Jacob Ben Avraham

THREE TABERNACLES? OR THREE IN ONE? EXODUS 38-40 Continuing in our commentary in Exodus 38-40, the Tabernacle in the desert seems to be mentioned/referred to in three ways; 1. HaMishkan (The Tabernacle) 2. HaMishkan, HaOhel Moed (The Tabernacle, Tent of Meeting) 3. HaMishkan, HaEidut (The Tabernacle of the Testimony). In reality, they are ALL the same, yet referred to by different names. Why is that? Why does Moses refer to them in different ways? Perhaps we can see the ministry of Adonai in different ways. “HaMishkan” If we go back to the ancient Hebrew spelling of the word “Mishkan” It is spelled with 4 Hebrew letters. “Mem” “Sheen” “Kaph” and “Nun” (M+SH+K+N) It comes from the verb “Sh’ken” which is “to dwell”. The reason that Adonai ordered Moshe to build the Tabernacle was so that HE could dwell amongst HIS people. One can look at the letters from the ancient Hebrew perspective and say; “The Living Water who is the All-Consuming Fire anoints (his people) with life” … or … “Our lives became anointed when the presence of the All-Consuming Fire /the Living Water is amongst us” “HaOhel Moed” (The Tent of Meeting) Why do we go to the synagogue/church? Because it is the meeting place where we meet with Elohim. His spirit is there! Even if only two believers are present in some place, HE is in the midst! So, Adonai dwells with his people so that we can “meet” with HIM. “Ohel Moed” has 7 letters, “7” is the number of perfection. If we look at the Ancient Hebrew spelling of these words we could see the following: “Behold the God of Instruction and Teaching and (gives his people/us) the “living water (of the word) which connects us with insight, which is at the door” When we meet with Adonai, we are taught His Word through his chosen teachers, we are taught about Yeshua who is the “Living Water” who gives “insight’ (or understanding). The understanding is there at the door, all we have to do is open the door (of our mind and heart) to receive it. It is interesting that the last word “Moed” has the letters “Ayin and Dalet” which spell “Witness” There are witnesses when we meet with Adonai, Adonai himself and his holy angels besides those who are there to receive the Word of God. “HaEidut” (Testimony or Pact) The Mishkan was also known as the “Eidut” the Tabernacle of Testimony. What is the testimony? The testimony is the presence of the “Tables of the Torah” The tablets of the Commandments which were placed in the Ark of the Covenant. The word “Eidut” spelled in Hebrew consists of three letters; “Ayin’ “Dalet” and “Tav”. When we see these from the ancient Hebraic perspective, we can see this message; “Insight is at the door of the Covenant” or we could also understand it as; “The covenant gives insight, and that is at the door”. The letter “Tav” in the ancient spelling looks like a cross leaning to one side. It speaks of the New Covenant under Yeshua, and when we understand (insight) the message of “Yeshuah” (Salvation) then that “Yeshuah” is at the “door”. All that we need to do is open the door and receive “Yeshuah” that comes from “Yeshua” (seems like a play on words). Again, we see the two letters “Ayin and Dalet” (ED) yet here they are reversed, yet they are still present, the “Witness” In conclusion, the Tabernacle was all about where Adonai came to dwell amongst his people to dwell with them, teach them his word, his ordinances, and his commandments, to direct them to a new life style other than the life they had in Egypt. We meet with Adonai in HIS place of worship to receive his word, and to allow HIM to dwell inside of us through His Holy Spirit. We learn His Word and His Word directs ALL to YESHUA, who is the New Covenant. Now, we will look at another building project. King David had it in his mind to "Build a House for God" yet his son Solomon constructed it. 1 KINGS 7:51-8:21 We see here a repetition of the same building project, but on a larger scale. Solomon builds the first “Temple” for the presence of YHVH. Wherein the tabernacle was a mobile structure (kinda like a mobile home) the Temple was a fixed place. He employed thousands of workers, so there wasn’t much unemployment in Israel during that time. It took many years to build whereas the Tabernacle was finished in a matter of months. It takes time to build a ministry, many years sometimes. But if the goal is to share/teach the Word of God to others, to minister HIS word, then the LORD will bless that work, no matter how small or how big, whether a “mobile” ministry or a “fixed-in-one-place ministry, Adonai will bless and it will last. MARK 9:1-50; 10:1-52 Yeshua takes his three chosen disciples; Peter, James, and John to witness a special event. We know this as the “Transfiguration.” They went up a mountain and the clothing of Yeshua was transformed into dazzling white. He then talked with Moses and Elijah. The scripture does not say what they talked about. We can only imagine. Perhaps, it was the following; Moses represents the Torah, (the first 5 books) and Elijah, the Prophets and writings, and Yeshua, the New Covenant. Altogether, we have the complete Torah, the Complete Word of God! Perhaps Yeshua told the two how He was the one that they wrote about and how all of their prophecies would be complete in HIM. Well, that is just an idea. What do you think they talked about if not that? In Mark 10, Yeshua teaches about divorce. This is a big subject, and a sad subject because many couples do not take marriage seriously anymore. “Love” is a “commitment” it is a “conscious choice” to care for a person, it has nothing to do with “feelings”, yet “feelings” can lead two people together to “make a “love” commitment” Divorce was allowed out of the “hardness of man’s heart” in biblical times, it was instituted by the man, never the woman, all is different now, get tired of your mate? Bored? Run to the lawyer and get a divorce, look for a new mate, someone more exciting and fuller of life. This is the mentality of the world, but not the mentality of God. The only biblical reason for allowing divorce is adultery, and for unbelief, if there is a mixed marriage and the unbeliever refuses to live with the believer, “let him (or her) depart” for we are not called to strife. All the more reason to be “equally yoked together, believers with other believers” Personally, divorce should be a last choice if one is living in a “hell hole” and the mate is an “unholy terror” but let’s not even go there now, we need to lift up our mates in prayer and pray for understanding one with the other. We are all different, and our mates complement our weaknesses, and through our mates, our weaknesses become “strong” Have a blessed week. We leave for the States on the 28th, coming back? Maybe in May. Will write again then. Ben Avraham (Does anyone here live in Houston or Miami?) Nice memories. Bringing a Bible Study to the cadets of "Gerardo Barrios Military Academy" in San Salvador, El Salvador 2016

THREE TABERNACLES? OR THREE IN ONE? EXODUS 38-40 Continuing in our commentary in Exodus 38-40, the Tabernacle in the desert seems to be mentioned/referred to in three ways; 1. HaMishkan (The Tabernacle) 2. HaMishkan, HaOhel Moed (The Tabernacle, Tent of Meeting) 3. HaMishkan, HaEidut (The Tabernacle of the Testimony). In reality, they are ALL the same, yet referred to by different names. Why is that? Why does Moses refer to them in different ways? Perhaps we can see the ministry of Adonai in different ways. “HaMishkan” If we go back to the ancient Hebrew spelling of the word “Mishkan” It is spelled with 4 Hebrew letters. “Mem” “Sheen” “Kaph” and “Nun” (M+SH+K+N) It comes from the verb “Sh’ken” which is “to dwell”. The reason that Adonai ordered Moshe to build the Tabernacle was so that HE could dwell amongst HIS people. One can look at the letters from the ancient Hebrew perspective and say; “The Living Water who is the All-Consuming Fire anoints (his people) with life” … or … “Our lives became anointed when the presence of the All-Consuming Fire /the Living Water is amongst us” “HaOhel Moed” (The Tent of Meeting) Why do we go to the synagogue/church? Because it is the meeting place where we meet with Elohim. His spirit is there! Even if only two believers are present in some place, HE is in the midst! So, Adonai dwells with his people so that we can “meet” with HIM. “Ohel Moed” has 7 letters, “7” is the number of perfection. If we look at the Ancient Hebrew spelling of these words we could see the following: “Behold the God of Instruction and Teaching and (gives his people/us) the “living water (of the word) which connects us with insight, which is at the door” When we meet with Adonai, we are taught His Word through his chosen teachers, we are taught about Yeshua who is the “Living Water” who gives “insight’ (or understanding). The understanding is there at the door, all we have to do is open the door (of our mind and heart) to receive it. It is interesting that the last word “Moed” has the letters “Ayin and Dalet” which spell “Witness” There are witnesses when we meet with Adonai, Adonai himself and his holy angels besides those who are there to receive the Word of God. “HaEidut” (Testimony or Pact) The Mishkan was also known as the “Eidut” the Tabernacle of Testimony. What is the testimony? The testimony is the presence of the “Tables of the Torah” The tablets of the Commandments which were placed in the Ark of the Covenant. The word “Eidut” spelled in Hebrew consists of three letters; “Ayin’ “Dalet” and “Tav”. When we see these from the ancient Hebraic perspective, we can see this message; “Insight is at the door of the Covenant” or we could also understand it as; “The covenant gives insight, and that is at the door”. The letter “Tav” in the ancient spelling looks like a cross leaning to one side. It speaks of the New Covenant under Yeshua, and when we understand (insight) the message of “Yeshuah” (Salvation) then that “Yeshuah” is at the “door”. All that we need to do is open the door and receive “Yeshuah” that comes from “Yeshua” (seems like a play on words). Again, we see the two letters “Ayin and Dalet” (ED) yet here they are reversed, yet they are still present, the “Witness” In conclusion, the Tabernacle was all about where Adonai came to dwell amongst his people to dwell with them, teach them his word, his ordinances, and his commandments, to direct them to a new life style other than the life they had in Egypt. We meet with Adonai in HIS place of worship to receive his word, and to allow HIM to dwell inside of us through His Holy Spirit. We learn His Word and His Word directs ALL to YESHUA, who is the New Covenant. Now, we will look at another building project. King David had it in his mind to "Build a House for God" yet his son Solomon constructed it. 1 KINGS 7:51-8:21 We see here a repetition of the same building project, but on a larger scale. Solomon builds the first “Temple” for the presence of YHVH. Wherein the tabernacle was a mobile structure (kinda like a mobile home) the Temple was a fixed place. He employed thousands of workers, so there wasn’t much unemployment in Israel during that time. It took many years to build whereas the Tabernacle was finished in a matter of months. It takes time to build a ministry, many years sometimes. But if the goal is to share/teach the Word of God to others, to minister HIS word, then the LORD will bless that work, no matter how small or how big, whether a “mobile” ministry or a “fixed-in-one-place ministry, Adonai will bless and it will last. MARK 9:1-50; 10:1-52 Yeshua takes his three chosen disciples; Peter, James, and John to witness a special event. We know this as the “Transfiguration.” They went up a mountain and the clothing of Yeshua was transformed into dazzling white. He then talked with Moses and Elijah. The scripture does not say what they talked about. We can only imagine. Perhaps, it was the following; Moses represents the Torah, (the first 5 books) and Elijah, the Prophets and writings, and Yeshua, the New Covenant. Altogether, we have the complete Torah, the Complete Word of God! Perhaps Yeshua told the two how He was the one that they wrote about and how all of their prophecies would be complete in HIM. Well, that is just an idea. What do you think they talked about if not that? In Mark 10, Yeshua teaches about divorce. This is a big subject, and a sad subject because many couples do not take marriage seriously anymore. “Love” is a “commitment” it is a “conscious choice” to care for a person, it has nothing to do with “feelings”, yet “feelings” can lead two people together to “make a “love” commitment” Divorce was allowed out of the “hardness of man’s heart” in biblical times, it was instituted by the man, never the woman, all is different now, get tired of your mate? Bored? Run to the lawyer and get a divorce, look for a new mate, someone more exciting and fuller of life. This is the mentality of the world, but not the mentality of God. The only biblical reason for allowing divorce is adultery, and for unbelief, if there is a mixed marriage and the unbeliever refuses to live with the believer, “let him (or her) depart” for we are not called to strife. All the more reason to be “equally yoked together, believers with other believers” Personally, divorce should be a last choice if one is living in a “hell hole” and the mate is an “unholy terror” but let’s not even go there now, we need to lift up our mates in prayer and pray for understanding one with the other. We are all different, and our mates complement our weaknesses, and through our mates, our weaknesses become “strong” Have a blessed week. We leave for the States on the 28th, coming back? Maybe in May. Will write again then. Ben Avraham (Does anyone here live in Houston or Miami?) Nice memories. Bringing a Bible study to the cadets of "Escuela Militar Gerardo Barrios, in San Salvador, El Salvador 2016

Bible Portion: "VaYekel" ( and he assembled) and "Pikudei" (accountings of) EXODUS 35:1-40:38 The original commentary for this portion of study is very long. I sent it to our Messianic congregation members, but for the sake of those in the Forum groups, I will shorten it a bit, and concentrate on the basic meanings of this portion of God's inspired Word. The main point of this study is the construction of the Tabernacle, or in Hebrew, "Mishkan," which comes from three Hebrew letters: "Sh+k+n," which form the verb " to dwell, to live with or among." It isn't that God needs a place to live, He lives everywhere, from the farthest and remote parts of the universe to the deepest part of the oceans. It is "Man" who needs to "meet" with God, so God will meet with mankind in this place called the Mishkan. God gives Moses the building plans while on Mt. Sinai in Exodus Chapter 25. This was a "God to Moses" conversation and instructions. Now, ten chapters later, it is the "Moses to the People" conversation. "This is what God wants." The first thing that is mentioned in Exodus 35 is the "Shabbat." Even before the building project starts, God is ordering a day of rest, do nothing, just rest in your tents Israelites, and meditate on the goodness you have received from me! in a manner of speaking. Even when the building starts, they are to rest and stop work every Sabbath, which is every "Saturday." It is the 7th day, and God gives the example back in Genesis. "He rested on the 7th day from all his work" This works for us too. We can work 6 days a week then rest on the 7th day. Most of us have 5-day work weeks, then on Saturday and Sunday, we rest and either attend Synagogue services or Sunday services. Some believe that the Sabbath day was changed to Sunday. Yet nothing was changed really. In Acts, it mentions that the disciples and other believers got together the "First Day of the week to break bread" (Acts 20:7) this was when Paul met with them and preached until midnight. The "First day of the week, or Sunday" starts when the sun goes down on Saturday afternoon-evening. Bible study, food fellowship, and communion were at this time too. So, Sunday, the first day of the week is also a blessing to get together and study God's Word at congregations. Now for every building project, there are supervisors and workers appointed by the "Big Boss Man." We might say that Moses was the "Boss Man" and God himself was the "Big Boss Man." In this project, there were two supervisors; B'Tzal'el and "Aholiav" Intereresting names. B'Tzal'El means "In the Shadow of God" and "Aholi-Av" "In My Father's Tent" or "My tent of the Father" According to the Talmud, B'tzal'El was only 13 years old. So, these guys worked under the "shadow of God" to build "Father's Tent." He was to build the furniture for the Tabernacle and AholiAv was to teach others how to do the work. They were supernaturally gifted with the understanding and wisdom to do this work. Imagine going to sleep one night and waking up knowing all about electrical engineering and the night before you were just a common day laborer. The Israelites in Egypt were just that, laborers for Pharoah. God has gifted all believers with the "gifts of the Spirit" To some he has given the gift of teaching, and pastoring, and being a rabbi (a teacher) Some he has given the gift of administration, finances, music, singing, prayer warriors, and intercessors, some can speak different languages (tongues) in the Greek (Glossa) all for the Body of Messiah. God told Moses to "collect a free-will offering" from the people. This is important because it had to come from their "hearts." All the materials would come from the people. Where did the Israelites get all the material to build the Mishkan? From the Egyptians of course. Egypt went into bankruptcy. The Egyptians gave them all their gold, silver, copper, bronze, fabric, fine wood, etc...just to get them "out of there" (and take your God with you!) The people started bringing all that was needed to build the Mishkan. Even "too much" as they were commanded to "stop giving". Can you imagine a pastor telling his congregation to "stop giving, hey, we have too much already" That will never happen. God wants us to be "cheerful givers" with a glad heart, not with a sour face as if you were sucking on a lemon. There are three ways to give, the three "T"s, Time, Talent, and Treasure" Some have a lot of "treasure" (money) but little available time, while others have not so much treasure (like me) yet a lot of time and talent to give. Especially retired folks such as myself. Not enough treasure to keep living in the USA, but enough to live South of the Border. Now, the furnishings that were built by the construction crews were; The Tabernacle itself, with the boards and the tenting fabric, and then 6 main items, all of which point to and illustrate YESHUA! The Ark of the Covenant, The Incense Altar, the Table of Shewbread, the Menorah, the Bronze Basin, and the Brazen Altar. So, how do these items point to Yeshua or illustrate the person of Yeshua/Jesus? THE ARK OF THE COVENANT: Made of gold and hardwood. The humanity of Yeshua (wood) and the purity of His sinless person (gold) Inside the Ark of the Covenant were: The Tablets of the Commandments (Yeshua, the Living Torah) Aaron's Rod that budded (The Authority and Leadership of Yeshua The container of Manna (Yeshua, the Bread of Life) His provision for us all, both physically and spiritually, both physical food and food for the soul. The two cherubim on top of the covering of the Ark invited the High Priest to minister and come close to YHVH in the Shekinah glory that was between them. Remember, there were two Cherubim at the entrance of the Garden of Eden to keep man from "returning" to the Garden, now, there is an invitation to "come back" into fellowship with God. THE INCENSE ALTAR: Made of hardwood and gold. (The humanity of God in Yeshua, and his pure sinless self) The incense that went up towards heaven, our prayers, and the intercession of Yeshua on our behalf as our "High Priest" (Cohen HaGadol) THE ALTAR OF SHEWBREAD: Made of hardwood and gold. (The humanity of God in Yeshua, and his pure sinless self) the 12 loaves of unleavened bread, "Yeshua, The Bread of Life" who sustains us with his Living Word, and our daily bread (rice, beans, etc) The priests would eat the bread on the Sabbath and place more for that week. THE GOLDEN MENORAH: Made of pure gold, seven branches and on top of each branch, a lamp with oil and wicks. Yeshua is the "Light of the World" and so are we "lights of the world" to reflect the light of Yeshua. We are the wicks and need to be connected to the oil in order to "shine brightly" THE BRONZE BASIN: Made of bronze (which is a mixture of iron and copper). Bronze symbolizes judgment. It held water which the priests used to wash their hands and feet after performing the animal sacrifices. Yeshua is the "Living Water" He explained this to the Samaritan woman at the well. We also identify water with the believer's baptism, and continuing fellowship with Messiah Yeshua, as when Yeshua washed the disciple's feet after Passover supper. When we look at still water, we can see our reflection, so, we must "judge ourselves" where we come up short. THE BRAZEN ALTAR: Made of Hardwood overlaid with bronze. (The Humanity of Yeshua who went through judgment by the Father, to pay the price of sin in our place. This is where all the animal sacrifices were performed, they pointed to "Yeshua, The Lamb of God" who was "roasted in the fires of judgment" on the Cross of Calvary. This was the first place at the entrance of the Tabernacle. We could say that the "Tabernacle" is the community of believers worldwide. The first step is accepting Yeshua's sacrifice for sin, once and forever. Chapter 38:21 until the end of chapter 40 is all about "accountability" and the "finished product" (putting it all together). The Tabernacle is finished and erected on New Year's Day (Nisan 1) which would be March 30th this year. Like in any building project, the expenses are listed and recorded and the finished product is presented to the public. The tabernacle was put together and the Glory of God filled it. One day, we will give an account of all that we have done for the glory of God, what we did with our Time Talent, and Treasure. All will be revealed at the Judgment Seat of Messiah (The Bema) and rewards or loss of rewards will be revealed. Are you ready for that time? We only have this one earthly life to live, we don't know when our "clocks will stop ticking." Our rewards for eternity depend on what we do in the HERE and NOW. Please pray for traveling mercies, as we will be going back to Texas then to Florida for family time and ministry on the 28th of this month, so, I probably won't be back writing until mid May. Shalom / Shabbat Shalom Ben Avraham Kehilah Salem San Salvador, El Salvador

Bible Portion: "VaYekel" ( and he assembled) and "Pikudei" (accountings of) EXODUS 35:1-40:38 The original commentary for this portion of study is very long. I sent it to our Messianic congregation members, but for the sake of those in the Forum groups, I will shorten it a bit, and concentrate on the basic meanings of this portion of God's inspired Word. The main point of this study is the construction of the Tabernacle, or in Hebrew, "Mishkan," which comes from three Hebrew letters: "Sh+k+n," which form the verb " to dwell, to live with or among." It isn't that God needs a place to live, He lives everywhere, from the farthest and remote parts of the universe to the deepest part of the oceans. It is "Man" who needs to "meet" with God, so God will meet with mankind in this place called the Mishkan. God gives Moses the building plans while on Mt. Sinai in Exodus Chapter 25. This was a "God to Moses" conversation and instructions. Now, ten chapters later, it is the "Moses to the People" conversation. "This is what God wants." The first thing that is mentioned in Exodus 35 is the "Shabbat." Even before the building project starts, God is ordering a day of rest, do nothing, just rest in your tents Israelites, and meditate on the goodness you have received from me! in a manner of speaking. Even when the building starts, they are to rest and stop work every Sabbath, which is every "Saturday." It is the 7th day, and God gives the example back in Genesis. "He rested on the 7th day from all his work" This works for us too. We can work 6 days a week then rest on the 7th day. Most of us have 5-day work weeks, then on Saturday and Sunday, we rest and either attend Synagogue services or Sunday services. Some believe that the Sabbath day was changed to Sunday. Yet nothing was changed really. In Acts, it mentions that the disciples and other believers got together the "First Day of the week to break bread" (Acts 20:7) this was when Paul met with them and preached until midnight. The "First day of the week, or Sunday" starts when the sun goes down on Saturday afternoon-evening. Bible study, food fellowship, and communion were at this time too. So, Sunday, the first day of the week is also a blessing to get together and study God's Word at congregations. Now for every building project, there are supervisors and workers appointed by the "Big Boss Man." We might say that Moses was the "Boss Man" and God himself was the "Big Boss Man." In this project, there were two supervisors; B'Tzal'el and "Aholiav" Intereresting names. B'Tzal'El means "In the Shadow of God" and "Aholi-Av" "In My Father's Tent" or "My tent of the Father" According to the Talmud, B'tzal'El was only 13 years old. So, these guys worked under the "shadow of God" to build "Father's Tent." He was to build the furniture for the Tabernacle and AholiAv was to teach others how to do the work. They were supernaturally gifted with the understanding and wisdom to do this work. Imagine going to sleep one night and waking up knowing all about electrical engineering and the night before you were just a common day laborer. The Israelites in Egypt were just that, laborers for Pharoah. God has gifted all believers with the "gifts of the Spirit" To some he has given the gift of teaching, and pastoring, and being a rabbi (a teacher) Some he has given the gift of administration, finances, music, singing, prayer warriors, and intercessors, some can speak different languages (tongues) in the Greek (Glossa) all for the Body of Messiah. God told Moses to "collect a free-will offering" from the people. This is important because it had to come from their "hearts." All the materials would come from the people. Where did the Israelites get all the material to build the Mishkan? From the Egyptians of course. Egypt went into bankruptcy. The Egyptians gave them all their gold, silver, copper, bronze, fabric, fine wood, etc...just to get them "out of there" (and take your God with you!) The people started bringing all that was needed to build the Mishkan. Even "too much" as they were commanded to "stop giving". Can you imagine a pastor telling his congregation to "stop giving, hey, we have too much already" That will never happen. God wants us to be "cheerful givers" with a glad heart, not with a sour face as if you were sucking on a lemon. There are three ways to give, the three "T"s, Time, Talent, and Treasure" Some have a lot of "treasure" (money) but little available time, while others have not so much treasure (like me) yet a lot of time and talent to give. Especially retired folks such as myself. Not enough treasure to keep living in the USA, but enough to live South of the Border. Now, the furnishings that were built by the construction crews were; The Tabernacle itself, with the boards and the tenting fabric, and then 6 main items, all of which point to and illustrate YESHUA! The Ark of the Covenant, The Incense Altar, the Table of Shewbread, the Menorah, the Bronze Basin, and the Brazen Altar. So, how do these items point to Yeshua or illustrate the person of Yeshua/Jesus? THE ARK OF THE COVENANT: Made of gold and hardwood. The humanity of Yeshua (wood) and the purity of His sinless person (gold) Inside the Ark of the Covenant were: The Tablets of the Commandments (Yeshua, the Living Torah) Aaron's Rod that budded (The Authority and Leadership of Yeshua The container of Manna (Yeshua, the Bread of Life) His provision for us all, both physically and spiritually, both physical food and food for the soul. The two cherubim on top of the covering of the Ark invited the High Priest to minister and come close to YHVH in the Shekinah glory that was between them. Remember, there were two Cherubim at the entrance of the Garden of Eden to keep man from "returning" to the Garden, now, there is an invitation to "come back" into fellowship with God. THE INCENSE ALTAR: Made of hardwood and gold. (The humanity of God in Yeshua, and his pure sinless self) The incense that went up towards heaven, our prayers, and the intercession of Yeshua on our behalf as our "High Priest" (Cohen HaGadol) THE ALTAR OF SHEWBREAD: Made of hardwood and gold. (The humanity of God in Yeshua, and his pure sinless self) the 12 loaves of unleavened bread, "Yeshua, The Bread of Life" who sustains us with his Living Word, and our daily bread (rice, beans, etc) The priests would eat the bread on the Sabbath and place more for that week. THE GOLDEN MENORAH: Made of pure gold, seven branches and on top of each branch, a lamp with oil and wicks. Yeshua is the "Light of the World" and so are we "lights of the world" to reflect the light of Yeshua. We are the wicks and need to be connected to the oil in order to "shine brightly" THE BRONZE BASIN: Made of bronze (which is a mixture of iron and copper). Bronze symbolizes judgment. It held water which the priests used to wash their hands and feet after performing the animal sacrifices. Yeshua is the "Living Water" He explained this to the Samaritan woman at the well. We also identify water with the believer's baptism, and continuing fellowship with Messiah Yeshua, as when Yeshua washed the disciple's feet after Passover supper. When we look at still water, we can see our reflection, so, we must "judge ourselves" where we come up short. THE BRAZEN ALTAR: Made of Hardwood overlaid with bronze. (The Humanity of Yeshua who went through judgment by the Father, to pay the price of sin in our place. This is where all the animal sacrifices were performed, they pointed to "Yeshua, The Lamb of God" who was "roasted in the fires of judgment" on the Cross of Calvary. This was the first place at the entrance of the Tabernacle. We could say that the "Tabernacle" is the community of believers worldwide. The first step is accepting Yeshua's sacrifice for sin, once and forever. Chapter 38:21 until the end of chapter 40 is all about "accountability" and the "finished product" (putting it all together). The Tabernacle is finished and erected on New Year's Day (Nisan 1) which would be March 30th this year. Like in any building project, the expenses are listed and recorded and the finished product is presented to the public. The tabernacle was put together and the Glory of God filled it. One day, we will give an account of all that we have done for the glory of God, what we did with our Time Talent, and Treasure. All will be revealed at the Judgment Seat of Messiah (The Bema) and rewards or loss of rewards will be revealed. Are you ready for that time? We only have this one earthly life to live, we don't know when our "clocks will stop ticking." Our rewards for eternity depend on what we do in the HERE and NOW. Please pray for traveling mercies, as we will be going back to Texas then to Florida for family time and ministry on the 28th of this month, so, I probably won't be back writing until mid May. Shalom / Shabbat Shalom Ben Avraham Kehilah Salem San Salvador, El Salvador

1 KINGS 18:1-39 …. This relates to the time when there is a contest, sponsored by Eliyahu Ha Navi, (Elijah the prophet). He calls for a contest between “Baal” and “YHVH” It is time to take action and clear up the error that Baal even exists. So, it is Baal vs YHVH, Elijah against 450 false prophets of Baal. Sacrifices are ready, all that is needed is fire, but fire not kindled by man, only by the true God, We all know who won the contest, Elijah called upon YHVH; …..”ATAH YHVH HaELOHIM” (you are YHVH you are God) and fire fell from heaven and consumed EVERYTHING, the sacrifice, altar, stones, and water, The people now had proof, and the false prophets were still crying out and dancing around. Judgment; death for all false prophets. The people repented and returned to YHVH …..Are we worshiping and serving our true God? Or are we chasing after idols, idols of money, fame, popularity, jobs, fast cars, lust, avarice, etc.? We can only serve one master, who is it going to be? Do we serve YHVH? Or the world? The choice is ours. MARK 7: 1-8:38 …..In this portion of scripture, we see Yeshua rebuking the Pharisees. They are pointing out that the disciples did not wash their hands before eating. It is true that one of the rites of the priests was to wash their hands and feet before entering the Holy Place, yet this was never stated as a commandment. It has health benefits though as we all know. …. Today, we see many religious practices that are stressed and done as if they were commandments. There is a big difference between “commandments” and “tradition” Many traditions stem from commandments, but we need to differentiate between the two. Wearing a Kippa is a tradition, but wearing Tzitziot (fringes on garments) is a commandment, and putting a mezuzah on the doorpost is a commandment. But one should not judge one another in these cases. One can point out different scripture verses, but we must leave everything in the hands of God. …..”It is not what goes into a person that which defiles, but what comes out of a person that which defiles, for out of the HEART comes forth …..So as not to confuse one thing with another, eating certain kinds of food does not defile a person SPIRITUALLY!, it may defile one physically, eating what is not considered biblically kosher, like pork, shellfish, etc.. But other things can defile a person spiritually, like listening to unholy music, doing things, watching things, movies, etc. that are unholy, satanic, occultic, etc. …..Physical defilement is different from spiritual defilement. In this passage of scripture, Yeshua is performing many miracles, opening the ears of a deaf man, healing the eyes of a blind man, and casting out demons. How are our eyes, ears, and hearts? Can we see the truth in scripture? Can we hear the WORD of God? Is our heart open to receive his word? We come against Satan and his demons through the power of the Holy Spirit. Is Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) your savior and LORD?

1 KINGS 18:1-39 …. This relates to the time when there is a contest, sponsored by Eliyahu Ha Navi, (Elijah the prophet). He calls for a contest between “Baal” and “YHVH” It is time to take action and clear up the error that Baal even exists. So, it is Baal vs YHVH, Elijah against 450 false prophets of Baal. Sacrifices are ready, all that is needed is fire, but fire not kindled by man, only by the true God, We all know who won the contest, Elijah called upon YHVH; …..”ATAH YHVH HaELOHIM” (you are YHVH you are God) and fire fell from heaven and consumed EVERYTHING, the sacrifice, altar, stones, and water, The people now had proof, and the false prophets were still crying out and dancing around. Judgment; death for all false prophets. The people repented and returned to YHVH …..Are we worshiping and serving our true God? Or are we chasing after idols, idols of money, fame, popularity, jobs, fast cars, lust, avarice, etc.? We can only serve one master, who is it going to be? Do we serve YHVH? Or the world? The choice is ours. MARK 7: 1-8:38 …..In this portion of scripture, we see Yeshua rebuking the Pharisees. They are pointing out that the disciples did not wash their hands before eating. It is true that one of the rites of the priests was to wash their hands and feet before entering the Holy Place, yet this was never stated as a commandment. It has health benefits though as we all know. …. Today, we see many religious practices that are stressed and done as if they were commandments. There is a big difference between “commandments” and “tradition” Many traditions stem from commandments, but we need to differentiate between the two. Wearing a Kippa is a tradition, but wearing Tzitziot (fringes on garments) is a commandment, and putting a mezuzah on the doorpost is a commandment. But one should not judge one another in these cases. One can point out different scripture verses, but we must leave everything in the hands of God. …..”It is not what goes into a person that which defiles, but what comes out of a person that which defiles, for out of the HEART comes forth …..So as not to confuse one thing with another, eating certain kinds of food does not defile a person SPIRITUALLY!, it may defile one physically, eating what is not considered biblically kosher, like pork, shellfish, etc.. But other things can defile a person spiritually, like listening to unholy music, doing things, watching things, movies, etc. that are unholy, satanic, occultic, etc. …..Physical defilement is different from spiritual defilement. In this passage of scripture, Yeshua is performing many miracles, opening the ears of a deaf man, healing the eyes of a blind man, and casting out demons. How are our eyes, ears, and hearts? Can we see the truth in scripture? Can we hear the WORD of God? Is our heart open to receive his word? We come against Satan and his demons through the power of the Holy Spirit. Is Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) your savior and LORD?

PARASHA: “Ki Tisa” (when you elevate) EXDOUS 30:11-34:35 This parashah starts by numbering the people, those who are 20 years old and older, Each person has to give one-half shekel of silver. Why the count? This counts those old enough for the Army, the first IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Since it is not appropriate to count “people” perhaps as to not trust in “numbers” for strength, which might lead to pride, YHVH tells Moshe to collect silver, and for each half-shekel of silver, one person is represented. The silver is to be used for the Mishkan, for repair and maintenance. Of course, we realize that the Levites were not included in the Armed Forces, they were exempt, and their jobs were to be “chaplains” of a sort, working with the priests in ministry. Each person, 20 years and older, would give 1/2 Shekel of Silver, which would be equivalent to about 30 cents. Silver and gold symbolize purity. We need to present ourselves before Adonai in Holiness, to be "counted" as the LORD's faithful servants. …..Every born-again believer is “numbered” in the eyes of YHVH for HIS army of adopted sons and daughters, we are fighting a spiritual battle against a hardened enemy, HaSatan, who has his army of demons, devils, and unsaved humans working for him. Even though there will be many battles, the war has already been won, it was won 2000 years ago, on Calvary’s cross. YHVH came down in flesh and blood and paid our sin price in full. We are fighting against an enemy who has lost the war, but he has an attitude and will not relent, He wants to cause havoc among all believers. …..YHVH commands Moshe to prepare incense and anointing oil. The incense is to be used in worship, burned on the table of incense, which is before the “Kadosh-Kedoshim” (Holy of Holies), and also, on the bread, and on the sacrifices. Incense is still used today in religious services, it has a calming effect on the emotional and nervous system of those around it. There are many distinct aromas, the aromas that are similar to the incense that was used in the Tabernacle and temple would be frankincense and some even say “musk” scent, however, no one can be sure of the original ingredients, what they are today, besides, YHVH prohibits an exact duplication of the formula. …..The anointing oil was used to anoint the Levites and priests “on their heads” and not on the flesh, the ingredients were sweet cinnamon, calamus, cassia, myrrh, and olive oil, there are oils today that are used for anointing, yet it was prohibited to replicate the “exact” recipe. …..In Remez, the incense symbolizes our prayers that go upward toward heaven, and the oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit who is with us all the time. Through the Ruach HaKodesh, our prayers go up and are heard by our Messiah Yeshua. …..We see later on in this parashah that Moshe goes up Mt. Sinai to receive the tablets of the Mitzvoth, and as we all know the story, after a while the people wonder; “and Moshe? What happened to him?” their faith was weak, and when faith is weak, the enemy HaSatan will take advantage, Aaron who was left in charge was pressured into relenting, with gold earrings, the people made a “golden Calf”. “This is our god,” they said, Could one think that they replaced YHVH with this false god? The Egyptian god “hapis” took the form of a cow or bull, and perhaps, they had a miniature one of those gods with them. I would think they still believed in YHVH but they wanted to “See” with their eyes, some kind of form, breaking, of course, the commandment, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image”. True faith is “believing” even if we cannot see something that is invisible. Yeshua said to his talmidim; “Blessed are those who do not see yet believe. …..Do we trust Adonai, even when we cannot see the immediate results? That is what testing is all about, He will try our faith, will we trust HIM even unto the end? YHVH lives in the infinite dimension of time and space, while we live in the finite dimension. He can see the end while we can’t even see around the corner. He has everything under control, we just have to believe and wait on him, as the Israelites should have done. It would have saved a lot of grief, lives, and dishonor. …..Moshe comes back down only to witness the disaster and breaks the tablets as a sign of a “broken covenant” between YHVH and the people. It is like getting married and on the same wedding night, the bride goes out and commits adultery. YHVH wants to DESTROY the people and start over with Moshe. YET, Moshe intercedes before YHVH for Am Israel. Just as Moshe interceded, so did YESHUA intercede before the Father on our behalf, and still does. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Yeshua’s words). “Yet now, if you will forgive their sin, and if not, blot ME out of thy book” (Moshe’s words) and…. YHVH forgave them. Just like YHVH forgives us of our sins, when we confess and turn from our wicked ways. Aaron was under "peer pressure" one could say. He relented, to keep the peace, yet still committed a grave sin. But what an answer he gave brother Moshe: "I threw the gold earrings into the fire, and out came this calf" (magic?) Yet God still forgave him. The Levites came to Moses' side when he called out "Who is on YHVH's side, come to me" He ordered them to take their swords and slay the idolators! We can say that the Levites would be a "bloody tribe" How is that? Remember back in Shechem, when Dina, Israel's daughter was taken by Hamor and raped. It was "Levi" and "Shimeon" who went and killed all the males of the city and took their wives and children as slaves. This was on them. Now, the order to kill was from Moshe, and in the Tabernacle, the Levites would "slay animals" for sacrificial offerings, but this order came from God! …..Moshe wants to see the glory “HaKavod YHVH” he goes back up for a second copy of the commandments. “Show me thy glory!” the LORD responded; “I will make all my goodness go before thee” Yet, he said that no one could see the “face” of YHVH, who can look upon the pure essence of YHVH? For it would drive the spirit out of the body, So, as YHVH passed by, Moshe saw the “after-effect” the “tail end”. It could be similar to my experience in seeing Haley’s comet back in 1987. While I was in college, I went to Lynchburg College Observatory which was open to the public, we could see Haley’s comet going back out into space, I saw the “tail end” of the comet, which was just a faint glow at that time. …..Now Moshe gets the second set of tablets, and YHVH gives them to him with these words: …..YHVH, YHVH God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy unto the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and their children’s children” …..Now, how does that describe our God? He IS full of mercy and showed us grace, in that we were yet sinners, He came to earth in human form and died for us all. He is “long suffering” in that he puts up with our “stuff’ our “attitudes” and “rebellions” and gives us second, third, and fourth “chances” to repent, He could have wiped out Israel in one second, but he didn’t. He gave us his Torah, the Bible which is full of “goodness” and IS the TRUTH, he forgives sin, but ONLY when we come to him as repentant sinners and trust Yeshua as our Savior and LORD. He does not clear the guilty ONLY WHEN the guilty DO NOT REPENT! And yes, the sins of the fathers can affect the children, just look at the public schools today, the students are rebellious, and disrespectful because they have learned that from THEIR PARENTS! …..If the kids hear the parents fuss and cuss, they will too, If the parents smoke dope, they will tend to do the same, and children will copy their parents in all ways, HOWEVER, the blood of Yeshua can heal all of that, the generational curses can be cut short when YESHUA comes into the lives of families. …..Moshe returns to the congregation with the new set of tablets, and YHVH instructs him and reminds him of his commandments, “Yes, I will go before thee…only observe all that I am commanding thee this day…. And toward the end, YHVH mentions, “thou shalt not seethe a kid in its mother’s milk” which is a repeated commandment, this was discussed before, it symbolizes a separation between, “life and death” of the “clean and unclean” …..Moshe comes down “glowing” like a thousand-watt light bulb, why? He has been in the presence of YHVH right there, in the middle of the Shekinah glory! If he glowed with God’s glory, Moshe being a sinner like all of us, can you imagine how Adam and Eve glowed before the fall? Being in constant fellowship with Elohim? It was only after the fall that the “light covering” left, and they found themselves “naked!” …..Yeshua said; “Ye are the light of the world” Yes, we are, yet we have no light of our own, we reflect the light of Messiah Yeshua, in our own lives. Is our light bright, like that which reflected from Moshe? Or…dim? So, we go forward in this life, being "counted" as "pure silver" (unto Holiness) to serve God with our spiritual gifts, and to be the light in dark places, until God calls us home. He has our timetable, and only HE knows when our clock will stop ticking in this world, only to begin again in the World to Come. Shalom. "Getting into the WORD"

PARASHA: “Ki Tisa” (when you elevate) EXDOUS 30:11-34:35 This parashah starts by numbering the people, those who are 20 years old and older, Each person has to give one-half shekel of silver. Why the count? This counts those old enough for the Army, the first IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Since it is not appropriate to count “people” perhaps as to not trust in “numbers” for strength, which might lead to pride, YHVH tells Moshe to collect silver, and for each half-shekel of silver, one person is represented. The silver is to be used for the Mishkan, for repair and maintenance. Of course, we realize that the Levites were not included in the Armed Forces, they were exempt, and their jobs were to be “chaplains” of a sort, working with the priests in ministry. Each person, 20 years and older, would give 1/2 Shekel of Silver, which would be equivalent to about 30 cents. Silver and gold symbolize purity. We need to present ourselves before Adonai in Holiness, to be "counted" as the LORD's faithful servants. …..Every born-again believer is “numbered” in the eyes of YHVH for HIS army of adopted sons and daughters, we are fighting a spiritual battle against a hardened enemy, HaSatan, who has his army of demons, devils, and unsaved humans working for him. Even though there will be many battles, the war has already been won, it was won 2000 years ago, on Calvary’s cross. YHVH came down in flesh and blood and paid our sin price in full. We are fighting against an enemy who has lost the war, but he has an attitude and will not relent, He wants to cause havoc among all believers. …..YHVH commands Moshe to prepare incense and anointing oil. The incense is to be used in worship, burned on the table of incense, which is before the “Kadosh-Kedoshim” (Holy of Holies), and also, on the bread, and on the sacrifices. Incense is still used today in religious services, it has a calming effect on the emotional and nervous system of those around it. There are many distinct aromas, the aromas that are similar to the incense that was used in the Tabernacle and temple would be frankincense and some even say “musk” scent, however, no one can be sure of the original ingredients, what they are today, besides, YHVH prohibits an exact duplication of the formula. …..The anointing oil was used to anoint the Levites and priests “on their heads” and not on the flesh, the ingredients were sweet cinnamon, calamus, cassia, myrrh, and olive oil, there are oils today that are used for anointing, yet it was prohibited to replicate the “exact” recipe. …..In Remez, the incense symbolizes our prayers that go upward toward heaven, and the oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit who is with us all the time. Through the Ruach HaKodesh, our prayers go up and are heard by our Messiah Yeshua. …..We see later on in this parashah that Moshe goes up Mt. Sinai to receive the tablets of the Mitzvoth, and as we all know the story, after a while the people wonder; “and Moshe? What happened to him?” their faith was weak, and when faith is weak, the enemy HaSatan will take advantage, Aaron who was left in charge was pressured into relenting, with gold earrings, the people made a “golden Calf”. “This is our god,” they said, Could one think that they replaced YHVH with this false god? The Egyptian god “hapis” took the form of a cow or bull, and perhaps, they had a miniature one of those gods with them. I would think they still believed in YHVH but they wanted to “See” with their eyes, some kind of form, breaking, of course, the commandment, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image”. True faith is “believing” even if we cannot see something that is invisible. Yeshua said to his talmidim; “Blessed are those who do not see yet believe. …..Do we trust Adonai, even when we cannot see the immediate results? That is what testing is all about, He will try our faith, will we trust HIM even unto the end? YHVH lives in the infinite dimension of time and space, while we live in the finite dimension. He can see the end while we can’t even see around the corner. He has everything under control, we just have to believe and wait on him, as the Israelites should have done. It would have saved a lot of grief, lives, and dishonor. …..Moshe comes back down only to witness the disaster and breaks the tablets as a sign of a “broken covenant” between YHVH and the people. It is like getting married and on the same wedding night, the bride goes out and commits adultery. YHVH wants to DESTROY the people and start over with Moshe. YET, Moshe intercedes before YHVH for Am Israel. Just as Moshe interceded, so did YESHUA intercede before the Father on our behalf, and still does. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Yeshua’s words). “Yet now, if you will forgive their sin, and if not, blot ME out of thy book” (Moshe’s words) and…. YHVH forgave them. Just like YHVH forgives us of our sins, when we confess and turn from our wicked ways. Aaron was under "peer pressure" one could say. He relented, to keep the peace, yet still committed a grave sin. But what an answer he gave brother Moshe: "I threw the gold earrings into the fire, and out came this calf" (magic?) Yet God still forgave him. The Levites came to Moses' side when he called out "Who is on YHVH's side, come to me" He ordered them to take their swords and slay the idolators! We can say that the Levites would be a "bloody tribe" How is that? Remember back in Shechem, when Dina, Israel's daughter was taken by Hamor and raped. It was "Levi" and "Shimeon" who went and killed all the males of the city and took their wives and children as slaves. This was on them. Now, the order to kill was from Moshe, and in the Tabernacle, the Levites would "slay animals" for sacrificial offerings, but this order came from God! …..Moshe wants to see the glory “HaKavod YHVH” he goes back up for a second copy of the commandments. “Show me thy glory!” the LORD responded; “I will make all my goodness go before thee” Yet, he said that no one could see the “face” of YHVH, who can look upon the pure essence of YHVH? For it would drive the spirit out of the body, So, as YHVH passed by, Moshe saw the “after-effect” the “tail end”. It could be similar to my experience in seeing Haley’s comet back in 1987. While I was in college, I went to Lynchburg College Observatory which was open to the public, we could see Haley’s comet going back out into space, I saw the “tail end” of the comet, which was just a faint glow at that time. …..Now Moshe gets the second set of tablets, and YHVH gives them to him with these words: …..YHVH, YHVH God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy unto the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and their children’s children” …..Now, how does that describe our God? He IS full of mercy and showed us grace, in that we were yet sinners, He came to earth in human form and died for us all. He is “long suffering” in that he puts up with our “stuff’ our “attitudes” and “rebellions” and gives us second, third, and fourth “chances” to repent, He could have wiped out Israel in one second, but he didn’t. He gave us his Torah, the Bible which is full of “goodness” and IS the TRUTH, he forgives sin, but ONLY when we come to him as repentant sinners and trust Yeshua as our Savior and LORD. He does not clear the guilty ONLY WHEN the guilty DO NOT REPENT! And yes, the sins of the fathers can affect the children, just look at the public schools today, the students are rebellious, and disrespectful because they have learned that from THEIR PARENTS! …..If the kids hear the parents fuss and cuss, they will too, If the parents smoke dope, they will tend to do the same, and children will copy their parents in all ways, HOWEVER, the blood of Yeshua can heal all of that, the generational curses can be cut short when YESHUA comes into the lives of families. …..Moshe returns to the congregation with the new set of tablets, and YHVH instructs him and reminds him of his commandments, “Yes, I will go before thee…only observe all that I am commanding thee this day…. And toward the end, YHVH mentions, “thou shalt not seethe a kid in its mother’s milk” which is a repeated commandment, this was discussed before, it symbolizes a separation between, “life and death” of the “clean and unclean” …..Moshe comes down “glowing” like a thousand-watt light bulb, why? He has been in the presence of YHVH right there, in the middle of the Shekinah glory! If he glowed with God’s glory, Moshe being a sinner like all of us, can you imagine how Adam and Eve glowed before the fall? Being in constant fellowship with Elohim? It was only after the fall that the “light covering” left, and they found themselves “naked!” …..Yeshua said; “Ye are the light of the world” Yes, we are, yet we have no light of our own, we reflect the light of Messiah Yeshua, in our own lives. Is our light bright, like that which reflected from Moshe? Or…dim? So, we go forward in this life, being "counted" as "pure silver" (unto Holiness) to serve God with our spiritual gifts, and to be the light in dark places, until God calls us home. He has our timetable, and only HE knows when our clock will stop ticking in this world, only to begin again in the World to Come. Shalom. What time is it? It's time to get into the WORD

PARASHA: “Tetsaveh” (you shall command) EXODUS 27:20-30:10 In this parashah, we will see the preparation of the Menorah, and the clothing of the priests. The study starts out with preparing olive oil to fill the lamps of the Menorah, The Torah tells us that it was a “permanent light” (Ner Tamid). It would be the only light outside of the “Kadosh Kedoshim” (The HOLY of Holies) where the “Shekinah” illuminated that small area where the only article was the “Aron Ha Kodesh” (The Ark of the Covenant. The Menorah was “outside” the curtain, yet still inside the tabernacle. In the same room with the Menorah were the Table of Shew bread, where the 12 loaves of bread were, and the Table of Incense. Here we have a three-fold symbolism of Messiah Yeshua. The table of Shew Bread, “Yeshua HaLechem Chaim” (Yeshua the Bread of Life) and the incense altar, where our “Prayers go upward to heaven” and where “Yeshua intercedes on our behalf. The Menorah is “Yeshua HaOr Olam v'ha Or Tamid” (Yeshua the Light of the World and the Eternal Light. The Menorah was to burn all night, and in the morning, the high priest (Aaron) would come in to trim the wicks and prepare the Menorah for the evening lighting. The Menorah was all about “Light” It was the only light source inside the Tabernacle. The word “Ad “means “witness” during the evening, the Shekinah Glory was the outside light, while the lamps were the inside lights. During the day, the Shenika glory which was above the Mercy Seat of the Aron Ha Kodesh (Ark of the Covenant) was the inner light of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). There is a difference between light and darkness, Good and Evil, Holiness and Sin, Lost and saved. The olive oil in the lamps symbolizes the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which the wicks can symbolize every believer. If we are to burn bright, we must be in constant contact with the oil, if not, we will “burn out” In pagan cultures, darkness was when evil came about, demons, etc. In ancient Egypt, their god “Ra” went to sleep at night, so the Egyptians were without protection against the “evils of the night”. Those who ventured out usually took a cat with them, symbolizing “Bastet” goddess of the night, who would protect the person against “evil”. Wow, what if the cat saw a mouse or a dog, and....ran off? Oh, well. The Menorah that burned during the night symbolized “Elohim” who would be the “light in the evening” as well as in the day. The light was inside the tabernacle, and also, outside in the form of the “column of Fire” We are blessed by the presence of the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) at all times, in the day and during the night, inside and out, the believer is NEVER alone, the Light of G-d is forever with us. The Menorah had seven branches, it was made of pure gold, and the middle branch was called the “Shamash” or the “helper”. “Seven” is the perfect number of holiness. “Six” branches (six is the number of mankind) are on either side of the Shamash, three on the right and three on the left. Mankind needs the presence of Yeshua, to fulfill his destiny, to get right again, into a right relationship with his creator through Yeshua, through the “New birth” (John 3:3) . The wicks are “all of us” and the oil that goes into the lamps, is the “Holy Spirit” We need to be in continuous contact and communion with the Holy Spirit so that our lamps will “shine brightly” continuously, after all, Yeshua said to his followers, “Ye are the Light of the world” (Atem ha Orot ha olam). Israel's purpose was to be the “light to the Gentiles” to go into the world and teach the pagan peoples who worshipped idols, that there was only ONE GOD, to bring the Torah to the world. This is what happened during the “scattering” of the tribes of Israel to the nations, now, there are the Jewish people” in all nations, and in all nations, there are many who worship our LORD and God. Even among the Jewish peoples of the world, many Messianic believers who embrace Yeshua HaMashiach. In the next chapter, it talks about the clothing of the priests. Clothing has always been a thing of importance. Clothing tells a lot about a person. Each article of clothing had a spiritual significance, always pointing to Yeshua. As you read the parashah chapters and verses, we see the tunic/robe, bonnet, ephod, breastplate, etc., all meaningful. The onyx stones on the priests’ shoulders had the names of the tribes of Israel engraved, the priest would “shoulder the burden” of the nation, taking the animal sacrifices (that represented Yeshua's death) would intercede before YHVH on the nation's behalf. Now, Yeshua intercedes before the Father on our behalf with his “once only” death/sacrifice for all sin for ALL time. The Onyx stone symbolizes stability, healing, strength, purity, and protection—all of which should be part of a believer's life. We are healed of the curse of sin by the blood of Yeshua, we are strengthened through the WORD, and the Living WORD, we need to walk in purity and we are protected by the WORD, that warns us "not to go astray" The breastplate would have 12 stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, “Israel was/is next to YHVH's heart! As we are too, since we are all part of the commonwealth of Israel. Two interesting things are the “Urim and Thumim” no one knows exactly what they were, there are suggestions, that they might have been two stones that lit up and glowed when the priest would ask YHVH a question, the “Urim and Thumim' (Light and perfections) were placed under the breastplate. When the priest went before YHVH seeking an answer to some judgment concerning the people, the stones would light up “illuminating” the priest with perhaps special wisdom from God, and it would be a “Perfect” response from God. The other idea is that there was a parchment with the Name of God YHVH with Urim and Tumim of God ( Y H V H ) on it and placed inside the breastplate, and then, some think, that the letters of the names of the tribes of Israel that were engraved on the stones, would glow. The priest under the anointing of the Spirit of God, would then put the letters together and would “read” God's answer. But these are just ideas, nothing 100% certain. In heaven, we will discover what the “Urim and Thumim were/are! “ Today, we have the Word of God. YHVH speaks to us through his written Word, but also, through dreams, at times, through other people who are very sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, YHVH conveys messages through events in our lives. If we look back in our lives, we can see that YHVH has been right there working and preparing events/people to bring us to where we are now. In chapter 29, we have the anointing/dedication of Aaron and his sons for the ministry. The sacrifices were a bullock and two rams, unleavened bread with olive oil. All these point to Yeshua, these were clean animals, whose blood symbolizes the blood of our Messiah, just like the unleavened bread, “Yeshua the Bread of Life” and the oil, the “Ruach HaKodesh” a little bit of the blood was placed on Aaron's right ear lobe, right thumb, and on the right toe, the same was done to his sons. What does this symbolize? We could say that as priests, “May they always HEAR, LISTEN TO the voice of God, that they might DO his will, and follow his commandments, and WALK in HIS footsteps, FOLLOWING the path of Torah. The next time you are called to anoint a person with oil. You might anoint in that same way. On the right ear lobe, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe on the right foot (or on the shoe). I always include the forehead, that the person might "think" on the WORD also. Chapter 30 talks about the altar of incense, which was made of shittim wood overlaid with gold, again, the humanity of Yeshua and the purity of HIM who is God. On this altar, the incense was burned, symbolizing our prayers that go up to YHVH as a sweet savor. It is very interesting that the Word "K'Toret" means "incense. There are 4 Hebrew letters in this word K + T + R + T those form the first letters of 4 other words related: Kedushah (Holiness) Taharah (Purity) Rachamim (mercy and compassion) Tikvah and Tefilah (Hope and Prayer) What can we make out in this? Our prayers should go up to God in Holiness and Purity, asking for Mercy and compassion as we also should show others mercy, compassion, and hope that there is "light at the end of the tunnel" However, all believers are "kingly priests" a "royal priesthood" serving Yeshua who is our "High Priest". Our priesthood is not under Aaron, but rather under Melchizedek, The High Priest of old could only enter the Holy of Holies once a year (on Yom Kippur) yet we have free access to the Throne of Grace 24-7 through the Blood of Yeshua. Our priesthood is so much better, wouldn't you say? Have a blessed week.

PARASHA: “Tetsaveh” (you shall command) EXODUS 27:20-30:10 In this parashah, we will see the preparation of the Menorah, and the clothing of the priests. The study starts out with preparing olive oil to fill the lamps of the Menorah, The Torah tells us that it was a “permanent light” (Ner Tamid). It would be the only light outside of the “Kadosh Kedoshim” (The HOLY of Holies) where the “Shekinah” illuminated that small area where the only article was the “Aron Ha Kodesh” (The Ark of the Covenant. The Menorah was “outside” the curtain, yet still inside the tabernacle. In the same room with the Menorah were the Table of Shew bread, where the 12 loaves of bread were, and the Table of Incense. Here we have a three-fold symbolism of Messiah Yeshua. The table of Shew Bread, “Yeshua HaLechem Chaim” (Yeshua the Bread of Life) and the incense altar, where our “Prayers go upward to heaven” and where “Yeshua intercedes on our behalf. The Menorah is “Yeshua HaOr Olam v'ha Or Tamid” (Yeshua the Light of the World and the Eternal Light. The Menorah was to burn all night, and in the morning, the high priest (Aaron) would come in to trim the wicks and prepare the Menorah for the evening lighting. The Menorah was all about “Light” It was the only light source inside the Tabernacle. The word “Ad “means “witness” during the evening, the Shekinah Glory was the outside light, while the lamps were the inside lights. During the day, the Shenika glory which was above the Mercy Seat of the Aron Ha Kodesh (Ark of the Covenant) was the inner light of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). There is a difference between light and darkness, Good and Evil, Holiness and Sin, Lost and saved. The olive oil in the lamps symbolizes the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which the wicks can symbolize every believer. If we are to burn bright, we must be in constant contact with the oil, if not, we will “burn out” In pagan cultures, darkness was when evil came about, demons, etc. In ancient Egypt, their god “Ra” went to sleep at night, so the Egyptians were without protection against the “evils of the night”. Those who ventured out usually took a cat with them, symbolizing “Bastet” goddess of the night, who would protect the person against “evil”. Wow, what if the cat saw a mouse or a dog, and....ran off? Oh, well. The Menorah that burned during the night symbolized “Elohim” who would be the “light in the evening” as well as in the day. The light was inside the tabernacle, and also, outside in the form of the “column of Fire” We are blessed by the presence of the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) at all times, in the day and during the night, inside and out, the believer is NEVER alone, the Light of G-d is forever with us. The Menorah had seven branches, it was made of pure gold, and the middle branch was called the “Shamash” or the “helper”. “Seven” is the perfect number of holiness. “Six” branches (six is the number of mankind) are on either side of the Shamash, three on the right and three on the left. Mankind needs the presence of Yeshua, to fulfill his destiny, to get right again, into a right relationship with his creator through Yeshua, through the “New birth” (John 3:3) . The wicks are “all of us” and the oil that goes into the lamps, is the “Holy Spirit” We need to be in continuous contact and communion with the Holy Spirit so that our lamps will “shine brightly” continuously, after all, Yeshua said to his followers, “Ye are the Light of the world” (Atem ha Orot ha olam). Israel's purpose was to be the “light to the Gentiles” to go into the world and teach the pagan peoples who worshipped idols, that there was only ONE GOD, to bring the Torah to the world. This is what happened during the “scattering” of the tribes of Israel to the nations, now, there are the Jewish people” in all nations, and in all nations, there are many who worship our LORD and God. Even among the Jewish peoples of the world, many Messianic believers who embrace Yeshua HaMashiach. In the next chapter, it talks about the clothing of the priests. Clothing has always been a thing of importance. Clothing tells a lot about a person. Each article of clothing had a spiritual significance, always pointing to Yeshua. As you read the parashah chapters and verses, we see the tunic/robe, bonnet, ephod, breastplate, etc., all meaningful. The onyx stones on the priests’ shoulders had the names of the tribes of Israel engraved, the priest would “shoulder the burden” of the nation, taking the animal sacrifices (that represented Yeshua's death) would intercede before YHVH on the nation's behalf. Now, Yeshua intercedes before the Father on our behalf with his “once only” death/sacrifice for all sin for ALL time. The Onyx stone symbolizes stability, healing, strength, purity, and protection—all of which should be part of a believer's life. We are healed of the curse of sin by the blood of Yeshua, we are strengthened through the WORD, and the Living WORD, we need to walk in purity and we are protected by the WORD, that warns us "not to go astray" The breastplate would have 12 stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, “Israel was/is next to YHVH's heart! As we are too, since we are all part of the commonwealth of Israel. Two interesting things are the “Urim and Thumim” no one knows exactly what they were, there are suggestions, that they might have been two stones that lit up and glowed when the priest would ask YHVH a question, the “Urim and Thumim' (Light and perfections) were placed under the breastplate. When the priest went before YHVH seeking an answer to some judgment concerning the people, the stones would light up “illuminating” the priest with perhaps special wisdom from God, and it would be a “Perfect” response from God. The other idea is that there was a parchment with the Name of God YHVH with Urim and Tumim of God ( Y H V H ) on it and placed inside the breastplate, and then, some think, that the letters of the names of the tribes of Israel that were engraved on the stones, would glow. The priest under the anointing of the Spirit of God, would then put the letters together and would “read” God's answer. But these are just ideas, nothing 100% certain. In heaven, we will discover what the “Urim and Thumim were/are! “ Today, we have the Word of God. YHVH speaks to us through his written Word, but also, through dreams, at times, through other people who are very sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, YHVH conveys messages through events in our lives. If we look back in our lives, we can see that YHVH has been right there working and preparing events/people to bring us to where we are now. In chapter 29, we have the anointing/dedication of Aaron and his sons for the ministry. The sacrifices were a bullock and two rams, unleavened bread with olive oil. All these point to Yeshua, these were clean animals, whose blood symbolizes the blood of our Messiah, just like the unleavened bread, “Yeshua the Bread of Life” and the oil, the “Ruach HaKodesh” a little bit of the blood was placed on Aaron's right ear lobe, right thumb, and on the right toe, the same was done to his sons. What does this symbolize? We could say that as priests, “May they always HEAR, LISTEN TO the voice of God, that they might DO his will, and follow his commandments, and WALK in HIS footsteps, FOLLOWING the path of Torah. The next time you are called to anoint a person with oil. You might anoint in that same way. On the right ear lobe, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe on the right foot (or on the shoe). I always include the forehead, that the person might "think" on the WORD also. Chapter 30 talks about the altar of incense, which was made of shittim wood overlaid with gold, again, the humanity of Yeshua and the purity of HIM who is God. On this altar, the incense was burned, symbolizing our prayers that go up to YHVH as a sweet savor. It is very interesting that the Word "K'Toret" means "incense. There are 4 Hebrew letters in this word K + T + R + T those form the first letters of 4 other words related: Kedushah (Holiness) Taharah (Purity) Rachamim (mercy and compassion) Tikvah and Tefilah (Hope and Prayer) What can we make out in this? Our prayers should go up to God in Holiness and Purity, asking for Mercy and compassion as we also should show others mercy, compassion, and hope that there is "light at the end of the tunnel" However, all believers are "kingly priests" a "royal priesthood" serving Yeshua who is our "High Priest". Our priesthood is not under Aaron, but rather under Melchizedek, The High Priest of old could only enter the Holy of Holies once a year (on Yom Kippur) yet we have free access to the Throne of Grace 24-7 through the Blood of Yeshua. Our priesthood is so much better, wouldn't you say? Have a blessed week.

Parashah: “T'rumah” (elevated offerings) EXODUS 25:1-27:19 In this Torah (Bible) study we see that a request is made for a “free-will offering” so that the Tabernacle can be built and the furnishings for the same. As we remember, when the Israelites left Egypt, they left with quite a treasure which the Egyptians gave them so that they would leave. We could consider this “back pay” for all their work for four hundred years. The root word for "T'rumah" is "rum" (elevate) Egypt had quite a wealth in gold, silver, gems, fine fabrics, etc, and now, Egypt remained poor and in ruins while the Children of Israel left with the “spoils of war” a war which YHVH fought against the gods of Egypt, and won. So, in a battle, the spoils of war belong to the victor. So, while the Israelites were protected, God fought against the demonic entities, in the guise of the “gods of Egypt” Pharaoh included. So, rightly, the riches and spoils of Egypt belong to YHVH, being carried by HIS people. So, where in the desert are the people going to spend it all? they are just carrying it around, a lot of extra weight and burden, might as well put it to good use. The plan is to build a place where YHVH can come down and live with his chosen people. It isn't that YHVH can only live in one place, He is eternal, everywhere, yet He will “rest” with His people, minister to His people right there, visible by a cloud by day and fire by night. The “invisible God” will be “visible” in those two ways. In “Yitro” The Torah was given to Israel, and the marriage “Ketubah” was given in the form of the Ten Commandments, written in stone, In “Mishpatim” “justice” was given, and some more commandments explained by YHVH through Moshe, and now, YHVH is saying “Take ME into your life, make ME a place to dwell among you” We look at 25:8, and something is interesting; “.and let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them…” Thus said Adonai speaking to Moshe. The word “to dwell among” is “Shakhn’ti” and it not only means “to dwell among” it also means “to dwell inside” and that is the way it is today, the “Ruach Elohim” the “Spirit of God" dwells “inside” of every born-again believer. God is our “neighbor”. The word “neighbor” in Hebrew is the word; “Shakhein” and we can see those letters in the word “shakhn’ti” The three main letters in the word “Shakhein” are “sheen” “kaph” and “nun” “sh” “k” “n” we can also see those letters “inside” the word “Mishkan” (tabernacle) and the word “Shekinah” (the Shekinah glory) today we know it as the Spirit of God, who dwells inside every believer. So, YHVH is our “neighbor” who dwells inside of us 24-7. Hebrews 3:6 states that "All believers are the "House of Adonai", so, if we are HIS house, why the Tabernacle? It is a place of "encounter" where God will meet with His appointed leaders (the Levites and priests). Just like we meet in buildings to learn God's Word and to fellowship with other believers. The synagogues and church buildings are for our sake and not for God's sake. HE is everywhere, from the ultimate corners of the universe to our own back yards. The building project was, one could say, financed by Egypt. For 4 hundred years, Israel worked for a hard taskmaster, “Pharaoh and Company” working as brick masons and field hands, now, Israel has a new master, The Creator of the Universe, the Maker of Man, the future “Yeshua Ha Mashiach” A place will be built for HIM to minister to his people, and every piece of furniture will reflect who HE IS. Gold, silver, precious stones, fabric, and wood. Now there is a question, where did the wood come from? Is there any Shitim and Acacia trees in the desert? If one looks at the desert of Saudi Arabia today, even through “Google Maps” or “Google Earth” one can see almost no trees, just bare mountains. But we are talking about a desert almost 4000 years ago, it was probably very different, it had to be, remember that the Israelites brought with them cattle and sheep, what are they going to eat? Sand? No, there had to have been vegetation, trees. They could have cut the trees down in the desert and fashioned them into boards for the “Mishkan” (tabernacle) or they might have brought them out of Egypt, already cut and fashioned, perhaps some of the Egyptian lumber yards just gave them all that, since not all of the Egyptians were rich in gold and silver (just an idea) This is a “free-will offering” Moshe states, “of every man whose heart maketh him willing”. So it was not forced, it was “of free will”. We know that the people gladly gave, so much that later on, Moshe has to say, “Stop giving already, we have enough”. Can you imagine a pastor or rabbi from a church or synagogue that would say that to his congregation, “OK brothers and sisters, we have enough money for all of our needs, you can stop giving..” I don't think that will ever happen, When one gives of his or her time, talent, and treasure, God gives back many times over. Money is like a conduit, it should flow like water through a pipe, to be spread out, not “backlogged” Today, we use the three "Ts" in giving "Time, Talent, and Treasure" Adonai has promised us that He would provide for ALL of our needs, through his abundance in grace, both in spiritual ways, physical, and material ways, if we will only trust Him. He provided bread (Manna) and water to the Israelites throughout their 40-year journey in the desert. He will provide for us too, if we will trust him for our provisions. There are two words; "Mishkan" (Tabernacle as a whole) from "Sh'ken" (to dwell close) and "Mikdash" (sanctuary) from the word "Kadosh" (Holy, or Holiness) So, God will dwell with His people in all Holiness, as He dwells with us all the Tabernacles of our bodies and souls. So, the building project consists of the “tent of meeting” (The tabernacle/Mishkan) with its wooden boards, bars, clamps, and curtains of linen, the furniture that would go inside; The brazen Altar, the brazen Laver, the Menorah, the table of shew-bread, the incense altar, and finally, the Ark of the Covenant, (Aron Ha Kodesh). Each and every one of these pieces reflects who Yeshua is and his finished work on Calvary's cross. The Ark of the Covenant is mentioned first, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, both inside and out. Inside this box would be the tables of the Law, the “Torah” It symbolizes the purity and sinlessness of YHVH. The wood; the humanity of Yeshua who was YHVH in the flesh, both God and man. As it was covered with gold inside and out, it symbolizes that we also should be, through the Holy Spirit, “pure” inside and out, both physically, and spiritually, where people can see and where only God can see, inside us. The Torah, God's teaching and instruction to us, is inside the Ark, as the “Living Torah” who is Yeshua is inside of us, and also, his teaching, his “Torah” inside of us, to understand, learn from, and put into action in our daily lives. The Cherubim that are on top of the Kaporet look down upon the mercy seat, and they remind us of God's Holy Angels that are around us and who protect us. The “Shekinah Glory” the “Holy Presence of YHVH” was on top of the “Kaporet” (the cover) and when the high priest would sprinkle blood on the cover, YHVH would see the blood. The blood on the cover symbolized (before Yeshua) that the sins of man were “covered” for one year, but after Calvary, the sins of all of us were “erased” “wiped away” and “blotted out” forever. Here is something interesting; The Cherubim were at either end of the Kaporet, looking down where the "Spirit of God" would dwell. In John 20:11 it states that there were "two angels in the tomb" where Yeshua was laid when Mary came in. Where were they? they were sitting where Yeshua had been laid, on either end of the (perhaps the stone slab) where the body was laid. One at the head, and the other at the other end, which reminds us of the Ark cover. The high priest would sprinkle blood 7 times on the Ark Cover once a year. How many wounds did Yeshua have on his body? On the head, the torn flesh by the flagellum, the nail wounds on the right hand and the left, the nail wounds on his right foot, and on his left foot, and the spear wound on his side (7 wounds) Just coincidence? The 7 branch Menorah (candlestick) was made of pure gold, with 7 branches, the “perfect number of God” The six branches would extend from the center branch, just like we, believers, depend on the center branch, or “trunk” for our sustenance, there were “6” branches, (number of man) connected to the “7th” main branch. This Menorah symbolizes “Yeshua” as the “Light of the World” and the oil inside it as the “Ruach Ha Kodesh” (The Holy Spirit) We see the “wicks” that are inside the lamps as “believers” who depend on the “oil” (the Ruach HaKodesh) for our continuous growth, as part of the body of Messiah Yeshua. The table of shew-bread symbolizes Messiah Yeshua as the “Bread of Life” with the 12 loaves of unleavened bread. The bread was to be there, “continuously” The priests would eat the bread on the sabbath and more bread was placed on the table so that there would be “always the presence of “the Bread of Life” As believers, the living Torah is our spiritual bread, and we must partake daily of this bread. No wonder Yeshua was born in Bethlehem, yet in Hebrew the name is “Beit-Lechem” the “House of Bread” Again, the table was made of Acacia wood overlaid with gold, the purity of the sinless presence of God and the humanity of Messiah Yeshua. Then there is the table of Incense, also made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. This is where coals from the brazen altar were placed, and incense burned. The incense symbolizes our prayers, which go up to Heaven as the sweet-smelling incense smoke also goes up. The curtains of the tabernacle were to be made of fine linen, with the colors, blue, purple, and scarlet. These colors remind us of “blue skies of heaven above” “purple” (the color of royalty, Yeshua the King), and scarlet, (the color of blood) reminding us of Yeshua's blood that was shed for all our sins, past, present, and future. And of course, the wooden planks that remind us of the humanity of Yeshua. In the outer court of the tabernacle, there is the brazen altar, made of bronze and filled with water. This is where the priests washed their hands and feet. Bronze symbolizes judgment, imagine when the priests approached the still waters in the bronze laver, they would be able to see their reflection in the water. Imagine that is us looking into a mirror, what do we see? The image of a holy God, yet tainted with sin, we need to judge ourselves, and turn from our sinful ways, repent of our sins, like Yeshua said, “Your sins are forgiven, GO, and SIN NO MORE. Finally, there is the brazen altar, which is the first thing a person would see inside the tabernacle. It symbolizes Yeshua who was judged for our sins. It is made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze. The bronze symbolizes the judgment that Messiah Yeshua went through to pay our sin price. The animal sacrifices were placed on the grills which were on top of the altar. The animals symbolize our Messiah Yeshua, their blood symbolizes HIS blood, and the fire symbolizes the “fires of judgment” that Yeshua endured on the cross of Calvary, once and only once. It was sufficient, for our sins, past, present, and future. Let not his sacrifice for sin be for naught. If you have never placed your faith in Yeshua as Messiah, Savior, and LORD, do it now. Shalom, have a good and godly week. For what good is a week if it is not a godly week? https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQn7uwEHZEPLYAP6ql9OnTwNADLn8BIYsfbww&s

Parashah: “T'rumah” (elevated offerings) EXODUS 25:1-27:19 In this Torah (Bible) study we see that a request is made for a “free-will offering” so that the Tabernacle can be built and the furnishings for the same. As we remember, when the Israelites left Egypt, they left with quite a treasure which the Egyptians gave them so that they would leave. We could consider this “back pay” for all their work for four hundred years. The root word for "T'rumah" is "rum" (elevate) Egypt had quite a wealth in gold, silver, gems, fine fabrics, etc, and now, Egypt remained poor and in ruins while the Children of Israel left with the “spoils of war” a war which YHVH fought against the gods of Egypt, and won. So, in a battle, the spoils of war belong to the victor. So, while the Israelites were protected, God fought against the demonic entities, in the guise of the “gods of Egypt” Pharaoh included. So, rightly, the riches and spoils of Egypt belong to YHVH, being carried by HIS people. So, where in the desert are the people going to spend it all? they are just carrying it around, a lot of extra weight and burden, might as well put it to good use. The plan is to build a place where YHVH can come down and live with his chosen people. It isn't that YHVH can only live in one place, He is eternal, everywhere, yet He will “rest” with His people, minister to His people right there, visible by a cloud by day and fire by night. The “invisible God” will be “visible” in those two ways. In “Yitro” The Torah was given to Israel, and the marriage “Ketubah” was given in the form of the Ten Commandments, written in stone, In “Mishpatim” “justice” was given, and some more commandments explained by YHVH through Moshe, and now, YHVH is saying “Take ME into your life, make ME a place to dwell among you” We look at 25:8, and something is interesting; “.and let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them…” Thus said Adonai speaking to Moshe. The word “to dwell among” is “Shakhn’ti” and it not only means “to dwell among” it also means “to dwell inside” and that is the way it is today, the “Ruach Elohim” the “Spirit of God" dwells “inside” of every born-again believer. God is our “neighbor”. The word “neighbor” in Hebrew is the word; “Shakhein” and we can see those letters in the word “shakhn’ti” The three main letters in the word “Shakhein” are “sheen” “kaph” and “nun” “sh” “k” “n” we can also see those letters “inside” the word “Mishkan” (tabernacle) and the word “Shekinah” (the Shekinah glory) today we know it as the Spirit of God, who dwells inside every believer. So, YHVH is our “neighbor” who dwells inside of us 24-7. Hebrews 3:6 states that "All believers are the "House of Adonai", so, if we are HIS house, why the Tabernacle? It is a place of "encounter" where God will meet with His appointed leaders (the Levites and priests). Just like we meet in buildings to learn God's Word and to fellowship with other believers. The synagogues and church buildings are for our sake and not for God's sake. HE is everywhere, from the ultimate corners of the universe to our own back yards. The building project was, one could say, financed by Egypt. For 4 hundred years, Israel worked for a hard taskmaster, “Pharaoh and Company” working as brick masons and field hands, now, Israel has a new master, The Creator of the Universe, the Maker of Man, the future “Yeshua Ha Mashiach” A place will be built for HIM to minister to his people, and every piece of furniture will reflect who HE IS. Gold, silver, precious stones, fabric, and wood. Now there is a question, where did the wood come from? Is there any Shitim and Acacia trees in the desert? If one looks at the desert of Saudi Arabia today, even through “Google Maps” or “Google Earth” one can see almost no trees, just bare mountains. But we are talking about a desert almost 4000 years ago, it was probably very different, it had to be, remember that the Israelites brought with them cattle and sheep, what are they going to eat? Sand? No, there had to have been vegetation, trees. They could have cut the trees down in the desert and fashioned them into boards for the “Mishkan” (tabernacle) or they might have brought them out of Egypt, already cut and fashioned, perhaps some of the Egyptian lumber yards just gave them all that, since not all of the Egyptians were rich in gold and silver (just an idea) This is a “free-will offering” Moshe states, “of every man whose heart maketh him willing”. So it was not forced, it was “of free will”. We know that the people gladly gave, so much that later on, Moshe has to say, “Stop giving already, we have enough”. Can you imagine a pastor or rabbi from a church or synagogue that would say that to his congregation, “OK brothers and sisters, we have enough money for all of our needs, you can stop giving..” I don't think that will ever happen, When one gives of his or her time, talent, and treasure, God gives back many times over. Money is like a conduit, it should flow like water through a pipe, to be spread out, not “backlogged” Today, we use the three "Ts" in giving "Time, Talent, and Treasure" Adonai has promised us that He would provide for ALL of our needs, through his abundance in grace, both in spiritual ways, physical, and material ways, if we will only trust Him. He provided bread (Manna) and water to the Israelites throughout their 40-year journey in the desert. He will provide for us too, if we will trust him for our provisions. There are two words; "Mishkan" (Tabernacle as a whole) from "Sh'ken" (to dwell close) and "Mikdash" (sanctuary) from the word "Kadosh" (Holy, or Holiness) So, God will dwell with His people in all Holiness, as He dwells with us all the Tabernacles of our bodies and souls. So, the building project consists of the “tent of meeting” (The tabernacle/Mishkan) with its wooden boards, bars, clamps, and curtains of linen, the furniture that would go inside; The brazen Altar, the brazen Laver, the Menorah, the table of shew-bread, the incense altar, and finally, the Ark of the Covenant, (Aron Ha Kodesh). Each and every one of these pieces reflects who Yeshua is and his finished work on Calvary's cross. The Ark of the Covenant is mentioned first, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, both inside and out. Inside this box would be the tables of the Law, the “Torah” It symbolizes the purity and sinlessness of YHVH. The wood; the humanity of Yeshua who was YHVH in the flesh, both God and man. As it was covered with gold inside and out, it symbolizes that we also should be, through the Holy Spirit, “pure” inside and out, both physically, and spiritually, where people can see and where only God can see, inside us. The Torah, God's teaching and instruction to us, is inside the Ark, as the “Living Torah” who is Yeshua is inside of us, and also, his teaching, his “Torah” inside of us, to understand, learn from, and put into action in our daily lives. The Cherubim that are on top of the Kaporet look down upon the mercy seat, and they remind us of God's Holy Angels that are around us and who protect us. The “Shekinah Glory” the “Holy Presence of YHVH” was on top of the “Kaporet” (the cover) and when the high priest would sprinkle blood on the cover, YHVH would see the blood. The blood on the cover symbolized (before Yeshua) that the sins of man were “covered” for one year, but after Calvary, the sins of all of us were “erased” “wiped away” and “blotted out” forever. Here is something interesting; The Cherubim were at either end of the Kaporet, looking down where the "Spirit of God" would dwell. In John 20:11 it states that there were "two angels in the tomb" where Yeshua was laid when Mary came in. Where were they? they were sitting where Yeshua had been laid, on either end of the (perhaps the stone slab) where the body was laid. One at the head, and the other at the other end, which reminds us of the Ark cover. The high priest would sprinkle blood 7 times on the Ark Cover once a year. How many wounds did Yeshua have on his body? On the head, the torn flesh by the flagellum, the nail wounds on the right hand and the left, the nail wounds on his right foot, and on his left foot, and the spear wound on his side (7 wounds) Just coincidence? The 7 branch Menorah (candlestick) was made of pure gold, with 7 branches, the “perfect number of God” The six branches would extend from the center branch, just like we, believers, depend on the center branch, or “trunk” for our sustenance, there were “6” branches, (number of man) connected to the “7th” main branch. This Menorah symbolizes “Yeshua” as the “Light of the World” and the oil inside it as the “Ruach Ha Kodesh” (The Holy Spirit) We see the “wicks” that are inside the lamps as “believers” who depend on the “oil” (the Ruach HaKodesh) for our continuous growth, as part of the body of Messiah Yeshua. The table of shew-bread symbolizes Messiah Yeshua as the “Bread of Life” with the 12 loaves of unleavened bread. The bread was to be there, “continuously” The priests would eat the bread on the sabbath and more bread was placed on the table so that there would be “always the presence of “the Bread of Life” As believers, the living Torah is our spiritual bread, and we must partake daily of this bread. No wonder Yeshua was born in Bethlehem, yet in Hebrew the name is “Beit-Lechem” the “House of Bread” Again, the table was made of Acacia wood overlaid with gold, the purity of the sinless presence of God and the humanity of Messiah Yeshua. Then there is the table of Incense, also made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. This is where coals from the brazen altar were placed, and incense burned. The incense symbolizes our prayers, which go up to Heaven as the sweet-smelling incense smoke also goes up. The curtains of the tabernacle were to be made of fine linen, with the colors, blue, purple, and scarlet. These colors remind us of “blue skies of heaven above” “purple” (the color of royalty, Yeshua the King), and scarlet, (the color of blood) reminding us of Yeshua's blood that was shed for all our sins, past, present, and future. And of course, the wooden planks that remind us of the humanity of Yeshua. In the outer court of the tabernacle, there is the brazen altar, made of bronze and filled with water. This is where the priests washed their hands and feet. Bronze symbolizes judgment, imagine when the priests approached the still waters in the bronze laver, they would be able to see their reflection in the water. Imagine that is us looking into a mirror, what do we see? The image of a holy God, yet tainted with sin, we need to judge ourselves, and turn from our sinful ways, repent of our sins, like Yeshua said, “Your sins are forgiven, GO, and SIN NO MORE. Finally, there is the brazen altar, which is the first thing a person would see inside the tabernacle. It symbolizes Yeshua who was judged for our sins. It is made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze. The bronze symbolizes the judgment that Messiah Yeshua went through to pay our sin price. The animal sacrifices were placed on the grills which were on top of the altar. The animals symbolize our Messiah Yeshua, their blood symbolizes HIS blood, and the fire symbolizes the “fires of judgment” that Yeshua endured on the cross of Calvary, once and only once. It was sufficient, for our sins, past, present, and future. Let not his sacrifice for sin be for naught. If you have never placed your faith in Yeshua as Messiah, Savior, and LORD, do it now. Shalom, have a good and godly week. For what good is a week if it is not a godly week?

JEREMIAH 34:8-22, 33:25-26 Jeremiah is known as the “weeping prophet” because Israel had returned to idolatry, and corruption, YHVH sends him with a message to Israel, “Repent” and “turn from your sins”, one of the sins was to go back on their word. Jeremiah told them that God had said, “Release your slaves” Since they had not released them after 6 years, they did that, but afterward, they “re-captured” their slaves and returned them to captivity, this is to be “double-minded” for “appearance sake” they released the slaves/servants, but when they thought that “the prophet wasn't looking” they went back on their word. Result? Babylon came and captured Israel! And king Zedekiah was taken to Babylon as a slave. How well do we as believers respond when someone calls our attention? When we are in the wrong, do we repent and turn from our sins? or.... when we think no one is looking, go back to our sins? Our old attitudes, our old “issues?” A thief looks ahead, in back, to the left, to the right, to ensure that no one is looking, but the thief never looks “up”! Yes, our Heavenly Father who is on high is looking down on us all, and observes ALL our actions, even in private, so, we are NEVER alone! Someone is always watching us. God, his holy angels, Satan and his demons, all that are in the spirit realm are always watching our every move. So, make sure our lives are holy, unto God on high. MARK 1:1-2:28 The disciple Mark writes about John the Baptist, and his ministry to prepare the people for the coming of his cousin, Yeshua, preparing hearts, and minds. Baptism was important in Jewish life, it symbolized who was once unclean, is now clean, from “Tamei” to “Tahor”, from "death to life." When a born-again believer is baptized, the believer identifies himself or herself with Yeshua in death and life, death, burial, and resurrection. But John was just “preparing” the way for He who is THE WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Yeshua is the WAY to eternal life, He is the TRUTH, which is the opposite of lies and deception, and He is LIFE eternal, to those who embrace Him as Savior and LORD. Yeshua went walking along the Sea of Galilee, and there he invited Peter and Andrew to come with him, and later, at K’far Nachum (Capernaum) went to the synagogue there and began to teach the people. I thank God that I visited that same synagogue back in 2015 when I went to Israel to serve the IDF with the reserve units. My friend Alon and I went by car to Capernaum, walked around, and visited the part of the lake that served as a dock for the fishing boats, that is probably where Yeshua met Kefa and Andrew. We are all called by Yeshua through his spirit, to follow him, do we follow Him?...or...do we expect HIM to follow US? He teaches us through HIS word, are we listening? Shalom Synagogue at Capernaum

JEREMIAH 34:8-22, 33:25-26 Jeremiah is known as the “weeping prophet” because Israel had returned to idolatry, and corruption, YHVH sends him with a message to Israel, “Repent” and “turn from your sins”, one of the sins was to go back on their word. Jeremiah told them that God had said, “Release your slaves” Since they had not released them after 6 years, they did that, but afterward, they “re-captured” their slaves and returned them to captivity, this is to be “double-minded” for “appearance sake” they released the slaves/servants, but when they thought that “the prophet wasn't looking” they went back on their word. Result? Babylon came and captured Israel! And king Zedekiah was taken to Babylon as a slave. How well do we as believers respond when someone calls our attention? When we are in the wrong, do we repent and turn from our sins? or.... when we think no one is looking, go back to our sins? Our old attitudes, our old “issues?” A thief looks ahead, in back, to the left, to the right, to ensure that no one is looking, but the thief never looks “up”! Yes, our Heavenly Father who is on high is looking down on us all, and observes ALL our actions, even in private, so, we are NEVER alone! Someone is always watching us. God, his holy angels, Satan and his demons, all that are in the spirit realm are always watching our every move. So, make sure our lives are holy, unto God on high. MARK 1:1-2:28 The disciple Mark writes about John the Baptist, and his ministry to prepare the people for the coming of his cousin, Yeshua, preparing hearts, and minds. Baptism was important in Jewish life, it symbolized who was once unclean, is now clean, from “Tamei” to “Tahor”, from "death to life." When a born-again believer is baptized, the believer identifies himself or herself with Yeshua in death and life, death, burial, and resurrection. But John was just “preparing” the way for He who is THE WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Yeshua is the WAY to eternal life, He is the TRUTH, which is the opposite of lies and deception, and He is LIFE eternal, to those who embrace Him as Savior and LORD. Yeshua went walking along the Sea of Galilee, and there he invited Peter and Andrew to come with him, and later, at K’far Nachum (Capernaum) went to the synagogue there and began to teach the people. I thank God that I visited that same synagogue back in 2015 when I went to Israel to serve the IDF with the reserve units. My friend Alon and I went by car to Capernaum, walked around, and visited the part of the lake that served as a dock for the fishing boats, that is probably where Yeshua met Kefa(Peter) and Andrew. We are all called by Yeshua through his spirit, to follow him, do we follow Him?...or...do we expect HIM to follow US? He teaches us through HIS word, are we listening? Shalom Synagogue at Capernaum

THE THREE TREES (A devotional) There existed three trees. Three trees with three meanings. Three destinies for all of mankind. What are those three trees? The first two trees were in the Garden of Eden. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. The Tree of the knowledge of Good and evil was a prohibited tree. Enoch describes the tree as somewhat like a tamarind tree with great fragrance and fruit resembling fine grapes (Book of Enoch 31:4). This tree became like a tree of death. Why? Because our ancestors, Adam and Eve partook of the fruit and brought sin and death into this world. Then there was the Tree of Life. This tree was for life yet had Adam and Eve partaken of this tree, they would have lived forever bearing the guilt and curse of sin. God put it off-limits and thus thrusting the first couple out of the garden. He had a better plan for the couple. He had a better plan for the whole world. The third tree grew in Israel. It was probably a hardwood tree, maybe cedar or oak. Something strong and sturdy. It was there around 30 CE. It was cut down, and made into wood beams. Two beams would be put together to form a cross. A cross that would hold fast the Son of Man, the Son of God, Messiah Ben Yosef, Messiah Ben David. It would be a symbol of death and suffering, yet a symbol of forgiveness and life. The Son of Man would be lifted up and bear the guilt of our sin and death, yet offer us forgiveness and life to all who would trust in HIS sacrifice, in our place. An atonement on a tree, a tree that would be a tree of death yet a tree unto life. Where are these three trees today? Well, who can know? The first two destroyed by the waters of the Genesis flood. Perhaps the Tree of Life was translated to Heaven. The last tree, consumed, but not forgotten. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (in the Garden) a tree of death The Tree of Life (In the Garden) a tree of life now in Paradise. The Tree of Calvary (Calvary's Hill) A tree of death and suffering, yet a tree of Life for those who trust on the ONE who was nailed to it.

Yes indeed, if we love God, we will love our neighbor, and loving our neighbor shows we love God, and if we love ourselves, we will take care of our mind and body.

PARASHA: “Mishpatim” (Judgments) “bringing to light the meaning of some difficult commandments EXODUS 21:1-24:18 This Parashat study starts with "V'eleh haMishpatim" "and these are the laws..." So, when we see the word "and" or in Hebrew the letter "V" it is a continuation of the last study! We learned about the 10 Commandments, now, these are some more in detail. It would be like mom saying: "Son, clean your room" but what does "clean your room mean?" Then mom says: "You must dust under your bed, put the dirty clothes in the hamper, change the sheets on your bed, etc.." These are the "mishpatim" of mom's "commandment" (in a way) There are 3 kinds of commandments: "Mishpatim" (rational laws that make logical sense to us) and "Eidot" (laws that are more symbolic that point to Yeshua or illustrate the essence of God. "Hukkim" (laws that perhaps don't make logical sense to us, but have a deeper meaning if we delve deeper into the understanding of said laws) like "Speak to the ROCK" or "Look at the Bronze Serpent" for healing. This parashah involves the giving of a variety of commandments, that Elohim gave to Moshe to give/write down and teach to the Israelites. The first has to do with slaves and the treatment of slaves. The system of slavery in Israel back in Biblical times was very different than the cruel slavery of Africans in the United States, starting from the 1600s, into colonial days, up until the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The Hebrew word for "slave" is also "Servant" (Eved) So, when we talk about slaves, we are also looking at the word "servant" (are we not all "servants" of Adonai?) Unfortunately, the slave owners used the bible as a “reason” to own slaves, as they said, “The Bible permits slavery!” Yes, but only in extreme circumstances when one could not pay one's debts. The person was only a slave for 6 years, in year 7, the master had to release the slave and give the slave gifts of oil, wine, and wheat, so he or she could start a life over again. The slaves could not be abused, like slaves were whipped and abused under American slavery. But if the slave wished to remain with the master, the master could make a hole in the slave's ear and put in a ring, indicating that the slave was a slave for life, (being the choice of the slave) but “life” was up to 50 years, until the year of “Jubilee” if the slave chose to be with his or her master for “life” and the year, let's say was “40” then, “Life” was 10 years more, and then the slave would be released. If the slave was hurt in any way, say the master hit the slave and knocked a tooth out, or put an eye out, the slave was to be released immediately, and with compensation. Not so in America during the years of slavery. Rav Shaul/Paul the Apostle talks about being “bond slaves” to Messiah Yeshua, and that is our state. Would we want to be “released” from following HIM? Would we want to be under a “different master?” There are only two that claim our lives; Yeshua or HaSatan. We were “bought with a price” the price of blood, and we were released from Satan's bondage, to follow and subject ourselves to a new master, “Adonai” which means; “my master” We are “servants” to the Most High God. The Hebrew words for “Slave” and “servant” is the same in Hebrew; “Eved” slaves/servants were not considered “objects of purchase” or “property” they were considered “human beings” just like we are considered in the eyes of YHVH his “servants” “children” “adopted sons and daughters”. Do not sons and daughters serve their parents? ”An eye for an eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe; (21:24....) if you read on, we see that it doesn't mean, “if you knock out my tooth, I have a right to knock your tooth out too” or “if you blind me in on eye, I have the right to put out your eye” or in modern terminology, “If you break my stereo, I have the right to go into your house and smash your stereo” how, I ask you, does that solve the problem? It doesn't, it just creates more problems. If we look at this situation in light of scripture, it is saying in other words; “just compensation for hurt or damage received” How would that work? If I broke your arm accidentally or on purpose, I would be responsible for taking you to the doctor and paying the medical bill, and even, paying you “lost wages” if you couldn't work. It doesn't mean that the other guy could break “my arm too”. If you broke my stereo, then I would expect you to either pay to have it fixed or buy me another one of equal value, (arm for arm, stereo for stereo, etc.) We continue to read about many rules, commandments, and judgments, that make very good sense, even today, yet many of these judgments are not practiced today, everyone is off to the lawyers for a lawsuit. My opinion is that if the legal system today, was set up to reflect the Biblical standards of criminal justice in accordance to God's Word, there would be a lot less crime. The criminals would think twice before committing crimes. An example would be the following; A man goes to prison for stealing a car, sells it, and spends the money, so the prisoner has to work in prison and the money he would make would be sent to the victim to compensate the loss. His sentence would end only when the sum is completed. Or...the court system would pay the victim the money lost in the theft, and the thief would have to work to pay back the court. This type of punishment would reflect more the Torah standard of criminal justice. We come now to Exodus 23:19. “You shall bring the first fruits of thy land unto the House of YHVH, thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk” One commandment does not even reflect the other. It would be like saying, “turn out the lights when you leave the house, hey, don't forget to check the mailbox for mail”. What has one got to do with the other? G-d is saying is saying here to bring your tithe to the House of YHVH but then goes on to a different subject. Would this; “seething a kid in its mother's milk” be taken literally? To break this commandment, one would have to take a kid goat, butcher it, cut up the meat, then take the mother goat, milk her, then boil the meat in the mother's milk. Who would go to the trouble to do all that? Today, when people make stew, the meat is usually boiled/seethed in water with condiments, not in milk. But if we look at this commandment in a derashic sense, (the moral and spiritual sense) we could get this understanding; It may be all about the separation of life and death, of the clean from unclean (Tamei from tahor) good from bad. In “Basar v'chalav” (meat and milk) we can see that the word “Chalav”(milk) spelled in Hebrew is “Chet, Lamed, Beit (ch+l+v) yet the word “fat” is also spelled (ch+l+v) yet pronounced “Chelev” They are related, “milk” is a form of “fat”, and the fat of an animal was offered up on the altar to YHVH, as a “sweet savor” a “pleasant smell” unto YHVH, this was part of the worship service. We worship G-d with our full “heart” and the word “Ch+l+v” contains the letters “lamed” and “beit” (l+v) (Lev) which means “heart” Milk symbolizes “life” a baby is nurtured by its mother's milk to live, to have life. Yet the flesh (Basar) symbolizes death, as a believer, to be in the “flesh” is the opposite to being “in the spirit, full of life”. Once the animal is cut up, if not used, the flesh sits and rots, flies come around, and it becomes “Tamei” (unclean) when we are in the “flesh” we are in a way of speaking, “unclean” spiritually, until we confess our sins, and become as “milk” (full of life) again, walking in the spirit, and, like the fat of a clean animal, being a “sweet savor unto YHVH” . Remember that this is just one way we can look at this prohibition of boiling a kid in its mother's milk, from a Derashic (moral and spiritual) standpoint. ”if you meet an enemy's ox or his ass going astray, you will bring it back to him again” (Ex 23:4) This is one way to make your enemy, your friend, make peace with him. Would not this be for today as well, of course, it would! “Do not oppress the stranger, seeing you were strangers in the land of Egypt” Other Bibles say “foreigner” The USA used to welcome all immigrants, but now many are being oppressed, being deported, being cheated in wages, we must turn this around and start helping those who come to this country to seek a better life, thus turning a curse into a blessing. If you read from chapters 21 to 24, and look carefully at the commandments/judgments, you will see that most make perfect sense even today. God's Word is right on the money! We must remember this. Following God's commandments does not give us salvation. Salvation is a separate yet related issue. We are saved by grace and by faith, and not of works. Yet we are saved to "walk in" righteous words. We are righteously saved to do righteous works. Our works will count towards rewards in Heaven. Yes, not all 613 commandments are for today. Many are not. Yet quite a few are for today. Study them, ask yourself, "Can I apply "this" for today?" When all else fails, just do and ask questions later. Blessings to all of you. Let's get down and study the WORD!

PARASHA: “Mishpatim” (Judgments) “bringing to light the meaning of some difficult commandments EXODUS 21:1-24:18 This Parashat study starts with "V'eleh haMishpatim" "and these are the laws..." So, when we see the word "and" or in Hebrew the letter "V" it is a continuation of the last study! We learned about the 10 Commandments, now, these are some more in detail. It would be like mom saying: "Son, clean your room" but what does "clean your room mean?" Then mom says: "You must dust under your bed, put the dirty clothes in the hamper, change the sheets on your bed, etc.." These are the "mishpatim" of mom's "commandment" (in a way) There are 3 kinds of commandments: "Mishpatim" (rational laws that make logical sense to us) and "Eidot" (laws that are more symbolic that point to Yeshua or illustrate the essence of God. "Hukkim" (laws that perhaps don't make logical sense to us, but have a deeper meaning if we delve deeper into the understanding of said laws) like "Speak to the ROCK" or "Look at the Bronze Serpent" for healing. This parashah involves the giving of a variety of commandments, that Elohim gave to Moshe to give/write down and teach to the Israelites. The first has to do with slaves and the treatment of slaves. The system of slavery in Israel back in Biblical times was very different than the cruel slavery of Africans in the United States, starting from the 1600s, into colonial days, up until the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The Hebrew word for "slave" is also "Servant" (Eved) So, when we talk about slaves, we are also looking at the word "servant" (are we not all "servants" of Adonai?) Unfortunately, the slave owners used the bible as a “reason” to own slaves, as they said, “The Bible permits slavery!” Yes, but only in extreme circumstances when one could not pay one's debts. The person was only a slave for 6 years, in year 7, the master had to release the slave and give the slave gifts of oil, wine, and wheat, so he or she could start a life over again. The slaves could not be abused, like slaves were whipped and abused under American slavery. But if the slave wished to remain with the master, the master could make a hole in the slave's ear and put in a ring, indicating that the slave was a slave for life, (being the choice of the slave) but “life” was up to 50 years, until the year of “Jubilee” if the slave chose to be with his or her master for “life” and the year, let's say was “40” then, “Life” was 10 years more, and then the slave would be released. If the slave was hurt in any way, say the master hit the slave and knocked a tooth out, or put an eye out, the slave was to be released immediately, and with compensation. Not so in America during the years of slavery. Rav Shaul/Paul the Apostle talks about being “bond slaves” to Messiah Yeshua, and that is our state. Would we want to be “released” from following HIM? Would we want to be under a “different master?” There are only two that claim our lives; Yeshua or HaSatan. We were “bought with a price” the price of blood, and we were released from Satan's bondage, to follow and subject ourselves to a new master, “Adonai” which means; “my master” We are “servants” to the Most High God. The Hebrew words for “Slave” and “servant” is the same in Hebrew; “Eved” slaves/servants were not considered “objects of purchase” or “property” they were considered “human beings” just like we are considered in the eyes of YHVH his “servants” “children” “adopted sons and daughters”. Do not sons and daughters serve their parents? ”An eye for an eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe; (21:24....) if you read on, we see that it doesn't mean, “if you knock out my tooth, I have a right to knock your tooth out too” or “if you blind me in on eye, I have the right to put out your eye” or in modern terminology, “If you break my stereo, I have the right to go into your house and smash your stereo” how, I ask you, does that solve the problem? It doesn't, it just creates more problems. If we look at this situation in light of scripture, it is saying in other words; “just compensation for hurt or damage received” How would that work? If I broke your arm accidentally or on purpose, I would be responsible for taking you to the doctor and paying the medical bill, and even, paying you “lost wages” if you couldn't work. It doesn't mean that the other guy could break “my arm too”. If you broke my stereo, then I would expect you to either pay to have it fixed or buy me another one of equal value, (arm for arm, stereo for stereo, etc.) We continue to read about many rules, commandments, and judgments, that make very good sense, even today, yet many of these judgments are not practiced today, everyone is off to the lawyers for a lawsuit. My opinion is that if the legal system today, was set up to reflect the Biblical standards of criminal justice in accordance to God's Word, there would be a lot less crime. The criminals would think twice before committing crimes. An example would be the following; A man goes to prison for stealing a car, sells it, and spends the money, so the prisoner has to work in prison and the money he would make would be sent to the victim to compensate the loss. His sentence would end only when the sum is completed. Or...the court system would pay the victim the money lost in the theft, and the thief would have to work to pay back the court. This type of punishment would reflect more the Torah standard of criminal justice. We come now to Exodus 23:19. “You shall bring the first fruits of thy land unto the House of YHVH, thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk” One commandment does not even reflect the other. It would be like saying, “turn out the lights when you leave the house, hey, don't forget to check the mailbox for mail”. What has one got to do with the other? G-d is saying is saying here to bring your tithe to the House of YHVH but then goes on to a different subject. Would this; “seething a kid in its mother's milk” be taken literally? To break this commandment, one would have to take a kid goat, butcher it, cut up the meat, then take the mother goat, milk her, then boil the meat in the mother's milk. Who would go to the trouble to do all that? Today, when people make stew, the meat is usually boiled/seethed in water with condiments, not in milk. But if we look at this commandment in a derashic sense, (the moral and spiritual sense) we could get this understanding; It may be all about the separation of life and death, of the clean from unclean (Tamei from tahor) good from bad. In “Basar v'chalav” (meat and milk) we can see that the word “Chalav”(milk) spelled in Hebrew is “Chet, Lamed, Beit (ch+l+v) yet the word “fat” is also spelled (ch+l+v) yet pronounced “Chelev” They are related, “milk” is a form of “fat”, and the fat of an animal was offered up on the altar to YHVH, as a “sweet savor” a “pleasant smell” unto YHVH, this was part of the worship service. We worship G-d with our full “heart” and the word “Ch+l+v” contains the letters “lamed” and “beit” (l+v) (Lev) which means “heart” Milk symbolizes “life” a baby is nurtured by its mother's milk to live, to have life. Yet the flesh (Basar) symbolizes death, as a believer, to be in the “flesh” is the opposite to being “in the spirit, full of life”. Once the animal is cut up, if not used, the flesh sits and rots, flies come around, and it becomes “Tamei” (unclean) when we are in the “flesh” we are in a way of speaking, “unclean” spiritually, until we confess our sins, and become as “milk” (full of life) again, walking in the spirit, and, like the fat of a clean animal, being a “sweet savor unto YHVH” . Remember that this is just one way we can look at this prohibition of boiling a kid in its mother's milk, from a Derashic (moral and spiritual) standpoint. ”if you meet an enemy's ox or his ass going astray, you will bring it back to him again” (Ex 23:4) This is one way to make your enemy, your friend, make peace with him. Would not this be for today as well, of course, it would! “Do not oppress the stranger, seeing you were strangers in the land of Egypt” Other Bibles say “foreigner” The USA used to welcome all immigrants, but now many are being oppressed, being deported, being cheated in wages, we must turn this around and start helping those who come to this country to seek a better life, thus turning a curse into a blessing. If you read from chapters 21 to 24, and look carefully at the commandments/judgments, you will see that most make perfect sense even today. God's Word is right on the money! We must remember this. Following God's commandments does not give us salvation. Salvation is a separate yet related issue. We are saved by grace and by faith, and not of works. Yet we are saved to "walk in" righteous words. We are righteously saved to do righteous works. Our works will count towards rewards in Heaven. Yes, not all 613 commandments are for today. Many are not. Yet quite a few are for today. Study them, ask yourself, "Can I apply "this" for today?" When all else fails, just do and ask questions later. Blessings to all of you. Let's get down and study the WORD

PARASHA: “Yitro” (Jethro) EXODUS 18:1-20:26 We see in this parashah, a lot of wisdom on the part of Moshe and Yitro, his father-in-law. First, we learn that Moshe had send his wife and children back to stay with father and grandfather. I believe for safe-keeping, when one sees danger, it is wise to care for one's family, as Moshe did, His wife and children might have been in danger, the Egyptians might have retaliated, might have kidnapped his wife and children, or killed them, so Moshe took precaution, which is a good thing. The second piece of wisdom comes from Yitro, He is a man of experience, so he says; “Moshe, what are you doing to this people?” hey, you are only one man, and a few million of them? Come on dude, get wise-er, this isn't a one-man deal here, no such things as “lone-rangers” in ministry, even the “Lone-Ranger” was not alone, he had “Tonto”. Ministry is to be shared with other believers, that is why the Ruach Ha Kodesh has given the Spiritual gifts, to be shared, to minister to others, by many, not just one. The rabbi cannot do it alone, neither can the pastor. The rabbi needs his co-workers, and so does the pastor, if not, they are going to run themselves ragged. This is called “pastor/rabbi Burn-out” This is the parashah of the “Ten Mitzvoth” the “Ten Commandments” but before the giving of these, YHVH presents the deal to the people, kind of like when the bride-groom presents himself to the bride, these are beautiful words; ” Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself, therefore IF you harken unto my voice and keep my covenant, THEN ye shall be my own treasure from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine, and you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation” (19:4-6) It is all conditional, like all contracts, covenants, we see the “IF” and “THEN” He says that He bore Israel on eagles' wings. An eagle will carry her young on her wings to protect them from harm. So did YHVH, He brought Israel through the Sea on dry land, and brought them nigh unto Har Sinai, now, they have to decide, will they accept YHVH as their one and only God? And obey HIS words? It is like asking the bride to accept the groom as her only husband, provider, and loving ruler, (not tyrant) BUT…even though Israel broke the covenant many times, YHVH has remained faithful and we are HIS HOLY PEOPLE, his ELECT, whether we were born and raised in Israel or from the nations, doesn't matter, we are HIS because we have accepted HIS sacrifice in YESHUA our “Goel” (Redeemer), and we choose the follow his Torah, his LIVING Torah. The HE lays out the first 10 of the 613 commandments, which generalize, one can say “all” of the Torah: We need to realize that the first ten were given directly by Adonai to his people, HIS voice to HIS people, the other 603 were given to the people THROUGH Moshe, but still, they are all GOD’s commandments. Moshe simply did not make them up. ”ANOCHI YHVH ELOHEIHA” ( I AM ADONAI YOUR GOD) with the I AM emphasized, one can say “Ani” (I) or Anochi (I really AM) He is saying, I am who I have claimed to be, the God who took you out of Egypt and brought you here, I am ready to be your God, so if that is the case, there can only be ONE God in your life, that is ME, I don't want statues of me, that what the Egyptians did, so, don't do as they did, (It took one day to take Israel out of Egypt, but 40 years to take Egypt out of Israel, if you get the meaning). Don't bow down and worship other gods, that will NOT be accepted. Yet we see today, even though we don't make or bow down to silver, gold, wooden statues that symbolize who God is, or TRY to symbolize who he is, sorry guys, they didn't have cameras back then to take pictures, many bow down and consider more important things like; football, soccer, money, sex, TV, fast cars, work, you name it, if these come before our worship and service to our God YHVH, then those things ARE OUR gods!! put them in their proper places, least YHVH take them from us by force!! THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF YHVH IN VAIN.... What is being said here? When many take oaths, promises, many times the name of GOD is used; like “I swear to God I'll pay you back next week” Well, if next week rolls around and you pay back what you owe, you will have HONORED the NAME of GOD, yet if you don't, you will have taken the NAME of God in vain! It is better not to make promises and use God's name, we can always say “I'll do my best to pay you back as soon as I am able” and leave it at that. One can take the name of the LORD thy GOD in vain without words, our mere actions and comportment speak of God and who He is, if we behave unlike born-again believers, if we behave like a lost person, using foul language in front of others, getting upset and throwing temper fits, we are TAKING HIS NAME IN VAIN. And using those ugly 4 letter words, And other sorts of ugly language...well. that is not swearing, that is being just plain vulgar. REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY....The sabbath is and always will be Saturday, it was never changed to Sunday, nothing wrong with going to church on Sunday, to me, it is a “double blessing” to worship Adonai two days straight. Yes, the early believers met on the first day of the week (Sunday) to break bread and have fellowship, this was “Havdalah” this was the close of the Sabbath and the welcome of the new week. This was a “custom” that they did, and we still do, it was not a CHANGE of sabbaths. Yeshua resurrected on the first day of the week, Baruch HaShem!! great! And we also can worship on Sundays at local churches, but it was NEVER a change of sabbaths. We should dedicate the sabbath day to be in the Synagogue or at church, to worship, learn from his word through God's chosen ministers, Sunday school teachers, Torah teachers. Go home and rest, or take the family out to lunch, give the wife a break from the kitchen, or eat lunch at the synagogue (Oneg) leave the material things and worldly things to the next day. Rest means rest! I have read in rabbinical commentaries that when “The World keeps the Sabbath perfectly...THEN… Messiah will return!” well, He still has never returned, does that mean that the world has not kept Shabbos perfectly? Guess so. Shabbat is HaSatan's perfect and favorite time to stir up trouble and tempers, so that we will NOT have a restful Shabbat. Be aware of that. HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER...This really needs no explanation, it is common sense to honor our parents and respect them because of WHO they are, and what they have done for us. My mom and dad used to say to me; “We went without many times to give you the things that you have today” Our parents give us love, raise us, hopefully, to love God, ( I can't speak for all of you readers, since everyone is different) But, if our parents gave us love and taught us about God and Yeshua/Jesus, then, we ought to do the same for our kids. Honoring father and mother does not mean sticking them in a rest home when they are old and going off and forgetting about them, doesn't work like that. Were your parents rotten to you? Did they mistreat you? Well, love them any way! It is what Yeshua taught. THOU SHALT NOT MURDER, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT STEAL.....ever wonder why those three commandments are together? If one commits adultery, sleeps with another man's wife or husband, one is “murdering” a marital relationship, and “stealing” what does not belong to you, being another person's spouse. Yeshua explains it even better, He said if you only “think” of sleeping, having sex with another person's wife or husband, that person has already committed adultery in his or her mind, it gets pretty intense if you look at it that way. “Murder” does NOT include going to war and fighting for your nation, you are DEFENDING your family and homeland. “Stealing?” that can be a two or three-page explanation, if you come back late from lunch, you are “stealing” time from your employer, if you do not do your very best, then you are “stealing” from your employer, your own ability and usefulness. Can a man rob God? Malachi says, “Yes” God speaking through his prophet, “You have ROBBED me of your tithes and offerings” One can rob from God when we do not utilize our spiritual gifts, or waste them on worldly things. DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS....this is another lengthy subject, but with simple words, always tell the truth, and do not hide the truth from others. To know that some thieves are planning to rob your neighbor, and you remain silent and do not alert your neighbor, it is if you opened your neighbor's door for the thieves, you are being false. To tell a half-truth, is to be false. Yes, the truth at times can be costly, and painful, but being false can be worse. DO NOT COVET.... Be satisfied with what you have, the job you have, the bank account you have, with the car you have, with the wife or husband you have...Coveting can lead to worse crimes, look at Aachen, who coveted the Babylonian tunic and gold from Jericho, it cost him his life, and his family's lives too. If you want more than you have already, take it to the LORD in prayer, if the LORD sees that there is nothing wrong with giving you a little more, HE will give it to you in HIS perfect time. You never know, people with “more things” usually have “more headaches” or “more” to worry about. I remember what the TV preacher Rex Humbard said once, “God may give you what you want, but you're not going to want what you get!” So, give thanks for what you already have, when we go to heaven, we will leave it ALL BEHIND.

PARASHA: “Yitro” (Jethro) EXODUS 18:1-20:26 We see in this parashah, a lot of wisdom on the part of Moshe and Yitro, his father-in-law. First, we learn that Moshe had send his wife and children back to stay with father and grandfather. I believe for safe-keeping, when one sees danger, it is wise to care for one's family, as Moshe did, His wife and children might have been in danger, the Egyptians might have retaliated, might have kidnapped his wife and children, or killed them, so Moshe took precaution, which is a good thing. The second piece of wisdom comes from Yitro, He is a man of experience, so he says; “Moshe, what are you doing to this people?” hey, you are only one man, and a few million of them? Come on dude, get wise-er, this isn't a one-man deal here, no such things as “lone-rangers” in ministry, even the “Lone-Ranger” was not alone, he had “Tonto”. Ministry is to be shared with other believers, that is why the Ruach Ha Kodesh has given the Spiritual gifts, to be shared, to minister to others, by many, not just one. The rabbi cannot do it alone, neither can the pastor. The rabbi needs his co-workers, and so does the pastor, if not, they are going to run themselves ragged. This is called “pastor/rabbi Burn-out” This is the parashah of the “Ten Mitzvoth” the “Ten Commandments” but before the giving of these, YHVH presents the deal to the people, kind of like when the bride-groom presents himself to the bride, these are beautiful words; ” Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself, therefore IF you harken unto my voice and keep my covenant, THEN ye shall be my own treasure from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine, and you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation” (19:4-6) It is all conditional, like all contracts, covenants, we see the “IF” and “THEN” He says that He bore Israel on eagles' wings. An eagle will carry her young on her wings to protect them from harm. So did YHVH, He brought Israel through the Sea on dry land, and brought them nigh unto Har Sinai, now, they have to decide, will they accept YHVH as their one and only God? And obey HIS words? It is like asking the bride to accept the groom as her only husband, provider, and loving ruler, (not tyrant) BUT…even though Israel broke the covenant many times, YHVH has remained faithful and we are HIS HOLY PEOPLE, his ELECT, whether we were born and raised in Israel or from the nations, doesn't matter, we are HIS because we have accepted HIS sacrifice in YESHUA our “Goel” (Redeemer), and we choose the follow his Torah, his LIVING Torah. The HE lays out the first 10 of the 613 commandments, which generalize, one can say “all” of the Torah: We need to realize that the first ten were given directly by Adonai to his people, HIS voice to HIS people, the other 603 were given to the people THROUGH Moshe, but still, they are all GOD’s commandments. Moshe simply did not make them up. ”ANOCHI YHVH ELOHEIHA” ( I AM ADONAI YOUR GOD) with the I AM emphasized, one can say “Ani” (I) or Anochi (I really AM) He is saying, I am who I have claimed to be, the God who took you out of Egypt and brought you here, I am ready to be your God, so if that is the case, there can only be ONE God in your life, that is ME, I don't want statues of me, that what the Egyptians did, so, don't do as they did, (It took one day to take Israel out of Egypt, but 40 years to take Egypt out of Israel, if you get the meaning). Don't bow down and worship other gods, that will NOT be accepted. Yet we see today, even though we don't make or bow down to silver, gold, wooden statues that symbolize who God is, or TRY to symbolize who he is, sorry guys, they didn't have cameras back then to take pictures, many bow down and consider more important things like; football, soccer, money, sex, TV, fast cars, work, you name it, if these come before our worship and service to our God YHVH, then those things ARE OUR gods!! put them in their proper places, least YHVH take them from us by force!! THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF YHVH IN VAIN.... What is being said here? When many take oaths, promises, many times the name of GOD is used; like “I swear to God I'll pay you back next week” Well, if next week rolls around and you pay back what you owe, you will have HONORED the NAME of GOD, yet if you don't, you will have taken the NAME of God in vain! It is better not to make promises and use God's name, we can always say “I'll do my best to pay you back as soon as I am able” and leave it at that. One can take the name of the LORD thy GOD in vain without words, our mere actions and comportment speak of God and who He is, if we behave unlike born-again believers, if we behave like a lost person, using foul language in front of others, getting upset and throwing temper fits, we are TAKING HIS NAME IN VAIN. And using those ugly 4 letter words, And other sorts of ugly language...well. that is not swearing, that is being just plain vulgar. REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY....The sabbath is and always will be Saturday, it was never changed to Sunday, nothing wrong with going to church on Sunday, to me, it is a “double blessing” to worship Adonai two days straight. Yes, the early believers met on the first day of the week (Sunday) to break bread and have fellowship, this was “Havdalah” this was the close of the Sabbath and the welcome of the new week. This was a “custom” that they did, and we still do, it was not a CHANGE of sabbaths. Yeshua resurrected on the first day of the week, Baruch HaShem!! great! And we also can worship on Sundays at local churches, but it was NEVER a change of sabbaths. We should dedicate the sabbath day to be in the Synagogue or at church, to worship, learn from his word through God's chosen ministers, Sunday school teachers, Torah teachers. Go home and rest, or take the family out to lunch, give the wife a break from the kitchen, or eat lunch at the synagogue (Oneg) leave the material things and worldly things to the next day. Rest means rest! I have read in rabbinical commentaries that when “The World keeps the Sabbath perfectly...THEN… Messiah will return!” well, He still has never returned, does that mean that the world has not kept Shabbos perfectly? Guess so. Shabbat is HaSatan's perfect and favorite time to stir up trouble and tempers, so that we will NOT have a restful Shabbat. Be aware of that. HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER...This really needs no explanation, it is common sense to honor our parents and respect them because of WHO they are, and what they have done for us. My mom and dad used to say to me; “We went without many times to give you the things that you have today” Our parents give us love, raise us, hopefully, to love God, ( I can't speak for all of you readers, since everyone is different) But, if our parents gave us love and taught us about God and Yeshua/Jesus, then, we ought to do the same for our kids. Honoring father and mother does not mean sticking them in a rest home when they are old and going off and forgetting about them, doesn't work like that. Were your parents rotten to you? Did they mistreat you? Well, love them any way! It is what Yeshua taught. THOU SHALT NOT MURDER, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT STEAL.....ever wonder why those three commandments are together? If one commits adultery, sleeps with another man's wife or husband, one is “murdering” a marital relationship, and “stealing” what does not belong to you, being another person's spouse. Yeshua explains it even better, He said if you only “think” of sleeping, having sex with another person's wife or husband, that person has already committed adultery in his or her mind, it gets pretty intense if you look at it that way. “Murder” does NOT include going to war and fighting for your nation, you are DEFENDING your family and homeland. “Stealing?” that can be a two or three-page explanation, if you come back late from lunch, you are “stealing” time from your employer, if you do not do your very best, then you are “stealing” from your employer, your own ability and usefulness. Can a man rob God? Malachi says, “Yes” God speaking through his prophet, “You have ROBBED me of your tithes and offerings” One can rob from God when we do not utilize our spiritual gifts, or waste them on worldly things. DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS....this is another lengthy subject, but with simple words, always tell the truth, and do not hide the truth from others. To know that some thieves are planning to rob your neighbor, and you remain silent and do not alert your neighbor, it is if you opened your neighbor's door for the thieves, you are being false. To tell a half-truth, is to be false. Yes, the truth at times can be costly, and painful, but being false can be worse. DO NOT COVET.... Be satisfied with what you have, the job you have, the bank account you have, with the car you have, with the wife or husband you have...Coveting can lead to worse crimes, look at Aachen, who coveted the Babylonian tunic and gold from Jericho, it cost him his life, and his family's lives too. If you want more than you have already, take it to the LORD in prayer, if the LORD sees that there is nothing wrong with giving you a little more, HE will give it to you in HIS perfect time. You never know, people with “more things” usually have “more headaches” or “more” to worry about. I remember what the TV preacher Rex Humbard said once, “God may give you what you want, but you're not going to want what you get!” So, give thanks for what you already have, when we go to heaven, we will leave it ALL BEHIND. YHVH Came down on Mt. Sinai in Fire and with Thunder

PARASHAH: “B'shalach” (when he let go) EXODUS 13:17-17:16 We are coming down to the “showdown” where Pharaoh gets what he deserves for defying the God of Israel, going back on his word to “let Israel go”, you cannot pursue Israel without getting hurt, and Pharaoh and his army got to drink bitter waters, went off the “deep end” received a very fatal “water baptism”. Yet before all this happens, there are some interesting verses. Exodus 17: 18 states that; “The children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt” yet it also states that Elohim did not lead them through the land of the Philistines because an encounter with them might bring war, frighten them, and cause them to go back to Egypt. But if they had weapons, why would they fear a battle? One can assume that even though they had weapons, they would be no good if they didn’t know how to use them. We can say the same thing about the Bible, it is useless in the hands of one who does not know how to use it, or uses it in wrongful ways, inventing “strange” doctrines, or taking verses out of context. The Israelites were ex-slaves, not soldiers. Another question, where did they get the weapons? Were the weapons among the spoils of Egypt? They might have been. But here is another view of the words "being armed" when the Israelites left Egypt. This is looking at a spiritual and moral interpretation and understanding. The word for “armed” in Hebrew which is used is “chamushim” the wise rabbis of old state this word has roots in the words “chamesh” (the number 5) and “chamishim” (50). So what does this tell us? It may have been the 5th generation after Yosef that left Egypt. If a generation is 80 years, it would add up to 400 years. Also, the number 5 symbolizes “grace”. So, the Israelites not only left Egypt with some spears and swords but they were also armed with the “grace” that Elohim bestowed on them. More importantly, they were armed with the protection, the blessings, and the leadership of Elohim who led them out of Egypt. The number “50” also reminds us of the “50 gates of understanding” which the ancient rabbis say are 50 questions that Elohim asked Job at the end of the Book of Job. Of course, these are just ideas one can think about. When we look at scripture, we always look at both the literal and the moral/spiritual aspects of verses. They can tell us much more than meets the eye. Another word for “armed” is “equipped”. One could also say that the Children of Israel went out of Egypt “equipped” with the “5” promises that Adonai gave to His people; 1) Elohim will deliver Israel from under the burden of Egyptian Slavery; 2) Israel will be REDEEMED by the ARM of Elohim-YHVH; 3) Elohim-YHVH will take Israel as HIS people and will be their GOD; 4) Israel will be brought into the chosen land of promise; 5) The promised land will be an INHERETANCE. It took Israel also 50 days from leaving Egypt to receive the Torah in the land of Midian. Here is something else. It took God only one day to take Israel out of Egypt, and at the same time, destroyed the whole Egyptian army, yet it took 40 years to take "Egypt" out of "Israel." There was still a lot of mindset and philosophy from Egypt that left with the Israelites. Remember, they were in the land of Egypt for 430 years. In a way, they were part of that culture as well. We are the same way, even though we are born-again believers, we still carry around the garbage related to our “Yetzer-Hara” (sin nature) but little by little, the Holy Spirit takes that from us as we mature in the faith. We might wonder how many Israelites left Egypt, probably about 2 million, plus those Egyptians that “saw the light” plus the sheep and cattle, it was a huge people group that headed eastward across the Sinai Peninsula and then headed south after reaching “Midol” (an Egyptian army base, where weapons were stored). We are told...” and it was told the King of Egypt that the people were fled” ...14:5. What? Didn't he already know that? Of course, he did, he let them go! It was probably a team of scouts that were sent out to track down the Israelites to see where they were going, and they gave their report back to Pharaoh. Now this took place a few days later, now Pharaoh is sorry he let them go. What? Didn't he remember the plagues? Some people never learn, they love misery. Now Pharaoh musters together his entire army! Another mistake, never send out your entire armed forces, always leave behind reserve units. But Pharaoh was not a wise general. This probably took another few days, thus giving Israel about a week's head start, it would take quite a few days for about 2 million people to cross the Sinai Peninsula. The names “Elohim” and “YHVH” are both used in this Parashah, “Elohim” is used at the beginning of this parashah, in Chap 13:17 meaning the “Strong, powerful God” yet the name YHVH, later on, shows the personal name, (coming from “Havayah” meaning “to exist”) shows the personal relationship as “Adonai” which we also say when reading YHVH, anytime the word LORD is used in scripture, it is the name YHVH. YHVH takes them across the Sinai Peninsula to entice the Egyptians, to utterly finish destroying them thus ending the powerful rule of Egypt, Egypt never recovered from that defeat. The times of Egyptian power and glory under Thutmoses, Narmer, Cheops, and pharaohs of past dynasties were now at an end. When the Israelites get to the beach, they get ready to cross, in Hebrew it is known as “Yam Suf” in English, it is known as “Nuweba Beach” it is a tourist resort today in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. We see that YHVH goes behind the Israelites to protect them, in the form of darkness to the Egyptians, yet light to the Israelites. To us as believers, Yeshua is our light, for us to follow, but to Satan, Yeshua is the conquering king, without the light of Yeshua, without the light of the Torah, we live in darkness, spiritual darkness. Chapter 14:13 is interesting. Moshe says; “Fear not and stand still and see the SALVATION of YHVH” In Hebrew, the word “Salvation” is “YESHUAT” we have the name of our Messiah “Yeshua” plus the “Tav” Symbolically, we can see that Yeshua is part of Elohim, and He is moving to bring HIS people through the sea, It also reminds us that the “Tav” (T) symbolizes the covenant, it takes the form of the cross in Paleo-Hebrew. We have the name “Yeshua” and the “cross” He is saving his people from physical destruction by the Egyptians, and in the future, He will die to save the world from Spiritual destruction. In gematria, “Yeshuat” adds up to 786. Reading from right to left, one way to understand the message of this sum of numbers is; “MAN achieves ETERNAL life (a new beginning) through the PERFECT God who is Yeshua, who is part of Elohim Now YHVH tells Moshe to “lift up your rod and your hand” and cause the sea to part, and it did divide in two, we read that Israel crossed on “dry land” what with a strong wind to dry up the sea bottom. First, however, the order was given to "move forward" towards the Sea! This was an act of faith. The people moved forward and THEN, the Sea parted in two all night long. Then, YHVH gives the order to Moshe to raise his hand over the water again, and the waters closed up again and drowned the Egyptian army, the army was halfway across, and we see something in the words, “hand” (Yad), and “rod” (Mateh) that make us think. The “rod” is a symbol of authority, of rulership. The “hand” is a symbol of “power and strength” The Torah speaks of YHVH revealing his “Holy Arm” the “arm is connected to the hand” The ancient Hebrew symbol of the “Yod” is the extended “arm and hand” so we can see the message here, “Moshe” is the authority as he shows his leadership by raising his rod, and his hand opens and closes the sea, thus demonstrating his strength and power, but of course, it is not HIS, it is GOD's leadership and strength, being revealed THROUGH Moses. When the people follow Moses, it is as if they are following GOD, trusting in his leadership and strength. When we receive Yeshua as Messiah, we trust in HIM as our leader and our strength, and we follow HIM through his WORD, yet many hope that Yeshua will follow THEM! (not going to happen) When we look at all this from a moral and spiritual insight (Derash) We have been rescued from Satan, by our Leader, who is strong, whose “hand” struck the death blow to Satan, whose “hands” bore the nails of Calvary's cross, and who leads us to a new life, we have been set apart, made "holy" to follow HIM for all of our days, (Should we choose to) of course it is a choice, but the “good Shepherd always “looks back” for his lost or misguided sheep, to lead them back to the fold. We see other events that show God's protection and provision for his people, in verses 22-27 we see the “bitter waters made sweet” Moshe threw into the water “a tree” probably cut it down and threw it in, the waters were made sweet, the Torah is also called, “The TREE of LIFE” (Etz Chaim) that changes our bitterness to sweetness, from sorrow to happiness, from lost to saved. In chapter 16, the provision of “Manna” in the desert “Bread from Heaven” (Lechem b'Shemayim) another provision from YHVH, it symbolizes “Yeshua the Bread of Life” and in chapter 17, “Water from the Rock” Moshe was told to “strike the rock” and he did with his staff/rod” and out it flowed water so that the congregation and the livestock could drink. This symbolizes “Yeshua the Solid Rock” (Yeshua HaTzur) and Yeshua who is the Living Water. (Yeshua Mayim Chayim). It also symbolizes that Yeshua was “struck ONLY ONCE for our sins at Calvary, ONLY ONCE meaning “nailed to the cross and died one time and one time only. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul tells about the "Spiritual Rock" that followed the Israelites in the desert to comfort them and to lead them. Miraculously, God provided them with water and bread for 40 years in the desert, plus HIS presence. Yeshua/Jesus is our "Spiritual Rock" who is with us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Wherever we go, HE is with us. We all have a life journey ahead of us. We know not the number of years we will have on this earth, but we are promised HIS presence to guide us, and His WORD to guide us. We will always have HIS Water in this desert called "life on earth". Shalom

PARASHAH: “B'shalach” (when he let go) EXODUS 13:17-17:16 We are coming down to the “showdown” where Pharaoh gets what he deserves for defying the God of Israel, going back on his word to “let Israel go”, you cannot pursue Israel without getting hurt, and Pharaoh and his army got to drink bitter waters, went off the “deep end” received a very fatal “water baptism”. Yet before all this happens, there are some interesting verses. Exodus 17: 18 states that; “The children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt” yet it also states that Elohim did not lead them through the land of the Philistines because an encounter with them might bring war, frighten them, and cause them to go back to Egypt. But if they had weapons, why would they fear a battle? One can assume that even though they had weapons, they would be no good if they didn’t know how to use them. We can say the same thing about the Bible, it is useless in the hands of one who does not know how to use it, or uses it in wrongful ways, inventing “strange” doctrines, or taking verses out of context. The Israelites were ex-slaves, not soldiers. Another question, where did they get the weapons? Were the weapons among the spoils of Egypt? They might have been. But here is another view of the words "being armed" when the Israelites left Egypt. This is looking at a spiritual and moral interpretation and understanding. The word for “armed” in Hebrew which is used is “chamushim” the wise rabbis of old state this word has roots in the words “chamesh” (the number 5) and “chamishim” (50). So what does this tell us? It may have been the 5th generation after Yosef that left Egypt. If a generation is 80 years, it would add up to 400 years. Also, the number 5 symbolizes “grace”. So, the Israelites not only left Egypt with some spears and swords but they were also armed with the “grace” that Elohim bestowed on them. More importantly, they were armed with the protection, the blessings, and the leadership of Elohim who led them out of Egypt. The number “50” also reminds us of the “50 gates of understanding” which the ancient rabbis say are 50 questions that Elohim asked Job at the end of the Book of Job. Of course, these are just ideas one can think about. When we look at scripture, we always look at both the literal and the moral/spiritual aspects of verses. They can tell us much more than meets the eye. Another word for “armed” is “equipped”. One could also say that the Children of Israel went out of Egypt “equipped” with the “5” promises that Adonai gave to His people; 1) Elohim will deliver Israel from under the burden of Egyptian Slavery; 2) Israel will be REDEEMED by the ARM of Elohim-YHVH; 3) Elohim-YHVH will take Israel as HIS people and will be their GOD; 4) Israel will be brought into the chosen land of promise; 5) The promised land will be an INHERETANCE. It took Israel also 50 days from leaving Egypt to receive the Torah in the land of Midian. Here is something else. It took God only one day to take Israel out of Egypt, and at the same time, destroyed the whole Egyptian army, yet it took 40 years to take "Egypt" out of "Israel." There was still a lot of mindset and philosophy from Egypt that left with the Israelites. Remember, they were in the land of Egypt for 430 years. In a way, they were part of that culture as well. We are the same way, even though we are born-again believers, we still carry around the garbage related to our “Yetzer-Hara” (sin nature) but little by little, the Holy Spirit takes that from us as we mature in the faith. We might wonder how many Israelites left Egypt, probably about 2 million, plus those Egyptians that “saw the light” plus the sheep and cattle, it was a huge people group that headed eastward across the Sinai Peninsula and then headed south after reaching “Midol” (an Egyptian army base, where weapons were stored). We are told...” and it was told the King of Egypt that the people were fled” ...14:5. What? Didn't he already know that? Of course, he did, he let them go! It was probably a team of scouts that were sent out to track down the Israelites to see where they were going, and they gave their report back to Pharaoh. Now this took place a few days later, now Pharaoh is sorry he let them go. What? Didn't he remember the plagues? Some people never learn, they love misery. Now Pharaoh musters together his entire army! Another mistake, never send out your entire armed forces, always leave behind reserve units. But Pharaoh was not a wise general. This probably took another few days, thus giving Israel about a week's head start, it would take quite a few days for about 2 million people to cross the Sinai Peninsula. The names “Elohim” and “YHVH” are both used in this Parashah, “Elohim” is used at the beginning of this parashah, in Chap 13:17 meaning the “Strong, powerful God” yet the name YHVH, later on, shows the personal name, (coming from “Havayah” meaning “to exist”) shows the personal relationship as “Adonai” which we also say when reading YHVH, anytime the word LORD is used in scripture, it is the name YHVH. YHVH takes them across the Sinai Peninsula to entice the Egyptians, to utterly finish destroying them thus ending the powerful rule of Egypt, Egypt never recovered from that defeat. The times of Egyptian power and glory under Thutmoses, Narmer, Cheops, and pharaohs of past dynasties were now at an end. When the Israelites get to the beach, they get ready to cross, in Hebrew it is known as “Yam Suf” in English, it is known as “Nuweba Beach” it is a tourist resort today in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. We see that YHVH goes behind the Israelites to protect them, in the form of darkness to the Egyptians, yet light to the Israelites. To us as believers, Yeshua is our light, for us to follow, but to Satan, Yeshua is the conquering king, without the light of Yeshua, without the light of the Torah, we live in darkness, spiritual darkness. Chapter 14:13 is interesting. Moshe says; “Fear not and stand still and see the SALVATION of YHVH” In Hebrew, the word “Salvation” is “YESHUAT” we have the name of our Messiah “Yeshua” plus the “Tav” Symbolically, we can see that Yeshua is part of Elohim, and He is moving to bring HIS people through the sea, It also reminds us that the “Tav” (T) symbolizes the covenant, it takes the form of the cross in Paleo-Hebrew. We have the name “Yeshua” and the “cross” He is saving his people from physical destruction by the Egyptians, and in the future, He will die to save the world from Spiritual destruction. In gematria, “Yeshuat” adds up to 786. Reading from right to left, one way to understand the message of this sum of numbers is; “MAN achieves ETERNAL life (a new beginning) through the PERFECT God who is Yeshua, who is part of Elohim Now YHVH tells Moshe to “lift up your rod and your hand” and cause the sea to part, and it did divide in two, we read that Israel crossed on “dry land” what with a strong wind to dry up the sea bottom. First, however, the order was given to "move forward" towards the Sea! This was an act of faith. The people moved forward and THEN, the Sea parted in two all night long. Then, YHVH gives the order to Moshe to raise his hand over the water again, and the waters closed up again and drowned the Egyptian army, the army was halfway across, and we see something in the words, “hand” (Yad), and “rod” (Mateh) that make us think. The “rod” is a symbol of authority, of rulership. The “hand” is a symbol of “power and strength” The Torah speaks of YHVH revealing his “Holy Arm” the “arm is connected to the hand” The ancient Hebrew symbol of the “Yod” is the extended “arm and hand” so we can see the message here, “Moshe” is the authority as he shows his leadership by raising his rod, and his hand opens and closes the sea, thus demonstrating his strength and power, but of course, it is not HIS, it is GOD's leadership and strength, being revealed THROUGH Moses. When the people follow Moses, it is as if they are following GOD, trusting in his leadership and strength. When we receive Yeshua as Messiah, we trust in HIM as our leader and our strength, and we follow HIM through his WORD, yet many hope that Yeshua will follow THEM! (not going to happen) When we look at all this from a moral and spiritual insight (Derash) We have been rescued from Satan, by our Leader, who is strong, whose “hand” struck the death blow to Satan, whose “hands” bore the nails of Calvary's cross, and who leads us to a new life, we have been set apart, made "holy" to follow HIM for all of our days, (Should we choose to) of course it is a choice, but the “good Shepherd always “looks back” for his lost or misguided sheep, to lead them back to the fold. We see other events that show God's protection and provision for his people, in verses 22-27 we see the “bitter waters made sweet” Moshe threw into the water “a tree” probably cut it down and threw it in, the waters were made sweet, the Torah is also called, “The TREE of LIFE” (Etz Chaim) that changes our bitterness to sweetness, from sorrow to happiness, from lost to saved. In chapter 16, the provision of “Manna” in the desert “Bread from Heaven” (Lechem b'Shemayim) another provision from YHVH, it symbolizes “Yeshua the Bread of Life” and in chapter 17, “Water from the Rock” Moshe was told to “strike the rock” and he did with his staff/rod” and out it flowed water so that the congregation and the livestock could drink. This symbolizes “Yeshua the Solid Rock” (Yeshua HaTzur) and Yeshua who is the Living Water. (Yeshua Mayim Chayim). It also symbolizes that Yeshua was “struck ONLY ONCE for our sins at Calvary, ONLY ONCE meaning “nailed to the cross and died one time and one time only. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul tells about the "Spiritual Rock" that followed the Israelites in the desert to comfort them and to lead them. Miraculously, God provided them with water and bread for 40 years in the desert, plus HIS presence. Yeshua/Jesus is our "Spiritual Rock" who is with us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Wherever we go, HE is with us. We all have a life journey ahead of us. We know not the number of years we will have on this earth, but we are promised HIS presence to guide us, and His WORD to guide us. We will always have HIS Water in this desert called "life on earth". Shalom Crossing on dry land in the midst of the Sea.

JEREMIAH 46:13-28 600 years later, after the fall of Egypt at Passover, disaster strikes again, this time, YHVH uses Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon as the instrument of destruction against Egypt. It seems like Egypt was not humbled after the Passover experience. You would think that the pharaohs who rose to power after the time of Passover would have realized that the author of Egypt's destruction was the only and True God YHVH, but it seems like they did not, a hard heart is hard to break at times. God wants to give us a "heart transplant" remove the heart of stone and implant a heart of flesh. He will, if we let Him. There are people today who have hardened hearts, still resisting the will of YHVH. Being sons of God, servants of Yeshua, and talmidim (disciples), we must realize that at times, God will humble us through accidents, illnesses, etc.. if we wander away from His will or rebel against His WORD. Don't wait for that to happen, HUMBLE THY SELF IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD! He loves you and wants you as his own! If Moses was not spared when he struck the rock twice, instead of speaking to it (to bring forth water) and not being allowed to enter the Holy Land, can we expect any preferential treatment? Measure by Measure, we will reap what we sow. It is a life-long race, to run the track of faith, obedience, and maturity in the LORD. We need to be obedient to the Father, and as a Father who loves us, He will discipline us when needed. He wants to shape us into vessels of honor and reap the rewards in Heaven. MAT 25:1-46; JOHN 19:31-37 ”The Ten Talents” A “talent” was a “weight” of money thousands of years ago. It was a lot, one could have a “talent” of gold, or silver, or copper, brass, bronze, etc. And like money today, it could be invested, or wisely spent, We also use the word “talent” as something that we have, like an “ability” to do good. As believers, we all have “talents” or “abilities” given to us through the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit), with which to serve our LORD and Savior on earth. But, like the evil servant in the parable, who did nothing with his talent, only buried it, there are believers today who are doing the same. Many have more than one talent, or “spiritual gift” and they are not using it (or them). They are going to waste, or are squandering them in “things of the world. Can you sing? Yes, are you singing for God? Can you write? Are you writing for God? Can you teach? Are you teaching God's word to others? Can you play an instrument? Are you playing for the LORD? Think about the talents you have. How are you using them? John 19:31-37 talks about the Eve of Pesach, since part of this Parasha is all about Passover, it is fitting that these verses be read. The bodies of the two criminals and that of Yeshua were to be taken down from the crosses where they were crucified. The scripture says “Cursed is he who hangs on a tree, (from Deuteronomy 21:22,23) Yeshua already carried our “curse” and that of the two thieves. All was accomplished during that special Passover. It also states that a Roman soldier pierced the side of Yeshua with a spear, and out came blood and water. We are reminded that "blood and water" were instruments of "redemption and judgment". The blood of the lambs on the houses in Goshen was accepted for "redemptive" purpose. The lives of the first-born of Egypt were taken instead. The "water" was the instrument of death and judgment at the Reed Sea for the Egyptian army. The blood and water have special symbolism. The blood symbolizes the wine which we drink during Passover and during the beginning of each Sabbath. Symbolically, we are inviting Yeshua to come inside of us and continue to be part of our lives. The water is Yeshua who is the “Living Water” The blood also symbolizes “life” so through His death, we have “Life” and that is “Life Eternal”. “They shall look upon Him whom they pierced” (vs 37) One day in the future, Yeshua will return in the clouds of Heaven, and “ALL” will see Him coming, “They” means “All” even those very soldiers who pierced Him, with the flagellum and with the spear, will SEE HIM someday soon. And ALL will have to answer for their actions.

Amen, brother, thanks for your comment

JEREMIAH 46:13-28 600 years later, after the fall of Egypt at Passover, disaster strikes again, this time, YHVH uses Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon as the instrument of destruction against Egypt. It seems like Egypt was not humbled after the Passover experience. You would think that the pharaohs who rose to power after the time of Passover would have realized that the author of Egypt's destruction was the only and True God YHVH, but it seems like they did not, a hard heart is hard to break at times. God wants to give us a "heart transplant" remove the heart of stone and implant a heart of flesh. He will, if we let Him. There are people today who have hardened hearts, still resisting the will of YHVH. Being sons of God, servants of Yeshua, and talmidim (disciples), we must realize that at times, God will humble us through accidents, illnesses, etc.. if we wander away from His will or rebel against His WORD. Don't wait for that to happen, HUMBLE THY SELF IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD! He loves you and wants you as his own! If Moses was not spared when he struck the rock twice, instead of speaking to it (to bring forth water) and not being allowed to enter the Holy Land, can we expect any preferential treatment? Measure by Measure, we will reap what we sow. It is a life-long race, to run the track of faith, obedience, and maturity in the LORD. We need to be obedient to the Father, and as a Father who loves us, He will discipline us when needed. He wants to shape us into vessels of honor and reap the rewards in Heaven. MAT 25:1-46; JOHN 19:31-37 ”The Ten Talents” A “talent” was a “weight” of money thousands of years ago. It was a lot, one could have a “talent” of gold, or silver, or copper, brass, bronze, etc. And like money today, it could be invested, or wisely spent, We also use the word “talent” as something that we have, like an “ability” to do good. As believers, we all have “talents” or “abilities” given to us through the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit), with which to serve our LORD and Savior on earth. But, like the evil servant in the parable, who did nothing with his talent, only buried it, there are believers today who are doing the same. Many have more than one talent, or “spiritual gift” and they are not using it (or them). They are going to waste, or are squandering them in “things of the world. Can you sing? Yes, are you singing for God? Can you write? Are you writing for God? Can you teach? Are you teaching God's word to others? Can you play an instrument? Are you playing for the LORD? Think about the talents you have. How are you using them? John 19:31-37 talks about the Eve of Pesach, since part of this Parasha is all about Passover, it is fitting that these verses be read. The bodies of the two criminals and that of Yeshua were to be taken down from the crosses where they were crucified. The scripture says “Cursed is he who hangs on a tree, (from Deuteronomy 21:22,23) Yeshua already carried our “curse” and that of the two thieves. All was accomplished during that special Passover. It also states that a Roman soldier pierced the side of Yeshua with a spear, and out came blood and water. We are reminded that "blood and water" were instruments of "redemption and judgment". The blood of the lambs on the houses in Goshen was accepted for "redemptive" purpose. The lives of the first-born of Egypt were taken instead. The "water" was the instrument of death and judgment at the Reed Sea for the Egyptian army. The blood and water have special symbolism. The blood symbolizes the wine which we drink during Passover and during the beginning of each Sabbath. Symbolically, we are inviting Yeshua to come inside of us and continue to be part of our lives. The water is Yeshua who is the “Living Water” The blood also symbolizes “life” so through His death, we have “Life” and that is “Life Eternal”. “They shall look upon Him whom they pierced” (vs 37) One day in the future, Yeshua will return in the clouds of Heaven, and “ALL” will see Him coming, “They” means “All” even those very soldiers who pierced Him, with the flagellum and with the spear, will SEE HIM someday soon. And ALL will have to answer for their actions.