How the Scape-goat was deceived into thinking, he had his whole life to live in front of him. When in reality, he was being led down the path to destruction.

An opening thought: Have you ever heard it said, "your word is your bond?" If you have, then did you know this statement, originated from the torah? Because { Lev 5:1 }states, "if a person sins in hearing the utterance of an oath, and is a witness, whether he has seen or known of the matter - if he does not tell it, he bears his integrity."

          Let just say for example, if a person is a witness to a business agreement, between two individuals, and there is a dispute between them and it's goes to court. The person, who witnessed the agreement being made, is bound to testify, what he witnessed.

        Having said that, the following Hebrew word for integrity, "avon," imply punishment. Why is this significant? Well, if the person, who witnessed this agreement, refuses to testify to what he witnessed. Then he will bear the punishment, dole out by the Lord on him. Though there's another instance, where this verse apply, and it occurs quite often in our daily lives.

        Remember Yeshua said, "let your yes be yes and your no, no." {Matt 5:37 } In light of this there is one simple measuring stick that I use, in order to discern, if a person is a believer, or not? That being, do they keep their word, or not? Why do I think this is an accurate measuring stick?

        Simply because Yeshua said, "wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it." {Matt 7:13 } And there are very few people, who I know that will keep their word, upon committing to do so.

         Once you to tell someone you will do something, then an oath was made, and you are bound to keep your word. However insignificant it seems to you, you are still bond to your word. If something happens, preventing you from doing so. Then you should call the person and informed them why, and that you will fulfill your promise later. Though this should only be in emergency, other wise you are bound by your word to do so.

        That said, I have found a person will promise to do so and so, and they won't even call to inform me, why they haven't? Which irrate me, to no end! I'm not alone because Yeshua said, "out of your own mouth I will judge you." {Luke 19:22 } So, remember the next time that you commit to do something and don't. You will be judge by your words.

Texts: Lev. 16

       The name of this week's torah portion, "Acharei Mot,"{Lev 16 - 18 }means "after the death," and it set the tone, for the opening verse. Because this week's torah portion starts out by saying, the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered profane fire before the LORD, and died, and the LORD said to Moses: "Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. Lev 16:1 - 2

      I find it interesting this week's torah portion opens with the Almighty warning Aaron about entering into the tabernacle. Following the tragic death of Aaron's two sons, Nadav and Avihu.

       It is general accepted that the Lord was concerned, Aaron would act impulsively like his' sons did, and enter the Holy of Holys. When he wasn't suppose to and in an improper manner. But would it not stand to reasoning that Nadav and Avihu's impulsiveness, came from their mother?

     By this I mean, Aaron married Nachshon ben Aminadav's sister. This is meaningful, because according to the sages, it was Nachson who impulsively jumped into the Red Sea, before the Lord divided the water. {Ex 14: 1 6} So the sages have reasoned, Nadav and Avihu's impulsiveness, came from their mother.

      That said, I read where one of the characteristics of a Cohen priest particularly Aaron, was the way he controlled his impulses and emotions! So, why is the Lord, concern Aaron would enter into the Holy of Holys, at the wrong time and in an inappropriate way, as his sons did?

        Could it be that pride, enter into play here? Could it be that Nadav and Avihu, were jealous they could not be as close to G-d, as their father? In turn they tried, getting closer to G-d, than their father, Aaron. However in doing so, they attempted to draw near G-d, in an improperly way, which resulted in their death. Perhaps this is why the Lord, warned Aaron after the death of his sons. Because Aaron too, had a deep seated desire to draw even closer to the Lord, than he was. What can we gleam from this?

      One of my favorite song, is "holy is the Lord." I referred to this song, because quite often I hear pastors, exhaling their members, to have a closer relationship with the Lord. However what they fail to mention is, the Lord is a holy G-d and due to our old sin nature. The only way we can draw near the Lord, is through the shading of innocent blood. {Lev 9 } And the blood I'm alluding to, is the precious blood that "the Lamb of G-d," shaded on the Cross.

        Moving on remember, how we were informed of Nadav and Avihu's tragic death, in the prior verse. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. Lev 10:1

        This verse gives us, two clues as to why the Lord consumed Nadav and Avihu. They offered a profane fire or alien fire, before the Lord. In which the Lord did not commanded of them. I have already explained to you, how and why, the Almighty deemed the fire to be profane. When we examined this event, a few weeks ago. Consequently I want to focus on the second clue which is, they did something in which the Lord "didn't command of them."

       In {Ex 38 through 40,} this passage records how the children of Israel, began to fulfill all of the commandments in building the "mishkan," or tabernacle. What phase is used over and over? It's they performed the task, "the Lord commanded of them." Thus, the glory of the Lord, which had departed, because of the sin of the golden calf, returned and dwelt in the tabernacle. All because they did "as the Lord commanded of them." This phase is use in {Lev 8:4 - 5, 9:13, 17, 21,and 36, 9:4 - 5 }also.

      Now read {Lev 10:1 } again. Do you discern, how the phrase "not commanded," sticks out likes a sore thumb? So, one reason why, Nadav and Avihu were consumed, were they did something "not commanded of them."

      In offering a profane fire before the Lord Nadav and Avihu, drew near unto G-d, in a way "the Lord commanded of them." With that said, lets look at {Lev 10:3 .} What does the Lord mean by saying, "He will be sanctified by those, who draw near to Him? Well {Ex 19:19 - 25} is thematically related to {Lev 10:3 ,} because it note the severity of drawing near unto G-d, without being covered. Can you discern, the thematically relationship here? When a person draws near to a G-d that His holiness is so intense, that one can not draw near to G-d, without being properly covered.

        The High Priest was the only person allowed to go behind the veil and enter into the Holy of Holys and this was only on the day of Atonement. Though, even the High Priest didn't enter into the Holy of Holys and the Lord's presents, without first taking precaution to avoid, coming within direct contact with a holy G-d's presents, for example.

        In the day of Atonement ceremony outline in {Lev 16 ;} the High Priest only went into the Holy of Holies; "after making a cloud with incense first;" least he came within direct contact with the Almighty's presents. Lev 16:12 - 13

        That said, remember how the Lord descended on mount Sinai in a cloud. {Ex 24:15} Well, the cloud served as a "kaphar," or covering. For Moses to come within the Lord's presents, without being consumed. I mention this, because the cloud of incense, serve the same purpose. In that the cloud of incense, served as a protective covering for the High Priest, to enter into G-d's presents.

        That said, before the High Priest, entered into the Holy of Holies. He lit the alter of incense; from the coals off of the alter. Once the cloud of incense had filled the Holy of Holies; preventing direct contact with the Holy One. The High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies; in order to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat; in order to atone for the people's sins.{Lev 16:12 - 14 }

         According to the sages, when the High Priest lit the alter of incense, in preparation to enter into the Holy of Holies, and the Lord's presents. The sweet small of incense, could be smelt in Jericho, eight - teen miles away. In turn causing the goats grazing in the surrounding mountains there, to sneeze. Why do I find this interesting, you ask?

        Well the Greek word for nation, "ethnos," imply "Gentile nations." This is meaningful, because Yeshua stated, He will gather before Him, all of the Gentile nations of the world, and separate them into two categories, His sheep and goats. Yeshua will then placed the sheep at His right hand, which signify favor and power. Then He will placed the goats, on His left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matt 25:32 - 34

      Why will the Gentile nations, who are be place at Yeshua's left hand be sentence to damnation? Well, just as the goats, who were grazing in the surrounding mountains of Jericho, found the sweet aroma of the burning incense distasteful. The goats {Gentile nations,} who are sentenced to damnation, found the Lord, along with "the apple of His eyes," the Jewish people appalling too.

       Back to Nadab and Abihu, they offered a profane fire by lighting the alter of incense; with a profane fire. Meaning they lit the alter of incense; with an alien fire; other than coals from the alter.

         By doing so, Nadab and Abihu went within the present of a holy G-d, without a "kaphar." or a covering. In turn unlike the High Priest, who was under the protective covering of the cloud of incense, upon entering the Lord's present. Nadab and Abihu were not, in turn the Almighty in anger consumed them.

      Having establish the first clue why, the Lord consumed Nadab and Abihu, was due to a profane fire, they offered before the Lord. Let's now turn our attention to the phrase "not commanded of them," in {Lev 10:1 .} In order to discern how, this phrase played a role in Nadab and Abihu's death.

       Trusting the "magic power" of the Ark of the Covenant, rather than G-d, the Israelites took the ark into battle against the Philistines, and suffered a crushing defeat (1 Sam 4:1-11). The Philistines in turn captured the ark, only to send it back, when disaster struck their camp 1 Sam 5-6 .} The ark remained at Kirjath Jearim, until David chose thirty - thousand men for a mission, the mission was, to bring the ark to Jerusalem. 1 Sam 6:1

       Before I go any further, it should be pointed out, the Lord had commanded the ark to be carried by the Cohen priests, {Num 4:15 }using the golden poles that were connected to the ark. {Ex 25:28} So the ark then was to be transported, using it's poles and in no other way. This is significant, because upon arriving at Kirjath Jearim, the ark was loaded onto a new cart, to be transported back to Jerusalem. 1 Chron 13:7

        However when they came upon Naacon, or Chidon's threshing floor, the ox pulling the cart stumbled, causing Uzzah to impulsively place his hands on the ark, in order to prevent the ark from falling. In turn to David's horror, the Lord's anger burned immensely against Uzzah, and the Lord struck Uzzah died, for his action.{2 Sam 6:3 - 7 , 1 Chron 13:7 - 10} How is this tragic event, related to our lesson?

      Well, the prior passage is thematically related to {Lev 10:1 .} In that like Nadab and Abihu before him, Uzzah did something "not commanded of him." The grievous sin Uzzah committed, was transporting the ark upon a cart, which the Lord "hadn't commanded."

          There was a time, when I struggled to comprehend why, the Lord reacted in this way, for example? Uzzah reaction was in good intension. By this I mean, when the ox stumbled, Uzzah placed his' hand upon the ark, insuring the ark wouldn't fall, and the Lord struck him died. In turn I thought, why? It certainly sound, harsh.

      Remember there were two Cherubims, with their wings that extended over the mercy seat. And the Lord's presents, hovered between the Cherubims' wings, over the mercy seat. {Ps 80:1, Ps 99:1} This is significant, because the mercy seat, was attached to the ark. In turn the Lord's presents, hovered between the Cherubims' wings, over the mercy seat that was attached to the ark.

           That said, when Uzzah touched the ark, no doubt he was "tamei," or unclean, because he hadn't offered up a blood sacrifice. Why is this meaningful and how does it relate to Nadab and Abihu?

        The central issue taught in the book of Leviticus, is how sinful man can come within the presents of a holy G-d? The only way sinful man can come within the presents, is through an innocent blood sacrifice, {Lev 9 } for example.

      Before the High Priest went behind the veil, into the Holy of Holys. He sacrificed a bull as a sin offering to atone, or cover for his sins. To expound on this offering. This sin offering served as a "kaphar," or covering for the High Priest's sins, allowing him to come within the presents of a holy G-d.

       Though, when Nadab and Abihu entered into the Holy of Holys, and within the Lord's presents. They didn't offer up a sin offering. In turn they were "tamei," or unclean, which resulted in their death.

      Likewise when Uzzah touched the ark, he came within the Lord's presents. This is significant, because no doubt he was "tamei," or unclean too. In turn the Lord's wrath was kindle against Uzzah, just as He was with Nadab and Abihu. Thus a holy and just G-d had no recourse, but to strike Uzzah dead, as He did previously with Nadab and Abihu. What can we gleam from this?

           Well come judgement day, the Lord won't show any partiality. Because He will judge us stickily by His word.

         Back to Nadab and Abihu entering into the Holy of Holys, and the Lord's presents in an improper manner. When the High Priest went behind the veil into the Holy of Holys, and into the Lord's presents. It was an awe-inspiring moment, for example.

        If the High Priest failed to enter the Holy of Holies in a state of "tahor," purity. He suffered the same fate as Nadab and Abihu did. Thus, as a precaution, a cord with bells on it, was tied to one of the High Priest's legs. In case the High Priest unwittingly entered into the Lord's presents, in a state of "tahor," or unclean state and was struck died.

         As long as the bells were heard, the priests waiting outside knew, the High Priest was still living. But when the chiming of the bells stopped. They quickly pull on the cord, in order to remove the High Priest, from G-d's presents. Having said that, moments before Yeshua said, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit," and died. The sun was darkened, {Luke 23:45 - 46 } then the veil in the temple was ripped, from top to bottom. Matt 15:38

            I used to envision the veil, as being similar to a large curtain. Though in reality the veil was massive, it was 55 to 60 feet tall. Which eliminated the possibility of anyone, standing and ripping the veil, from top to bottom. The fact that the veil, was ripped from top to bottom, is significant, for the following two reasons.

          First no one, but the Lord Himself could have ripped the massive veil, from top to bottom.

          Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Heb 4:14       

Then second upon Yeshua's death, He became our High Priest, after the order of Melchizedek. {Heb 5:10 } In turn Yeshua assumed the role of the High Priest, upon entering heaven, where He enter into the heavenly tabernacle that the way the earthy tabernacle, was patten after. He enter into the heavenly tabernacle, in order to make intercession for us. Heb 11:9

How the scape - goat, was deceived: As you may know this week's portion, alludes to a mysterious ritual. One in which Solomon in all of his wisdom, couldn't understand. The mysterious ritual Solomon couldn't understand, concern the scape - goat, and it's counterpart. Hence it was my intension, to examine this ritual in depth, to point how the scape - goat alludes to Yeshua. However as you have distinguish, I was lead in another direction. Though I want to close with a poplar teaching among the sages, concerning the scape - goat and it's counterpart.

         Prior to Yom Kippur, or the day of Atonement service, two goats that were identical in size and color were bought. Then on Yom Kippur, these two goats stood, one on the right side of Aaron, while the other goat stood on Aaron's left side. Then Aaron {or the high priest} "cast lots," in order to determine which goat would be sacrifice to the Lord, as a sin offering and which goat would become the scape-goat?

       The two lots were made either of wood, stone, or some kind of metal. On one was written "Lasheem," for the name Yahweh, which the Jews will neither write nor pronounce, unto this day and on the other was written "La`zaa'zeel," which is Hebrew for "Scape-goat."

      Once the lots were cast, the directions of the goats diverge drastically, for example. The goat in which the Lord's name fell on, became a sin offering, and was sacrifice, upon the alter. Then it's blood, was sprinkled on the mercy seat, as an atonement for the people's sins. Lev 16:15

     While the goat's counterpart stood nearby, and watched. Only to become the scape - goat, and have the people's sins, cast on him, {Lev 16:21 } then to be release in the wilderness. Having set the stage, the sages expound on this event, by telling the following story. Though I have added to the story, in order to draw an analogous.

     Suppose while his counterpart, was being sacrifice and his counterpart's blood sprinkled on the mercy seat. We could enter the thoughts of the scape - goat. If so, here's what the scape - goat might have been thinking.

      "How lucky I am! Because we both had a 50 - 50 chance and that could have been me laying there, burning on that alter. What a lucky guy, I am!"

      Only moments later, the High Priest approaches the scape - goat, then he placed his hands on the scape - goat's head. "Can you believe this, now I am being petted! As oppose to my late friend, who gave his life on an alter"

      Then as the High Priest proceeded to, confess the sins of the people, onto the scape - goat's head. {Lev 16:21 } Leading the scape - goat to asked, "what's this? Though in light to what happen to my late friend why, should I worry? Besides what harm can become of this?"

     Then afterwards the High Priest led the scape - goat outside of the camp, towards the mountains. "Man, am I glad to be getting away from that place! It gave me the creeps. Now I can relax and take a deep breath, because I'm safe."

      Then suddenly the scape - goat is handed over, to "a fit and upright man." {Lev 16:21 } Before I go any further there are two noteworthy things, concerning this individual.

     First the Lord deemed this individual as being "fit and upright." Why was that? Well, according to the sages, this upright man, was a Gentile. Therefore, the Lord deemed this individual, "fit and upright," because he kept His' commandments. This is noteworthy, because several pastors teaches, the law is only for the Jewish people.

     However when Yeshua stated, "if you love Me, then keep My commandments." {John 14:15 } Seem to me that He didn't specify, if had to be Jewish or not. He just stated, "if you love Me, then keep My commandments."

     Moving on then, on the head of the scape-goat, a piece of scarlet cloth was tied, to the scape - goat's horn. In turn according to the sages, if the Almighty accepted the sacrifice, the scarlet cloth turned white, while the scape-goat was being led into the wilderness; but if G-d had not accepted this atonement, the redness continued, and the rest of the year was spent in mourning.

      So as the scarlet thread is being tie to the scape - goat, the scape - goat pondered. "What could this be, a badge of honor for having survived?" Then promptly the scape-goat was being led away. With the scape - goat strutting thinking, he had been given a badge of honor, and thinking, "how fortune am I!"

      Though as the scape-goat is being led deeper and deeper into the wilderness, his thoughts begin to change. "Where could we possibly be going why, nothing is out here. Except for scorpions, lions, and my cousin the mountain goat." Then he feared for his life, hearing a lion roar.

      Then to the scape-goat surprise, in the middle of no where, the Gentile man that was leading the scape-goat, suddenly stops. Then "the upright man" reaches and unties, the scarlet cloth that was tied to the horn of the scape-goat. But wait! To the scape-goat's astoundment, no longer was the cloth, scarlet. Because it was white, as snow. In turn the scape-goat thought, "what could this possibly mean?"

      On this note, I'm remindful that the prophet Isaiah stated, "come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool." Isa 1:18

      Hence by the scarlet cloth turning white, it signified the sins of the people's, that were laid on the scape-goat, were carried away and atoned for. So, the scape-goat foreshadowed "the Lamb of G-d," who took away our sins.

     Upon seeing this amazing sight, the upright man smiled. Then to the scape-goat's bewilderment, he was left in a middle of a desert, with no water or food in sight. Then suddenly the lion roars again, only this time he was closing in for the kill. So, what can we gleam from this?

     When we accepted Yeshua as our Lord and Savor, we should have crucified the old sinful man that we were, {Rom 6:6 } being that we were bought for a price. You might say, we freely placed ourselves upon an alter, and dedicated our lives to Yeshua.

      Though, you might say, why should I give up all of this, by placing my life on an alter for someone else. Least of all for, someone who claimed to have been the Messiah, and was executed as a murderer! Why, I got my whole life to live!

    However be beware Satan is a deceiver, in that he is known as "the father of lies." {John 8:44 } I alluded to this fact, because in being lead from the "Miskan," which is the tabernacle and later the temple. The scape-goat was being lead from everything that is holy, into the wilderness. In turn the scape-goat, was deceived into thinking he had his whole life, in front of him. Though in reality, the scape-goat was being led to destruction. How?

     Remember how the scape-goat, was released into a hot and dry land. This is significant, because when the rich man lifted up his eyes in "she'ol," {hell} he requested that Lazarus be allow to dip his fingertips in water, in order to cool his tongue. {Luke 16:24 } In turn not only does the scape-goat, symbolize "the Lamb of G-d," who took away our sins. The scape-goat also symbolize a lost individuals, who is deceived into thinking, they have a long life, before them. When in reality liken unto the scape-goat, they are deceived and is being led down the path of destruction.

He is my defense; I shall not be moved. Ps 62:2