food and nourishment to the life of grace: As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the truth of the Word that you may grow thereby.

(4.) It is the wisdom of ministers to rightly divide the word of truth, and to give to every one his portion-milk to babes, and strong meat to those of full age.

(5.) There are spiritual senses as well as those that are natural. There is a spiritual eye, a spiritual appetite, a spiritual taste; the soul has its sensations as well as the body; these are much depraved and lost by sin, but they are recovered by grace. Rev 5:6.

(6.) It is by use and exercise that these senses are improved, made more quick and strong to taste the sweetness of what is good and true, and the bitterness of what is false and evil. Not only reason and faith, but spiritual sense, will teach men to distinguish between what is pleasing and what is provoking to YAHVEH, between what is helpful and what is hurtful to our own souls.

Verse 4 – 15 discusses the tribal leaders. Moses and Aaron were instructed to count each tribe with the various tribal leaders present. They would be the one who would be most knowledge of the lineage of his tribal’s members.

Another reason for the participation of the leaders was that the census was for the purpose of preparing.

The first name on the list of leaders was Elizur from the tribe on Rueben, which means my Elohim is the protector. The last name on the list, the father of Ahira, Enan, which means eyes. These names recalled the verse in Duteronomy 32:10, an allusion to the Clouds of Glory that surrounded the nation in the wilderness. Therefore the order in which the names of the Tribal leaders were called alludes to the Children of Yisrael faith in EL YAHVEH was and would always remain its protector.

The list begins with the offspring of Leah, then Rachel, then Bilhah and Zilpah. Since Bilhah’s sons were older than Zilpah’s, they are listed first. However, Rachel sons were younger that all the other sons.

Num 1:4 “And a man from every tribe should be with you, each one the head of his father’s house. – For those of you who are strong supporters of women liberation, this verse goes against what you believe that the man is the head of the family. This also means that we should let our home be a meeting place for the wise. The wise are the Torah scholars among the tribes. When we study the Word with a righteous man, we can also receive a spark of wisdom from him.

When the Torah says, “let your home be a meeting place for the wise,” one way of interpret this is metaphysical. We should strive to be receptive, to be a meeting place for the spark from the soul of other righteous persons.

Num 1:5 “And these are the names of the men who stand with you. From Re’uḇĕn: Elitsur, son of Sheḏĕy’ur. – These men are strong spiritual, or they could not be leaders. For all those who require the position of leadership; please surround yourself with mature believers.

This will create an atmosphere in which one strives for spiritual maturity, if the leadership is all mature believers. Rarely does Scripture name the names of people who are not righteous. The names listed below are the most spiritual individual of the tribe, the one who everyone else must report to. It was this arrangement, Moses’ Father in Law Jethro, exposed Moses to one year earlier.

We must remember that the formation of the Children of Yisrael around the Tabernacle is similar to the makeup of our Solar System, were all the planets circle around the Sun, and our solar system is part of a much larger Galaxies.

Num 1:6 “From Shimʽon: Shelumi’ĕl, son of TsuriSHADDAI. -

Num 1:7 “From Yehuḏah: Naḥshon, son of Amminaḏaḇ. Num 1:8 “From Yissasḵar: Nethanĕ’l, son of Tsuʽar. -

Num 1:9 “From Zeḇulun: Eliyaḇ, son of Ḥĕlon. -

Num 1:10 “From the sons of Yosĕph: From Ephrayim: Elishama, son of Ammihuḏ. From Menashsheh: Gamli’ĕl, son of Peḏahtsur. -

Num 1:11 “From Binyamin: Aḇiḏan, son of Giḏʽoni. -

Num 1:12 “From Dan: Aḥiʽezer, son of AmmiSHADDAI. –

Num 1:13 “From Ashĕr: Paḡʽi’ĕl, son of Oḵran. -

Num 1:14 “From Gaḏ: Elyasaph, son of Deu’ĕl. –

Num 1:15 “From Naphtali: Aḥira, son of Ěnan.” -

Num 1:16 These are the ones called from the congregation, leaders of their fathers’ tribes, heads of the thousands of Yisra’ĕl. -  These men were chosen to be leaders of the various tribes, by their own people. The qualification was spiritual maturity, which included Wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

These were the men who were summoned by the assembly when important matters were discussed by the assembly; these men were always called upon.

The Children of Yisrael as the Kingdom of Heaven was organized in-group of thousand, and hundreds and tens; making it easy to calculate the tithes. These men were the heads of all the groups in their respective tribes.

Alternatively, the term refers to the nation’s collective thousands of people, of whom these men were acknowledge as community and spiritual leaders.

On the first day of the second month, after the Passover celebration, and while they we still counting the Omer. I would say it was the 14 day of the Omer. That Moses stared the Census.

Since the counting was to be done by tribe, the people had to establish the tribe to which they belonged. One of the reasons for this stick requirement of family identity was to create a sense of accountability and loyalty among the inhabitance, which is essential in the Kingdom of Heavens.

Num 1:17 And Mosheh and Aharon took these men who were called by name, - Revelation 3:12  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my EL and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my EL, and the name of the city of my GEL, which is new Yerushalayim, which cometh down out of Heavens from my EL: and I will write upon him my new name. - The day will come when we will be called by our new name, which no man know. The men who were called, was called to be a pillar of strength for Moses. Men who could be trusted. The faithfulness we develop here on earth will determine the level of trust that will be place upon us in Heavens. Will our names be called because of that spiritual maturity we have developed while on earth?

Num 1:18 and they assembled the entire congregation together on the first day of the second month. And they declared their ancestry by clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, each one head by head. – Pentecost was a few weeks away this would certainly be a good time to establish that the people in the various tribes were in one accordance. If we remember that when the Children of Yisrael came out of Egypt they were a mix multitude. This Census was a means to give identity to those of the mix multitude who came out with them.

We know from the account in Acts 2:1 and when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2  And suddenly there came a sound from Heavens as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Pentecost is 50 days after Passover which is on the 14 day of the First Month. The Disciples were in one accord in one place. There were one tribe spiritually; they were all disciples of El Yahushua. The indwelling of the Ruach “Holy Spirit” HaKodesh was determined by the unique oneness of the Disciples.

We see the same spiritual parallel with the census been taken up, to help determine where each person fit into the Yisrael, or the Kingdom of Heavens.

Num 1:19 As יהוה commanded Mosheh, so he registered them in the Wilderness of Sinai. -  It is imperative that everyone in the Kingdom of Heavens knows their place as it is in with the Children of Yisrael. Everyone had to be under some form of authority, there could not be a stray cat in the midst so to speak.

This would ensure that every individual regardless of how small in size or spiritually, was accounted for. The smallest people group would be a group of ten. I do believe that when our reward is been given out; the Kingdom of Heavens, like the Land of Yisrael will be given out by lots, to the different tribes. Regardless if we are born Yisrealites or ingraphted in by faith, we will be given our own unique place “city, country, planet, solar system.”

Num 1:20 And the children of Re’uḇĕn, Yisra’ĕl’s first-born, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, every male head by head, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, - 

Num 1:21 those who were registered of the tribe of Re’uḇĕn were forty-six thousand five hundred. –

Num 1:22 From the children of Shimʽon, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, of those who were registered, according to the number of names, every male head by head, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, - 

Num 1:23 those who were registered of the tribe of Shimʽon were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

Num 1:24 From the children of Gaḏ, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army,

Num 1:25 those who were registered of the tribe of Gaḏ were forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty. - That they all end with hundreds, only Gad with fifty, but none of the numbers descend to units or tens. Some think it was a special providence that ordered all the tribes just at this time to be even numbers, and no odd or broken numbers among them, to show them that there was something more than ordinary designed in their increase, there being this uncommon in the circumstance of it. It is rather probable that Moses having some time before appointed rulers of hundreds, and rulers of fifties (Ex. 18:25), they numbered the people by their respective rulers, which would bring the numbers to even hundreds or fifties.

Num 1:26 From the children of Yehuḏah, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, -

Num 1:27 those who were registered of the tribe of Yehuḏah were seventy-four thousand six hundred. - That Judah is the most numerous of them all, more than double to Benjamin and Manasseh, and almost 12,000 more than any other tribe. It was Judah whom his brethren must praise because from him Messiyah the Prince was to descend; but, because that was a thing at a distance, YAHVEH did in many ways honor that tribe in the mean time, particularly by the great increase of it, for his sake who was to spring out of Judah (Heb. 7:14) in the fullness of time. Judah was to lead the van through the wilderness, and therefore was furnished accordingly with greater strength than any other tribe.

Num 1:28 From the children of Yissasḵar, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, -

Num 1:29 those who were registered of the tribe of Yissasḵar were fifty-four thousand four hundred. –

Num 1:30 From the children of Zeḇulun, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, -

Num 1:31 those who were registered of the tribe of Zeḇulun were fifty-seven thousand four hundred. –

Num 1:32 From the sons of Yosĕph, the children of Ephrayim, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, -

                                         

Num 1:33 those who were registered of the tribe of Ephrayim were forty thousand five hundred.  - Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, are numbered as distinct tribes, and both together made up almost as many as Judah; this was in pursuance of Jacob’s adoption of them, by which they were equaled with their uncles Reuben and Simeon, Gen. 48:5. It was also the effect of the blessing of Joseph, who was to be a fruitful bough, Gen. 49:22. And Ephraim the younger is put first, and is more numerous than Manasseh, for Jacob had crossed hands, and foreseen ten thousands of Ephraim and thousands of Manasseh.

Num 1:34 From the children of Menashsheh, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, -

Num 1:35 those who were registered of the tribe of Menashsheh were thirty-two thousand two hundred. –

Num 1:36 From the children of Binyamin, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, -

Num 1:37 those who were registered of the tribe of Binyamin were thirty-five thousand four hundred. - Benjamin had then ten sons (Gen. 46:21), yet now the tribe of Dan is almost double in number to that of Benjamin. Note, the increasing and diminishing of families do not always go by probabilities. Some are multiplied greatly, and again are diminished, while others that were poor have families made them like a flock, Ps. 107:38, 39, 41; and see Job 12:23. 6. It is said of each of the tribes that those were numbered who were able to go forth to war, to remind them that they had wars before them, though now they were in peace and met with no opposition. Let not him that girdeth on the harness boast as though he had put it off.

Num 1:38 From the children of Dan, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, -

Num 1:39 those who were registered of the tribe of Dan were sixty-two thousand seven hundred. –

Num 1:40 From the children of Ashĕr, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, -

Num 1:41 those who were registered of the tribe of Ashĕr were forty-one thousand five hundred. –

Num 1:42 From the children of Naphtali, their genealogies by their clans, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army, -

Num 1:43 those who were registered of the tribe of Naphtali were fifty-three thousand four hundred. –

Num 1:44 These were those registered, whom Mosheh and Aharon counted, of the leaders of Yisra’ĕl, twelve men, each one for his father’s house. – Moses inner cabinet was to be made up of one each from every tribe. When El Yahushua restore the Kingdom He will have a twelve thousand from every tribe to form His cabinet. This is the purpose of Creation, to find suitable candidate for those most prestige of position.

We have here the sum total at the foot of the account; they were in all 600,000 fighting men, and 3550 over. Some think that when this was their number some months before (Ex. 38:26) the Levites were reckoned with them, but now that tribe was separated for the service of YAHVEH, yet so many more had by this time attained to the age of twenty years as that still they were the same number, to show that whatever we part with for the honor and service of YAHVEH it shall certainly be made up to us one way of other. Now we see what a vast body of men they were. Let us consider.

How much went to maintain all these (besides twice as many more, no question, of women and children, sick and aged, and the mixed multitude) for forty years together in the wilderness; and they were all at YAH’s finding every day, having their food from the dew of heaven, and not from the fatness of the earth. O what a great and good housekeeper is our YAHVEH that has such numbers depending on him and receiving from him every day!

Num 1:45 And all those that were registered of the children of Yisra’ĕl, by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and above, everyone going out to the army in Yisra’ĕl, - The army of Yisrael is indicative of the Kingdom to Come. What this verse is speaking about it that a certain maturity is required to be in the Army of Yisrael. Jo 2:12  I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 13  I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 4  I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of Elohim abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. The Children are those in the Outer-Court, the Young-men are those in the Holy Place, the Fathers are those in the Holy of Holies. The minimum requirement for spiritual warfare is those who are in the Holy Place spiritually.

Num 1:46 all those that were registered were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty. – This is a far cry from the 144,000 mature believers require for the Kingdom to be Restored. I am a bit puzzle by the description of the number! Why did they just say one hundred and four thousand and fifty?

Num 1:47 But the Lĕwites were not registered among them by their fathers’ tribe,

Verse 48 – 54 the legion of EL YAHVEH. After having proven their loyalty at Mount Sinai, almost a year earlier, the Levites were elevated to a status of their own. The greatest single elevation of any of the tribes. This speaks volume to us today, every time we have an opportunity to prove our loyalty to Him, EL YAHVEH will elevate us.

In this passage their new status was given expression in three ways: first they would be counted separately and differently from the rest of the population; second they would be assigned to guard the Tabernacle and its court yard, and as detailed in chapter 4, they would dismantle and transport the Tabernacle during the migration. And third the Levites’ would be given the opportunity to camp around the Tabernacle, with the rest of the children of Yisrael surrounding them. Again we see three levels of existence, the Tabernacle, the Levites and the Children of Yisrael.

Num 1:48 because יהוה  had spoken to Mosheh, saying, -

Num 1:49 “Only the tribe of Lĕwi you shall not count, nor take a census of them among the children of Yisra’ĕl. – They were counted separately in deference to their higher status. They were to be excluded from the regular census because they were to serve at the tabernacle, and not in the Army like the other tribes.

Num 1:50 “Instead, appoint the Lĕwites over the Dwelling Place of the Witness, over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They bear the Dwelling Place and all its furnishings, and they attend to it, and camp around the Dwelling Place. – The Levites were like EL YAHVEH personal assistance. They would be responsible for the affairs in the immediate surroundings of the Most Holy Place. EL YAHVEH is painting a picture here, and it is that it will be those who are absolutely sold out to Him that will be the one who closest. The word Levites means the heart of YAHVEH.

Num 1:51 “And when the Dwelling Place is to go forward, the Lĕwites take it down. And when the Dwelling Place is to be set up, the Lĕwites set it up. And the stranger who comes near is put to death. – As the personal protector of the Tabernacle, in every conceivable circumstance, anyone else would not be welcome. This does not mean that no other Yisraelite is ever allowed to approach the Tabernacle; it prohibits only entry without a permitted purpose, and as such it applies equally to the Kohanim and the Levites.

This death penalty is divinely imposed; it is not carried out by the court, as indicated below.

      

Num 1:52 “And the children of Yisra’ĕl shall pitch their tents, everyone by his own camp, everyone by his own banner, according to their divisions, - The camp was organized by Tribal or along ancestral line. This was to help with protection, direction and guidance in the camp.

Num 1:53 but let the Lĕwites camp around the Dwelling Place of the Witness, so that there be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Yisra’ĕl. And the Lĕwites shall guard the duty of the Dwelling Place of the Witness.” – The task of the Levites was not so much to protect the Tabernacle, as it was to serve as honor guard, as befits a royal place. When the Temple was finally build in Yerushalayim, the Levites stood guard at twenty-one position around the temple. Those that minister about holy things should neither entangle themselves, nor is entangled, in secular affairs. The ministry is itself work enough for a whole man, and all little enough to be employed in it. It is an admonition to ministers to distinguish themselves by their exemplary conversation from common Yisraelites, not affecting to seem greater, but aiming to be really better, every way better than others.

Num 1:54 And the children of Yisra’ĕl did according to all that יהוה  commanded Mosheh, so they did. – Those who call themselves the children of Yisra’ĕl will always do according to all that יהוה commanded Mosheh.

Chapter 2

Verse 1 – 34 discusses the specific formation of the camp in relation to the Tabernacle. The central position of the Tabernacle and the levites having been given briefly in the last chapter, the Torah now turns to three tribes each, known as banners, led by a designated tribe.

The order in which the Camp was arrange was the counterpart of the Heavenly Court, where יהוה  Throne is surrounded by four companies of Angels, like the four formations around the Tabernacle.

They were assign there place as Jacob assign to his sons when he instructed them on how to escort his body for burial. This chapter sets forth their positions during the encampment; their order of travel is given below.

Num 2:1  And יהוה  spoke to Mosheh and to Aharon, saying, ­-  In this verse we hear about EL YAHVEH speaking to both Moses and Aaron. Is it possible that Aaron had grown into a mature believer sinned, the incident of the golden calf.

                                                                                 

Num 2:2 “The children of Yisra’ĕl are to camp, each one by his own banner, beside the sign of his father’s house. Let them camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance.” – Each three tribe formation had a distinctively colored banner; each banner included all the colors of the tree tribes. Each individual tribe had its own distinctive characteristic. Each tribal flag was the same color as its stone on the Kohen Gadol’s breastplates. The twelve tribe was to camp about two thousand cubits from the Tabernacle, giving Moses and his sons and the levites room to camp nearer to the Tabernacle.

Num 2:3 And on the east side, towards sunrise: those of the banner of the camp of Yehuḏah camp according to their divisions. And the leader of the children of Yehuḏah: Naḥshon, son of Amminaḏaḇ. – To the east Judah’s was sky blue with a lion. As the progenitor of the Davidic monarchy and the son whom Jacob called the lion of Judah, he was rewarded place of honor. יהוה  patterned the formation of Yisrael after the purpose of Creation. This Kingdom will be His first born’s Kingdom, El Yahushua. He will be the leader of this Kingdom; it is only fitting that the tribe He was to be born from would lead symbolically.

 

Num 2:4 And his army with their registered ones: seventy-four thousand six hundred. - . Those tribes were placed together under the same standard that were nearest of kin to each other; Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, were the three younger sons of Leah, and they were put together; and Issachar and Zebulun would not grudge to be under Judah, since they were his younger brethren.

Num 2:5 And those camping next to him is the tribe of Yissasḵar, and the leader of the children of Yissasḵar: Nethanĕ’l, son of Tsuʽar. – There banner was blue-black, with a sun and moon. Behind Judah were Issachar and Zebulum as behind Issachar.

Num 2:6 And his army with its registered ones: fifty-four thousand four hundred. –

Num 2:7 Then the tribe of Zeḇulun, and the leader of the children of Zeḇulun: Eliyaḇ, son of Ḥĕlon. – Was white, with a ship - Every tribe had a captain, a prince, or commander-in-chief, whom YAHVEH Himself nominated, the same that had been appointed to number them, ch. 1:5

Num 2:8 And his army with its registered ones: fifty-seven thousand four hundred. –

Num 2:9 All the registered ones of the camp of Yehuḏah, according to their divisions: one hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred. These depart first. –

Num 2:10 On the south side: the banner of the camp of Re’uḇĕn according to their divisions, and the leader of the children of Re’uḇĕn: Elitsur, son of Sheḏĕy’ur. – The color of

The banner was red and its insignia was dudaim, a representation of the flowers he brought his mother. The honor of leading the second formation went to Reuben because he symbolized repentance because of his sincere and continuous remorse after having slighted his father nakedness.

The south is the source of blessed dew and rain; it is therefore appropriate position for penitent persons, for he brings יהוה mercy and blessing to the world.

Reuben’s companions, Gad symbolize strength, while Simeon needs atonement. It was fitting that Simeon be flanked second, because the importance of repentance is second only to that of Torah.

Num 2:11 and his army with its registered ones: forty-six thousand five hundred. –

Num 2:12 And those who camp next to him: the tribe of Shimʽon, and the leader of the children of Shimʽon: Shelumi’ĕl, son of TsuriSHADDAI. – Simeon was green, with an embroidered representation of the city of Shechem.

Num 2:13 And his army with their registered ones: fifty-nine thousand three hundred. –

Num 2:14 Then the tribe of Gaḏ, and the leader of the children of Gaḏ: Elyasaph, son of Reʽuw’ĕl. – The tribe of Gad is represented by the color gray. With a battalion of soldiers. It is common in Scripture that names are not merely sounds that identify someone, but is a description of their mission or personal characteristics, for the torah’s concept of a name to describe a person’s essence.

An example of this principle is the use of Jacob and Yisrael. Consequently, Scripture may call someone by names whose meanings are synonymous with one another, as in the case of Reuel and Deuel. Reuel’s is a contraction of the Thoughts of יהוה ; Deuel is a contraction of the knowledge of יהוה  . Therefore, both names express Reuel’s preoccupation with closeness to, and understanding of, יהוה .

Num 2:15 And his army with their registered ones: forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty. – In the Kingdom of Heavens, everything is in its right place. It is always about order. An army is built on order, the successful and efficient implication of these order will determine the successfulness of the army.

Num 2:16 All the registered ones of the camp of Re’uḇĕn, according to their divisions: one hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty. And they are the second to depart. –

Num 2:17 And the Tent of Meeting, the camp of the Lĕwites, shall move out in the middle of the camps. As they camp, so they move out, everyone in his place, by their banners. – The exact point at which the Tabernacle march in the procession is a subject of dispute. We know it was dismantle after Judah began it journey, and it began to move after Reuben.

The centrality of the Tabernacle was also maintained even during the travel. The camp retained their same relative degrees of sanctity even in transit, so that the people still had access to the Tabernacle. This is a vital lesson in Scriptural Judaism, it is not restricted to Tabernacle, synagogue, or home, it is a way of life for the redeem community. Every believer must maintain his or her sanctity even when traveling.

Num 2:18 On the west side: the banner of the camp of Ephrayim according to their divisions, and the leader of the children of Ephrayim: Elishama, son of Ammihuḏ. – Ephrain is represented by an ox. There formation was to the west, the source of extreme weather, such as hail, cold, and heat. This story illustrate that these three tribes possess the strength that is necessary to withstand such a harsh environment.

Furthermore, יהוה Presence was at the western side of both the Tabernacle and Temple, towards Benjamin’s portions in the Land. Due 33:12  And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of YAHVEH shall dwell in safety by him; and YAHVEH shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.

The strength represented by these three tribes is the necessary companion of torah ‘Judah’ and repentance “Rueben,” for both dedication to Torah study and repentance require strength of conviction and character.

Num 2:19 And his army with their registered ones: forty thousand five hundred. –

      

Num 2:20 And next to him the tribe of Menashsheh, and the leader of the children of Menashsheh: Gamli’ĕl, son of Peḏahtsur. –

Num 2:21 And his army with their registered ones: thirty-two thousand two hundred. –

Num 2:22 Then the tribe of Binyamin, and the leader of the children of Binyamin: Aḇiḏan, son of Giḏʽoni. – was a mixture of all the other colors, with a wolf.

Num 2:23 And his army with their registered ones: thirty-five thousand four hundred. –

Num 2:24 All the registered ones of the camp of Ephrayim, according to their divisions: one hundred and eight thousand one hundred. And they are the third to depart. –

Num 2:25 On the north side: the banner of the camp of Dan, according to their divisions, and the leader of the children of Dan: Aḥiʽezer, son of AmmiSHADDAI. – The tribe of Dan was represented by a sapphire, and a snake. North is symbolic of darkness, and Dan, too, is symbolic of darkness, because it was in his territory that King Jeronoam placed a national idol, in order to wean the people away from their pilgrimages to the Temple, I Kings 12:29.

Dan’s formation include Asher, which was famous for its olive Deut 33:24, symbolizing illumination of the darkness, and by Naftali, whom Moses blessed with a special favor.

Num 2:26 And his army with their registered ones: sixty-two thousand seven hundred. –

Num 2:27 And those who camp next to him: the tribe of Ashĕr, and the leader of the children of Ashĕr: Paḡʽi’ĕl, son of Oḵran. –

Num 2:28 And his army with their registered ones: forty-one thousand five hundred. –

Num 2:29 Then the tribe of Naphtali, and the leader of the children of Naphtali: Aḥira, son of Ěnan. – was pale red, with a doe –

Num 2:30 And his army with their registered ones: fifty-three thousand four hundred. –

Num 2:31 All the registered ones of the camp of Dan: one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred. They depart last, with their banners. - The camp of Dan (and so that tribe is called long after their settlement in Canaan (Jdg. 13:25), because celebrated for their military prowess), though posted in the left wing when they encamped, was ordered in their march to bring up the rear.

Num 2:32 These were registered ones of the children of Yisra’ĕl by their fathers’ houses. All who were registered according to their divisions of the camps: six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty. –

Num 2:33 But the Lĕwites were not registered among the children of Yisra’ĕl, as יהוה  commanded Mosheh. – Levi’s was white, black, and red with an Urim and Tumin.

Num 2:34 And the children of Yisra’ĕl did according to all that יהוה  commanded Mosheh. So they camped by their banners and so they departed, each one by his clan, according to their fathers’ houses. - They were the most numerous, next to Judah, and therefore were ordered into a post which, next to the front, required the most strength, for as the strength is so shall the day be. Lastly, the children of Yisrael observed the orders given them, and did as YAHVEH commanded Moses. They put themselves in the posts assigned them, without murmuring or disputing, and, as it was their safety, so it was their beauty; Balaam was charmed with the sight of it: How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! ch. 24:5. Thus the gospel church, called the camp of saints, ought to be compact according to the scripture model, every one knowing and keeping his place, and then all that wish well to the church rejoice, beholding their order, Col. 2:5.

Chapter 3

After having counted the tribes, יהוה  legions of loyal servants, and outlined their respective formations, the Torah begins to list its Guard of honor, the Kohanim and Levites, who will encamp immediately around the Tabernacle and devoted their lives to His service.

It is only those who have an absolute unshakable commitment to יהוה  that will be given the lucrative position of been trusted with His Most Holy Things. It is only those who have proven beyond any doubt that they can be trusted, will hold such a position.

Remember who was the one who led the rebellion against Him; it was His Right Hand man so to speak. That is why El Yahushua had to prove His loyalty by dying on the Stake.  Our creator is determining not to have anymore spirit of rebellion in His Kingdom. Rebellion is a heart issue, if it is not eradicate while the spirit is still in the flesh, it will never be remove again.

Those who are off a rebellious spirit will never be place in any position where they can influence other in the kingdom as Lucifer did to one-third of the citizen of יהוה Kingdom.

Num 3:1  And these are the offspring of Aharon and Mosheh when יהוה  spoke with Mosheh on Mount Sinai. – In the next four verse we see the names of those who were at that position of a Mature Believer, first born sons so to speak. In every generation יהוה is trying to create perfect sons. This is the purpose of Torah, to outline the principles by which those sons must adhere to, in order to be place in control of the sacred things of the Kingdom.

What believer must understand, is that when a certain responsibility is place upon a individual in the Kingdom, it is forever; it cannot be rescinded, that is why Michael did not bring an accusation against Lucifer, for Lucifer outrank Michael in the kingdom.

The Children of Yisrael is not a race of people, it represent a type of People. The progeny of Moses and Aaron was supposed to produce a continuous line of loyal, dedicated, obedient, faithful and righteous set of people, for the restoration of the Kingdom. Let us investigate more.

Aaron and his sons are specified in connection with Sinai; because it was there that יהוה designated them as Kohanim, as a reward for their faithfulness. At every Feast day, “harvest time” יהוה will conduct a review of His people, to see who is found worthy to be selected from among their brethrens. These are the first fruits or the first born so to speak.

One year or one Torah Cycle later, those who were set aside from the Tribe of Levite, are now been called to their appropriate place in the ministry of the Tabernacle. This same principle exists in the Kingdom. We are told that there are four beasts. Rev 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, EL YAHVEH Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. The assignment for these four beasts was to perform the function of saying holy, holy, holy, יהוה Almighty. These mature men were called by name to fulfill a particular task. That name would reflect the character of the person that was developed in them while they were having a fleshly experience.  Our physical body is the vehicle for life lesson for this moment of our existence.

Num 3:2 And these are the names of the sons of Aharon: Naḏaḇ, the first-born, and Aḇihu, Elʽazar, and Ithamar. –

Num 3:3 these are the names of the sons of Aharon, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to act as priests. - This verse stresses the anointing that was place upon them. The story of Phineas, the Grandson of Aaron who was later named to the Priesthood, for his courageous stands for what was right.

This verse seems to imply that it was Aaron merit that his sons were chosen as Kohanim. This is also a Kingdom principle, יהוה  only choose His First Born Son to sit at His Right Hand; someone who would carry on the legacy of the Kingdom. 

Num 3:4 And Naḏaḇ and Aḇihu had died before יהוה  when they brought strange fire before יהוה  in the Wilderness of Sinai. And they had no children. So Elʽazar and Ithamar acted as priests in the lifetime of Aharon their father. – This verse implies another principle of the Kingdom. It was always יהוה for Aaron’s sons to function with him. However if those sons fails to fulfill their role it will be given to someone else.

This is a sobering taught, and Hebrew 4:1 elucidates it very well. Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word reached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. :3  For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. Not because the position was assign to Nadah and Abihu, it does not mean it is theirs forever, they forfeit their right to that position when they brought unauthorized fire. If, however, they and their sons, had walk in the fullness of the office they were given; their position would have been an everlasting ministry.

In Aarons life time, seems to imply that this promise did not even last past the life of the present High Priest.

Verse  5 – 10 discusses the principles of the Appointment of the Levites.

Num 3:5 And יהוה  spoke to Mosheh, saying,

Num 3:6 “Bring the tribe of Lĕwi near, and set them before Aharon the priest, and they shall serve him, - Those who choose to be in ministry today must be presented before El Yahushua our Kohanim Gadol. These ministers must be a servant of El Yahushua, meaning that they must believe in Him, and acknowledge His Principles and His statues. This event was a fore shadow of the Messiyanic Rule.

Num 3:7 and shall guard his duty and the duty of all the congregation before the Tent of Meeting, to do the service of the Dwelling Place. – The first duty of a priest or minister is to safeguard his ministry or office. This simple means that we must not do anything that will cause disrepair to the Kingdom. The second responsibility is to minister to the people. This meant that he must help the people to draw closer, to help to elevate them spiritually. This is in essence what the service of the Tabernacle is all about. It is to produce mature sons for the Kingdom.

Num 3:8 “And they shall guard all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting, and the duty of the children of Yisra’ĕl, to do the service of the Dwelling Place. – The Ministry must safe guard the integrity of each Altar of the Tabernacle. The five places El Yahushua “Jesus Christ” bleed from on the Cross are represented in the Tabernacle given to Moses in the Wilderness.

The Brazen Altar the Blood from His Feet. The Laver, the Blood, and Water from His side. The Blood from His Left Hand the Altar of “Torah” Showbread; The Blood from His Right Hand the Menorah “Holy Spirit”; The Blood from the Crown of Thorns the Altar of Burnt Offering.

Each Altar is significant in the process of carrying our Cross as we are admonish in Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25  For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? The experience of each altar is part of the process of Sanctification, to bring us into the Holy of Holies, full maturity spiritually.

Num 3:9 “And you shall give the Lĕwites to Aharon and his sons. They are the given ones, given to him from among the children of Yisra’ĕl. -  The Levites represent those who have a heart for the principle of יהוה . It is those who have an absolute love for El Yahushua that will be given to Him. They are the chosen one, taken from among the redeem community.
  

Num 3:10 “And appoint Aharon and his sons, and they shall guard their priesthood. And the stranger who comes near shall be put to death.” – Aaron and his sons are the five-fold ministry of today, they must ensure that no one else performs the various function that each Altar represent. By doing so, they will prevent aliens, even Levites and Yisraelites from suffering a Heavenly death penalty.

Verse 11 – 49 how the Levites can to replace the firstborn. In their new role, the Levites replace the first born as the; caretaker, custodian, or administrator of the Tabernacle.

When Moses and Yisrael brought offerings the day after the Ten Commandments were given, the service were perform by the youth of the Children of Yisrael, Exodus 24:5 And he sent young men of the children of Yisrael, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto YAHVEH. Those youth were the first-born. In this passage in Torah, the Levites were designated to replace the first-born, thereby taking the holiness of the firstborn upon themselves.

What this teaches is that EL YAHVEH always has a backup plan. The moment we think that we are too important to be replaced, let us think again.

Num 3:11 And יהוה  spoke to Mosheh, saying,

Num 3:12 “Now look, I myself have taken the Lĕwites from among the children of Yisra’ĕl instead of every first-born who opens the womb among the children of Yisra’ĕl. And the Lĕwites shall be Mine, - If EL YAHVEH, bypass the first-born for those who proved their loyalty. EL YAHVEH will certainly not spare us. In this passage the Levites were designated to the same level of holiness as the first-born.

Num 3:13 because all the first-born are Mine. On the day that I struck all the first-born in the land of Mitsrayim, I set apart to Myself all the first-born in Yisra’ĕl, both man and beast. They are Mine, I am יהוה .” – The First-born was still responsible for the Priesthood of the family. As the Levites were the first-born spiritually among the Children of Yisrael. The role of the perfect First-born was not to be fulfilled until the birth of El Yahushua on that first day of Succoth nearly two thousand years ago.

As the Levites were to maintain the tabernacle and teach Torah’s way of life to the People, it was the firstborn of every family who were to be the authority. Every man was to be the authority of his own household.

Num 3:14 And יהוה  spoke to Mosheh in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying,

Num 3:15 “Register the children of Lĕwi by their fathers’ houses, by their clans. Register every male from a month old and above.” – The family structure is the unit that makes up the Tribe, which makes up the nation. If the head of the smallest people unit, were the man; within a family of brother and sisters, the oldest male is usually given the responsible of the priest for the family. He is the spiritual authority so to speak. Every male child from a month up was to be register in the tribe of Levites.

Any Hebrews believers who follows the ways of the Levites, becomes sanctified as holy of holies, and יהוה will be their portions and heritage for all eternity.

In this world, he will merit what befits him, as the Kohanim and Levites merited it. This aspect of Levites existence is lifelong and independent of age and strength.

Num 3:16 So Mosheh registered them according to the word of יהוה , as he had been commanded. – It would have been improper for Moses to enter the Levite tents to count the infant male, He would have to be accompanied by the senior state man for that tribe and would have spoken to the father of the family.

Num 3:17 And these were the sons of Lĕwi by their names: Gĕreshon, and Qehath, and Merari. –

Num 3:18 And these are the names of the sons of Gĕreshon by their clans: Liḇni and Shimʽi. –

Num 3:19 And the sons of Qehath by their clans: Amram and Yitshar, Ḥeḇron and Uzzi’ĕl. –

Num 3:20 And the sons of Merari by their clans: Maḥli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Lĕwites by their fathers’ houses. –

Num 3:21 From Gĕreshon came the clan of the Liḇnites and the clan of the Shimʽites. These were the clans of the Gĕreshonites. – It was only the leader of the clan who was recognized; so it will be in the Kingdom. Our Tribe and the clan within the tribe will recognize us all. El Yahushua said that He and His Father are working. I believe that even as we speak, the Kingdom of Heavens is under construction. If it is deed the Kingdom is under construction, EL YAHVEH will require obedience faithful servants to work or occupy the expansion of the Kingdom.

Num 3:22 Their registered ones, according to the number of all the males from a month old and above, their registered ones were seven thousand five hundred. – The registration of the kingdom is similar to an inventory of the spiritual personnel who have experience life in the flesh, and what is their final grade after the experience. What was their final spiritual grade when they died? Ecc 11:3  if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it shall be. Where we die spiritually will determine where we will be functioning for eternity.

Num 3:23 The clans of the Gĕreshonites were to camp westward, behind the Dwelling Place, – I do believe that the arrangement of the Tabernacle, is the same as what Moses saw in the Kingdom. As there is a western section on earth, there will also be a western section in the World to Come.

The Tribe that we are born or in graphed into will be our dwelling place in the World to Come. We will not be giving a free choice to go were ever we want. There will not be any democracy in Heavens, free choice is only for those who are in the flesh. The only free choice will be to obey or not to obey. Life on planet earth is to determine our level of obedience to Torah, the Constitution of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Num 3:24 and the leader of the fathers’ house of the Gĕreshonites: Elyasaph, son of La’ĕl. –  The leadership of each house, is the one who is responsible for that section of the Tribe. He could have ten, a hundred, or even a thousand sons under him. According to his talents he will be given responsibility. Jacob was given a lot of responsibility for he had twelve sons.

If we remember when the Land of Yisrael was been divided up, it was given according to the number of family in the tribe. It is one of the reasons why Adam and Moah were told to go and multiply. The kingdom of Heavens is about multiplication.

Num 3:25 And the duty of the children of Gĕreshon in the Tent of Meeting was the Dwelling Place, and the tent with its covering, and the covering of the door of the Tent of Meeting, – As every clan in the Levites tribe was given a responsibility, so too will be the kingdom of Heavens. We will not be in Heavens eating cream cheese and playing harps, we will be participation in the building of the Kingdom.

As the Gereshoniets were responsible for the covering of the Tabernacle, so will their responsibility be in the world to come. The various clans will also be given their responsibility according to the talents.

The parable that El Yahushua gave about those who were given various talents. Let’s read it again. Mat 25:14  For the kingdom of Heavens is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15  And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16  Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17  And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18  But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19  After a long time YAHVEH of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20  And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22  He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24  Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25  And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26  His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27  Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28  Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29  For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

30    and cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The talents spoken off here are not money, it is our ability, those things we find easy to do, our potential, or our gifts. The so called talents we are given if we used it for the Kingdom of Heavens while we are here on Planet Earth, it mean that we have developed our talents for the kingdom. We have used it to help someone else developed theirs, that is the meaning of this Parable. Even if we still use it in the theater of the world system and we made money from it for the Kingdom, it is similar to gaining interest on our talents.

Num 3:26 and the screens of the courtyard and the covering of the door of the courtyard, which is around the Dwelling Place and the altar, and their cords, according to all its service. –

Num 3:27 And from Qehath came the clan of the Amramites, and the clan of the Yitsharites, and the clan of the Ḥeḇronites, and the clan of the Uzzi’ĕlites. These were the clans of the Qehathites. -

Num 3:28 In number, all the males, from a month old and above, were eight thousand six hundred, guarding the duty of the set-apart place. –

Num 3:29 The clans of the children of Qehath were to camp on the south side of the Dwelling Place. –

Num 3:30 And the leader of the fathers’ house of the clans of the Qehathites was Elitsaphan, son of Uzzi’ĕl. –

Num 3:31 And their duty was the ark, and the table, and the Menorah, and the altars, and the utensils of the set-apart place used in the service, and the covering, and all its service. –

Num 3:32 And Elʽazar, son of Aharon the priest, was to be chief over the leaders of the Lĕwites, with oversight of those who guard the duty of the set-apart place. – Elazar a son of Aaron is similar to El Yahushua and His twelve Disciples. The physical son is the same as the spiritual son, those who we bring to maturity.

Num 3:33 From Merari came the clan of the Maḥlites and the clan of the Mushites. These were the clans of Merari. –

Num 3:34 And the number of their registered ones, all the males from a month old and above, were six thousand two hundred. –

Num 3:35 And the leader of the fathers’ house of the clans of Merari was Tsuri’ĕl, son of Aḇiḥayil. These were to camp on the north side of the Dwelling Place. –

Num 3:36 And the appointed duty of the children of Merari was the boards of the Dwelling Place, and its bars, and its columns, and its sockets, and its utensils, and all its service, -

Num 3:37 and the columns of the courtyard all around, with their sockets, and their pegs, and their cords. –

Num 3:38 And those who were to camp before the Dwelling Place on the east, before the Tent of Meeting, were Mosheh and Aharon, and his sons, guarding the duty of the set-apart place, and the duty of the children of Yisra’ĕl. But the stranger who came near was to be put to death. -  

Num 3:39 All the registered ones of the Lĕwites, whom Mosheh and Aharon registered at the command of יהוה , by their clans, all the males from a month old and above, were twenty-two thousand. –

Num 3:40 And יהוה  said to Mosheh, “Register all the first-born males of the children of Yisra’ĕl from a month old and above, and take the number of their names.

Num 3:41 “And you shall take the Lĕwites for Me – I am יהוה  – instead of all the first-born among the children of Yisra’ĕl, and the livestock of the Lĕwites instead of all the first-born among the livestock of the children of Yisra’ĕl.” – The choosing of the Levites, represent those who have an heart for EL YAHVEH over the First-Born, was a prophetic illustration that there will come a time when the Yisrael the first-born will be replace with a type of people who has a heart for EL YAHVEH. The livestock in this verse represent the product of both camps. Rom 2:10  But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that does good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: The Jew the first born will be given a change first, then the Gentiles who has a heart for Torah

Num 3:42 And Mosheh registered all the first-born among the children of Yisra’ĕl as יהוה  had commanded him. - The registration of the first, carry the same spiritual parallel as the setting aside of the first ten percent of our income for the service of EL YAHVEH. The term registration means to set aside, to reserve, to make available for a special propose.

Num 3:43 And all the first-born males, by the number of names, from one month old and above of their registered ones, were twenty-two thousand two hundred and seventy-three. – The first born of the Levites were to be set aside from they were one month old. These were the best of the best. This speaks volume of the redeem life style, that the first-born son of a Hebrew family, those who believe in El Yahushua, they are the best of the Best.

Num 3:44 And יהוה  spoke to Mosheh, saying,

Num 3:45 “Take the Lĕwites instead of all the first-born among the children of Yisra’ĕl, and the livestock of the Lĕwites instead of their livestock. And the Lĕwites shall be Mine, I am יהוה . – The great commission to go into all the world and find disciples who have a heart for El Yahushua and Torah. The first-born ”Children of Yisrael” will one day be returned to their former estate, the Levites “those who has a heart for El Yahushua” will still remain EL YAHVEH’S special tribe.

Num 3:46 “And for the redemption of the two hundred and seventy-three of the first-born of the children of Yisra’ĕl, who are more than the number of the Lĕwites, - We know that 200 is the number of insufficiency; 70 is the number of punishment and restoration of Yisrael; and 3 is the number of Divine completeness and perfection.

We know that there are insufficiencies in the Kingdom; we know that the Kingdom has to be restored to divine completeness and perfection. Everything in the Hebrew community must work for that one cause.

Num 3:47 you shall take five shekels for each one, head by head – take it by the shekel of the set-apart place, the shekel of twenty gĕrahs. – We also know that 5 is the number of  Grace; YAH’S goodness; Pentateuch (first five books). This lofty state of perfection can only be done through the Grace El Yahushua Blood.

The 273 Hebrew firstborn who could not be redeemed by the Levites were each to be redeemed by five shekels, the same amount that the Torah would ordain as the redemption for all firstborn.

The brother of Joseph, Rachel’s firstborn, was sold for twenty silver coins, which equal five shekels.

Num 3:48 “And you shall give the silver, the ransom of those who are in excess among them, to Aharon and his sons.” – The cost of our redemption can only be done trough Aaron and his sons, which is a shadow of El Yahushua and His Fivefold ministry, the Mighty Hand of יהוה .

Num 3:49 And Mosheh took the ransom silver from those who were over and above those who were ransomed by the Lĕwites. – The Redemption that El Yahushua brings is not only for the Gentiles who have a heart for Him as the Levites did. This redemption is also for the all the firstborn of the Children of Yisrael, those who choose to believe in El Yahushua.

Num 3:50 From the first-born of the children of Yisra’ĕl he took the silver, one thousand three hundred and sixty-five pieces, according to the shekel of the set-apart place. - The number of the first-born, and that of the Levites, by a special providence, came pretty near to each other; thus, when he divided the nations, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel, Deut. 32:8. Known unto YAHVEH are all HIS works beforehand, and there is an exact proportion between them, and so it will appear when they come to be compared. The Levites’ cattle are said to be taken instead of the firstlings of the cattle of the children of Israel, that is, the Levites, with all their possessions, were devoted to YAHVEH instead of the first-born and all theirs; for, when we give ourselves to YAHVEH, all we have passes as appurtenances with the premises.

The small number of first-born which exceeded the number of the Levites (273 in all) were to be redeemed, at five shekels apiece, and the redemption-money given to Aaron; for it would not do well to have them added to the Levites.

It is probable that in the exchange they began with the eldest of the first-born, and so downward, so that those were to be redeemed with money who was the 273 youngest of the first-born; more likely so than either that it was determined by lot or that the money was paid out of the public stock.

The Yisrael is called the church of the first-born, which is redeemed, not as these were, with silver and gold, but, being devoted by sin to the justice of YAHVEH is ransomed with the precious blood of the Yahushua our Messiyah.

Num 3:51 And Mosheh gave their ransom silver to Aharon, and to his sons, according to the Word of יהוה , as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. – When we present the ransom for our sins to the Priest or the Pastor today, it has the same implication, as when Moses collects the silver ransom and gives it to Aaron.

Chapter 4

Verse 1 – 20 explains the organization of the Kohathites. After the census and consecration of the Levites, יהוה  commanded Moses and Aaron to organize the Levites by clan for the service they would perform when the Tabernacle was been transported.

This responsibility went to the Kohathites, who were charge with the most sacred portions of the Tabernacle, as this chapter elucidate. The responsibility of the Merarites and the Gershonites are described in Parashas Nasso.

In conjunction with this task, a new census for those thirty to fifty years old was conducted to determine the number of those who were eligible for the physically demanding work of carrying the components of the Tabernacle.

At the climax of the instructions, יהוה  warned Moses and Aaron that the sanctity of the Ark is so great that even the Kohathites, the elite clan of the Levi, may not gaze at the exposed Ark as it is prepared for transport.

The kohathites must see to it that their lives are not jeopardized by exposure to the Ark before it is covered for transport. 

Num 4:1 And יהוה  spoke to Mosheh, and to Aharon, saying,

Num 4:2 “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the children of Lĕwi, by their clans, by their fathers’ house, - As a individual is called out by name, so also is the clan of the Kohathites singled out by their character to preformed this very important task. It was not everyone above twenty that was called. It was only those who were from thirty years to fifty. As the next verse describe.

Hebrew words carry many different meaning. One of the meanings of census is to elevate the head; to bring them up to the position that יהוה wants them to function at. The word census does not just mean counting, but to count them worthy to be apart off. To used the standard by which יהוה  determine as a measuring rod for the position to be filled.

Num 4:3 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the Tent of Meeting. – Even though a person is considered mature at twenty. The requirement for this position requires mush more than a physical mature person. They must also have some experience. The importance of this position is not for a novice who just became mature at Pentecost. As a doctor who just finishes medical school must undergo some internship with a more senior Doctor, he is not trust into a situation that might jeopardize a person like.

Num 4:4 “This is the service of the sons of Qehath in the Tent of Meeting, the most set-apart matters: - We know that Aaron enter the Holy of Holies one a year, it is not his responsibility to setup and take down the Tabernacle. This responsibility goes to someone else within the redeem community. Let read the explanation.

Num 4:5 “At the breaking of camp, Aharon and his sons shall come, and they shall take down the covering veil and cover the ark of the Witness with it, - The message that this verse is implying that a every camp, anywhere that the redeem community establishes itself these altars should be an integral part of their community. It is the sole purpose of the Priesthood back then as it is today, is to prepare the Ark for transit.

Who is the ark? We are the Ark! Those who reach full maturity. The symbolic gesture of the curtain, represent the spiritual milestone, they have achieved. It is the curtain that divides the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies; it separates one spiritual level from the next spiritual level.

Num 4:6 and shall put on it a covering of fine leather, and spread over that an all-blue wrapper, and shall adjust its poles. – This fine leather represents or is a producer of the death of the animal nature. Leather is made from the death of an animal. This leather represents the very best that the animal nature can produce, the possibility to cover the Ark, or to have the Ark on the inside is the sole goal of the flesh.

This fine leather is symbolic of our fleshly nature that is been controlled by Torah and the Holy Spirit. The all-blue wrapper is the Heavenly character, which the blue sky represents.

The adjusting of the staves or pole means that the pole to carry it was now inserted into the rings. The Spirit and the Word, Aaron’s rod and the Ten Commandments was not a permanent part of the Ark. The staves or poles were now been adjusted for that person to be used as Levites, someone who have a heart for EL YAHVEH to be used in Ministry. The different covering that the Altars were wrap in, is like when we go to our graduation, and we have to put on a robe, the coverings of the different Altars are indicative of that robe.

Num 4:7 “And on the table of showbread they shall spread a blue wrapper, and shall put on it the dishes, and the ladles, and the bowls, and the jars for pouring, and the showbread on it. – This Altar describe as the Table of Showbread implies that there were others table in the Tabernacle, where the believer may feast.

The placement of the covering reveals a hierarchy of holiness. The bread remains on the table at all times, and it is therefore called constant bread in this verse, defining the consistency, the unchanging nature of Torah.

It was covered with Turquoise wool, which symbolized the highest degree of holiness man can work towards. The utensils were placed atop that cover, and then everything was covered with a Tachash hide.

The utensils are symbolic of our good works. We are told faith without works are dead. Tit 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Yahushua the Messiyahs unto good works, which EL YAHVEH hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Jam 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Jam 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Num 4:8 “And they shall spread over them a scarlet wrapper, and cover the same with a covering of fine leather, and shall insert its poles, - The scarlet wrapper is the Blood, it is those persons who have wash their garments in the Blood of El Yahushua. Rev 7:14  And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev 12:11  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. A overcomer is one who have been tried by the commandments of Torah and their garments have been found white. This altar of showbread is an altar of blood.

Num 4:9 and shall take a blue wrapper and cover the lampstand of the light, with its lamps, and its snuffers, and its trays, and all its oil vessels, by which they serve it. – At the top of the Menorah were the cups that held the oil and wick. The utensils used to prepare and store the oil, or the vessels used to pour it into the lamp. Anytime we see utensil or tools are, we know right away that some work is required. This is where the sixth days of creation plays a very vital role in the implementation of these tools.

Num 4:10 “And they shall put it with all its utensils in a covering of fine leather, and put it on a bar. – The spiritual stage that we die at is symbolic of the fine leather. Leather is from a dead animal, the spiritual stage we die at will determine how well we used the utensil of this Altar on our lives.

These last two Altars both used utensils to mold our spiritual characters. The bars represent the spiritual stage we will achieve when we die. Ecc 11:3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. Both Poles represent the Spirit and Truth, the level of spirit and truth we achieve before we die, will determine the level of responsibility we will have when we leave this body.

Num 4:11 “And over the golden altar they shall spread a blue wrapper, and cover it with a covering of fine leather, and shall adjust its poles, - The Menorah had no staves or pole, it container was carried by a pole. The Menorah helps every believer to display Heavenly Character. The fruit of the Spirit: Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. : 24 And they that are Yahushua's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. The fine leather is the crucifying of the Flesh.

Num 4:12 and shall take all the utensils of service with which they serve in the set-apart place, and shall put them in a blue wrapper, cover them with a covering of fine leather, and put them on a bar, - The picture words that are been given here is absolutely fantastic. Without the Spirit of Understanding a believer cannot understand the profound meaning that they exemplified.

Num 4:13 and shall remove the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple wrapper over it, - When all the ash from this altar are disposed of, when all the Bread on the Altar of Showbread, when all of the Laws, statues, precepts, and judgment of Torah are written on our heart, with the aid of the Spirit of Understanding, and we walk in those revelations, we will be called Sons of Elohim, a Royal Priesthood, a holy nation, someone who will be dress in the Royal Color of Purple.

Num 4:14 and shall put on it all its utensils by which they serve there: the fire holders, the forks, and the shovels, and the basins, and all the utensils of the altar, and shall spread on it a covering of fine leather, and insert its poles. – Everyone who desires to come into the Holy of Holies, Full Maturity, must experience all the utensil of this Altar. Even El Yahushua had to endure the Cross.

Every Altar we have discussed here was laid out in the shape of a Cross. It is this cross we must endure, in order to come into the Holy of Holies.

Num 4:15 “And when Aharon and his sons have finished covering the set-apart objects and all the furnishings of the Set-apart Place at the breaking of camp, then the sons of Qehath shall come to lift them, but let them not touch that which is set-apart, lest they die. These matters are the burden of the sons of Qehath in the Tent of Meeting. – When the Fivefold Ministry finish ministering at a certain place, and it is time to move on. They must secure their Ministry, their Altar so-to-speak, and The Levites should take it to the next location and set up the Tabernacle for ministry.

Num 4:16 “And the oversight of Elʽazar, son of Aharon the priest, is the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the Dwelling Place and all that is in it, with the set-apart place and its furnishings.” – Elazar the name of Elohim helper, he was personally appointed to carry the oil and incense, despite their great weight. He was bless with miraculous strength, for those who hope is in EL YAHVEH to renew their strength spiritually. The oil was to keep the flame of the Menorah going at all times.

Anyone who is EL YAHVEH helper will be responsible to carry the oil that maintains the Menorah at all times.

Num 4:17 And יהוה  spoke to Mosheh, and to Aharon, saying,

Num 4:18 “Do not cut off the tribe of the clans of the Qehathites from among the Lĕwites, - This is a warning to an overzealous persons who have been given the responsibility to carry the Altars of the Holy Place, they are not to think of themselves more honorable that what they have been given. Do not attempt to become one who minister at that Altar, if your responsibility is to only carry it.

Num 4:19 but do this to them, and they shall live and not die when they approach the most set-apart objects: Aharon and his sons shall go in and appoint each of them to his service and his burden. – One of the greatest problems in Christian circle is the Spirit of Kohathites. Each of the Kohathites should be appointed to do a specific service and they should be so organized that they will approach the Tabernacle in an orderly manner. Otherwise, they will compete with one another and in the rush to be first, may jostle one another, and desecrate the Tabernacle, bringing death upon them.

The Levites, those who have a heart for Elohim had two functions. Sometimes their work was to help another person lift their load on their shoulder, and sometime they would carry the load. They would relieve each other and take turns, according to a detailed schedule.

Num 4:20 “They are not, however, to go in to watch while the set-apart objects are being covered, lest they die.” -   Great care must be taken to preserve the lives of these Levites, by preventing their unseasonable irreverent approach to the most holy things: Cut you not off the Kohathites. Those who do not whatever they can to keep others from sin do what they can to cut them off.

1. The Kohathites must not see the holy things till the priests had covered them. Even those that bore the vessels of YAHVEH saw not what they bore, so much were even those in the dark concerning the gospel whose office it was to expound the law.

2. When the holy things were covered, they might not touch them, at least not the ark, called here the holy thing, upon pain of death. Uzza was struck dead for the breach of this law. Thus were YAHVEH’s ministers themselves then kept in fear, and that was a dispensation of terror, as well as darkness; This verse seem to imply that we should not try to do another person job when it is in our hands to do so.

Haftarah

Hoshea 2:1 – 22

The first words of this chapter continue with the theme of the close of the foregoing chapter, and add them to the promises which we have here of the great things EL YAHVEH would do for them.

When they shall have appointed Messiyah their head, and centered in Him, then let them say to one another, with triumph and exultation (let the prophets say it to them, so the Chaldee, Comfort you, comfort you, my people, is now their commission), "say to them, Ammi, and Ruhamah; call them so again, for they shall no longer lie under the reproach and doom of Lo-ammi and Lo-ruhamah; they shall now be my people again, and shall obtain mercy.’’

YAH’s spiritual Yisrael, made up of Jews and Gentiles without distinction, shall call one another brethren and sisters, shall own one another for the people of YAHVEH and beloved of him, and, for that reason, shall embrace one another, and stir up one another both to give thanks for and to walk worthy of this common salvation which they partake of.

Because the following words seem to have coherence with these, these also are designed for conviction and humiliation. The mother verse 2 seems to be the same with the brethren and sisters verse 1, Yisrael of the ten tribes, the body of the people, who were brethren, and in a special manner with the heads and leaders, who were as the mother by whom the rest were brought up and nursed.

But who are the children that must plead with their mother ? Either,

1. The godly that were among them, that witnessed against the iniquities of the times, let them boldly go on to bear their testimony against the idolatries and gross corruptions that prevail among them.

Let those that had not bowed the knee to Baal reason the case with those that had, and Endeavour to convince them with such arguments as are here put into their mouths.

Private persons may, and ought in their places, to appear and plead against the public profanations of YAH’s name and worship. Children may humbly and modestly argue with their parents when they do amiss: Plead with your mother, plead, as Jonathan with Saul concerning David.

2. The sufferers among them, that shared in the calamities of the times, let them not complain of YAHVEH, let them not quarrel with HIM, nor lay the blame on HIM, as if he had dealt hardly with them, and not like a tender father. No; let them plead with their mother, and lay the fault on her, where it ought to be laid; compare Isa. 50:1. "For her transgressions is your mother put away; she may thank herself, and you may thank her for all your miseries.’’ Let us see now how they must plead with her.

Hos 2:1  “Say to your brothers, ‘O my people,’ and to your sisters, ‘O, compassioned one.’ - They must put here in mind of the relation wherein she had stood to YAHVEH, the kindness HE had had for her, the many favors HE had bestowed upon her, and the further favors HE had designed her.

Let them tell their brethren and sisters that they had been Ammi and Ruhamah, that they had been YAH’s people and vessels of his mercy, and might have been so still if it had not been their own fault. Our relation to YAHVEH and dependence on him are a great aggravation of our revolts from him and rebellions against HIM.

Hos 2:2 “Strive with your mother, strive, for she is not My wife, nor am I her Husband! Let her put away her whorings from her face, and her adulteries from between her breasts, -. They must, in YAH’s name, charge her with the violation of the marriage-covenant between her and Elohim. Let them tell her that YAHVEH does not look upon her as HIS wife, nor upon HIMSELF as her husband any longer.

Tell her that she is not my wife, neither am I her husband, that by her spiritual whoredom she has forfeited all the honor and comfort of her relation to YAHVEH, and provoked HIM to give her a bill of divorce.

Hos 2:3 lest I strip her naked, and shall set her up as on the day she was born, and shall make her like a wilderness, and shall set her like a dry land, and shall put her to death with thirst. - No consideration can be more powerful to awaken us to repentance than the provocation we have by sin given to YAHVEH to disown and cast us off.

It is time to look about us, and to think what course we must take, when YAHVEH threatens to reject us; for woe unto us if he be not our husband. They must charge this home upon her verse 5: Their mother has played the harlot; their congregation has run a whoring after false prophets (so the Chaldee), or, rather, after idols, wherein they were encouraged by their false prophets; she that conceived them has done shamefully, in making and worshipping idols.

An idol is called a shame (ch. 9:10) and idolatry is a shameful thing. It is not only an affront to YAHVEH, but a reproach to men, to fall down to the stock of a tree, as the prophet speaks. Or it denotes that the sinner was shameless, impudent in sin, and could not blush; Jer. 6:15. Or, She has made ashamed, has made all that see her ashamed of her; her own children are ashamed of their relation to her.

They must show her the utter ruin that will certainly be the fatal consequence of her sin if she do not repent and reform: Lest I strip her naked.

This comes in here not by way of sentence passed upon her, but by way of warning given to her, that she may prevent it: Let her put away her whoredoms, that I may not strip her naked (so it may be read), intimating that YAHVEH waits to show mercy to sinners, if they would but qualify themselves for that mercy.

Hos 2:4 “And I shall not have compassion on her children, for they are the children of whorings. - It is here that YAHVEH threatned to deal with her as the just and jealous husband at length does with an adulterous wife, that has filled his house with a spurious brood, and will not be reclaimed; he turns her and her children out of doors and sends them a begging; I will not have mercy upon her children

 The particular persons that share in the calamity of the nation, and the rising generation, shall be ruined by it, for they are children of whoredoms, and keep up the vain conversation received by tradition from their fathers.

Now it is here threatened that they shall be both stripped and starved. They thought their idols gave them their bread and their water, their wool and their flax; but YAHVEH, by taking them away, will let them know that it was he that gave them. 1. She shall be stripped: Lest I strip her of all her ornaments which she is proud of, and with which she courts her lovers, strip her and set her as in the day that she was born, send her as naked out of the world as she came into it; this death does, Job 1:21.

Hos 2:5 “For their mother has whored, she who conceived them has acted shamelessly. For she said, ‘I go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my linen, my oil and my drink.’ - They must upbraid her with her horrid ingratitude to YAHVEH her benefactor, in ascribing to her idols the glory of the gifts he had given her, and then giving that for a reason why she paid them the homage due to him only.

In this she did shamefully indeed, that she said, I will go after my lovers that give me my bread and my water. Her wicked resolution to persist in idolatry, notwithstanding all that YAHVEH said, both by his prophets and by his providences, to draw her from it.

She said, Whatever is offered to the contrary, I will go after my lovers, or those that cause me to love them, whom I cannot but be in love with. The Chaldee understands it of the nations whose alliance Israel courted and depended upon, who supplied them with what they needed.

But it is rather to be understood of the idols they worshipped, to justify their love of which they called them their lovers. See who do shamefully; those that are willful and resolute in sin, and those that openly profess and own their resolution to go on in it. See the folly of idolaters, to call those their lovers that had not so much as life; yet let us learn to call our YAHVEH our lover; let us keep up good thoughts of him, and put a high value upon our interest in him and in his love.

I will strip her, and so expose her to cold, and expose her to shame; and justly is she exposed to shame that did shamefully. The day when YAHVEH brought them out of Egypt, where they were no better than slaves and beggars, was the day in which they were born; and YAHVEH threatens to bring them back to as low and miserable a condition as he then found them in. Whatever they had that either gained them respect or screened those from contempt, among their neighbors, should be taken from them. See Eze. 16:4, 39.

She shall be starved, shall be deprived not only of her honors, but of her comforts and necessary supports. She shall be famished, shall be made as a wilderness and a dry land, and slain with thirst. She that boasted so much of her bread and water, her oil and her drinks, which her lovers had given her, shall not have so much as necessary food.

The land shall not afford subsistence for the inhabitants, for want of the rain of heaven; or, if it does, it shall be taken from them by the enemy, so that the rightful owners shall perish for want of it. Some understand it thus: I will make her as she was in the wilderness, and set her as she was in the desert land, where she was sometimes ready to perish for thirst.

So it explains the former part of the verse: I will set her as in the day that she was born; for it was in the vast howling wilderness that Israel was first formed into a people. They shall be in as deplorable a condition as their fathers were, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness, and in this respect, worse, that then the children were reserved to be heirs of the land of promise, but now I will not have mercy upon her children, for their mother has played the harlot.

Hos 2:6 “Therefore, see, I am hedging up your way with thorns, and I shall wall her in, so that she does not find her paths. – YAHVEH here goes on to threaten what HE would do with this treacherous idolatrous people; and HE warns that HE may not wound, HE threatens that HE may not strike. If HE turn not, HE will whet HIS sword (Ps. 7:12); but, if he turn, he will sheathe it. They did not turn, and therefore all this came upon them: and its being threatened before shows that it was the execution of a divine sentence upon them for their wickedness; and it is written for admonition to us.

They shall be perplexed and embarrassed in all their counsels, and disappointed in all their expectations. This is threatened. But to the threatening is annexed a promise that this shall be a means to convince them of their folly, and bring them home to their duty; and so good shall be brought out of evil, in token of the mercy YAHVEH has yet in reserve for them. And, this being the happy fruit and effect of the distress, it is hard to say whether the prediction, or the distress itself, should be called a threatening or a promise.

YAHVEH will raise up difficulties and troubles in their way, so that their public counsels and affairs shall have no success, nor shall they be able to get forward in them: I will hedge up thy way with thorns, with such crosses as, like thorns and briers, are the product of sin and the curse, and are scratching, and tearing, and vexing, and, when the way we are in is hedged up with them, stop our progress, and force us to turn back. She said, "I will go after my lovers; I will pursue my leagues and alliances with foreign powers, and depend upon them.’’

But YAHVEH says, "She shall be frustrated in these projects, and not be able to proceed in them. I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and, if that do not serve, I will make a wall.’’ If some smaller difficulties be got over, and prevail not to break her measures, YAHVEH will rise greater, for he will overcome when he judges. It shall be such a hedge, and such a wall, that she shall not find her paths.

The change of the person here, I will hedge up thy way, and then, she shall not find it, is usual in scripture, especially in an earnest way of speaking. "Sinner, do thou take notice, I will hedge up thy way, and all you that are bystanders take notice what will be the effect of this, you may observe that she cannot find her paths.’’

She shall be as a traveler that not only knows not which way to go, of many that are before him, but that finds no way at all to go forward. And then she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; she shall endeavor to make an interest in the Assyrians and Egyptians, and to have them for her protectors, but she shall not gain her point; they shall either not come into confederacy with her or not do her any service, shall help in vain and be as the staff of a broken reed.

She shall seek them, but shall not find them, shall seek to her idols, but shall not find that satisfaction in them which she promised herself; the gods whom she trusted and courted not only can do nothing for her, but have nothing to say to her to encourage her.

This is such a just judgment as the Sodomites met with, that were struck with blindness, and wearied themselves to find the door (Gen. 19:11), and the Syrians, 2 Ki. 6:18. Note, Those that are most resolute in their sinful pursuits are commonly most crossed in them. Thorns and snares are in the way of the forward (Prov. 22:5); and thus with them YAHVEH shows himself forward (Ps. 18:26), and walks contrary to those that walk contrary to him, Lev. 26:23, 24. The lamenting prophet complains, He has enclosed my ways, Lam. 3:7, 9. The way of God and duty is often hedged about with thorns, but we have reason to think it is a sinful way that is hedged up with thorns.

 This is such a kind rebuke, and indeed such a mercy, as Balaam met with, when the angel stood in his way, to hinder his going forward to curse Yisrael, Num. 22:22. Crosses and obstacles in an evil course are great blessings, and are so to be accounted. They are YAH’s hedges, to keep us from transgressing, to restrain us from wandering out of the green pastures, to withdraw man from his purpose (Job 33:17), to make the way of sin difficult, that we may not go on in it, and to keep us from it whether we will or not. We have reason to bless YAHVEH both for restraining grace and for restraining providences.

Hos 2:7 “And she shall pursue her lovers but not overtake them, and shall seek them but not find them. Then she shall say, ‘Let me go and return to my first husband, for then it was better for me than now.’ – These difficulties that YAHVEH raises up in their way shall raise up in their minds thoughts of turning back: "Then shall she say, Since I cannot overtake my lovers, I will even go and return to my first husband, that is, will return to YAHVEH, and humble myself to HIM, and desire HIM to take me in again; for, when I kept close to him, it was every way better with me than now.’’ Two things are here extorted from this degenerate apostate people:

·                     A just acknowledgement of the folly of their apostasy. They are now brought to own that it was better with them while they kept close to their YAHVEH than ever it was since they forsook him. Note, Whoever have exchanged the service of YAHVEH for the services of the world and the flesh have, sooner or later, been made to own that they changed for the worse, and that while they continued in good company, and went on in the way of good duties, and made conscience how they spent their time and what they said or did, it was better with them; they had more true comfort and enjoyment of themselves than ever they had since they went astray.

          A good purpose, to come back again to their duty: I will go, and return to my first husband; and she knows so much of his goodness and readiness to forgive that she speaks without any doubt of his receiving her again into favour and making her condition as good as ever.

The disappointments we meet with in our pursuits of satisfaction, if nothing else should drive us to the Creator, in whom alone it is to be found. When Moab is weary of the high place he shall go to the sanctuary, Isa. 16:12. And when the prodigal son is reduced to husks, short allowance indeed, and remembers that in his father’s house there is bread enough, and then he says, I will arise and go to my father’s house, Lu. 15:17, 18.

The necessary supports and comforts of life shall be taken from us, because we had dishonored ABBA YAHVEH. Their land was plenteous. Now see how graciously their blessing was. YAHVEH not only supplies corn for necessity, but wine for delight, and oil for ornament. Nay, he multiplied their silver and gold, to traffic with other nations and bring home their products, and which they might store up for posterity. Silver and gold will keep longer than corn, and wine, and oil. He gave them wool and flax too, to cover their nakedness, and to serve for ornament enough to them, Eze. 16:10. Abba YAHVEH a bountiful benefactor even to those who, he foresees, will be ungrateful and unthankful to him.

Hos 2:8 “And she did not acknowledge that I gave her grain, and new wine, and oil, and increased her silver and gold which they prepared for Baʽal. - How they abused their blessing. They robbed EL YAHVEH the honor of HIS gifts: She did not know that I gave her corn and wine; she did not remember it. The law and the prophets had told them, again and again, that all their comforts they received from YAH’S bountiful providence; but they were so often told by their false prophets and idolatrous priests that they had their blessing from their own initiative, that they had quite forgotten their relation to their great benefactor and their obligations to him. She did not consider it; she would not acknowledge it.

This they were willingly ignorant of, and more brutish than the ox, that knows his owner, and the ass, that knows his master’s crib. She did not know it, for she did not return thanks to him for his gifts, nor study what she should render; nor did she give him his dues out of them, but acted as if she were ignorant who was the donor.

They served and honored HIS enemies with them: They prepared them for Baal; they adorned their images with gold and silver (Jer. 10:4), and adorned themselves for the worship of their images. See Eze. 16:17–19. Wherewith they made Baal (so the margin reads it), that is, the image of Baal. It is a very great dishonor to the EL of heaven to make those gifts of HIS providence the food and fuel of our lusts which HE gave us for our support in HIS service, and to be oil to the wheels of our obedience.

Hos 2:9 “Therefore I shall turn back and shall take my grain in its time and My new wine in its season, and I shall take away My wool and My linen covering her nakedness. – How justly their plenty should be taken from them: "Therefore will I return; I will alter my dealings with them, will take another course, and will take away my corn and other good things that I gave her.’’

I will recover them, a law term, as a man by due courses of law recovers what is unjustly detained from him, or as, when the tenant has committed waste, the landlord recovers. YAHVEH their abundance my corn and my wine, my wool and my flax. They called it theirs (my bread and my water), but YAHVEH them know that it is not theirs; he only allowed them the use of it as tenants, entrusted them with the management of it as stewards, but still reserved the property in himself.

"It is my corn and my wine.’’ YAHVEH will have us to know, not only that we have all our creature-comforts and enjoyments from him, but that HE was still an incontestable right and title to them, that they are more his than ours, and therefore are to be used for him, and accounted for to him. He will therefore take their plenty away from them, because they have forfeited it by disowning his right, as a tenant by copy of court-roll, who holds at the will of his lord, forfeits his estate if he makes a foments of it as though he were a freeholder.

HE will recover it, will free or deliver it, that it may be no longer abused, as the creature is said to be delivered from the bondage of corruption under which it groans, Rom. 8:21. HE will take it away in the time thereof, and in the season thereof, just when they expected it, and thought that they were sure of it. It shall suffer shipwreck in the harbor; and the harvest shall be a heap. HE will take it away by unseasonable weather or by unreasonable men. Those that abuse the mercies YAHVEH gives them, to his dishonor, cannot expect to enjoy them long.

Hos 2:10 “And now I shall uncover her shame before the eyes of her lovers, and no one shall deliver her from My hand. - They shall lose all their honor, and be exposed to contempt."I will discover her lewdness, will bring to light all her secret wickedness, and make it public, to her shame; I will show by the punishment of it how heinous, how odious, how offensive it is.

The fact has been denied, but now it shall appear; the fault has been diminished, but now it shall appear exceedingly sinful. And this in the sight of her lovers, in the sight of the neighboring nations, with whom she courted an alliance, and on whom she had a dependence; they shall despise her and be ashamed of her because of her weakness, and poverty, and ill conduct; they shall not think her any longer worthy of their friendship.’’

See this fulfilled, Lam. 1:8, All that honored her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness. Or in the sight of the sun and moon, which she worshipped as her lovers; before them shall her lewdness be discovered. Compare this with Jer. 7:1, 2, They shall bring out the bones of their kings and princes, and spread them before the sun and moon, whom they have loved and served.

Sin will have shame; let those expect it that has done shamefully. What other lot can this impudent adulteress expect but that of a common harlot, to be carted through the town? And, when YAHVEH comes to deal thus with her, none shall deliver her out of his hands, neither the gods nor the men they confide in. Note, Those who will not deliver themselves into the hand of YAH’s mercy cannot be delivered out of the hand of HIS justice.

Hos 2:11 “And I shall cause all her rejoicing, her festivals, her New Moons, and her Sabbaths, even all her appointed times, to cease, - They shall lose all their pleasure, and shall be left melancholy: I will cause her mirth to cease.

It seems, then, though they had gone a whoring from their Elohim yet they could find in their hearts to rejoice as other people, which is forbidden, ch. 9:1.  Many who lie under guilt and wrath are yet very jocund and merry, and live jovially; but, whether in their laughter their hearts be sad or no, it is certain that the end of their mirth will be heaviness; for YAHVEH will cause all their mirth to cease.

YAHVEH will take away the occasions of their sacred mirth—their feast-days, their new moons, their Sabbaths, and all their solemn feasts. These EL YAHVEH instituted to be observed in a religious manner, and they were to be observed with rejoicing; and, it seems, though they had departed from the pure worship of YAHVH, yet they kept up the observance of these, not at YAH’s temple at Yerushalayim, for they had long since forsaken that, but probably at Dan and Bethel, where the calves were, or in some other places of meeting that they had.

They observed them, not for the honor of YAHVEH, nor with any true devotion towards him, but only because they were times of mirth and feasting, music and dancing, and meeting of friends, received by tradition from their fathers. Thus, when they had lost the power of godliness, and denied that, yet, for the pleasing of a vain and carnal mind, they kept up the form of it; and by this means their new-moons and their Sabbaths became an iniquity which YAHVEH could not do away with, Isa. 1:13.

(1.)        YAHVEH calls them their new-moons and their Sabbaths, not his (he disowns them), but theirs.

(2.)        He will cause them to cease. When men by their sins have caused the life and substance of ordinances to cease it is just with YAHVEH by HIS judgments to cause the remaining show and shadow of them to cease.

Today the Christian church has done away with this ordinance. When the church in 324 accept Constantine invitation for the Church to become the state religion of the Roman Empire, the church took on a new husband, and protector. Now The Emperor of Roam was there new protector.

Hos 2:12 and lay waste her vines and her fig trees, of which she has said, ‘these are my rewards that my lovers have given me.’ And I shall make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them. - He will take away the supports of their carnal mind. They loved the new-moons and the Sabbaths only for the sake of the good cheer that was stirring then, not for the sake of any religious exercises then performed; these they had dropped long ago; and now YAHVEH will take away their provisions for these solemnities: I will destroy her vines and her fig-trees.

If men destroy YAH’s words and ordinances, by which HE should be honored on their feast-days, it is just with HIM to destroy their vines and fig-trees, with which they regale themselves. While they took the pleasure of these, they gave their lovers the praise of them: "These are my rewards which my lovers have given me.

I may thank my stars for these, and my worship of them; I may thank my neighbors for these, and my alliance with them.’’ And therefore YAHVEH will destroy them, will wither them with a blast, or bring in a foreign enemy that shall lay the country waste, so that their vineyards shall become a forest.

The enclosures shall be thrown down, as is usual in war; all shall be laid in common, so that the beasts of the field shall eat their grapes and their figs. Or they shall be so blasted with the east wind that fruit-trees shall be of no more use than forest-trees; but, being withered and good for nothing, what fruit there is shall be left to the beasts of the field.

It shall be devoured by their enemies, by men as barbarous as wild beasts. Now, this shall be the ruin of their mirth: YAHVEH will cause all her mirth to cease. How will he do it? Taking away the new-moons and the Sabbaths will not do it; they can very easily part with them, and find no loss; but "I will destroy her vines and her fig-trees, will take away her sensual pleasures, and then she will think herself undone indeed.

Hos 2:13 “And I shall punish her for the days of the Baʽals to which she burned incense and adorned herself with her rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, and forgot Me,” declares יהוה . - The destruction of the vines and the fig-trees causes all the mirth of a carnal heart to cease; it will say, as Micah, You have taken away my gods, and what have I more?

This shall be the punishment of her idolatry: "I will visit upon her the days of Baalim; I will reckon with her for all the worship of all the Baals they have made gods of, from the days of their fathers unto this day.’’ These day are: Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, and new years ect.

We read of their worshipping Baal as long ago as the time of the Judges, and, for aught I know, this may look as far back as those times, those days of Baalim; for it is in the second commandment, which forbids idolatry, that YAHVEH threatens to visit the iniquities of the fathers upon the children; and justly is that sin so visited, more than any other, because it commonly supports itself by prescription and long usage. Now that the measure of the iniquity of Israel was full all their former sins came into the account, and shall be required of this generation.

The days of Baalim are the solemn festival days which they kept in honor of their idols Days: Christmas, Valentine day, Easter, Good Friday, New Years, Mothers Day, ect; of sinful mirth must be visited in days of mourning. These were the days wherein she burnt incense to idols, and, to grace the solemnity, decked herself with her ear-rings and her jewels, that, appearing honorable, the honor she did to Baal might be thought the greater.

She was as a wife that decks herself with the ear-rings and jewels that her husband gave her, to make herself amiable to her lovers, whom she follows after, and is ever mindful of. But she forgot me, saith the YAHVEH.

Our treacherous departures from YAHVEH are owing to our forgetfulness of HIM, of HIS nature and attributes, HIS relation to us and our obligations to HIM. Many who plead that they have weak memories, and forget the things of YAHVEH, can remember other things well enough; nay, it is because they are so mindful of lying vanities that they are so forgetful of their own mercies.

Hos 2:14 “Therefore, see, I am alluring her, and shall lead her into the wilderness, and shall speak to her heart, - The state of Israel ruined was by their own sin did not look so black and dismal in the former part of the chapter, but that the state of Yisrael, restrained by the divine grace, looks as bright and pleasant here in the latter part of the chapter, and the more surprisingly so as the promises follow thus close upon the threatening.

It is very strange, they are by a note of connection joined to, and inferred from, that declaration of their sinfulness upon which the threatening of their ruin is grounded: She went after her lovers, and forgot me, saith YAHVEH; therefore I will allure her.

Behold I will allure her! When it was said, she forgot me, one would think it should have followed, "Therefore I will abandon her, I will forget her, I will never look after her more.’’ No, Therefore I will allure her. YAH’s thoughts and ways of mercy are infinitely above ours; HIS reasons are all fetched from within himself, and not from anything in us; nay, HIS goodness takes occasion from man’s badness to appear so much the more illustrious, Isa. 57:17, 18.

Therefore, because she will not be restrained by the denunciations of wrath, YAHVEH will try whether she will be wrought upon by the offers of mercy. Some think it may be translated, afterwards, or nevertheless, I will allure her. It comes all to one; the design is plainly to magnify free grace to those on whom YAHVEH will have mercy purely for mercy’s sake. Now that which is here promised to Yisrael is.

Hos 2:15 and give to her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Aḵor as a door of expectation. And there she shall respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Mitsrayim. -  That though now they were disconsolate, and ready to despair, they should again be revived with comforts and hopes. This is expressed here with an allusion to YAH’s dealings with that people when he brought them out of Egypt, through the wilderness to Canaan, as their forlorn and deplorable condition in their captivity was compared to their state in Egypt in the day that they were born, verse 5.

 They shall be new-formed by such miracles of love and mercy as they were first-formed by, and such a transport of joy shall they be in as they were in then. It is hard to say when this had its accomplishment in the kingdom of the ten tribes; but it principally aims, no doubt, at the bringing in both of Jews and Gentiles into the church by the gospel of Messiyah, and it is applicable, we have reason to think it was designed that it should be applied, to the conversion of particular souls to YAHVEH. Now observe,

Hos 2:16 “And it shall be, in that day,” declares יהוה , “that you call Me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer call Me ‘My Baʽal.’ - That, though they had been much addicted to the worship of Baal, they should now be perfectly weaned from it, should relinquish and abandon all appearances of idolatry and approaches towards it, and cleave to YAHVEH only, and worship him as he appoints.

The surest pledge and token of YAH’s favor to any people is his effectual parting between them and their beloved sins.

The worship of Baal was the sin that did most easily beset the people of Yisrael; it was their own iniquity, the sin that had dominion over them; but now that idolatry shall be quite abolished, and there shall not be the least remains of it among them.

The idols of Baal shall not be mentioned, not any of the Baals that in the days of Baalim had made so great a noise with, O Baal! hear us; O Baal! Hear us, O Lord! O Lord! hear us. The very names of Baalim “Lord” shall be taken out of their mouths; they shall be so disused that they shall be quite forgotten, as if their names had never been known in Yisrael.

They shall be so detested that people will not bear to mention them themselves, nor to hear others mention them, so that posterity shall scarcely know that ever there were such things. They shall be so ashamed of their former love to Baal that they shall do all they can to blot out the remembrance of it.

They shall tie themselves up to the strictest literal meaning of that law against idolatry (Ex. 23:13), Make no mention of the names of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth, as David, Ps. 16:4.

The apostle expresses the abhorrence we ought to have of all fleshly lusts: Let them not be once named among you, Eph. 5:3. But how can such a change of the Ethiopian’s skin be wrought? It is answered; the power of EL YAHVEH can do it, and will. I will take away the names of Baalim “Lord”; as Zec. 13:2, I will cut off the names of the idols.

YAH’s grace in the heart will change the language by making that iniquity to be loathed which was beloved. Zep. 3:9, I will turn to the people a pure language “Hebrew” . One of the rabbin says, This promise relates to the Hebrews, that the Torah was written in, the idolatries which they had been wedded to, 1 Th. 1:9.

The very word Baal “Lord” shall be laid aside, even in its innocent signification. YAHVEH says, Thou shalt call me Ishi, and call me no more Baali; both signify my husband, and both had been made use of concerning YAHVEH. Isa. 54:5, Thy Maker is thy husband, thy Baal (so the word is), thy owner, patron, and protector.

It is probable that many good people had, accordingly, made use of the word Baali in worshipping the Elohim of Israel; when their wicked neighbours bowed the knee to Baal they gloried in this, that “God” was their Baal. "But,’’ says God, "you shall call me so no more, because I will have the very names of Baalim taken away.’’ That which is very innocent in itself should, when it has been abused to idolatry, be abolished, and the very use of it taken away, that nothing may be done to keep idols in remembrance, much less to keep them in reputation.

When calling YAHVEH Ishi will do as well, and signify as much, as Baali, let that word be chosen rather, lest, by calling HIM Baali, others should be put in mind of their quondam Baals. Some think that there is another reason intimated why YAHVEH would be called Ishi and not Baali; they both signify my husband, but Ishi is a compellation of love, and sweetness, and familiarity, Baali of reverence and subjection. Ishi is my man; Baali is my lord. In gospel-times YAHVEH has so revealed HIMSELF to us as to encourage us to come boldly to the throne of his grace, and to use a holy humble freedom there; we ought to call YAHVEH our Master, for so he is, but we are more taught to call him our Father. Ishi is a man god (Gen. 4:1), and intimates that in gospel-times the Assembly’s husband shall be the man Yahushua HaMashiach, made like unto his brethren, and therefore they shall call him Ishi, not Baali.

          When Ephraim returns, they will give up the generic term “Lord” that they used to refer to all their other lovers and use, YAHVEH My Husband, to distinguish Him and to display HIS greatness, in their return.

Hos 2:17 “And I shall remove the names of the Baʽals from her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name. – YAHVEH will remove all the false names and restore the name of YAHVEH through sound teaching.

Hos 2:18 “And in that day I shall make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the birds of the heavens, and with the creeping creatures of the ground, when bow, and sword, and battle I break from the earth. And I shall make them lie down in safety. - That though they had been in continual troubles, as if the whole creation had been at war with them, now they shall enjoy perfect peace and tranquility, as if they were in a league of friendship with the whole creation. In that day, when they have forsaken their idols, and put themselves under the divine protection, I will make a covenant for them.

They shall be protected from evil; nothing shall hurt them, nor do them any mischief. When YAHVEH is at peace with us HE makes every creature to be so too. The inferior creatures shall do them no harm, as they had done when the beasts of the field ate up their vineyards and when noisome beasts were one of YAH’s sore judgments, Eze. 14:15. the fowl and the creeping things are taken into this covenant; for they also, when YAHVEH makes use of them as the instruments of HIS justice, may become very hurtful, but they shall be no more so; nay, by virtue of this covenant, they shall be made serviceable to them and brought into their interests.

YAHVEH has the command of the inferior creatures, and brings them into what covenant HE pleases; HE can make the beasts of the field to honor HIM (so he has promised, Isa. 43:20) and to contribute to HIS people’s comfort. If the inferior creatures are thus laid under an engagement to serve us, it is our part of the covenant not to abuse them, but to serve YAHVEH with them.

Some think that this had its accomplishment in the miraculous power Messiyah gave His disciples to take up serpents, Mk. 16:17, 18. It agrees with the promises made particularly to Yisrael in their return out of captivity (Eze. 34:25, I will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land), and the more general ones to all the saints. Job 5:22, 23, The beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee; and Ps. 91:13, Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder.

But this is not all; men are more in danger from one another than from the brute beast, and therefore it is further promised that YAHVEH will make wars to cease, will disarm the enemy: I will break the bow, and sword, and battle. He can do it when he pleases (Ps. 44:9), and will do it for those whose ways please him, for he makes even their enemies to be at peace with them, Prov. 16:7.

This agrees with the promise that in gospel-times swords shall be beaten into plough-shares, Isa. 2:4. 2. They shall be quiet from the fear of evil. YAHVEH will not only keep them safe, but make them to lie down safely, as those that know themselves to be under the protection of Heaven, and therefore are not afraid of the powers of hell.

Hos 2:19 “And I shall take you as a bride unto Me forever, and take you as a bride unto Me in righteousness, and in right-ruling, and kindness and compassion. - That, though YAHVEH had given them a bill of divorce for their whoredoms, yet, upon their repentance, he would again take them into covenant with himself, into a marriage-covenant. YAH’s making a covenant for them with the inferior creatures was a great favor; but it was nothing to this, that he took them into covenant with himself and engaged himself to do them good.

The nature of this covenant; it is a marriage-covenant, founded in choice and love, and founding the nearest relation: I will betroth thee unto me; and again, and a third time, I will betroth thee.

All that are sincerely devoted to YAHVEH are betrothed to HIM; YAHVEH gives them the most sacred and inviolable security imaginable that HE will love them, protect them, and provide for them, that he will do the part of a husband to them, and that he will incline their hearts to join themselves to him and will graciously accept of them in so doing.

Believing souls are espoused to Messiyah, 2 Co. 11:2. The Gospel-Yisrael is the bride, the Lamb’s wife; and they would never come into that relation to him if he did not by the power of his grace betroth them to himself. The separation begins on our side; we alienate ourselves from YAHVEH. The coalition begins on HIS side; HE betroths us to Himself.

The duration of this covenant: "I will betroth thee forever. The covenant itself shall be inviolable; YAHVEH will not break it on HIS part, and you shall not on yours; and the blessings of it shall be everlasting.’’ One of the Jewish rabbi says, This is a promise that she shall attain to the life of the world to come, which is absolute eternity or perpetuity.

The manner in which this covenant shall be made. In righteousness and judgment, that is, YAHVEH will deal sincerely and uprightly in covenant with them; they have broken covenant, and YAHVEH is righteous. "But,’’ says YAHVEH, "I will renew the covenant in righteousness.’’ The matter shall be so ordered that  YAHVEH may receive even these backsliding children into his family again, without any reflection upon his justice, nay, his justice being satisfied by the Mediator of this covenant very much to the honor of it. But what reason can there be why YAHVEH should take a people into covenant with him that had so often dealt treacherously? Will it not reflect upon his wisdom? "No,’’ says YAHVEH; "I will do it in judgment, not rashly, but upon due consideration; let me alone to give a reason for it and to justify my own conduct.’’

Hos 2:20 “And I shall take you as a bride unto Me in trustworthiness, and you shall know יהוה . - In loving-kindness and in mercies. YAHVEH will deal tenderly and graciously in covenanting with them; and will be not only as good as HIS word, but better; and, as he will be just in keeping covenant with them, so HE will be merciful in keeping them in the covenant. They are subject to many infirmities, and, if HE be extreme to mark what they do amiss, they will soon lose the benefit of the covenant. He therefore promises that it shall be a covenant of grace, made in a compassionate consideration of their infirmities, so that every transgression in the covenant shall not throw them out of covenant; he will gather with everlasting loving-kindness. In faithfulness. Every article of the covenant shall be punctually performed. Faithful is he that has called them, who also will do it; he cannot deny himself.

The means by which they shall be kept tight and faithful to the covenant on their part: Thou shall know the YAHVEH This is not only a promise that YAHVEH will reveal himself to them more fully and clearly than ever, but that he will give them a heart to know him; they shall know more of him, and shall know him in another manner than ever yet.

The ground of their apostasy was their not knowing YAHVEH to be their benefactor verse 8; therefore, to prevent the like, they shall all be taught of YAHVEH to know him. YAHVEH keeps up HIS interest in men’s souls by giving them a good understanding and a right knowledge of things, Heb. 8:11.

Hos 2:21 “And it shall be in that day that I answer,” declares יהוה , “that I answer the heavens, and they answer the earth, - That, though the heavens had been to them as brass, and the earth as iron, now the heavens shall yield their dews, and by that means the earth its fruits. YAHVEH having betrothed the gospel-Yisrael and in it all believers to Himself, how shall HE not with himself and with his Son freely give them all things, all things pertaining both to life and godliness, all things they need or can desire? All is theirs, for they are Messiyah’s, betrothed to Him; and with the righteousness of the kingdom of Heavens, which they seek first, all other things shall be added unto them. And yet this promise of corn and wine is to be taken also in a spiritual sense, it is an effusion of those blessings and graces which relate to the soul that is here promised under the metaphor of temporal blessings, the dew of heaven, as well as the fatness of the earth, and that put first, as in the blessing of Jacob, Gen. 27:28.

YAHVEH had threatened verse 9 that HE would take away the corn and the wine; but now HE promises to restore them, and that in the common course and order of nature.

The Corn and the wine represent the Barlie and the Wheat harvest, Passover and Pentecost, and the Wine harvest is Sukkoth festival.

While they lay under the judgment of spiritual famine they called to the earth for corn and wine for the support of themselves and their families. Very gladly would the earth have supplied them, but she cannot give unless she receive, cannot produce corn and wine unless she be enriched with the river of EL YAHVEH (Ps. 65:9); and therefore she calls to the heavens for rain, the former and latter rain in their season, grapes for it, and by her melancholy aspect when rain is denied pleads for it.

"But,’’ say the heavens, "we have no rain to give unless he who has the key of the clouds unlock them, and open these bottles; so that, if YAHVEH do not help you, we cannot.’’ But, when YAHVEH takes them into covenant with Himself, and they begins to restore the Fast days, then the wheel of nature shall be set a-going again in favor of them, and the streams of mercy shall flow in the usual channel.

Hos 2:22 and the earth answer the grain and the new wine and the oil, and they answer Yizreʽĕl. – Then I will hear, saith YAHVEH; I will receive your prayers (so the Chaldee interprets the first hearing); YAHVEH will graciously take notice of their addresses to him. And then I will hear the heavens. I will answer them (so it may be read); and then they shall hear and answer the earth, and pour down seasonable rain upon it.

Then the earth shall hear the corn and vines, and supply them with moisture, and they shall hear Jezreel, and be nourishment and refreshment for those that inhabit Jezreel. See here the coherence of second causes with one another, as links in a chain, and the necessary dependence they all have upon YAHVEH, the first Cause.

 We must expect all our comforts from YAHVEH in the usual method and by the appointed means; and, when we are at any time disappointed in them, we must look up to YAHVEH, above the hills and the mountains, Ps. 121:1, 2.

See how ready the creatures are to serve the people of YAHVEH, how desirous of the honor: the corn cries to the earth, the earth to the heavens, the heavens to YAHVEH, and all that they may supply them.

See how ready YAHVEH is to give relief: I will hear, saith YAHVEH, yea, I will hear. If YAHVEH will hear the cry of the heavens for his people, much more will he hear the intercession of his Son for them, who is made higher than the heavens.

See what a peculiar delight those that are in covenant with YAHVEH may take in their creature-comforts, as seeing them all come to them from the Mighty Hand of YAHVEH; they can trace up all the streams to the fountain, and taste covenant-love in common mercies, which makes them doubly sweet.

That whereas they were now dispersed, not only, as Simeon and Levi, divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel, but divided and scattered all the world over, YAHVEH will turn this curse, as He did that, into a blessing: "I will not only water the earth for her, but will sow her unto me in the earth; her dispersion shall be not like that of the chaff in the floor, which the wind drives away, but like that of the seed in the field, in order to its greater increase; wherever they are scattered they shall take root downward and bear fruit upward.

The good seed are the children of the kingdom. I will sow her unto me.’’ This alludes to the name of Jezreel, which signifies sown of YAHVEH, or for YAHVEH; as she was scattered of him (which is one signification of the words) so she shall be sown of him; and to what he sows he will give the increase.

 When in all parts of the world Yisrael got its footing, and every where the True Name is professors, then this promise was fulfilled, I will sow her unto me in the earth. Note, The greatest blessing of this earth is that YAHVEH has a Assembly in it, and from that arises all the tribute of glory which HE has out of it; it is what HE has sown to Himself, and what HE will therefore secure to Himself.

Brit Chadasha

Revelation 7: 1 -17

Here we have, I. An account of the restraint laid upon the winds, the Spirit. By these winds we suppose are meant those errors and corruptions in religion which would occasion a great deal of trouble and mischief to Yisrael.

Sometimes the Holy Spirit is compared to the wind: here the spirits of error are compared to the four winds, contrary one to another, but doing much hurt to Yisrael, the garden and vineyard of YAHVEH, breaking the branches and blasting the fruits of his plantation.

The devil is called the prince of the power of the air; he, by a great wind, overthrew the house of Job’s eldest son. Errors are as wind, by which those who are unstable are shaken, and carried to and fro, Eph. 4:14. Observe,

1.    These are called the winds of the earth, because they blow only in these lower regions near the earth; heaven is always clear and free from them.

2.    They are restrained by the ministry of angels, standing on the four corners of the earth, intimating that the spirit of error cannot go forth till YAHVEH permits it, and that the angels minister to the good of the church by restraining its enemies.

3.    Their restraint was only for a season, and that was till the servants of YAHVEH were sealed in their foreheads. YAHVEH has a particular care and concern for HIS own servants in times of temptation and corruption, and HE has a way to secure them from the common infection; he first establishes them, and then he tries them; HE has the timing of their trials in HIS own hand.

Rev 7:1  And after this I saw four messengers standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. – During the days of Creation the only wind that was evident was the Wind of the Holy Spirit. The wind of the evil spirit is here described as being under the subjection of four mighty angels. Angels who had more authority that the evil spirit that controlled the four winds.

When we see the destructive power of a hurricane or a Tornado, we know that this is the releasing of a destructive power of one of these evil spirits.

Rev 7:2 And I saw another messenger coming up from the rising of the sun, holding the seal of the living Elohim. And he cried with a loud voice to the four messengers to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea, - In this verse we see another Messenger come out of the Rising Sun, Yahushua HaMashiach with a message of a command for the four Angels who were holding back the angels of death.

Rev 7:3 saying, “Do not harm the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees until we have sealed the servants of our Elohim upon their foreheads.”¹ Footnote: ¹See 9:4, 14:1, 22:4. – The command was simple and straight forward, they were allow to blow, but they could not harm the earth, or the sea, nor the trees until the required number of servant have reach maturity.

Rev 7:4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of all the tribes of the children of Yisra’ĕl:  - In this verse we hear the voice of those who were already sealed or reach full maturity, from every Tribe of Yisrael.

Rev 7:5 of the tribe of Yehuḏah twelve thousand were sealed, of the tribe of Re’uḇĕn twelve thousand were sealed, of the tribe of Gaḏ twelve thousand were sealed, - There must be 12,000 full mature believer from every Tribe. In order to restore the kingdom to its former glory, before the rebellion.

                                                                                            

Rev 7:6 of the tribe of Ashĕr twelve thousand were sealed, of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed, of the tribe of Menashsheh twelve thousand were sealed,

Rev 7:7 of the tribe of Shimʽon twelve thousand were sealed, of the tribe of Lĕwi twelve thousand were sealed, of the tribe of Yissasḵar twelve thousand were sealed,

Rev 7:8 of the tribe of Zeḇulun twelve thousand were sealed, of the tribe of Yosĕph twelve thousand were sealed, of the tribe of Binyamin twelve thousand were sealed.

Rev 7:9 After this I looked and saw a great crowd which no one was able to count, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, and palm branches in their hands, - The key word in this verse is “Standing in front of the Throne” these are those who just made it into the kingdom, they have not yet reach maturity. Revelation 7:15 called them servant in Heavens.

Rev 7:10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Deliverance belongs to our Elohim who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” – These are the same group of believers that Revelation 7:15 say will be crying, why you may ask are they crying. When we get there and we discovered the time we have wasted here on earth, following after false gods, and false religion, and they never reach full maturity. They will be weeping. Rev 3:21 “To him that overcome will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne, even as I also overcame, and sit down with my Father on His Throne.

Those who get to sit on the Throne reach full maturity, those in the Holy of Holies, those who stand in front of the Throne are in the Out-court, where spiritual children reside, while in the Holy of Holies are for fathers full grown believers.

Rev 7:11 And all the messengers stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped Elohim, -This verse describe another group, those who stand around the Throne. These are those who made it into the Holy Place spiritually, those who scripture call young men. Yet they have fallen short of full maturity.

Rev 7:12 saying, “Amĕn! The blessing, and the esteem, and the wisdom, and the thanksgiving, and the respect, and the power, and the might, to our Elohim forever and ever. Amĕn.” - While those who sit on the Throne makes the decisions, those who stand in-front are the servants who carry out the orders. Those who stand around the Throne carry the orders from the rulers to the servants, that why angels are called mallakims, or messengers.

Rev 7:13 And one of the elders responded, saying to me, “Who are these dressed in white robes, and where did they come from?” – One of the Elders part of the ruling counsel in the Heavens ask the question about those who were dress in white and standing before the Throne.

                                                 

Rev 7:14 And I said to him, “Master, you know.” And he said to me, “These are those coming out of the great distress, having washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. – They are the believers that were martyred not ruptured during the great Tribulation. They died for their faith in Yahushua our Messiyah, and holding on to the True Name of YAHVEH.

Rev 7:15 “Because of this they are before the throne of YAHVEH and serve Him day and night in His Dwelling Place. And He who sits on the throne shall spread His Tent over them. – Because of their commitment and their desire to die for the principle of Torah, they were protected under the wings of Messiyah.

Rev 7:16 “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun strike them, nor any heat, - They shall not hunger for the bread of life anymore  for the next verse says that Yahushua shall teach them the Living Torah.

Rev 7:17 because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall shepherd them and lead them to fountains of waters of life. And Elohim shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.” – Why you may ask were they crying in the Heavens? When we realize what we could have accomplish while here on earth, and it took the great tribulation to drive us to our senses. Many will have tears in their eyes for the wasted time we spent in the pursue of the useless thing of this world.