Pekudei

Parashas Pekudei

Exodus 38:21 – 40:38

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

This Parashas Pekudei which means “The Accounts” is the 23^rd Torah Portion, it begins with a detailed listing of the amount of Gold, silver, and copper that was contributed for the construction of the Tabernacle, which Moses used to build the Tabernacle. This sound very simplistic, but when we study the account, we realize that what actually took place, particularly the secondary account, it was much more complicated than was first describe.

When Moses descended from Mt Sinai with the second set of Tablets, he returned with a message from the CREATOR. They were to build a Tabernacle where the Shekinah of ABBA YAHVEH could dwell among the Yisraelites.

For the next weeks are so, the Yisraelites gathered the required building materials. What happen with all the wood, gold, silver, bronze, and fabric that had been collected?

Torah say all the material was packed away somewhere in the Camp, despite the fact that the metals were deposited with Moses and were under the supervision of Bezalel, leadership whose greatness and integrity were indisputable, were known to the people, and attested to by EL YAHVEH, Moses made a full accounting of all proceeds and use of contributions. He would not rely on assumptions, for leaders must be beyond reproach and must keep accounts of the funds that pass through their hands.

Exo 38:21 These were the reckonings of the Tabernacle, the Dwelling Place of the Witness, which was appointed by the command of Mosheh, for the service of the Lĕwites, by the hand of Ithamar, son of Aharon the priest. – “There are” this suggests homiletically that the one meaningful reckoning is the account one makes of the resources that are devoted to building EL YAHVEH’S sanctuaries and otherwise used for the sake of the Kingdom. Only such investments are eternal; the others are transitory.

 The tabernacle, the Dwelling Place are the same, why the repetition? In this context, the word Tabernacle includes all the vessels and utensils contained in the structure.

Collectively they are given the name Tabernacle because it is the abode of the Ark, which contained the Tablets of Testimony. The reason it is necessary for the Torah to tell us here is that we are speaking of the entire structure and its contents. The double mentioning of the name alludes to the two Tabernacles, the Corporate and the individual.

The corporate structure is to be a continual reminder to the people of what they are to focus their resources on. The corporate Tabernacle was to last as a reminder from generation to generation for a people on their way to perfection. The people would look at it and remember the sins of the Golden Calf, and what they had lost in the process. This body of flesh is the real objective of the lesson of Torah, to transplant our ego, therefore making our body into the Tabernacle of the Holy Spirit, here on earth. That what Torah called the living Torah, when we imbedded, when we write the Torah on our heart, we fulfilled Torah, and its purpose.

Exo 38:22 And Betsal’ĕl son of Uri, son of Ḥur, of the tribe of Yehuḏah, made all that יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. - Betsalel illustrates a type of ministry that produces this character in humans according to the Command written in Torah. Taking the individual from initial salvation all the way to full maturity, which is the goal of this ministry.

Exo 38:23 And with him: Oholiaḇ son of Aḥisamaḵ, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and designer, an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet material, and in fine linen. - Both men were like the Prophet and the Teacher. Oholiab was the teacher who writes the Torah on our hearts, as he engraves different symbols on the Altars of the Tabernacle. Every Altar represent a stage in our spiritual development, it is incumbent on the ministry associated with each altar to make sure that every individual experience to their fullness all the spiritual principle each altar has to teach.

Exo 38:24 All the gold prepared for the work, in all the work of the set-apart place – and it was the gold of the wave offering – came to be twenty-nine talents and seven hundred and thirty sheqels, according to the sheqel of the set-apart place. – “ For all the holy works” This seemingly superfluous phrase is included to show the extent of the miracle.

In the ordinarily course of working with gold, there is always waste, especially when the vessels are as intricately carved and beating into shape as the Menorah and the Cherubim, and the gold had to be cut into fine tread like fibers to be woven into the threads of the vestments and tapestries. Nevertheless, as our verse states, all of the gold was process without any waste.

In the daily lives of the believers, there are no wasted moments. Now is the best of times and the worst of times. It is the best of times for those who recognize the circumstance that they are in and maximize it to their benefit. They are the one’s who will not keep going around the same mountain over and over and have never learn the lesson needed for them to move on to the next challenge.

It is the worst of time for those who keep making the same mistake over and over again, and keep asking EL YAHVEH for help. Just ask the Holy Spirit for the Spirit of Wisdom and understanding.

Like the gold that make the Menorah, it was purify seven times before it could be used. We too must experience certain principle over and over again until it is written on our hearts. Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrew 8:10 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisrael after those days, saith YAHVEH; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a EL, and they shall be to me a people” The Bride-to-be must have the correct understanding of the Covenant, and wisdom is the ability to practice it.

Exo 38:25 And the silver from the ones counted of the congregation was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five sheqels, according to the sheqel of the set-apart place: - From a Corporate stand point, we are all part of the Tabernacle. We might be an individual, yet anyone could be assign a position as the gold or the silver, bronze or even the ram’s skin that helps define the Corporate Tabernacle. Whatever positions we are assigned, one thing is required of us, faithfulness. Weather we are the gold on the top were everyone can see, or we are the gold at the bottom of the Menorah, where no one sees, faithfulness is still required.

Verse 26 – 28 these verses list only the silver that was accumulated through the head tax of a half-shekel, which were used to count the Adult males. The bulk of it was used, as stated in verse 27, to cast the ninety-six sockets that supported the forty-eight planks of the Tabernacle walls and the four sockets that support the four pillars that help the Partition curtain in front of the Holy of Holies.

The remaining silver was used for the accessories needed for the pillars. If so, however, where was the silver that was voluntarily contributed? No other silver was needed because there was no need for it. The Torah stress that there was absolutely no waste in casting the silver socket; one talent was allocated for each, and each socket weight exactly one talent when it was finish.

Our Heavenly Father is that precise, there are no wasted moments in our lives, for those who are in the Sovereign Will of EL YAHVEH. We fall into problems when we fail to understand the reason why we are experiencing what we are experiencing. Like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are the days of our lives.

Are we going to be the silver that forms the sockets that supports, the boards that hold up the Tent? Or are we going to be the brass sockets that form the base that support the pegs all around the courtyard.

Whatever position we are chosen to be in the Tabernacle is determined on our spiritual growth, while we are here on Planet earth in the flesh.

Exo 38:26 a beqa, half a sheqel for a head, according to the sheqel of the set-apart place, for everyone passing over to those counted, from twenty years old and above, for six hundred and three thousand, five hundred and fifty men. – The silver was levied by way of tax; every man was assessed half a shekel, a kind of poll-money, which amounted in the whole to 100 talents, and 1775 shekels over.

Exo 38:27 And the hundred talents of silver were for casting the sockets of the set-apart place and the bases of the veil: one hundred sockets from the hundred talents, a talent for each socket. – Of this they made the sockets into which the boards of the tabernacle were let, and on which they rested; so that they were as the foundation of the tabernacle.

Exo 38:28 And of the one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five sheqels he made hooks for the columns, and overlaid their tops, and made bands for them. –

Exo 38:29 And the bronze of the wave offering was seventy talents and two thousand four hundred sheqels. – Of this they made the sockets into which the boards of the tabernacle were let, and on which they rested; so that they were as the foundation of the tabernacle. The silver amounted to about 34,000.00 of our money. The raising of the gold by voluntary contribution, and of the silver by way of tribute, shows that either way may be taken for the defraying of public expenses, provided that nothing be done with partiality.

Exo 38:30 And with it he made the sockets for the door of the Tent of Meeting, and the bronze altar, and the bronze grating for it, and all the utensils for the altar, -

            

Exo 38:31 and the sockets for the courtyard all around, and the bases for the courtyard gate, and all the pegs for the Dwelling Place, and all the pegs for the courtyard all around. – The brass, though less valuable, was of use not only for the brazen altar, but for the sockets of the court, which probably in other tents were of wood: but it is promised (Isa. 60:17), For wood I will bring brass. See how liberal the people were and how faithful the workmen were, in both which respects their good example ought to be followed.

Chapter 39

Exo 39:1  And of the blue and purple and scarlet material they made woven garments, to do service in the set-apart place. And they made the set-apart garments, which were for Aharon, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. – Those of us who have develop that Heavenly character, that is represented by the color blue, and purple are those who are ready to rule and reign with Him, are the one who have overcome by the Blood of the Lamb. They are the ones who are now the Bride in waiting, not the Bride-to-be. They are the Aaron’s and priest of the Tabernacle. They are the one who have reach full maturity, the Ark of the Covenant. These are they Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Exo 39:2 And he made the shoulder garment of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material, and of fine woven linen. – Notice the makeup of the Garments, that were made for those who reach full maturity.

Exo 39:3 And they beat out sheets of gold and cut it into threads, to work it in with the blue and purple and scarlet material, and the fine linen, the work of a skilled workman. – These work men are symbolic of the Angels in the Kingdom who are preparing the Bridal gown for the Bride in waiting. This verse describes the material used in the construction of that celebrated garment. Every material represents the achievement of that person. The beaten gold represent the hardship they endure in fabricating their heavily (blue) personality, the purple represent their right to rule and reign, and the scarlet means they came through the Blood. The responsibility of a skilled minister of the uncompromised Word.

Exo 39:4 They made shoulder pieces for it to join it, it was joined at its two edges. –

Exo 39:5 And the embroidered band of his shoulder garment that was on it was of the same work of gold, and blue and purple and scarlet material, and of fine woven linen, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. - All of these items describe here, are the achievement we have accomplish. The instruments on our garment are like stripes on the uniform of an officer in the army, they must be earned. Just like a medal of honor is given to someone who meet the requirement and have merit the occasion.

Exo 39:6 And they made the shoham stones, set in plated work of gold, engraved as signets are engraved, according to the names of the sons of Yisra’ĕl.

Exo 39:7 And he put them on the shoulders of the shoulder garment, stones of remembrance for the sons of Yisra’ĕl, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. – A mature son will always carry with them the burden of the Children of Yisrael at all times. This is a character issue, regardless of where they are, if they do not believe in the Messiyah or not, if they even believe in rabbinic Judaism, we must constantly keep them in our prayers as a burden on our shoulders at all time.

Exo 39:8 And he made the breastplate, a work of a skilled workman, like the work of the shoulder garment, of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material, and of fine woven linen. – Another example of the same principle. The breastplate symbolizes that we must keep the twelve tribes of Yisrael on our heart, praying that they too may have the Shechinah entwine in the fabric of the character, along with right to rule and reign, and also that they may receive the Blood of Messiyah that was show for them also.

I am not going to comment any further, I will allow the Spirit of Understand to work this word into the fabric of the mind as us read for your self. May the Spirit of Understand be with you?

Exo 39:9 It was square, they made the breastplate double, its length a span, its width a span, doubled. –

Exo 39:10 And they filled it with four rows of stones: a row of ruby, a topaz, and an emerald was the first row; -

Exo 39:11 and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; -

Exo 39:12 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; -

Exo 39:13 and the fourth row a beryl, a shoham, and a jasper – set in plated work of gold in their settings. –

Exo 39:14 And the stones were according to the names of the sons of Yisra’ĕl, twelve according to their names, engraved like a signet, each one with its own name according to the twelve tribes. –

Exo 39:15 And they made braided chains of corded work for the breastplate at the ends, of clean gold. –

       

Exo 39:16 And they made two settings of gold and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. –

Exo 39:17 And they put the two cords of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate. –

Exo 39:18 And the two ends of the two cords they fastened in the two settings, and put them on the shoulder pieces of the shoulder garment in the front. –

Exo 39:19 And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the edge of it, which was on the inward side of the shoulder garment. –

Exo 39:20 And they made two gold rings and put them on the two shoulder pieces, underneath the shoulder garment, on the front of it, close to its seam above the embroidered band of the shoulder garment. –

Exo 39:21 And they bound the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the shoulder garment with a blue cord, so that it would be above the embroidered band of the shoulder garment, and that the breastplate would not come loose from the shoulder garment, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. –

Exo 39:22 And he made the robe of the shoulder garment of woven work, all of blue. –

Exo 39:23 And the opening of the robe was in the middle, like the opening in a scaled armour, with a woven binding all around the opening, so that it would not tear. –

Exo 39:24 And they made on the hem of the robe pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet material, twined. –

Exo 39:25 And they made bells of clean gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates on the hem of the robe all around between the pomegranates: -

Exo 39:26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe, for the service, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh.-

Exo 39:27 And they made the long shirt of fine linen, the work of a weaver, for Aharon and his sons, -

Exo 39:28 and a turban of fine linen, and the turban ornaments of fine linen, and short trousers of fine woven linen, - The turban, the headpiece of splendor for those who have reach full maturity.

Exo 39:29 and a girdle of fine woven linen with blue and purple and scarlet material, the work of an embroiderer, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh.

Exo 39:30 And they made the plate of the set-apart sign of dedication of clean gold, and wrote on it an inscription like the engraving of a signet: set-apartness to  יהוה .

Exo 39:31 And they put on it a blue cord, to fasten it above on the turban, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. – The head plate, the mind set, was held in place on the Mature believer by three blue cord, where three is completeness, in the sense of a complete Heavenly character, the sign of a mind that have been free from the conforms of the flesh.

Exo 39:32 And all the work of the Dwelling Place of the Tent of Meeting was completed. And the children of Yisra’ĕl did according to all that יהוה  had commanded Mosheh, so they did. – The work of the Dwelling Place both corporate and individually is only completed when we do according to all that EL YAHVEH had commanded. The blood of Jesus Christ has not done away with any of the law; none of the Law was ever nail to the Cross. The One who accomplish the law was nail to the Cross for our forgiveness, nothing else.

Exo 39:33 And they brought the Dwelling Place to Mosheh, the tent and all its furnishings, its hooks, its boards, its bars, and its columns, and its sockets, -

Exo 39:34 and the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and the covering of fine leather, and the veil of the covering, -

      

Exo 39:35 the Ark of the Witness with its poles, and the lid of atonement, -

Exo 39:36 the table, and all its utensils, and the showbread, -

Exo 39:37 the clean lampstand with its lamps, the lamps to be put in order, and all its utensils, and the oil for light, - Isa 11:2  And the Spirit of YAHVEH shall rest upon him, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of YAHVEH; 3  And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of YAHVEH: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

Exo 39:38 and the altar of gold, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the covering for the Tent door, -

Exo 39:39 the bronze altar and its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin with its stand,

Exo 39:40 the screens of the courtyard, its columns and its sockets, the covering for the courtyard gate, its cords, and its pegs, and all the utensils for the service of the Dwelling Place, for the Tent of Meeting, -

      

Exo 39:41 the woven garments, to do service in the set-apart place: the set-apart garments for Aharon the priest, and his sons’ garments, to serve as priests. – The Woven Garment is the character we have engraved into our personality trough the things we have learnt.

Exo 39:42 According to all that יהוה  had commanded Mosheh, so the children of Yisra’ĕl did all the work. -

Exo 39:43 And Mosheh looked over all the work and saw they did it as יהוה  had commanded, so they had done. And Mosheh blessed them. – The entire camp of the Children of Yisrael was supposed to be the Tabernacle. The individual parts of the Tabernacle describe above, were to be a certain people group, together they would all form a massive Tabernacle, both individual and corporate. That Tabernacle was to be constructed out of Love for our Creator.

But the sin of the Golden calf changes so much, instead of the Shechinah residing in the Human body, it now had to reside in a house made from gold, silver, brass, wood and skins of animals.

And Moses bless them, saying may it be YAHVEH Will that the Shechinah rest upon handiwork,” and the verse “May the pleasantness of My Lord, our Elohim, be upon us, and our handiwork may be establish for us; our handiwork may He establish” Psalms 90:17.

Chapter 40

Exo 40:1  And יהוה  spoke to Mosheh, saying,

Exo 40:2 “On the first day of the first month, you are to raise up the Dwelling Place of the Tent of Meeting, - On the first day of the first month (Nissan) of the second year after leaving Egypt, the Tabernacle was to be assembled. From then on the Tabernacle was to be disassembled only when the nations was traveling.

Exo 40:3 and shall put in it the ark of the Witness, and screen the ark with the veil. – There is a process by which EL YAHVEH works, He always show us the end before the beginning. The first object Moses was instructed to place in the Tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant.

Moses was place a divider between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, and places the Ark in the Holy of Holies.

Exo 40:4 “And you shall bring in the table and arrange what belongs on it, and bring in the lampstand and light its lamps. – The next Altar was the Menorah and lights it. A description of the Menorah is given in Isa 11:2 And the spirit of YAHVEH shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of YAHVEH. Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of EL YAHVEH sent forth into all the earth.

Exo 40:5 “And you shall set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the Witness, and put up the covering of the door to the Dwelling Place. – One would have taught that this Altar would be place in position before the Menorah, since it was closer to the Ark of the Covenant. But it was place after the Menorah. Then the door of the Holy of Holies was put in place.

Exo 40:6 “And you shall set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the Dwelling Place of the Tent of Meeting, - The altar of burn incense was place before the entrance to the Holy of Holies.

Exo 40:7 and shall set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and shall put water therein. – The laver was place before the Tabernacle or before the entrance to the Holy Place. Again the Altar of Showbread is in the Holy Place, yet this altar, which is in the outer court, is place in position before the Altar of Showbread. Water must also be place in it for the priest to wash.

Exo 40:8 “And you shall set up the courtyard all around, and shall place the covering of the courtyard gate, - The next part of the principle is the setting up of the courtyard gate. This is assuming that the rest of the curtains around the courtyard had already been installed.

Exo 40:9 and shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the Dwelling Place and all that is in it, and shall set it and all its utensils apart, and it shall be set-apart. – There is a point in our spiritual development that we must be anointed with oil. This would be equivalent to the forth day of Creation.

Exo 40:10 “And you shall anoint the altar of the burnt offering and all its utensils, and set the altar apart, and the altar shall be most set-apart. – In our spiritual development, as it is in the construction of the Tabernacle, that it is set apart as Holy Unto YAHVEH. We are told not to pick the fruit of a fruit tree for the first three years, on the forth year it is holy unto YAHVEH. This same principle still applies to the Tabernacle.

Exo 40:11 “And you shall anoint the basin and its stand, and set it apart. - The Basin and its stand symbolize the Office of the Pastor and his supporting staff. This office will be held by one of Aaron sons.

Exo 40:12 “And you shall bring Aharon and his sons to the door of the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. – Aaron and His sons must be brought to this Altar and wash their hand and feet before they can enter the Tent.

Exo 40:13 “And you shall put the set-apart garments on Aharon, and anoint him and set him apart to serve as priest to Me. – The garment represent the spiritual achievement of Aaron and his sons, they must have on the garment before they can be anointed and assign as priest in the Tabernacle. What this verse is saying that the qualification of the priest must be seen in their garments.

Exo 40:14 “And you shall bring his sons and put long shirts on them, - The basic garment for the priest is Righteousness. The basic spiritual qualification of a minister is righteousness. Righteousness is a person who does what is right.

Exo 40:15 and shall anoint them, as you anointed their father, and they shall serve as priests to Me. And their anointing shall be for them an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.” – The same anointing for the High priest is the same for the priest. The term “everlasting priesthood” symbolize that the sons of the priest must be train or must follow in their fathers footsteps. A priest is not a priest if he cannot bring his own son to maturity.

Exo 40:16 And Mosheh did according to all that יהוה  had commanded him, so he did. –

Exo 40:17 And it came to be in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, that the Dwelling Place was raised up. – This second year is symbolic to the second day of Creation. The second Cycle the year the people learn to separate the Teaching of Heavens from the teaching of man, the water above the earth and the water on the earth.

Exo 40:18 And Mosheh raised up the Dwelling Place and placed its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and raised up its columns, - The visible manifestation of the Tabernacle begins to take shape, as it is in the spiritual sense in the second year of our spiritual development.

After the end of the first year the supporting structure is established, the five-fold ministry is in place to maintain the Tabernacle, corporately and individually.

Exo 40:19 and spread the tent over the Dwelling Place and put the covering of the tent on top of it, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. – The covering of the Tabernacle is set in place over the Tabernacle. The Covering of the tent that was fashioned for this purpose, both Spiritual and physical is established.

      

Exo 40:20 And he took the Witness and put it into the ark, and he put the poles through the rings of the ark, and put the lid of atonement on top of the ark, - In the second day of creation, the Spirit of wisdom and understand is being developed in us. The Spirit of Understanding is writing the Torah on our heart. We have discussed before that the two poles represent Spirit and Word, the two poles that are used to carry the Ark. The lid of atonement, is a seal that symbolize that we have been atone for.

Exo 40:21 and brought the ark into the Dwelling Place, and placed the veil of the covering to screen off the ark of the Witness, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. – In this stage of our spiritual development, we must place our Ultimate Objective in our most Holy of Holies, set a screen, set a goal to achieve it.

Exo 40:22 And he put the table in the Tent of Meeting, on the north side of the Dwelling Place, outside the veil, - At this stage of our spiritual development, the Altar of Showbread, the Torah must be place on the North side out side the Holy of Holies. The Menorah and this altar are the two most important Altars that will help us to achieve the contents of the Ark of the Covenant.

Exo 40:23 and set the bread in order upon it before יהוה , as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. – Set the bread in order. Set the Torah Portions, the weekly Parashas.

Exo 40:24 And he put the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting, opposite the table, on the south side of the Dwelling Place, - The Menorah, the Seven Spirit of YAHVEH, the seven lampstand, the only source of light in the Holy Place must be place opposite the Altar of Showbread, the Torah, the Word

Exo 40:25 and lit the lamps before יהוה , as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh.- The Menorah, the seven Spirit of YAHVEH must be lit before EL YAHVEH. The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, The Spirit of Counsel and Authority, the Spirit of Knowledge and the Fear of YAHVEH. These are the seven Spirits send out into all the world.

Exo 40:26 And he put the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting in front of the veil, - The Altar of Burnt Incense was place before the Tent of Meeting. This Altar represents praise and worship; when we worship we must worship Him in spirit (Menorah) and in truth (Torah).

      

Exo 40:27 and burned sweet incense on it, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. - 1Ch 16:4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of YAHVEH, and to record, and to thank and praise the EL YAHVEH of Yisrael: - The burning of the sweet incense is a reflection of our praise and worship. When we worship we must always worship EL YAHVEH in Spirit and in Truth. 

Exo 40:28 And he set up the covering to the door of the Dwelling Place. The entrance to the Holy of Holies is always through the Praise of His people. 1Pe 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

Exo 40:29 And he put the altar of burnt offering before the door of the Dwelling Place of the Tent of Meeting, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the grain offering, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh. – The elevation offering and the meal offering. The first offering Moses brought was the daily Tamid, or continual offering, which was a sheep as an elevation offering, accompanied by a meal offering. An elevation offering is a draw near offering, used to elevate us spiritually, to bring us close spiritually. A meal offering is a feast dedicated unto EL YAHVEH much like what Passover represent.

Exo 40:30 And he put the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water therein for washing. – The Laver, the Altar of cleansing, the Altar of atonement and forgiveness, was place between the Brazen Altar and the Tent of meeting, or the Holy Place. Before we ever attempt to enter the presence of EL YAHVEH, we must always make sure we wash our selves in the Blood and Water that flow from the side of El Yahushua (Jesus Christ).

Exo 40:31 And Mosheh, and Aharon, and his sons washed their hands and their feet with water from it, - Even Moses, Aaron, and his sons were require to perform this ritual before they could ever enter the Tabernacle, how much more we should do today.

Exo 40:32 as they went into the Tent of Meeting, and as they came near the altar. They would wash, as יהוה  had commanded Mosheh.

Exo 40:33 And he raised up the courtyard all around the Dwelling Place and the altar, and placed the covering of the courtyard gate. And Mosheh completed the work. – Until the curtains surrounding the Tabernacle were in place, offering could not be brought on the Altar. Until a minimum criterion for holiness was establish one could not enter the Tabernacle. Joh 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.  The entrance to the Tabernacle must be only trough the front entrance, who His El Yahushua.

Exo 40:34 And the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the esteem of יהוה  filled the Dwelling Place. – The Shekhinah Glory only covers the Tent of meeting, not the entire area. This means when we reside in the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, the Shekinah will rest upon us also.

Exo 40:35 And Mosheh was not able to come into the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud dwelt on it, and the esteem of יהוה  filled the Dwelling Place. –This verse states that the Glory of EL YAHVEH was so intense that even Moses who spent time on the Mountain with HIM could not enter. However Number 7:89 states that he would regularly enter the Tent of Meeting, this would imply that there are degrees of intensity of EL YAHVEH Glory.

The second part of this verse, resolves the contradiction, for the cloud rested, thus, when the cloud rested upon the Tabernacle, Moses could not enter, but when the cloud lifted, he could enter to speak to EL YAHVEH. In the plain meaning of the verse, however, when EL YAHVEH wishes to speak to Moses, He summoned him and Moses stood outside the Tent of Meeting, so that he did not enter the place that was filled with the Shekinah.

Exo 40:36 And when the cloud was taken up from above the Dwelling Place, the children of Yisra’ĕl went onward in all their journeys. -  Only when the nation was being shown that it was time to travel that the Cloud was lifted; at other times it rested on the Tent in its intensity. This was a greater degree of EL YAHVEH Presence than was found in the Tabernacle at Shiloh or in either Temple.

Exo 40:37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. – When the Shekinah Glory departs from us, it simply means that it is time to move from this spiritual experience, and proceed to the next. If we as believers decide not to move, we will be in essence committing spiritual suicide. The Holy Spirit will reside with us according to the level of maturity we have attained, during each day of our spiritual creation. If we have never learned spiritual truth, we will never progress to the ability to separate the truth of Torah from the false truth of the Philosophy of Man. One of these false truths is Evolution.

Exo 40:38 For the cloud of יהוה  was on the Dwelling Place by day, and fire was on it by night, before the eyes of all the house of Yisra’ĕl, in all their journeys. – The Cloud by day represent our protection from the circumstances of life, we might walk trough the fire but we will never get burn, we will come out as purified goal. At night, represent, the Holy Spirit will be our light in our darkest hour.

Haftarah

Melehim Alef “First kings” 7:51-8:21

Every book in scripture describe the spiritual walk of various individual in history. The story we are studying in this Haftarah is about the life of King Solomon otherwise called Sovereign Shelomon.

It is about how he walk his spiritual walk, is accomplishment and his failure.

1Ki 7:51 Thus all the work which Sovereign Shelomoh had done for the House of יהוה  was completed. And Shelomoh brought in the set-apart items of his father Dawiḏ: the silver and the gold and the utensils, and he put them in the treasuries of the House of יהוה . - The bringing in of the dedicated things, which David had devoted to the honor of ABBA YAHVEH. What was not expended in the building and furniture was laid up in the treasury, for repairs, and the constant charge of the temple-service. What the parents have dedicated to ABBA YAHVEH the children ought by no means to alienate or recall, but should cheerfully devote what was intended for pious and charitable uses, that they may, with their estates, inherit the blessing.

                                                                                                 

1Ki 8:1  Then Shelomoh assembled the elders of Yisra’ĕl and all the heads of the tribes, the chief fathers of the children of Yisra’ĕl, to Sovereign Shelomoh in Yerushalayim, to bring up the ark of the covenant of יהוה  from the City of Dawiḏ, which is Tsiyon. – In Genesis chapter one we read of Elohim, the Gods who created the Word, the Heavens and the earth. It was the combine Counsel of the Elders in the Heavenly counsel who in collaborate with ABBA YAHVEH created the Heavens and the Earth. In this verse we see Solomon following the same principle when we wanted to bring the Ark of ABBA YAHVEH into the City of David.

This speaks volume to so-called leaders, ministry is not a one man operation, and in the abundance of wise counsel is wisdom.

1Ki 8:2 And all the men of Yisra’ĕl assembled to Sovereign Shelomoh at the festival in the month of Ěythanim, which is the seventh month. – King Solomon presides over Succoth started on the 15^th of the 7^th month for 8 days. In this service, as David brought up the ark to Jerusalem; and neither of them thought it below him to follow the ark nor to lead the people in their attendance on it.

Solomon glories in the title of the preacher (Eccl. 1:1), and the master of assemblies, Eccl. 12:11. This great assembly he summons verse 1, and he was in the centre of it, for to him they all assembled at the feast in the seventh month, namely, the feast of tabernacles, which was appointed on the fifteenth day of that month, Lev. 23:34. This was the time when Messiyah was born.

David, like every good man, brings the ark to a convenient place, near him; Solomon, like a very great man, brings it to a magnificent place. As every man has received the gift, so let him minister; and let children proceed in YAH’s service where their parents left off.

                                                                                           

1Ki 8:3 And all the elders of Yisra’ĕl came, and the priests took up the Ark, - All Yisrael attend the service, their judges and the chief of their tribes and families, all their officers, civil and military, and (as they speak in the north) the heads of their clans.

Solomon used the feast of Tabernacle as a convention to called an assembly of all Yisrael. They came together, on this occasion, to honor ABBA YAHVEH for the fall harvest, the future birth of Messiyan Yahushua who would one day tabernacle with us, and to Solomon, and to return him the thanks of the nation for all the good offices he had done in kindness to them. The feast of Tabernacle is what we today call Thanksgiving. What an marvelous time for Solomon to call an general assembly to do honor to the ark, to pay respect to it, and testify their universal joy and satisfaction in its settlement.

1Ki 8:4 and brought up the ark of יהוה , and the Tent of Meeting, and all the set-apart utensils that were in the Tent. And the priests and the Lĕwites brought them up, -

1Ki 8:5 and Sovereign Shelomoh, and all the congregation of Yisra’ĕl who had assembled with him, were with him before the ark, slaughtering so many sheep and cattle, that they could not be counted or numbered. – Public mercies call for public acknowledgments. Those that appeared before ABBA YAHVEH did not appear empty, for they all sacrificed sheep and oxen innumerable. The people in Solomon’s time were very rich, very easy, and very cheerful, and therefore it was fit that, on this occasion, they should consecrate not only their cheerfulness, but a part of their wealth, to יהוה  and HIS honor.

1Ki 8:6 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of יהוה  to its place, into the Speaking Place of the House, to the Most Set-apart Place, under the wings of the keruḇim, - Where it was fixed in its place, the place appointed for its rest after all its wanderings: In the oracle of the house, whence they expected ABBA YAHVEH to speak to them, even in the most holy place, which was made so by the presence of the ark, under the wings of the great cherubim which Solomon set up (ch. 6:27), signifying the special protection of angels, under which YAH’s ordinances and the assemblies of his people are taken.

Today we are the Tabernacle. We are the rightful place for the Ark to be place. The is the greater covenant that Messiyah have negotiated on our behalf, that we have free access to become the most prize possession in our spiritual walk.

1Ki 8:7 for the keruḇim spread two wings over the place of the ark, and the keruḇim covered over the ark and its poles. – This verse elucidate that a this level of spiritual maturity, we will have access to the Tree of Life, the Tree that was guarded by the Cherubim with the flaming sword. At this stage we will be guarded by the cherubim of ABBA YAHVEH.

1Ki 8:8 And the poles extended so that the ends of the poles were seen from the set-apart place, in front of the Speaking Place, but they were not seen from outside. And they are there to this day. – The Ark of the Covenant is the very essence of our spiritual development. I can be seen from the holy place, but not from the Outer Court. ABBA YAHVEH is giving those who are closest to the finish line, their ultimate spiritual goal, a small glimpse of the prize. As we get close to it we will get a clear and clear view of it.

1Ki 8:9 There was naught in the ark, only the two tablets of stone which Mosheh put there at Ḥorĕḇ, where יהוה  made a covenant with the children of Yisra’ĕl, when they came out of the land of Mitsrayim. – The priests do their part of the service. In the wilderness, the Levites were to carry the ark, because then there were not priests enough to do it; but here (it being the last time that the ark was to be carried) the priests themselves did it, as they were ordered to do when it surrounded Jericho. We are here told, what was in the ark, nothing but the two tables of stone, a treasure far exceeding all the dedicated things both of David and Solomon. The pot of manna and Aaron’s rod were by the ark, but not in it. What was brought up with the ark verse 4, the Tabernacle of the congregation.

This Ark of the Covenant is a symbol of Messiyah, the perfect son who never sinned. In every mature believer there must be the Written Word written on their heart, Hebrew 8:10.

1Ki 8:10 And it came to be, when the priests came out of the Set-apart Place, that the cloud filled the House of יהוה , - ABBA YAHVEH graciously owns what is done and testifies towards HIS acceptance of it. The priests might come into the most holy place till ABBA YAHVEH Manifested HIS glory there; but, thenceforward, none might, at their peril, approach the ark, except the high priest, on the Day of Atonement. Therefore it was not till the priests had come out of the oracle that the Shechinah took possession of it, in a cloud, which filled not only the most holy place, but the temple, so that the priests who burnt incense at the golden altar could not bear it. By this visible emanation of the divine glory.

After year of temporary home the Ark finally had a home. After centuries sine Adam, Messiyah final came, one in whom the Shekinah could be manifested, so is the Temple that Solomon build. Solomon was consider the wisest man; wise men build a dwelling place for the Covenant of ABBA YAHVEH. ABBA YAHVEH covenant is HIS mature Sons such as Yahushua the Messiyah.

1Ki 8:11 so that the priests were unable to stand and perform the service because of the cloud, for the esteem of יהוה  filled the House of יהוה . – He showed himself ready to hear the prayer Solomon was now about to make; and not only so, but took up his residence in this house, that all his praying people might there be encouraged to make their applications to him. But the glory of ABBA YAHVEH appeared in a cloud, a dark cloud, to signify. The darkness of that dispensation in comparison with the light of the gospel, by which, with open face, we behold, as in a glass, the glory of ABBA YAHVEH. The darkness of our present state in comparison with the vision of ABBA YAHVEH, which will be the happiness of heaven, where the divine glory is unveiled. Now we can only say what He is not, but then we shall see Him as He is.

1Ki 8:12 And Shelomoh said, יהוה  has said He would dwell in the dark cloud. –  Solomon encourages the priests, who came out of the temple from their ministration, much astonished at the dark cloud that overshadowed them. The disciples of Messiyah feared when they entered into the cloud, though it was a bright cloud (Lu. 9:34), so did the priests when they found themselves wrapped in a thick cloud.

To silence their fears, He reminds them of that which they could not but know that this was a token of YAH’s presence: ABBA YAHVEH said HE would dwell in the thick darkness. It is so far from being a token of his displeasure that it is an indication of his favor; for he had said, I will appear in a cloud, Lev. 16:2.

Nothing is more effectual to reconcile us to dark dispensations than to consider what ABBA YAHVEH hath said, and to compare HIS word and works together; as Lev. 10:3, this is that which ABBA YAHVEH hath said. YAHVEH is light (1 Jn. 1:5), and HE dwells in light (1 Tim. 6:16), but he dwells with men in the thick darkness, makes that his pavilion, because they could not bear the dazzling brightness of his glory. Verily thou art a EL that hidest thyself. Thus our holy faith is exercised and our holy fear is increased. Where ABBA YAHVEH dwells in light faith is swallowed up in vision and fear in love.

1Ki 8:13 I have indeed built You an exalted house, an established place for You to dwell in forever.” – He himself bids it welcome, as worthy of all acceptation; and since God, by this cloud, came down to take possession, he does, in a few words, solemnly give him possession: "Surely I come,’’ says ABBA YAHVEH. "Amen,’’ says Solomon, "Even so, come, ABBA.

The house is thy own, entirely thy own, I have surely built it for thee, and furnished it for thee; it is for ever thy own, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever; it shall never be alienated nor converted to any other use; the ark shall never be removed from it, never unsettled again.’’ It is Solomon’s joy as it should be ours when ABBA YAHVEH has taken possession of HIS Tabernacle us; and it is HIS desire that he would keep possession

            

1Ki 8:14 And the sovereign turned around and blessed all the assembly of Yisra’ĕl, while all the assembly of Yisra’ĕl was standing. – He instructs the people, and gives them a plain account concerning this house, which they now saw ABBA YAHVEH take possession of. He spoke briefly to the priests, to satisfy them (a word to the wise), but turned his face about  from them to the congregation that stood in the outer court, and addressed  them largely.

He blessed them. When they saw the dark cloud enter the temple they blessed themselves, being astonished at it and afraid lest the thick darkness should be utter darkness to them. The amazing sight, such as they had never seen in their days, we may suppose, drove every man to his prayers, and the vainest minds were made serious by it.

Solomon therefore set in with their prayers, and blessed them all, as one having authority (for the less is blessed of the better); in YAH’s name, he spoke peace to them, and a blessing, like that with which the angel blessed Gideon when he was in a fright, upon a similar occasion. Jdg. 6:22, 23, Peace be unto thee. Fear not; thou shall not die. Solomon blessed them, that is, he pacified them, and freed them from the consternation they were in. To receive this blessing, they all stood up, in token of reverence and readiness to hear and accept it. It is a proper posture to be in when the blessing is pronounced.

1Ki 8:15 And he said, “Blessed be יהוה  Elohim of Yisra’ĕl, who spoke with His mouth to my father Dawiḏ, and with His hand has filled it, saying, - He informed them concerning this house which he had built and was now dedicating TO ABBA YAHVEH.

Solomon began his account with a thankful acknowledgment of the good hand of his EL upon him hitherto: Blessed be EL YAHVEH of Yisrael.

What we have the pleasure of YAHVEH must have the praise of. Solomon engaged the congregation to lift up their hearts in thanksgivings to ABBA YAHVEH, which would help to still the tumult of spirit which, probably, they were in. "Come,’’ says he, "let YAH’s awful appearances not drive us from him, but draw us to him; let us bless EL YAHVEH of YISRAEL.’’

As Job, under a dark scene, blessed the name of YAHVEH. Solomon here blessed YAHVEH for HIS promise which HE spoke with HIS mouth to David.

For the performance, that he had now fulfilled it with his hand. We have then the best sense of YAH’s mercies, and most grateful both to ourselves and to our EL, when we run up those streams to the fountain of the covenant, and compare what ABBA YAHVEH does with what HE has said.

1Ki 8:16 ‘Since the day I brought MY people Yisra’ĕl out of Mitsrayim, I have chosen no city from any tribe of Yisra’ĕl in which to build a house for My Name to be there, but I chose Dawiḏ to be over My people Yisra’ĕl.’ – Solomon is now making a solemn surrender or dedication of this house unto ABBA YAHVEH, delivering it to YAHVEH by his own act and deed. Grants and conveyances commonly begin with recitals of what has been before done, leading to what is now done: accordingly, here is a recital of the special causes and considerations moving Solomon to build this house.

He recites the want of such a place. It was necessary that this should be premised; for, according to the dispensation they were under, there must be but one place in which they must expect God to record his name. If, therefore, there were any other chosen, this would be usurpation. But he shows, from what YAHVEH HIMSELF had said, that there was no other:

1Ki 8:17 “And it was in the heart of my father Dawiḏ to build a house for the Name of יהוה  Elohim of Yisra’ĕl. – I chose no city to build a house in for my name; therefore there is occasion for the building of this. He recites David’s purpose to build such a place. ABBA YAHVEH chose the person first that should rule his people (I chose David, verse 16 and then put it into his heart to build a house for YAH’s name. It was not a project of his own, for the magnifying of himself; but his good father, of blessed memory, laid the first design of it, though he lived not to lay the first stone.

1Ki 8:18 “But יהוה  said to my father Dawiḏ, ‘Because it has been in your heart to build a house for My Name, you did well that it was in your heart. – He recites YAH’s promise concerning HIMSELF. ABBA YAHVEH approved Solomon father’s purpose: Thou didst well, that it was in thy heart. Sincere intentions to do good shall be graciously approved and accepted of ABBA YAHVEH, though Providence prevents our putting them in execution. The desire of a man is his kindness. See 2 Co. 8:12.

1Ki 8:19 ‘Only, you do not build the house, but your son, who is coming from your loins, he does build the house for My Name.’ – EL YAHVEH accepted David’s good will, yet would not permit him to do the good work, but reserved the honor of it for his son: He shall build the house to my name; so that what he had done was not of his own head, nor for his own glory, but the work itself was according to his father’s design and his doing it was according to YAH’s designation.

                                                

1Ki 8:20 “Now יהוה  has established His word which He spoke, and I have been raised up instead of my father Dawiḏ, and sit on the throne of Yisra’ĕl, as יהוה  promised, and built a house for the Name of יהוה  Elohim of Yisra’ĕl, - He recites what he himself had done, and with what intention: I have built a house, not for my own name, but for the name of YAHVEH EL of Yisrael, and set there a place for the Ark.

1Ki 8:21 and have appointed there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of יהוה  which He made with our fathers, when He brought them out of the land of Mitsrayim.” - Thus all the right, title, interest, claim, and demand, whatsoever, which he or his had or might have in or to this house, or any of its appurtenances, he resigns, surrenders, and gives up, to YAHVEH for ever. It is for his name, and his ark. In this, says he, ELYAHWEL hath performed HIS Word that HE spoke. Whatever good we do, we must look upon it as the performance of YAH’s promise to us, rather than the performance of our promises to HIM. The more we do for ABBA YAHVEH the more we are indebted to HIM; for our sufficiency is of HIM, and not of ourselves.

Brit Chadasha

Shlichim “Acts” 1:1-11

The inspired historian begins his narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, 

I.                With a reference to, and a brief recapitulation of, his gospel, or history of the life of Messiyah, inscribing this, as he had done that, to his friend Theophilus verse 1 – 2.

II.             With a summary of the proofs of Messiyah’s resurrection, his conference with his disciples, and the instructions he gave them during the forty days, of his continuance on earth verse 3 – 5.

III.          With a particular narrative of Messiyah’s ascension into heaven, his disciples’ discourse with him before he ascended, and the angels’ discourse with them after he ascended verse 6 – 11.

Act 1:1  The first account I made, O Theophilos, of all that יהושע began both to do and to teach, - In these verses,  Theophilus is put in mind, and we in him, of St. Luke’s gospel, which it will be of use for us to cast an eye upon before we enter upon the study of this book, that we may not only see how this begins where that breaks off, but that, as in water face answers to face, so do the acts of the apostles to the acts of their Master, the acts of his grace.

His patron, to whom he dedicates this book (I should rather say his pupil, for he designs, in dedicating it to him, to instruct and direct him, and not to crave his countenance or protection), is Theophilus. In the epistle dedicatory before his gospel, he had called him most excellent Theophilus; here he calls him no more than O Theophilus; not that he had lost his excellency, nor that it was diminished and become less illustrious; but perhaps he had now quitted his place, whatever it was, for the sake of which that title was given him, or we might even say he was now grown into years, and despised such titles of respect more than he had done,

It seems that Luke was grown more intimate with him, and therefore could address him with the more freedom. It was usual with the ancients, to inscribe their writings to some particular persons. But the directing some of the books of the scripture so is an intimation to each of us to receive them as if directed to us in particular, to us by name; for whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learnin.

                   

Act 1:2 until the day when He was taken up, after giving instructions through the Set-apart Spirit to the emissaries whom He had chosen, - The period of the evangelical story is fixed to the day in which Messiyah was taken up. It was after Messiyah left this world, and He was no more in the world. St. Mark’s gospel concludes with Messiyah’s being received up into heaven (Mk. 16:19), and so does St. Luke’s, Lu. 24:51. Messiyah continued doing and teaching to the last, till he was taken up to the other work he had to do within the veil.

Act 1:3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them for forty days, speaking concerning the reign of Elohim. - The truth of Messiyah’s resurrection is verified verse 3.

 The great evidence of Messiyah resurrection was that He showed himself alive to His apostles; being alive, He showed Himself so, and He was seen of them. They were honest men, and one may depend upon their testimony; but the question is whether they were not imposed upon, as many a well-meaning man is.

No, they were not; for:

1. The proofs were infallible, tekmeµri, both that he was alive (he walked and talked with them, he ate and drank with them) and that it was he himself, and not another; for Messiyah showed them again and again the marks of the wounds in His hands, and feet, and side, which was the utmost proof the thing was capable of or required.

2. They were many, and often repeated: He was seen by them forty days, not constantly residing with them, but frequently appearing to them, and bringing them by degrees to be fully satisfied concerning it, so that all their sorrow for his departure was done away by it.

Messiyah’s staying upon earth so long after he had entered upon his state of exaltation and glory, to confirm the faith of his disciples and comfort their hearts, was such an instance of condescension and compassion to believers as may fully assure us that we have a High Priest that is touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

Act 1:4 And meeting with them, He commanded them not to leave Yerushalayim, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which you have heard from Me – Footnote: Luke. 24:49, John 14:16 & 26. - A particular assurance given them that they should now shortly receive the Holy Spirit with orders given them to expect it, he being assembled together with them, probably in the interview at the mountain in Galilee which he had appointed before his death; for there is mention of their coming together again verse 6, to attend his ascension. Though he had now ordered them to Galilee, yet they must not think to continue there; no, they must return to Jerusalem, and not depart thence.

1. The command he gives them to wait. This was to raise their expectations of something great; and something very great they had reason to expect from their exalted Redeemer.

(1.) They must wait till the time appointed, which is now not many days hence. Those that by faith hope promised mercies will come must with patience wait till they do come, according to the time, the set time. And when the time draws nigh, as now it did, we must, as Daniel, look earnestly for it, Dan. 9:3.

(2.) They must wait in the place appointed, in Jerusalem, for there the Spirit must be first poured out, because Messiyah was to be as king upon the holy hill of Zion; and because the word of ABBA YAHVEH must go forth from Jerusalem; this must be the source of Messiyah ministry.

Jerusalem was the place of the original Temple, however like a true Son Messiyah did not come to change the law, but to bring it to perfection. This was done in Jerusalem to fulfill the prophecy of the Throne of David should be.

 The apostles were more exposed to danger at Jerusalem than they would have been in Galilee; but we may cheerfully trust ABBA YAHVEH with our safety, when we keep in the way of our duty. The apostles were now to put on a public character, and therefore must venture in a public station. Jerusalem was the fittest candlestick for those lights to be set up in.

Act 1:5 because Yoḥanan truly immersed in water, but you shall be immersed in the Set-apart Spirit not many days from now.” - As the prediction of John Baptist; so far back Messiyah here directs them to look: "You have not only heard it from me, but you had it from John; when he turned you over to me, he said Mt. 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water, but he that comes after me shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’’

It is a great honor that Messiyah does to John, not only to quote his words, but to make this great gift of the Spirit, now at hand, to be the accomplishment of them.

Messiyah he confirmed the word of His servants, His messengers, Isa. 44:26. But Messiyah can do more than any of His ministers. It is an honor to them to be employed in dispensing the means of grace, but it His prerogative to give the Spirit of grace. He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit shall teach you by His Spirit, and give His Spirit to make intercession in you, which is more than the best ministers preaching with us.

Now this gift of the Holy Spirit is promised, formally prophesied of, they should waited for, is that which we find the apostles received in the next chapter, for in that this promise had its full accomplishment; this was it that should come, and we look for no other; for it is here promised to be given not many days hence.

He does not tell them how many, because they must keep every day in a frame fit to receive it. Other scriptures speak of the gift of the Holy Spirit to ordinary believers; this speaks of that particular power which, by the Holy Spirit, the first preachers of the post Messiyah gospel, and planters of the universal assembly, were endued with, enabling them infallibly to relate to that age, and record to posterity, the doctrine of Messiyah, and the proofs of it; so that by virtue of this promise, and the performance of it, we receive the renew covenant of divine inspiration, and venture our souls upon it.

Act 1:6 So when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Master, would You at this time restore the reign to Yisra’ĕl?”¹ Footnote: ¹Lk. 1:33. - In Jerusalem Messiyah by His angel, had appointed His disciples to meet him in Galilee; there he appointed them to meet him in Jerusalem again, such a day.

Messiyah had spent the last three years training them, it is now time for graduation. The Feast of Pentecost, the Barley harvest was ready to be harvest. The barley was the mid summer harvest, so was the disciple of Messiyah a symbol of the mid term harvest.

They were told to stay in Jerusalem for the barley harvest and what an harvest it was. Like every good Yisraelite they wanted to know when would Yisrael be restored.

 Observe,

 The question they asked him at this interview. They came together to him, as those that had consulted one another about it, and concurred in the question they came in a body, and put it to him as the sense of the house, Master wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Yisrael? Two ways this may be taken:

 (1.) Their expectation of the thing itself. They thought Messiyah would restore the kingdom to Yisrael, that is, that he would make the nation of the Jews as great and considerable among the nations as it was in the days of David and Solomon, of Asa and Jehoshaphat; that, as Shiloh, he would restore the scepter to Judyah, and the lawgiver; whereas Christ came to set up his own kingdom, and that a kingdom of heaven, not to restore the kingdom to Yisrael, an earthly kingdom.

How apt even good men are to place the happiness of the church too much in external pomp and power; as if Yisrael could not be glorious unless the kingdom were restored to it, nor Messiyah’s disciples honored unless they were peers of the realm; whereas we are told to expect the cross in this world, and to wait for the kingdom in the other world.

How apt we are to retain what we have imbibed, and how hard it is to get over the prejudices of education. The disciples, having sucked in this notion with their milk that the Messiah was to be a temporal prince, were long before they could be brought to have any idea of his kingdom as spiritual.

 How naturally we are biased in favor of our own people. They thought ABBA YAHVEH would have no kingdom in the world unless it were restored to Yisrael; whereas the kingdoms of this world were to become his, in whom he would be glorified, whether Yisrael should sink or swim.

How apt we are to misunderstand scripture, to understand that literally which is spoken figuratively, and to expound scripture by our schemes, whereas we ought to form our schemes by the scriptures. But, when the Spirit shall be poured out from on high, our mistakes will be rectified, as the apostles’ soon after were.

Their enquiry concerning the time of it: "Lord, wilt thou do it at this time? Now that thou hast called us together is it for this purpose, that proper measures may be concerted for the restoring of the kingdom to Israel? Surely there cannot be a more favorable juncture than this.’’

Now herein they missed their mark,

1. That they were inquisitive into that which their Master had never directed nor encouraged them to enquire into.

2. That they were impatient for the setting up of that kingdom in which they promised themselves so great a share, and would anticipate the divine counsels. Messiyah had told them that they should sit on thrones (Lu. 22:30), and now nothing will serve them but they must be in the throne immediately, and cannot stay the time; whereas he that believeth doth not make haste, but is satisfied that YAH’s time is the best time.

Act 1:7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. – The answer Messiyah gave to this question, like that which he had a little before given to Peter’s enquiry concerning John, What is that to thee?  It is not for you to know the times and seasons. He does not contradict their expectation that the kingdom would be restored to Yisrael, because that mistake would soon be rectified by the pouring out of the Spirit, after which they never had any thoughts of the temporal kingdom; and also because there is a sense of the expectation which is true, the setting up of the gospel kingdom in the world; and their mistake of the promise shall not make it of no effect; but he checks their enquiry after the time.

The disciple were well taught but the Holy Spirit had not cemented their knowledge into spiritual wisdom.

The purpose of the disciple ministry was to bring the kingdom of Yisrael to the world spiritually. The kingdom of Yisrael is not necessary the restoration of physical Yisrael, but the establishing of the spiritual kingdom.

Act 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Set-apart Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Yerushalayim, and in all Yehuḏah and Shomeron, and to the end of the earth.” – One of the seven aspects of the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Power or Authority. It is one of the two spirits that came to maturity on the 5^th day of Creation. The two spirits that is developed on the 5^th day are the Spirit of Counsel and Authority. Counsel is the ability to witness in our Yerushalayim and to the end of the world.

He appoints them their work, and with authority assures them of an ability to go on with it, and of success in it. "It is not for you to know the times and the seasons, this would do you no good; but know this that you shall receive a spiritual power or authority, by the descent of the Holy Spirit upon you, and shall not receive it in vain, for you shall be witnesses unto me and my glory; and your testimony shall not be in vain, for it shall be received here in Jerusalem, in the country about, and all the world over.’’ 

If Messiyah make us serviceable to His honor in our own day and generation, let this be enough for us, and let not us perplex ourselves about times and seasons to come. Messiyah tells them,

1. That their work should be honorable and glorious: You shall be witnesses unto me. They shall proclaim the good new of the Gospel, and publish those truths to the world by which his kingdom should be set up, and he would rule. They must openly and solemnly preach His gospel to the world.

They shall prove this, shall confirm their testimony, not as witnesses do, with an oath, but with the divine seal of miracles and supernatural gifts: You shall be martyrs to me, or my martyrs, as some copies read it; for they attested the truth of the gospel with their sufferings, even unto death.

2. The authority of the Holy Spirit should be sufficient. They should not minister in their own strength nor in the wisdom of the world; they were naturally of the weak and foolish things of the world. "But you shall receive the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you’’ (so it may be read), "shall be animated and actuated by a better spirit than your own; you shall have power to preach the gospel, and to prove it out of the scriptures’’ (which, when they were filled with the Holy Spirit  they did to admiration, ch. 18:28), "and to confirm it both by miracles and by sufferings.’’ Messiyah’s witnesses shall receive power for that work to which he calls them; those whom he employs in his service he will qualify for it, and will bear them out in it.

3. That their influence should be great and very extensive: "You shall be witnesses for Messiyah, and shall carry His cause,’’

1. "In Jerusalem; there you must begin, and many there will receive your testimony; and those that do not will be left inexcusable.’’

2. "Your light shall thence shine throughout all Judea, where before you have laboured in vain.’’

3. "Thence you shall proceed to Samaria, though at your first mission you were forbidden to preach in any of the cities of the Samaritans.’’

4. "Your usefulness shall reach to the uttermost part of the earth, and you shall be blessings to the whole world.’’

Act 1:9 And having said this, while they were looking on, He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. – Having left these instructions with them, Messiyah Yahushua leaves them: When he had spoken these things, and had said all that he had to say, he blessed them (so we were told, Lu. 24:50); and while they beheld him, and had their eye fixed upon him, receiving his blessing, he was gradually taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.

 We have a picture of Messiyah’s ascending; not fetched away, as Elijah was, with a chariot of fire and horses of fire, but rising to heaven, as he rose from the grave, purely by his own power, his body being now, as the bodies of the saints will be at the resurrection, a spiritual body, and raised in power and incorruption.

He began his ascension in the sight of his disciples, even while they beheld. They did not see him come up out of the grave, because they might see him after he had risen, which would be satisfaction enough; but they saw him go up towards heaven, and had actually their eye upon him with so much care and earnestness of mind that they could not be deceived. It is probable that he did not fly swiftly up, but moved upwards gently, for the further satisfaction of his disciples.

He vanished out of their sight, in a cloud, either a thick cloud, for ABBA YAHVEH said that he would dwell in the thick darkness; or a bright cloud, to signify the splendor of HIS glorious body. It was a bright cloud that overshadowed Yahushua in His transfiguration, and most probably this was so, Mt. 17:5. This cloud received him, it is probable, when he had gone about as far from the earth as the clouds generally are; yet it was not such a spreading cloud as we commonly see, but such as just served to enclose him.

Now he made the clouds his chariot, Ps. 104:3. ABBA YAHVEH had often come down in a cloud; now he went up in one. eiving him here were the angels receiving Him; for the appearance of angels is ordinarily described by a cloud, comparing Ex. 25:22 with Lev. 16:2. By the clouds there is a sort of communication kept up between the upper and lower world; in them the vapours are sent up from the earth, and the dews sent down from heaven. Fitly therefore does he ascend in a cloud who is the Mediator between EL and man, by whom YAH’s mercies come down upon us and our prayers come up to him. This was the last that was seen of him. The eyes of a great many witnesses followed him into the cloud; and, if we would know what became of him then, we may find (Dan. 7:13), That one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him in the clouds as He came near before HIM.

                            

Act 1:10 And as they were gazing into the heaven as He went up, see, two men stood by them dressed in white, - The disciples, when he had gone out of their sight, yet still continued looking up stedfastly to heaven , longer than it was fit they should; and why so? Two angels appeared to them, and delivered them a seasonable message from God.

Act 1:11 who also said, “Men of Galil, why do you stand looking up into the heaven? This same יהושע, who was taken up from you into the heaven, shall come in the same way¹ as you saw Him go into the heaven.” Footnote: ¹Zech. 14:4. - There was a world of angels ready to receive our Redeemer, now that he made his public entry into the Jerusalem above: we may suppose these two loth to be absent then; yet, to show how much Messiyah had at heart the concerns of His church on earth, He sent back to his disciples two of those that came to meet him, who appear as two men in white apparel, bright and glittering; for they know, according to the duty of their place, that they are really serving Messiyah when they are ministering to his servants on earth. Now we are told what the angels said to them.

To check their curiosity: You men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? He calls them men of Galilee, to put them in mind of the rock out of which they were hewn. Messiyah had put a great honor upon them, in making them his ambassadors; but they must remember that they are men, earthen vessels, and men of Galilee, illiterate men, looked upon with disdain.

Now, say they, "Why stand you here, like Galileans, rude and unpolished men, gazing up into heaven? What would you see? You have seen all that you were called together to see, and why do you look any further? Why stand you gazing, as men frightened and perplexed, as men astonished and at their wits’ end?’’ Messiyah’s disciples should never stand at a gaze, because they have a sure rule to go by, and a sure foundation to build upon.

To confirm their faith concerning Messiyah’s second coming. Their Master had often told them of this, and the angels are sent at this time seasonably to put them in mind of it: "This same Yahushua, who is taken up from you into heaven, and whom you are looking thus long after, wishing you had him with you again, is not gone for ever; for there is a day appointed in which he will come in like manner thence, as you have seen him go thither, and you must not expect him back till that appointed day.’’