In this portion, Aarons and his sons, the priests receive instructions from Yahweh on how to bring the sacrifices before him for the people. It was important for them to follow the instructions so that the Tabernacle remained sacred space and the Presence of Yahweh could remain in the midst of Israel. Leviticus is the instructions given to Yahweh’s people on how to worship a holy God. We too can learn so much from this often neglected book, when we examine our own lives and worship. Do we live in a way that invites and celebrates the Presence of Yahweh in our lives? Or do we live as if His Presence is not important or valued or even worse do we participate in activities or behavior that cause His Presence to leave? There is much to consider in this portion as we enter a season of celebrating the most important event to our faith: the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Yeshua. How do we celebrate and commemorate this? Do we celebrate in a way that is confirmed by scripture? or have we created our own traditions? Yahweh has done everything in His power to close the chasm that separated us from Him in the free gift of salvation through His son, Jesus Christ. Yeshua’s death and resurrection are the fulfillment of His promise back in the Garden. Yahweh thank you for keeping your covenant and for this great salvation in Yeshua. Blessed be your Name Forever and ever.

Resources: Here are links to Torah Portion commentaries written by Julie Parker. I read an excerpt from the commentary for the portion of Tzav that discussed the origins of Easter. She has many commentary articles on the syncretism of Christianity. Her research has shed lots of light on how early church fathers held anti-semtic views that ultimately affected doctrines adopted in early church history.

Sheepfold Gleanings
https://www.sheepfoldgleanings...

I did not have time to record some thoughts I had around Yeshua’s words to the churches in Asian Minor in the book of Revelation. Those churches were cult centers of the time were different deitites were worshipped and if you read through Yeshua’s words, He calls them to repentance because of the way in which they allowed false teachings and doctrines into the church. Just saying… something to ponder…SELAH.

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This first portion of Leviticus is all about the instructions given to Moses to give to the people for bringing their offerings to Aaron and his sons, the priests. The Tabernacle is now complete, the glory cloud of Yahweh is in the Tent of Meeting, so now Yahweh explains how the people are to worship Him. In this podcast we share some Hebrew in hopes of helping the listener to gain insight to why the sacrificial system was necessary and how it was a gift from Yahweh to the people. The book of Leviticus gives instructions to Israel how to worship, Yahweh has chosen Aaron and his sons to act as priests and now the people need to know what offerings are acceptable because worship of Yahweh was not going to be like the worship of the pagan gods of the other nations. It would be sacrificial but Yahweh had instructions around it which will be covered in later portions.

**** Correction: I mentioned the worship song Holy Forever and said Matt Redman as the artist/worshipper but the song is by artist/worshipper Chris Tomlin. ****

Here is a link if you want to listen.
https://youtu.be/IkHgxKemCRk?f...

Resources
One New Man Bible by William Morford
https://www.onenewmanbible.com...
Glossary word Korban


Hebrew for Christians Website: Article Link
https://www.hebrew4christians....

The Torah Story by Gary Edward Schnittjer
https://www.amazon.com/Torah-S...

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Moses makes an accounting of all the offerings that were given for the building of the mishkan. He was shown the pattern when he went up on Mount Sinai the first time. Remember the LORD chose Bezalel to build the furnishings and the tabernacle used for worship. Bezalel was anointed and especially equipped by God to fulfill his destiny. The tabernacle was constructed according to the exact specification of Yahweh. Moses built ti the first time, anointed all the furnishings and then anointed Aaron and his sons for holy priesthood service. Everything in the tabernacle had to be anointed, set apart and made holy for the LORD’s purpose. The grand finale and final approval from Yahweh was the Shekinah glory that had lead them through the wilderness filling the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:3).

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This portion is about the construction of the tabernacle. Moses gathers the people to give the instructions on what Yahweh has commanded. The people are invited to bring their offerings, willingly, to Moses for the building of the tabernacle furnishings and the tapestries. All those who were willing to give and willing to work to complete the tabernacle were able because of Yahweh’s provision. We are reminded that when Yahweh gathers us then we can rest in His provision. We will have what we need in the natural and in the spiritual. Moses gathered together the people, the gathered were also the gifted and together they worked to fulfill the vision of Yahweh given to Moses.

NOTE: Mikdash (Hebrew for sanctuary) Mishkan (Hebrew for dwelling/tabernacle). Really messed up that mikdash…mikdash not mikdon. My apologies.

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This portion begins with Moses receiving instructions on how to number the people, there must be an offering giving to Yahweh to make atonement for the people. The need for atonement becomes very evident in the other events of the portion, specifically the Golden Calf incident. Moses has to become the intercessor for the people after they break covenant with Yahweh. We see how this role is performed correctly because Moses changes Yahweh mind. His repentance, intercession and worship, move Yahweh heart to re-covenant with him and the people. The highlight of this portion is Moses asking to see the glory of Yahweh, which he does. In this podcast we try to share some of the insights we gleaned from this portion. We pray you are encouraged in your faith and seek to have the Presence of the LORD in your life through the power of Holy Spirit. The glory of Yahweh is revealed to us through the life and ministry of Yeshua and our relationship with him removes the veil that formerly separated us from the Father. Thank you Abba for this great salvation!!

Resources:
https://www.academia.edu/75985...

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THE SOUND ON THE PODCAST IS VERY LOW. APOLOGIES FOR THE TECHNICAL ISSUES.

In this portion, Yahweh gives Moses instructions for ordaining Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. There is a detailed description of the priestly garments and how they are to be made and why it is important for Aaron and his sons to be dressed for their new vocation: the garments are for dignity and honor. There are also instructions for some of the ways in which the priesthood will minister to Yahweh and keep the sacred space set apart and holy. There are duties that must be done daily which speak to our role as a priesthood of believers. Be encouraged in learning that you are also a chosen, royal and a priest in the kingdom of God. Go get your garments!

Resources

The Whole Armor of God
Priestly Garments
*Author Unknown.
I usually don’t share resources that I can verify or vet. I am sharing this because I think it shares some provoking insight. Something to ponder. It is not meant to shift anyone’s theology but it is definitely meant to get you to pray, ponder and ask Holy Spirit.

https://resources.razorplanet....

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This week’s Torah portion Terumah is the beginning of discourse between Yahweh and Moses concerning instructions for the building of the Tabernacle. Yahweh asks the people to give an offering for the construction of the mishkan or tabernacle. The offering that was collected was a heave offering the was separated and elevated for God’s divine purpose. The tabernacle of the OT is a foreshadowing of God’s intent to provide a place for Himself to dwell among men. What was lost in the Garden of Eden has to be restored, this is one of the first steps of restoration of the Presence of God, Emmanuel, God with us…which met its highest manifestation in Yeshua Himself.

According to Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible, the Hebrew word for pattern is tabnith, which means structure. The study note states that Moses did not have a plan but a literal model to go by!!!! What!?! (Dake’s, pg. 143)

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In the last Torah portion the people of Yahweh received the Ten Words on Mt. Sinai. In this portion, the LORD gives Moses the judgments for the people. There many different situations and circumstances that are addressed in those few chapters. This is the part of the Bible that most people don’t read, but in actuality it is an important part. It reveals how Yahweh intended man to treat his fellow man: with justice and righteousness. These mishpatim are the guidelines for rules of conduct that help man to know how he should worship Yahweh, treat his neighbor and his neighbor’s property. Yahweh is concerned with the issues that create community. There are tow other important themes in this portion that we didn’t get to cover: The Angel with the Name in him from Ex. 23:20-23 and the covenant meal on the mountain in Ex. 24. We have an earlier podcast that discusses the Angel with the Name, we encourage you to check it out. Both of these would require separate podcasts to cover in detail. Definitly great study topics! Shalom.

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This is a very important portion because it is the biblical account of Yahweh descent on Mt Sinai to speak to Moses and Israel to give them the covenant or Ten Words, which we call the Ten Commandments. It is the an encounter full of fire and glory of Yahweh all symbolizing the covenantal relationship Yahweh is extending to his people: His marrying Israel as a bride. In this podcast I barely touch on the deep symbolism found in this portion. I would encourage you to listen to last year’s podcast for that and also check out the resource links below. Instead we found another well and decided to discuss the relevance of this event at Sinai in our walk of faith today. Why does this event matter for us? We explored the New Testament reading for this portion, Matthew 5 and Yeshua’s Sermon on the Mount, not a coincidence, and how he expounds on the teaching of Torah and calls those of the Kingdom to a higher standard, not a lesser one. Something worth pondering. This is a bit longer than usual but we read a considerable amount of the portion as well as shared from a few resources that brought forth important insights to help our understanding of the Torah and how Yeshua related to it so we can explore how we relate to it now.

*******THE SCRIPTURE I COULDN’T FIND AT THE END OF THE PODCAST***** Matthew 7:28

MY APOLOGIES for stumbling over the words lashon hara…it is a real important mitzvot so I apologize for not being able to even get it out. It is worth understanding (won’t explain here) and practicing because our words matter and how we speak about others is important to Yahweh. The Scriptures teach us how to live righteously, in right relationship to Yahweh and to others.

Beariing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matter by Carmen Joy Imes
https://www.amazon.com/Bearing...

The Torah Story by Gary Edward Schnittjer
https://www.amazon.com/Torah-S...

Sinai to Zion: The Untold Story of the Triumphant Return of Jesus
https://www.amazon.com/Torah-S...

The Bible Project
What is the Sermon on the Mount
https://bibleproject.com/artic...

The Hebrew Bible’s Connection to the Sermon on the Mount
https://bibleproject.com/podca...

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In this portion Yahweh continues His demonstration of power and authority over Pharaoh and Egypt by leading His people through the Red Sea by a mighty miraculous deliverance. Moses, the sent deliverer helps Yahweh by obeying His commands and uses his staff to part the Red Sea. Later in another battle with the Amalekites, Moses uses the staff of God to help Joshua and Israel defeat their enemies. All through this portion we are reminded that Yahweh is a mighty Warrior for his people. He has promised to deal with all of his enemies then and now. There is no battle that we as his children face alone, He is our Banner and He fights for us! Yahweh Nissi is his Name.
What a mighty God, Yahweh we serve!

Here are some resources to check out if you are interested in digging deeper into Exodus.

Sinai to Zion: The Untold Story of the Triumphant Return of Jesus by Joel Richardson
https://www.amazon.com/Sinai-Z...=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes
https://www.amazon.com/Bearing...=sr_1_1?crid=GC7RU2H7TY1V&keywords=why+sinai+still+matters&qid=1706120792&s=books&sprefix=Why+Sinai%2Cstripbooks%2C105&sr=1-1

Exodus Old and New by L. Michael Morales
https://www.amazon.com/Exodus-...=sr_1_1?crid=17HELJD00R6K6&keywords=exodus+old+and+new&qid=1706120880&s=books&sprefix=exodus+old+a%2Cstripbooks%2C91&sr=1-1

Here is a link to the resource mentioned in the podcast.
The Angel of the LORD by Matt Foreman and Doug Van Dorn
https://www.amazon.com/Angel-L...=sr_1_1?crid=3SYB0ISPJQE7W&keywords=the+angel+of+the+lord&qid=1706120958&s=books&sprefix=The+Angel+of+the+LORD%2Cstripbooks%2C110&sr=1-1

Remember Yahweh, your God is a mighty Divine Warrior!

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Yahweh is a God of Deliverance. In this portion He demonstrates His supreme power in delivering the Israel from the bondage of Egypt. He has dismantled the gods of Egypt showing to all surrounding nations, His power and authority even over Pharaoh, the god-king. The LORD’s Passover is instituted and commanded to be commemorated yearly as a sign to the future generations of the covenant love of Yahweh for the people His has chosen as His own.

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In this portion, Yahweh expresses His intention to reveal Himself as YHVH and deliver His firstborn Israel from Egyptian bondage. Moses experiences resistance from Pharaoh and the Israelites, but Yahweh reaffirms that He will demonstrate His power and authority through Moses using miraculous signs and wonders. Yahweh has a plan and He needs Moses on board to make it come to pass! The story of Israel’s deliverance from Pharaoh is so important to our understanding of the power and authority of Yahweh, Our God. He has redeemed us by His own power through the obedience of His Son Yeshua. The power of the Holy Spirit raised up Yeshua and we were raised up with him! Our deliverance is assured when we submit ourselves to the work of the Spirit in our lives.

Resources:
Sinai to Zion by Joel Richardson
https://www.amazon.com/Sinai-Z...

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We are starting the next book of the Pentateuch, Exodus with its first portion, Shemot translated names. In this portion we learn that Yahweh is a covenant keeping God who is looking for a partner to help him deliver his people from the slavery of Egypt. Moses is who Yahweh has chosen but Moses has not had an encounter with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob until the burning bush of Exodus chapter 3. The Angel of the LORD appears to Moses in the wilderness in a burning bush and declares His Name. This encounter is like no other because the Angel of the LORD is manifesting as the Presence of Yahweh in the FIRE of the bush. There is so much in this portion but in this podcast we discuss the powerful encounter that Moses has with the Angel of the LORD which catapults him into his destiny purpose.



Resources:
The Angel of the LORD by Matt Foreman and Doug Van Dorn
https://www.amazon.com/Angel-L...

Other resources we love for studying the book of Exodus:
Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes
https://www.amazon.com/Angel-L...

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In this last Torah portion of the book of Genesis, Bereshit, Jacob is nearing the end of his life and calls his sons to gather so that he can release blessings over them. Israel takes Joseph’s sons Manasseh and Ephraim and adopts them as his own, then speaks that they too will be honored among Israel. Throughout this last portion we can see how important the blessing of the father was in terms of prophetic destiny. We too are able to apply this spiritual truth to our own lives by faith, by understanding the power of our words. We can either bless or curse. Our words have spiritual consequences whether we know it or not. Jacob spoke prophetically over his sons and His words were part of the destiny of each of his sons. The blessing that Judah receives confirms his elevation as a leader of the tribes. The tribe of Judah becomes the chosen tribe to bring forth the promised kingly seed to Israel.

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In this Torah portion, Joseph has his big reveal with his brothers. He tells them who he is after his brother Judah makes an impassioned appeal on behalf of Benjamin. In this portion we see the birthright of Joseph fully demonstrated as he is able to provide for his family in Egypt. We also see Judah’s restoration and elevation as a leader of the tribes. It is an interesting portion full of revelation because we see Yahweh at work in the lives of his patriarchs. He is performing the promise He made to Abraham and causing His word to come forward in the generations.

Resources
The Torah Story by Gary Schnittjer
https://www.amazon.com/Torah-S...=dp_ob_title_bk

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In this portion we discuss some of the reasons why Joseph experienced so much suffering. Jewish and Christian tradition give us some clues that help us understand that the lives of the patriarchs are much different than ours. They were flawed individuals with family challenges and dysfunction like the rest of us, but they also had a loving God who had given them covenantal promises that He intended to fulfill despite their shortcomings. Amazing Grace!!! We all need it. It is by grace that we are saved, and not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesian 2:8.
Joseph will finally step into the fulfillment of his destiny at the appointed time. We learn that the promise of Yahweh will test and try our hearts to discern our motive and intent. Psalm 105:19, but it is all working for our good. It is all for His divine purpose and for His promise to be made manifest when our hearts align with His will for our lives.

References:
Hebrew term "lashon hara" is defined at evil speech and Jewish tradition and scripture record that Joseph gave "evil reports" to Jacob about his ten brothers. Gen. 37:2. Lashon hara is commonly referred to as gossip or slander. This is one of the reason's Potifer's wife slandered Joseph through accusation.
One New Man Bible by William J. Morford has a excellent article discussing gossip and slander in the bible glossary. I attempted to find a link from his website but was unable to find one. Here is an excerpt from the glossary: "Gossip/Slander. We will be judged by every idle word, as Y'shua spoke in Matt. 12:36. and i say to you that every idle word which men will speak will be paid back with regard to his account on Judgment Day. 37. for you will be justified because of your words and you will be condemned because of your words.( p. 1730). Joseph had a problem with this based on Gen. 37:2 ......Bringing slanderous reports showed wrong motive. when his goal apparently to curry favor with Jacob, not to change the brother's behavior. (p. 1731-32).


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In this portion we discover how the narrative of scripture reveals the purpose of God. The life of Joseph as the favored son of Israel shows how Yahweh’s divine plan and purposes are not halted by human interruptions. Many times our human deviations end up exposing the sovereignty of God. Joseph’s story has it all: jealousy, envy, attempted murder, despair, restoration and redemption. His life is an archetype for the life of Yeshua. Joseph suffers through many trials as the anointed favored son of Israel, the blessing of Yahweh is evident upon him, yet he suffers for Yahweh’s purpose to prevail. We can learn the paradoxical ways in which Yahweh works in our lives through the life of Joseph. Life is complicated. Even life as a believer in Yeshua, it can be complicated but Yahweh has a destiny plan for each of our lives and we will make it to our expected end in due season.

Resources
Psalm 105
1 Chronicles 16:8-3f

Mashiach ben Yosel: Joseph as a type of the Messiah
https://hebrew4christians.com/...

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In this portion, Jacob, the heel grabber, conniver and deceiver must come to grips with his past. He has to obey the command of the Yahweh and return to Canaan which will involve facing off with his brother Esau who he took advantage of and swindled the birthright and the blessing right from under him. Jacob with encounter the Angel of the Yahweh and wrestle him for a blessing. He knows the importance of the blessing. This portion teaches us the power of transformation when we surrender. Jacob wrestles with the Angel of the LORD until the “breaking of day” and refuses to release Him until he is blessed. As followers of Yeshua, we all must come to the place of encounter and have our own “breaking of day” experience. We wrestle with the LORD because we must be willing to risk all for what He has for us, for His plan and purpose to prevail. The breaking of day is a paradigm shift, it changes everything because in the process of it the One who knows who we really are reveals who He has created us to become and we are changed. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-taste-of-torah--5690880/support.

The Torah portions read during the Hebrew month of Kislev include dreams correlating to the month of dreams. In this portion, Jacob encounters Yahweh at a “certain place” that we discover is the same region where his grandfather, Abraham, encountered Yahweh and built an altar in worship to Him. This dream is often referred to as the dream of “Jacob’s Ladder”, Jacob sees the heavens opened and angelic beings ascending and descending upon this ladder, which we learn in the NT is Yeshua, the Son of Man. Jacob is in need of protection and Yahweh, reiterates His covenant with Abraham, then Isaac, and now Jacob: a covenant that included divine protection and angelic assistance. Here again, we see the covenant love of Yahweh revealed and demonstrated to the patriarchs and the generations. We can be encouraged in knowing that Yahweh’s covenant love is at work in our lives, in the midst of life’s challenges. Jacob’s life shows us that even when we are walking circumspectly, His mercy endures and His divine purpose prevails on our behalf.

Resources mentioned in the podcast
Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes
https://www.amazon.com/Bearing...


The Unseen Realm: Rediscovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Dr. Michael Heiser
https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-...

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In this Torah portion, Isaac has a tea with Yahweh, after redigging the wells of his father Abraham. There are several issues recounted in Isaac’s life that remind us of his father, Abraham. There was a famine, a relocation, a lie and a king named Abimelech. This obvious pattern speaks to how one generation affects another generation either positively or negatively. Isaac experienced conflict over those wells, and just when he could have gotten discouraged, Yahweh appeared to him and confirmed His promise. He worshipped the LORD at the place where he received the promise. We will have opposition to the promise of God in our lives. We must choose to believe the power of His promise over every opposition. Yahweh keeps His promises and His promises are not for us only but for the generations. The blessing and the inheritance has to be secured through faith and obedience to the word of Yahweh.

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