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Parasha "Tetsaveh" (you shall command)


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PARASHA: “Tetsaveh” (you shall command)

 
EXODUS 27:20-30:10.............EZEKIEL 43:10-27..............MARK 5:1-6:56
 
     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 was the Table of Shewbread, 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” in the words “from Morning to evening” (the lamps of the Menorah were to burn” we can see the Hebrew word “Ad” (ayin and dalet) 
     The word “Ad “means “witness” during the evening, the Shekinah Elohim 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, 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, the “Holy Spirit” we need to be in continuous contact and communion with the Ruach HaKodesh, 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 “Y'hudim” in all nations, and in all nations, there are many who worship our LORD and God. Even among the Jewish peoples of the world, there are many Messianic believers who embrace Yeshua HaMashiach.
     In the next chapter, it talks about the vestments of the priests.  Clothing has always been a thing of importance.  The world says, “according to how a person dresses, that person IS” a “bum” or “hobo” (a word of the 1930s), usually has dirty and torn clothes, unkempt hair and a scraggly beard, HOWEVER, that “bum” or “hobo” might be a “born again believer” who is going through hard times, maybe being chastised by God for some sin.
     I don't know how you readers were brought up, but when my family went to worship at our congregation, we all put on our suit and ties, and mom wore her best dress.  Yet today, some come to synagogue or church dressed as if they were going for a walk in the park, or to the beach.  I mean, God still sees our hearts, even if we wear a sports shirt or long sleeve shirt with a suit and tie, BUT... if we are going to meet with the KING of Kings, shouldn't we wear our BEST? What would you wear if the president of your nation invited you to his house?
     In different Jewish denominations, different clothing is worn, some casual, some dressed up, some only wear “black and white” (Ashkenazim/orthodox) or even some “Ashkenazim Messianics” follow the custom, nothing wrong with that, it is just a custom/tradition.  Maybe the “black” color symbolizes the sin nature, and the “white” our renewed, or born-again nature.  The priests had their own vestments
     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 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, they might have been two stones which 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.
     name 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.  
     This would be the same expectation of ministers who are anointed as rabbis, chaplains, pastors, priests, etc.
that they might always listen to the voice of God and follow/do his will through his Word, to serve those who are placed under their leadership.  We don't use blood today, but we do use anointing oil, so, the next time you might be called to anoint a minister, place some anointing oil on the right ear lobe, on the right thumb, and the right toe, (or on top of the shoe) since most don't use sandals today, (except on Purim).
     Chapter 30 talks about the altar of incense, this 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.  
 
EZEKIEL 43: 10-27
 
     The prophet receives a vision of the heavenly temple, which is an exact replica of the tabernacle and temple on earth.  When YHVH gave the instructions to Moshe to make the tabernacle and later, when Solomon built the temple, it was with the plan of the heavenly temple that was in mind.  When Yeshua died for our sins, He went up to the Heavenlies and placed his own blood on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, meaning that our sins are forgiven, erased, blotted out forever!
 
 
MARK 5:1-6:56  
 
     This is when Yeshua heals the man who was possessed by demons.  There were one thousand demons inside the body of this man since demons are in the spirit world, the physical body is not an obstacle, no, they didn't feel “crowded”.  And since the demons have to obey the voice of God, they left, and as we read, they went into the bodies of swine.  
     we can see how far away some Israelites were, from walking in fellowship and obedience to the Torah, since they herded swine, which was and still is, an unclean animal, unsuitable for eating although many Christians believe the contrary.  When the swine took a suicide leap from the cliff into the Sea of Galilee, they told Yeshua to “Leave”! Imagine that, telling “God” that he was not welcome in their city.  “Hey, you just ruined our business, get out of here!” well, THEY had no business herding and raising pigs, to begin with.  Sheep and goats would have been better.  
     How do we react when God calls our attention to something, do we tell him to “get away from us?” or do we “welcome” his visit and correct our sinful ways? The man who was demonized, now in his right mind wanted to follow Yeshua, yet Yeshua told him; “go and tell what has happened to you to your family and people”
     Even though he wanted to follow Yeshua personally, Yeshua sent him on another mission, to “evangelize and be a living witness” He had credibility, since everyone knew him.  YHVH sends each and every one on us has a special mission to fulfill while we are on earth, He has equipped each and every believer with the gifts of the spirit to fulfill our mission.  Let us be faithful to HIM who has provided us with such a blessing as eternal life.
 
 
 
A QUICK MIDRASH ON THE BOOK OF ESTHER, SINCE PURIM IS ALMOST HERE; 
 
 
     A long time ago, in a palace called Sushan, in the kingdom of Persia, there was a king named Ahasuerus who had just a little too much to drink, he called for his wife and he called for more wine, and the wine he got but the wife he got not!  His wife Vashti refused to come,
     ” Hey, husband, Mr. King, I have my own party, kinda busy now, so, later dude...”
     Wrong response, that cost her job, she got fired! She got “de-queened” But when King Ahasuerus sobered up again when the Manashevitz ran out, he said, “Oi Vey, what have I done?” Did I really fire the queen?” “Yeah,” his counselors said, “and you signed her out of the palace too, can't get her back now... But. You can send out for a replacement queen!”  
     ” Welllll, Okkkkeeyy” let's have a beauty contest, the prettiest girl gets to be queen, that'll work”  
     So, we know the rest of the story, Esther (Hadasah) the niece of Mordechai becomes queen.  This is not by accident, even though YHVH's name is never mentioned, He is still controlling the situation.  The Book of Esther reveals YHVH's activity in spite of his name being omitted.  He is still there on the scene, behind the scene, controlling all the events; We can even see symbolism in the characters and events.
     Did it just happen that Vashti got fired and the king arranged for a beauty contest? And that of all the pretty women in the kingdom, all virgins, that Hadasah (Esther) was chosen... I would say that YHVH arranged the whole thing...put everything and everyone in its place and in his and her place, for a reason.
     HaSatan is always out to destroy the Jewish people, and this time, he used Haman to try and do it. So, Haman is a type of HaSatan.  God places Mordechai at the right place at the right time, in order to learn of two plots, one plot to assassinate the king, the other to murder all the Jews of the provinces controlled by Persia.
     He sends word to his niece, now queen, of the plans, both plans were revealed by Mordechai, to Queen Esther.  Now she has to let the king know.  But he hasn't sent for her in a month, to go before the king without being summoned is a death penalty, but she prays and fasts and so do the Jews of Shushan area, Since the king loves Esther, He receives her, she touches his scepter, and she invites him to two parties, along with Haman,
     Now Haman already has an attitude against Mordechai since he will not bow before his presence, I think YHVH has a bit of a sense of humor, Haman rides on a horse and looks down at the people under him, and everyone bows before him in homage, except Mordechai.  Now, The king orders Mordechai to ride a horse, wear a crown, and royal apparel, while Haman is below him and has to look up! Interesting change of events.
     Haman's plot to have the Jews killed is revealed, the king is wroth, orders Haman to be hanged on the same gallows (75 feet high) that he meant for Mordechai.  That was one big and tall neck-stretcher! Haman probably grew a few more inches in a matter of seconds in that fall from “heaven to earth” by a rope. Remind you of someone who was cast down from “the heavens to earth?” a few thousand years ago?
     The Jews defended themselves on the 13th day of Adar, which was last Shabbat! And won the battle, they also collected the “spoils of war” which was a custom back then, and still is in some parts. To the victor go the spoils, like weapons, money, combat equipment, etc., that the enemy used.
     The King and Esther can symbolize YHVH and mankind, the only way to gain access to our Heavenly Father is through YESHUA, the scepter can symbolize YESHUA, we can only come by invitation, the Father invites us to come to him THROUGH YESHUA, if the scepter is not extended, you don't come, without the scepter, death is for sure,
     We can look at it this way too.  Esther can symbolize YESHUA, and the king, our Heavenly Father, As Esther intervened before the king for her people, so does YESHUA intervene before the Father on our behalf.  
Esther, the bride, and wife, can also symbolize all believers, the “Kehilah” of Messiah. And the king, Messiah Yeshua.  As King Ahasuerus loved Esther so much that he listened to her petition, so Yeshua loves his bride and soon to be wife, so much that he gave up his life for us all, on Calvary's cross.  His bride consists of all believers everywhere.  He listens to our petitions, our prayers, and he responds according to his perfect will.
     Satan was defeated again back then.  Never bow the head or knee to HaSatan, as Mordechai resisted Haman, so should all believers resist the temptations that are thrown at us by the father of lies.  So, let us rejoice this day and tomorrow, remembering the Feast of Lots, (Purim) which fell upon the 13th day of Adar, a day meant for destruction of the Jewish people, but death and destruction were changed to continued life and prosperity for “b'nei Israel” and so we continue to exist, and will always exist, and be the apple of our Savior's eye, for all eternity.   
 
Rabbi Ben Avraham
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You spent lots of time on these. Thank you Rabbi. I'm saving all of them. I'm Jonathan Jacob Palmer.

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On ‎4‎/‎2‎/‎2018 at 4:48 PM, JJ.Palmer said:

You spent lots of time on these. Thank you Rabbi. I'm saving all of them. I'm Jonathan Jacob Palmer.

Thank you reading them,  We had a fire in our building at the beginning of March which rendered us without electric power, nor phone, nor water for nearly a month, but we survived, got them back again, got to catch up on the Parashats

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