Numbers 8:1 to 12:16
Zechariah 2:14 (2:10) to 4:7
John 19:31–37
Hebrew 3:1-6

The last study, Nasso, ended with the offerings the leaders brought for the dedication of the Tabernacle. When they were completed, Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with YHVH. “He heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the Ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim, so [YHVH] spoke to him” (Numbers 7:89). May we be a people, like Moses, who regularly go in and listen to YHVH.

This parsha opens with teaching on the “Light” of the Menorah in the Holy Place. “'When you mount the lamps, the seven lamps will give light in the front of the lampstand” (Numbers 8:1). This light of the Menorah represents the embodiment of the Light of Yeshua. It was important to keep the pattern, as the Messiah said, “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12) and commanded us to be His light to the nations.

I am YHVH, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you, And I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations, To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon, And those who dwell in darkness from the prison (Isaiah 42:6-7).

Numbers 8:5-26 The Setting Apart of the Levites

The Levites twenty-five to thirty years old were to be set apart from the Israelites.  In less than a year the tribe of Levi changed roles completely. We learned in the study Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20) that the Levites were chosen to act as the priesthood because of the sin of the firstborn of Israel at Mount Sinai. Israel’s sin was also prophetic of the same crime we commit against YHVH today. The Levites were raised up to act as tutors for YHVH’s people until the Messiah came to fulfill the Covenant and restore the firstborn priesthood in the order of Melchizedek.

They are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to me. I have taken them as my own in place of the firstborn. I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons to do the work at the Tent of Meeting on behalf of Israel and to make atonement for them. So that no plague will strike the Israelites when they go near the Tabernacle (Numbers 8:16-19).

"For thus says YHVH: 'David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; nor shall the priests, the Levites, lack a man to offer burnt offerings before Me, to kindle grain offerings, and to sacrifice continually.'" And the word of YHVH came to Jeremiah, saying, "Thus says YHVH: 'If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that there will not be day and night in their season, then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne, and with the Levites, the priests, My ministers. As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, nor the sand of the sea measured, so will I multiply the descendants of David My servant and the Levites who minister to Me'" (Jeremiah 33:17-22).

While the men of the Children of Israel were to be counted from twenty years of age and up for who would be able to serve in the army, the men of the tribe of Levi, on the other hand, were to be counted from thirty to fifty years for those who would serve at the Tent of Meeting. It was the task of the Levites to participate in the service of the Tabernacle as delegates to the Children of Israel. Now as they were being set apart and brought before YHVH that they might be ready to do the work of YHVH, He instructed that Levite men twenty-five years old or more were to come and take part in the work at the Tabernacle. The five years between the differing ages mentioned in Scripture of the Levites who would begin service in the Tabernacle can be understood as a period of apprenticeship to help teach them, and build up their confidence and understanding of how to handle the furnishings of YHVH in a holy manner.

Some pastors today are positioned before the age of thirty in early leadership roles. Because of this, difficulties can arise from the added burdens and responsibilities prematurely laid on them. YHVH’s Word holds the key for when the “season” of leadership according to His design begins. Information from Focus on the Family says that of five hundred thousand pastors that were polled in a resent survey, forty percent of those have a desire to leave the ministry. Nine out of ten leaders are discouraged in their role, and more than fifty thousand pastors leave the ministry each year in the USA.

Numbers 8:6-7 Water of Cleansing

At the setting apart ceremony of the Levites, Moses sprinkled the water of cleansing on them from the Red Heifer sacrifice (Numbers 19). They were to shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes (i.e. take a Mikvah: immersion in water) to purify themselves physically and spiritually. This transformed, or, changed their status from an unclean realm to a clean realm, consecrating them before they began their work in the Tabernacle before YHVH.

Shaving was also a requirement for purifying the metzora person suffering from a tzaris (unclean) affliction (Leviticus 14:8). (Refer to studies Tazria and Metzora; see reference section below.) The Levites redeemed the firstborn Israelites who had committed idolatry; hence the obligation for the Levites to shave off their body hair in connection to instructions regarding metzora/infected ones. The other case of shaving was for the Nazirite vow. (See the last study: Nasso - Numbers 4:21-7:89.) Hence their shaving and change of status separated them entirely, physically and spiritually, from their “old” characters and natures. It was the Levites who paid for the sins of the firstborns, whom they were replacing, thus the need for a purification ceremony. This was a foreshadowing of the Messiah, our High Priest, who would pay the price of redemption for our sins.

The Israelites placed their hands on the Levites; then the Levites placed their hands on the sacrifices, transferring all the sins of the people onto the sacrifices. There was a bull for a sin offering and another bull for the elevation offering together with their grain and oil offerings. Aaron presented them as a wave offering before YHVH prior to the Levites being able to come forward and do their work at the Tent of Meeting (Numbers 8:10-11). 

Numbers 9:1-14 Passover

The initiation of the “second” Passover was for those who were ceremonially or ritually unclean during the Passover in the first month.  The three things that could cause this defilement were: being in the presence of a dead person, sexual immorality and tzaris infection.  Moses was approached by a number of Israelites who had come in contact with a dead body and wished to celebrate YHVH’s Passover. When Moses inquired of YHVH what they were to do, YHVH gave instructions to celebrate a month later at the same time, on the fourteenth on the second month. The same Passover regulations were to be followed; they were to “eat the lamb” together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, not leaving any lamb till morning or breaking any of its bones.

John 19:31-37 No Broken Bones

When Yeshua, our Passover Lamb was crucified, He hung there for all to see. The leaders at the time wanted to hasten Yeshua’s death because “the special Sabbath” was coming.  They asked Pilate to have the legs broken to quicken death by suffocation so they could take the body down. The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Yeshua, and then those of the other. When they came to Yeshua and found He had already died, they did not break His legs. Instead one of the soldiers pierced Yeshua’s side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. These things happened so that scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken” (Exodus 12:46; Numbers. 9:12; Psalm 34:20), and as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10).

Numbers 9:15-23 The Cloud Above the Tabernacle

The presence of the cloud is one of the manifestations of YHVH.  When the Israelites were in the wilderness His presence was seen as a cloud over Mount Sinai. Yeshua is seen in the midst of the witnesses of the Messiah, as if we are a great “cloud."

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

After the Tabernacle was built, YHVH’s presence dwelt among them represented by a cloud over the Tabernacle by day and a pillar of fire by night. The presence of the cloud also showed the Israelites when to “move” camp.  When the cloud lifted, the Children of Israel knew they were to pack up and move out. When the cloud was stationary over the Tabernacle, the Israelites made camp. The cloud could stay over the Tabernacle for two days, a month or even a year. At YHVH’s command they encamped and at YHVH’s command they set out.  They obeyed YHVH’s order in accordance with His direction through Moses.

Obeying YHVH’s Commandments and Moving Camp

Many years ago we were co-leaders in a small fellowship for ten years. YHVH showed us the season we were in was coming to a close and another season was about to begin. We were excited, yet at the same time it was a great test to see if we would trust Him and wait for His call. It was a challenge to stay focused.
 
We did not take the liberty to move out on our own accord but waited and submitted to YHVH for His direction in our lives. It was not until two years later that we got the word to “move camp.” We were woken up very early one morning with, “You are the called out ones (ekklesia)” and “You are Abraham’s seed.”  We asked, “Physical?” “Yes,” came the answer. It was Erev Pasech/the eve of Passover, March 1994, the beginning of the most incredible journey of our lives, the day we crossed over.

My husband, Carl very wisely guided us during this time. People may be too quick to leave fellowships or situations before YHVH shows them what His real purpose is for their lives. Sometimes it is also difficult to comprehend that He may be using troubling situations to deliver us as the Israelites experienced leaving Egypt. Negative situations can oftentimes be for our benefit to deliver us. We need to pray for YHVH’s vision for our lives and not use our own “sight” in place of YHVH’s purpose for our lives. If YHVH has called us out, the fruit and Spirit of Torah will be evident as well as be the character and attitude we uphold. If there is any form of judging, criticism, gossip, slander or anger, it can leave scars forever etched on people’s hearts. Bitter, unforgiving and hurting people can breed diseases in their own hearts and souls along with a multitude of possible physical illnesses. These “sick” people go from congregation to congregation trying to find healing in the body of Yeshua. What they are really doing is infecting fellowships and groups of people as the go. What ruffles us in someone else is the area of healing that YHVH is trying to address in us. We need to overcome the enemy in our own heart and minister to that situation before we move on.

We discovered so much in those two years of waiting on YHVH, learning to serve Him and not ourselves. Many fellowship splits are started with casual comments that grow and serve as a motive for division. We need to be discerning in our associations and very sure it is YHVH leading us.

The Cloud Above the Tabernacle Continued…

In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the ‘clouds’ of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed (Daniel 7:13).

Matthew 17:1-8 The Transfiguration

Yeshua took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.  Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Yeshua. YHVH was showing us how to be transfigured. They who are transformed are those who obey God’s commandments (Torah – God’s teaching and instruction), have the testimony of Yeshua on their lips, and who walk in the Spirit of Elijah (Spirit of Yeshua) (Revelation 12:1).

While he was still speaking, a bright “cloud” enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" This was the same cloud that was over Mount Sinai.

Our transfiguration will come when we have the testimony of the Messiah on our lips AND walk in His teaching and instruction (Torah). Then we will walk in holiness by the Spirit of Elijah in the order of Melchizedek. This is what will raise the dead and heal the sick. Selah.

Acts 1:9 Taken Up and Hidden in a Cloud

After Yeshua resurrected and was with His disciples for forty days, He was taken up from the summit of Mount of Olives before their very eyes and a “cloud” hid Him from their sight.

Yeshua is the dwelling place of YHVH. He came to “dwell” among us. He was the cloud over Mount Sinai when Moses received the Ten Commandments. Yeshua was the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night over the Tabernacle in the Wilderness.  Peter said, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’  We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain” (2 Peter 1:16-17).

We too have heard Him speak. His voice was heard at Mount Sinai, and we can still “hear” His voice today through His Word (voice) eternally written down for us.

I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one ‘like a son of man’ with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the Temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, ‘Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.’ So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested (Revelation 14:14).

Definition: Son of man, Son of God, Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God are all supreme Messianic terms for YHVH in the flesh: Yeshua, Ha Moshiach/the Messiah.  

Numbers 10:1-10 The Silver Trumpets

The ram’s horn is YHVH’s instrument (Exodus 19:13). The silver trumpet is the people’s instrument. “Make two silver trumpets from hammered silver.” Hammered signifies a molding process and silver indicates redemptive qualities. The priests were in charge of blowing the trumpets. They were to be used to call the Twelve Tribes of Israel together and signal the camps to move out.  When the two trumpets were sounded together, the whole community was to assemble at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.  If only one was sounded, the leaders, the heads of the Tribes of Israel were to assemble.  When the trumpets were sounded for moving the camp, different blasts were used to notify which tribe was to move out. They were also to sound the trumpet going into battle in their own land. YHVH would remember and rescue them from their enemies when He heard the trumpet sound the alarm.  We are to sound the trumpets for rejoicing at the Feasts of YHVH, the Rosh Chodesh/New Moon Festival and over our elevation and fellowship offerings.

Who are the priests and leaders today?  Scripture says those whose lives are hidden in the Messiah, who teach the gospel: the difference between clean and unclean, holy and unholy according to scripture and keep and teach YHVH’s Feast days, Sabbaths and New Moon Festivals, are Yeshua’s priests and leaders today. Those who walk in Yeshua’s holy ways are called a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Today, blowing the two silver trumpets will call the community of believers (the whole House of Israel, all twelve tribes) together in unity in Yeshua, but if we blow only one silver trumpet we will get a bunch of leaders and no people. (Exodus 19:5-6; Ezekiel 44:23-24; 1 Peter 2:9)

Definition: The Hebrew word peh (Strong’s # H6310) means “mouth”. The Etymological Dictionary defines the word as: open, initiate, sharpening edges, mouth, utterance, side, edge of sword (Strong’s #G4750 stoma).

Trumpet is synonymous with “mouth.” Two silver trumpets blown together represent the two witnesses or the two people groups of YHVH coming together to become His “mouthpiece”, like a trumpet. We know the mouth of YHVH is Yeshua; He is the Word of YHVH made flesh (John 1:1, 14). The Word of YHVH spoken through Yeshua is in the two witnesses, the House of Israel and House of Judah, those who have the testimony of the Spirit of YHVH in their mouths.  The priests are to blow the trumpets in unison (1 Peter 2:9).  When the two trumpets are blown together, this calls the Whole House of Israel from wherever the people are in the Diaspora back to the Land, the Torah (the Word of YHVH), and to assembly before Him as a mighty army in the presence of Yeshua our High Priest.

Numbers 10: 11-35 The Israelites Leave Mt. Sinai

There would have been great excitement in the camp as the Israelites saw the cloud over the Tabernacle lift.  This was the first time all the divisions of the camp, together with the Tabernacle, moved out.  The trumpets sounded throughout the camp to announce the order and progression the tribes would take. This was a huge work of the Spirit. To see this enormous column of people all marching out at the command of YHVH in an orderly fashion and in total faith under YHVH’s covering and in His care for their every need would have been a huge witness! 

On the twentieth day of the second month in the second year, the cloud lifted from above the Tabernacle.  Judah and the company with him, the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun, moved out first.  Once Judah’s group moved out, the Levite clans of Gershon and Merari, who were in charge of dismantling the Tabernacle and moving it, followed behind (under the direction of Ithamar the High Priest’s younger brother). The Gershonite Levites took down all the hangings, coverings and curtains of the Tabernacle/Mishkan, loading them on two carts pulled by four oxen. The Merarite Levites, who had the responsibility of the frames, boards and sockets, loaded these onto four carts pulled by eight oxen, joined the Gershonite clans and followed the processional order behind the tribe of Zebulun.  This way the Gershonite and Merarite Levites would be settled in the next camp and have the Tabernacle assembled and in place before the Kohathites arrived with the Tabernacle furniture.

The trumpets then called forth the tribe of Reuben and the company with him, the tribes of Simeon and Gad, to follow behind the carts. The priestly order of Kohathite Levites came after Gad. They had the responsibility of carrying the furniture of the Tabernacle, the Ark, the Menorah, the Table of Showbread, and the Altars, along with all the utensils, covered and wrapped according to YHVH’s order. These items were lifted high on their shoulders using the poles inserted on the sides of each for support and balance. In this manner, they would not touch the furniture, and therefore be protected and not die. They then walked in unison, joining up with the Tribes of Israel in YHVH’s mighty procession behind the tribe of Gad. The tribe of Ephraim and those with him, Manasseh and Benjamin, traveled behind the Kohathites. The rearguard under the leadership of Dan, along with those with him, Asher and Naphtali, completed YHVH’s mighty column through the desert.

Leaving, Moses would say, “Rise up, O YHVH!  May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” When the cloud rested Moses said, “Return, O YHVH to the countless thousand of Israel” (Numbers 10:35-36).

Numbers 11:1-3 Fire From YHVH

There was complaining in the camp that began on the outskirts. This angered YHVH, who sent fire among the grumblers that consumed some that lived on the outer edge. Who were those living on the outskirts of the camp and furthest from the Life Source? Torah teaches us we must live close to the source of Life daily in our hearts and guard over whom we associate with as we could get caught by their snares.

Numbers 11:4-35 Quail From YHVH

There were other people called rabble that came out of Egypt and joined with the Tribes of Israel. They brought contamination – into the camp – of gossip and slander (lashon hara) and craving of other foods.  Craving food other than what YHVH has for us is a direct attack and slander against YHVH. The manna YHVH provided was Yeshua, who is the Bread of Life. The rabble had rejected YHVH and His Promise and caused the whole camp to disintegrate.

Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, to go to the gardens after an idol in the midst, eating swine's flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together, says YHVH (Isaiah 66:17).

"Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.'" Yeshua therefore said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world." They said therefore to Him, "Lord, evermore give us this bread.” Yeshua said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:31-35).

Rejecting Torah will cause death. If others became infected by this tzaris infection (verbal discharge), the whole camp suffers.  How can Israel be YHVH’s mighty army if she listens to gossip and slander, which profanes YHVH’s Name?  We are learning (from the last parsha) that those who even listen to lashon hara are in violation to YHVH and His Word.  This is what the rabble did among the community of Israel. In this way disease spread until it infected the whole camp.  Lust of the eye, lust of the flesh and pride of life were the three things that brought contamination.  They lusted after other food just as Eve did. That was the contamination in the camp. “Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent” (Numbers 11:10).

YHVH had Moses bring seventy known leaders, officials and elders from the tribes of Israel. YHVH then took the Spirit that was on Moses and anointed these men with the same Spirit.  That Spirit was the Spirit of Yeshua (1 Peter 1:10-11). YHVH then brought quail by a strong wind from the ocean. This meat flooded the desert floor.  The people who craved this food gathered it and began to consume it.  While the meat was still between their teeth YHVH caused a severe plague to come over them. The place was called Kibroth Hattaavah, which means the graves of craving.

YHVH is a very jealous God. He knows what will take us away from Him and lead us astray. There was a reason why the Israelites had unleavened bread for that period of time. It was to purify them and build them up physically and spiritually to be a strong holy army of YHVH.

The people who were rabble were not following God’s ways. It was these people who desired meat, the flesh of the animal (Strong’s #H1320). Meat is hard to digest, and if YHVH were purifying the Israelites during that time of the Counting of the Omer by having them eat only manna, unleavened bread, craving other food like meat would cause rebellion in the camp and invite YHVH’s anger. YHVH was teaching and bringing order and balance into the Israelites’ lives. Residual effects of life in Egypt needed to be cleansed out of their bodies and minds. Manna was the perfect food; the Israelites were in a time of purification and needed to stay on YHVH’s diet. They were learning to obey YHVH. During this consecration the Israelites could quickly become infected if they disobeyed YHVH, as was the case. Not until the purification was complete could the Israelites “mix” or walk among the Nations like Paul did in his ministry, written about in the Brit Chadasha/New Testament.

Numbers 12:1-16 Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses

It was one thing to have the rabble oppose Moses – but when it was family, and not just any family but a Kohathite family of priests – it was serious. Miriam and Aaron were siblings of Moses. The scriptures say that Moses was the most humble man on the face of the earth. Because of this humility Moses did not defend himself or argue back. How many of us live in families where there is opposition? The question is: What is our response? Do we answer in the way they have spoken to us or do we take Moses’ example of humility?  Moses knew he was in YHVH’s will and as such YHVH would defend him and cover him.  What example do we set for our family and the body of Yeshua today? Remember the three things that contaminate the camp: lust of the eye, lust of the flesh and pride of life.  Pride of life will contaminate the whole camp!  Moses stood on YHVH’s Word. This was his protection and YHVH blessed him for his steadfastness.  What we sow, we reap. How is our body language, our thoughts and our verbal response?  Many of us pray for a deeper experience with YHVH. The humbleness and faith of Moses brought him into the very presence of YHVH. Is our experience with the Living God sporadic, where we are often placed outside the camp like Miriam, or are we learning and walking in these Torah lifestyle examples?

In the case of Miriam and Aaron, they were not speaking solely to Moses but to YHVH, as Moses was YHVH’s appointed representative.  YHVH is in each of us – when we think or speak against a family member or fellow man, we are accountable to YHVH and will reap the consequences of that evil thought or verbal emission. It appears that Miriam had a stronger consequence than Aaron as leprosy (tzaris) covered her alone. Moses had compassion on his sister; he forgave her and reminded YHVH of the great thing she did for him when he was a baby hidden in the bulrushes; it was Miriam who brought Moses back to his mother for feeding until he was weaned and able to live in Pharaoh’s courts. As a result, Miriam lived out her seven-day contamination separation outside the camp before her cleansing and return.  This was an example for all to see. Even though she repented, she still had to live out the consequences of her sin outside the camp.

This is still YHVH’s order today. If we speak slander to one another or have slanderous thoughts – even small ones – we contaminate ourselves and forego blessings for seven days, outside the camp. This teaching on our approach to one another is for our benefit to instruct us how to keep healthy, clean camps, congregations, families and lifestyles. May we always learn to elevate each other as Moses exampled to us, even when faced with opposition.

Haftorah: Zechariah 2:14 (2:10) to 4:7 Who are the Two Witnesses?

They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers who refused to hear My words, and they have gone after other gods to serve them; the House of Israel and the House of Judah have broken My covenant which I made with their fathers.  YHVH called your name, Green Olive Tree, lovely and of Good Fruit. With the noise of a great tumult He has kindled fire on it, and its branches are broken. For YHVH, who planted you, has pronounced doom against you for the evil of the House of Israel and of the House of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke Me to anger in offering incense to Baal (Jeremiah 11:10-17).

Along with Hosea and Malachi, Zechariah is one of the prophets of mercy who dealt with the return of the whole House of Israel.  He lived 135 years AFTER the House of Israel went into captivity, and was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai. This Haftorah portion starts in the middle of a vision given Zechariah while in captivity.

Zechariah prophesies, “Come, O Zion! Escape, you who live in the Daughter of Babylon! For I am coming, and I will live among you. Many nations will be joined with YHVH in that day and will become my people” (Zechariah 1:7,10-11). 

There are conditions:

IF you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you shall also judge My house, and likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk among these who stand here. Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, You and your companions who sit before you, For they are a wondrous sign; For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH (Zechariah 3:7-8).

The vision of Zechariah then focuses on “a solid gold lampstand/menorah with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven channels to the lights. Also there were two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” Zechariah did not know what they were. After being asked three times by the angel to identify what he was being shown, he was told, “These are the two who are anointed to serve YHVH of all the earth” (Zechariah 4:1-14; Isaiah 4:2; 53:2; Psalm 132:17; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15; Ezekiel 29:21).

Revelation 11:3-4   Who is the Lampstand and Who are the Two Olive Trees?

Yeshua spoke and said, "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.”

The two olive trees on either side of the lampstand/menorah represent two people groups who are witnesses of the truth. The lampstand represents Yeshua who is The Light of the world. The true Light of the world reveals His Word, the Torah. Yeshua is the Word made flesh, the physical presence of YHVH. The two people groups are the House of Israel and the House of Judah. The Twelve Tribes of Israel united together as one in Yeshua are the two witnesses who reflect His Light (Ezekiel 37:15-28).

For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you (Romans 11:16-18; 25-27).

Note: A wild olive tree has the same genetics as a cultured olive tree; they are both olive trees.  YHVH does not mix seed as grafting of mixed seed was forbidden in Torah.  For instance, a non-fruit-bearing tree would not be grafted into a fruit-bearing tree, such as a cedar tree with an olive tree, nor would a weed-like tree similar to cottonwoods be grafted into an olive tree.  We mentioned before that the term “gentile” described a pagan, confused and without God. Gentiles were not the people Paul was talking about.  Paul’s ministry was to the House of Israel, and the word used when referring to them was the Greek word akrobustia (Strong’s #G203). They were thought of as a “wild olive tree”.  When the House of Israel went into captivity, they lived among the Gentiles, or, Nations. Many assimilated into the Nations altogether and lost their identity as the House of Israel, those people who were originally given the Abrahamic Covenant, which was passed on from Abraham to Isaac, Jacob and their families and fulfilled in Yeshua.

If a tree lost most of its “roots” it would look wild, sparse and emaciated, baring little or no fruit, compared to a complete, healthy olive tree that was near a “life” source and was tended regularly. The “wild” olive tree spoken of in Romans 11 is the House of Israel being grafted back into the true olive tree, Yeshua, who is the Root and the Life of the Living Torah that was given to Israel, according to the covenants YHVH made with His chosen people.

Though the House of Israel is a part of the Abrahamic Covenant, it became emaciated when the people failed to move into the next covenant, called the Mosaic Covenant. That covenant was designed to give Israel their full inheritance as described in the Abrahamic Covenant. The point that Zechariah was making was: when believers return (meaning when they participate in the Mosaic Covenant), this action grafts them back into the tree, rejoining them to the “sap” of the tree of Life.  Why is this important? As believers we are called a royal priesthood. It’s about holiness. The next covenant, the Davidic Covenant, is our goal – to walk after the order of Melchizedek, which is realized in David’s kingdom (of unified Israel), also referred to as the fallen tent (or, covenant) of David. This can only be obtained and restored when we begin to walk in holiness taught in the Mosaic Covenant. Doing this automatically renews the Davidic Covenant and restores it to the nation of Israel. In this way all Israel will be saved. The believer’s goal is unity with the Messiah, who came in the order of Melchizedek. David was a king and a priest in the order of Melchizedek. Yeshua is the son of David, who became our High King and Priest of this same order. In this way, Yeshua renewed the covenant at His death and called us to be in His priesthood. The renewed covenant was given to the House of Israel, upholding the priestly side, and to the House of Judah, upholding the kingly side. When they come together, they then walk in the Melchizedek order which raises David’s tent (Amos 9:11; Acts 15:16-21)

"Behold, the days are coming," says the LORD, "That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth" (Jeremiah 23:5).

In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth (Jeremiah 33:15).

As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, nor the sand of the sea measured, so will I multiply the descendants of David My servant and the Levites who minister to Me (Jeremiah 33:22 ).

For I have said, "Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens." You said, "I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: Your seed I will establish forever, And build up your throne to all generations" (Psalm 89:2-4 ref. Psalm 132:13-17).

For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel [House of Judah] until the fullness of the Gentiles [House of Israel, those living among the Nations] has come in.  And so ALL Israel will be saved [ALL Twelve Tribes], as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob [the Whole House of Israel]. For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins" (Romans 11:25-27 ref. Isaiah 59:20,21; 27:9; Jeremiah 31:33,34).

The Twelve Tribes were once aliens and strangers in a foreign land, separate from the covenants. Those who came into Torah, drawing their life from the Root of the Olive Tree (Yeshua), were fully accepted as native-born Israelites and no longer considered as aliens, strangers or gentiles; they became part of the House of Israel or of the House of Judah. When the two Houses come together they are called the Whole House of Israel, and, as Scripture declares, “then all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26; Isaiah 59:20,21; 27:9). (See also the book of Ruth, Leviticus 19:34, Isaiah 14:1, Ezekiel 47:22 and Ephesians 2:19.)

At that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12).

Revelation 22:16-17 The Root

I, Yeshua, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Who Is the Root of the Olive Tree?

Is the Olive tree “Jewish”?  The root of the Olive Tree is Yeshua who came through the lineage of David, of the tribe of Judah. David’s kingdom is the united House of Israel, all Twelve Tribes of Israel (2 Samuel 2:4-5:5).  Yeshua, being of the House of David, would represent all Twelve Tribes, not just one tribe. And as High Priest, Yeshua still wears the ephod on His chest that holds the twelve engraved gemstones representing all Twelve Tribes. As the Incarnate Word, or Living Torah, Yeshua would uphold all Twelve Tribes of Israel.  The Root of the tree is Yeshua. The covenants given to Israel through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and David symbolize the trunk of the tree. They represent those who uphold the Covenants that Yeshua gave His people Israel (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:17).  The branches of the tree represent those of two people groups: the House of Israel and House of Judah.  Just as some “branches” were “broken off” due to disobedience, some are “grafted back in” when the Covenants of Abraham, Moses and David are restored to them through Yeshua’s redemptive saving plan for All Israel (Psalm 52:8; 128:3; Isaiah 11:1).

"Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit," declares YHVH (Zechariah 4:6).

Isaiah 44:3-5

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. One will say, "I belong to YHVH;" another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand, YHVH’s and will take the name Israel.

Shabbat Shalom,
Carl and Julie Parker

References:
Stone Edition Chumash ArtScroll Series

Call to Torah by R. Munk

Redeemed Israel by Batya Wootten

Focus on the Family

Simchat Torah Beit Midrash: Ralph Messe

Sheepfold Gleanings: Tazria and Metzora studies  www.sheepfoldgleaning.com

Past Parshot: www.messianicisrael.com/sheepfold-gleanings/
Sheepfold Gleanings written by Carl and Julie Parker: www.sheepfoldgleanings.com
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