Gateway To Freedom

In the opening part of today's Parasha we see YHVH's distain for sin and how physical adultery leads to spiritual adultery. As Israel plays the harlot with the Midianite women, so they also commit harlotry with Baalpeor. This act brought the judgment of death upon the sinners. The lesson instructs us that we should always be on guard against the sin which would gain entrance into our lives. If we are alert, then by God's grace we will be able to resist and overcome the Midianite's lustful pathway to sin as YHVH commands us.

Torah Portion:

In the opening part of today's Parasha we see YHVH's distain for sin and how physical adultery leads to spiritual adultery. As Israel plays the harlot with the Midianite women, so they also commit harlotry with Baalpeor. This act brought the judgment of death upon the sinners. The lesson instructs us that we should always be on guard against the sin which would gain entrance into our lives. If we are alert, then by God's grace we will be able to resist and overcome the Midianite's lustful pathway to sin as YHVH commands us.

Moses is again commanded to take a census of Israel's warriors 20 years and up. In this account we have the statement that YHVH kept His Word of promise and judgment.

The daughters of Zeloph'ehad file a claim for the inheritance of their father's portion of the Promised Land. YHVH agrees with their plea and establishes the precedent of succession when no son has been given to a family head.

Before entering the Promised Land, YHVH again reiterates the keeping of the "continual"/daily sacrifice - Israel's minimal service to the LORD as well as the feasts of the Lord. In these is the pattern for YHVH's salvation plan.

Study:

(Review)
Num 25:1- 5 Following the advice of Balaam, the confederates of Moab (King Balak) and Midian (Num 22:7) begin to seduce the men of Israel into union with the daughters of Moab/Midian (Num 25:1), and to the worship of their gods. This undermining tactic of sexual immorality again reveals Moab's generational iniquity. Moab literally means "of his father," derived from the incestuous union between Lot and his oldest daughter. (Gen 19:31-38) (Ammon, meaning "inbred" was the offspring of Lot's youngest daughter.)

YHVH commands Moses to slay the heads of the households of those who have committed spiritual and physical adultery with Baalpeor and the Midianite women. Different accounts of those slain are reconciled as it is regarded that 1,000 were killed with the sword and an additional 23,000 by the plague itself. In the B'rit Chadashah (New Testament), the apostle Paul tells the church to avoid fornication and evil using this story as his illustration:

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. (1 Corinthians 10:8)

In contrast, the Numbers account states:

And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand. (Numbers 25:9)

Notice that Paul's account also tells us the time frame - one day. Thus when it says that Zimri "came and brought" (v. 6) he may have been outside the camp (in the Midianite camp) and unaware of the judgment.

Thus, as he passes the women which were weeping before the tabernacle for those who were slain, Zimri, a defiant Israelite prince, "came" and mocked YHVH, Moses and the entire congregation by presenting a Midianite princess before them and taking her into his tent. (Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7)

Before we continue with the biblical account, let us touch upon a traditional account (which we seldom quote) which may help to better understand what follows. The Midrash commentary expands the biblical account to state that Zimri directly confronted Moses asking if his union with this Midianite princess was allowable. When Moses said, "no", Zimri challenged Moses' decision on the basis that he, Moses, had himself married a foreign woman (an Ethiopian - Num 12:1)! Moses was so stunned by the reasoned rebuke and accusation that he failed to act. Seeing Moses' response, Aaron, Eleazar and others began weeping. (YHVH even said that Moses was vexed (bound up/stressed) and beguiled (defrauded/deceived) in the matter of Cozbi - and Peor.) (Num25:18)

Today, leaders in the body of Christ are repeatedly placed in this same position. Man's dominating spirits of accusation and logical reasoning often overpower and momentarily block the Word and standards set forth by God.

Num 25:6-15 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the high priest, having seen all that occurred followed and slew Zimri, the Simeonite prince, and his Midianite woman named Cozbi in the very act of sexual immorality (Midrash Rabbah). He did so without consulting Moses or Aaron, without a trial and at the risk of his own life from the legal revenge from the tribe of Simeon. (Isn't this the same picture as Yeshua's temple cleansing when it says, "And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." (John 2:17)

One must wonder is there is not a hidden meaning here of which we are to be aware. The name Zimri means musical or a psalm. By extension it could imply any speaking forth that is rhythmically accompanied. The Midianite woman's name, Cozbi means: lying or false. Thus, the story we are reading could be said to be about false praise or a rhythmic expression of lying words. Today, do we have such expressions of sin coming boldly into the camp? Hasn't it already encroached upon us in the form of demonic rhythms disguised as modern praise and enchanters (false prophets/teachers) who sing the tune of false doctrines which try to lead us away from the love of the Bridegroom?

However, notice that YHVH had already commanded the death sentence for the sin and YHVH had begun a plague that slew 24,000 Israelites. Because of his atoning act of zeal for YHVH, the Lord not only:

1. affirmed Phinehas' action,

2. He stopped the plague upon Israel and

3. made a covenant of peace with Phinehas and his seed forever.

YHVH's shalom is more than just our common definition of peace. It is completeness and perfection in God. Isaiah 9:6 says that Yeshua is the Prince of Peace. It is He who brings shalom to our lives. The Jewish New Testament says in Philippians 4:7; "God's shalom, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yehsua."

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)

True peace is not of ourselves, nor something we can meditate upon to generate in a session of meditation. It is rather a state of ever walking in His covenant and trusting Him for all things - even the quieting of our hearts in the unity of His Spirit in times of trouble.

A Mystery:
It is noteworthy to recognize the special meaning that YHVH has shown about this covenant and Phinehas' heart of zeal for the Lord. And yet, with modern printing this mystery is generally unseen and unknown. The letter vav looks like a person standing erect - a straight vertical line with a head. Its numerical equivalent is six, representing the number of man who was created on the sixth day. When it is hand written (e.g. Masoretic text) on the Torah scroll (giving credence to accurate transcription) it reads, "I (YHVH) am giving him my Brit Shalom," (covenant of peace) the letter vav in the "covenant of peace" is broken in the middle! (Num 25:12) This shows us that in order to be truly shalem (whole), a man has to be broken in spirit; a broken and contrite heart.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalms 51:17)

The example of Phinehas' heart of zeal for the Lord was never to be used as an example or rationalization (as some would use it) for the shedding of blood or inappropriate actions. However, it is given to demonstrate the significance that one single man, or his actions, can make for either good or evil - for an entire society. Today, Abba is putting the zeal of His Spirit in transforming the spiritual DNA of a new generation of sons and daughters who will fulfill His purposes "in such a time as this."

However, I was saddened today (7/14/11) in the reading of the news release from Jacob Prasch about the slaughter of hundreds of Chinese believers. At the urging of a West Coast "prophet's" prediction of Messiah's return this past May, some 7,000 Chinese believers gathered together upon the mountains to await Yeshua's coming. According to the report, "The police and military police slaughtered many of them at gunpoint and beheaded two pastors. I am told by Hmong pastors that so many were shot dead that they were buried in mass graves."

Because of the actions of one highly visible and supported zealous, false prophet, an entire mountainous society will forever be affected in their faith, memory and heritage. Thus, as believers, we must be sure that our zeal is "the Lord's zeal" and not our own. We are to be a voice for only our LORD, and not a voice for the tree of good and evil.

When spiritual leaders become deceived, they can lead many sheep to the slaughter. We are again warned by this example that we should follow only the Son, and not a man nor man's leadings unless the Spirit within us gives us release.

Num 25:16-18 YHVH commanded Israel to harass the Midianites and to smite them. When sin crosses our path we must be careful what our senses receive. The lust of the flesh is calling to destroy YHVH's people at every turn of society from the media to the portrayal of "normalcy" and false moral standards at every turn. If a TV or movie scene is too "mature" to be seen by the young loved ones in our life, should it be so easily acceptable for us? Have we become so oblivious to our own lowered standards that we no longer find blatant sexuality/sensualistic scenes, cursing, and the use of God's name in vain acceptable to our ears and eyes? Would we be so dull of hearing and blind if our loved one was sitting beside us?

I confess to you that it took a granddaughter to give me exactly that wakeup call. We were watching a modern Western movie that I had suggested because it had a great moral plot to it. With the second expletive (cursing) my thirteen year old granddaughter started tapping my arm with her finger at each such utterance. As she continued her tapping, I began to realize how accustom I had become to hearing such language. I did ask for and received forgiveness, but I remember the feelings of embarrassment and shame as well as the little red mark that developed upon my arm as the video played! I praise the LORD that this incident has probably saved me from untold sin among the seven other grandchildren.

Num 26: The entire chapter is the recording of taking a new census before entering the Promised Land. There were 70 clans and 70 apportionments among the land of Israel. The number 70 represents "perfect spiritual order." Can we see that YHVH is setting up a copy of his kingdom that has the balance and order of heaven? Didn't Israel's religious government recognize this with the 70 seats of the Sanhedrin? What about the 70 disciples [above the 12 apostles] recognized in Luke 10 whose purpose was to evangelize their world? Were all these the "lights" YHVH established to be His witness on the earth?

The total number of men at arms (20 yrs+) was 601,730. This compares to the first census of recorded in Numbers 1:46 of 603,550 - 1,820 less. Could this census have been taken to know the army's strength or maybe a count of the sheep of a returning flock as Moses prepares to turn it over to Joshua? The census is followed by a statement of the fulfillment of YHVH's word, "Num 26:64-65 But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. (65) For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Let us again recall that the priesthood, which was without land inheritance, was not counted among these whose "fathers" had been sentenced to die in the wilderness. The priesthood was numbered from one month and up at 23,000 (versus 22,260 at Sinai (Num3:43):

And those that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand, all males from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel. (Numbers 26:62)

Thus, as we've addressed in previous parasha, we see names of the Aaronic lineage who came out from Egypt and entered the Promise Land like Eleazar, Phinehas and Ithamar. Just because we don't have a record of names from the other Levitical families, does not mean that there was judgment upon them. Unless there was sin in those families (i.e. Korah) names of individuals were not mentioned.

Num 27:1-11 The equality of women is established by YHVH's decision regarding the daughters of Zelophehad. Notice also that this is the formalization for the establishment of the statutes of judgment for the kinsmen redeemer. (Numbers 27:11) Both judgments show the fair and just nature of YHVH.

Num 27:12-23 Theses passages are about the passing of leadership from Moses to Joshua. Moses requested that YHVH provide a leader that would, "go out and come in before them." This is an idiomatic expression for being amongst the people to know and have a heart of concern for ministering to and speaking before the people. YHVH's leaders are not to be secluded isolationists.

We should also take note of the new order which YHVH establishes between His leader and the priesthood. Unlike Moses who spoke face to face with YHVH, Joshua is to get his answers through the priest by way of the Urim and Thummin. YHVH never disassociated governmental rule from His counsel. Man did! Was this for the protection of the church, or a wile of the enemy to take over his rule of the people and subsequently the church? Both history and the book of Revelation show us that it was the latter.

Both history and current events repeatedly tell us that without God's counsel, man's rule (influenced by Satan) leads to chaos. Hasn't Satan craftily used the separation of church and state to create his own system for the destruction of God's people? Even today, more and more of man's "equality" regulations are being imposed to limit the expression of YHVH's laws in the streets, schools, courtrooms and the whole of society.

Num 28: This chapter is a summarization of the offerings and the feasts of the Lord. Besides the "continual," daily morning and evening offering, Shabbat required an additional morning and evening offering - showing the importance of this day and the dedication of our lives. Are we not supposed to live every day in the Lord and dedicate the entire Sabbath to Him?

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

Num 29:12-30 Not long ago I was quickened about the sacrifices during the feast of tabernacles. In my pursuit, I believe YHVH has given me some insight I'd like to share with you. This feast, called Sukkot or feast of booths, marks the future gathering of the nations and dwelling upon earth with Yeshua himself. In this context one can't help but notice the daily goat offering for sin and the number of bullocks being offered each day. Today this shadow reminds us of our needed daily sacrifice for sin (Yeshua) in the presence of G_d. But, in the millennial kingdom we have our offering of the risen lamb of YHVH right before us. Why, according to scriptures do we need a sin offering during this time?

Sin offerings in the millennium:
Some have speculated that the reinstituted sacrifices spoken of in Ezekiel are a remembrance of Christ's completed work upon the cross. While that point of view may have some validity, let's look at Zechariah's prophecy and I think we'll be able to see the deeper meaning. (Zechariah 14:16-18) "And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep (chagag: khaw-gag - implying re-established/repetitive, joyous, participation and not just dutiful observation.) the feast of tabernacles. {17} And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. {18} And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles."

Smite the heathen! There it is. Here, in the millennial reign of Christ upon earth are those who made it through the tribulation (rarer than the gold of Ophir - Isa 3:12) and are under his governmental rule but still have not accepted Him as Savior and Lord! These nations' representatives need a daily sacrifice for their sin to be in the presence of the King of Kings! Could this also be the same reason as the need for all sacrifices in the Millennium?

Read: Other Millennial sacrifice references - Ezekiel 43:18 -27 and Malachi 3:2-4

70 Bullocks for Sukkot:
Over the course of Sukkot seventy bullocks are sacrificed. Throughout all scriptures numbers are very significant and often complete the meaning of commands and statements. Just as YHVH used numbers to signify deeper meanings to those who were His, so did Yeshua during His earthly reign. For example, the entire meaning of John 21:11 rests on the understanding of the number 153 - whose meaning translates to Sons of the Living God. (i.e. With Christ's headship, the Apostles would bring forth the sons of the Living God and none would be lost.).

According to Number in Scripture: Bullinger, pg 270, the number 70 denotes perfect spiritual order. Both spirit and power are emphasized. Thus, so do the 70 sacrificial bullocks - perfect spirit and order. Why then did not YHVH just have Israel sacrifice 10 bullocks per day (10 x 7) instead of beginning with 13 on day one and decreasing one per day until seven were sacrificed on the last day? This is the question the Spirit asked me - and thus I fervently pursued Him for several days until he showed me this aspect and again gives us insight into the preciseness and higher thinking of our Lord.

According to the same reference, page 243, the number 10 stands for complete perfection of divine order, i.e. nothing wanting/the whole cycle complete. And yet this was the institution of the shadow and that means it wasn't complete - so YHVH would not use 10 for seven days.

Instead, we must look at the significance of the days and the numbers. When we recognize that some numbers of bullocks sacrificed on some days may represent something different than total perfection, the student of the word may see a whole potential pattern to occur during the millennial reign of Christ. For example, the number 13 stands for rebellion, apostasy, etc. As we read in Zechariah 14, there are heathen in the nations. Do you suppose that after Christ conquers the nations in the plains of Megiddo (Rev 16:16) there is still rebellion in the conquered nations - even those who won't come up to give homage to Messiah? The number 12 stands for perfected government, but 11 is one short or the undoing of that perfection. Also, do the eight bullocks sacrificed on the 6th day mark a new beginning for the order of man - suggesting the new heaven's and earth?

The significance of the Spirit's question is the progression of the number of sacrifices and finally the perfection at the end (7 bullocks). In other words, when Yeshua returns to earth His holy mountain is purified and holy, but the nations must be conformed until there is finally perfection at the end and the new beginning. In the end, it is representative of the perfection of God before the new beginnings of the eighth day!

(Another thought: What does it mean to be "accursed" during the millennial reign of Messiah? (Isa 65:20) Could it be that those accursed are of the heathen who are destined to die in man's declared life span (120 years) in order to satisfy the justice of YHVH? Could the millennial reign of Yeshua be a great harvest of souls?) 

 
Haftorah:
1 Kings 18:46-19:21

The correlation between the Torah and the Haftorah are the similar personality traits of Phinehas and Elijah. They both exhibited an uncompromising zeal for YHVH and both literally put their lives on the line for righteousness and the love of their nation, Israel.

Immediately preceding this Haftorah we find the Lord, through the prophet, Elijah, challenged and defeated the prophets of Baal and brought an end to the three year drought. After this it reads:

18:46 "And the hand of the Lord was upon Elijah.." is a precondition for the supernatural work. Throughout history up to this very hour, many zealous people have errantly used the examples of both Phinehas and Elijah as a battle cry to provoke action without the hand of the Lord being upon them or their work. I may only be an "eleventh hour man" (as it has been prophesied) but I have seen many movements within the body of Christ that have stirred men to heights of passion and spiritual activity to only leave behind broken lives, homes and spirits in their wake. Preachers have preached, prophets have exhorted and many good intentioned people have risen up to "take or prepare the kingdom of God" only to stir up souls in opposition to YHVH's Word. The sheep are led to the well intentioned slaughter and people are left without the true Word or even an under-shepherd to help them find their way out of the pit that they've dug.

19:3,4 "He arose and went for his life, and came to Beersheba.." While many focus on this seeming frailty of fear in the face of death, I see that Elijah had concern for and left his servant in the safety of righteous king Jehoshaphat's Judah, while he himself traveled into the wilderness and then on to Mt. Horab to seek his Lord. By his later statements of being the last one, it is obvious that the man of God was wearied by the ministry (vs. 10) and sought a fresh vision and Word.

19:9 "What doest though here, Elijah?" YHVH listened to His servants emotional needs and met and comforted, just as he does us.

19:11 YHVH shows His dominion in the wind, earth (earthquake), and fire (above, in and upon the earth) before speaking to Elijah in a still small voice.

19:15-18 A new assignment: 1) return, 2) anoint the next king of Syria (to be used in judgment) 3) anoint the next king of Israel and 4) anoint (and train up) a replacement (Elisha). Even then YHVH would not let him die the death of man, but personally took him up to heaven in a chariot of fire. This exhibits a loving God that gives honor and purpose to His servants.

19:21 Elisha exhibits a total commitment to his calling (i.e. slaying a yoke of oxen - his livelihood) but not his father's (the other 11 yoke of oxen). (24 oxen = perfect order.)

There are many lessons for us to glean from today's parasha. Yes, there is a zeal for YHVH that we must possess. However, let us recognize the underlying motivation for both Phinehas' and Elijah's righteous actions. This catalyst to action was the seriousness of adultery with the world, its thinking, actions and its "gods." Let us also resist the lust of the flesh and those things that are so ready to entrap us and only "look to the author and finisher of our faith." Let us make ourselves ready for our bridgroom.

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:16-18)

Shabbat Shalom,
      Randy

File: Pinchas2011